episode_0211

Episode 211

Today is the day the advance team departs for San Seine. I gave my final advice to the masker who reported the troop organization and operational plan.

“You know, right, Masker? The ones you really need to watch out for are the shamans of the Black Ram Society, rather than the soldiers of Sanseine. If a situation arises where you cannot fight back with the advance team’s magic response ability, focus on reducing losses as much as possible.”

“Yes, I understand. We will be faithful to our mission as an advance team.”

Masker must have been well aware of the doctrine of dealing with mages who are outside the standard. I waved as I watched him leave politely.

Three days later, I heard the news that Masker’s unit that had entered San Seine was attacked by werewolves.

“’A skirmish occurred with a small group with sharp claws and teeth, black fur covering the entire body, and characteristics of a wolf…’ According to what the princess said, this is what the shaman did, right?”

The Minister of National Defense put down the report with a disapproving look on his face. Even when he was first organizing the Sangseong punitive force, he was the one who debated whether there was a need to put too much effort into the details.

“Yes. I have informed Lord Masker that if there is any suspicious movement, he is to stop advancing. It seems like there are still a small number of werewolves that have been attacking, but we don’t know what kind of spell there might be.”

“Is there a need to be so cautious? They must be organizing a magic unit as well. Of course, I don’t doubt the princess’s tactical insight, but… How about leaving the military’s work to the soldiers?”

I stared blankly at the face of the Minister of National Defense. He had a mustache and the face of a typical nobleman.

“Luther Alencia. Are you a spy for Sanseine?”

“Uh, yeah…? Wow, princess, what on earth is that…”

“Otherwise, I don’t understand why you make such low-level remarks. Isn’t the quality of the magicians the basis for our Lustier Kingdom to enjoy independence in front of the empire?”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

“Then there is no way that you, the Minister of National Defense, would underestimate the military value of the holder of a grimoire. In other words, the statement just made can only be judged to be intended to benefit Sanseine.”

“Oh, no. Me, I never…! As I listen, I think what the princess said is right. Ha, haha…”

Of course, I don’t think he’s foolish enough to cooperate with Sancerne in her ruinous treason. I guess they were just trying to keep a check on the princess who was deeply involved in the formation of the punitive force.

He seemed to have lost the will to let go of the fishing pole any longer. I said to Philgret, who was sitting on the other side of the table.

“Prepare to move immediately, Philgret. I’ll leave the composition of the unit up to you. In a form that is not much different from the advance guard.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Next, I turned to Monaz, the court magician. He seemed to be in quite a good mood, perhaps thanks to his remarks that highly praised the value of a mage.

“The magic that creates beastmen… what type is it?”

“It’s hard to judge for sure, but it’s probably a similar technique to the one used on the woman from the Sesene family. There is a high possibility that it is contagious.”

The curse of anger placed on Juliana’s daughter. However, it seemed like it took quite a long time just to place a bet on one child. On the other hand, ‘Werewolves’, which included body modifications, were completed in a much shorter period of time.

The fact that she was able to do that should be taken to mean that Aela is actively using the power of the grimoire.

“Why did you not use the power of the grimoire when the enemy was lurking in the mansion?”

“He was probably on guard. The defenses of the capital, Lurie, are not that easy. No matter how much of a grimoire holder I am… more than anything, it’s me.”

Monaz said calmly. It doesn’t seem like it’s a big deal.

Well, besides Monaz, Aila seemed to be quite careful in her actions here. The way Reelia was dealt with was the same, and the spells used seemed to have been chosen only those that had nothing to do with songs praising life.

That’s probably because Aila’s purpose was to gather information. To unlock Mystilia and obtain information about Carmel’s current status. To that end, Aila tried to be as inconspicuous as possible.

In other words, now that we have returned to Sanseine, we can use the power of the grimoire as much as we want.

The werewolves that attacked the advance party were probably just the beginning. It can’t be just that much power. Masker’s unit may be in a bigger crisis than the Minister of Defense thought.

“Pilgret, if we accelerate the dispatch of troops as much as possible, when will it be possible?”

“It’s possible even tomorrow. Because I was preparing in advance.”

“If so, please do so. I think I shouldn’t give it too much time.”

“Okay.”

Finally, I turned to the Minister of National Defense. He was just listening to our conversation while paying attention, and he still looked a bit intimidated.

