第８３２堀：ダメージレポート (Part2)
"I suppose experimenting with this later... might be a tall order. Laying down a barrage isn't free, and neither are the weapons we're intercepting."
It strikes me once again that military endeavors are perpetually expensive.
"What about the hull damage?"
"None whatsoever."
"I figured as much."
I had already confirmed that the barriers absorbed every impact. There wasn't even a shudder from the hits. As we discuss this, Milly returns to the CDC.
"So, how did Vilia and Hiiro fare after that?"
"The two of them finished being grilled by the Queen and her retinue without a hitch. They're on their way back here now. Dressa, make sure you greet them properly."
"I know. I'll welcome them and offer my praise immediately."
"What are you talking about? Vilia and Hiiro's mission isn't over yet. Listen to their report first, then offer your gratitude. You can't keep acting like friends forever."
"Ugh... I know, I know."
Dressa looks a bit crestfallen at Milly's stern words, but the fact that she answers so promptly shows her strength. Treating your friends as subordinates is a bitter pill to swallow. Still, it's just a matter of getting used to it.
"So, Milly, what did you think while watching from outside?"
"Hmm, let's see. Nothing particularly noteworthy. I've been in contact with Yuki and the others, and the members who boarded the enemy ships are having a rough time—most of them are down with seasickness. Even Deryu."
"Oh? Even Deryu? Well, I suppose the ships are small, so they're bound to pitch and roll."
"Seems so. Oh, and here come Vilia and the others..."
Just as Milly says this, the door opens and Vilia and Hiiro step inside. I don't call out to them, choosing instead to watch quietly. I wonder if they can see this through to the end. I suspect everyone in this room is thinking the same thing.
Vilia and Hiiro stand before Dressa, their captain and commander.
"Reporting. We have successfully captured all three enemy vessels. Two are incapable of independent navigation, while the third retains its mobility."
"Retains its mobility."
Hiiro echoes Vilia's report. It feels a bit redundant, but pointing that out now would be boorish. Dressa receives the report:
"We've confirmed the results from our end as well. You both did well. Get some rest now, and compile your reports as soon as you wake up."
"Understood."
"Ehh—"
"Hiiro..."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"...Fine. You are dismissed."
"Yes!"
With that, the two of them head out. Hiiro is definitely doing that on purpose; she must be picking up on the tension Dressa and the others are feeling. I'll have to follow up with her later. As I ponder this, Dressa turns to me.
"And Milly, why are you here instead of with Queen Emerald and the others? Did something happen? Surely you didn't come all the way back just to report because Vilia and the others were arriving?"
"Of course not. Her Majesty asked for some privacy, so I lent them a room and stepped out. I've left the Goblins on guard, so there's no need to worry."
"Asked for privacy, huh? Well, they're probably busy trying to come to terms with reality right about now."
"...I wonder, have we finally earned some recognition?"
"..."
Neither Milly nor I can answer Dressa's question. Or rather, Dressa knows the answer better than anyone. What we displayed here was the power of the nation of Weed, not Dressa's personal prowess.
Ah, wait—since they witnessed Vilia and Hiiro's capabilities, they can likely infer Dressa's own strength as well. Still, that doesn't mean our problems are over. From here on out, Dressa will be expected to handle herself as someone who wields overwhelming power. Yuki has spent so much effort carefully calibrating the displays of power he's shown to the world, yet this time, we showed the Sea-Cypho almost no warning at all.
The Sea-Cypho Kingdom will undoubtedly try to maneuver against Dressa, who is now tasked with coastal defense. If they don't, they'd be complete fools. With Yuki and the rest of us away on the high seas investigating monsters, this is clearly their best chance.
How will Dressa and her team respond? This is where the real test begins.
"General Agil, the damage report."
"Ah, right away."
Oops, I need to make sure my own report is in order. I also need to get this data to Taizo and the others; the magic barrier system is going to need improvements. I have my own work to do. I did ask to come along, after all, and I shouldn't forget to show Yuki my worth.
Aircraft Carrier Secret Weapon No. 1: "Magic Barrier Generator."
A device developed jointly by Narjia, Comet, Taizo, Agil, and Zargis. It allows the carrier to deploy a barrier of magical energy in addition to its standard armor. It's essentially an application of armor-based defense and barrier deployment. Externally, it looks like a standard carrier, but since we've come to this world, applying magical technology is the Weed way.
It's time to see what a mad scientist can really do!
"This week's surprising, shocking mechanism!"
Maybe I should send in an application?