Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 106
Letty must have informed Shuris of my return, because the very next day, a letter was delivered to my home.
Actually, this was the first time I learned that “mail” even existed in this world.
A mailbox… come to think of it, there were occasionally guild advertisements in there, weren’t there?
I guess this house has an assigned address or something, huh?
“Hmm… so i heard Shuris-san will be visiting the castle the day after tomorrow.”
“What, what? Did you get a letter from Awawa-san? This is the first time I’ve ever seen a real letter!”
“Yeah, same here. First time since I came to this world.”
Melt, seemingly curious, came over to peek while wagging her tail.
“Ah, she mentioned me! Let’s see… ‘Thank you for accepting the request together with Letty,’ she says. I should be the one thanking her though!”
“Haha, she must’ve taught you a lot, right?”
“That’s right. Things like when to set up camp, how to choose good locations, and the layout along the way. Though, I was better at cooking!”
Oh, that’s unexpected. Still… the fact that Shuris went out of her way to mention Letty likely means she thinks Melt, being close to her, helped in getting her away from the city.
“Hmm… I’ll head to the castle myself the day after tomorrow.”
“Can I come too?”
“Hmm… this time, you’ll stay behind. Maybe you can check with the guild about getting yourself promoted? Things are probably going to get hectic real soon.”
“Aww, too bad. I wanted to explore the inside of the castle with you. But yeah, I guess I should talk to Sigurd about getting promoted to Ruby rank.”
This time, the discussion will most definitely touch on the topic of war.
Since I’ve decided not to actively involve Melt in the war, I can’t let her attend this meeting.
Of course, I also need to make it clear: “Same and his associates will not participate in the war.”
…It’s probably time. I’ve already hinted at the existence of the “Brigade.”
I should formally inform the country who the “combat specialist” is, shouldn’t I?
Two days later, I visit the castle as was promised.
It seems they remembered me clearly, as I was immediately guided to a room in the upper floors of the castle—one I hadn’t visited before.
“This way, please. Beyond this point is a conference room, so please try to avoid any unnecessary conflicts… more guests than usual are gathered here today.”
Unusually, the soldier guiding me gave such a warning.
That just shows how many prominent figures must be gathered here at the moment.
Bracing myself, I knock on the door.
“Pardon me. This is Same. I’ve come in response to the summons.”
“Enter.”
The voice from beyond the door was the queen’s—as dignified and commanding as always.
At the same time, I could sense the presence of multiple people.
Upon opening the door, I saw a large conference room with a long table.
At the head sat the queen, with Cres and Kokuri on either side of her.
Next to Cres sat Miss Shuris, and the seat beside her was empty—Shuris gestured for me to come and sit there.
“Pardon me, I’ll take the seat next to you, Miss Shuris.”
“Ah, glad you could make it.”
It had been a while since Shuris last saw me.
She seemed happier than usual… and when a mature woman smiles like that, it really hits hard, emotionally.
“Same, I’m glad you made it back.”
“It’s been a while, Your Majesty. I offer my congratulations on the successful completion of the mission.”
“Indeed. Same, thanks to the intelligence you provided, one of our nation’s major problems has been resolved. I promise you, this favor will not go unrewarded.”
Right. I’ve already given the country a huge favor.
And now, I plan to give them two even bigger ones.
But before that—
“Your Majesty, could you introduce us to this guy first? I mean… are you seriously telling me this guy’s someone important? I had a feeling, but damn.”
The other attendees were signaling with their expressions: “Introduce him already.”
And… oh, Vias is here. We’ve spoken a few times when I was acting as Sheele.
“We met in the bath, remember?”
“Of course, I remember. And I heard about you from Sheele. I’m a member of the ‘Brigade’ too.”
“! …Seriously? So, you’re in the same group as her, huh. That explains why you’re here.”
Following Vias, a man I believe I’m meeting for the first time as Same—Bark, the overall head of the guild—spoke up as well.
“The Brigade… wait, is that the same Brigade that Silent-sama belongs to?”
“It’s our first time meeting, right? I’ve heard of you—Miss Remiya, I believe. Thank you for helping Melt during the last operation.”
“Yes, and Silent-sama was also a great help. Now, moving on to my question?”
This Remiya woman is likely part of the guild’s dark ops and a direct subordinate of Bark.
“Yes, Silent belongs to the same Brigade as I do.”
“I thought so… We had already investigated that those who recently rose to prominence in this city all mentioned the ‘Brigade.’ Silent had also hinted he belonged to some organization.”
“Well, let’s leave the introductions there for now. Your Majesty, is it alright if we move on to the main topic?”
“Of course. …Same, may I take it that your group has reached a consensus?”
“Yes. The basic policy is ‘For the good of this country.’ But the real question is whether the Dungeon Core will be used for the war effort.”
Even I can tell—the war is now just a matter of time.
If the core from the “Scorched Valley” is used now, it means completely claiming the borderland dungeons as Lendia territory.
They’d be able to establish a massive, secure base along the border.
However, that would limit the blessings of the Dungeon Core to just that area.
While it could still be used as a dungeon in the future, well…
“It’s certainly a tempting option. Same, may I ask you to share ‘everything’ with those present here?”
