214 - Fight More
It was a refreshing, cloudy sky.
In perfect weather for war, I sat atop the second layer of a stack of wooden crates, looking down at the Valkyries dancing around me.
Novem, Aria, and Mei, who were looking up at me, had exasperated expressions, while Elsa-san looked flustered. The surrounding gazes were focused on me, but since I am always in the spotlight, this level of attention wasn't enough to satisfy me.
The Valkyries were moving in a circle, surrounding me while each performed a different dance, it was like some strange ritual.
Some danced beautifully, while others were doing handstands, moving their legs violently and spinning. Each had their own individuality, but when they moved together in a circle, it looked eerie.
However, since they told me this was a celebration of my recovery, I felt happy.
(How lucky am I? It feels a bit eerie, but to be thought of this much... As I thought, I am a man born to be loved.)
Looking down at the Valkyries, I spoke.
"There's no sense of unity because you're all trying too hard to show your individuality. Conversely, I can't feel any individuality. However, I understand that you are happy. This Lyell Wolt... is in top form today as well! There is no longer any need for concern!"
Standing atop the second layer of wooden crates, I thrust both fists toward the heavens and looked up at the sky.
"Hmph, even the heavens are blessing me. It's good that it's cloudy today and the sunlight isn't too strong."
Whether it be sunny or rainy, or even if hail fell, in the end, it was all luck. A man who can love any weather is loved by the heavens.
As I was recalling this personal theory...
"Hm, I've thought of something good!"
...a voice called out from below. Thinking it would be bad to look down at Aria's earnest face—which looked as if she were shouting and wishing for something—I jumped from the crates—.
"Toh! And a beautiful landing!"
I landed right in front of Aria, crouched deeply once, and then stood up. Then, Aria hit me on the head with the shaft of the spear she was holding.
"That hurts. Are you jealous? I still have some candy."
As I searched my pockets, Aria shouted.
"You idiot! Hurry up and stop this strange ritual! Look, everyone around us is frightened!"
The soldiers of Lusworth were watching the dancing Valkyries from a distance. Perhaps it was eerie, but everyone had a strange look on their faces.
"How rude to call it a strange ritual. They're just dancing to celebrate my recovery. Apparently, they can't show expressions yet, so they're just dancing to express their emotions. When you think of it that way, isn't it cute?"
Novem shook her head.
"Lyell-sama, the war will begin shortly. I believe it would be best to refrain from actions that lower morale. There are no absolutes on the battlefield."
Having been scolded by Novem, I had no choice but to stop the dancing. Since the active Valkyries had all gathered here out of concern for my poor health, I didn't know the situation in Galleria.
"It can't be helped. If Novem says so. You lot, that's enough dancing. Next time, I want you to emphasize unity."
"You're making them do it again?! Are you an idiot?!"
At Aria's words, I replied with a smile.
"Hmph, if I am not understood, I don't mind being called an idiot. I simply persevere in being myself."
After saying such a cool line, Elsa-san's cheeks were indeed flushing. As expected of me. The opponent is already falling for me. My own charm becomes frightening, but apparently, Celes stole the power of Septem from me. If so, this is my raw charm.
Novem gave a wry smile.
"Lyell-sama, please do not try to gloss over things by saying things that sound plausible. What do you intend to do about this situation? We have no means of communication with the other side. Since the Galleria side is also a battlefield, infiltrating would be difficult... As expected, Lyell-sama should go to that side."
Novem's proposal—that I go to the other side and control the battlefield—was not spoken to the end. The one who interrupted was Elsa-san.
"Ah, no... could you wait a moment? Look, we've been exchanging letters for a while, and today... how about Lyell-dono stays in this camp?"
Elsa-san, trying to keep me here while blushing, showed me her newly made outfit. Perhaps pursuing femininity in knight's attire, she wore a skirt, and the boots covered up to her thighs.
Her white skin was flushed red on her cheeks, and her eyes were moist.
