Okay!
Border city Rhone. A seemingly relieved voice can be heard atop the wall built towards the highway.
Ahead of where Phyrinion, who stands at the historically most peaceful front line, is looking up to inside the wall, Alyssa just finished throwing a wooden tube, which had a stone tied to it as weight, outside the wall.
A hole within the wall. According to the dwarves: if you peer though that opening which seems to be for the sake of shooting, you could see the projectile drop into the thickets which were to be found next to the highway.
Additionally, its at a distance one can barely confirm by sight. Just like her predecessor, it seems to be no mistake to label Alyssa as person who represents the militaristic nature of the Tohno Earldom.
It contains a letter for the demons, so check it out! (Alyssa)
Once Alyssa loudly called out towards the thickets, a thicket close to where the letter had dropped shook. Its unclear whether it shook with the intention to give a reply or to simply retrieve the letter, but even Phyrinion senses the tension transmitted by the surrounding soldiers who are holding onto the spear throwers while holding their breaths.
Alyssa, who used to be a lovable mascot and her superior before, is now the feudal lord. Among the male soldiers a wild atmosphere of making new resolves and performing self-styled rituals of offering their lives had begun to run rampant. But, basically they are guys that get the things done that have to be done.
Alright, the mission is done! (Alyssa)
Once they heard the voice of Alyssa, who jumped off the wall, the tension escaped from everyone. Of course there are soldiers who stay on alert as they are on duty, but theres no need for those to tremble nervously during their observation duty.
Rather, they were told to relax and slowly observe how things go, and to let the spears fly if sothing happens.
Continue the lookout as usual. I leave the rest to you. (Alyssa)
At your command!
Alyssa curtly orders a nearby lower-ranking commanding officer and then cos over to Phyrinion.
Its done. Now we have to wait for the reply. (Alyssa)
Thank you. Well then, I will wait in this city until theres a reply from the other party. (Phyrinion)
Though its a boring city as theres nothing here, Alyssa laughs, but Phyrinion thought, If you watch the people, its a mountain of treasures.
From the way of the walls build to the construction of the surveillance system, and moreover the managent thods to receive refugees. Its to the extent that she would imdiately send letters to the capital and her ho to dispatch people to study these things here, if there wasnt the exchange with the demons.
No, rather its surely in such state because the battlefield is nearby, right? I wonder whether I should propose it, even if its just for the future. (Phyrinion)
Propose what? (Alyssa)
Ah, no, its sothing unrelated, Earl. (Phyrinion)
While Phyrinion is pondering about this and that, a new letter from the capital arrived.
I wonder whats this about? (Phyrinion)
I-I cant say anything about it (Clinora)
Not knowing what face to pull, the maid Clinora shook her head at Phyrinion, who was speechless while knitting her brows. The content of a letter she was told about by her master is nothing the likes of a maid should comnt on.
Her Majesty the Queen is pregnantthe other party isnt ntioned here, but no wayyou dont say! (Phyrinion)
I should send congratulations as noble of the kingdom, but I also have to coordinate it with my husband Vaiya. I must quickly send a ssage ho, send a congratulatory gift to my husband and have it delivered to the royal palace in the na of my husband and father.
Good grief, I feel like my ti as knight had been a lot less stressful. (Phyrinion)
The announcent of Irarias pregnancy was carried out on a grand scale.
Except for those who knew about the situation like Sabnak, it was an eye-popping surprise to the chief vassals like the pri minister. There were opinions that the news should be withheld as much as possible, but Iraria rejected that.
Its nothing disgraceful. Theres no particular need to state the identity of the father, but no matter whether the child will be male or female, theres no doubt that they will beco the official successor. I have no intention to oust this child. (Iraria)
But, Im worried about the effect on the nobles
Just how many nobles, who have the backbone to publicly state their opinion against royalty, exist? Besides, if it ca to choosing a husband for , it would turn into quite the dispute, wouldnt it? (Iraria)
With Vichys destruction, the only option to take a husband from another country is limited to Horant. Seeing as Irarias child will automatically beco the successor, everyone agreed that it wouldnt be overly smart to let the blood from another country enter the royal bloodline. It wouldnt be strange for that act to be perceived as invasion into the bloodline by Horant.
Having said that, if it cos to choosing a husband from among the nobles, it would beco extrely complicated. Thats because becoming the maternal relative of the royal family grants one a very influential voice. At the mont theres also the special situation of Iraria being the only royal left alive. If it was a good family that sent the prince consort, their clout would beco imasurable.
If Iraria were to officially announce that she chose a noble from within the country as husband, it would likely end in a lot of blood being spilled. In the worst case it would develop into a civil war between the nobles.
Not knowing the other party who made the child with is convenient. Since they have a social standing that wouldnt allow for it, it wont be announced. Or it might be fine to assu it was managedhidden for the sake of avoiding a dispute between nobles or a despotism by blood relatives. (Iraria)
The move of announcing Irarias pregnancy, which highhandedly made use of the states power to an extent that hadnt been seen in the past, gave a huge shock to the ones serving inside the royal castle, starting with the maids, much less to say about the civil and military officials. The news was released to the general public while that shock was still lingering.
