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Volume 11 Chapter 5 Part 9

「I hope you understand.」

「I do. However, if you do such a thing…」

「Even though it is unofficial, I have received the approval from tonight’s operation from the Supreme Council of the Representatives of All Elves. As for why it is unofficial, it is only because the Earl of Selmar is a member of that council, too. Rather, I would go as far as to say that this operation is being carried out upon the Council’s personal request. If the number of Elven Earls diminishes, it would be troublesome for all the Elves as a whole; however, everything will work out if you become the next Earl.」

He had already set all the groundwork for this operation, it seems. Also, the invasion doesn’t seem to be just for the Duke’s selfish reasons.

「Who would have thought that the talks have progressed to this point already…」

「It was done in private, but I have also talked about this with the Emperor yesterday.」

「T-This is…」

To think that he would even go so far as to talk about it wit the Emperor already. Well, they did meet each other yesterday and had more than enough time to talk… but I have to wonder, was the ceremony of my acceptance into the Empire Liberation Society just a cover-up story, and the meeting with the Emperor was his main goal yesterday?

「You can consider yourself elected by the Council already. If you form an alliance with me, the damage will be kept to the minimum.」

「That may be so.」

「Do you accept then?」

「Y-Yes.」

The Duke forcibly makes him accept this deal. It was more like a threat than a deal though, since he is holding his sword as he was making him do it.

「You must not forget your responsibilities as a noble.」

With her cousin having been forced, Cassia talks to him. Is she trying to comfort him?

「Then, until the operation has been executed, I would like you to stay in this room.」

「I will summon the soldiers, too.」

「Unfortunately, we don’t have much time. To relieve you of your worries, I will have you work fully once we are inside the castle.」

The Duke refuses his offer.

It is logical. There would be a risk of the Earl of Selmar getting the wind of it if he summoned his companions. Also, he seems to be making him join nominally.

Perhaps he might have been a hindrance?

「Everyone will be gathered shortly.」

One of the Knights comes running in and reports at the entrance to the room.

「We will be heading out soon then.」

「Sir, yes sir!」

After receiving the Duke’s reply, he heads back.

「Then, this marks the end of today’s meeting. You will be able to leave the room, but only afterwards. Cassia, can I ask of you to keep watch over the people gathered here who were with the Earl of Selmar during our wedding? I fear that they will soon start to notice the abnormality.」

「I will go to the castle, too.」

「Of course you will; however, not as a vanguard. For now, the priority is not to let the information leak to the opposition.」

「Understood.」

The Duke first takes Cassia out of the room.

She will possibly not participate in the battle since he asked of her to keep watch.

It would be cruel on her if he made her invade her own house, after all

「Should we be going, too?」

「Lord Michio, everyone, come here, if you would.」

Gozer beckons us to his side, and so we follow behind him.

The room we have been led to is the same room where Roxanne had the duel before. There are a lot of people gathered in the room already. The air is different from how it usually is inside the Bode castle.

It is filled with tension.

Isn’t it to be expected though? We are invading the territory of another noble, after all.

For light, instead of candles in lanterns, braziers are being used.

「Let me explain the tactics in a simple manner. First, you will move to the castle along with the people assembled here. This time, we will be taking down the Earl of Selmar alone. You will approach from the front and announce that. It will reduce the resistance from the Earl’s side. If the resistance is going to be sufficiently weakened, the achievement would be credited to you.」

The Duke turns to the next Earl and explains. He does want to minimize the use of force against the people in the castle, it seems.

It would really leave a bad aftertaste in everyone’s mouths if you raised your hand against your own people. Also, this way, it will be easier for Cassia’s cousin to act.

The resistance from the Earl’s side will surely weaken if a member of his own family turns against him.

「I will do my best.」

Although he appears stout-hearted, I am not sure as to how much influence can this man, whose position I don’t know, exert over the people who are gathered here tonight.

「Availing that opportunity, Lord will make his move after which will be my turn. I will make quick inroads and seize the control of the entire castle.」

He hasn’t told him about moving to the emblem or, for that matter, given any other detail in regards to it. I wonder if he still doesn’t trust this relative of the Earl of Selmar fully and that’s why he is still so cautious around him?

It has been decided that I will take with me a group made of the Adventurers from the Knight Order.

After going to the castle once, the Adventurers from the Knight Order will be able to move to the emblem by themselves next time. Seizing the chance created by the commotion instigated by this man at the front of the castle, the control of the back part of it is going to be seized as well in one fell swoop.
「Very well.」

「If you are content with using simple equipment, you can use the ones prepared here.」

「Thank you very much.」

The man leaves the place, accompanied by a member of the Knight Order.

「Would you like to use the equipment we have prepared here as well, Lord Michio?」

「No, I already have some in my Item Box, so we are good.」

I have the sword, gloves and a helmet inside my Item Box. I myself am wearing a Hardened Leather Armor. It is a precaution in case of an emergency.

「Alright, you can wait here for a while then.」

The Duke tries to depart with Gozer, but…

「Wait, please. I would like to accompany my Master during the first transfer.」

Roxanne stops them.

「Roxanne, you will?」

「Yes.」

Without thinking, I nod and answer her.

「What do you mean?」

The Duke halts and enquires.

「The place where Master is going is not absolutely safe, is it?」

「Yes, you may be right about that.」

「I won’t let Master go to that kind of a place alone then. I will go with him and protect him by all means.」

Roxanne continues to speak, even though she has been silent ever since we came here. She is so bold now.

「But the number of people…」

The Duke seems to be at a loss about what he should do with that request of hers, since it may not be easy for him to change the tactics on a whim.

If I took 5 Adventurers with me first, we could take 36 people to the castle next. However, if Roxanne us joined, we would only be able to take 30 people next. Nonetheless, this might be a good chance for me to propose the idea that I have.

「Then, how about I go on a scouting mission before we execute the operation?」

「A scouting mission?」

「If there are people lying in wait, we will be able to find out about them once I go there. It will be fine if it is only Roxanne and me. Also, it will allow Roxanne to be at ease. With this, there will be no need to change the tactics whatsoever.」

I take advantage of Roxanne’s suggestion.

The purpose is for us to go alone.

If we do that, here is no need to stupidly move to the emblem via 「Field Walker」, because I will be able to use 「Warp」instead.

With that, there will be no problem in moving even to the throne room.