"Alright, then I'll stay here. Well, today is just about pitting people with bad daily conduct against each other. There should be no problem with me being here. Also, Elsa-san."
"Y-yes?"
I directed a smile toward Elsa-san, who had a happy expression.
"That outfit looks even better than when I saw it before. The part of the thigh visible between the skirt and the boots is quite provocative."
When I answered honestly, Aria pinched my back. It seemed she was jealous.
"What, do you want to be praised? Rest assured, Aria, you have a charm that only you possess. I love that boisterous side of you."
When I said this with a smile, Aria's left hand struck my cheek directly.
"Why are you hitting on women even at a time like this?! And what do you mean, boisterous?! Boisterous?!"
Holding my right cheek with my hand, I said to Aria.
"...That was a good slap. But please stop hitting my face. I'm busy today, so I'll deal with you later. In bed at night is fine too."
Then, Aria's face turned as red as her hair, and she swung her spear down at me. It would be dangerous if it hit directly, but thinking of it as hiding her embarrassment, it was also cute.
(I feel like anyone other than me would have died, but that's a trivial matter. Aria needs this much, or there's no sport in it.)
"A great strike! I would have died if it hit directly. You're really lucky the opponent was me."
"Die at least once for the sake of reflection! You're making a fool of yourself again in this situation!"
Aria had tears in her eyes, but I tilted my head at being called a fool. Then, thinking Aria had misunderstood...
"Don't sweat the small stuff. You only feel embarrassed because you think it's embarrassing. This is my standard, so there's no problem. Rather, I'm really busy today, so I'll deal with you later."
Then, Novem looked at me, put a hand to her cheek, and tilted her head.
"Are you not just watching today?"
Novem was cute like that, but Elsa-san was also flustered, unsure whether to stop Aria or leave her be, so in order to lend a helping hand...
"Well, everyone listen. I am here, so there is no need for concern. That is all I can say for now. Therefore, I am going to go do some preparations. I'll be back soon."
Watching me act with such dignity, Elsa-san blushed and nodded, Aria held her head in her hands, and Novem gave me a wry smile and waved.
Seen off by the Valkyries, I entered one of the unused tents.
Upon entering the tent, Monica was cleaning the tent I would use while humming.
When I entered, she waved with an incredibly bright smile.
"Look, chicken coward. This Monica has commanded useless scrap-heaps number one through three and proceeded with the preparations for this tent! The preparations are perfect."
I had borrowed it because I wanted a space to be alone, but Monica had been spinning her wheels trying to prepare in advance.
I placed a hand on Monica's shoulder.
"Thank you, Monica. You all did well. I have some things to think about alone for a while. So, you all go help outside. I'll head over soon. I'm counting on you."
When I smiled, Valkyries number one through three struck poses and spoke simultaneously.
"Leave it to us! I, the perfect Valkyrie number one!"
"I, the special unit number two, shall execute Master's orders!"
"More than number one or number two, I, number three, for the sake of Master!"
They were striking poses, but their introductions were disjointed. Monica looked at the three of them and laughed through her nose.
"Automatons unable to even synchronize their breathing, merely emphasizing their individuality... it's unbearable to watch."
Then, the Valkyries spread the binders on their backs and tried to take out their weapons, so I clapped my hands.
"Now, it's time to work. You lot go outside and command the other Valkyries. Monica, you go to where Novem and the others are."
"Understood. I shall show you how I am different from these counterfeits!"
Following Monica, who dashed out, Valkyries number one through three also flew out of the tent.
Then, the Third Head, who was suppressing a laugh, spoke to me.
'Is Lyell-san in top form today as well? I feel like there's a lack of explosive power. More importantly, do you have some secret plan? You'll have to send the Valkyries, or Lyell will have to go directly to the Galleria camp...'
The Third Head seemed worried, but for me, there was no problem.
"It's fine. This time, I'll pretend to be hiding. Well, it's a good opportunity to stop a war that has continued through mutual familiarity. Those who have been sucking the sweet nectar will become quiet once they realize how dangerous a situation they were in. Well, they'll either feel like they're dying, or they'll actually die."
