The soldiers of Horant, who escaped without even a single one experiencing Hifumis threat, headed in the direction of the capital city to run away from the border where the mayhem continues while dawn hasnt broken.
More or less they have entrusted the ssage its for the sake of informing the capital for their superiors to another soldier so that it isnt considered as fleeing, but since they havent received an order, they will likely be treated as deserters, strictly speaking.
However, that much doesnt seem to be apparent to those running away themselves.
They took advantage of the chaos, procured a carriage by giving the sa reason from before and vigorously rushed out towards the highway.
Hifumi, who made sure of that up to that point, seizes a warhorse, which was set free from the stable temporarily due to the fire, and follows the carriage at a distance where he cant be confird by sight.
Although there isnt any harness attached, he skilfully keeps balance with a half-lotus position where he placed the top of his right foot on his left knee.
They are slow. (Hifumi)
In the long run the speed between a carriage and a single rider will be different.
Hifumi, who felt troubled by having to regulate so that he doesnt suddenly overtake them, ended up going too far while the carriages soldiers made camp.
Because it was a route he rembered, he decides to go ahead while expecting them to head in the direction of the capital city.
If Im going to have a chat anyway, I guess the guys at the top are better. (Hifumi)
Though it was a horse he chose by intuition, it was apparently a winner. Exhibiting its splendid leg strength of a swift, fawn-coloured horse, he reached a location where he could see the capital city after three days.
Hifumi, who approached a village in the vicinity, decides to give the horse into custody to a farr, who was there, after handing him so money.
Lying down after borrowing a shed the farr uses, he waited for the night.
The capital city of Horant, Adolaruk.
Although its a country that currently has no legitimate ruler, the confusion of Pri Minister Kuzemu grasping the power within the castle has no effect on the populace and lower soldiers. The city was relatively calm.
Of course the confrontation with Orsongrande has raised unease amongst the people. Theres also the matter of Kuzemu deliberately announcing that the successor, Nelgal, is deed to be taken prisoner by Orsongrande. It has reached the point that many soldiers can be seen controlling and guarding the city and the security at the entrance to the city has beco strict as well.
However, compared to what they felt to be strict, it was in a word, weak, in Hifumis case.
With the number of soldiers, who are standing absent-mindedly in front of the closed gate while holding their spears, being 10, are they careless because they are far from the border? Several sentries, who are lazily walking around without any motivation, are visible.
Without there being even a single of them who realized Hifumis figure closing in while taking advantage of the nights blackness, there was no one questioning him even when he invaded by scaling the wall smoothly.
Hifumi, who got angry once again, continuing after the soldiers at the national border, due to there being no more than this level of surveillance even in the capital city, heads silently to the castle while killing his footsteps nevertheless.
I did go around killing the soldiers the last ti I ca here, didnt I? That was fun. Setting aside the crown princes way of doing things, they fought while doing their best. However, even if I just did the sa thing, it would be boring. (Hifumi)
While muttering under his breath, the figure of Hifumi blended with the buildings shades and he vanished as if lting away and went towards the castle.
When Vaiyas vanguard unit, which took Viine and the others along, arrived at the defence encampnt where Iraria waits it was just the ti of Hifumi leaving the horse in the village with the capital city right in front of his eyes.
The sun is starting to sink, there are heavy clouds, which are thinly sticking to the sky, and a light rain is falling.
The Knight Vaiya has arrived just now. (Vaiya)
Seeing Vaiya, who visited the tent with Iraria in it to report his arrival, being wet due to the rain, a maid quietly handed him a towel.
Vaiya-san, Im sorry for having you co here in hurry. (Iraria)
Its for Your esteed Majesty. I feel that I want to receive your appreciation and praises after I obtained military results. (Vaiya)
Vaiya showing a feeling of being obliged in an exaggerated manner to a degree that it can be regarded as ridiculous is for the sake of him easing his own tension of having entered the battlefield, is sothing Iraria understands. Unintentionally chuckling, she urges him towards the reception sofa.
Although he was the type who wears clothes as too serious person since the ti when he was still in the Second Knight Order, his character llowed out after the training in Fokalore and getting married, she recalls Sabnak having ntioned that at so ti.
Once she looks casually, Vaiya is still in the state of standing without sitting down.
Whats wrong? (Iraria)
As a matter of fact, there are people accompanying (Vaiya)
Accompanying, you say? (Iraria)
Yes, as they nad themselves as acquaintances of Earl Tohno, they told that they want to et with him. They have joined after I took over from Fokalores civil official, Paryu-san. Those fellow travellers are unique. Its my humble wish to have them introduced to Your Majesty on this occasion. (Vaiya)
Iraria pondered, but Vaiya shouldnt have brought along anyone suspicious either.
Where are those people? (Iraria)
Currently they are in the middle of talking with Captain Sabnak. (Vaiya)
It will probably be alright if Sabnak judges them as being no problem, Iraria made a maid go contact Sabnak so that they will enter the tent together with him.
