CH 340

[She killed the Exiled Emperor. If she stands on the same side as Vysis, it would be hard to believe that she would let that opportunity to kill the Mad Emperor slip.]

[That’s true. In that case, it seems unlikely that she’s on the enemy side at the moment.]

Keeping my gaze in the direction Asagi left to……

[She said she didn’t trust Vysis. She also presented the truth that her goal is to accomplish her mission.]

[————I wonder if that was indeed the truth though? Do you think there’s a possibility she would suddenly betray us?]

[A last-minute change of heart is indeed possible.]

At my words, Hijiri nodded in agreement.

[Whims are the only unreasonable uncertainties that are difficult to predict.]

[It’s just……]

[ ? ]

[Unexpectedly though…… I feel like her not betraying isn’t impossible either.]

[……That’s a bit of a surprise.]

[Hmmm? Ahh…… To tell you the truth, I can’t properly verbalize my thoughts either……]

[Can I ask you something? Just something to consult you with.]

[Before setting up that mission———— I feel like she could have established a game in which she was part of Vysis’ camp.]

Her silence prompts me to go on.

[However, she set up that mission and joined the anti-Vysis camp…… In other words, she chose the side opting for repatriation……]

[And yet, she said she didn’t care one way or the other about returning to our word. This was true, right?]

[……I suppose so.]

That’s why, I’m curious…… about that reaction of hers, when she kicked Kashima’s leg.

I have a feeling———– that that was something that she had done unconsciously.

[For example…… What if her subconscious, a part of herself that she isn’t aware of, is at work in setting up that mission……?]

[The ability to judge whether someone’s telling the truth or not wouldn’t work for a subconscious that the person themself unaware of…… After all, the person themself isn’t aware that “they’re lying”———- Is that your interpretation?]

[Yeah.]

Perhaps, the reason why she had expressly set that second clear objective is also……

[…………………]

I shake my thoughts aside.

[……No, this is still something that hasn’t left the realm of wild ideas. Relying on weakly grounded speculations would only trip us up. As for Asagi, for the time being, let’s consider her as a fighting force, and continue our policy of just keeping our vigilance just like before.]

[She could be a powerful joker in hand, quite useful as an ally, so handling her sure is difficult.]

“However……”, pausing for a moment, Hijiri continued.

[Regarding what she said when she left, I think she was sincere. She acknowledges the results you left behind. So far, I think she considers Mimori-kun the winning horse.]

Or perhaps, was there some trial in mind for Ikusaba Asagi?

Kirihara Takuto and Sogou Ayaka.

She may have been checking out how I’d handle the two of them.

No———— As expected, considering it like this may just be me thinking too much.

Perhaps, going further like this would lead me to a maze of thoughts with no way out.

[The only way to get her to continue recognizing us as the winning horse…… would be to continue creating situations where we have the upper hand huh.]

[I’m also going to lend you my strength for that, you know?]

Thereupon, Itsuki approached.

[Elder Sis.]

Itsuki glared in the direction Asagi left with a serious look on her face.

[The stuff Ikusaba was saying, even though I knew the language…… I didn’t quite understand it.]

[I couldn’t grasp the context of some of her phrases either.]

[From what I felt from the way she speak, I wonder if Ikusaba’s one of those otakus?]

[I don’t like easily labeling people by their personalities and tastes, but she did seem to have a deep knowledge of that subculture. Also, even if the person herself isn’t here, you shouldn’t call her by her surname. She doesn’t seem to like her surname.]

[If that’s what Elder Sis says, I’ll be careful…… Hahh…… Got scolded again……]

Meanwhile……

[Mimori-kun…… I- It’s been a while…… I guess?]

Calling out to me was Kashima.

[I guess this is the first time we’ve met face-to-face since I was thrown down the Disposal Ruins huh, Kashima.]

[That’s right……]

After fidgeting for a bit……

[Ummm…… Thank you. Following up for me back with Asagi-san…… and there’s also with this matter with Ayaka-san.]