“Of course. I figured it was going to be necessary at some point. I don’t mind.”
“Good. Then everyone, please listen. This man, adventurer Same, has conquered the grand dungeon ‘Scorched Valley’ on the border… and brought back its Dungeon Core.”
At that moment, the entire room was filled with gasps and murmurs of shock.
Especially… from Shuris, who was sitting right next to me.
“…I didn’t expect you were hiding such a huge secret.”
“I’m sorry, Miss Shuris.”
“…Personally, I wish you’d told me sooner. But considering the national interest and the importance of the intel… yeah, I guess you were right not to tell me. Still, as a friend… it’s a little sad.”
“…I’m sorry.”
Ugh… that contrast from her earlier smile… my heart can’t take this damage.
“Damn it, another adventurer taking the spotlight again? Hey, Bark! How about tossing a bone to us mercenaries? We’ve been stuck overseas since last year!”
“Ugh… even if you say that…”
Vias was sounding seriously desperate now.
“Let’s get back on topic. Same has offered to let us use the Dungeon Core for our country. But with the war looming, I haven’t yet decided on the best way to use it. Same, what’s your opinion?”
“If it’s going to be used for war, I’ll disappear with the Core. Your Majesty, please use this Core for the people, to evenly bless all the land.”
I said it clearly. I won’t allow the Core to be used for war. If it’s not used for the people, then the deal’s off.
“True. If the Core is used for controlling the dungeon or the surrounding area, it’ll be locked there. And to use another Core, we’d need to wait for it to be generated again, conquer it again—which could take years. Your Majesty, I agree with Same. This war… wasn’t originally meant to rely on the Core, right?”
“Indeed. …I promise you, Same. The Dungeon Core will be used for the people, to enrich our lands.”
“Of course, I’d like to be present when that happens.”
“Naturally. After all, only you—the owner—can use the Core.”
“I see. So that’s how it works.”
…Then if I hadn’t demonstrated my strength, there was a chance someone might’ve tried to assassinate me and steal ownership.
It may have been a roundabout way, but forming relationships and contributing to this country wasn’t a waste after all.
“Now, I believe everyone understands who Same is. Our nation’s greatest concern right now is the decline in national strength due to resource depletion. Golda’s planned invasion has timed itself with this moment. But thanks to this, our most pressing resource issue has been resolved… Now, we only need to focus on winning this war.”
Judging by those gathered here, they’re likely the “Thirteen Knights” and Lindblum’s directors.
Miss Shuris, Cres, and Kokuri of course, but also Vias and Remiya are also present.
She’s probably one of the Thirteen Knights as well.
Furthermore, not only was Mr. Burke present, but even Mr. Neilson—the head of the Alchemy Guild, whom I had met before as Seira—was also in attendance.
But this time, there were two more people I was meeting for the first time.
“We’ve made eye contact, haven’t we? Are you interested in me… no, perhaps it’s this outfit that caught your eye? As you might guess, I belong to the Lindblum Church of the ‘Elkud Faith’ and serve as a Church Knight. I go by the name Cyan Nease, and I’ve been granted the title of one of the Thirteen Knights by Her Majesty the Queen. A pleasure to meet you.”
The woman who spoke, dressed in pure white holy vestments and wearing a gentle expression, was one of the people who had caught my attention.
At a glance, she looked quite young. Probably younger than Cres-san.
“I’d love to hear the story of how you conquered the dungeon, Same. The church’s doors are always open. Please feel free to visit anytime you like.”
“Thank you, that’s very kind of you. I’ve always been interested in this country’s religion and faith. If I have the chance, I’d love to drop by.”
It’s a topic I’d like to gather information on anyway.
Then, following Cyan’s introduction, another person raised their voice.
“I shall follow suit. I’ve been wanting to speak with you. My name is Araza Mir, leader of the Killcrawler Clan, part of the Explorer’s Guild. I, too, have been granted the title of one of the Thirteen Knights by Her Majesty the Queen.”
“You’re with Killcrawler! I’ve heard that some people under our brigade’s care have been very well looked after by your clan. I also heard there were injuries on your side during the recent operation. If there’s anything we can do, please don’t hesitate to consult us—think of it as returning a favor.”
“Hm, I appreciate it. Then… may I ask one thing?”
What?! Even the leader of Killcrawler, one of the Thirteen Knights, is attending this meeting?
With so much of the nation’s top fighting force assembled, it’s clear the Queen is… dead serious about what’s coming.
“Lord Same. There is a young man named Shizuma under your care, is there any way you could entrust him to us? Our strike team’s ace has been pestering me lately—he really wants to recruit him.”
“Wha—?!”
Seriously?! You’re bringing that up here?!
“W-Wait a moment! I must protest! Shizuma is also someone I want in the Knight Order! Even if it’s you, Lord Araza, I cannot allow you to sneak in and steal a march on us!”
“Hmm, so the Knight Order is moving too. He was temporarily under your command, wasn’t he? Then by order of priority—”
“Both of you, please calm down. If that’s the topic at hand, then I must refuse. I won’t entertain any requests that ignore Shizuma’s own wishes.”
