Chapter 113: Interlude 6 - A certain secret meeting

Chapter 113: Interlude 6 - A certain secret meeting

Rewinding time to a few days after the great outbreak of goblin and Phantom Dragon Knight Order alongside adventurers clashed at a certain mine.

The heroes who defeated the flame lizard arrived within the domain of Diagal and stayed in an inn of a town. Their reasoning; there was a report from a person who had investigated Diagal in advance stating that there was a person very similar to the 《Devil/Evil Spirit》Serafide they were pursuing.

However, it has been a while since the hero party arrived and started searching. The figure of the 《devil/evil spirit》 had yet been discovered.

「………What did you say?」

The second princess of Yulfilia Kingdom, Philias, returned to the inn early because she was not feeling well. Her beautiful and lovely countenance, as if embodying the word dainty was currently distorted by annoyance at this moment.

There was another person in the room beside her. In the dim light, only Philias could see his slightly illuminated face.

「As I have said, the plan was derailed in the early stages. Due to this, no damage are afflicted to the Phantom Dragon Knights. In other words, it is no longer possible for the swarm of magic beasts to arrive here.」

「…………I arranged for [her] deployment for any unforeseen circumstances though?」(fii)

「That very person has her arm crushed by the one who destroyed my summoning magical formation. She’s currently undergoing treatment.」

Philias had her breath taken away.

「That fighting maniac fell? This is far too unbelievable for me swallow. She is definitely one of the top three within our ranks, is she not?」(fii)

「The person herself said that [I was careless] but even so, I don’t think that she was negligent to the point of where she could not match a rabble. However, there is no doubt that there were a large number of irregularities during that mission.」

When Philias heard the word irregularity, the corner of her eye rose.

「Was that an indirect accusation of my ineptitude?」(fii)

「It matters not how you perceive it. I’m merely stating facts. So please, I hope you stay your anger.」

Although his words were polite, Philias felt that not a small amount of blame was contained within. Her inner feelings were filled with raging anger from the disgrace but she restrained herself to such an extent that her beautiful countenance was only slightly distorted.

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For the most part, the blame fell on her for failing to detect foreign bodies and devising countermeasures. Even though she felt humiliated, her level-headed thinking judged that venting out to the person before her eyes would be barking at the wrong tree.

「ーーSo, what caused the goblin mass outbreak to fail? You went out of your way to appear in front of me with information concerning that matter, did you not?」(fii)

「Now that you mention itーー」

The information brought by him greatly distorted Philias’ expression. Because the names that came out of his mouth was not possible and completely unexpected.

「Dragon Sword was there? Impossible! Is that the truth !?」

「I don’t see any reason in lying to you. We were preparing the magical formation deep inside the mine the whole time, so it’s only after everything was over that we were aware of it.」

「How can that be. Impossible…… Moreover, even the Wolf?」(fii)

She held her hand close to her mouth and muttered dumbfoundedly but his next words were akin to kicking her when she’s down.

「Actually, the real cause of the failure wasn’t the Dragon Sword.」

「……What do you mean? Wasn’t it the Dragon Sword who destroyed your summoning magical formation?」(fii) Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

「The one who destroyed my magical formation was a white-haired adventurer.」(legi-)

「……Who is it?」(fii)

Philias frowned but her conversation partner shrugged his shoulder and shook his head.

「Please don’t ask me. Rather, I want to hear about that adventurer from you.」(legi-)

To summarize, due to an intruder whose silhouette and appearance were not recognized, the operation was overturned. That was what he meant by his words.

「From the rumors circulating among adventurers, he seems to be called Shiroyasha. When an opportunity presents itself next time, it would be very helpful for emergencies on site if you could [see]. Though imperfect, he was the one who drove part of our plans towards destruction.」

「…………Understood.」(fii)

He nodded when he saw Philias assenting solemnly before suddenly holding his hands aloft.A magical formation manifested under his feet and light began to wrap around his body.

「Well then, this is where I take my leave. [May the Great Blessing descend upon us]」(legion)

「[May the Great Blessing descend upon us]」(fii)

Following the mutual bequeathment of words, his figure vanished along with the light. Philias, who was left alone, calmed her inner turmoil by placing her hand on her [subtle] chest and began to calmly contemplate.

「……If the great outbreak of magic beasts are gone, there is no longer a reason for us to prolong our stay in this town. In addition, the opportunity for the Heavenly Dragon Knight Order to accomplish a meritorious deed are now gone. ーーSomething new is required.」

In the middle of the night, the heroes who were combing the town -Yuuzuki and the other two- returned to the inn.

