Imperial VI-6

"What should I do...?"

"How about it, Tarou?"

I was lying face-down on my desk at my home within the imperial territory.

My worries were countless.

Having to go to the capital. Having recklessly used magic at the castle....And more still.

After being freed from the palace, Rilka and Coil, exhausted from their tension, collapsed and were already asleep.

"You're the one to talk about not holding back."

"You're one to say."

Alek seems fine, just as usual.

"There's no use worrying about it. We just have to prepare quickly and bring back the information."

That's right. No matter how much we complain, it won't change anything.

Even if I managed to escape with Rilka and Coil, others I know would still get hurt.

It's impossible for me to protect everyone alone.

So, I'll just bring back something that looks like useful information and report it. No need to go to the front lines at all.

With a heavy heart, I began contemplating the next steps.

What I should focus on now is finding a way to gather information while avoiding combat zones as much as possible.

"Where should we go?"

"Of course, the battlefield where the Empire has already claimed victory."

Aleks seems to share the same understanding.

"Indeed, places where the fighting has ended are certainly safer. Alright, let's pick a few and visit them. The problem is... how do we get there?"

"Crossing by sea would be difficult. Right now, each country has established defense lines, and all logistics are being strictly monitored. After all, logistics are crucial. Naturally, surveillance becomes even tighter.

"If that's the case, then it must be overland... We'll have to cross the mountains. That sounds exhausting already."

"Indeed, along the way, we'll face dangers such as an increase in bandits due to worsening security, as well as scattered remnants of defeated soldiers."

"There's a plan for that."

"No flying off with your so-called magic trick."

"What kind of nonsense is that? Even I can't handle that much magical energy. My suggestion is the magical tri-wheel."

"But isn't that broken?"

"That's exactly why we're going to fix it. After all, this is a country with developers."

"I see. So we'll repair it and then speed through at high speed."

"That's right. We'll move faster than a horse and use exploration magic simultaneously. With wind magic, we might even manage a bit of jumping. It's brute force, but it's a focused breakthrough."

"Isn't doing something so noticeable going to draw attention and make us dangerous in the end?"

Ugh, true... I've never experienced war. I can only come up with theoretical ideas on paper.

"Yeah, you're right."

"If you're hiding among trees, you'd be in a forest—so a group moving through the battlefield would naturally blend in."

"In that case, a merchant caravan or a military unit would be ideal."

"From a tactical standpoint, following a detachment of imperial soldiers would be the most suitable option."

"Alright, I'll relay this to the imperial side. Assuming we gain entry into the battlefield, we need to prepare. A week should be enough."

"Yes, that's fine. Our primary goal this time is investigation. There won't be any intense fighting."

Alex immediately headed off to prepare for the journey toward the town.

I should start getting ready tomorrow...

Thinking about returning to the kingdom after such a long time.

Though to be honest, I've hardly ever been there before, so my memories are few.

Still, the one thing that comes to mind is those two siblings. I wonder if they're still doing well.

As I let my thoughts wander, I drift off to sleep.

The next day, I immediately get to work on preparations. Though first, I must repair the broken magic tricycle.

Either way, I can't just leave it broken.

I quickly head over to Emma's place.

It's been a while since I've been here.

Emma, Daniel— I wonder if the two of you are doing well?

I arrive at Emma's laboratory and knock on the door.

? No response.

I knock again.

There was still no response. I wondered if he was out, but then I heard a faint sound coming from inside the house.

After a moment, the door opened, and Daniel appeared.

"Long time no see, Daniel. How have you been?"

"! It's been a while. Mr. Taro... I'm not sure if now's a good time, but please, come in."

His reply was confusing, but I followed anyway.

The research facility seemed even more cluttered than before, though it was covered in dust.

It was dark and gloomy.

"Taro, you've probably already noticed, but this research lab isn't currently operational. I'm officially in charge of it and come by regularly to check on things."

"Where's Emma?"

"Emma has returned to her family home. She... doesn't want to continue with the research for a while..."

It came out of nowhere, and I couldn't make any sense of it.

"Why would she do something like that?"

"...You're aware of the war, aren't you? The Empire has introduced a new weapon—the magical mechanized soldiers. They're essentially refined magical tricycles, optimized for combat."

"What?!"

She should have avoided having her research used for warfare like this.

Please don't blame Emma. There was nothing we could do. We were pressured by the Empire and had no choice but to build them. At first, we managed somehow, but Emma gradually became more and more down...

Daniel was on the verge of tears. He must have gone through a great deal.

"I'm sorry for shouting. Let me think for a moment."

I never imagined things would have come to this... Repairing the magic tricycles was no longer an option.

In any case, I need to hear what Emma has to say first.

She's a woman full of passion and talent.

Even though the outcome wasn't what she wanted, it's still too early to give up.