◇ ◇ ◇
"—That concludes my report on the labyrinth conquest."
The day after Twilight Moonbow arrived in Daluane, I brought Fuuka and Hart-san with me to report the labyrinth conquest to Her Highness Lucila.
After hearing my report, Her Highness gave a single nod, then broke into a smile and spoke.
"I was right to entrust this to S-rank explorers after all. To think you would conquer the target labyrinth so quickly. If we had mobilized the central army, it would have required far more time and manpower than what you used. Once again—thank you for conquering the labyrinths across the regions."
"You are too kind. I am also an explorer active in this kingdom, so cooperating is only natural."
"It is reassuring to hear you say that, Orun… With this, we have eliminated one source of future worry."
The "future worry" she referred to was likely the concern that magic beast damage could occur domestically during a war with the Empire.
There are still many labyrinths remaining in the kingdom, but from what I have heard, by mobilizing the explorers active in those areas along with territorial and central army soldiers, any damage can be kept to a minimum.
Yet even as she said this, Her Highness Lucila's expression did not look particularly bright.
"I will tell you all in advance. This morning an urgent messenger arrived at my location. The war has finally begun."
The moment Her Highness Lucila delivered that information, not only I but also the atmosphere around Fuuka and Hart-san sharpened instantly.
(So that is why Selma-san and Loretta, standing behind Her Highness, have been even stiffer than usual.)
The war between the kingdom and the Empire has begun.
From here on, massive casualties will occur on both sides.
Based on the information I have gathered so far, the Empire will likely not stop until they seize the kingdom—and by extension, the great southern labyrinth.
As long as the Empire does not stop, neither can the kingdom.
I think finding a compromise would be better than letting this turn into a quagmire of war, but finding someone on the Empire's side who can actually negotiate will be extremely difficult.
Previously, the Empire's "Hero" Felix Roots Kreutzer might have been a candidate, but since it reached the point of open war despite his presence at the summit, that hope seems slim.
"The disadvantage will likely continue for some time, but preparations for the coalition army are already in the final stages. Our kingdom will not lose."
Though she must feel uneasy, Her Highness Lucila showed none of that atmosphere. Instead she spoke powerful words while wearing a fearless smile.
It almost looked as though she was trying to encourage herself.
"Yes. I also hope for the kingdom's victory."
At the direction of Her Highness Lucila and His Highness the Crown Prince, we explorers are currently expected to secure resources from domestic labyrinths rather than head to the battlefield.
However, depending on the war situation, combat-capable explorers may still be called to the front lines.
I do not want our clan members fighting in such a place, so I hope the coalition army does their utmost.
"Thank you. It may be quite some time before I can meet with you again, Orun, but once things calm down, please be my conversation partner once mo—!?"
While Her Highness Lucila was speaking with a light laugh, she suddenly opened her eyes wide in shock and turned her face toward an empty wall.
Cold sweat ran down her face as she muttered, "What… is this…?" Her expression was as if she had seen something unbelievable.
I wondered if something invisible to me was in the room, but judging from her demeanor, it seemed she was looking far beyond the wall—much farther away.
"…Orun, this is trouble."
While I was concerned about Her Highness Lucila's sudden change, Hart-san—who had been sitting beside me—spoke up.
"…Trouble?"
"Yeah. A massive number of magic beasts are approaching this town. At this rate, they will reach the town in less than an hour."
"Wha—!? Why are magic beasts appearing!? We just conquered the labyrinth the other day!?"
Hart-san's statement was so far beyond expectation that I raised my voice.
Right now, envoys from other nations are also in this town.
If they suffer magic beast damage, it is easy to imagine the situation spiraling into something troublesome afterward.
That is precisely why the former Count Clodel tried to prevent an overflow by accepting the Empire's demand to marry Sophia, and why Selma-san conquered the labyrinth.
So why—after all that—are massive numbers of magic beasts suddenly appearing on the surface?
"The direction is different from where we conquered the labyrinth the other day. I checked that area just in case, but there are no magic beasts around there. Still, they could appear with a time delay, so we cannot let our guard down."
If the conquered labyrinth is unrelated, then the possibility is…
"Selma-san, are there any labyrinths in Daluane besides the one we conquered?"
"No. I just confirmed with my brother, but the Clodel family was only aware of that one labyrinth."
There is also the possibility of an undiscovered labyrinth, but in this situation that would be far too convenient.
In that case, the more likely explanation is that a new labyrinth has suddenly appeared.
With this much information gathered, the culprit behind this incident becomes clear.
Nine times out of ten, it is the Cyclamen Cult.
"Since magic beasts are appearing on the surface, we should assume a labyrinth has overflowed. Whether it was an undiscovered one all along or one that appeared suddenly does not matter right now."
