Hokka 6

Behind the castle stood a bizarre object.

A row of vehicles rigidly secured with metal plates.

It would be nearly impossible to steer properly like this.

But since there was no intention to turn, it wasn't a problem.

Additionally, a thin rectangular plate was mounted on the upper front.

Though it looked awkward to anyone who saw it, the person who installed it seemed quite satisfied.

"Good, once everything's ready, let's get going right away."

Addressing the people nearby

Even though the plot clearly involves me knocking down soldiers, kidnapping women from the town, and fleeing, there are still many people coming to see me off.

Most of them are fans of Lina.

She really does have charisma.

In just a few days, she's managed to captivate so many people...

Lina and her knights are clinging to the cargo platform, securing their bodies in place.

Thanks to improvements over the past few days, handrails and straps had been installed on the cargo platform to secure their bodies.

Of course, Alex was there too.

Yet, the duo who had traveled this far hadn't boarded the magical quadracycle.

They were on the farewell side.

"Even a maid needs proper attire."

"Don't mock me. I'll cut you down."

"Scary, scary."

Clara was dressed in a manner befitting a noble lady.

In just one day since yesterday's decision, it's come to this. Impressive, indeed.

Then again, what happened to the suspension...

"I was released from suspension as soon as I told my father I'd behave like a noble. Still, it's utterly unacceptable."

So indulgent toward her daughter... I think I've just caught a glimpse of why Clara holds Louis in such low regard...

"In any case, it's about time we set off. Everyone, step back."

As I gave the signal, the onlookers stepped back. Once I confirmed everyone had moved away, I planted my staff and closed my eyes.

This time, it's high-powered, so I must carefully expand my mental image.

Focus intensely, bringing my concentration to the level of magical domain.

Gather the ambient magic particles around me and transform them into control over the wind.

Imagining a flow of air that pushes down from the vehicles toward the ground, like a powerful blast, to lift the entire convoy.

The airflow bouncing off the ground spreads out into the surrounding area.

Due to the law of action and reaction, the convoy begins to lift off the ground.

From his room, situated higher than the surroundings, Lewis gazed outside and realized that something impossible was happening.

Even though he had been warned in advance, he couldn't hide his astonishment at the phenomenon before his eyes.

"This is what magic is? Controlling all physical phenomena in the world at will, a power that easily surpasses the military might of an entire nation."

"Father, we really made the right choice not to oppose him. If we'd fought something like that, there wouldn't be a single trace of us left by now."

One of his two sons, who was watching alongside him, spoke up.

"Yeah, you're right."

Before their eyes, the ascending line of vehicles halted mid-air and began turning around in place.

What should have been too heavy to lift was effortlessly floating in midair.

The person controlling it looked focused, their expression strained.

Just what in the world was going on...

The line of vehicles, having set their direction, began accelerating upward.

Their altitude rose higher and higher, their speed surpassing even that of an arrow.

"Likely, we're going to lose this war."

"Unusual. I never thought Father would say something like that."

The second son asked, slightly surprised.

"If you saw something like that right in front of you, anyone would understand. A flying object defying logic, moving at such speed, returning from the Forbidden Forest with proven strength—there's simply no way to counter it in this country."

Yet there is such a man in the Empire.

"Perhaps we could have managed him alone, but with the excellent Linna right by his side, and reports indicating he also has connections with other outstanding individuals in the Empire... well, that changes things."

The imperial princess lacks experience, but she possesses an extraordinary charisma. She is someone destined to lead others.

She might even master even that sorcerer, if given time.

She is both exciting to look forward to and a formidable threat.

"Still, we will likely lose this war. But even if we lose the war, we must seek a way not to fall into hell."

Their sons look confused, unable to understand what he means.

"War is not just about fighting. In fact, the essence of war lies in how it begins and ends. Non-combat strategies are what truly matter."

"How exactly do we do that?"

A kingdom that begins poorly can only leave its end entirely to chance. What truly matters is building alliances. First, make contact with the nobles who oppose this war. Furthermore, establish communication with Nihon as well. Don't try to recruit them as allies—instead, increase the number of negotiation partners. This war, too, originated from the empire's economic downturn.

Understood. Still, you've changed quite a bit, huh, Linasama?

My sons started chatting about trivial matters.

"Did you like it?"

"No, I prefer something a bit more voluptuous... that's more my style."

"You don't get it. Slender girls are... more my type."

Honestly, I can't even imagine what the future holds.

Looks like he's grown only in size. If he'd just start using his head a bit more, it'd be better...

In front of Lewis's gaze, the line of magical four-wheeled vehicles had completely blurred into a single point.