Hows the situation in the capital? (Iraria)
There havent been any particular problems. Even as for the public order, since I requested Midas-san to handle it, there wont be any issues, I think? There dont seem to be any particular moves in Vichys direction either. (Vaiya)
Intentionally ntioning it as in the direction of Vichy includes Fokalore as well.
Your Majesty, for you to reinforce our war potential at this ti, were there so movents by Horant? (Vaiya)
Due to Vaiya talking uneasily, Iraria smiles calmly.
The ones moving will be our side. The full details will be explained at the next war council. (Iraria)
Its Sabnak. Umm, I brought the, guests? (Sabnak)
Sabnaks voice was audible from outside the tent, but Iraria knitted her eyebrows due to his evasive manner of speech.
Please enter. (Iraria)
Excuse . (Sabnak)
The one who entered the tent first was Sabnak.
And, seeing the four who followed after him, Iraria beca speechless.
Your Majesty, these are the gentlen and ladies from the wastelands who crossed a great distance to et with Earl Tohno. (Sabnak)
Im the elf Puuse.
Im Viine.
Im called Gengu ~ssu.
I-I am, M-Malfas!
Your Majesty?
Ha! (Iraria)
Iraria was in a state of having her mouth opened while looking at the beastn, but recovering due to Sabnaks call, she elegantly wipes the edges of her mouth with a handkerchief.
Im the queen of Orsongrande Kingdom, Iraria. It looks like it was a long trip from the wastelands. Its the first ti for to encounter elves and beastn, but do you understand my words? (Iraria)
Looking at each others faces, Puuse takes one step forward.
Queen-sama, we are using the sa language. I think a conversation wont be a problem? (Puuse)
So, about the matter of having co to et with Hifumi-sama (Iraria)
After asking several questions, Iraria arranged for Puuses group to be allowed using separate tents for n and won out of consideration that they can wait for Hifumi in the encampnt.
Once Puuse and the others, who are grateful for the warm reception, left while being led by maids, Iraria sank her back into the sofa while curbing her brows.
What did Hifumi-sama do in the wastelands? Really, sothing like a beastwoman chasing him up to here. (Iraria)
Alongside a deep sigh, she drinks her cold black tea.
Anyway, it was a saving grace that Origa-san wasnt here. Sabnak-san, I leave it to you that they and Origa-san dont run into each other until Hifumi-sama returns. (Iraria)
Arent you imagining too much there? They are people who have likewise fallen in love with Hifumi-san, so if they get along well (Sabnak)
Sabnak-san, you are naive. (Iraria)
She stabs Sabnak with an unusually sharp gaze.
The rabbit beastman-san just now Viine-san ca here while saying an admirable thing like she just wants to be at his side, however do you believe that Origa-san will allow that? (Iraria)
Uuh (Sabnak)
And, the mont a quarrel occurs between them, will you be able to remonstrate them to be nice to each other, Sabnak-san? (Iraria)
I-Isnt that a task that exceeds my abilities? (Sabnak)
Irarias gaze switches from Sabnak to Vaiya.
Even for , to barge in on such situation is a bit (Vaiya)
Hearing the timid answers of the two adults, Iraria sighed deeply.
We will be able to form a relationship with the elves, who are said to wield powerful magic, and the beastn who were our forr enemy. That in itself is sothing great. The matter of creating a friendship with them will likely be of benefit for Orsongrande. (Iraria)
For that reason, Iraria made a short pause.
We should avoid unnecessary troubles to the best of our abilities. Even Origa-san will be obedient in front of Hifumi-sama. I will also request Alyssa-san to lay the groundwork thoroughly. (Iraria)
Acknowledged. (Sabnak & Vaiya)
Iraria inford the two, who matched their voices, about another matter.
I will explain the strategy, I drew up, before the arrival of the main force. Lets have dinner together. You two and Alyssa-san. And lets invite those beastn from before as well. I will have them decide whether they want to stay at Mnster temporarily or remain here after explaining the current state. (Iraria)
It looks like it will take a full two days for the main force of the reinforcents to arrive even if they are quick. It will also be necessary to explain things to Nelgal who will arrive together with the main army, but I will push this strategy forth even if I have to basically threaten him, was her intention.
All of it is for the sake of her squaring off against Hifumi while keeping her pride as queen.
Bast-
Before the guarding soldier finished speaking, Hifumi cut his windpipe just slightly with the tip of his katana in one go and the body, which had lost its soul, collapsed alongside a sound of air leaking out.
Its this. I ca here to complain about this. (Hifumi)
While lowering the drawn katana, Hifumi stands in front of Horants pri minster who was sitting at his desk.
W-Who are you bastard? (Kuzemu)
The lord of Fokalore, Hifumi. The man who killed this places crown prince. (Hifumi)
What (Kuzemu)
Kuzemu, who has beco pale while drenched in sweat, carefully examines the man standing in front of him from top to bottom.
Kuzemu himself never saw Hifumi, but he was aware about the person called Hifumi and about the uproar within the castle.