Thanks to Her Highness Lucila and Hart-san, we learned of the magic beasts' appearance on the surface before any damage occurred.
This time, we absolutely cannot allow casualties.
"Your Highness Lucila, Fuuka and I will head to conquer the labyrinth. Hart-san, please stay with Selma-san to guard Her Highness."
With Hart-san's Bird's-Eye View and Selma-san's Mental Sympathy, we would have the advantage in battlefield information warfare.
Fortunately, my disciples are also in Daluane right now.
Not only Twilight Moonbow, but also Jade Gale—who accompanied as Her Highness's guards—and the other explorers in this town provide sufficient force to protect the town from surface magic beasts.
Her Highness Lucila has surely already thought of the same thing.
That is why, after receiving her approval, I was about to immediately head to where the labyrinth was believed to be.
However—
"I understand that your proposal is the best course of action. I also want you to head to the labyrinth conquest, Orun. However, with envoys from other nations present, politics inevitably becomes involved."
Her Highness Lucila rejected my proposal with an apologetic expression.
In short, she cannot allow anything to happen to the foreign envoys, so she wants me to prioritize defending the town—and by extension, protecting those envoys.
On top of that, she likely wants to use the name value of the "Kingdom's Hero"—which is known even in other countries—to suppress the current chaos.
Politics really is such a hassle.
"But if we do that, resolving this will take considerable time, won't it?"
It is hard to believe this overflow occurred naturally.
It is almost certainly artificial.
In a normal overflow, the number of magic beasts emerging from the labyrinth decreases over time, so dealing with the ones that have already surfaced would suffice in some cases.
However, based on what Hart-san said during our fight against the giant wolves the other day, the cult has likely established technology to artificially create magic beasts.
If this overflow was caused by such people, it is not impossible that magic beasts could continue emerging from the labyrinth semi-permanently.
…This would become a complete war of attrition.
"Yes, I understand. I will switch to labyrinth conquest when the timing allows, but for now, please prioritize defending the town."
Her Highness Lucila bowed her head as she spoke.
No one present would criticize her actions, but for a princess to bow to a commoner like me is no small matter.
From her behavior, I can tell she herself is dissatisfied with having to postpone the labyrinth conquest.
Even so, seeing her endure for the greater picture, I could not choose to disregard her request.
"…Understood. We will prioritize defending the town first."
"Thank you, Orun. I know this is troublesome, but please."
After nodding to Her Highness Lucila's words, I turned my gaze toward Selma-san.
"Selma-san, has the situation already been conveyed to the foreign envoys?"
"Yes. My brother has already taken action. Evacuation of both the townspeople and the envoys should be completed before the magic beasts reach the town. As long as we keep the magic beasts out of the town, we should be able to hold them off."
I am truly glad Selma-san is here.
I think this every day, but in situations like this, I feel her presence even more keenly.
"…Understood. Then Fuuka, Hart-san, and I will intercept the magic beasts at the front line. I know this puts a burden on you, Selma-san, but could you take command of Twilight Moonbow, Jade Gale, and the other defenders at the second defensive line?"
If we are going to use my name, it would be better to reduce the number of people at the front line.
That said, since unexpected situations cannot be ruled out, I want to keep Fuuka and Hart-san—who can grasp information quickly from their unique perspectives—close by.
After hearing my proposal, Her Highness Lucila asked Selma-san with her eyes.
Answering that silent question, Selma-san spoke.
"I have no problem with it."
Hearing Selma-san's reply, Her Highness Lucila gave a single nod and turned eyes filled with strong determination toward me.
"I am sorry for imposing our circumstances on you. I swear on my name as the First Princess of the Nohitant Kingdom that your efforts will be properly rewarded. Therefore, once again—please lend me your strength."
◇
After parting with Her Highness Lucila and the others, I immediately reunited with the Twilight Moonbow members.
"Sorry for calling you out so suddenly. Have you all grasped the situation?"
"Yes. We just heard what the territorial army was telling the townspeople. That magic beasts appearing on the surface are heading toward this town."
Log answered on behalf of the group.
"If you understand, that makes things quick. We have also been asked to cooperate in defending the town. This time we cannot allow a single casualty. That is why I need your strength as well."
"Of course we will! We're totally ready to fight!"
"Um, Orun-san, you are heading to conquer the labyrinth, right? Does that mean we should defend the town until you finish conquering it?"
Sophia asked.
Well, that is the natural assumption.
"No. This time defending the town takes top priority. I will also be intercepting the magic beasts on the surface. The plan is to reduce the number of surface magic beasts first, then switch to labyrinth conquest."
