85 - Chapter 11: Resumptions and Reunions
Even after gaining a name, its way of being did not change.
It simply monitored the imaginary realm from its assigned place, occasionally accessing the physical world just to observe. During that time, living beings began to overflow the world, and it felt as though simply watching them was enjoyable at first.
However, at some point, it became able to read the patterns. It sensed that this was likely what the God called growth. While it felt a flutter of excitement at its own growth, it soon realized that its emotions were drying up.
It could understand. The actions of living beings.
They became connected. Becoming known.
It could read them. The future that lay ahead.
Without deviating from the framework of prediction or observation, the people of this world carved out history in order rather than chaos.
The fact that it was, by nature, the guardian and administrator of the imaginary realm was likely a cause. Beings of this world would never be liberated from the fences of that system.
Perhaps fearing this, the God, Refill, who showed its face from time to time────.
"Well then, shall we stir things up a bit? World."
That is what it declared.
●
The Radock Frontier Territory, located in the southwestern part of the Albestein Kingdom, is a region where plains spread out, which is rare in this country of rugged terrain. Consequently, it was required to function as the nation's granary, and thus prospered by specializing in food production and distribution.
However, being wealthy is proof to other nations that it is a good hunting ground. Moreover, because it is at the edge of the country, it is nearly impossible to avoid interference from other nations, and there have been many direct interferences────namely, looting, in the past.
That said, since the hegemon of the adjacent continent, the Leonesta Empire, has focused on internal affairs for the past few decades, the Radock Territory has recently strived for wealth and military strength, strongly pushing forward its production capacity and territorial defense.
As a result, what spread out before the eyes of the Three Idiots was────.
"Ho. So this is the Radock Territory."
"It is quite the vast farmland, isn't it?"
"The Triad is the same, but territories with stable food supplies naturally strengthen their defenses, so the public order is good and it's peaceful, which is nice... If I were to pick a place for my final home, this kind of place would be great."
"I feel you."
It was a rich, vast farmland that produced many grains and legumes, including corn, soybeans, and wheat, and was also active in the production of livestock products such as milk, beef, and chicken.
The Three Idiots, enjoying the surrounding scenery from the back of Morgus's wagon, were reminded of the vast farmlands overseas they had seen in their previous lives. Furthermore, since the castle town where the Frontier Count's castle is located is adjacent, a reasonable level of convenience is ensured. Moderately rural, moderately urban. They thought that if one had a means of transportation like a horse, it would be a perfect place to live.
"You guys are completely tourists, aren't you..."
The one sighing with half-closed eyes was Shannon, who was riding in Morgus's wagon. She had been completely worn down physically and mentally by the performances of the last few days, but since that ended yesterday, she had recovered enough to have the leeway to retort to the Three Idiots.
"No point in rushing."
"What will you do from here, Shannon-chan?"
"I intend to meet Count Radock.────How about you guys?"
At the words suddenly spun, the Three Idiots looked at each other.
"Ah, no, I mean, right? You guys are also looking for someone, aren't you? Count Radock has a wide network of connections, so I thought if we asked him, we might be able to find them."
Depending on how they took it, Shannon spoke words that sounded like a flustered explanation.
"Hmm..."
Seeing this, the Three Idiots groaned slightly, and after a moment.
"────Strategy Time!"
"Time?"
The three of them simultaneously made a T-sign with their hands and hurriedly pressed their foreheads together in the corner of the wagon.
"So? What do we do? Sensei. We're probably being counted on. As combat power."
"Right. I might have gone a bit too far because I wanted time to practice our performance."
It was only natural that practice for playing and singing was necessary to earn money through performances. The Three Idiots could handle it reasonably well due to their experience in their previous lives, but considering future events, they had to train Lubes and the others, and above all, they needed to drill it into Shannon, who was the main attraction, so practice time was absolutely necessary.