“I would like to do that, is it okay? Minister of Defense Luther.”

“Yes? Oh, of course! It is right to do as the princess wishes!”

I smiled gently as I watched him cheerfully appease me.

* * *

Slurp, rattle…

The monotonous sound of horses’ hooves makes you feel somewhat drowsy. Carmel, sitting across from the carriage seat, was looking out the window with a somewhat sullen expression.

Meanwhile, Riellia is sitting diagonally from Carmel, that is, next to me. The princess, the queen, and the saint. Even if you search the entire continent, it would be difficult to find a carriage carrying three people of such a noble union.

Carmel looked a bit uneasy even before leaving. Although I was very careful and didn’t complain out loud. He hadn’t said a word since getting into the carriage.

Meanwhile, with her gaze still focused on the window, Carmel spoke one word.

“…You said it was Leelia, right?”

“Yes? Oh, yes, that’s right. My name is Leelia, Queen.”

“I think I was harsh last time. I apologize, Leelia.”

“What…”

Although it was a poor apology by general standards, as it did not even make eye contact with the person it was apologizing to, I was very surprised.

That Carmel is an apple! I couldn’t help but be surprised when I saw Carmel saying the words of apology that she hated so much.

“Uh… Oh, no, queen! It’s not even possible! Apologizing to someone like me… Ugh, I don’t know what to do. It wasn’t something worth doing…”

Leelia also seemed embarrassed and flapped her long sleeves. Carmel looked at that for a moment and then turned her gaze to me.

‘That’s enough now, right?’ Carmel’s eyes seemed to say that. I felt that he would definitely keep his promise to me.

On the other hand, I still feel uncomfortable with Leelia. Carmel’s eyes were filled with jealousy as she looked at Leelia sitting next to me. It felt like my pride wouldn’t allow me to say something like this.

Carmel’s silence appears to have been a time of hesitation about this apology. Carmel said with a somewhat relieved look on her face as she had accomplished what she had to do.

“Anyway, is it really okay? Two knights, you and me, and even a saint. Wouldn’t it have been better to at least leave Lielia behind?”

“Um… Are you still like that?”

“No, I’m being serious. My mother… So Aila’s goal is the destruction of Lustier, right? Now that Lurie is almost empty, what if other shamans are targeting the king?”

In short, you’re talking about the possibility of it being a bucket. If that’s the case, it’s something I’ve already considered.

“It’s okay. That’s why I left Monaz behind.”

At least it is certain that Aila is in San Seine. Even if you leave behind a few shamans, you won’t be able to defeat him.

I looked down at the blue pendant I wore around my neck. Monaz himself remained in the palace, but he brought this item with him in case his assistance was needed.

“Well, that’s your judgment…”

Carmel nodded quietly as if she understood. And as I turned my head out of the window, I said softly.

“But… I kept sitting backwards and my head hurt a little. Leelia, switch places with me.”

In the end, it seems I couldn’t resist the desire to sit next to me. I quickly stopped Reelia, who was trying to get up from her seat.

“It’s okay for Reelia to sit down. I will change it for you, mother.”

“…What?”

Carmel glared at me with a face that looked like she had been slapped.

“Yes? Didn’t you get a headache because it was in reverse? I also happened to want to feel the opposite way. Now, let’s change seats.”

What Carmel was aiming for was the seat next to me. Of course I know it well. The only reason I did this was because I wanted to see how Carmel would react.

Carmel must have sensed my mischievous feelings and was glaring at me with a truly resentful and angry expression. Yes, I wanted to see this face.

Looking at Carmel and I, who were in a state of subtle tension, Reelia spoke carefully.

“Um, hey, are you okay? I don’t care what the seat is like… Would it be better to change it, Queen?”

“…That’s it…”

He seemed to think that even if we changed places, I would move to Reelia’s side anyway. Carmel turned her head to look out the window with a pout on her face.

I can’t help it. I got up and moved to the seat next to Carmel.

Even though what she wanted has come true, Carmel is still looking out the window. I gently put my arm around Carmel’s arm.

“ugh…”

Carmel’s cheeks turn slightly red as she turns around. Meanwhile, Leelia was looking with interest at the two of us, who could never be considered a good mother and daughter.