Chapter 95 (1/2)
”...... Hope?”
I am slightly surprised at this word coming out of Agbeil's mouth, so out of odds it is with the dark expression currently on his face.
”That's right. Everyone here has seen a more than sufficient demonstration of your power. It is clear to all that you are above the Duke of Filsand…… far, far above, at that.”
”...... For what it's worth, in the alliance I'm hoping to form with him, we will be of equal standing though.”
The matter of the anti-Shadow Demon alliance is currently on hold.
”That may very well be so on paper, and that's fine. But I'm sure even my father understands in his heart that you are above him. No one will be able to raise a word in complaint if that fact is taught to the Shulz.”
”Though not the main force, you did just wipe out a whole Legion, and by controlling dragons no less. Lining you up next to any earthly ruler just sounds ridiculous.”
”When you guys put it that way……”
Both Balzard and Kolbel indicate agreement with Agbeil's a.n.a.lysis.
…… I feel like it makes me sound like a really bad person, but I guess they're not wrong in regards to the power difference. This is especially applicable towards the Duke, whose main standard that he measures everything by is strength.
”Alright, even if that's the case. What is this about the Shulz's hope?”
As I very, very reluctantly prompt the continuation of the conversation, Agbeil spits out a piece of rutsu fruit and replies.
”Oh, anything, really, as long as it comes from you. For example, 'In the future I will definitely take Filsand back for you all' or something like that.”
”You mean, deceive them?!”
”It's fine, isn't it? They should be obedient enough for a while.”
”I'll get found out soon enough though.”
”Even if you do, no one can raise a word in complaint. That's what I've saying the whole time.”
…...It sounded good until halfway through, but I guess Agbeil is just Agbeil.
I mean, if we don't care at all about the consequences, that's a plan that might work. But how are you going to handle the aftermath oi.
”...... I'm sorry, but that plan is rejected.”
”Uun. But I don't think what my younger brother said is totally wrong, Margils-dono.”
So says Balzard while rubbing his round chin.
”What do you mean?”
”The fact that at the moment, the Shulz will lend an ear to whatever Margils-dono has to say. If only we can think of a good recompense for them after this whole commotion is over……”
”Fuumu.”
If they knew for a fact that the insecurity and inconvenience of their lives would be resolved, then I'm sure they would be able bear with their current bitterness and unease for a while longer. Even with that, I don't expect their resentment to dissipate 100%, but I see the logic in what they're saying.
”...... If Demon G-…… Margils-sama would become our ally, if you can have Damund chased out and Filsand returned to us…... But if that cannot be……”
Old Man Kolbel's deeply wrinkled face distorts even further.
”...... If that cannot be granted…… at the very least, if you can make it so that we wouldn't be chased around anymore…… for the sake of that, I would even be willing to kneel to Damund.”
”......”
Old Man Kolbel purpose phrased his words as ”if you can make it so” instead of ”we want it so.”
With that, he doesn't oblige me to help them.
However, I'm always open to 'helping each other out.'
”I am the ally of all peoples resisting the Shadow Demons. If your people would cooperate with me to that cause — within your means — then I can indeed ensure that the Duke of Filsand never lays his hands again on the Shulz tribe. But of course, that's with the a.s.sumption that you can repress the Shulz's resentment.”
”O, ohh……”
”Furthermore, and this is something that you will need to run by the Tribe Chief and others, but depending on the case, I may be able to offer the Shulz a new place to settle.”
”Is, is that the truth……?!”
With his breath taken away, Old Man Kolbel looks up at me. In his eyes, alongside the doubt, I indeed see the light of hope s.h.i.+ning within.
♥♦♣♠
After resting for about an hour, when the refugees' stamina has mostly recovered, I stand in front of them all.
If we waste too much time here, there may be more Shadow Demons on their way from the Legion main force.
”Everyone of the Shulz tribe. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am the Wizard Gio Margils.”
”Demon G.o.d-sama……”
”Oh, please save us……”
The dirt- and dust-covered refugees — mostly elderly, wounded, women, or children — turns towards me and prostrate themselves like it's the most natural thing to do.
It seems I have gotten slightly more used to this kind of treatment. Without being too nervous, I look over them, then nod.
Though gathered in one place, this is a crowd with almost a thousand people.
To make sure that my voice reaches everyone, I've casted [Project Illusion] in advance. This is a spell that creates illusions, but its capabilities also encompa.s.s sound control. Amplifying a person's natural voice is not its original usage, but I've used it like this quite often back when playing D&B. Mostly in situations like this.
From a slight distance away, a silver-haired female warrior, Dianu, stares intently at me.