They could have done that during the travel time in the wagon. However, in this medieval European-style different world, traveling is not safe at all. They encountered bandit attacks and monster attacks sporadically, and each time, the Three Idiots quickly scattered them for the reason that "practice time is precious." Quite fully, and without mercy.
It goes without saying, but these Three Idiots. While they are ridiculous people with screws missing by the dozen, their combat power is at the peak of humanity.
If so, the way they scattered enemies looked to others like a single blow defeating a multitude, to the point where the entire party was stunned, thinking, "Isn't it just these guys who are in a different world-view?"
Now, what happens after showing such power────that is summarized in Later's previous words. One could also say that the situation the Three Idiots always worry about has arrived.
To put it simply, they are about to be relied upon. For their ridiculous power.
"No matter how I think about it, I smell trouble."
"Oh, how rare. Usually, Marie would probably stick with Shannon even if she thought it was a pain."
If the background were clean, I would do so, Marianne prefaced.
"Since then, I have spoken with Shannon-chan and Morgus frequently and investigated that girl's background. Her behavior didn't seem to be that of a commoner. Then, as expected, it was revealed that she is Shannon Ilmelta, a daughter of House Duke Ilmelta. She is somewhat of a celebrity in this country."
A female knight who is a royal guard for Princess Lumilia El Albestein and is known by the alias Knight of the Magic Spear. That is the true identity of the girl named Shannon Ilmelta.
"Which means that's it. The person Shannon is looking for, and Count Radock are..."
"Yes, it is Princess Lumilia and the royalist faction that supports her. In other words, the establishment side. And a very hardcore one at that."
"Ugh... as I thought..."
The Three Idiots are idiots, but they are not slow on the uptake.
After all, they were middle-aged people who had been working adults in their previous lives. In modern Japanese society, being slow on the uptake can lead to being branded as socially maladjusted, so it could be said to be natural. Regardless of the pros and cons of the custom commonly called reading the air, the habit of observing and analyzing others like people-watching has become an ingrained essential skill.
Turning back, they had acted together with Shannon for nearly a week, guessed her position from her words and combat ability, and analyzed various things in light of the current situation of this country. The delusional conclusion they thought would be a funny story if it were just overthinking, however, had become a reality.
They had each kept it in their hearts, thinking they would be dragged in if they asked directly, but at this point, they had no choice but to face reality.
Namely.
"It's troublesome."
"It's a nuisance."
"And a particularly bad one at that."
In this country on the verge of civil war, the center of the establishment faction, Lumilia────a mysterious super-combat power accompanying her.
Setting facts aside, looking at it cynically, that is the position of the Three Idiots. If they easily accepted Shannon's proposal and had an interview with Count Radock as they are, there was a high possibility they would be dragged in.
That said.
"Normally, avoidance would be the only choice────however, Count Radock's network of connections is attractive. We have no connections we can rely on in this country."
Marianne's words had a point.
After all, on the way here, the Three Idiots had searched for the three girls from time to time, but they couldn't obtain a single piece of information. If this were within the Empire, they could have used the name value of the Triad to investigate through nobles or searched through the information network of the Romanet Great Merchant Guild.
But this is another country, and the Three Idiots' backgrounds cannot be used. Regarding information gathering ability, they were completely powerless. Considering that, the network of Count Radock, who is rooted in this country and governs such a frontier territory, would be a great power.
"I do feel a bit of responsibility, you know?"
Marianne was the trigger for this teleportation incident.
Of course, it wasn't by her own will, and the cause is unknown, but Geoglyph has guaranteed that her magic was likely used in relation to summoning arts, leading to this. In other words, even if she had no malice, it is inevitable that a certain amount of responsibility accompanies her.
So, while she is saying such modest things...
"────What's your real intention?"
When the two idiots questioned Marianne with cold eyes, she said this with a clenched fist.
"────I want to confirm if the Princess x Female Knight pairing is established...!"
"I knew it! You yuri pig!!"