[As you heard earlier, Sogou being persuaded was Hijiri’s accomplishment. I just drew out the path to that happening. Well, I’ll accept the thanks.]

[……Unnn.]

Kashima softly giggled.

While Itsuki watched all that with a raised eyebrow……

[Have you interacted with Mimori back in our original world, Kashima? Doesn’t it feel like you’ve been in touch with him for quite some time?]

[There were a few times when Kashima-san ignored Mimori-kun when he tried calling out to her back in our classroom though, even running out of the classroom, seemingly running away from him……]

[Waaahhhh!]

Kashima flapped her hands and shouted, seemingly trying to drown out Hijiri’s words.

[Hijiri-san, h- h- how did you know that? Even though I thought no one was interested in me when I was in the classroom……!]

Kashima rushed over and grabbed both of Hijiri’s shoulders with a firm grip.

[Why!?]

[No…… It’s simply because I was watching you.]

A blush creeping up her ears, Kashima lowered her head.

[P- Please…… Please forget that! Also…… Mimori-kun too, I’m really sorry! About that time!]

[No, we already said that matter’s enough already, right?]

[However…… Ah———–]

Thereupon, having noticed that everyone’s eyes were on her……

[I’m sorry———— I’m sorry, I’m sorry……]

Kashima squatted down and covered her face with her hands.

Seeing her like that……

[Ohh…… Kashima, you should have shown more of that kind of thing back in our original world, you know? You would have been popular then.]

[Ara, she is relatively liked by the boys even back in our original world, you know?]

[Eh? Is that so?]

[If you look at their eyes and facial expressions that is. However, they only express their favorable thoughts on her indirectly. No one really took direct action.]

Perhaps because Kashima is too shy, their conversation doesn’t seem to have entered her head.

[They sure are a clueless lot. I know a lot of people outside of school who are older than us…… After everyone gets to know each other, it’s like you casually exchange [email protected] ID, and from there you can interact, hang out, go out for dinner, and just naturally get along with each other, you know? If you like someone, why don’t they just take action like that?]

[There aren’t many people in the world who can just take action like that. I mean, Itsuki….. In the first place, you yourself don’t really have that kind of relationship. You got lots of invitations, don’t you?]

[No, I do get a lot of them…… but I enjoy being with Elder Sister the most…… As for the men I interacted with…… Look, our relatives from our mother’s side are like that, aren’t they……?]

[Compared to them, don’t you think the others just look like a bunch of acorns?]

[Hmm…… Is that how it is? No, but at the moment…… I just can’t find anyone I like more than Elder Sis……]

[Putting aside our gender, I am your twin sister, you know?]

[Uuuu…… I know that…… but……]

[Mimori-kun———– I don’t want to say this in front of Seras-san, but well, if you look at his Majesty, the Emperor, don’t you feel anything?]

[ ? I know he’s a beautiful guy…… but even if you find a scenery beautiful, you don’t fall in love with that scenery, don’t you? No matter what kind of land it is, you’d definitely feel more comfortable with the land you’ve lived in than land you’ve never lived in……]

“Indeed”, Hijiri said, a small smile on her lips.

Even though it was just a small smile……

She somehow looked happy.

[You were that kind of child after all.]

▽

I met the Asagi group members as Touka Mimori once.

I didn’t particularly reproduce the mob feeling I had when I was in the original world.

It seemed that Asagi had told them many things in advance.

Thanks to that, their reaction to my transformation was less than I had expected.

Well, they seemed surprised at the answers they received from Asagi in advance.

Some of them apologized, mainly for their attitude and abusive words before I was disposed of.

If I want to mobilize them as a fighting force, I should put an end to this animosity.

I was able to accept their apology.

Introducing Pigimaru to them also served as a good buffer to soften the atmosphere.

Kashima stayed with the Asagi group.

By her own will, that is.

After Asagi left our barracks, I was asking Kashima about the situation.