The Fifth Head looked at me with a slight expression of surprise.
'...Hey, the plan was to weaken them by pitting traitors against each other, wasn't it?'
That's what they said. I had thought so too, but in this situation, there is a more optimal method, so I'm simply choosing that one.
Besides, I had a concern from before.
"There's a possibility they're communicating behind the scenes, like Glacia and Elsa. It wouldn't be impossible to make it look like they're fighting desperately. They just need to pit their people against each other in earnest and survive themselves."
Then, the Seventh Head seemed impressed by my opinion.
'You noticed, Lyell. No, Lyell-san. But even so, it doesn't change the fact that there will be great casualties. If you reduce the number of lords and officials any further, you won't be able to move. Considering the balance, let's keep it peaceful this time.'
The Seventh Head tried to persuade me, but surprisingly, the Third Head and Mireia-san supported me. And so, the opinions within the Jewel were split in two.
(...Majority rule is tough with an even number.)
I intended to persuade the Fifth and Seventh Heads, but the Third Head spoke up.
'Let's just let Lyell-san do as he pleases. I want to see what kind of result it brings. Besides, if the situation worsens, it's no problem as long as we can extract at least those two in the worst case.'
Mireia-san shared the same opinion.
'Because we can make them fall for you soon. Honestly, if you were this proactive normally, I wouldn't get tired of watching you. Gaps are important, but you need to fix your usual moping just a little bit more.'
I received harsh words, but thinking that she was worried, it wasn't so bad. However, I didn't particularly desire the worst-case scenario.
"You're mistaken. I have no intention of extracting those two. Those two specialize in leading soldiers and fighting on the battlefield. Therefore, the current situation is appropriate for them."
The Fifth Head agreed with that. However, they showed reluctance toward changing the plan.
'I agree with that opinion. I agree, but... then, you don't have to go out of your way to do something like a gamble, right?'
The Seventh Head added.
'It would be troublesome if we clumsily interfered and created a situation where we couldn't make those two fall for you. Rather, the fact that we're talking about making them fall for you normally makes me feel Lyell's growth... in various senses.'
Listening to the opinions of the previous heads of the family, I burst out laughing. I couldn't hold back the laughter.
Mireia-san asked.
'What is it, Lyell?'
I cleared my throat and then declared boldly in the empty tent. Spreading my arms and looking up at the ceiling, I could see the timber supporting the tent.
"You are all mistaken! This Lyell Wolt does not make them fall! Once you reach my level, the women you target fall for you on their own!"
Then, after a short pause, the Third Head started laughing.
'Overconfidence to this extent is truly something. However, rather than falling on their own, even if you're making them fall, wouldn't it be fatal if you failed here? Besides, have you forgotten that you're usually connected to Monica-chan and the others via Line? Your location will be discovered immediately.'
Yes, just as I can tell where they are, they can tell where I am. And if I hide, they'll probably come looking for me even if I stay silent. I think they'd obey if I told them to, but that wouldn't be interesting.
Since I also wanted to conduct an experiment, I decided to use this opportunity.
I took out the sword I borrowed from Aria. It was a type of magic tool, apparently given to her by a skilled knight during the conquest of Selva.
I said with a smile.
"It's fine. If I use this, I can disrupt the Line while preventing the Jewel's interference. I cannot use magic tools, but tools are all about how you use them. I can escape whenever I want to. Fuhahahaha!!"
Using a magic tool interferes with the Jewel, making the Jewel unusable. For that reason, I hadn't used magic tools until now. But in times like this, they are convenient.
As I said this while laughing loudly, the Third Head suddenly began to panic.
'...Eh? Wait a minute! If you do that, we won't be able to see Lyell-san's success—'
The Seventh Head also became distraught.
'T-this is bad, Lyell! With that method, we won't be able to enjoy it! Please use a slightly different method...'
