第１０４４堀：もう一人の皇帝 (Part1)
Chapter 1044: The Other Emperor
Side: Kirika
"So, Kirika. Do you trust General Wave?"
My Master asks me this. Since we just received a map of the Imperial Castle from General Wave and are currently in the middle of infiltrating the quarters of the Hayne Empire’s Emperor, it seems my Master is concerned about the General’s true intentions.
"…I would say it’s fifty-fifty. If he can capture a spy from another nation like me, that would be a feather in his cap."
"I see. Either way, it works out for General Wave."
"Yes. If I secretly obtain information on the Emperor, that is fine. If I am discovered, he can rush in as the General who protects the Emperor, using that as a pretext to secure a direct audience with His Majesty."
Well, I have no intention of failing, and this is a good opportunity to confirm the identity of the Hayne Emperor, so it is not a problem at all. Obtaining information on the Emperor here will ultimately assist my Master. It was part of the plan from the beginning, so it changes nothing for me.
"And what of General Wave’s movements?"
"After parting ways with the Captain, he has been chatting with patrolling soldiers and gradually heading toward the gate, just as he said he would."
Hmph. So he is keeping his word. I suppose I can trust him to some extent. That said, if I let my guard down, he would not hesitate to strike me from behind.
Thinking this, I arrived at the courtyard where I was told the Emperor’s bedchamber is located. At a glance, I confirmed thirty-two guards stationed there. I cannot say if that is many or few, but there are no visual blind spots in their formation. And, just as the intelligence suggested, guards are posted at every window and door.
"Whoa. That’s intense. Still, he is the ruler of a great power. I suppose this is only natural."
"Indeed. It seems he has a proper sense of crisis. Now, how shall we check the interior?"
"From above… I’d advise against it. There are guards at the windows overlooking the courtyard. The roof is being watched, too."
As my Master says, I had considered creating an entry point by destroying a section of the roof, but there are indeed soldiers on the upper floors of the castle monitoring the courtyard.
"Hmm. Should we wait until morning? The servants and such will likely be coming and going."
"That would be the safest course of action. But first, let me take a look inside through the window. My form is invisible to the enemy, after all."
"Be careful. There’s a possibility your optical camouflage could be dispelled."
"Understood."
As my Master suggests, there is a possibility that this courtyard is a magic-nullification zone. To test this, I extend a rod ahead of me. It isn't quite as elaborate as the *o-nusa* used at shrines, but the paper attached to the tip is imbued with magic. If that magic dissipates, the paper changes color from blue to red, allowing me to judge the area. The concept, apparently, is based on something called "litmus paper."
"It seems the area two meters ahead is safe. Though, even if the optical camouflage were dispelled, is it really something to be so concerned about?"
"No, it’s far better than risking your own body to find out. Stay cautious."
"Yes."
My Master is right. There is no need to risk my own person. I slowly extend the magic-detection rod. It is two meters long, but by attaching extensions, I can reach over ten meters. Of course, since my optical camouflage is still active, I proceed boldly.
I circled the roof of the building surrounding the courtyard, and it appears there is no magic-nullification field in the air above the courtyard. The only thing left is the ground level itself. I proceed into the courtyard with the rod extended. Still no reaction.
However, even though I am invisible due to my optical camouflage, it is a bit disappointing that the guards show no reaction at all, even as a strange object with a piece of paper on the end of a rod drifts right past them. Of course, I am moving slowly to avoid creating a breeze and am taking the utmost care not to bump into anything, but for guards to be unable to sense even a presence—is that really acceptable? Well, it makes things easier for me, so I suppose it is fine.
"Reporting. No magic-nullification detected so far. I am entering the courtyard."
"Understood. Be careful, Captain."
"Take care, Kirika."
"Yes."
Encouraged by my Master’s warm words, I tighten my resolve and descend into the courtyard. I land silently, without making a sound or using any magic. The optical camouflage seems to be working perfectly, as the guards around me show no movement.
However, having come this far, a doubt arises. It is the protection of a King, but is this much really necessary? It feels like there are far too many people. …Well, it is no use worrying about it now. If this were a trap to capture me, they would have surrounded me by now.
For now, I shall head toward that window. I approach the window of the building housing the Emperor’s bedchamber to peek inside, and…
"The curtains are drawn, as expected."
…Yes. As my Master said, the curtains are closed, and I cannot see inside. Well, it is night, so that is only natural. However, it is not as if I haven't considered countermeasures for such an obvious obstacle. What kind of ninja would I be if I couldn't infiltrate or gather information in a place that is heavily guarded and locked down?
First, I re-confirm the movements of the soldiers outside and check for those inside. Naturally, soldiers and maids would be standing by in the Emperor’s bedchamber. Even if I enter through a window or door, there is a high probability I will encounter them inside. Even with optical camouflage, being detected and having to deal with it is a failure in itself, so I must act only after grasping the exact numbers.
I heighten my sensory abilities and magic perception to investigate the interior. …There are quite a few people, so there are indeed guards inside the building as well. And should I assume the Emperor is among these reactions?
Ah, there is one person surrounded by several others, yet maintaining a certain distance. Is this him? …I will know once I enter.
I approach the door, wait for the exact moment the soldiers' attention drifts, and slide my body into the room. The door was unlocked, of course.
The room I entered is incredibly luxurious, but it feels somewhat unsettling to me. It is decorated as one would expect for the top of a nation, but… it lacks any sense of daily life. My Master dislikes rooms like this, saying it’s too much effort to avoid making a mess.
But enough of those impressions; it is time for the investigation. There are indeed soldiers in the room, but—my goodness—they all seem to be dozing off. There are two chairs placed directly in front of the door I entered, and guards are indeed sitting there, supposedly watching the entrance, but… is it really okay to have security like this?
Well, it makes things easier for me, so I don't mind.