How foolish. To reach this place all by yourself (Kuzemu)
Thats it. That. (Hifumi)
Hifumi points at the corpse of the soldier he killed himself a mont ago.
Its the sa for this guy as well, but you are far too careless. Entering the country, entering the city and entering the castle, all of it was at a level of being extrely easy to degree of making yawn. Your n are just walking around leisurely and dont have any kind of vigilance in addition to that either. Isnt that as if you are telling to break in? (Hifumi)
For example, Hifumi retrieved a light magic tool from his darkness storage.
I cant use anything but darkness magic, but research in magic has advanced in Horant, right? I heard that even this lamp was created in Horant. In that case, noticing an intruder, sounding a general alert once soone discovered an enemy or doing various things is possible, isnt it? (Hifumi)
Uuh, but such things, except for those intended for battle, are developed by private rchants buh!? (Kuzemu)
Just as he began to line up excuses, Hifumi slapped Kuzemus cheek with his palm after stabbing the katana into the floor.
Is his field of vision flickering? Hifumi brings his face close to Kuzemu who is repeatedly blinking.
You, dont you think that a thod for attacking ans it is intended for battle? (Hifumi)
Picking up the katana, he holds it out in front of Kuzemus eyes so that he can see its hamon.
Hifumi, who turns the blade towards below and shifts the handle into his left hand, intended to show it, but Kuzemu was unable to consider it as anything else but threatening. He feels uneasy whether the ominously shining blade will cut his own throat in the sa manner as the guards.
A weapon is fine as weapon. If its polished up as item that steals a persons life, it is beautifully sublid. (Hifumi)
Drawing back the katana, he returns it into its scabbard.
But you know, while it may be strong at attacking that doesnt an that one can win. It isnt just a mutual competition and confrontation. Now matter how strong a weapon might be, it will be aningless if you arent able to find a gap to use it. (Hifumi)
What Hifumi pointed at was the sword which hung at the waist of the corpse. Recognising him as intruder, the soldier tried to call out and yet he didnt even touch the hilt.
W-What do you want to tell ? (Kuzemu)
You dont understand? (Hifumi)
Going away from in front of Kuzemu, Hifumi removed the katana from his waist and sat down on a sofa with a flump.
You are able to use magic. You were born into this world at great pains. If you are able to use earth magic, you will probably be able to camouflage a trap perfectly. If you can use wind magic, its possible to survey a sowhat wide range. If its fire magic, one can light a signal fire without using tools. Even by thinking about it for a bit, there are this many possible applications. (Hifumi)
Are you asshole telling that Orsongrandes military has advanced this far? (Kuzemu)
No? (Hifumi)
Kuzemu looked at Hifumi, who shook his head as he smiled, while wiping away the sweat.
I wonder whether I gave Orsongrande a bit too much of an advantage. Although it looks like you created a slightly big toy in Horant, those are no good. Even the techniques taught to you by the instruction unit sent by have parts similar to imitating just the upper surface. (Hifumi)
Therefore, Hifumi tapped the scabbard of his katana.
I decided to give you various hints regarding magic which is the distinctive characteristic of Horant. (Hifumi)
I-Isnt that an act that serves the interests of your enemy!? What are you planning!? (Kuzemu)
What a foolish thing to say. The current you doesnt even amount to being an enemy for . Thus it isnt an act that serves the interests of my enemy. (Hifumi)
T-Thats sophistry! (Kuzemu)
Even if its sophistry, thats fine. Do you know? A weakling uses sophistry to gloss over, but the strong one uses it while persisting with their egoism. (Hifumi)
So, what are you telling to do? (Kuzemu)
Finding it already difficult to bring it to a close with words in this situation, Kuzemu asks Hifumi that.
Since the border probably has already broken down due to the attacks of Orsongrandes side, I shall instruct you magic techniques I ca up with in order for you to retake the border or to defend. I have only the darkness attribute, thus it will just be the theory though. Hey! Hurry up and summon the magicians in charge or the researchers. I dont have the ti to idle around here. The evil hand of Orsongrande might be reaching for this place soon. (Hifumi)
While saying that, Hifumi rung the bell on top of a low table which is located in front of the sofa.
A maid imdiately enters the room.
You cal- hii!?
The maid, who entered while looking down, scread when she discovered the soldiers corpse.
Black tea, please. Also, Id like sothing I can take out. (Hifumi)
Hifumi tells the frightened maid his order.
Due to the words of an unknown person, the maid looked at Kuzemu in her search for help.
Prepare it as you were told. And, can you call soone of the castles magic researchers? (Kuzemu)
C-Certainly!
Once the maid leaves the room as if running away, Hifumi looks into Kuzemus eyes.
Joy is clearly visible on his face.
Do your best. Iraria is an amateur, but Fokalores soldiers are considerably powerful. I dont care what you want to do in the end, but you have to persist here for the sake of achieving your dreams. (Hifumi)
Standing up, Hifumi hit Kuzemus shoulder.
Lets have a real war with a properly large number of people dying. Okay? (Hifumi)
Kuzemu was unable to reply as he was rely trembling.
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