Side: Miffy Beiges Jilva

5th Princess of the Jilba Empire – 8th in Line for the Throne

"What did you say!?"

At the time, I was studying abroad in one of our allied nations.

Even though our days are constantly filled with war, that doesn't mean our empire lacks the luxury to raise excellent soldiers.

The Knight Academy.

A place where those destined to command future military units gather to hone their skills.

...Naturally, the imperial capital of Jilva has its own prestigious knight academy.

However, under Father's policy, I was ordered to study at the knight academy of one of our allied countries to broaden my abilities.

Partly it was surely to demonstrate goodwill toward our allies, but since I was the one who insisted on becoming a knight, it was probably also his way of saying that I should be capable of enduring a long assignment like this.

However, my studies abroad were cut short before the academy's long vacation even began... The reason was a single letter addressed to me—the sender was one of my personal spies stationed in Jilva Royal Castle.

You may wonder why I'd have spies in my own country, but in these troubled times, being royalty means you never know when an assassin's blade may be turned against you—or when one of your own family members may be murdered.

Moreover, it's a troublesome situation where you don't know who is friend or foe. Because of that, it is only natural for every prince and princess to have one or two spies they trust personally.

The letter from my spy read as follows:

A group of mercenaries forced their way into Jilva Royal Castle and caused a great disturbance.

We are still investigating the details, but it appears they even entered the audience chamber while His Majesty was present.

Despite this outrageous act, the king did not punish the mercenaries in any way. From all appearances, something extraordinary must have occurred.

As a precaution, Princess Miffy, I urge you to return immediately.

The personal spies serving the other princes and princesses have likely sent similar reports, but given everyone's current circumstances, Your Highness is probably the only one able to return quickly.

We leave this matter in your hands.

For someone to commit an outrage right in front of my father—the King of the Jilva Empire—and still have their head attached to their shoulders is an absolute anomaly. Given my father's temperament, they should have been executed on the spot.

After reading the letter, I concluded without a doubt that Father had found himself in a situation where he could not act freely... However, leaving this matter unaddressed would severely damage the prestige of the Jilva Empire.

In that case, I would pass judgment in Father's stead.

That was the role suited to someone like me—a princess with almost no chance of inheriting the throne, who had chosen instead to become a knight.

Naturally, I immediately left my room, claiming an urgent personal matter as I departed from our allied nation. I brought only the minimum number of guards—those capable of keeping pace with my horse. Thanks to that, we traversed what normally took a month and a half in just two weeks.

"Listen carefully. First, we'll approach the royal castle openly through the front gate. There's a chance that even the people inside the castle have already become our enemies, so stay alert."

""Yes, Your Highness!""

"Normally, I ought to establish contact with my spy first. But right now, we have no idea what the internal state of the castle looks like, and my spy might not even be safe. If we blindly reach out, the enemy could exploit that connection to lure us into a trap. Therefore, we will go openly from the front to gauge the situation. That way, a crowd of citizens will naturally gather, making it easier for us to escape if necessary."

Dragging civilians into this wasn't something I wanted to do. But if we tried to slip in through secret routes only to be ambushed, our small party would have no escape.

So instead, we'd deliberately gather a crowd of citizens as we approached the castle. If I openly announced my return through the front entrance, those inside would be forced to react—whether as allies or enemies.

If they welcomed us, then all was well.

If they tried to seize us instead, we'd disappear into the crowd.

I may not be on the level of Magic Sword wielders like Marley, Olive, Mist, or Air... but Jessica, who could even exchange several blows with Magic Sword wielders, had praised my swordsmanship.

Even if something happens, I have no intention of going down easily.

"Huh? Isn't that Miffy-sama?"

"You're right! But wasn't she studying abroad?"

Seeing me, the citizens began murmuring.

Judging from their reactions, just as my spy had written, the incident at the castle was still under investigation.

A strict information blackout must have been imposed... At least on the surface, the royal capital remained peaceful.

"Citizens of the empire, I have returned for a brief matter of business. If you don't mind, would you care to chat with me for a bit while walking to the castle gates?"

"Waaai! It's Miffy-sama!"

"Have you grown a little bigger since I last saw you?"

"Yep! I'm gonna get even bigger and fight beside you someday, Miffy-sama!"

"Ara? How dependable."

I gently lifted the familiar little girl into my arms.

There was a reason the citizens treated a member of the royal family like me with such familiarity.

Because my value as royalty was low, I was often assigned to mingle directly with the people. Even if something happened to me, it wouldn't greatly affect the kingdom. So I actively interacted with the citizens to strengthen their patriotism.

