Chapter 165 (1/2)
Monica-San and I found ourselves galloping towards Jornen atop two Behemoths.
”I'm sorry. Even though my father called each of the nobles, we could only muster a little over two thousand men.”
”Don't worry. it seems that Petardaus felt a lot of indifference towards Rudra, and they had no intention of helping Toru-Sama.”
The Queen of Pertadaus had said that their hero would be more than enough to defeat Demon Lord Rudra.
When I repeatedly told her that it was an order from the Spirit Queen to recruit troops, she laughed and said that the Spirit Queen would never say such a thing
If the Spirit Queen had been there, the Queen's decision might have been different.
But Elohim was more interested in persuading other countries than her own.
And for that reason I decided it would be better to give up on Petardaus.
Of course, Monica-San agreed with this thinking.
Petardaus is a small country on the edge of the continent.
In addition to having a small number of troops, the skill level of their soldiers is low, so there isn't much of a point in having them send troops.
Also, that nation is the farthest away from Toru-Sama's location.
As such, it has the lowest priority.
”Monica-San, are you sure this is the right place?”
”Don't worry, I've been to the capital of Jornen several times. And Bechjiro is following the trail I had taken before.”
”Do you understand what the monsters are saying?”
”A little. When you take care of them daily, you start to catch on to certain things.” Bechjiro roared ”Gah!” as if to answer Monica-San.
The Behemoth... I heard it was a monster that Toru-Sama had tamed. At first, I couldn't help but shiver when I saw it. It has a terrifying appearance, like it's going to attack you at any moment.
But now I feel calmer around it.
It is also surprisingly comfortable to ride.
”Here we are!”
”Good, we will soon have an audience with the queen of the dark elves.”
We had arrived in the capital of Jornen.
”Elohim-Sama told me what happened. I did not know that Rudra had his eyes on Jornen. I had assumed he was only interested in taking over the mountains.”
The Queen, holding a heart-shaped cushion on her couch-like throne, twisted her face in disgust.
Monica-San and I waited silently for her response.
”When Zig came here, I knew he was useless. He thought he could come to this place, empty-handed, without providing anything of value, and just ask for information. Honestly, how insulting. So, I used him to kill some time and have a little fun at his expense. Now then, what do you have to offer me?”
So you are asking for something in return.
I did come to ask for her help, so I suppose it's natural for me to offer something of value as well.
Fortunately, thanks to the Spirit Queen's persuasion, the elf queen was already almost convinced to cooperate.
I have heard that dark elves are capable of summoning magic, so I must do all I can to gain their support.
”I think we can strengthen our relations with the neighboring countries. The reason Rudra was able to enter the country in the first place is because the ties between the countries are weak. I understand not being able to share certain information, but they shouldn't be hostile to each other, and not having surveillance hurts them mutually.... With these gaps, it's normal for the enemy to be able to do what they want.”
”Are you suggesting that we are not at peace?”
”Yes, that's exactly my point. It's time to foster ties between countries.”
”Hueeh! Marianne-San, don't say such crazy things! Your Majesty, she's overreacting!”
Her Majesty's eyes narrowed as she let out a low; ”Hmm.”
It was enough to make me feel lifeless.
The person watching me intently was the queen of a country, and I am just a human coming from an Island.
I cannot use the title of Countess in this place.
”There is one more advantage for you, Your Majesty. That is, if you decide to give us your support, we promise that you will have priority support in matters related to the Manyu Brigade.”
”The Manyu Brigade... They are certainly an extraordinary group of people, with outstanding power and ability. I am very interested in having a strong connection with them... Can I trust those words?”
”The Manyu brigade is made up of the former hero of our homeland. And even though he has given up the title, the devotion and respect that King Armand feels towards Toru-Sama remains.”
I am setting Toru-Sama up with a big commitment, but now is not the time to ask for his permission. I must do whatever I can to help him.
Besides, I have received information from Luvue-Sama (Actually it was the vice captain) that if necessary, they can give orders to the Manyu Brigade.
Toru-Sama's client is Lastoria, and formally speaking, Toru-Sama's superior is Luvue-Sama.
”The Spirit King told me that Armand's kingdom is on an island far out at sea.”
”That is correct.”
”Is that for real?”
”Monica-San...”
I am surprised by Monica's perception.
”I'll accept your offer, if you let me go on that boat.”
What!
I don't think it's something I can promise.
The queen's eyes sparkled like a child's looking at candy.
”I wonder what it will be like on the other side of the ocean. It has always interested me. I'm also curious about ships crossing the open sea.”
”But, I'm afraid I can't make that promise.”
”Oh, well, that's all right. I'll talk to the man in charge when this is over.”
A man who is dressed in armor appears on the scene.
He kneels before the queen.
”Your Majesty, everything is in order. We will leave as soon as I give the order.”
”In that case. Head to Big Gear right now and help the Manyu Brigade defeat Rudra. Never give in to other races, and make Demon King Rudra regret stepping on the coda of a sleeping dark elf.”