Growth of disciples
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
"――That concludes the report on the labyrinth's conquest."
The day after "Twilight Moonbow" arrived in Dal Ane, I was presenting the report on the labyrinth conquest to Princess Lucila, accompanied by Fuuka and Haruto-san.
After listening to my report, Princess Lucila nodded once and, with a gentle smile, spoke.
"It was indeed the right choice to ask an S-rank explorer for help. To think the labyrinth was conquered so quickly. If we had mobilized the central army, we would have had to spend far more time and manpower. Once again, thank you for your efforts in conquering the labyrinths across the country."
"You're too kind. Since I am working as an explorer in this country, cooperating is the least I can do."
"It's reassuring to hear you say that, Orn. …With this, we have eliminated one of our worries."
The worry she referred to was likely the concern about the damage from magical beasts during the war with the Empire.
There are still many labyrinths throughout the country, but it is expected that by mobilizing the explorers, the local military, and the central army soldiers already stationed there, the damage can be kept to a minimum.
However, Princess Lucila’s expression as she spoke was far from bright.
"I’ll tell Orn and the others first. This morning, a swift messenger arrived with news. The war with the Empire has finally begun."
The atmosphere around Fuuka, Haruto-san, and myself shifted sharply upon hearing Princess Lucila’s words.
(I see now why Selma-san and Loretta, who are usually standing behind Princess Lucila, are looking even more tense than usual.)
The war between the Kingdom and the Empire had started.
A great many lives would be lost in the coming conflict.
Considering the information I’ve gathered so far, it seems highly likely that the Empire will not stop until they have claimed the Kingdom, and ultimately the Southern Great Labyrinth.
As long as the Empire doesn't halt, the Kingdom will have no choice but to fight.
Rather than letting this spiral into a drawn-out war, it would be better to find some common ground between the two sides, but finding someone in the Empire who is open to negotiations will be no easy task.
Until recently, the Empire's "Hero" Felix Lutz Kreuzer had been a candidate for such a person, but since the war has already begun, it seems unlikely.
"Though we’ll likely be on the defensive for a while, the preparations for the allied forces are already in their final stages. Our Kingdom will not lose."
Though it was clear she must have felt some anxiety, Princess Lucila showed no sign of it, instead speaking with a bold smile and strong words. It almost seemed like she was trying to encourage herself.
"Yes. I also wish for the Kingdom’s victory."
We explorers are currently expected to secure resources from the labyrinths within the country rather than join the battlefield, as per the intentions of Princess Lucila and Crown Prince.
However, depending on the situation, combat-capable explorers may eventually be called to the front lines.
I don’t want to see any of our guild members sent to fight, so I’m hoping the allied forces will do their best.
"Thank you. It may be a long time before I see Orn again, but once things settle down, I hope we can talk again—――!"
As Princess Lucila continued speaking with a light laugh, she suddenly opened her eyes in surprise and turned her face toward the empty wall.
She was sweating coldly, her expression one of disbelief as she asked, "What... is this...?"
I briefly wondered if there was something in the room that I couldn’t see, but from Princess Lucila’s reaction, it seemed like she was looking far beyond the wall, toward something much farther away.
"…Orn, we’re in trouble," she said, her voice unusually tense.
Noticing the change in Princess Lucila, Haruto-san, who was sitting beside me, spoke up.
"…Trouble?"
"Yes. A large number of magical beasts are heading toward this town. They’ll probably arrive within an hour."
"What—!? Why are magical beasts here? We conquered the labyrinth just recently, didn’t we?!"
I raised my voice in surprise at Hart's unexpected words.
There are many envoys from other nations in the area now. If they are attacked by magical beasts, it’s easy to imagine how complicated things could get afterward.
That’s why Count Cloudel agreed to the Empire’s demand for Sophie’s hand in marriage to prevent a flood of beasts, and why Selma-san took care of the labyrinth conquest.
But now, magical beasts are appearing on the surface? What on earth is going on?
"The direction they’re coming from is different from where we conquered the labyrinth. I’ve checked the area around there, and there are no signs of magical beasts. It’s possible they could appear with a time lag, so we can’t let our guard down," Hart continued.
If it’s not related to the labyrinth we just conquered, then what could be the cause...?
"Selma, are there any other labyrinths in Dal Ane besides the one we conquered?"
"No. I’ve already confirmed with my brother, and even the Claudel family only knew about that one," Selma replied.
While it’s possible there might be an undiscovered labyrinth, this situation seems a bit too convenient for that to be the case. It’s more likely that a new labyrinth has suddenly appeared.
With all this information coming together, we can now narrow down the culprit behind this.
The odds are high that it’s the "Cyclamen Cult".
"Since magical beasts are appearing on the surface, we should assume that a labyrinth has overflowed. Whether it was an undiscovered one or one that suddenly appeared, it doesn’t matter at this point."
