第９４０堀：ある皇帝の視点 (Part2)
Not even a massed assault by a wyvern squadron could plow through a forest with such casual ease.
"To begin with, from where are they attacking!? I see no mage corps within range!"
However, I suddenly realized something, and the sheer terror of it made my hands tremble. Looking through my telescope at the Weed unit, I saw them standing at a distance from which it should be impossible to strike the forest, yet they were repeating some strange, rhythmic motions.
In other words, the explosions currently tearing through the forest were...
"…Yuki-dono. Are the Weed soldiers over there responsible for the explosions currently rocking the forest?"
When I asked that with bated breath, he replied as if it were nothing.
"Yes, that’s right."
He spoke as if such a thing were common knowledge. Then, Yuki-dono continued.
"What I am holding right now is called a 'radio.' It allows me to convey my voice to the Weed unit over there instantaneously. So, cease fire."
*“Understood. Cease fire!”*
As Yuki-dono spoke into the box in his hand, a reply echoed back from it. The moment the Weed soldiers stopped their work, the thunderous explosions ceased instantly.
...There is no mistake. The order was transmitted to that distant unit immediately.
Is this some kind of magic trick? No, there are magical means to communicate with those far away, so perhaps it isn't all that surprising? But magical tools capable of instantaneous long-distance communication are supposed to be massive, and their installation is notoriously difficult. I myself have considered such things to streamline communication, but I had to give up due to logistics and budgetary constraints.
And yet, he accomplished it with such a small box!?
No, calm yourself. Is such a thing truly possible? Do not be swept away by that astonishing display of force. I must remain composed. Yes, the first thing to verify is whether the attack is truly being conducted from that distance, and whether such a device for instant long-distance communication truly exists.
...Demanding to use it might be problematic from a military standpoint, but we cannot simply nod and accept it as "amazing."
*Umu.* I must steel my resolve. Yuki-dono, who leads this Weed, is a cunning fox, but I have not lived for 250 years for nothing. It may cause offense, but for the sake of the future of the Zuraburu Empire, now is the time to step forward. I have overcome such situations many times before!
"…Yuki-dono, that, um, box that can communicate…"
"Would you like to try using it? I have a trial unit prepared for you."
"Ah, I see. My thanks."
He lent me that precious tool, which could communicate over long distances so easily, without a second thought. Furthermore...
"And this one has been... adjusted to connect with the radio currently held by the Emperor of Eupia. Why don't you hand this to someone else? How about you, Vol-dono?"
He lent me another one just like that!? No, while it is an effective way to prove he isn't lying, this technology is not something that should be so easily lent to another nation! Instantaneous communication with someone far away is a revolution that will change the world! Why does this man reveal it so easily?
As I stood there, letting out a soundless gasp of shock, Vol, to whom the "radio" had been offered, hurriedly shook his head.
"Ah, no. I am fine. Someone else would be more suitable. Your Majesty, who shall you entrust this to?"
"Hah!? A-ah, I see. Then, take this, return to the castle, and deliver it to Count Montmorin. Yuki-dono, you do not mind, do you? I promise we shall not lose it."
Oh, I was surprised, but this is my retaliation. I am having a legendary tool—something that could be called a state secret—taken all the way to my castle, where it will be out of his reach. Ordinarily, I would never permit this. Especially if he were playing some kind of trick.
Now, how will you react? Are you hiding something? Or perhaps...
"That is fine. However, since the radio waves—or rather, the magical power—might not reach inside a building, please use it outdoors. As for how to use it..."
It seems it is the truth. He agreed to let me take the tool immediately and taught me how to use it. In other words...
*"Your Majesty, can you hear me?"*
"Ah, yes. I hear you."
*"Understood. I am heading to the castle now."*
"Make haste."
*"Understood!"*
As the messenger ran off, I could even hear the sound of his footsteps through the device, confirming that it was no lie—this tool truly allowed for communication over a distance.
"Now then, before he arrives, allow me to explain the weapons we are currently utilizing."
"…Very well."
With this, it was clear. Yuki-dono was telling no lies. And he brought these things here precisely because he does not mind revealing items of this caliber. I did not know whether to be delighted or lament this terrifying reality, so for a while, I simply listened to the sound of footsteps echoing from the radio.
The Emperor, for his part, realized the gravity of the situation and responded accordingly. Now then, I look forward to seeing how our future exchanges will unfold.