Mireia-san began to scold me.
'Lyell, it's unfortunate that we can't all enjoy this festival. I understand. I will also cooperate, so let's put that magic tool aside and discuss this. Look, it'll be over quickly if you just send a bit of your consciousness into the Jewel.'
She probably intended to force me—under the guise of persuasion—into not using the magic tool. Since Mireia-san was capable of such a thing, I laughed.
"Too late! This Lyell Wolt... is a man who adheres to his decisions! I am not a man who yields to threats! Well then, see you later."
As I drew the sword and poured mana into it, the skill embedded in the magic tool activated and interfered with the Jewel. Interfering with each other, the voices from the Jewel became intermittent.
Finally, the Fifth Head said.
'You... don't... know...'
That's what they said. While pouring mana into the sword, I returned it to its sheath and brushed back my hair.
"Don't worry, I'll definitely return for the main event and deactivate it then. You just have to wait a little."
I muttered, knowing they couldn't hear me, and then...
"You should exercise patience once in a while, previous heads of the family."
With a smirk, I left the tent and vanished. All for the sake of having them fight each other in earnest.
——Glacia, while the two camps glared at each other, dispatched Miranda as an envoy.
Although it was a war that felt like a farce, it was after all the first battle for her younger brother, Reold. She wanted Lyell to be by his side.
As a pretext, it had been decided that since there were no means of communication, someone should be dispatched. However, she had explained it vaguely to Miranda, and now she just had to wait for Lyell to come.
Glacia, waiting restlessly, waited inside the tent for the envoy, Miranda, to return.
Around her, the vassals, perhaps thinking the restless Glacia was irritated, kept their heads down in silence.
Reold thoughtfully spoke.
"Sister, you don't have to intimidate those around you so much... everyone should fight sufficiently."
Hearing that, Glacia acted for Reold's sake.
"Hmph, coming from you, who knows nothing of the battlefield. In a situation where there might still be traitors, there's no telling when someone might slit your throat in your sleep. I said I expect everyone's loyalty today, but..."
While feeling hesitant to say such things to her cute younger brother, Glacia continued her act until Miranda returned to the tent. Suppressing her joy, Glacia spoke with a dignified attitude.
"You've returned. What is Lusworth's response?"
While the vassals were curious about what the envoy had conveyed, Miranda knelt.
"...They said they cannot."
Since Miranda also couldn't explain in detail in this situation, she only conveyed the result briefly.
Glacia stood up, thinking internally.
(What do you mean 'cannot'! He just has to show his face here for a bit. He could at least be considerate of me... W-wait! Could it be that the person Elsa likes is—)
Having stood up, Glacia remained silent for a while before speaking again.
"...Once more. I will have the envoy head toward the Lusworth camp once more. The rest of you, take your positions!"
After sending the vassals back to their respective forces, Glacia spoke in the tent where only those involved remained.
"Miranda-chan, what do you mean 'impossible'!"
As she approached Miranda as if pleading, Miranda scratched her cheek with her finger.
"No, well... they said Lyell cannot be found."
Glacia immediately reacted.
"Wait, you said that Monica-chan, that automaton, can normally be contacted! And moving everyone over there is different from the plan... No way."
The worst prediction floated into Glacia's head. It was a delusion that Elsa had noticed Glacia's feelings and stolen Lyell.
"That woman aaaaah!!"
As Glacia screamed, Reold desperately tried to calm her down—.
"Sister, wait! There might be someone around! Besides, the opponent might have their own circumstances!"
——In Lusworth, the Valkyries were flustered, searching throughout the camp.
Monica, for one, was sitting in Elsa's tent with her knees hugged to her chest. Because the Line had been cut, mana was not being supplied from Lyell. In times like this, she stayed on standby to avoid wasting energy and running out of power.
However, as if she wanted to go search immediately, she muttered to herself.
"If only I hadn't left the chicken coward's side there... Not being by the chicken coward's side during his fever time is a failure as a maid. This Monica is not Monica. Damn it... damn it..."