Thanks to Princess Lucila and Haruto-san, we learned about the appearance of magical beasts on the surface before any damage was done.
This time, more than ever, we couldn’t afford to let any damage occur here.
"Princess Lucila, Fuuka and I will handle the labyrinth conquest. Haruto-san, you and Selma-san will stay with Princess Lucila for her protection."
With Haruto-san's 【Eagle Eye】 and Selma-san's 【Telepathic Sensitivity】, we would have the upper hand in the information war on the battlefield.
Fortunately, my apprentices are also in Dal Ane. Together with not only "Twilight Moonbow" but also "Jade Gale", who were accompanying Princess Lucila as her guards, and the town's own explorers, we have more than enough forces to protect the town from magical beasts.
I’m sure Princess Lucila had already come to the same conclusion. So, with her approval, I was about to head to where the labyrinth was suspected to be located.
However...
"I understand that Orn's suggestion is the best course of action. I also want Orn to go handle the labyrinth conquest. But in this situation, with envoys from other nations present, politics inevitably comes into play."
Princess Lucila looked regretful and her expression darkened as she rejected my suggestion.
In other words, she was saying that, since we couldn’t risk anything happening to the envoys from other nations, my priority should be to protect the town and, by extension, the envoys. She likely hoped to use my reputation as 'The Kingdom's Hero' to help suppress any chaos that might arise.
Politics really are a troublesome thing.
"Then, it will take quite a lot of time to resolve, won’t it?"
It was hard to believe that this outbreak was a naturally occurring phenomenon. It was almost certainly something man-made.
In a typical overflow situation, the number of magical beasts emerging from the labyrinth would decrease over time, so dealing with the magical beasts that appeared on the surface might have been enough.
However, judging by what Haruto-san said after we fought the giant wolf the other day, it seemed the cult had mastered the technique of artificially creating magical beasts.
If this overflow was caused by such a group, it wouldn't be out of the question for magical beasts to keep pouring out of the labyrinth almost indefinitely.
...This is a complete deadlock.
"Yes, I understand. Once the timing is right, we will switch to the labyrinth conquest, but for now, please focus on defending the town."
Princess Lucila said this and lowered her head.
Even though no one here would criticize her for her actions, it was a rare sight to see a princess bowing to a commoner like me. From her words and actions, it was clear that she was frustrated about having to postpone the labyrinth conquest.
Still, seeing her endure for the greater good, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse her request.
"…Understood. I will prioritize defending the town."
"Thank you, Orn. I’m sorry to trouble you, but I appreciate your help."
Nodding at Princess Lucila's words, I turned my gaze toward Selma-san.
"Selma-san, has the situation already been communicated to the envoys from other nations?"
"Yes. My brother has already taken action. The evacuation of both the townspeople and the envoys should be completed before the magical beasts reach the city. As long as we don’t let the magical beasts enter the town, we should be able to protect it."
I was truly grateful that Selma-san was here. I always thought this, but in situations like this, I came to appreciate her presence even more.
"...Understood. Then, Fuuka, Haruto-san, and I will engage the magical beasts at the front lines. Selma-san, I know this will be a burden on you, but could you take command of "Twilight Moonbow", "Jade Gale", and the others at the second defense line?"
If I am to use my name, it's better to reduce the number of people on the front lines. However, given that unforeseen circumstances could arise, I wanted Fuuka and Haruto-san, who could quickly gather information with their unique perspectives, to stay close.
After hearing my suggestion, Princess Lucila turned her gaze toward Selma-san, who was standing behind her, silently asking for her opinion.
In response, Selma spoke up.
"I have no problem with that."
Upon hearing Selma-san’s reply, Princess Lucila nodded once and fixed her gaze on me, her eyes filled with strong resolve.
"I apologize for imposing our circumstances on you. I swear, by my name as the First Princess of the Kingdom of Nohitant, that I will repay your efforts. So, once again, I ask for your strength."
◇
After parting ways with Princess Lucila and the others, I immediately met up with the members of "Twilight Moonbow".
"Sorry for calling you out suddenly. Does everyone understand the situation?"
"Yes. We just overheard the local military informing the townspeople. The magical beasts that appeared on the surface are heading this way," Log replied on behalf of the group.
"If you understand, we can move quickly. We've been tasked with helping defend the city. This time, we cannot afford any casualties. I need your help," I said.
"Of course! We're all ready to fight!"
"Uh, Orn-san, you're still going to head to the dungeon, right? Should we continue defending the city until you return from the dungeon?" Sophia asked.
Well, that was the logical assumption.
"No, defending the city is our top priority this time. I'll be on the frontlines, fighting the magical beasts. Once we've reduced their numbers, we'll switch to dungeon exploration," I explained the plan.
