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“Don’t you think that such important task isn’t the job of a retired knight?” (Phyrinion)
At the time the letter from Imeraria reached Phyrinion, being passed on from Caim who received it from Viine, it had been copied on a sturdy, thick parchment, obviously usable even as a document certifying a mission. Comprehending the instructions to be used for that important task, Phyrinion felt her stomach getting heavy like lead.
“It’s such an important job? As expected of you, miss…madam. Even after having retired, the trust in you by Her Majesty is still running deep.”
“The location was simply bad.” (Phyrinion)
As she keeps on reading the instructions, the discomfort in her stomach transforms into pain.
There are two major orders for Phyrinion. Monitoring the ruler of the demons and guiding them to the capital. In an enclosed memo was written, “Given that I’m requesting Alyssa’s cooperation, coordinate your actions with her.”
“Somehow it feels different from usual.” (Phyrinion)
Phyrinion felt uneasy towards the written details rather than the content of the letter.
The signature is definitely authentic, and since the sealing is something that can only be used by the queen, the possibility of it being a fake is low.
“Different, you say?”
“Hmm…how to express it? It has the feeling of being ordered, I guess? I’m simply surprised since her wording had more of a requesting tone before she succeeded the throne.” (Phyrinion)
“It’s a trifle change, isn’t it?” Phyrinion smiled at Clinora, but in her mind she was scared as she became aware of a different observation.
(If she uses a retired knight, the royal castle’s forces won’t be whittled down, even if the demons go on a rampage in worst case. Taking it a step further, she can even aim for a decline among the forces of the Tohno Earldom that boasts a higher military power than the royal castle…? This is definitely not the idea of Her Majesty.)
It’s said that the person appearing to be a demon, who brought the letter, withdrew without entering combat. There’s also the possibility of them lacking combat power, but the act of them simply choosing to escape without trying to hurt anyone means they are truly desiring a discussion, doesn’t it?
“…Though that’s no more than expectation based on hope. Clinora.” (Phyrinion)
She stands up from the chair and curls up the letter.
“I will go consult with Margrave Alyssa Tohno. Can you choose my clothes and accessories for the sake of welcoming the demons’ queen-sama at your own discretion?” (Phyrinion)
“D-Demons?” (Clinora)
“Indeed. Although I think that it’s no more than a honorific task, I will become a mediator, so I beg you as it will also place a burden on you, Clinora. If there are no good dresses and accessories among my things, go and buy them in Fokalore.” (Phyrinion)
Leaving the words, “Take all the guards along and make sure to take a breather with everyone while you’re at it,” Phyrinion headed toward Rhone’s temporary town hall.
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“Caim-san, what do you think?” (Alyssa)
“It’s a request by Her Majesty. I think it will be difficult to decline it. Also, only Fokalore’s soldiers and a part of the border guards directly dealt with the demons. Since there are no other forces that can take over that task either, I think it’s adequate to assume you taking charge will be connected to obtaining an immediate achievement, Alyssa-sama.” (Caim)
Following Phyrinion’s visit, Alyssa decided to hold a discussion using the council room. Caim and Miyukare are attending in addition to Phyrinion and Alyssa.
(For him to have come to Rhone…)
Phyrinion felt slightly uncomfortable due to Caim, who should have stayed back in Fokalore, being present.
“Sometimes it’s necessary to personally check the territory’s state of affairs. I have scruples to leave it all to my subordinates.” (Caim)
“…I haven’t said anything!” (Phyrinion)
Caim suddenly explains as if having read her mind.
Phyrinion was extremely bad with Caim’s type. If I’m completely honest, it’s the same with my husband too, but even if I can comprehend that Caim’s excellent, he has too many shady parts.
Though it’s an impression slightly influenced by the grudge of having been previously forced to study to the extent of her losing weight.
“It could also be a trap, right? Though I don’t want to split up the guards too much.” (Miyukare)
As the one in charge of military affairs, Miyukare cannot avoid feeling anxious about there being an attack when the defenses have been thinned out due to them acting as sacrificial pawns for someone that called herself queen.
