第１３７６堀：露骨な反応 (Part2)
The envoys scrambled to exit the audience chamber, retreating with a haste that barely managed to maintain the veneer of etiquette—a feat, perhaps, that we ourselves would do well to emulate.
Once they had vanished, a heavy silence hung in the air for a heartbeat, only to be shattered by a sudden, resounding chorus.
"Hahahaha!"
The laughter echoed through the chamber, boisterous and unrestrained.
"To see them rattled so blatantly... one would think they’d have the sense to send someone uninvolved as an envoy. Bwahahaha!"
"That was never an option, I suspect. If they truly intended to seize control as planned, sending someone ignorant of the situation would only risk the entire party being wiped out without word ever reaching them. We should at least be grateful they retained a shred of reason."
"True enough~. They don't seem to want a direct confrontation, after all~. I’ll tell them to head for the royal capital as scheduled. Make sure the envoys on our side are ready, too~."
"Understood. I leave it to you. Still, their reaction confirms they are indeed exploiting the Great Flood. Given that panic, they have likely already moved their forces into our territory. But the lack of word from the east or south..."
"Likely another information blockade. We should verify the situation with the Adventurer Guild once more. There are no towns to the south, so we will need to dispatch scouts from the eastern town or our own royal capital to confirm."
"Hmm. In that case, let us have the Intercontinental Alliance head east first. The eastern town might be under pressure from Kinauf and lack the resources to spare."
Indeed, since they are using this opportunity to carve territory out of Suurus, they would hardly allow accurate information to leak out.
"Got it~. I’ll send word immediately, so we’ll be heading out too~."
"Very well. I have no choice but to rely on you. I leave it in your hands."
"Leave it to me~. And keep an eye out—those idiots might try to sneak in and stir up trouble~."
"I am well aware."
With those words, Lilishe and the others departed the audience chamber.
"Well then, Yuki-san~, please handle the formation~."
"Understood. The formation is already set. As for the military, we’ll mobilize the Alliance forces stationed in Weed. I’ve already secured permission. It’s about 3,000 troops, but since we’re moving by vehicle, we’ll manage. I’ll factor in the drone intelligence, but we can depart by tonight."
"As expected~. You’re always so quick~. So, what do you think we should do~?"
"Everyone should go. It’ll be interesting to see how they move when the Intercontinental Alliance isn't watching."
"You have such twisted tastes~. Still, it’s true that our presence will make them hesitate."
"More importantly, if Lilishe doesn't show up, they won't believe it’s real."
Indeed, without proof that the representative of Litea has arrived, the enemy would likely press their advantage.
"And if they don't back down, we’ll have to fight~. Is that alright~?"
"It’s not ideal, but we’ll have no choice. What else is the Intercontinental Alliance for?"
He is right. If they do not retreat, combat is inevitable. To protect Suurus, the Intercontinental Alliance must be prepared to fight, or they will lose all face.
"For now, the Suurus envoys and the soldiers tagging along will fit into three vehicles—eighteen people at most."
"Understood~. I’ll pass that along."
Six people per armored vehicle, then? It sounds cramped—no, it is definitely cramped, especially with them wearing full armor. Still, offering fewer seats would only invite backlash, so perhaps it is the most reasonable compromise.
"Now, I just hope they send someone who won't cause trouble... Alright, Orelia, how are things on your end?"
"Ah, yes!"
As we reported the current status of communications to Yuki, we offered a silent prayer for the safety of Lilishe and the others.
They are clearly plotting something. But then again, their transparency is something to be grateful for.