...Though to be honest, I genuinely enjoyed these moments myself.

My older brothers and sisters with higher succession rights could never experience something like this.

"Miffy-sama, I'm so sorry about my daughter..."

"It's quite alright. She's absolutely adorable. By the way, I returned because of some business. Has anything unusual happened in the capital lately?"

"No, nothing at all. Thanks to all of you, the capital has remained peaceful."

"I'm glad to hear that. Still, I'll have to work even harder to make sure everyone can continue living safely."

"I'll help too~!!"

"Thank you."

While having such lighthearted conversations, I arrived at the royal castle gate, said my farewells, and entered.

The soldiers who came out to greet me saluted and let me in without any apparent issues.

...Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I suppose I'll just have to ask Father directly.

Fortunately, none of the guards directed killing intent toward us, and with the information blackout apparently working properly, the inside of the castle also appeared normal.

Unable to suppress my impatience any longer, I ran straight toward Father's office.

"Father!! I heard some mere mercenaries caused trouble at the castle, so I hurried back at once!!"

I threw open the door and said that to my father, but the reply I received was

"Depart immediately to join the Magic Sword wielder, General Marley!!"

Slamming his hand down, he tore up a sheet of parchment he had been writing on and issued that sharp directive.

"Huh? Wait, um, Father, what about the mercenaries?"

"Hm? Ah, so your spy sent you a report. Then I suppose I must explain that as well. For now, sit down. I'll explain both that and the order I just gave you. They're not unrelated."

"Miffy-sama, please take a seat for the time being. This will be a lengthy explanation."

"...Understood."

As I take my seat, Air steps forward and serves a cup of black tea.

Taking the opportunity, I take a sip of the tea to compose myself. If I don't, it feels like Father won't begin speaking.

"Now then... where shall I begin... Fumu... Let's start with the mercenaries you were so concerned about."

"Yes, I would highly appreciate an explanation regarding that. For them to commit an outrage right before Your Majesty's presence, and within the Audience Chamber no less, without facing any punishment... This severely impacts the prestige of our empire."

"If that were true. But in reality, it's different. First, the problem was that we treated those mercenaries—or rather, our relatives—with disrespect."

"...What do you mean?"

"I don't know whether you've heard this before, but a long time ago—though not quite ancient history, about four generations past—a faction of our royal family set out on a journey bound for a new continent. Are you familiar with this?"

"I know a little about it... But I was told they all perished before reaching their destination."

"As it turns out, they survived. And they arrived bearing the royal crest of that era alongside the official mandates drafted during that time."

"No way..."

"The gate guards reacted much the same. So I personally examined the evidence and acknowledged its authenticity. Those people merely wished to offer their assistance and deliver the words left behind by their ancestors to Jilva."

"So that's what happened... But that alone isn't reason enough for a gag order, is it?"

"Because descendants of the former royal family would naturally possess claims to the throne. And you understand what would happen if even more people suddenly acquired succession rights under the current circumstances."

"Yes."

"That is precisely why. Though they are descendants of the old royalty, they came strictly to assist Zilva in accordance with their ancestors' final words. They have absolutely no desire to bring chaos to their motherland. So, I issued a gag order. By doing so, even if a faction attempts to elevate them as rulers of Jilva, it is not public knowledge, and the descendants themselves will flatly deny it."

I see...

So it was simply a measure to bypass pointless political complications.

"I understand the situation regarding the mercenaries now. But what of your command for me to join General Marley?"

"That's also related. General Marley, General Olive, General Mist, and the mercenaries we just discussed have successfully secured the area around Betan in Enaria."

"Is that true!? So that's why three Magic Sword wielders were gathered together... So, the Empire intended to launch a full-scale invasion of Enaria, huh... And those mercenaries are participating as well."

"Correct. We successfully seized Enaria territory, but the Enaria army has formed a recapture force and is coming seriously. Over 100,000 troops led by the twin-sword magic swordsman General Prism."

"That is... What is the total count of General Olive's forces?"

"Including the occupation forces sent, around 50,000 at most."

"...You said around Betan?"

"Yes. And that force is further split between two towns and a fortress."

It's a hopeless situation.

This cannot be overturned...

"I highly doubt I can be of any significant help even if I go. Given the timeline of your explanation, hasn't the enemy's offensive already commenced by now?"

"Hahaha. It seems your studies as a knight still have a ways to go. Ordinarily, yes—the battle would already have begun, making reinforcements meaningless. However, the enemy encountered an unexpected natural disaster and has been brought to a standstill."

"A disaster?"

He explained that because of that disaster, the Enarian army of 100,000 had disappeared.