「Sorry, Fii. I didn’t get much information today as well.」(aho)

「No, it is I who should apologize for leaving early. My gratitude for your efforts, everyone.」(fii)

Philias, who was waiting for their return at the inn’s dining room expressed her thanks to the despondent Yuuzuki. From there, they held a discussion about the future while having dinner.

「……After a few days of searching, it’s probably reasonable to assume that the 《devil/evil spirit》is no longer in this town.」(fii)

「To put in a different way……we were too late. It is regrettable.」(ayana)

Ayana nodded regretfully after hearing Philias’ pensive words. Their effort for the last few days ended up in vain.

「So Fii. What are you intending to do next? Since it’s you we’re talking about, you’re already thinking about our next move, right?」(misaki)

The leader of this quartet was Yuuzuki but it fell to Philias to decide their course of action. She who was always looking one step ahead made a statement to put an end for the search in this town. Misaki enquired with that in mind and Philias nodded as a reply.

「There is no doubt that the 《devil/evil spirit》 has entered the domain of this countryーDiagal Empire. Assuming that is true, it would serve us best to head towards the foremost information hub within Diagal’s domain.」(fii)

「With that said, our next stop is the capital of Diagal Empire, Draknil.」(aho)

Philias’ lines were hijacked by Yuuzuki. However, Ayana who heard it had an uneasy expression.

「The three of us could somehow pass as travelers but Fii is a royalty of Yulfilia. Will it be that easy to enter?」

「Please, worry not. Diplomatic relations between my Yulfilia and Diagal are favorable. I am also acquainted with quite the number of Diagal royalty. As such, we would not be bluntly denied entry.」(fii)

「Is that so……」(ayana)

Misaki cackles at Ayana who was contemplating with her hand on her chin.

「Fii already said it’s okay, so everything’s gonna be fine. Ayana’s such a worrywart.」(misaki)

Ayana became a little sullen as a response to Misaki’s bright words.

「I can’t simply view the situation optimistically without any considerations like Misaki-san.」(ayana?)

「……Was that a roundabout way of saying [thoughtless idiot]?」(misaki?)

「Who knows, that would depend on how you understand it……If you think so, then perhaps it is.」(ayana?)

「Haah, you sound like a girl who likes to nitpick1. This is why I can’t stand rational women. Your nutrients all went into your brain. Is there anything left for your body?」

「………I could say the same to you, wouldn’t you say your muscles have too much nourishments?」(ayana?)

After a brief silence, Misaki and Ayana glared at each other. Their pointed glares clashed, causing proverbial sparks to scatter around.

「I understand. Come forward if you will. I shall accept this fight.」(ayana?)

「I’ll take you up on it.」(misaki?)

Both of them stood up while checking their weapons. If anyone who knew the two girls were here, they would not be able to hide their surprise at the volatile atmosphere.

「Okay, calm down, both of you.」(aho?)

Yuuzuki gently stopped them as they tried to leave the inn. As soon as they heard him, the two who were burning with anger came to their senses.

「Ayana-san is worried about Fii and Misaki-san said that because of your trust in Fii, right? In that case, you don’t have to fight so seriously. Am I wrong?」(aho?)

ーーIf the young man were to look at the current Yuuzuki, his shock would have been as if he was struck by lightning.

Such a spectacle was happening.

The two girls regained their presence of mind due to the arbitration of the composed Yuuzuki.

「Thatーーis so. ……I’m very sorry Misaki-san. My previous words were undeniably improper.」(ayana?)

「It’s okay Ayana. I was also too quick to flare up and went too far. Can you forgive me?」(misaki?)

Misaki and Ayana took on a thoughtful attitude on one another, as if the previous volatile atmosphere was a lie. What can be seen at the moment was unmistakably the appearance of two best friends.

「……It is rather humiliating for Yuuzuki-kun to be the one stopping us from fighting.」(ayana)

「We’re all tired today. Otherwise, Yuuzki wouldn’t say something like that.」(misaki)

「Eh!? I thought I said something nice for once !?」(aho)

The usual trio.

In their usual interaction.

Back to their usual relationship.

ーーNone among them was aware about the [change] that was definitely occurring across all three of them.

And they could no longer recall the impetus of this change.

They even forgot the vigilance they should have had.

The princess was laughing by herself.