The conference between Queen Iraria and beastn representative Reni began harmoniously.
Reni enjoyed the offered baked sweets and black tea, and the fruits, which she brought as return gift, had been sliced and lined up next to the baked sweets while being chilled with magic. Their juicy sweetness, which was refreshing in a different way from sugar, pleased Iraria.
What delicious fruits. Arent they fairly valuable? (Iraria)
Yes. To the extent that they can only be found once in a while. But, they are nothing you could set aside, so we always eat them imdiately since they might be taken by soone. (Reni)
Then, these are (Iraria)
Since Hifumi-san had stored so of them, I received them from him. (Reni)
For an instant the stretched-out hand of Iraria stopped. However, the fruits were sinless. Picking up yet another, she brought it to her mouth.
Then she wiped her fingers, which had gotten wet by the fruit juice, with a handkerchief.
We have just been eating without proceeding with the talks, havent we? (Iraria)
Correcting her sitting posture, Iraria looked once more at the sheep beastgirl sitting in front of her and the rabbit beastgirl at her side. She doesnt know whether the beastn standing in the back is a dog or a wolf, but she makes sure to not look at him since male beastn are scary.
As far as for the sheep girl with her droopy eyes and her fluffy white fur, she doesnt look at all like a person who leads wild beastn such as wolves or tigers. Even the rabbit girl sitting next to her is pretty obviously nervous in a place like the royal castle, albeit having a strong will dwell in her eyes. Depending on the point of view, she looks even charming.
Irarias impression was that they are not much different from humans. The escorting beastman, who might be dog or wolf, looks just like a beast, but the won only have a beastn-like atmosphere due to their noses in the center of their human-like faces. Even among beastn there might be differences between tribes and individuals though.
So, I heard you have sothing to discuss with ? Since you especially ca all the way here, please allow to listen to your various matters. (Iraria)
Well then, let start first with a question. Your Majesty, around what point are you planning to compromise in the upcoming conference with the demons? (Reni)
Being all of a sudden asked a question that stabs into the heart of the matter, Iraria instinctively looked at Reni with sothing akin to a glare.
Im well aware that its an impolite question. However, even if it might be rude, the future of the beastn race rides on this. Please tell us, if possible at all. (Reni)
Understood. Its only natural, but no one in this country, including , plans to fight against the demons. (Iraria)
I have actually seen the front-line, and your country is completely holding back the demons at the border. At this rate there wont be any damage to your country. If you can get Hifumi-san to act, victory is certain, Im sure. If you win, it might be possible to include the demons, who are said to have extrely powerful, individual strength, into your military forces. Fighting against other countries will probably beco much easier. And yet you dont wish to fight the demons? (Reni)
With the na of Hifumi appearing once again, the wariness level in Irarias mind went up. She looks as if shes sleepy, and yet, contrary to the timbre in her words spoken by her lovely voice, shes only advocating fighting.
But, the current Iraria wont be lulled by that.
Since it seems that youre having a misunderstanding, I shall tell you; I dont wish to fight against Horant, our neighboring country. The other day I had the privilege to help that country in resolving its problems, and as result of that, we could deepen our friendly relations. Im satisfied with that outco. Besides (Iraria)
Looking at Reni, who didnt show any particular reaction to her words up till then, Iraria couldnt grasp the intention behind Renis question.
Hifumi-sama has already retired as family head of his noble household. Im not in a position where I can order him for the sake of the kingdom. (Iraria)
How about requesting it from him by offering him so kind of reward? (Reni)
I dont believe that I could arrange for a reward which could make him change his mind. Its a disgraceful truth for the kingdom, but (Iraria)
Its simple. (Reni)
Reni interrupted Irarias speech with a brief comnt.
Please kill the demons, I wont allow anyone else to interferewith just these words he would gladly take up the task, dont you think? (Reni)
Shes aware of his circumstances, Iraria evaluated Reni. And she feels a strange sense of superiority that Reni still doesnt understand him well.
The rabbit girl, who still hasnt raised her voice once, seems to be tense due to Renis words. It looks like they havent had a preparatory eting.
Those words, it looks like they would pass even if I exchange demons with beastn.
Thats true. Are you going to do so? (Reni)
Youre not surprised, are you? (Iraria)
When Iraria looked astonished, Reni laughed.
Im the one who suggested it, but I know that its unlikely for him to accept. If he were a person to move because of that, I would have already asked him, Please kill everyone except for the beastn. (Reni)
Uuh (Iraria)
If there was a thod to manipulate Hifumi, it could also be used to make him lower the number of humans, Reni clearly stated sothing equal to that.
Besides, arent you trying to stop relying on Hifumi-san, Your Majesty? (Reni)
Why do you believe so? (Iraria)
I heard various things while staying in Rhone. About your active role in the battle against Horant. And also about the training for the knights. (Reni)
How do those things connect to not relying on Hifumi-sama? (Iraria)
Iraria wanted to check in a separate room whether her voice trembles or not.
Miraculously the quivering of her throat cald down after taking a sip of black tea.
