第１３７９堀：ちょっと外側から見る者 (Part2)
If there were any tampering, we could simply verify it against the remaining two copies.
"Confirmed. Then, I leave it to you. Regarding the details, this..."
As he spoke, a single knight stepped forward.
"Yes, sir. I am Unau, Captain of the Knight Squad, and I shall be accompanying you as your escort and combat support."
His voice was gravelly and resonant as he offered a crisp salute. He was a distinguished-looking man, possessing the seasoned charm of someone well into his years. He carried an air of composure that I found quite agreeable. That said, I was well aware that Suurus lacked forces comparable to our own, so I couldn't exactly push them too hard.
Besides, the only time we would ever need to step onto the front lines ourselves would be in the event of a surprise attack during negotiations. Otherwise, General Steve and his men would handle things with their usual efficiency.
While I was lost in these thoughts, the discussion seemed to have concluded, and we were finally ready to depart.
Incidentally, the number of soldiers permitted to accompany us, including Captain Unau, was eighteen. We would be loading six soldiers into the back of each of the three armored vehicles. Well, that was only natural, given that they were designed for transporting troops. Even so, seeing Captain Unau and his men waiting outside the gate on horseback left me wondering how to handle the situation. Did they intend to gallop alongside the vehicles? That seemed utterly reckless.
However, to speak plainly, those unfamiliar with the capabilities of our vehicles might take such a suggestion as an insult. I was pondering how to bridge this gap when—
"Alright then, Captain Unau! Everyone, please dismount your horses. Speed is of the essence, you see!"
Lilishe-sama said it with blunt, unhesitating clarity.
Captain Unau and his knights looked bewildered. Princess Hasnia wore an expression of utter confusion. It was only natural, of course. In this world, the standard for personal transport was either riding a horse or traveling by carriage. Those skilled in magic could utilize flight spells, but that required significant mana consumption and was a talent limited to a select few. Consequently, being told there was another way left them at a loss.
While the existence of cars had been made known on the Rogari continent, they had never seen them with their own eyes, and one doesn't simply believe in such things based on hearsay alone. No, that holds true on Earth as well. Information alone is rarely accepted as proof.
And so...
*Vroom, vroom, vroom...*
From the depths of the road where our gazes were fixed, a line of armored vehicles approached. Ten in total. They moved with a speed and stability that far surpassed any horse. Seeing them accelerate and come to a precise, elegant halt right before our eyes, I realized this must have been a calculated performance.
As for Captain Unau and his men upon witnessing this:
"..."
"They are fast. This is truly incredible."
They were left speechless, while the Princess clasped her hands together in delight. Relieved that they weren't offended, we helped the soldiers board the vehicles. Since they knew nothing of our technology, they weren't even aware of how to open the rear doors. During the transit, each vehicle would be manned by a driver and a Weed soldier in the passenger seat, so we left the logistics to them.
...Yes, not a monster, but a soldier from the people of Weed. They were elite guards, subordinates of Captain Quar, yet I still felt a flicker of trepidation toward Yuki for going so far as to entrust the operation of these machines to people of this world. To hand over something that could serve as a weapon to others—especially those he once perceived as intellectually inferior—was a bold move. Even I had agonized over the magic guns, and I had even opposed them.
Well, perhaps that was precisely why. He taught them because he judged it necessary for their protection.
"But I do wish we didn't have to use them to kill people..."
The words slipped out before I could stop them. I wanted them to be weapons used only for protection.
"We know that better than anyone. After all, we are Yuki's wives."
Whether she heard my voice or not, Agil appeared at my side and said just that. Looking at her face, I found I could believe her sincerely. We had spent enough time together now that I understood her character.
I see...
"Trust is important, isn't it?"
"Exactly."
This is how it looks from Menou's perspective. In a sense, you could call it the reader's point of view.