Chapter 145
It was an announcement that came far too suddenly.
Both the start of the war and the end of the war had already shocked the populace, yet this overshadowed even those…an announcement far too enormous.
“Before the war even began, the natural dungeon had already been cleared, and the Core had been retrieved and used by the nation.”
People began to speculate. Some wondered whether that fact had pushed the kingdom toward declaring war.
At the same time, others asked: “Could the presence of such powerful collaborators…ones capable of obtaining a Core…have played a part in ending the war so quickly?”
As noble after noble began forming hypotheses that were perilously close to the truth, the one believed to be the very person behind it all was finally introduced by the Queen and stepped onto the stage.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rue, leader of the organization commonly known as the Brigade, which provided the Dungeon Core. The natural dungeon at the border was conquered by my Brigade’s vice-captain and his partner, who slew the Dungeon Master and acquired the Dungeon Core.” (Rue)
The man who stepped onto the platform was tall, with an appearance suggesting advanced age, yet even an untrained eye could tell…his manner alone made it clear he was no ordinary individual.
There was no proof presented that his declaration was true. Even so, everyone found themselves believing his words regardless. Such was the weight and persuasiveness of his presence.
“Within our Brigade, opinions were divided about giving the Dungeon Core to this country. Some said we should keep it. Others said giving it to a nation we barely knew was dangerous. After all, the Core’s power could tilt the war in one’s favor. But our vice-captain trusted the Queen of this country.” (Rue) The man continued. He said that the Queen had once refused to use the Core’s power for the coming war, and swore on the spot to use it for enriching the people’s lives…then immediately went to activate it.
He explained that the land of this kingdom would no longer be barren, and that harvests like those around Lindblum would now appear throughout the entire country.
“On the other hand, when the land becomes rich, beasts will increase, and the monsters that prey on them will grow more active. Cooperation between the guilds and the lords will be more important than ever. However, that is the natural form a nation should take. From the perspective of us who have traveled through many lands, this country has finally reached its starting line. But there is one enormous difference. This country is a “victorious nation,” possessing abundant land, people, and military strength. And above all…it already holds fertile land like Golda, and now, thanks to the Core, its entire territory is promised to become fertile. This country will achieve remarkable development without a doubt. More certainly than any other country I have seen.” (Rue)
Rue delivered words that stirred the nobles, ignited hope for the future, and filled them with enthusiasm. And in the end…
“For now, I must continue my travels as the Brigade’s leader. However, our vice-captain has already left the Brigade and chosen to live as a citizen of this kingdom… As for me as well, once I finish the duties I must fulfill, I have resolved to lay my bones in this land. I swear to remain as a guardian of this country… Well, though truth be told, at my age, I may be laying my bones down sooner rather than later, haha.” (Rue)
He ended his speech with a touch of humor.
—————–
Mm. That was good. That should leave a strong impression.
That “the Brigade may leave Lindblum for now but intends to return someday.”
That this country now carries the risk of provoking a very dangerous organization…and that even if the Brigade is away, the Thirteen Knights still remain.
Guests from other nations would surely be attending this banquet as well. They would no doubt bring this information back to their homelands at once.
At the same time, this speech should stir the nobles’ actions. They would no longer be able to cozy up to nobles, drain national power through indirect trade schemes, or discreetly leak information.
I do not trust nobles…not as a species.
To me, nobles are creatures who naturally contact foreign nations and prioritize their own profit over national interest.
However, precisely because they prioritize their own profit, if we can make them believe that working for national benefit is now the path that yields them the most gain…then their unity will strengthen, and the country’s power will grow.
“Rue-dono. Thank you for that wonderful greeting. Um… is it true that you intend to remain in this country?”
“Right now, I cannot-ja. But I truly do wish to pass the position of Brigade leader to someone else and take on the role of guardian of this country…of Lindblum. I am simply too old to continue repeating long journeys.” (Rue)
After I stepped down from the stage, the Queen approached to speak with me.
What I said were my true feelings. This country…Lindblum…is Shizuma and Melt-chan’s homeland, their precious place to return to. And it is also where the people I saved -those currently struggling- now desperately live.
I want to protect it. That is why I made that request to Shizuma.
If the number of summoned units ever increases, and it becomes possible to grant them full wills, I asked him to prioritize summoning me.
“It is…truly a comforting thought. Not only Seimu, but even you staying in this country…” (Eltosia)
“Well, Seimu will continue traveling all over as an adventurer. So will the Brigade members-ja. In that case, at least one person should stay behind, yes?” (Rue)
“That is… indeed true.” (Eltosia)
“But I still have many things I must do. When the time comes for me to relocate here, I promise to inform you.” (Rue)
After saying so and making my excuses, I began looking for Melt-chan.