However, given the limited troops under General Marley's command, they cannot afford to recklessly deploy scouting parties, so they are prioritizing the fortification of their defensive lines.

The enemy had likely received the same report and was probably dispatching reinforcements as well.

"Understood. You want me to buy time, correct?"

"Umu. You understand well."

In other words, use me as bait to buy time until reinforcements arrive.

Even though our nations are at war, if a member of the enemy's royal family approaches with a tiny escort requesting diplomatic dialogue, a major power cannot simply ignore them.

A great nation has to maintain its prestige and face before the surrounding countries.

If they treat a visiting royal with negligence or execute them outright, they will be branded as cowards by the rest of the world.

At worst, even if I am killed, they can use my death to temporarily rally the soldiers' morale and hold the line until reinforcements arrive.

Alternatively, it could be used as the perfect political justification to retreat, framing the enemy as ruthless savages who refuse to honor the rules of engagement.

"Very well. I shall begin my preparations for departure immediately."

"I leave this in your hands. We have finally secured a crucial foothold into Enaria. This shall serve as the grand stage to put the knightly prowess you have studied to the ultimate test. However, do not be hasty; maintain your composure."

"Yes, Father."

"General Marley, General Olive, General Mist, and those mercenaries are all present on the field. Do not commit any foolish blunders that might disrupt their established chain of command."

"I am well aware."

"Very well. I shall draft an official document explaining your deployment. Take it with you and depart."

I nod firmly and set out to begin my preparations.

This would be my first major battle... Excitement welled up inside me.

After all the Magic Sword wielders whom I respected so greatly would all be there.

And Jessica—the knight capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with them.

Without a doubt, it is a grand gathering of Jilva's absolute finest military assets.

* * *

Side: Fionha Reiga Jilva (Jilva III)

Watching Miffy depart from the office, I immediately pulled out a fresh sheet of parchment and reached for my pen.

...Only for my hand to stop.

The reason was...

"Oh, crap!! I just blurted out a mountain of random nonsense, but do you happen to remember the exact details of what I just said, Air!?"

"Yes, I remember perfectly. Did you come up with that lie entirely on the spot, Your Majesty?"

"I did. But don't you think it's a remarkably brilliant cover story?"

"Yes, I must agree. Had you left things as they were, Miffy-sama would have undoubtedly picked a fight with Yuki and his companions the moment she arrived."

"Exactly. That is an outcome we must avoid at all costs. Furthermore, to ensure she recognizes Yuki and the others without treating them with foolish arrogance, that was the only viable narrative I could spin."

"Perhaps it would be best to outline that exact context first? Knowing Yuki and his companions, they will likely adapt and play along with the narrative on their end."

"...True. Let us make sure to detail that point first. We must avoid turning those mercenaries into our enemies at all absolute costs."

First, I pen a strict instruction to Marley, detailing that she must thoroughly explain the narrative to the mercenaries. Following that, I outline the strategic reason behind sending Miffy as a diplomatic shield.

"Truth be told, I feel those mercenaries could probably handle this whole situation on their own..."

Having finished writing the order — or rather, the plea to Yuki and the others — I muttered.

"...While that might be slightly overestimating them, it is true that even I stood completely powerless before them. However, even if they could, they probably understand the implications and won't do it."

As Air says, it would be a problem if those mercenaries single-handedly repelled an army of over 100,000.

It would damage the country's prestige, and the mercenaries' goal of using this country would collapse.

Well, that's why I left the town of Betan to them.

As long as that town doesn't fall, the Enarian army cannot advance.

"...Now then, will our reinforcements manage to arrive in time, or will we be forced to preserve our military assets by using Miffy as a shield?"

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect them to seize the entire Betan area so effortlessly.

Was it the combined strength of our three Magic Sword wielders, or was it entirely thanks to those mercenaries...?

Whatever the case may be, this outcome has effectively erased any political justification to penalize the Magic Sword wielders.

For now, let us pray that we successfully weather this critical juncture without further incident.

* * *

Side: Marley Heat

"It is an immense honor to have you join us here personally, Miffy-sama."

"No, General Marley. The honor is mine. As someone aspiring to become a knight, I am delighted to stand beside you on the battlefield."

Princess Miffy and I spoke like this as we received the King's order letter.

"Father—His Majesty the King of the Jilva Empire—entrusted me to deliver this order. Kindly review its contents."

"Understood. I have firmly received it. There is no mistaking the King's personal wax seal."

I followed proper procedure, confirmed it was the King's letter, and checked for any signs of tampering.

Then I slowly opened it and read the contents.

"!?"