When I explained the rough outline of the current strategy, Log—who had been listening—frowned.
"Why? If the situation allows for labyrinth conquest, then you conquering the labyrinth would contribute to defending the town, wouldn't it? Even without you, there should be enough forces here to defend the town. We also consider ourselves strong enough to be counted as combat power!"
"You're right. Log's opinion is correct. To minimize damage to the town, we should conduct labyrinth conquest simultaneously."
"Then—"
"It's politics, isn't it?"
While Log was about to press further after having his thinking affirmed yet seeing that I was not taking that course, Luna interjected.
I nodded to affirm Luna's words.
"Hmm? Politics—what does that mean, Ruu-nee?"
"Right now, many envoys from other nations are present in this town. It goes without saying that no harm must come to them, but how we handle ourselves here could affect future diplomacy. Therefore, the kingdom likely wants to loudly proclaim that the 'Kingdom's Hero' is protecting the envoys. That makes diplomacy easier for them."
"Are you telling me they're tying down Shishou over something that trivial!? The longer this drags on, the higher the risk of damage becomes…!!"
Hearing Luna's explanation, Log's voice trembled with anger.
"Politics is not about doing what is right. There are many cases where reason does not apply. That is exactly why most explorers avoid involvement in politics, and why Night Sky's Silver Rabbit follows the same policy. But in this situation, we cannot afford to stay uninvolved."
I spoke to Log in a soothing tone.
Not just Log—Sophia and Carol also wore dissatisfied expressions.
Though Luna did not show it on her face, her feelings were probably the same as the three of them.
Luna and I have experienced this kind of political unreasonableness many times back in our Golden Dawn days, so we have more tolerance for it than the three of them.
I sought strength to protect myself and those around me from this kind of unreasonableness, yet I am painfully aware that I still lack enough power.
Even so, if I let emotions take over here, even greater unreasonableness will await beyond.
"…I understand what Shishou is saying. I still cannot accept it. —In that case, Shishou, let Twilight Moonbow conquer the labyrinth!"
Just as I felt relieved thinking I had managed to get through to him, unexpected words burst from Log.
"Oh! Log, that's a good idea!"
"Yeah! I agree too! If Orun-san cannot move, then we will move in his place!"
While I stood frozen, Carol and Sophia had already agreed with Log's proposal, and the three of them turned their eyes toward me.
"Wait, wait! The labyrinth at the source of the overflow is probably not a normal one. There is no way I can send you to such a dangerous place!"
"We understand it's dangerous! If we judge it impossible, we will retreat immediately! So please!"
When I rejected Log's proposal, he countered with a voice full of strong emotion.
"But isn't it strange!? Shishou also thinks we should conquer the labyrinth at the same time as defending, right!?"
If Twilight Moonbow heads to conquer the labyrinth, it would make things much easier for me.
However, I cannot possibly send my precious disciples to such a dangerous place.
Yet because I understand in my head that Log's proposal is one effective option, I could not immediately come up with a sufficient reason to reject it.
"That is true, but if something happened to you all…"
"!! We are not just existences that need to be protected by Shishou!"
Hearing my hesitation, Log raised his voice in anger.
"—!?"
The tone and content struck me as if I had been punched in the head.
"We are explorers belonging to the Second Unit of Night Sky's Silver Rabbit! Within this clan, Second Unit explorers are counted as the main fighting force… and we also have the right to enter labyrinths other than great labyrinths at our party's discretion!"
While I caught my breath at Log's rebuttal, he pressed on even further.
"It is true that Shishou has protected us many times until now. From Shishou's perspective, we are still lacking. Even so! We have been chasing after Shishou's back! Shishou's teachings are deeply ingrained in us! We will not misjudge! So please—let us go!"
Log's words shattered my thinking.
What remained afterward was a strangely refreshing feeling.
"Hahaha… I never thought Log would raise his voice at me like this."
When I became their instructor, Log had a somewhat blind devotion toward me.
Perhaps because I had felt uneasy about that, seeing him confront me head-on like this made me genuinely happy.
"Ah, s-sorry! I did not mean to oppose Shishou!"
Hearing my words, Log suddenly panicked.
"No, I'm not angry… But you're right. You all are already walking properly on your own path. I was still treating you like children. Sorry—I was wrong."
"N-No! Shishou is not at fault. It is our fault for still making you think that way! —That is why we will conquer the labyrinth and prove it! That Shishou's disciples are proper explorers!"
"Yeah. Next time, show me your growth as explorers. I will cover for the defensive force reduction caused by your absence. This is a request from me as your instructor—and as the executive in charge of Night Sky's Silver Rabbit's exploration division. —Conquer the labyrinth in my place!"
"""Yes!!!!"""