第８３９堀：合同作戦会議 (Part2)
Having already deployed the aircraft carrier, we hold the advantage, but it never hurts to curry favor. It will prove useful for various things down the line.
"Now, does anyone have any objections? If not, we shall move to action immediately."
Queen Emerald scanned the room, but no dissent arose. Well, if they were to object, they would only be asked to provide a better solution.
"Then, begin the operation at once!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
At the Queen’s word, the group stood and moved with immediate purpose.
"Now, Yuki-dono, shall we move on to the finer details? Is that acceptable to you?"
"Yes, that is fine."
"Good. Then, let us proceed... though I suppose we should pause for tea and catch our breath first. Besides..."
The Queen’s gaze drifted toward Schans.
"...I wish to speak with this one called Schans."
"Your Majesty!?"
The guards were startled, their voices rising in involuntary protest. It was understandable. To them, she looked like nothing more than a monster. From the perspective of those tasked with protection, allowing such a dangerous entity to approach so casually was unthinkable.
Yet, ignoring their protests entirely, the Queen stepped forward.
"General Lake, Chancellor Aquamarine—I have already spoken with her, so what is there to fear? To retreat now would be nothing more than cowardice."
She walked straight up to Schans and stood before her.
"I am Emerald, the Queen of this land."
"I am honored to behold the face of Her Majesty the Queen. However, I must apologize. My neck does not possess the flexibility to bow, so I must remain facing you. I beg your forgiveness for this rudeness."
Well, she is a fish, after all. She can’t exactly nod.
"Ho. A fine response. Do not concern yourself with it. Your attitude and your words make it clear that you pay me proper respect."
"Yes. Princess Aslin and the others gave me strict orders not to be impolite. I cannot bring shame upon my master."
Hey now, your master is technically me. It’s truly something how the monsters get along so well with the little ones, starting with Aslin, who gave them their names. I suppose it’s only natural they respect her more than me—the guy who leaves them nameless or dumps chores on them—but when it’s stated so clearly, it makes me wonder what a Dungeon Master even is.
But let’s set that aside. The important thing is that Schans just declared Aslin her master to Queen Emerald. Consequently, the Queen turned her gaze toward Aslin, who stood beside me. After all, Schans had called her "Princess."
"Hmm. So, you are the master of this Schans?"
"Yes, I am."
Aslin answered the question firmly. She isn't the type to give a pathetic response in a situation like this.
"...It does not seem to be a lie. Truly, Weed never ceases to surprise me."
After saying that, she turned her gaze back to me.
"Yuki-dono. Even with power such as this, have you yet to reach your goal?"
"Unfortunately, there is still so much we do not understand about the cause of these monster manifestations. It is a difficult path. It is not often that people or nations come to us out of the blue, offering their cooperation."
I gave a shrug, playing the part. My goals were still far off, indeed. In fact, even with this much power, we were absolutely short on manpower. It was nothing but a headache.
Seeing my expression, the Queen smiled.
"Hmph, indeed. That is precisely why you sought the aid of Haiden, Findall, and the Haile Faith, is it not?"
"Yes. Unnecessary conflict is more trouble than it is worth. That is why you should know we are serious. Though, I did explain that at the start."
"I did receive that explanation, yes. But until I saw Schans here, alive and speaking, I was half-doubting. Even after seeing the monster carcasses. There are few who could follow your lead. The very fact that monsters are a threat is not something easily recognized in these parts."
"Well, I suppose that’s true."
That was exactly why I brought Kagura and the others—to keep things as peaceful as possible. Ah, though originally, I had intended to send a request for aid to Haiden.
"Now, the introductions with Schans are finished. Shall we discuss the details?"
"Yes, let’s."
"Very well. Chancellor, begin."
"Yes. First, regarding the supplies..."
And so, we began our move toward the Sea-Cypho maritime recovery operation.
Well then, the only thing left is to meet the person who developed the firearms, though now is likely not the time. First, we must secure the safety of the target waters and investigate the cause. I wonder what exactly we will find out there.
The overwhelming impact of Schans. And Queen Emerald, who didn't even blink at the sight of her. The official sortie was set, but in these uncharted waters, what awaited us?