第９６３堀：よくよく考えるべし (Part2)
"It's not that they've caused total devastation, but it's a fact that they've been a nuisance. Besides, the cause of the mana depletion might lie with Hein's people. Considering that, it's important to have a few cards up our sleeve for when that time comes."
"Hmm. You're certainly right, Yuki-san."
"……Crushing them outright would only make things more troublesome, after all. You're right; considering the future, it's important to draw out their failures."
Milly and Eris were not emotionally convinced, but they understood the logic and reluctantly agreed.
"Right. Of course, I'll be taking Mauve and the others as my guards, so the rest of you don't need to tag along."
"Absolutely not. What are you saying, Yuki? Guarding you is our job."
"Dressa is right, Brother. It’s not that we don't trust Mauve and his men, but we were entrusted with your protection by Ria-onesama and the others."
"Even if it's your request, Brother, I can't concede on this."
So said Dressa and the others, insisting on acting as my escort. However, the situation is what it is.
"They don't recognize us as a formal nation yet. If I have women as my main guard, they'll likely look down on us. Just like that Princess Parphil earlier. If the goal were to bait them into a blunder, that would be fine, but our purpose this time is to gather information. It won't do if they just underestimate us and start hurling insults."
"..."
When I said that, everyone glared at me with cold, narrowed eyes.
"Well, everyone. I am also attending as a representative of the Zurable Empire, and I am reasonably capable in a fight. I hope you can find some peace of mind in that. Besides, if I use my title, they will have no choice but to react, whether they like it or not."
"Hmm. I understand the logic, but if I don't provide an escort, it would be a loss of face for me, Show, to be here representing Zurable. It's not that I don't trust Mauve and his men, but please, respect the pride of us who have been acting as your primary guards."
"I suppose that's true. In that case, Show-dono, who do you think would be seen as a proper guard without being looked down upon by Hein's people?"
From my perspective, any of my wives could do the job perfectly, but it’s important to get an outside opinion on who would appear appropriate to those who don't know them.
"……Let's see. Dressa-dono, Vilia-dono, Hiiro-dono, Aslin-dono, Firia-dono, and Labyris-dono, I apologize, but their appearances are too youthful, so they would not be suitable."
"Mmph."
"Yeah, yeah. I agree with you there. But I know full well that they do their jobs properly. It's just that the situation dictates this. Don't glare at Show-dono so much."
"Yes. I am well aware that Dressa-dono and the others are highly educated, observe proper etiquette, and carry out their duties faithfully. That is precisely why they should not be mocked or insulted by such ill-mannered people. Above all, you are all dear friends of the Emperor. If I were to bring you along knowing full well that such fools would speak rudely to you, I would be severely reprimanded by His Majesty. Could you please bear with it?"
Oh, that was a smooth way to put it.
Faced with that, even Dressa and the others couldn't insist on coming and had no choice but to nod in silence. However, Labyris was different...
"Show-sama. Yuki is a very important person to us. As a woman, I mean. So, I’m counting on you to take good care of him."
"……Yes. Understood. I shall protect him with my life."
Hey, hey, saying it like that makes it sound like I'm a lolicon. Show seemed surprised too, his eyes widening for a moment as he glanced at me. My reputation in Zurable is going to plummet...
As I was thinking that, Labyris shot me a sidelong glance. In other words, she was criticizing me for removing Dressa and the others from the guard detail and said that on purpose.
"So, Show-sama, who among them do you think is suitable as a guard?"
"Let's see. Naturally, Quar-dono, the Captain of the Royal Guard. And Deryu-dono, who was the first to strike down the enemy on the ship. I have seen the footage of that situation; that impact must be deeply etched into the enemy's memory. If we add Mauve-dono and Raiya-dono, who are under Curse-dono's command, to these two, it should be sufficient. After all, an interrogation room gets quite cramped with ten people inside."
With that, the selection of the interrogation team was settled, and we finally headed toward the interrogation.
Just because one is angry doesn't mean they can neglect their duties. I'll do my best to gather information!
Still, come to think of it, such arrogant individuals might actually be perfect for breaking an opponent's spirit.