The construction of a defense not depending on Hifumi-san. The retirent declaration might be unexpected, but its a fact that you easily accepted the retirent of a person who accomplished a lot for this country and is hailed as hero. The training for the knights. Above all, considering Hifumi-sans age, its too early for him to hand over his title to the next generation. I just wondered whether not all of this serves as your stance to protect the country even without Hifumi-san being present. (Reni)
Its a simple guess, Reni laughs freely, but Iraria ponders, How many humans are thinking the sa as the little girl in front of no, is Hifumi himself thinking the sa as well by chance? Does he plan to support her even after declaring his retirent? Or was perhaps him taking over the training also
Your Majesty? (Reni)
Reni uneasily spoke up to Iraria whos sweating.
Y-Yes, Imfine Rather than that, we digressed from the topic. Whatever the situation of my country might be, wars are won within a short ti with overwhelming power. Otherwise they only turn into a useless waste of lives and hard-earned tax money. At tis it might be necessary to fight too, but its a crucial task of a ruler to protect the interests of the people supporting them, if the balance is off. (Iraria)
She forcibly returned to the topic.
Reni apparently doesnt intend to reference to Hifumi any further, and calmly answers Got it.
You said it was your first question. Do you have any others? (Iraria)
Yes. But before that I have to apologize. (Reni)
Iraria tilted her head to the side in doubt, not understanding the aning behind Renis words.
As for the plan of removing Hifumi-san from this countryno, this world, I already know about it. (Reni)
Wh-, I wonder what you might be talking about. (Iraria)
I heard about it from an influential informant. (Reni)
Pondering about the possibilities with whom Reni might have gotten in contact after coming to the capital, Iraria considered whether it might have been Origa who leaked the plan.
But, she abandoned that idea right away.
Its been a while since I last visited the royal castle. Since the ti of talking with Adol-dono, I guess.
The face of a man that had a bluish-white face peeked out from behind Reni.
Its shinigami-san. Please allow this person and to join the group of people, organized by you, setting up counterasures against Hifumi-san, Your Majesty. (Reni)
The head-only shinigami grumbles, I cant materialize anything but my head as my power has declined, but Reni ignores him.
We will be able to provide good ideas. Instead Id like you to prepare a foreign settlent for the beastn, or develop a part of the wastelands for us. (Reni)
How about it? Reni asks.
I wonder, how much of the slowly moving ti did it take? In the end Iraria accepted Renis demand.
Midas. (Hifumi)
E-Earl Tohnoah, no, you have retired, havent you? (Midas)
The one calling out to Midas was Hifumi who loitered around close to the castle after sending Reni off.
Co with for a bit. (Hifumi)
Hifumi, who forcibly dragged Midas downtown, pointed at a single man.
That man is talking with another man, who seems to be a shop owner, inside the city that is thriving due to the big news of the queens pregnancy. His attire is a simple, linen jouge. He carries large baggage that makes it easy to see that hes a traveling rchant. He wears boots that had cloths fixedly coiled around them.
Is sothing wrong with him? (Midas)
The number of rchants coming and leaving the capital is huge. Most of them are peddlers who transport the produce from the countryside, visiting various places, but among them theres also not few who try to attain success in the capital with their earned funds. He doesnt know which of both the rchant in question might be, but to Midas he seed to be nothing more than an ordinary rchant.
Its really a bother to explain since he doesnt use any technique or anythinglook very closely. Doesnt it seem as if his ears are slightly tapering to a point? (Hifumi)
Once Midas observes him as told, he notices, Certainly, the ends of his ears are pointed. But, if its to such an extent, it might as well be called an individual quirk.
I dont know whether you can see them from here, but have a look at his eyes. They are green, but no matter what color eyes have, they are usually black right in the middle. (Hifumi)
While listening to Hifumi who speaks as he pulled down his lower eyelid of his eyes with his index finger, saying Like this, Midas intently gazed at the rchants face while intently straining his eyes, but as might be expected, he couldnt see that far.
The middle of that guys eyes has a tinge of red, you know? That complies with a characteristic feature of the demons, butwhat do you think? (Hifumi)
What, you askare you saying that hes a demon? (Midas)
Thats what I an. Well, I will go and check the truth. (Hifumi)
Leaving the bewildered Midas behind, Hifumi headed straight for the man.
While chasing after him, Midas recalled the events at the ti when Hifumi left for the city from the castle for the first ti. That day when he chased a young man with a strange appearance after changing his clothes into that of a commoner while being surprised by the sudden surveillance order.
Being imdiately spotted, he felt just as embarrassed as during the ti when he was still a newbie knight. The sha was so strong that he couldnt even tell his wife about it.
That young man walks across the street while swaggering about just like back then.
And just like at that ti, not knowing what hes going to do next pressures Midas.
Damn it, each ti I et him, it shortens my life span (Midas)
In front of him Hifumi calls out to the man.
Youve got a mont? (Hifumi)
Eh? Yes, what is it? Do you need sothing from ?
Being called out from the side, the man turned towards Hifumi with a smile just as he does with all custors.