This woman is truly faithful to her desires.
"Well, but as a practical matter. It's true we have no leads, and we'll be staying for a few days anyway, right?"
"That's true. If it were just us, we could quickly replenish food and other supplies and then enter the Empire."
"But we've taken them in..."
The Three Idiots glanced toward the back of the wagon, at the rear line of Morgus's caravan. Mixed with the rattling sound of the wheels, singing and music could still be heard.
The family of Lubes' party────those girls are still practicing.
The irregular unit of the Three Idiots + Shannon disbanded in the town they stopped at previously. Originally, the Three Idiots plan to return to the Empire, and Shannon has her own objective. They cannot stay together forever.
That said, considering the income from the performances that achieved results this time, it would be too wasteful to just stop. To hand those over and establish them as a new unit, they are now desperately practicing for performances. Yes, since their lives are on the line, if they miss this, it is literally a desperate situation.
Just abandoning them would be too irresponsible, and furthermore, since they are also trying to face their own unreasonable fate, the Three Idiots intend to stay with them a little longer. Therefore, they are stuck in the Radock Territory for a few days anyway.
The three of them sighed in unison. This is why they don't want to help people easily, because responsibility arises and they can't prioritize their own tasks.
"Well then, since we're meeting him, let's ask for as much as we can."
"Is that okay, Sensei?"
"Won't we be requested to cooperate in the civil war?"
At the proposal of the leader, Geoglyph, both Later and Marianne showed concern, but they wouldn't necessarily make a request. They would merely sound him out.
"If requested, we'll refuse and they can give up on borrowing our strength. We're not heroes, so we just have to follow the usual rules."
Though, those rules also cannot resist the course of events.
●
The girl named Shannon Ilmelta has the skill of a Master in the Albert Style, Centaur School.
Considering that the Secret Tradition one level above is effectively proof of being a successor, a person who has reached the level of Master possesses skill such that it wouldn't be strange for them to establish their own school elsewhere. In fact, at the end of last year, Shannon, who was declared a Master by her teacher, Richter Centaur, was approached by him regarding the Secret Tradition.
Richter is the head of the Marquis Centaur family, but he has no children. In the first place, he is not married.
Marriage proposals are flooding in, but for some reason, he himself firmly refuses, and there is still no heir to the Marquis Centaur family. Normally, his son should inherit the Secret Tradition of the Centaur School, so Shannon has remained as a Master. Therefore, in terms of ability, she possesses strength comparable to Richter.
Now, in the eyes of that Master, Shannon, these Three Idiots are abnormal people.
They have traveled together for about six days since meeting, and the meeting itself was shocking in various ways. Are there plenty of people like that in foreign countries? Scary! It wouldn't be strange to have a mistaken sense of vigilance.
After all, these Three Idiots almost instantaneously finish off the bandits and monsters that attack them on the way. Facing that, Shannon almost heard the sound of her own values collapsing.
That said.
That combat power is abnormal even from her perspective────and at the same time, attractive.
Geoglyph Triad, who overwhelms by rapid-firing magic with the mysterious words "Decode."
Later, who, even from the perspective of a fellow warrior, shows abnormal mobility and a high number of attacks using the magic tool Holy Martial Scripture, including close-quarters ability.
Marianne, who swings a hammer or develops incomprehensible magic tools | some kind of incomprehensible hobbyist (Shadow Beast currently sealed).
One idiot with a strange evaluation is mixed in, but each one is truly a warrior capable of taking on a thousand alone. If they could be made allies, perhaps they could overcome the crisis of this nation────it is only natural for Shannon to think so.
That is why she invited them to the visit to Count Radock.
"Um, you three understand, right? Please, above all..."
"Ah, yeah, yeah, you're saying don't be rude, right? I'm a commoner, so I'll just keep my head down."
"In any case, only Geo will be speaking. We, who are not nobles, probably won't even be acknowledged by the other party."
