Side: Yuki
The Marauder rolled leisurely across the wasteland.
Behind us, the goblins followed on other Marauders.
"This really is an incredibly convenient vehicle, isn't it?"
Mist, sitting in the back seat, said that.
Well, anyone in this world would think so. It's a means of transportation completely beyond common sense here.
It runs faster and longer than a horse, and possesses defensive durability that won't budge from a few blows. I'd almost forgotten because it happened so long ago, but it can even run over trolls, so technically it has offensive power too.
On Earth it would be nothing more than transportation, but thanks to magic and skills like the Item Box, even a Marauder can serve as a transport vehicle. We've been researching ways to combine science and magic, but this is probably the easiest result to understand.
Everything develops best when it's balanced... I'm not saying going all-in on one thing is bad, though.
Anyway.
We're currently heading towards our destination town.
The 2,500 soldiers scheduled to be stationed there departed with us, but there was no way they could keep up with the vehicles, so they'll arrive several days later.
We're going ahead first to establish an acceptance framework and speak with the town's representatives and lord. Some soldiers who handled the surrender negotiations are already stationed there, but complicated matters need to be handled by Mist and us.
...Honestly, why do I have to do politics in someone else's land?
"So, the town we're being entrusted with is called Betan, right?"
"Why are you going to the smaller town then, Mist? I figured you'd take charge of the larger one."
Yes. For some reason, we were being entrusted with the larger town.
Normally, Mist—being part of the regular imperial army—should be the one governing it. In fact, leaving a mercenary group in charge of a whole town is just weird to begin with.
"That's a precautionary measure, in case something happens."
"Ah. In case the enemy attacks, or the surrounding area turns hostile?"
"Your understanding is quick, which helps. There are two main things we need to be wary of going forward. First, enemy forces attempting to retake the area. Second, rebellion or betrayal from within the town itself. Neither town suffered significant damage this time. In a sense, their political judgment was excellent. However, that's also a source of concern for us."
"So you picked us because if the town turns hostile, we'd have the best chance of breaking out?"
"Exactly. With my abilities, I don't have confidence that I could safely escape from a large town with only a small escort force. That's why I apologize, but I'd like to take the smaller town."
"I see, I see. I get the logic. But if we handle this wrong, won't the locals get frustrated and start pushing back if we make weird demands?"
"It might actually be worse than that. The town may begin requesting supplies and financial assistance from us."
"Like claiming the town has become poor because of this war?"
"Yes. They probably won't openly rebel, but they'll test us to see how we intend to treat them. I can't leave those kinds of negotiations to Onee-sama or Marley-sama."
"Yeah... they'd probably accidentally let the city drain all supplies dry."
Those responsibilities were completely outside their area of expertise. We were simply the least bad option.
If they insisted on preserving appearances, all the gains they'd earned might disappear... Though honestly, they'd already lost any claim to appearances when they lost to us in the first place.
"And that's exactly why a mercenary group is perfect."
"Since on paper, a regular mercenary wouldn't have any real authority to make big decisions. Perfect cover, huh?"
"Right. We know you guys have ridiculous amounts of authority, Yuki, but the outsiders don't. They won't expect an outsourced mercenary group to hold that much power."
"So they'll just think we were put there as simple watchdogs."
"Yes. But I will personally tell the lord to follow your instructions, Yuki. After that, it's all up to how you want to handle it."
"Got it."
While we talked, the vehicle reached Betan in less than four hours.
"The speed truly is astonishing."
"Set that aside for now. More importantly, we should probably stop around here, the guys up ahead look pretty hostile."
Soldiers were pouring out of the city gates one after another.
"Ah, yes. Let's get out for now... What's going on? There should already be stationed soldiers here who informed them of our arrival."
"They probably told them, but nobody believed it."
"Ah, that might be it... Look, our soldiers are bowing their heads over there."
Looking closely, one of our armored soldiers was desperately shouting something to the soldiers coming out of the gate, and one of them was bowing repeatedly toward us.