After I shared the basic details of the operation, Log furrowed his brows.
"Why? If we can clear the dungeon, that should help with defending the city, right? There should be enough strength here to defend the city even without you. We’re strong enough to be counted as part of the defense force!" Log argued.
"That's true," I acknowledged. "Log’s point is valid. If we want to minimize the damage to the city, it would make sense to tackle the dungeon at the same time."
"Then—"
"Politics is involved, isn't it?" Luna interjected as Log tried to press further.
I nodded, agreeing with Luna's statement.
"Huh? Politics? What do you mean, Luna?"
"There are many foreign envoys in this city right now. It is absolutely essential that no harm comes to them. How we handle things here could affect future diplomacy. For that reason, the kingdom wants to present you as the ‘Hero of the Kingdom’ to protect the envoys. That would make it easier for them to conduct diplomacy," Luna explained.
"Are you saying that for such a ridiculous reason, you're going to keep Master here!? The longer this drags on, the higher the risk of more damage!" Log shouted, his voice trembling with anger as he absorbed Luna's explanation.
"Politics isn’t about always doing what’s right. It’s often a realm where logic doesn’t apply. That’s why most explorers avoid getting involved in politics, and even "Night Sky’s Silver Rabbit" follows that policy. But in this situation, we can’t afford to ignore it."
I spoke to Log, trying to calm him down. Not just Log, but both Sophia and Carol were showing expressions of frustration as well.
Although Luna didn't show it on her face, I could tell her feelings were the same as the others.
Luna and I, having been through many of these political absurdities back in the days of "Golden Dawn", were perhaps more accustomed to them than the others.
I had sought power to protect myself and those around me from these injustices, but this situation made me painfully aware that I still wasn’t strong enough. Even so, if I let my emotions take control now, more injustices would follow.
"...I understand what you're saying, Master. I still can’t fully accept it, but… if that’s the case, we—"Twilight Moonbow"—will take on the dungeon exploration!"
Just as I was about to breathe a sigh of relief, thinking they had finally understood, Log unexpectedly threw out his own proposal.
"Oh! Log, that’s a great idea!"
"Yes! I agree too! If Orn-san can’t move, we’ll just go in his place!" Carol and Sophia immediately supported Log’s idea, and all three of them turned their gaze toward me.
"Wait, wait! The dungeon where the flood originated is probably no ordinary dungeon. There’s no way I’m sending you to such a dangerous place!"
"We know it’s dangerous! But if we determine it’s too much, we’ll pull back right away! So please, let us help!" Log argued back passionately when I rejected his idea.
"But it’s too risky for you..." I tried to argue, but Log countered with a voice filled with emotion.
"But that’s what doesn’t make sense! Master, you think we should be clearing the dungeon along with defending the city, right?!"
If "Twilight Moonbow" went to explore the dungeon, it would make things much easier for me. However, I couldn’t just send my precious apprentices to such a perilous place.
But perhaps because I understood that Log’s proposal was a valid option, I found myself unable to immediately come up with a strong counter-argument to reject it.
"That’s true, but if anything were to happen to you all..."
"We’re not just here to be protected by you, Master!" Log shouted back, his voice filled with determination.
"...What?" I was taken aback by his words, feeling as if I had been struck on the head.
"We’re part of the second squad of "Night Sky’s Silver Rabbit". In this clan, second squad members are the main fighting force… and we have the right to enter dungeons other than the Great Labyrinth, with the party’s agreement!"
As I was caught off guard by Log’s rebuttal, he continued to press on.
"Sure, Master, you’ve protected us a lot until now. To you, we might still seem inexperienced. But! We’ve been chasing after your back all this time! Your teachings are ingrained in us. We won’t make poor judgments! So please, let us go!"
Log's words shattered my previous thoughts.
What remained afterward was a strangely refreshing feeling.
"Haha... I never thought Log would raise his voice at me like this."
When I became their master, Log had been somewhat blind in his admiration for me. Perhaps I had worried about that, which is why I found myself so glad that he now confronted me head-on like this.
"A-a, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to defy you, Master!"
Upon hearing my words, Log suddenly panicked.
"No, I’m not angry. ...But you're right. You all are already walking your own path. I’ve still been treating you like children, and for that, I apologize. It was my mistake."
"N-no! It’s not your fault, Master! It’s because we’ve failed to make you see that we’ve grown! So… we’ll go into the dungeon and prove it to you! That we, your disciples, are worthy explorers!"
"Yeah. Show me your growth as explorers next. I’ll make up for the loss in defense power while you’re gone. So, as your master, and as an officer in charge of "Night Sky’s Silver Rabbit"’s exploration team, I’m giving you this request. —Go into the dungeon in my place!"
"""Yes!!!!"""