"I hope those girls can be found."
But, once they arrived in the Radock Territory and were walking toward the castle with the Three Idiots, a strange anxiety began to rear its head. Is it really okay to let these guys meet Count Radock? Won't they be executed?
While the Three Idiots gave carefree answers while acting like wide-eyed tourists, Shannon felt an indescribable anxiety as she headed toward the center of the castle town. And it was when they reached the castle gate in the center of the Radock Territory.
"Hm? A wagon is coming at quite a speed."
The first to notice was Later.
The sound of a wagon running was heard from behind the party, and they cleared the way because it was dangerous. It was a blue-painted wagon that clearly cost a lot of money, and the family crest mimicking the snow crystals of Radock was visible as they passed. The Three Idiots thought it might be the wagon of the aforementioned Count Radock.
"No way..."
As they passed, Shannon stared wide-eyed at the person visible from the wagon window. Long silver hair mixed with red. Lapis lazuli eyes shining in an expression tinged with sorrow. Those characteristics, captured slightly in the flowing field of vision. There was no way she could forget. Her heart reached conviction before her recognition that it was definitely her.
"Hey?"
"You look pale, are you okay?"
"What happened?"
That is why she started running. The words of the Three Idiots no longer even entered her ears. She ran along the castle wall. Fortunately, it wasn't that far to the castle gate. She reached the castle gate, slightly lagging behind the wagon, but.
"Stop, you! Who are you!!"
Naturally, she was blocked and questioned by the guards at the castle gate.
But, the castle gate opened wide to welcome the wagon────beyond that, over the shoulders of the guards, she saw the figure of the master she must protect about to descend from the wagon. She didn't have the leeway to follow etiquette or common sense in a formulaic way. Wanting to rush to her and confirm her safety faster than the gate could close, she.
"Shannon Ilmelta of the Albestein First Knight Order, Royal Guard! Forgive my rudeness, but I will push through! ────Inversion!!"
That is why she charged at the guards without stopping her feet.
Touching the spear mounted on her back and speaking the activation formula, a blue phosphorescence overflowed. Simultaneously, the shaking step she took with all her might received that effect and inverted. The weight and leg strength she slammed into the ground, and even gravity, were inverted, and all vectors pointed upward.
As a result, what occurred was a great leap.
"What!?"
Leaping over the heads of the guards in an inverted handstand jump, she reached the castle courtyard like a bullet. Noticing the commotion, the soldiers stationed in the courtyard also shifted to a combat stance, but────.
"Shannon...!?"
Before that, Shannon's master────Lumilia, who had descended from the wagon, noticed.
"Lumilia-sama!"
That is why Shannon also ran, and────the master and servant who had been separated reunited for the first time in a week, both of them in tatters.
●
Now, Shannon's actions had many problems in various ways, especially ceremonially────but since Lumilia, the head of the state, accepted it, the local lord and his subordinates could not move, and a kind of deadlock was born along with confusion.
Yes, it was born.
While one master and servant, ignoring the surrounding atmosphere, hugged each other in joy at their reunion while shedding tears────on the other hand.
"Oh? Oh my? Oh my my my?"
Due to the born deadlock, through the castle gate that was still wide open, one idiot had seen <
"My my my my...!"
The sight of the Princess and the female knight────girl and girl, hugging each other while crying.
"Ki, ki, ki...!"
Ah, seeing the state of that yuri pig, the other two idiots looked up at the sky and put their hands to their foreheads.
"Sensei. I can read the development after this..."
"What a coincidence. I also realized what will happen after this."
On the count of three, the two stored their words and shouted.
"This is definitely something we'll get dragged into────!!"
"It's h-e-r-e────────────────────────!!!"
Furthermore, the yuri pig next to them had her hand on her chest and wore an ecstatic smile.
As expected, no matter how much they tried to avoid trouble, it seemed the Three Idiots could not resist the course of events.
To be continued next week.