Side: Yuki
The strategy meeting I’m currently attending as the representative is in complete chaos.
Though when I say chaos, it's not because the Jilva Empire’s front lines have collapsed or enemy forces are approaching.
"Enough! First, we should request Yuki-dono and his group to reinforce the Western Army—"
"—Don't speak utter nonsense! If anyone needs them, it would clearly be the Northern Army, where the stalemate has been dragging on for ages!!"
This is how they're arguing — fighting over where to deploy our forces.
As compensation for the previous incident, we've secured free movement within Jilva Empire territory, an official permit directly from the King, and support.
Of course, we also have unlimited access to the castle's archives. We're not touching anything classified though. Those kinds of things tend to drag you into trouble, so it's best to stay away.
Even if the secrets of the magic swords or the Dungeon Master might be in there... if such information existed, the magic swords would already be mass-produced, and the tactics using dungeons or the mana depletion problem would have been solved long ago. Therefore, we are strictly leaving them untouched for now.
Aside from that, we also received a handsome sum in reparations.
To put its value into perspective, it's an amount that would allow a single individual to comfortably live idling around for a decade, or sustain a mercenary band for about a year if we kept a tight budget.
This meeting is a separate matter — it's about requests for our mercenary band.
This way, under the guise of legitimate duty, we can receive various support from the Jilva Empire's headquarters without them giving us dirty looks.
Naturally, since this means participating in a war, it leaves a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, but we've been granted total freedom of movement and a reasonable degree of discretionary power over the results of any military achievements we secure ourselves.
In other words, if we happen to take any prisoners, we are entirely free to handle them as we see fit.
If any civilian massacres begin to break out, we have the authority to step in and put a stop to it, meaning our "freedom of movement" is the real deal.
Everyone was amazed that such outrageous demands had actually been approved. But from a ruler's perspective, there is absolutely no point in seizing new territory if the inhabitants are slaughtered, their personal property plundered, and their fields utterly ruined.
On this continent, it is common practice for the losing side to be thoroughly trampled, but rulers generally tolerate that simply as a way to allow the soldiers to blow off steam and console themselves after a brutal campaign. Therefore, if someone can reliably put a firm stop to such senseless destruction, it is actually a highly welcome proposition for the rulers and those at the top.
After all, it's better to extract taxes steadily over the long term than to plunder once and be done with it. Normally, there would be no way to enforce such restraint, but we're a different story.
"...How utterly ridiculous. Do you really think these eight people and one monster this man brought can turn the tide of war? You armchair generals who don't know the battlefield."
"Indeed. I hurried back due to His Majesty's urgent summons, only to find out this meeting is solely to decide who gets to take these mercenaries..."
The first one to speak up was General Yokiel Guzipper, the man entrusted with the Western Army.
He is a massive, solidly built man. He sports a beard, but it isn't unkempt by any means; it's neatly trimmed, giving him the distinct aura of a fine, distinguished middle-aged gentleman.
The one who spoke immediately after him was General Rou Marbek, the commander entrusted with the Northern Army.
While he is younger than General Yokiel, his gaze is exceptionally sharp. He is of average build and stands taller than me; though he wouldn't be classified as a massive man, he projects an incredibly intimidating presence.
If I were to spot either of these two out in public back in Japan, I wouldn't just pretend not to see them—I'd actively run away.
"In that case, Your Majesty, would you object if I were to take these mercenaries—or rather, Yuki and his companions—along with my forces?"
The one who made this proposal was none other than Marley.
She had been recalled to the capital from the frontlines where she was actively invading the neighboring Holy Nation of Enaria, and she was participating in this council with full knowledge of the outcome of our previous duel.
"Hah, that might actually be quite fitting for you, Marley-dono. After all, you were thoroughly bested despite wielding a Magic Sword. Having them by your side must feel exceptionally reassuring."
"The true details of that duel remain unknown to me, but I have no objections to Marley-dono taking them along. Introducing an outside force into a completely unfamiliar division is highly likely to cause unnecessary friction. Since they are already acquainted, it will undoubtedly make coordination much smoother for both parties."
General Yokiel's comment was pure provocation.
General Rou's opinion, however, was entirely reasonable.
"Fumu. Rou makes an excellent point. From what I can see, Yokiel doesn't seem particularly welcoming of them anyway. In that case, we shall proceed with Mary's request."
Well, this went pretty much exactly as I anticipated.
With this, our mercenary band will be accompanying Marley's army. Since she's someone we already know, it will make things vastly easier for us, which is a welcome outcome.
Under normal circumstances, we'd have to deal with our own allies actively dragging us down, and a reaction like General Yokiel's or General Lowe's is honestly the baseline standard. Having to waste time and effort trying to integrate into an entirely unfamiliar environment would be a massive pain. If our hands were tied up by tedious matters like that, our original objective would only drift further out of reach.