The answer I received from her was……

“It kinda feels unpleasant for me to leave the group I’ve been in for so long…… Besides, how should I say this…… You see, even if Asagi-san treats me like that, it doesn’t really affect me as much as I thought it would…… Ahaha, t- that might be strange for me to say that, right? I myself find it strange…… I wonder how I should describe it? It’s like, I just can’t find myself leaving her alone or something like that? Ahaha……”

While I gave her some advice, in the end, I decided to respect Kashima’s wishes.

Kashima Kobato.

Her existence here is the key to unlocking something about Asagi.

I myself wanted to determine the reason for that out-of-place feeling I’m getting from her.

I think it might be better for me to keep those two in the same group.

After I finished presenting myself to Asagi’s group, we continued to make preparations for the future.

[After this, we will join Mira’s army in the east and march towards Alion. And then……]

Inside our barracks, we gathered before departure.

We proceeded to confirm our basic plans once again.

The map was spread out on the table, and the Mad Emperor’s fingers slid over it.

[After solving the problem regarding the mixed forces, we will proceed through this main road…… Once in Urza’s territory, Urza’s strongholds are scattered to the north and south of the main road. On our march, our forces will also take these forts. However, we will use a separate army for the attack on these forts.]

Hearing the Mad Emperor’s words, I responded.

[They don’t have much numbers, but it’s not good to leave forts with a well-enough enemy force? Is that what you mean?]

[Umu.]

A part of the main army would be reorganized, and the divided forces of the second and third platoons would be sent out to take down the enemy forts.

Meanwhile, the main army led by the Mad Emperor would continue to advance eastward without stopping.

[A messenger is also on his way to the Faraway Country. The reinforcements from the Faraway Country, which will follow our group later, will join the forces that have been distributed toward the forts…… And then, they would try to catch up with us who went east first. Such a plan happening flawlessly would be most ideal.]

It’s also possible that Vysis will send out her White Army.

Even if they get stalled, it’s reassuring to know that reinforcements are following us from the rear.

[Your Majesty, what about Neia’s Queen?]

[I sent a messenger on a fast horse with a letter written by Seras Ashrain. Our magical war pigeon doesn’t have a “nest” to deliver to Cattleya in their camp over there.]

Hearing his words, Seras spoke.

[Regarding the Prin———— Cattleya Stramius, we will have to wait for the messenger to send back a magical war pigeon to tell us the results.]

[If your plan succeeds, the mixed forces should be weakened. Depending on how the situation goes, it may be possible to wish for the withdrawal of their entire army. And then, Touka…… Any news from the familiar about Vysis’ movements?]

[So far, there have been no major developments but———]

She———- appears to be spending her time relaxing in her castle.

The good news is that we have confirmed Nyantan’s presence.

If possible, we will try to make contact with her.

That is what Erika told us.

Incidentally, I also asked if there were any signs of her having been brainwashed.

Being a third-party observer, this is a meaningful question to ask Erika.

“I think she’s alright.”

According to Erika’s point of view, that was the case.

Brainwashing carries the risk of crippling a person.

At worst, this is a method used for those she wouldn’t mind being broken.

This being the case, the current Nyantan is valued highly and given important responsibilities.

Such a thing is conceivable huh.

In any case, it seems that her being brainwashed is not likely.

If possible, I would like to tell Nyantan about our situation.

That, along with how Nyaki is doing now.

“It would be great if there is an opportunity, but you should make contact with Nyantan only after you have ensured that it’s safe enough.”

That is what I told Erika.

Since contact with Nyantan might expose our movements, I also told her not to take any chances.

[———–Is what the situation seems to be the case.]

Summarizing the main points of my report……

[Fumu, I see…… By the way, we haven’t received any new information from our Mira’s spies yet. It seems that making contact with Nyantan through them would also be difficult. I am making arrangements to help her escape but…… When it comes to moving in and around that castle so as not to be suspected by Vysis, it seems that their movements are considerably restricted.]

There can be cases where people are caught or killed as a result of taking risks.

If that happens, the information they acquired before that would all be useless.