Starting with the plaza in front of the royal palace, it was posted in front of the various guard stations of the soldiers and knights all over the capital. Even while feeling baffled, a celebratory mood imdiately spread among the population.
This ti the announcent was only posted at the bulletin board at the entrance to the plaza. In the na of offering a peace of mind to the pregnant queen, it was decided to set up a temporary restriction for entering the plaza in front of the royal castle.
****
This also serves as preliminary arrangents to welco the demons.
At the eting about how to deal with Hifumi, Iraria explained the intention behind going as far as giving such an order.
She lets her eyes wander across the attending personnel such as Sabnak, Vaiya and Pri Minister Adol. All of them nodded with humble expressions. Only one person, Origa, sowhat glared at her with eyes as if shes going to shoot her to death.
Anyway, any prying in regards to the childs father is prohibited. As its probably useless in regards to gossip, we will intentionally propagate what I said before and leave it alone afterwards. (Iraria)
Because there were no particular objections to her words, Iraria decided to continue.
Vaiya-san, whats the situation with the knight orders training? (Iraria)
Yes. Going by the words of Earl Tohno, its completed more or less. There are issues with the coordination during group combat, but I think we wont need that much ti to fix that. (Vaiya)
Adol-san, is there anything to say about the preparations for receiving the demons? (Iraria)
I have arranged for the possibility to reserve a high-class inn near the castle as lodging at any ti. It depends on the number of people, but if its less than 20, the inn can receive them satisfactorily. If they have more people than that, I will prepare a different lodging for the escorting soldiers. (Adol)
But, Adol continued.
Given that we have no good grasp on the customs and food of the demons, Im not quite sure what to do about that part (Adol)
That should be resolved by asking Hifumi-sama. Since it looks like he spend so ti in the demon settlent, I think he will be able to consult us in various ways how to receive them. (Iraria)
E-Earl Tohno will? (Adol)
This gathering is a eting with the objective of sealing Hifumi. Adol was bewildered by Iraria proposing to rely on Hifumi.
We have no other option. If you ask that gentleman with the proper courtesy, he will gladly teach you. Thats right, isnt it Origa-san? (Iraria)
Indeed, Hifumi-sama is a kind person after all. (Origa)
Tension traveled through the venue when Iraria called out to Origa, but Origa simply agreed in a calm deanor.
Iraria, who didnt fail to notice Sabnak unintentionally sighing in relief, decided that he should be given more education soon. Although its an honest behavior, openly showing delight ends beyond the commanding officer rank.
Right now I have Phyrinion-san advance the preparations for the conference with the demons by cooperating with Alyssa-san of the Tohno Earldom. And it was specified by to hold the conference in this castle. (Iraria)
In this castle? Isnt that dangerous?
Upon Vaiyas question, Iraria replied in reverse,
If its a narrow, indoor venue, our side as the defending one is at an advantage, no? Besides, I want so chanisms prepared in advance. (Iraria)
chanisms?
Yes. We will set traps. Sabnak-san, its construction work inside the castle, so I leave the monitoring of the laborers and the managent of the constructions progress in your hands as the one in charge. As for the details of the chanisms, I will hand out the necessary docunts later, so please arrange for etings with the craftsn of the related trades. However, publicly we will pretend that we are building a new audience hall in celebration of my pregnancy. Make sure that only the least necessary amount of people knows about the installation of the traps. (Iraria)
Yes, my Queen! (Sabnak)
Iraria stately nods at Sabnak who swiftly stood up and bowed.
Lastly Id like you to listen since Ive been pondering about one thing. Its about Hifumi-samas sealing. (Iraria)
Taking a short break here, Iraria looked into the faces of those present once more.
With their expressions being tense and their eyes focused on her, she continues speaking,
Depending on the demons movents, we will carry out Hifumi-samas sealing at that ti. (Iraria)
While deciding to handle the details depending on the conclusion of the conference with the demons, Iraria declared that they would keep up-to-date with the circumstances, waiting for a good opportunity to carry out their plan.
Origa-san. (Iraria)
Yes, Your Majesty. (Origa)
Thats fine with you, right? (Iraria)
Your Majesty, if you keep your promise, I intend to share the sa fate as that gentleman. People can only obtain the greatest joy by repeatedly resolving themselves and investing their own efforts. It was the sa for you, Your Majesty. (Origa)
Very well. I will trust you. (Iraria)
On the next day after the eting, the people working in the castle imdiately sensed that the chief vassals had started to move hurriedly, but being given the reason that its for the sake of improving Her Majestys environnt, the people fell for that overly vague deception.
When he heard about Irarias pregnancy, Hifumis reaction was plain.
I see. Origa, please buy a suitable congratulatory gift and send it to her. (Hifumi)
Being told that while being given several gold coins, Origa received the money and said Got it, which finished the whole matter.