"So, we're going with Marly after all. When exactly do we depart?"
"Indeed. What I wish to request of your mercenary band, Yuki, is your support in launching our grand assault against the Holy Nation of Enaria."
Figured as much.
Choosing to attach us to an active field army rather than leaving us behind for defense means they want us to use our strength to break the stalemate for them.
"As for departure, I would like you to follow along with Marley's unit when they march out."
"Understood. So, when do you plan to head back?"
"Well... I'd like to leave immediately, but that's not really possible, is it?" Marley replied.
"Right. We need to notify the troops we left at the ruins and decide how many people we're bringing."
While the two of us were sorting out the final details, the King suddenly interjected, speaking up as if a certain thought had just crossed his mind.
"Oh, come to think of it, I almost forgot. I assume you don't intend to deploy your entire force to the frontlines, correct?"
"Hm? Yeah, we won't be bringing everyone. We still have to leave a defense force behind at the ruins."
"In that case, would you dispatch several units to the royal capital? Naturally, all expenses and wages will be paid."
"I don't mind, but what's the purpose? Training?"
"Sharp as ever. Yes. I intend to have them spar with your mercenary company to improve their capabilities. Would you accept?"
"No reason to refuse. The payment's good, and we'll need to discuss the details later anyway."
"Indeed. My apologies, Marley, but please wait roughly three days before departing."
"Yes, Your Majesty. That will not be an issue at all."
* * *
And just like that, our immediate future was decided.
As for what we were doing now...
"I see. So that is the direction we are moving in."
The moment Tori murmured her reply, her voice was instantly swallowed by the absolute silence of the room.
We were currently inside the repository located deep within the Jilva Royal Castle.
Calling it something as fancy as an "archive" or a "library" would be a massive overstatement... it was simply a room where various books and historical chronicles penned by the Jilva Empire were piled around rather haphazardly...
Still, the collection was substantial. Which was why we were conducting our investigation through sheer manpower.
"Still, once those three days are up, we're going to have to split ourselves into a departure group and a research group."
Yes, the decision made during the earlier council meeting meant our forces would be divided. We have to figure out who is going to stay behind here to continue the research, or whether we should just pull a dedicated investigation team over from Weed to handle the grunt work.
Personally, I'm heavily leaning toward pulling a research team from Weed. I have absolutely no desire to scatter my wives—who represent our core combat strength—just to have them sit around sorting through dusty documents.
"I absolutely want to be on the departure team!!"
Riel, who had been slumped face-first over a massive pile of books, let out a loud groan as she bolted upright.
Well, considering this work is practically identical to tedious clerical filing, I can't exactly blame her for hating it...
"By the way, have we found anything particularly noteworthy in these materials so far?"
"My apologies. We have yet to find anything that stands out as significant."
Sheila emerged from between the tightly packed bookshelves, cradling a massive tome in her arms.
"I didn't expect us to stumble upon valuable information that easily. It might actually be better to read through the general history books or even local fairy tales to see if we can spot any bizarre discrepancies."
"...What do you mean?"
Labyris emerged as well, holding a few volumes of her own.
"Stories—especially fairy tales—often condense lessons or real events into simplified forms. Comparing them with Jilva Empire historical records might lead to some interesting discoveries."
"...I don't really understand."
"Sometimes, information is intentionally omitted from official records. For instance, you might find an event that is widely and vividly detailed across popular folklore, yet the formal history books completely omit even a single mention of it."
"Ah, I see. Which means that very absence makes it highly suspicious in reverse. Information isn't strictly limited to what is explicitly written down, then."
"Exactly what Sheila said. In short, just make sure to look at everything from a variety of different angles."
As I was explaining my reasoning, the sound of multiple frantic, pattering footsteps suddenly echoed from the deeper rows of the bookshelves.
"Onii-chan!!"
"Anii-sama!!"
"What's wrong?"
""We found a story called The Thirteen Holy Swords!!""
Holy Swords?
Could that actually be a reference to the Magic Swords?
Also, why 13? At least make it seven or something... The more there are, the more of a pain it is.
I took the book that Aslin and Filia held out to me and looked it over. The cover was completely tattered and worn out, to the point where the title was barely legible.
Oh, by the way, as for the written script utilized across this continent, I had previously asked Luna to grant us the ability to read and comprehend it properly.
"This is... quite heavily used."
Carefully, I opened the cover, making sure the fragile pages wouldn't tear apart.
The underlying premise of the story was remarkably simple.
—Thirteen Holy Swords had been bestowed by the gods.
—The people who received them used those swords to establish a single nation.
—However, that prosperity did not last forever.
—The thirteen Holy Swords eventually scattered throughout the world and now awaited the day they would gather once more.
—And when that day came, peace would return to the continent again.
...I'll need to verify whether this story is widely known among the populace.
In any case, the magic swords are strangely involved again.
Looks like I was right not to dismantle them recklessly.
