第１１８６堀：試合直前の作戦 (Part2)
"Yes? What is it, Rurua?"
"What?"
"...The two of you, please don't just teleport in like that. The three of them are startled."
Behind Kirika stood three slave girls Yuki had reportedly purchased, standing at rigid attention. They likely knew our true identities. Hmph, it seems their training is thorough. Well, considering it’s Yuki, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Or rather, why is Lilishe, a priestess of Ritea, acting so familiar with Rurua? I’ve heard they are acquaintances and that she is like an older sister to her, so I suppose this is normal.
"My apologies for calling you over. However, since this is a recreational event, I thought it best to exchange greetings before the battle royale begins."
"Greetings? Isn't that a bit late for you, Rurua? Oh, wait, you mean these two, right? Well, I know one of them, at least."
"Indeed. How are you doing, Schans?"
"I am well, thank you. Lady Lilishe, Lady Hairen, I am in fine spirits thanks to you. And as for this gentleman, allow me to introduce him: he is the sovereign of our Zurable Empire, His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Eupia."
"Indeed. Schans is in your care. I have heard that the healing arts of Lady Lilishe and Lady Hairen are second to none—not even to Lady Rurua. I would be honored if you would visit our country one day to impart your wisdom."
"That sounds lovely! I’d actually love to visit if the opportunity arises."
"I agree. Archbishop Enol did say he was a fine Emperor."
"Oh? You are close with the Archbishop, Lady Hairen?"
"We are."
To think that such a young maiden has earned the recognition of that seasoned Archbishop. Then again, if she is a healer of such caliber, it is only natural. Still, it is somewhat unnatural for Weed to possess three healers of that level, is it not? Or perhaps the healers of the Ritea faith are simply exceptional across the board? Hmph, I shall have to ask Rurua to introduce me to the Saintess sometime. It might be better to propagate the Ritea or Haire faiths rather than the religion that worships that particular goddess.
But enough of such professional matters; today is an event for networking. Which means...
"Hmph. We shall speak of Archbishop Enol at a more leisurely time. Now, are these the three slaves Yuki chose?"
"Yes, they are. Um, I believe I am the one to introduce them, correct? Rurua, may I?"
"Of course. Go ahead. All three of you, step forward."
At Rurua’s command, the three stepped forward with tense expressions. Hmph, it might be rude to say, but they are not exactly beauties of the highest order. They aren't unattractive, but how should I put it—they seem unfinished. Perhaps because they lack self-confidence, their movements appear inevitably childish. As I was making this assessment, Rurua began the introductions.
"From the right: Aurelia, Yayui, and Hovis. They are scheduled to act as liaisons for the general public in place of their Master."
" " "It is a pleasure to meet you." " "
"Indeed. Schans introduced me earlier, but I shall introduce myself once more. I am Eupia, Emperor of the Zurable Empire. I hope that, as assistants to Yuki, you will perform your duties to the fullest. Inquiries regarding Zurable will likely increase, so do not hesitate to rely on Schans here if anything arises."
" " "Thank you very much." " "
"Hmph, you are still quite stiff, but this is a place for interaction. In other words, formalities are set aside. Well, I suppose it is impossible to ask you to relax completely, but might we discuss a strategy?"
"A strategy?"
"Are you referring to the battle royale?"
"Indeed. What else could it be? Like you, we are mere amateurs in this arena. It would be a loss to treat each other as enemies here. While winning may be a tall order, it would be equally dull to be eliminated immediately. Kirika and her group seem to be participating as well—would you care to join our pact?"
Since we have gone to the trouble of participating, there is no point in being eliminated early. I figured that by forming an alliance from the start, we might last a little longer. It is not against the rules, after all.
"Hmph. Indeed, the Master has not forbidden such things. Therefore, I see no issue. Furthermore, as His Majesty Eupia says, it is obvious that we will be defeated quickly if we remain scattered. I believe cooperating is the wisest course of action. What do you think, Lady Lilishe, Lady Hairen?"
"I think it’s a great idea. Yuki didn't say we couldn't, so this loophole was probably designed for us, Aurelia, and Emperor Eupia."
"Ah, that sounds just like something Yuki would do."
Hmph, indeed. It is entirely possible that Yuki anticipated we would take such action and deliberately left it unprohibited. If so, we would be fools not to take advantage of it.
"Schans. We shall move beyond our individual teams and operate as a single unit. Draft a strategy for this arrangement."
"Understood. Shall we agree that we will settle the score between ourselves only if we are the last ones remaining?"
" " "No objections." " "
Good. Now we have the advantage of numbers. I wonder, have the other teams anticipated our move?
And thus, the Eupia-Lilishe-Aurelia coalition was formed. It is a bit of a questionable lineup in terms of raw combat power, but there is something to be said for a team comprised entirely of newcomers.