I was shocked by the contents.

"It is only natural that you are startled. However, General Marley, should the absolute worst come to pass, do not hesitate to utilize me as a shield."

"No, it's not that part that's shocking..."

"Huh?"

"Ah, no, I understand completely... I have firmly acknowledged your resolve. However, I swear that I will never allow matters to reach that point."

"Thank you. By the way... Where are those mercenaries? Though we are only connected through our ancestors' bloodline, I would still like to personally thank them for rushing all this way to help us."

""Huh?""

Oh no.

Olive and Hivia, standing beside me, both stared blankly in complete confusion.

"M-My apologies. They are currently stationed in Betan. General Mist is also busy strengthening the defenses of another town, so neither of them is here at the moment. However, we have a strategy meeting scheduled soon. You should be able to meet them then. For now, Miffy-sama, please get some rest."

"Understood. I'll look forward to meeting them... Sigh. Then I shall gladly take up your offer and rest. After forcing ourselves to march all the way here, I'm exhausted."

Thanks to Princess Miffy being tired, it seems the two's confused voices didn't reach her.

"What was that all about, Marley?"

"I was completely left in the dark as well..."

Olive and Hivia approach me, tilting their heads in utter confusion.

"Both of you, just read this for now..."

I handed them the King's letter.

Their reactions were even stronger than mine.

""Pfft—!!""

Their reaction was even stronger than mine.

"T-This is incredible. I would have spat my drink out..."

"M-My apologies, I lost my composure..."

"No, had I not been standing directly in front of the Princess, I don't think I could have contained myself either."

I mean, look at the contents...

...For those reasons, in order to make efficient diplomatic use of Miffy, I went ahead and told her that Yuki and his mercenaries are actually long-lost relatives of our royal bloodline.

Therefore, before Miffy and Yuki actually meet face-to-face, make absolutely sure to explain the situation to Yuki's side so they don't accidentally blow our cover. I'm counting on you.

The letter detailed that exact scenario, followed by the specific tactical guidelines for utilizing Princess Miffy as a diplomatic shield to hold the line.

"...Wouldn't explaining this ridiculous story actually be more difficult?"

"Well, if we explain, those people will probably go along with it. After all, we can't leave an army of 100,000 plus reinforcements entirely to them."

"Then I'll leave the explanation to Hivia."

"Eh!?"

And so, we ended up holding a long meeting over who would go explain to Yuki and the others.

* * *

Side: Yuki

"Hoh, what are we having today?"

"Today it's hamburg steak."

"Hamburg... steak?"

"The main ingredient is beef. We're using cattle that were culled in this town."

"...The meat from culled cattle isn't very good quality, you know?"

"That's where cooking comes in. With hamburg steak, you mince the meat, knead it together, and grill it. Whether the meat is tough or not doesn't really matter. Then you adjust the flavor with seasonings and the like, and it turns out pretty good."

As I spoke, I kneaded the meat into patties.

"Still... you truly are remarkably dexterous. To think you possess knowledge of so many diverse dishes."

"That's my line. I've never heard of a feudal lord who casually cooks this well."

Standing beside me, Horst was following my instructions as he cooked.

"Haha! I used to serve in the military in my younger days, you see. I've handled my fair share of mass field kitchen duties back then."

"Now that is a trait I can genuinely respect."

"I am deeply honored by your praise."

Two grown men, completely decked out in matching aprons, working side-by-side in a kitchen.

While it is an incredibly bizarre sight to behold, moments like this have a charm of their own.

"Anii-sama! We're having hamburg steak today!?"

"I'll help too!!"

"Fufu... A hamburger steak needs a fried egg."

The three little ones offered to help.

"Yes, yes. You three, wash your hands properly first."

"We've got aprons ready over here."

Ria and Jessica, who were already helping nearby, immediately took care of them.

"Moments like this truly are delightful."

"Yeah."

"Even though the war has not yet officially concluded, to experience such a vibrant, cheerful atmosphere... I am entirely convinced that throwing my lot in with you, Lord Yuki, was the absolute correct choice."

"We haven't seen the final results of this campaign yet, you know."

"If one cannot foresee the ultimate outcome after witnessing everything you've displayed thus far, they are nothing short of a fool."

"Anyway, let's hurry up and make enough for everyone."

"Indeed. In war, the stomach comes first."

Laughing heartily, the two men mass-produced hamburg steaks on a grand scale.

"...It's really lively. If only I'd thrown scissors back then..."

It was just as the hamburg steaks were finished that I received word that a certain older-sister-type Magic Sword wielder had been acting suspiciously outside and had been stopped for questioning.