I cut them off before things could get too heated. I see… when someone powerful lacks official backing or an affiliation, it turns into a battle to recruit them, huh?
Mr. Vias seems relatively reserved in comparison.
“That was a tactless request—I apologize. But I really would like to speak with you. Since I dedicate myself to dungeon conquest, I truly wish to exchange words with someone who has cleared a natural dungeon.”
“Well, in my case, it was mostly a series of lucky events that played out…”
Of course, the real reason is my map-reading ability, but I’ll attribute it to Hishida’s power—The Blessing of Never Getting Lost—since she’s currently imprisoned.
When I explained that…
“A girl with such a powerful guiding blessing… If she is to be executed, I’d like her to be handed over to us beforehand. Disposal within a dungeon is relatively simple.”
“Hmm? She’s quite capable, so I don’t think we’ll be planning that anytime soon.”
Scary. Araza is scary.
This man speaks with no inflection and little facial expression, yet he just casually says something so terrifying…
“Shall we wrap up the introductions? I’d like to pose one more question to everyone here.”
The Queen tightened the atmosphere that had begun to loosen.
“A war with Golda is inevitable. No—in fact, they have already invaded us. Though I regret this for the citizens just before the New Year’s Festival… we will soon be formally declaring war on Golda.”
Tension filled the room.
“Normally, waiting until the New Year’s Festival had passed would be ideal. However, the enemy has already begun covert acts of aggression. It’s quite possible they plan something during the festival. That’s why we must strike first.”
“Actually, the General Guild has already taken action to quietly keep adventurers in the Lindblum area and is gathering weapons as well. We’ve also asked the Mercenary Guild’s leader to refrain from deploying forces abroad.”
Rather than showing surprise, everyone present wore solemn expressions, as if to say: “I thought so…”
“Now I ask all of you: in this upcoming war, will you lend your strength as part of the Holy Kingdom’s army?”
The Queen’s final question.
And the one to answer it was—
“Clan of the Adventurers’ Guild, Glory Knights. All members—except for a few of noble birth—swear to participate in this battle.”
“The General Guild will also reach out to all other guilds and provide backup. Normally, we are neutral… but this battle is a ‘subjugation of enemies threatening freedom.’ We swear to assist in this mission.”
“We of the Alchemist Guild will support the supply of materials. That country… we have some debts of our own. We promise to deliver potions and elixirs to the best of our ability.”
Shris, Burke, and Neilson each declared their positions.
“I can’t speak for the entire Mercenary Guild, but my clan, Revolt, will join the battle. You can incorporate us into the knights, but be careful with how you deploy us.”
“We, Kill Crawlers, will dispatch the First and Second Assault Units. Once operations begin, we’d like to be entrusted with command.”
“I’m technically part of the nation, so there’s no need to make a declaration… But yes, I’ll cooperate to the fullest extent, Your Majesty. New drugs, new weapons—everything ready for deployment will be lent to you.”
Vias, Araza, and Kokuri also gave their statements.
“Like Kokuri, there’s no need for me to declare anything. We of the Royal Knights are prepared to give our lives for Her Majesty the Queen.”
“We of the Elkud Church normally do not intervene in war… however, we will set up field hospitals near the front lines. I will personally protect the safety of the wounded and the rear lines.”
Cres and Cyan declared their intentions.
Honestly, Cyan claiming she’ll protect the wounded doesn’t really click with me… but I do understand how critical medical support is in war.
Everyone here has made a declaration to involve themselves in the war.
But I…
“Your Majesty. I hereby declare that I will take no part in this war aside from providing a core. Burke, please do not attempt to contact me or Melt through the guild to request participation. At least for this war, we intend to remain uninvolved.”
“Understood. I already owe you a great debt. I won’t ask you to fight on top of that. Rest assured.”
However—only Same won’t participate.
“That said… our party will send one member as a contribution to the war effort. Please let me know if you have a request.”
This is the first card I play.
“What? Then maybe Shi—”
“Please send Silent-sama. I’ve already confirmed his combat ability, leadership, and charisma. I have reasons to leave this land shortly. To fill that gap, please assign Silent, who has proven himself as an adventurer, to the army. I’m begging you.”
“Whoa!”
Suddenly, Remiya ran over and insisted on dispatching Silent.
She’s… really intense! Was she that impressed with Silent’s performance when he led the squad on the last mission?
“No, I just figured having at least one long-range, high-damage attacker would be useful. After all, that magician from the Magic Guild isn’t around either—”
“No, adding Silent-sama will benefit the whole unit more than just adding another archer.”
“But I think—”
“I’ve seen Silent-sama’s accomplishments with my own eyes, and a lot of times too.”
“Guh…”
Remiya… you’re really pushing hard for Silent…!
“Very well, we promise to dispatch Silent. Now, please explain how to use the dungeon core later. Once I confirm with my own eyes that the core is being used for the good of the nation, I’ll immediately return to summon Silent to the main force.”
Now then, the time for battle has come.
It’s finally time to fulfill my duty as a mercenary.
…Well, it probably won’t be the kind of war everyone here is imagining, but still—