第１０４２堀：霧は夜の闇と共に (Part2)
Usually, one would think it should be the other way around, but if this is the country’s policy, I suppose it cannot be helped. Or perhaps they are exclusively on guard against those approaching the castle? Either way, the fact that they haven’t noticed my infiltration at all is pathetic.
With that, I dashed through the noble district in the blink of an eye and finally arrived at the Imperial Castle, which towers over the center of the Imperial Capital.
"It would have been quite a spectacle if I had entered through the main gate with flair."
"Indeed. However, please give up on that for now."
"I know. Now then, I am infiltrating. What is the target's location?"
"It hasn't changed. It seems he is in his bedroom now."
"He’s being quite leisurely, isn't he? And he’s supposed to be a general."
"He is, after all, a naval officer. I suppose there is no way for him to be active on land."
"That is true."
I replied as such and began to move, aiming for the room where General Wave should be. Yes, the primary reason I infiltrated the Imperial Castle this time was to interrogate a rude man who, despite being entrusted with a radio by my Lord, has failed to send a single communication since arriving at the Imperial Capital.
As a secondary objective, if possible, I intend to gather information on the capital and assess the Emperor, the pinnacle of the Hein Empire. Honestly, I think it would be over if I simply took his head, but that wouldn't exactly be a victory for the Zurable army. It would hinder Zurable’s future governance. Since that is an outcome my Lord does not desire, I shall never do such a thing.
While thinking about this, I headed toward General Wave’s room, only to encounter patrolling soldiers coming from the corridor ahead.
"Did you hear that the Zurable lot took down the Phorma Kingdom?"
"Yeah. You don't think the army attacking the Nodal Kingdom is just a decoy, do you? Thanks to that, the Phorma Kingdom army has nowhere to return to and is stuck here in Hein."
"So, when do you think they'll launch a recapture operation for the Phorma Kingdom?"
"That’s not something they can do carelessly, is it? After all, the Zurable army is in the former Nodal Kingdom, and they are currently in the middle of gathering soldiers at the border."
"I wonder what will happen."
"Who knows. They're in the middle of scraping together military strength. Don't say anything strange, or you'll get hauled off."
"I know that."
Hmm, hmm. It seems even the castle soldiers are aware of the current situation to some extent. And for now, it appears the country is maintaining information control to a degree that prevents an uproar. Well, in reality, the Hein Empire hasn't been defeated, nor has the country been invaded. If they are gathering soldiers toward the border, then perhaps this silence is understandable.
Nevertheless, I cannot exactly strike up a conversation to ask for details. I am currently infiltrating an enemy castle and using optical camouflage magic, so they don't even know I am standing right next to them. The value of the information I just overheard will be judged by my Lord and the others. With that, I arrived at the room where General Wave was staying.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
I knocked on purpose to wait for a reaction.
"Who is it?"
General Wave opened the door without a moment's hesitation. ...I find that rather careless, but this works in my favor.
"Oh? Is there no one there?"
While he leaned halfway into the corridor to check, I slipped into the room. The room was reasonably spacious, well-furnished, and neatly kept; it didn't feel like he was being held captive at all. That makes me wonder even more why he hasn't made contact.
"Was it my imagination?"
While I was observing the room and pondering this, General Wave seemed to have returned inside.
"This is no good. Am I just tired?"
General Wave muttered to himself while shaking his head. However, his movements were weak, and he slumped down onto the bed.
"...Mmph. Should I just wait for the time of the audience? Or should I make a move? But if I do that..."
Hmm. He seems to be troubled by something. Perhaps I should offer some consultation.
"General Wave, can you hear me?"
"What!? A voice!"
When I spoke to him, he stood up from the bed in surprise and looked around. Hmm, he is reacting properly. At least he won't dismiss this as a misunderstanding.
"It is no misunderstanding. I cannot show you my form, but I am an envoy of Weed."
"Of Weed? A messenger from Lord Yuki!"
"Yes. Because there was no response, my Lord sent me to this place. What on earth is happening? Could you tell me?"
Now, will he deny it, or will he speak? Well, he will likely deny it. To a suspicious person whose form he cannot even see...
"Ah, I will tell you."
See, I thought he would refuse...
"Eh?"
"Hmm? Didn't you come to hear my story? I, too, am at my wit's end. Please, lend me the power of Weed."
My, I am surprised... but why didn't he use the radio to make contact?
Kirika has infiltrated the enemy's stronghold.
With minimal support, will she be able to successfully complete her mission?