Without Origa saying anything in particular, this topic was never again brought up between the married couple. Rather than that, there was sothing that drew Hifumis interest.
So in the end Vepar and her demons are coming here? (Hifumi)
Yes. With the reply from the other side, it has been decided that things will move in accordance with Her Majestys proposalit looks like Alyssa, Fokalores soldiers and the representatives of the beastn and elves, including Phyrinion, will accompany them. (Origa)
Listening to the contents of the letter read out loud by Origa, Hifumi laughed while saying, Thats interesting.
Are Reni and Zanga going to co here? No, Zanga is quite the old hag, so it might be soone else. Are they going to clear the wastelands fate in the royal capital of a human country? No, the triggers are assembled in Rhone or Fokalore, arent they? It will be boring if it turns into a dispute over there. (Hifumi)
Caim and the others would probably manage it smoothly. For him a riot inside the city, which he built up at great pains, will only be a bother. (Origa)
If its that guy, he will likely deal with such level of damage without even batting an eyelid. It might go as far as one of his eyebrows twitching due to the unnecessary budget expenses. Though Paryu might snap due to getting swamped with work. (Hifumi)
Origa, who sat on the sofa next to Hifumi closed the letter.
Furthermore, I have been entrusted with a verbal ssage from His Excellency the Pri Minister that he has so questions regarding the reception of the demons. At this rate you might also be asked about the beastn. (Origa)
As for the elves its no problem since Puuse is already staying within the castle. Very likely she is seen as having beco the elves diator.
Depending on what Iraria and Vepar talk about, it might beco slightly interesting. I guess I will also help out with the eting on the appointed day. Ah, its fine to handle the demons bedding and food in the sa way as with humans. (Hifumi)
Then I shall pass it on like that. What is it? (Origa)
A reserved knocking can be heard in the living room. A maid on the other side of the door replied to Origas question.
It seems there are visitors for master, but
Youre not making yourself clear, are you? Who is it? (Origa)
Looks like its beastn. (Hifumi)
Hifumi said before the maid could even open her mouth.
Its the nostalgic presence resembling wild animals. Show them in. (Hifumi)
As you wish, master.
*****
Hifumi-san, its been a while.
The one who entered the living room first was the sheep beastgirl Reni. With her usual, fluffy smile that lacked any tension, she walks over while making her white, frizzy hair sway.
Helen and Gengu entered behind her.
Been a while. (Helen)
Its been a long ti since we last talked ~ssu. (Gengu)
When everyone had sat down and tea as well as sweets had been distributed, Hifumi started a conversation with Reni.
Its quite the early visit. Did sothing happen? (Hifumi)
Nothing has happened yet. (Reni)
Blowing at the hot black tea, Reni scattered the steam while answering.
But sothing is going to happen, right? If we were to travel together with the demons, we would get dragged into it. (Reni)
Thats why we ca here early, Reni replied.
If you believe that sothings going to happen, you always have the choice to not co, dont you? (Hifumi)
I believe theres nothing as scary as sothing you dont know about. Thats sothing I was taught by you, Hifumi-san. After learning to live in a city, I was able to make a lot of friends. It opened up a new world for . If I was still stuck in that ti, where I lived in the forest while being frightened, I wouldnt know about the demons and elves, and I would have likely been killed by demons or caught by humans. (Reni)
But, you deliberately ca to my place. Didnt you consider that to be dangerous? (Hifumi)
Reni keeps smiling.
The most information gathers around you, Hifumi-san. If I know how the danger will co to be, I should also know how to escape it. Im sure the danger will originate near you. (Reni)
Thats the reason why Reni ca to Hifumis place.
Properly perceiving the scent of danger, she considers thods to protect her friends. In order to carry out her duty.
Well said. You are doing your very best, arent you? (Hifumi)
Reni shyly laughed due to Hifumis praise, whereas Origa ground her molars.
Get so rooms ready for these guys. (Hifumi)
Seeing off the maid leaving the room after bowing, Hifumi looked at the face of Reni, Helen and Gengu.
Well, it might be a good idea to slowly go around the city for a sightseeing tour. Co in contact with various food and tools. You need money, dont you? I will give you so pocket money. Its still a while until the festival starts anyway. Study by properly examining the city. Look for escape routes and hiding places in advance. (Hifumi)
After all there will be an uproar that wont be stoppable by anyone after the demons arrive, Hifumi thought. The death god has kept the true identity of the ability he gave to Vepar ambiguous, but Hifumi believed that shes likely capable of sending in people from a distance.
In that case the stage for the chaos and battle will be the royal castle.
At that ti the knights, soldiers and elves in the castle will face the demons. Though its regrettable that it seems like the beastn will quickly escape thanks to Renis too good perception.
You might have been able to secure yourself so special seats. Isnt that great, Helen, Gengu? Your leader possesses courage and decisiveness. (Hifumi)
Its just the right ti, Hifumi thought.
I would have grown tired of these peaceful days soon anyway.
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