Side: Fionha Reiga Jilva, Jilva III
King of the Jilva Empire
"So this is the intelligence unit's investigation report..."
"Yes. As unbelievable as it may seem, this is the information we've received."
Standing beside me was Air, the swordswoman said to surpass even Marley within this nation.
She too was a Magic Sword wielder, but because her aptitude came from commoner origins, she could not be entrusted with a military command. As a result, she now remained constantly at my side as my personal guard.
Truly, social status can be such a troublesome thing.
It was by no means a reflection of Marley or the Fire and Water sisters being inferior, but nobles are creatures who value prestige above all else. Even now, there are undoubtedly those who feel pushed into a corner, watching the Magic Sword wielders dominate the battlefield and monopolize all the military achievements.
However, no one openly harms magic sword weilders — after all, they are fellow nobles.
But because this girl, Air, lacked any noble backing, she faced the constant danger of being crushed from within by our own people. For that reason, I could not grant her an official military command that would yield public achievements and rewards.
Instead, I had her monitor our internal factions under the guise of information gathering—and it was through this that a bizarre report surfaced.
The parchment held in my hand read as follows:
Regarding the facts behind the retreat of the Wind Princess Knight Marley, as well as the retreat of the Fire and Water sisters.
I was already well aware that sentiment among the nobility regarding the Magic Sword wielders had taken a turn for the worse lately.
In truth, a single Magic Sword wielder is equivalent to ten thousand soldiers. Because of that, their existence has always been viewed with danger or subjected to intense jealousy. However, since they are on our side, no one would openly condemn them.
Furthermore, this rumor concerned the three Magic Sword wielders who had actually been entrusted with military commands.
The rumors claimed that the Wind Princess Knight had fled and come running back after being defeated by mere orcs. They also suggested that the Fire and Water sisters, who had taken over the mission immediately afterward, might actually be weak themselves and were currently fleeing from the orcs as well.
I originally believed this was simply a transparent scheme by the nobles to find a convenient point of criticism, strip them of their Magic Swords, and distribute them elsewhere.
However, the investigation had produced a different result.
The retreat of the Wind Princess Knight Marley is a fact. However, her opponent was not orcs, but seemingly a mercenary band.
It was information so preposterous that it was near impossible to believe on first read.
It claimed that a Magic Sword wielder leading 2,500 troops had lost to an enemy numbering a mere 150. Furthermore, it wasn't a tactical retreat; her forces were completely annihilated, and she herself was captured.
The report went on to state that after negotiations, Marley handed over Jessica in exchange for the return of her Magic Sword and her remaining soldiers.
"...What do you make of this?"
"...While not all the information may be accurate, this content is simply too absurd."
Just like me, Air found the report's claims utterly difficult to believe.
"This information was pried from one of Marley-sama's subordinates, meaning our spies have not verified the situation firsthand. There is a hypothetical report suggesting they were wiped out by a surprise attack, so it is highly likely the soldier who leaked this information was in a state of panic, leading to distorted misinformation."
"That would be the reasonable assumption. However, the fact that she was captured seems difficult to misunderstand, does it not?"
"If she had truly been captured, there should have been several deaths. Yet Marley-sama's forces only lost Jessica."
"Fumu... Meaning that rather than a capture, something else entirely took place?"
"Most likely. However, we cannot actively move to verify it. Doing so would spark rumors that the King doubts Marley-sama. Our primary objective is to protect our position as Magic Sword wielders, after all..."
"If she were to speak of it herself, that would be one thing, but we cannot summon her and interrogate her about something she is intentionally hiding."
"There have been no actual losses to our military strength, and as far as achievements go, she did bring back the heads of the orcs, so there should be no issue."
"Fumu... Let us consider Marley's matter settled for now. What are your thoughts regarding the Fire and Water sisters?"
"As demonstrated during their recent audience, those two possess an incredibly strong desire for advancement. They were practically provoking Marley-sama. Since they went out of their way to take over Marley-sama's assignment, they undoubtedly gathered a sufficient amount of intelligence before setting out. There is no need for concern."
"Indeed. There is absolutely no logic by which two Magic Sword wielders and an army of 5,000 could fall to a mere mercenary band. As long as those sisters bring back results, that is all that matters."
"Yes. It has already been nearly two months since the sisters set out with the army. It is entirely possible they have already taken action, achieved their results, and are currently making their way back to us."
"Hahaha. It takes roughly a month just to march to the designated city, you know? At that rate, they wouldn't even have time to engage the mercenary band. Unless, of course, you suggest they annihilated them in a single day and immediately turned back?"
