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73. Mining Capital

「The dwarf woman who is being interrogated and tortured by the Knights Order. I would like permission to go and rescue her.」

「…Did you find out their location?」

「We received news from Kinui this morning. They’re located outside the Abik territory, so it will take a few days to travel.」

When the White Phoenix Knights Order were leaving, they said, “We were searching for the werewolf tribe’s village after getting information from our prisoners.” I was curious about it, so I investigated and found out that a dwarf girl was apparently being held prisoner.

Dwarves, a demi-human race who lived together with the werewolves in the forest which is said to have existed in this territory a hundred years ago. The girl is a descendant of that race.

And it seems that her whereabouts have been found.

「When I think about how our former brethren are still imprisoned, I just can’t stand still.」

「As I said before, that would put the village in danger. Is that alright with you?」

Those guys are searching for the village. By going there ourselves, we are doing nothing more than simply giving the clues directly to them.

Asagi nodded solemnly in response to my question.

「It is the collective will of the villagers.」

「That is irrelevant. We have to make the right decision.」

I was chosen as king by the collective will of the villagers.

Although it is a borrowed throne, the sovereignty of the village is still in my hands. That’s why I have to make the decisions with calm and level-headedness.

If it’s not for the sake of the village, I’ll choose a different path, even if it differs from the consensus of the people. That is what it means to be a ruler. At least that’s my job until the people tear me down for being unfit to be their king.

There is no way that Asagi, who ruled the village until I arrived, doesn’t understand that.

「Yes, of course. That is why I am requesting this.」

「Even though we are ready for winter, there is still a lot of work ahead for next year’s rice cultivation and trading.」

「That is true, but…」

「Asagi, you are the mainstay of the village’s internal affairs. The village will continue to run without me, but without you, it will be impossible.」

「But……!」

Unusually for Asagi, he persisted on the matter. For the werewolves, dwarves are their former brethren. There must be some kind of bond that I can’t understand. Still, there are things that the werewolves must continue to do.

「So, I’ll go.」

「What?」

「The Knights Order knew the village was around here, but they didn’t know the exact location.」

There are two possibilities. Either the captured dwarf girl doesn’t know the exact location, or…

「She is still enduring interrogation and torture, right?」

「That is correct. It will be a disadvantage to the village if we do not rescue her quickly.」

I don’t know since when she started listening in, but the front door swung open. Of course, the one who opened it was the werewolf girl with flaxen ears and tail covered in snow.

「I’m going too. I might not be able to use [Garou], but there’s no way you’re going without a werewolf.」

「Close the door!!!」

「I didn’t think Angelina had such a loud voice… I’m closing it. Look, it’s closed. So, where are you heading?」

Asagi took out a map as I prompted with my eyes. The name of the town he pointed to was “Vita Tama.” It is a city located slightly north of here, about a few days away from Abik territory.

Commonly known as the “Mining Capital” or “Armory of the Prosperous Country”.

It is a steel and weapon production area with huge mines and workshops. If this were to fall into the hands of an enemy country, it would spell the end of this country. In other words, it is a stronghold with sufficient defenses to prevent such a thing from happening.

「Vita Tama?」Angelina.

「Apparently, due to the blunder of the White Phoenix Knights Order, their management was transferred to another Knights Order. They were transferred to Vita Tama from another city. We found out their location by getting that information.」

Unusually for Angelina, she stared at the map with a solemn look on her face, and after thinking for a few seconds, she spoke.

「…Geli is going too.」

「What’s the matter all of a sudden? Vita-Tama aside, we will be journeying in the cold.」

「It is an academic interest.」

When a scholar says that, there’s nothing else you can say other than “I see.” When the party was decided, Asagi bowed again.

「Thank you, Marge-dono.」

「It’s okay. As a matter of fact, it would be impossible for all the demi-humans here to go on an expedition and march on the Knights Order. You knew that I would stop you, knowing that you were indispensable to the village, and yet… you unashamedly said, “I want to go rescue her.” But I think that is also your strong point, Asagi.」

「I do not dare to deny it, but I would like you to understand that it was my true intention.」

Bellman, who was watching the exchange, also nodded.

「The king will act out of the spirit of his subject who wants to help even if it means risking his own life. That’s the scenario, isn’t it, Asagi-dono? At best, you’re cunning, and at worst, a sly fox! As expected!」