Poor fellows.
With no other choice, Mist, Ria, Jessica, Tori, and I got out of the car and walked toward the gate.
"Mist-sama, my apologies! The people of Betan seem to be very wary of the vehicle!"
"We were somewhat inconsiderate as well. Thank you for your efforts."
"Chatting leisurely is fine, but do something about these hostile people. Or should we annihilate them?"
While Mist was listening to the explanation, we'd already been surrounded.
It looked like they were doubting whether she was actually the Magic Sword wielder and whether the others were truly her escorts.
"Please don't. They already submitted peacefully. That would make all of that meaningless."
Mist drew her Magic Sword and fired a massive stream of water straight up into the sky. The surrounding soldiers instantly broke out into panicked whispers.
"As you can see, I am the Magic Sword wielder, Mist. I am here to speak with the lord. Clear the way!!"
The moment she declared that, the soldiers quickly backed off, opening a path straight to the gate. Standing right at the entrance was a single man.
"We have been expecting you, Mist-sama. Please accept my apologies for the rudeness of my men. We were in a state of war until just recently, so I beg for your understanding."
The man quickly sputtered out his apologies and bowed to Mist as she approached.
Judging by his appearance, he's probably...
"We were somewhat lacking in consideration ourselves. Their reaction is understandable. May I ask your name?"
"Yes, thank you for your understanding. I am Horst Arnes, the lord of this city and the surrounding region."
As expected, the lord.
However, to stand here without even a single guard nearby — either he has quite the courage, or it's a calculated move.
"I have confirmed your submission. I will now issue orders."
"Yes. As long as the citizens are kept safe, we will do whatever you command."
"From this point forward, you are to follow the guidance of this mercenary group led by Yuki and work to protect and develop the city."
"...Excuse me?"
The lord looked genuinely shocked.
His eyes darted back and forth between me and Mist, looking like he thought she was playing a massive joke on him.
"It is exactly as I said. They will be the representatives of the garrison stationed here in Betan. I will be heading over to Sueit now, so I leave things in your hands. They might be mercenaries, but they are highly educated individuals, so they won't make unreasonable demands. If any major problems arise, send a messenger to Sueit."
"Y-Yes, I understand..."
His expression clearly said he didn't understand, but neither could he object.
After all, it's only natural for anyone to be confused when told that a mercenary band will govern the town.
"I will head to Sueito now. I will send regular contact. Yuki-san, I'm counting on you here."
"Eh?"
"Yeah, leave it to me. Stay safe over there too."
"Yes, please take care."
Leaving the stunned lord behind, Mist hopped straight into the Marauder with Britt and quickly leaves.
"Well, that's how it is. I look forward to working with you from now on, Horst Arnes-san."
"Ah... yes. Likewise."
"Anyway, standing around talking out here isn't going to get us anywhere. Do you have a place we can sit down? I'm sure we both have a lot we want to discuss."
"You are quite right. It seems you are our primary negotiator now, Yuki-dono."
"Go easy on me."
"The same to you. Please bring the vehicles behind you as well. I will guide you inside."
As expected of someone rumored to be highly capable, he shifted gears pretty fast.
Now then, I wonder what exactly we're supposed to do with this town. Before we make any moves, I guess I'll have to hear what this Horst Arnes guy has to say first.
"You heard that. Be careful not to run over any soldiers."
『Got it~! Leave it to me.』
I used Call, and Riel's carefree voice came through.
"Well, it'll work out somehow. In the worst case, we can just crush them."
"I don't know if Riel's voice has relaxed you, but please don't say things like that. The fact that you actually possess the power to do it is exactly what terrifies me."
Jessica forced a strained smile beside me.
“It's a joke. Besides, Jessica, if you wanted to, you could do it too.”
"I know that intellectually, but it really doesn't feel real to me at all."
"Yeah, I bet."
While talking like this, we entered the town under the lord's guidance.
