It must have been Letty who told Shuris-san about my return, because the very next day, a letter was delivered to my home. Or rather, it was at this point that I first learned this world even had mail. A postbox… Come to think of it, I recall occasionally finding guild advertisements stuffed in there. So that means this house has an official address assigned to it, huh? “Hmm… So Shuris-san wants me to come to the castle the day after tomorrow.” (Shizuma) “What, what? A letter from Bubbly-san? This is the first time I’ve ever seen a real letter in person.” (Melt) “I see. Same here…it’s my first time since I came to this world.” (Shizuma) Perhaps finding it unusual, Melt wagged her fluffy tail as she leaned in to peek. “Ah, it mentions me! Let’s see… ‘Thank you for taking requests together with Letty.’ Isn’t it supposed to be me thanking her though?” (Melt) “That’s right. She taught me things like when and where to set up camp, how to arrange formation during the journey… Though my cooking was better than hers!” (Melt) Oh? That’s unexpected. Still…the fact that Shuris-san deliberately mentioned Letty probably means she recognized how useful Melt was in keeping Letty away from the city. “Mm… I’ll be going to the castle the day after tomorrow, then.” (Shizuma) “Can I go too?” (Melt) “Hmm… this time I think you’ll be staying home. Maybe go to the guild and ask about your rank advancement instead? Things are probably going to get busy very soon.” (Shizuma) “Aw, too bad. I wanted to explore inside the castle… But you’re right, I should probably talk to Sigurt-san about being promoted to Ruby Rank.” (Melt) This time, there will most likely be talk of war. Since I already decided not to involve Melt in it, I couldn’t let her attend. Of course, I also had to make it known that “Seimu and his associates will not be involved in the war.” …It should be fine by now. I’ve already hinted enough about the brigade’s existence. I’ll need to properly let the kingdom know just who the one in charge of violence is…… Two days later, I entered the castle as promised. Perhaps because they still remembered me well, I was directly led to the upper section of the castle, into a room I was visiting for the first time. “This is the place. Beyond here lies the conference chamber, so please be careful not to cause conflict… Today, more people than usual are gathered.” The soldier guiding me gave such an uncharacteristic warning. That just showed how many prominent figures must already be inside. Resolving myself, I knocked on the door. “Excuse me, it’s Seimu. I’ve come as summoned.” (Shizuma) The dignified voice of the Queen came from beyond the door. At the same time, I could sense multiple presences inside. When I opened the door, I found myself in a spacious conference room with a large long table. At the head sat the Queen, with Kres-san and Kokuri-san at her sides. Next to Kres-san sat Shuris-san, and the seat beside her was empty… She kept gesturing insistently for me to sit there. “Excuse me, I’ll sit next to you, Shuris-san.” (Shizuma) “Yeah. I’m glad you came.” (Shuris) It really had been a while since I last saw Shuris-san. She looked a little happier than usual. …And let me tell you, when a mature beauty smiles like that, it’s devastating. “Seimu, I’m glad to see you’ve returned.” “It has been a while, Your Majesty. Congratulations on the successful conclusion of the recent operation.” (Shizuma) “Indeed. Seimu…thanks to the information you brought us, one of our kingdom’s burdens has been removed. I promise this debt will be repaid.” Right. At the very least, I already had one big “favor” owed by the kingdom. And soon, I intended to rack up two even bigger ones. “Your Majesty, could you introduce him properly to us? …Seriously, Seimu, you really were someone important, huh. I always thought you gave off that vibe.” The other attendees were all looking at me expectantly, silently urging for an introduction. And…Vias-san, you’re here too, huh. We’ve spoken a few times when I was disguised as Shire. “We met once in the bath, remember?” (Vias) “Of course I remember. And I’ve also heard about you from Shire. I’m part of the brigade as well.” (Shizuma) “! …Seriously? So you’re a member of the brigade that she joined. No wonder you were summoned here.” (Vias) “If you’re being called to this meeting…then Seimu-san, your achievements must have reached the guild’s upper ranks. Still, I didn’t expect they’d be significant enough for you to be summoned here.” Following Vias-san, Bark-san, the head of the General Guild, and someone I haven’t met as Seimu before, also spoke up. “So this ‘brigade’… Could it be the same one Shilent-sama belongs to?” “This is our first meeting, isn’t it. You must be Lemia-san. I’ve heard about you. Thank you for looking after Melt during the last mission.” (Shizuma) “Yes, Shilent-sama was a great help as well. Now, please answer my question.” (Lemia) Lemia-san, who I assumed was part of the General Guild’s black ops and Bark-san’s direct subordinate, pressed the point. “Yes, Shilent is in the same brigade as I am.” (Shizuma) “As expected… Multiple figures who rose to prominence around the same time in this city all mentioned a brigade. We already investigated that. Shilent-sama himself did say he belonged somewhere.” (Lemia) “Well, let’s leave it at that for now. Your Majesty, shall we proceed to the main issue first?” (Shizuma) “Of course… Seimu, am I right to assume your group has reached a consensus?” “Yes, our basic stance is ‘for the good of this country.’ However, the problem is whether that means ‘using it for war or not.’” (Shizuma) Even I could tell that war was imminent. If the kingdom used the Dungeon Core from the Scorched Earth Ravine now, it would mean “fully securing the dungeon area near the border as Lendia’s territory.” It would allow them to deploy a large, safe encampment near the border. But that would also restrict the blessings of fertility to just that land. Of course, the dungeon could still be utilized long-term, but… “It is indeed tempting. Seimu, may I share everything with the people here?” “Yes, it’s something that must eventually be shared anyway. I don’t mind.” (Shizuma) “Good. Then listen, everyone. This man, the adventurer Seimu…has conquered the great dungeon on the border, the Scorched Earth Ravine, and brought back its Dungeon Core.” The chamber was filled with shock and murmurs in an instant. Especially…from Shuris-san sitting right beside me. “…To think you were hiding such a secret. That was unexpected.” (Shuris) “I’m sorry, Shuris-san.” (Shizuma) “…Personally, I wish you had told me sooner. But considering the importance of the information to the nation, I suppose not telling me was the right call. Still… as a friend, it makes me feel a bit sad.” (Shuris) “…I’m really sorry.” (Shizuma) Ugh…that gap between her earlier smile and this look is stabbing my heart…! “Damn it, so in the end the adventurers take the spotlight again! Hey, Bark, can’t you allocate some to us mercenaries too?! Our guild has been deployed abroad non-stop since last year.” (Vias) “Well, even if you say that to me…” (Bark) Vias-san’s frustration sounded genuine. “Let’s get back to the point. Seimu is willing to let us use the Dungeon Core for the good of our nation. But with war approaching, I am still undecided on the best way to utilize it. Seimu, what is your opinion?” “If you intend to use it for war, then I’ll vanish with the Core. Your Majesty, please use it to equally bless all of this nation’s lands.” (Shizuma) I said it clearly. No using it for war. If not for the people, then no deal. “Indeed, if we used the Core to manipulate a dungeon, we’d have to wait until another core is generated inside, and conquer it again to use it for anything else. That could take years. Your Majesty, I agree with Seimu-san. This war was never supposed to count on the Core’s power to begin with.” (Kokuri) “Yes, that is true… Very well, Seimu. I promise that your Dungeon Core will be used solely to enrich our lands and for the good of the people.” “Of course, I’ll be present to see that for myself.” (Shizuma) “Indeed, only you, the owner, can use it anyway.” “I see, so that’s how it works.” (Shizuma) …Which meant, if I hadn’t already shown my strength, they might have simply assassinated me to steal it. It was a long path, but building friendships and contributing to this country wasn’t a waste after all. “Now then, you all understand Seimu’s role. Our nation’s immediate problem is the depletion of resources, which has weakened us, and Golda’s invasion timed perfectly with that weakness. With this, the resource crisis is resolved… Now all that remains is to win this war.” Looking around at the gathered figures, it was clear they were the Thirteen Knights and Lindblum’s directors. Of course, Shuris-san, Kres-san, and Kokuri-san were here. Vias-san and Lemia-san too. So Lemia-san must also be one of the Thirteen Knights. Even Bark-san was here, and also Nielson-san, the head of the Alchemy Guild whom I met before as Seira. But there were also two faces I was seeing for the first time. “Our eyes met, didn’t they? Are you curious about me… No, about this attire perhaps? As you guessed, I am a Templar of the Elkood Church, belonging to the Lindblum Church. Her Majesty granted me the title of one of the Thirteen Knights. My name is Shian Neze. I look forward to working with you.” The woman in pure white vestments, with a gentle expression, introduced herself. She looked young…probably younger than Kres-san. “I’d love to hear the tale of how you conquered a dungeon, Seimu-san. The Church’s doors are always open. Please do visit us sometime.” (Shian) “Thank you, that’s very kind. I’ve always been interested in this country’s faith and religion. I’d be glad to, when I get the chance.” (Shizuma) That was information worth gathering, after all. Then, following Shian-san’s self-introduction, the other new face spoke. “Allow me as well. I’d like to talk with you someday. I am Araza Miel, representative of the Explorer Guild clan, Killcrawler. I too was granted the rank of Thirteen Knight.” “Killcrawler! Your clan has been taking care of one of our brigade members. I also heard some of your people were injured in the last mission. If there’s anything I can do to repay the favor, please let me know.” (Shizuma) “Hmm, in that case, could I ask one favor of you?” (Araza) So even the leader of Killcrawler and a Thirteen Knight was here… With this much power gathered, the Queen must truly be serious. “Seimu-dono. That young man named Shizuma you’re sheltering…could you entrust him to us? My assault team’s ace has been pestering me nonstop about wanting him.” (Araza) Seriously?! You drop that here of all places?! “! Hold it! Wait just a moment! Shizuma is someone I and the knights also want! Not even you, Araza-dono, can expect us to overlook this attempt to poach him!” (Kres) “Hmm, so the knights are also moving. He was lent to you until recently, wasn’t he? In that case, by order it should be—” (Araza) “Both of