第９５２堀：伝説？と出会う (Part2)
"Then, I shall create them using magic. I have made scarecrows to simulate an army before, so it shouldn't take much time. As for the labor costs, since this is my own selfish desire to verify the truth, I shall bear them myself. That is, of course, assuming those stories are actually true."
Shou said this while casting a sharp gaze in my direction.
She’s basically telling me to put my money where my mouth is if I’m so confident.
"I think Shou-dono’s proposal is the best course of action. What do you think, Emperor Eupia?"
"……I admit that it would certainly save a great deal of time and expense. However, the cleanup of the area after it has been blown to bits is quite a hassle."
Indeed. Under normal circumstances, restoring ground that has been pulverized by artillery fire is an unexpectedly arduous task.
"I will handle that without any oversight as well, so please do not worry. With magic, it will be done in an instant."
However, Shou replied quite nonchalantly that she could restore such a thing with her own magic.
Is she really that capable?
That said, while her level is a respectable 180 according to my appraisal, she doesn't look like she possesses enough magical power to undo the damage caused by the artillery.
Well, she likely assumes I’m lying and that nothing of note will happen, but I can't rule out the possibility that she has some hidden method of restoration.
If so, it would be best to proceed regardless, if only to see if that hidden talent truly exists.
"If you are willing to handle the restoration work, we can go all out. How shall we proceed?"
"Haa~. Very well. Show this one just how vast the world truly is."
"Your Majesty, whose side are you on?"
"On this occasion, I am on the side of Yuki-dono and his people. You can hold your head in shame later. Oh, and do it in the wasteland, if you please."
"I understand. I shall conduct it on the land I have been granted, so have no fear. And I assure you, I shall not be holding my head in shame."
For some reason, Emperor Eupia and his trusted subordinate were glaring at each other.
That said, there wasn't a hint of genuine hostility; it felt like a familiar routine, suggesting this kind of exchange was a daily occurrence.
With the matter settled, we decided to hold another "Weed Technical Demonstration Tour."
As an added bonus, at Shou’s suggestion, we returned to the Imperial Capital afterward to gather those who didn't believe the stories about Weed and show them the rain of artillery fire.
The result……
" " "……" " "
Everyone’s jaws dropped.
Even Shou looked stunned, her beautiful features momentarily ruined by her expression of pure shock.
Since we were broadcasting the scene live to Emperor Eupia, a message came through the radio……
『Nu-hahahaha!! Good! Excellent! To think I would get to see that stunned expression on the Great Strategist! Truly a masterpiece!』
The usually calm, collected, and imposing Emperor was laughing his head off.
『Alright, while you're at it, hand the radio you have, Yuki-dono, over to Shou. That should quiet her down.』
Following his instructions, I walked over and handed the radio to Shou……
『How long do you intend to keep making that ridiculous face? Come now, surely you have something to say, Shou.』
"Eh? Was that... the Emperor’s voice coming from this small box?"
『Indeed. This device is called a radio. It allows for instantaneous conversation with those far away.』
"W-what kind of object is this!? To think you have succeeded in miniaturizing a magic tool capable of instant long-distance communication to this extent!"
Shou grabbed the radio I offered, clearly astonished.
She seemed to grasp the magnitude of this tool.
Well, she wouldn't be called the Great Strategist if she couldn't even understand that much.
『Precisely. Now, I ask you again: is there nothing you wish to say to me?』
"……I have been incredibly rude, Your Majesty. There was no error in the judgment of Your Majesty or the Council."
Shou immediately acknowledged her mistake and apologized.
Then again, the fact that she accepted the reality of the radio so quickly is also quite impressive.
『Indeed. Now, see that you support the people of Weed and Sea-Cypho without further discourtesy.』
"Yes. Understood."
『Oh, and one more thing—can you still restore that plowed land?』
"I spoke too grandly. It is beyond my power. I had not expected the scale of the destruction to be this great."
『I imagine not. Well, consider this an additional lesson. Can you handle it, Yuki-dono?』
"Understood."
"What on earth are you talking about?"
In the brief moment Shou was tilting her head in confusion, I used my magic to perfectly level the crater-ridden land as requested.
" " "……" " "
Shou and the others were left speechless once again.
『Nu-ha!! Good! Excellent!』
For the time being, Emperor Eupia seemed to be having a grand time.
Well, it makes things easier for us in the future, so I suppose it’s fine.
(Note: The reading of her title "Great Strategist" is the same as the historical figure, but she is not a reincarnated person, nor is she related to the original. She is simply a person who happened to be called by that name.)
Now, just how high is her true capability?
Will the time ever come for her to truly unleash it?