Mm, good. She’s with Commander Kres and her older sister, Captain Shuris.
With three such overwhelmingly beautiful women gathered together, I imagine it would take courage for any fool to try approaching them.
“Good evening. A pleasure to meet you, Shuris-dono.” (Rue)
Despite the three of them being together, I intentionally addressed Shuris-dono -the one I was meeting for the first time.
“Oh my… Well, well, Brigade Leader-dono. We were just hearing about you from Melt-chan. She told us you adore her as if she were your own granddaughter…” (Shuris)
“Yes indeed, Melt-chan is my precious granddaughter. Though of course…the others are all important companions as well.” (Rue)
“I see. Oh…my apologies for the late introduction. I am Shuris Veil, leader of the Glory Knights, an Adventurer Guild-affiliated clan.” (Shuris)
“Mm, I have heard about you from Seimu-ja. A clan that has treated him very well. Seimu will continue living in this country, in this city, so I look forward to your continued support-ja.” (Rue)
“But of course. Still…I see. Now that we are speaking up close, I can understand how someone like Seimu-san or Shilent-san could be following your lead… You’re merely standing there, yet even if I had a weapon on me right now, I cannot imagine myself winning.” (Shuris)
Quite a bold yet cautious woman. She was likely still wary of me.
Even if she trusted Shizuma when he acted as Seimu, she was still wary of his superior…me.
She must have formed several possible reasons for my arrival, imagining various scenarios in her mind.
Her tone, the slight movements of her eyes, shifts in her center of gravity…small cues told me everything.
“Oji-chan, Oji-chan…Bub— Shuris-san and Kres-san are sisters!” (Melt)
“Mm, so it seems-ja na. The two resemble each other. Standing side by side, their beauty is overwhelming even for me. Truly, it would not be an exaggeration to call them the treasured jewels of this country.” (Rue)
“Right? They’re both so cool and beautiful in their armor!” (Melt)
Their designs differed, but both wore dress armor.
One was the knight commander of the Holy Principality. The other, the leader of Lindblum’s top-tier adventurer clan.
Everyone knew they were pillars of the country.
And standing among them, Melt-chan was no longer just another attendee.
Naturally…I too had already been marked as one of the country’s most important figures.
And seeing Melt-chan call me “Oji-chan,” she would now be considered entirely within a safeguarded zone.
…With this, my true goal was fulfilled.
Just like how Still once protected Lindblum and Melt-chan from outside threats, now it falls to me to protect Melt-chan and this kingdom from those within.
“Oji-chan, try this! It’s really delicious!” (Melt)
“Oh? What is this, I wonder?” (Rue)
“That’s a dish made from steamed and strained duck innards. Ane-jou said it pairs excellently with wine.” (Kres)
“Oh-ho. Then let us try it.” (Rue)
And so, despite a few foolish nobles trying to flirt their way in, the announcement regarding the Dungeon Core concluded without issue.
—————–
“Then, thank you for everything. Melt-chan, Seimu should already be headed this way, so don’t worry.” (Rue)
“Got it. Oji-chan, be safe! See you again!” (Melt)
“A message from the Queen. She says that when you return to this country, an appropriate position can be prepared for you. Though I suspect you’ll decline. Ah…Rue-dono, may I give you a message as well? I want Shizuma-kun to visit next time. There are many things I wish to report.” (Kres)
The next day, at Lindblum’s eastern gate.
Melt-chan, Kokuri-san, and Shuris-san saw me off as I pretended to depart from Lindblum.
As always, I would enter through the rock door, take the underground passage, and this time exit from the west side…then re-enter Lindblum through the west gate as Seimu.
It was a bit of extra work, but taking precautions was only natural.
If summoned characters were allowed to fully manifest wills through Order Summon, it would all be simpler.
“Ugh… I still feel lonely. Oji-chan, one last hug!” (Melt)
“Hyoho! With pleasure!” (Rue)
Ah. I’ve died. I’ve died of happiness.
I hugged the innocent Melt-chan tightly as she clung to me, lifting her up with ease.
I should be grateful for my tall stature.
“Until next time, Melt-chan.” (Rue)
“See you again, Rue-ojichan!” (Melt)
…This was happiness-ja. Truly, I was allowed to experience a wonderful time.
Even if this was a story forced upon us, even if it was fictional, for us it was the accumulation of our history…our truth.
That is why this brief time that gave me a new family is the greatest treasure.
And that is why I will protect this country, this city…this place where my new family lives.
…Someday, once I obtain a body that can move freely again, I absolutely will…
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