第１３７２堀：意外と余裕はありそうでない (Part1)
Chapter 1372: Surprisingly, There’s No Room to Spare
Side: Agil
"If it is the King’s command... though I was a little worried, I’m glad to see you haven’t changed at all."
Hahaha.
I’ve spent enough time with Yuki to have grown accustomed to such impropriety, but still.
Even though she had received permission to speak freely with the King, I didn't expect her to change her tone so abruptly.
Ah, well, Yuki does it too, but when someone else does it, the difference in capability makes me nervous.
I knew Lilishe’s personality, but I honestly wondered if she would really go through with it.
After all, she responds quite properly when it comes to other royals.
She only uses that drawn-out, casual speech with those she considers family.
Well, that’s only natural.
If she were to offend a noble, she could have her head taken on the spot.
I don’t think anyone could actually take Lilishe’s head, but the people of the Church are a different matter.
This includes those involved... ah, so that’s it.
If she causes offense here, the people involved—meaning us—will suffer the consequences, but we’re capable of pushing back.
In that sense, it means she trusts us.
Man, this Goddess is truly incredible.
I listen to the conversation from the back, feeling impressed all over again.
It seems it’s not our turn yet.
Well, if those idiots decide to attack, I won’t hold back.
"Pfft. Hahahaha! You really are the same as you were back then. Not only your beauty, but that sheer audacity! You even spanked me after knowing I was a prince."
"That’s only natural~. You overturned the Church’s offerings, so you needed to be punished~. Father, the previous King, even told me to give you a good smack~."
Oh~, so she even knew the previous King, Suurus? What kind of connections does she have?
No, knowing Lilishe, I suppose anything is possible.
"Even so. You were the only Priestess, Lilishe, who scolded me when I was a reckless child."
"That’s impossible~. The butler and the Chancellor over there were all angry too~."
At Lilishe’s words, the two elderly men standing by nod in agreement.
Well, a man hated by everyone couldn't become King, so of course they would be angry.
If such a King existed, that country would be in trouble.
"The old butler and the Chancellor don't know how to hold back. Before their affection can be conveyed, the pain takes precedence."
"That’s the difficulty with men, isn't it~."
Hmm, that’s a deep issue.
I’m planning to have children with Yuki, and I’m already teaching the children who have been born, but... the pain taking precedence before the love is conveyed...
It gives one pause.
"That is true. Now, can we save the reminiscence for after things have settled down?"
"Of course~. First, we must save the people~."
"Fufu, you truly haven't changed. Always moving for the sake of the people. So, since you came as an envoy for Litea, does that mean Litea will move its army?"
"Yes, of course~. I’d like to say that, but there’s quite a distance, so we decided to utilize the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance to move."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Do you know what a 'Gate' is~?"
"Ah, the transfer tool that utilizes dungeon technology."
"Exactly. With that, we can gather the garrison troops all at once, and move them instantly using the horse-less carriages we arrived in."
"I see. And how long until they can arrive here?"
...Hmm.
As I thought, the envoy from Litea hasn't arrived yet, or they were wiped out.
The Viscount is supposedly suppressing the messengers, and reports from carrier pigeons or familiars are being crushed.
Well, that aside, as for when they can arrive... I wonder if they’ll believe her if she tells them?
I’m a little worried about that...
"They have already arrived, and the Great Outbreak that was advancing toward the northern town has already been crushed~."
Oh, Lilishe answered immediately without hesitation.
And upon hearing those words, the people of Suurus begin to stir in the room.
Is it true? Is it a lie? Yeah, I understand that feeling well.
"Everyone, quiet."
The King silences the bustling audience chamber and asks Lilishe again.
"There is no lie in those words?"
"None at all~. We used high-speed transport with a large number of carriages, constructed fortresses with mages, and defeated them with a large-scale attack by the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance soldiers~."
She’s glossing over the artillery fire.
I suppose... even if she said it, they wouldn't understand.
"Hmm. Then, does that mean it has become safe?"
"No~. That’s jumping to conclusions~. This time, a Great Outbreak occurred in Suurus, which is under Litea’s protection. I wonder if that’s just a coincidence?"
"Hm? What do you mean by that? It sounds as if you think it was intentional?"
"We don't know that yet, but Litea—or rather, I—recognize that there was no dungeon at the point of origin~. How about here? Perhaps a new dungeon was created after I left~?"
"No, that is not the case. ...I see, so you mean a Dungeon Master created a new dungeon?"
"That is a possibility, but do you think Litea, or even the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, could be taken down by a mere 10,000 monsters?"
"That, too... is impossible. In other words, you don't think this is the end."
"Exactly~. Well, it’s not an absolute certainty, but I want to investigate for a while~. So, I would like to request permission for the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance army to be stationed here and conduct an investigation, what do you think~?"
Er, I don't know if it’s natural, but she’s getting her point across.
"If it is for the sake of safety, I should say 'please,' but what will be the price? Suurus is not a large country. I do not think we can pay the price to the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. What do you hope for?"
The King of Suurus’s point is valid.
Expecting to be helped for free is proof of an empty head.
Everything requires a price.
The fact that they aren't part of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance is also a problem, and that’s why this troublesome conversation is happening.
"The details need to be discussed with the Saintess of Litea, but it won't be anything unreasonable~. If they ask for something impossible, tell me~. I have a bit of influence, after all~."
It’s not just "a bit."
Unless it’s something truly extraordinary, Lilishe’s word carries weight in Litea.