Hokka 4

The next day, Lewis seemed to have work to do, leaving me with an unexpected free afternoon.

With nothing particular to do, I decided to explore the town.

Mostly, I saw houses with triangular roofs, and thick smoke curled from their chimneys.

This was typical architecture for cold climates.

Even though it was just spring, it was still bitterly cold. Snow still lingered on the streets.

Wandering aimlessly, I ended up arriving at a cemetery.

Alex stood before a certain grave.

Alex immediately noticed me.

"This grave belongs to someone who once served our family for a long time."

"Um... I'm not sure if it's okay to ask, but... can I hear about your family?"

"There's nothing particularly interesting to tell. It's a simple story. When I was much younger, my family lost a factional dispute. The opposing clan was merciless. The conflict escalated to armed combat, and my entire family was slaughtered and scattered. I don't even know where they are now... or if they're still alive at all."

"That... was painful to hear."

"It's all in the past now. I've come to accept it. But those who know where their families are do visit their graves from time to time."

"I see..."

"More importantly, what comes next. That young lady will end up wandering lost in this region."

"I know. I'm not about to abandon her. If we can't take her into the city, then... I'll have no choice but to take her to the Empire. There are connections there—Fujimura Corporation, for example."

...I see. Then that's good."

Aleks' half-lidded gaze pierced through. It was true—there was an impromptu, makeshift feel to it all.

Aleks walked off toward the city.

After surveying the town somewhat thoroughly, he returned to the room provided.

The newly developed magic stones created by the kingdom were on his mind.

Above all, creating something that uses people as raw materials—this is unacceptable!

I must find a way to disable it, no matter what, and stop this at all costs...

In the end, I was never summoned by Lewis that day. I continued to immerse myself in my research.

Two days later, I was called by Lewis and went to the reception room.

This time, it was just Alec and me.

It seemed that Linna was having difficulty negotiating with the knights who had been guarding her.

It's good that she's loyal.

Upon entering the reception room, we once again discussed things with the same group of people.

"Let me get straight to the point. We simply cannot hide Linna Rolling. If she managed negotiations successfully, it might be possible to conceal her guards by changing their names and positions."

"I see. Personally, I can't just leave her behind. Even if she doesn't wish it, I think we should take her along to the empire with us."

"Hmm, it's regrettable as fellow citizens of the kingdom, but for her, staying here might be worse than coming with us. I support that decision. Let's keep this information confidential among us here."

"Thank you. It went more smoothly than I expected."

To be honest, I don't like the war our current kingdom is waging. We have no clear path forward, yet we're fixated on immediate gains... and now we've even started using things like that. How come we couldn't have put that talent to better use elsewhere? Anyway, personally, I'd like to form an alliance.

An alliance...? What exactly would that involve?

"It's not complicated. We simply exchange information. I'll share information about the kingdom, and you'll provide whatever you know at the time. That's all."

"Wouldn't that put Louis-san at a disadvantage?"

"That's fine. The important thing is knowing information. Knowledge is power."

I see now why this man is called wise. This town is safe after all.

"I understand. Let's form an alliance. Please take care of me from now on."

"Yeah, count on me."

They shake hands.

He seems trustworthy enough. Now, it's just a matter of what happens from here...

"About that, it seems Miss Lina is having trouble with the negotiations."

"Yes, it appears so."

"Then there's your own situation."

Huh...? What did I do wrong?

"You look confused. Anyway, you two were sent here under orders from the Empire, weren't you?"

His expression stiffens.

That's right. When I think about it carefully, we're inside the enemy's main stronghold.

The realization made sweat trickle down my back.

"What's with the stiff expression? We've just formed an alliance, haven't we? But we also have our own positions to maintain within the kingdom. So, put on a show for us."

I had a bad feeling when I heard that, and such instincts usually turn out to be correct.

Here's the gist of it.

I stopped by this town for supplies. I repelled the military police who were about to interrogate someone, abducted Lina, who had been under their protection, and left the town.

I'm completely the villain.

But now I can safely stay in this town.

The relationship between the kingdom and the town remains intact, while we're allied with Lewis and his group.

As long as Lewis and his people survive, having a safe haven within the kingdom is a major advantage.

Honestly, reluctantly, I've decided to play along with this act.

From then on, I truly received supplies.

I can't stay in this town forever.

I must leave soon.

To reach my home in the empire, I'll inevitably have to pass through combat zones.

Of course, I can't just charge into those combat zones as they are now.

The other option is to go through Japan, but due to personal circumstances, I can't travel to Japan. In other words, I'm completely stuck...

But then an idea came to me.

It's dangerous and impossible to pass through combat zones by land. What if we tried by sea instead?

Of course, that's impossible too.

We don't have a ship, and sea transportation between the warring Empire and Kingdom has completely ceased.

What about by air, then?

In a world where aircraft of any kind do not exist, that is naturally impossible.

However, if I'm here, the situation changes.