you, calm down. In that case, I refuse. I cannot grant a request that ignores Shizuma’s own will.” (Shizuma) I had to cut in before it got any more heated. So an acquisition war one happens when there’s a strong individual without clear ties and backing, huh. Makes Vias-san look restrained in comparison. “…That was poorly spoken of me. I apologize. But I truly would like to talk with you. As someone dedicated to dungeon conquest, I wish to have a conversation with a natural dungeon conqueror.” (Araza) “Well, in my case, it was really just a string of coincidences.” Of course, my map-checking ability was a huge factor. But here, I decided to credit it to Hishida-san’s power, the Unerring Path, since she was still captive. When I explained that… “…So it was that powerful guiding blessing… If she’s to be executed, then lend her to us once first. Dungeons make disposal easy, after all.” (Araza) “Eh? She’s actually quite capable, so I have no plans to do that anytime soon.” (Shizuma) Scary. Araza-san is scary. His voice was monotone, his face expressionless, yet he could say something like that so flatly… “Enough with introductions. Let me ask again, everyone.” The Queen reasserted control over the atmosphere. “A war with Golda is unavoidable. No, we are already being invaded. I regret this timing so close to the New Year’s Festival, but soon, we shall declare war on Golda.” “Normally, waiting until after the festival would be better. But that despicable nation has already been secretly committing acts of aggression. It is entirely possible they’ll strike during the festival. Therefore, I intend to move first.” “In fact, the General Guild has already been discreetly keeping adventurers near Lindblum and stockpiling weapons. I’ve also told the Mercenary Guildmaster to refrain from overseas deployments.” (Bark) Everyone wore solemn expressions at the Queen’s and Bark-san’s words. Not surprise, but a silent “as expected.” “I ask you all…will you lend your strength as part of the Holy Principality’s army in this war?” The Queen’s final question. Those who answered were… Fınd the newest release on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹✶𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲✶𝗻𝗲𝘁 “The adventurer guild clan Glory Knights pledges to participate, all members except a few nobles.” (Shuris) “The General Guild will rally all guilds and provide backup. Normally we remain neutral…but this time, it is a mission to eliminate a threat to freedom. We pledge our aid.” (Bark) “The Alchemy Guild will provide supplies. That country owes us debts too… We will deliver potions and elixirs in full measure.” (Nielson) Shuris-san, Bark-san, and Nielson-san each declared their support. “I can’t speak for the entire Mercenary Guild, but my clan Revolt will participate. You can integrate us into the knights if you like, but handle us carefully.” (Vias) “We of Killcrawler will dispatch our first and second assault teams. Please entrust us with command during operations.” (Araza) “I’m technically part of this country, so there’s no need to declare, but…I’ll help however I can, Your Majesty. New medicines, new weapons…anything combat-ready, I’ll lend out.” (Kokuri) Vias-san, Araza-san, and Kokuri-san made their declarations. “Like Kokuri, I don’t need to declare, but we knights will fight with our lives for Her Majesty.” (Kres) “We of the Elkood Church normally do not intervene in war…but we shall establish field hospitals near the front. I will protect the wounded and the rear lines.” (Shian) Kres-san and Shian-san also pledged their support. Honestly, it felt strange hearing Shian-san speak of guarding the wounded, but… Even I understood the importance of medical support in war. Everyone here chose to fight. “Your Majesty. I declare that I will provide the Core, but will otherwise take no part in this war. Bark-san, please ensure neither the guild nor anyone else calls upon me or Melt to participate. We intend to remain completely uninvolved.” (Shizuma) “Understood. We already owe you greatly. I will not demand further service. Rest assured.” (Bark) But…my non-participation applied only to Seimu. “However…we will send one member of the brigade as reinforcements. If you have a preference, speak it.” (Shizuma) I played this card first. “What? Then let’s send Shi—” (Bark) “Please send Shilent-sama! I have already confirmed his combat ability, leadership, and charisma. I will be leaving this land for personal reasons, so to fill that void, I ask that Shilent-sama be dispatched here!” (Lemia) Lemia-san suddenly rushed over to my side, forcefully pressing for Shilent to be sent. The pressure she gave off was incredible… She must have been very impressed with his performance leading a unit during the last mission…! “No, we should have at least one long-range powerhouse. Especially since the mage guild’s top member isn’t here…” (Bark) “No, adding Shilent-sama would benefit the whole more than adding an archer.” (Lemia) “I don’t think so—” (Bark) “I have seen Shilent-sama’s performance with my own eyes, many times.” (Lemia) Wow, Lemia-san is really pushing for Shilent…! “Then it’s decided. Shilent will be dispatched. Now, please teach us how to use the Core later. Once I confirm with my own eyes that it’s used for the nation, I’ll immediately send for Shilent to join the main force.” (Shizuma) The time of war was at hand. At last, it was time for the mercenaries to fulfill their role. …Though, it won’t turn out to be the kind of war everyone here is imagining……