Good spies aren’t people that can be easily replaced either……

[As long as we don’t know what Vysis is up to, we have no choice but to continue on our way to Alion for the time being. Incidentally, as we have discussed before, are we to send Kirihara back to the Imperial Capital?]

In response to the Mad Emperor’s question……

[I don’t really mind even if he isn’t in the Imperial Capital…… As long as it’s a place I know of and the ice he’s trapped in was under strict control.]

The first bug I froze with <Freeze> as an experiment.

Before, when we were aiming for the Anti-Demon White Castle to save Princess Cattleya……

I left some of my luggage at Erika’s house.

Among my luggage, there was that bug.

Even after I left Erika’s house, that bug was still there.

In other words, it’s not like the frozen target would be released if it gets too far away from the skill user.

[I want to keep that one hidden away from Vysis. I don’t really think there’s any chance of that happening…… but Vysis might have some way of canceling the effect of <Freeze>. When we settle the matter with Vysis, Kirihara being released from <Freeze> due to a coincidence of circumstances would disturb that situation————- and I just want to avoid such a situation.]

This is also the case when Sogou becomes our ally.

“Kirihara being taken away and used as a countermeasure against Sogou.”

We want to avoid such a pattern.

Well, bringing him around would simply make him an unwanted baggage…….

Ahh, other than that, speaking of the battle with Vysis……

[Your Majesty, the new Fly King and Fly Knight outfits that we have been asking for……]

[Umu, they’re ready without a problem.]

[Thank you very much.]

[You’ll need them for the preparation of your plan, I presume?]

[Yes. Even in a situation where Vysis’ movements and goals are unclear, I would like to lay some groundwork. Of course, depending on the situation, they may just turn out useless.]

The identity of the Fly King should have been exposed to Vysis.

However, if she recognizes that the Fly King = Mimori Touka……

It will be easier to establish the perception that the person in the Fly King outfit = Mimori Touka.

What I asked him to prepare was a replica of the Fly King outfit.

I also asked him to prepare a reasonable number of Fly Knight outfits.

I don’t know whether preparing these will be effective or not.

However, we would like to go through with things we could do without any risk.

While we were talking about that……

[Sorry to keep you waiting.]

The curtain in the back of the barracks was drawn to the side, where the Takao Sisters came out from.

They were both dressed in Fly Knight outfits.

Itsuki looks down and checks how she was like from the neck down.

[The size looks fine? I guess this is also cosplay?]

[It feels a little tight, but it doesn’t seem to be much of a problem for my field of view. The outfit doesn’t feel heavy either.]

Thereupon, Itsuki twirled around.

[What do you think, Slei? Pigimaru? Does it suit me?]

[Pakyuu!]

[Piggi!]

[Ohhh!? What do you think, Mimori?]

[I think it fits you.]

[I see~~ If you guys say so, I’m relieved~~]

Itsuki crouched down and frolicked with the approaching Slei.

Just like that, they rubbed their cheeks together, making Slei purr “Panpiii♪”.

As Hijiri confirmed the sensation of pulling out the sword from her hip while wearing her Fly King outfit……

[With this, I suppose we have also joined the Fly King Squadron.]

[As the King, I expect great things from you.]

Thereupon, acting like a butler, Hijiri gave a leisurely bow.

[We will strive our best to live up to our King’s expectations.]

[………………….]

[Oh my, what’s with that face?]

[No, I was just thinking————- the older Takao was someone open to jokes like that huh.]

Hijiri took off her mask and lightly shook her head.

[Not really. However, I don’t intend to be that stiff of a person.]

At that moment, a bell rang.

The Mad Emperor returns that sound.

Thereupon, Yoyo Ord came in.

[Your Majesty, we are ready to go.]

[Good work. As we advance east, let’s find the opportunity to discuss other matters.]

And so……

The reinforcements led by the Mad Emperor left the encampment, aiming to join Mira’s main army in the east.

<Afterword>

I apologize for not being able to fully confirm the release date, but I hope to be able to update the next chapter by May 5th (Friday) next week.