"Those sisters might be capable of it."
"To think you would crack a joke. That is simply impossible. They would still need to scout the area. By my estimate, it will take at least another month."
Thus, both Air and I dismissed the matter as needless worry.
And with that, the report on the Magic Sword wielders concluded.
Just as I was about to listen to the remaining pieces of intelligence, the sound of frantic, rushing footsteps echoed from the corridor outside.
"Hmm? I believe I explicitly ordered that no one is to run in front of the council chamber."
"Strange. Your Majesty, please step back. There is always the possibility of danger."
Following Air's advice, I moved away from the entrance of the council chamber and positioned myself behind her.
While my own martial skill is more than enough to ensure I would not lose to a common soldier, as the King, it is unseemly to step forward recklessly. Furthermore, I had a Magic Sword wielder like Air right here. There was absolutely no reason for me to take the stage.
Shortly after, a knock rattled the door of the council chamber, followed by a voice from the outside.
"Your Majesty, an issue has arisen. May I enter to explain the situation?"
Air and I locked eyes and nodded.
Air's subordinates were supposed to be stationed outside; if there were an immediate threat, they would have eliminated it. Since they hadn't, it was likely just an ordinary soldier.
Still, one can never lose anything by remaining cautious.
"Very well. Enter."
The moment I gave the command, the door opened slowly and deliberately, perfectly adhering to proper Jilva etiquette.
Fumu, it was indeed just an ordinary soldier.
Air lowered her stance from her cautious guard.
"Now then, what has happened?"
Upon my inquiry, the soldier's face contorted into an awkward grimace, and he mumbled hesitately.
"P-People claiming to be mercenaries have forced their way into the royal castle."
"Fumu. Then suppress the insolent fools at once. Is there some problem?"
"W-Well... They cannot be stopped at all. Ordinary soldiers and even captains are no match for them. If possible, we would like to borrow Air-sama's strength..."
"My assistance?"
"Hou? To think the mercenaries who forced their way inside possess such formidable strength. Air, this is the perfect opportunity. Show my vassals the true extent of your power. It should go some way toward alleviating the stifling position you currently find yourself in."
"...Thank you, Your Majesty. In that case, guide me to where these mercenaries are."
"I shall accompany you as well. Though their actions are insolent, depending on how well Air handles them, I am not entirely opposed to lessening their sentence. Wahaha!"
And so, Air and I came face-to-face with the mercenaries right in the center of the throne room.
"Hou? So you've managed to make it this far."
"Hm?"
The one who replied was a man surrounded by women — both human and demi-human.
From his appearance, he looked like a perfectly ordinary man... no, his frame was rather slender. A man built like that wouldn't even be able to swing a sword properly.
Still, he wore clothing I had never seen before...
"So, who's this bearded old man?"
"You insolent—!"
"It's fine."
I stopped Air, who was about to leap forward.
It would be boring if it ended without any words exchanged.
"I am Jilva VIII, ruler of the Jilva Empire and king of this nation."
The moment I declared my title, the imperial soldiers who had been surrounding the mercenaries dropped to their knees and bowed their heads.
"Oh. Is that so? So, did you want to say something?"
Yet, that man casually tossed those words back at me as if it were absolutely nothing.
"Want, you say? There is no king who would overlook criminals who rudely break into the throne room and fail to show proper respect to the King."
"Hmm... So what happens if there's a king who can't judge criminals?"
What a strange man, giving such odd replies.
"Such a ruler would hardly be a king at all. His authority and power would be effectively ruined. Still, this conversation has not gone as I expected. Before we finish, perhaps I should at least hear your name."
"My name, huh? Mind if I ask why 'before we finish'?"
"You answer a king's questions with questions of your own. The reason is obvious. After such disrespect, there is no path left for you but death."
At my words, Air stepped forward.
"Eeehh? Again? Well, I figured this would happen... Alright, I choose Steve-kun."
"Ehhhh, me again?"
"I fought the last one myself, didn't I?"
"Well, that's true-ssu."
"Here, I also want to test if you can use that."
"Ah, so I'm the guinea pig again, huh."
A goblin just spoke!?
Moreover, it stepped forward and assumed a perfectly refined sword stance.
"How do I put it, magic sword wielders all seem to have slightly twisted personalities, don't they? This person feels kind of weird too-ssu."
The goblin then openly hurled an insult directly at Air.
What an interesting goblin... too bad he's about to die.
Air had already drawn her magic sword. There was no saving him now.
The next instant, Air's figure literally vanished from sight.
I was certain of our victory.