The shopkeeper, who had been his conversation partner, smiled brightly, apparently recognizing Hifumi imdiately after seeing his face, backed away with a Looks like he has business with you, and entered his store.
Lets talk for a bit over there? Demons, ahI guess your na doesnt really matter anyway. (Hifumi)
Eh? What do you an?
Well, I guess its your job to stay hidden. You have my respect. For now, that is. (Hifumi)
He forcibly drags the man along together with Midas, who caught up, entering a cafe that spread out tables along the street.
Black tea for three. Also, food please. Anythings fine as long as its delicious. (Hifumi)
Quickly ordering on his own accord, Hifumi shallowly sat down on a chair with his katana still affixed to his waist.
It seems the man said to be a demon still hasnt realized, but Midas knows that this is not Hifumis usual way of sitting. Hes probably making sure that he can move imdiately if sothing happens.
Midas was nervous. If the opponent was a normal human, Hifumi wouldnt prepare himself to such a degree.
The demons place had a lot of relatively sketchy food. Didnt it surprise you after coming here that the foods so tasty? (Hifumi)
The mans face beca increasingly sullen due to Hifumi talking to him while having arbitrarily decided that hes a demon.
Youre wrong. Taking for a demon is a misunderstanding.
Hee, you know about demons? Arent you quite well-inford for a simple rchant? (Hifumi)
I-Its information I obtained in F-Fekalore. I ca here in a hurry after hearing that the demons are coming
Fokalore, right? Im still attached to that place. Dont make a mistake there. So, Midas. (Hifumi)
Hifumi turns his eyes to Midas who has tensed his body in order to be capable of moving at any ti as he intently watches the rchant, who looks fidgety while half-risen to his feet, next to him.
If you are so tense, your movents will beco unnecessarily slow. So, has the story of the demons coming here been announced on a grand scale? (Hifumi)
No, its planned to mobilize the soldiers just before the planned date, occupy the highway and guide them here. (Midas)
Compared to knowing such highly-confidential information, not knowing my face is slightly odd, isnt it? (Hifumi)
Hifumi, who grabbed the rchants head and bent forward, fixedly stares into the eyes of the man.
A-Are you going to kill ?
Seeing the black eyes of Hifumi as his face approaches right in front him, the man speaks words that are equal to confessing that hes a demon.
I really want to kill you. After all I havent had my fill for a while around here, just like a hungry monster. Id love to kill you. (Hifumi)
But, Hifumi removes his hand and sits down on his chair.
If I consider that waiting for a al that I havent been able to devour yet is a lot more fun, I can still endure for a short ti. (Hifumi)
The demon didnt comprehend, but Midas yells while restraining his voice to the best of his ability,
W-What are you getting all psyched up for!? (Midas)
Oh? I told you that Im going to cooperate for the sake of humanitys future. Is there any problem with that? (Hifumi)
Her Majesty doesnt wish to fight. Please, Id like you to restrain yourself! (Midas)
That depends on how the demons are going to move, doesnt it? (Hifumi)
Being asked, the demon shakes his head, say I dont know.
I havent been inford about Vepar-samas intentions!
Orly? (Hifumi)
Hifumis fingers grabbed the demons neck and he easily fainted.
Arrest and use him to train how to see through demons. Considering that such a guy has infiltrated this far, Im pretty sure that you should patrol the city a lot more seriously. (Hifumi)
Sitting down on his chair with a flump, Hifumi told the employee, who watched the situation from a distance, Dont mind it, you can bring the food over.
Midas, who tied the demons hands behind his back for cautions sake, called over a soldier that happened to pass nearby and ordered him to carry the demon to the close-by knight orders station.
I will say it once more, but Id like you to act prudently. I shall thank you for this ti. But, unnecessary battles are not needed in this world any longer. (Midas)
Hmmm I see, if thats what you believe, that might be fine as well, I suppose. (Hifumi)
Continuing, Hifumi called out to Midas who was about to leave after saying, Well then.
Hey, Midas. Between a guy that believes no fighting will take place, and a guy that believes fighting might take place, who do you think will be able to survive? (Hifumi)
I was taught by you that fighting might happen at any ti. Its wrong to not stay with that belief. (Midas)
Thats a miss. (Hifumi)
Eh? Midas raised an idiotic voice and turned around.
You will be able to survive if you can calmly move at the ti when the fighting starts. Even if you can move swiftly, it holds no aning if you take refuge at a dangerous place, right? (Hifumi)
From the outset Hifumi stabs the whole body of a fish with his fork from the dishes that had been lined up on the table and tosses it into his mouth.
Have a gooood look. Whos your enemy and whos your ally. Check on how many people you can rely among those you trust. And, whether they can beco your support when push cos to shove. (Hifumi)
What do you want to say? (Midas)
Nothing really. Just a little small talk. (Hifumi)
Genuinely starting with his al, Hifumi didnt say anything else.
One week later after the incident that made Midas jump at shadows, Fokalores military forces arrived at the capital while bringing demons, elves and beastn along.
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