Kays Translations

Chapter 66: Speculations

　◇ [Arthur's point of view]

　——The day after parting with Takumi.

Mary and I were in a forest about a day's walk away from the royal capital of Melkid.

We had been dropped off by the dragon in a location a little further away from here.

Approaching the capital any further would be risky, even if we used perception-inhibiting magical tools. There is a chance someone might spot us riding on the dragon.

　

　After taking a break, we ran back to the capital.

By the time we arrived in the capital, it was already past noon.

Compared to when I was an adventurer, my body has become sluggish.

But running this distance with light equipment is not a big deal.

As soon as we entered the city, we rented horses and made our preparations at the mansion before heading to the castle.

“Oniisama, something seems off in the city. It feels tense.” 

"So you sense it too Mary? There are noticeably fewer military personnel. And... did you happen to see any adventurers since we entered?"

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen any. Could it be..."

"I have a bad feeling about this. We need to meet His Majesty at once."

 ◇

　—Melkid Castle

"Arthur, you've returned. I'm glad."

His Majesty appeared without his usual vigor, looking thin and worn out.

Dark circles had formed under his eyes, and his voice lacked its usual strength.

In just half a month since we parted... what on earth had happened?

"Your Majesty, please forgive us for returning without capturing the bandits."

"That doesn't matter now. What matters is Eldor. She declared it a defensive war and led our army and adventurers to the border with the demons."

"What happened to General Gibson? The general has great popularity among the soldiers. I can't imagine he would listen to what Eldor, the ambassador of the Elven race, had to say."

His Majesty trembled, his shoulders shaking, and his face flushing.

"...It was Gibson who came up with this plan! And he came to report it after the army had already started marching. No one would think that Gibson moved the army without my permission. The higher-ups in the military still believe they are following my orders. Eldor must be behind this, without a doubt. But why would Gibson... betray me!?"

Gibson, who epitomized loyalty, betrayed them?

Despite his deep hatred for the Elven race…could such a thing happen?

"Gibson-san... something like that", Mary couldn't hide her surprise and let her words slip through the telepathy.

"I don't doubt Your Majesty's words, but is there a possibility that General Gibson's strategy is aimed at countering Eldor's plot?"

"Arthur, I understand your feelings towards Gibson, whom you admire like a father. However, I find him terrifying. Occasionally, he looks at me with eyes filled with murderous intent."

I want to believe that it's just His Majesty's imagination, but this fear is abnormal.

Considering the fact that the soldiers have moved, His Majesty's words seem more likely to be true.

In my speculation, the plan was for the Melkid Kingdom's army to defend the border while adventurers would initiate a coup on the vulnerable capital.

　I thought Eldor's strategy was very much in this line.

　However, they even took the adventurers to the border... Why?

What are you thinking Eldor?

"What should I do? At the border, our combined forces of the Melkid Kingdom's army, adventurers, and the Elven army will surely annihilate the demon forces. The united forces might then turn around and attack this capital, wouldn't they?"

If Gibson betrayed us, there is indeed a possibility.

He is the person who helped me when I first came to this world, my benefactor, mentor, and family.

I can't believe he would betray them. No, there must be something more to it.

Regardless, I want to speak with Gibson directly.

"Your Majesty, I will join the Melkid Kingdom's army and take command in place of General Gibson to prevent the army from abandoning the kingdom. Even if we don't know General Gibson's true intentions, this will help prevent a rebellion. Could I ask for your imperial decree?"

"Understood. I will arrange it immediately."

　If Gibson's strategy was aimed at countering the Elven race, I would be willing to collaborate with him.

If he did betray them... this might be the last chance to persuade him.

"Brother, how about reporting the alliance matter to His Majesty? It could be seen as a positive development for him."

I had doubts about reporting it at this timing, but Mary was right. It could be a positive factor for His Majesty at this moment.

"Your Majesty, I have a report regarding the Dwarf and Demon alliance."

Without mentioning Takumi and Mia's names, I explained the situation to His Majesty, framing it as an alliance with the Dwarf race's ambassador.

The potential to reduce reliance on magical tools with the new technology from the Dwarves.

　The possibility of a military and technological alliance between the Dwarves and Demons.

Mary also provided support as if she was waiting for this opportunity.

At first, His Majesty seemed hesitant, but gradually his expression became serious, and the atmosphere changed.

When I showed him the artifact made of the flexible wood, His Majesty seemed to have made up his mind.

"Indeed, Arthur and Mary. You have truly connected us with the Dwarf and Demon races. This incident has opened my eyes. Now, with hardly any pawns on their side in this capital, it is the perfect opportunity. Let's work to eliminate the rats from this capital. Arthur and Mary, you must reclaim the Melkid Kingdom's army, I'm counting on you!"

"We won't let you down."

◇

　——Returning from the royal castle to the mansion.

By the time we finished our meal and preparations for departure, it was already night.

Using the 'Portable Telepathy Device,' I conveyed the message from His Majesty to Princess Karla.

She said she would pass it on to the Demon Lord, Takumi, and Mia.

Takumi and Mia are currently in training, and unless it's something important, they have been told by the Demon Lord not to use telepathy.

"I will be heading towards the border to join the allied forces. At this point, I don't know the situation of the Melkid Kingdom's army, so I will inform you of any developments later."

"Understood. We will contact you if we are able to join forces with the Demon army. Shall we send a dragon over there?"

"No, if they see us traveling by dragon, it will be difficult to persuade the Melkid Kingdom's army. Mary will use her skill, 'Magical Sheath Sayano Kagami,' to travel by horse. We should arrive in about two days."

With that, I ended the telepathic call.

　It will take about five days by carriage to reach the border between the Demon and Human races, which will be the battlefield.

Fortunately, the capital city of Melkid is located near the center of the continent, so it is not too far away.

However, it does pose a problem from a defensive standpoint.

By the way, Takumi and Mia seem to have been trained by the Demon Lord?

　I heard that assistance was once requested from the Demon Lord in conquering the Shirakami Dungeon and exterminating monsters, but the Demon Lord rejected all of it.

And there's the legendary sword, 'Magic Blade Danzai,' which is said to cut down 'sins' like a fairy tale or folklore. Rumor has it that this is also in the possession of the Demon King.

　Takumi and Mia might have received cooperation from the Demon King for the achievement of saving Princess Karla, but I find it hard to believe that the Demon Lord would act just for that...

"Brother, we should be leaving soon."

Oops, I was about to get lost in thought.

"You're right. We should hear Gibson's side of the story. Let's depart then."

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