Watching Monica talking to herself while looking at a pillar in the corner of the tent, Aria sighed.
"Just because we can't contact him for a bit. Lyell has a certain level of skill, so he'll surely be fine. Right, Nove... m?"
When Aria looked at Novem standing beside her, she saw her take a step back to create distance.
"...Eh? What is it? Um, where is Lyell-sama? Has he not returned yet? I should also search... no, but the order was to standby here... what should I do."
Expressionless. And with a voice devoid of inflection, she was not the usual Novem who always had a smile. She was slightly unsteady, and the hand gripping the staff—the treasure of the Foxuz family—was clutching it more tightly than usual.
Aria looked at Elsa. Inside the tent, Elsa, sitting in a chair, was also worried about Lyell.
"I searched after the envoy came, but since he wasn't there, I refused saying it's impossible... but the timing is too perfect."
Aria noticed that Elsa's behavior was strange and tried to persuade her that Lyell would return soon, recalling the previous conversation.
(Wait, he said earlier... while saying he's just watching today, he also said he's busy.)
Could this also be part of Lyell's plan? Just as she tried to persuade her, Elsa stood up.
"She did it. That woman... come to think of it, she said in a letter that she has someone she likes. No matter how I think about it, it must be Lyell-dono! She pretended to send an envoy, but in reality, she kidnapped Lyell-dono!"
To the excited Elsa, Aria tried to say that wasn't the case. She tried to say it, but...
"That's not possible. Miranda is among u—"
"——It is a possibility. Since it's Miranda-san."
Novem muttered softly. Whether it was her usual dissatisfaction or unconscious, she didn't seem to care much about what she had said. However, she seemed unable to forgive the situation where Lyell was missing.
Then, Elsa grabbed a nearby staff, stepped out of the tent, and raised her voice.
"Gather the commanders immediately! The plan has changed. I myself—"
Before she could finish, a soldier who rushed over informed Elsa. His knees were shaking violently due to Elsa's menacing aura.
"E-Elsa-sama! The envoy from Galleria has come again..."
Behind the soldier was Miranda.
"Has Lyell been found? If possible, I'd like to take him back quickly. There are circumstances on this side too."
Aria jumped out of the tent and looked at Miranda's face. However, Elsa pointed her staff at Miranda.
"After doing something like kidnapping Lyell-dono. Tell that woman. We shall never engage in mutual familiarity again. I will take Lyell-dono back."
At Elsa's declaration, Miranda looked blankly for a moment and then looked at Aria. Elsa immediately headed toward the commanders, and Novem, while unsteady, accompanied her.
Miranda spoke to Aria.
"What happened? What do you mean Lyell isn't here? And why are you talking as if I kidnapped him?"
Aria frantically explained the current situation. However, the problem was that Aria was unskilled at these things. After all, upon hearing the explanation, Miranda said...
"...That woman, she sure does a lot of selfish things when I'm just staying quiet."
Watching Miranda's shoulders tremble, Aria thought she had made a mistake.
"N-no! Novem's behavior was strange because Lyell was gone, and that's probably why!"
However, Miranda didn't listen to Aria's explanation, turned around, and headed toward the horse she had arrived on.
Then, she said to Aria.
"Tell Novem. 'If you're feeling that way, I'll pay you back.' Also, Aria, hurry up and find Lyell. ...Could it be that Aria is in league with Novem too?"
Looking into Miranda's eyes, Aria stepped back again and shook her head. Miranda smiled and said to Aria.
"Yes, that's good. Aria is a friend, after all. I believe you won't betray me."
Aria did not take Miranda's words literally. Although she was usually coarse, she wasn't so oblivious as to not notice the bloodlust mixed into Miranda's smile.
That was a warning.
Yes, Aria understood.
(W-what are you doing, Lyell~!!)
Aria, looking as if she were about to cry, started running to find Lyell, who had vanished somewhere—.