“I see. Then let’s have her stay.”
You really said all that right in front of me, huh? thought Neia as she bowed and expressed her gratitude.
“So what should we do about what the King of Darkness said? It’s easy to say we should move, but… Does anyone have an idea of somewhere safe we could go?”
If there were someone like her father, Pabel, here, who had ranger skills, they would have been able to make or find a space where this amount of people could camp long-term. But there was no one like that in this group.
“The King of Darkness—His Majesty was saying that he thought Jaldabaoth wouldn’t make a move as long as we didn’t. So we just need to find somewhere to shelter before he does anything, right?”
The paladin’s suggestion gathered supporters. But Neia knew that nothing good would come of putting off the issue. They would only end up panicking.
“It’s not only an issue of location but also of food. Right now, our supplies are keeping well because it’s winter, but we’ll still only barely make it through. It seems like you weren’t able to get assistance in Re-Estize, but shouldn’t you at least have bought some food?”
“Unfortunately, the food in the Kingdom was more expensive than we could have imagined. And even if we could have bought it, how would we transport enough to feed all these people for several months?”
“Deputy Gustav, I understand what you’re saying, but without food we’re doomed. Maybe we really should try to obtain some from the south? Or we could move our base closer to the coast and transport food from Re-Estize by water?”
“We don’t have the money for that. We tried getting support from the wealthy merchants there, but we didn’t get a good response. And from the south…” Gustav winced. “They don’t realize how close the danger is to them, that our navy being worn down means the same as going to the guillotine.”
“We need something to motivate the south to cooperate.”
“A base, food. We have heaps of problems.”
“…Is Her Majesty the Holy Lady’s resurrection likely?”
“Unfortunately, according to the Blue Roses, tier-five magic probably won’t work when there is no body or the damage is too severe.”
“…Could His Majesty the King of Darkness do it?”
“You’d borrow the power of an undead?”
“We have no choice. Once Her Majesty is resurrected, then our main problem is Jaldabaoth.”
Everyone looked to Remedios, who was scowling.
“…We’re shelving that issue for later. I considered our options while we were traveling—the first thing we’ll do is free the people imprisoned in the camps.”
A few people nodded in agreement.
“Aha. All the people of the Sacred Kingdom have combat training. Each village liberated is another military force…if they’ll fight. But if we do that, our food issues will be even more dire.”
“That’s why we attack the camps. They must have food there.”
“Oh! Good thinking as always, Commander Custodio.”
The paladin’s comment made Remedios grin.
Neia looked at her smug face with icy eyes—because she knew whose idea it had been.
“And we’ll have those people help us to liberate more camps. At some point, we’ll be sure to find a noble who could put us in touch with the south. Before Jaldabaoth can mobilize his army against us, we’ll build our own and launch an attack of our own. That should throw off their plans.”
“Aha!”
Now there were more voices chiming in.
“That should be our plan. Squire Baraja, inform the King of—”
“One moment, Commander. I think it would be better to have me talk to him. We should follow all the etiquette when explaining an operation to a king.”
Gustav was right. But Neia had the feeling that wasn’t the only reason for his proposal.
Still, since she didn’t know what Gustav was up to, she couldn’t object.
“I see. Well then, let’s do that. I’m counting on you.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
•
Neia went with Gustav back to the King of Darkness’s room. A paladin stood before the door, which was only a sheet of cloth. It wasn’t clear if he was on guard against those who would harm the person inside or the person himself.
Gustav directed him to leave, so he went away.
Neia furrowed her brow.
If he had the guard leave, there had to be some other reason he had come besides explaining their plan. She didn’t think he would attempt an assassination, but if it came to that, she would have to take up her weapon to defend the King of Darkness.
“Your Majesty, King of Darkness, it’s Gustav Montagnés and Squire Neia Baraja.”
Having received permission to enter, Gustav went in first.
It was such a dreary room that the memories of the inns they’d stayed at in the Re-Estize Kingdom and the Nation of Darkness were depressing. Or rather, this wasn’t the sort of room a king should have to stay in.
There was no helping that the walls were the bare rock of the cave, but the furnishings were also so shabby.
Paladins learned to sew during their service as squires, but they never learned to build furniture.
That said, the bed the king was sitting on was splendid. Its dark gleam made it seem like it had to be made of obsidian. White bedding was spread over the top.
Normally anyone would be flabbergasted and wonder where such a fine bed had come from, but Neia knew this was nothing for the King of Darkness, so she wasn’t terribly surprised. And he could have teleported back to his country and brought it over.
But Gustav didn’t know the King of Darkness as well as Neia did, so his reaction was different. “Y-Your Majesty, where did that come from?”
“This?” The King of Darkness pointed at his bed. “I created it with my magic. And the bedding is pretty much the same. I’m pretty sure it’s one hundred percent cotton from somewhere or other; it’s comfortable to lie on. If I could sleep, I’m sure it would be quite pleasant.”
Gustav had received the answer to his question, but all