“There’s no specification about the numbers in the request by Her Majesty. What kind of previous arrangements are to be used when welcoming the demons?” (Caim)
“Basically Her Majesty told to me to do the fine-tuning myself and to report it to the royal castle. I wholeheartedly want to let the demons know about our schedule of welcoming them, but…I wonder if there’s any means to get in contact with them?” (Alyssa)
“As for that, I have an idea. It would be easier if the madam was present, but…let’s leave the selection of the guards to Miyukare then.” (Caim)
“How about limiting it to 30 soldiers? What are we going to do about the traveling method?” (Miyukare)
“There are sightings of demons riding horses. It’s very likely that they will arrive on horse this time. For our soldiers, it’s the platform wagons. The personnel will be split into horse riders and platform wagon passengers.” (Caim)
As the details are quickly and efficiently decided, Alyssa silently nods in agreement. It’s best to leave the soldiers to Miyukare and the comprehensive support to Caim. It’s me who has to approve it anyway. I will hear about the truly important matters from Caim.
“Is it okay for me to go with them?” (Alyssa)
“On the contrary, the option to not go doesn’t exist for you. It’s a mission similar to having received a royal command from Her Majesty the Queen. The family head not leading the forces as noble will set a bad example to other nobles.” (Caim)
“I see.” (Alyssa)
Looking at Alyssa nodding while saying, “I got it,” Miyukare stood up full of vigor.
“T-Then, as support, I will also…” (Miyukare)
“Miyukare, please stay back here.” (Caim)
“Why!?” (Miyukare)
“Who’s going to put the guarding soldiers in order during the absence of Lord-sama? You are here for that reason, right?” (Caim)
Her state of gritting her teeth with an expression that made it all too obvious that she can’t agree with whats being said is the impersonation of the antonym of the word graceful.
“Miyukare-san, please.” (Alyssa)
“Understood…” (Miyukare)
As she’s unable to say anything else after being told so by Alyssa, she feebly sinks back down on her chair.
“That means it’s going to be a little less than 50 in total with all the soldiers and chamberlains centered around Alyssa-sama and Phyrinion-sama? Let’s have several staff members accompany them as well. It’s not a bad thing for them to see the royal capital. And, I have a suggestion, Phyrinion-sama.” (Caim)
“Eh? Ah, what might it be?” (Phyrinion)
Phyrinion, who dumbfoundedly stared at things being rapidly settled in front of her eyes, reset her brain in a hurry after the conversation suddenly turned her way.
“Since it’s such an occasion, how about having several elves and beastmen come along as representatives? As they are going to live on this land, they should probably be allowed to at least greet Her Majesty.” (Caim)
“For you to say something so outrageous without hesitation…”
Caim is implicitly saying to make the elves and beastmen help with the escorting. Having them help the country and crea
ting an excuse to meet with the queen is for the sake of showing off their usefulness as subjects of this country.
“According to what I heard, the elves have a history of having fought against the beastmen. Even the beastmen had disputes among the tribes in the wastelands. Won’t that serve as good advice?” (Caim)
“Caim…you are coming up with dangerous ideas that are no different from the previous Lord.” (Phyrinion)
“That’s amazing, isn’t it? It’s a really big help!” (Alyssa)
Phyrinion’s remark towards Caim was unnecessarily cynic, but Alyssa apparently took it as genuine compliment.
Once again Phyrinion’s stomach is exposed to stress.
“Anyway, I will ask for Her Majesty’s opinion on this matter. So, what shall we do about the communication with the demons?” (Alyssa)
“That’s simple. The demons have likely soldiers hiding to watch our movements on the other side of the border anyway. It will be fine if we throw a message with a weight attached at them.”
Except for Phyrinion, all those present nodded with an “I see.”
The former knight, who was worried about the way of treatment for letters between countries, seems to be in the minority in this place.
Summoned Slaughterer - Book 8 Page 18