Chapter 166 – Get Ready For I (2/2)

“… Didn’t you consider reporting that to me, Hifumi-sama?” (Imeraria)

A criticizing remark and a gaze which says that.

“It’s the circumstances of another country, right? What’s more, I already stopped being a noble. The report has come in from the border, hasn’t it? Then, shouldn’t you first feel a sense of danger due to the report not containing any information about the demons?” (Hifumi)

It’s a fair argument, but Imeraria fixedly stares at Hifumi without saying anything. And not just that. She fervently searched for what Hifumi wanted to say behind his mockery-like words.

Gulping down her spit, she opens her mouth.

“T-The ones called nobles don’t stop being nobles just because they retired as family head. It’s not like it’s fine for them to not serve the country. I constantly need information to protect the country. Cooperating with that is the duty of the people which also includes the nobles.” (Imeraria)

Upon Imeraria’s rebuttal, Hifumi clapped his hands and laughed.

“Ahahaha! Those are nice words. The ideal might be like that. But, you should think about the oversight I told you about, shouldn’t you? Well, as for that, I guess Sabnak, Puuse and the people around you are at fault as well.” (Hifumi)

After laughing for a while, Hifumi smoothly took out a bundle of papers our of his darkness storage. The bulky documents have been put together with a leather strap. With just a fleeting look, one can see that they are densely filled with characters.

Imeraria, who received the documents that Hifumi slid over across the table, quickly scans the first several pages. What was minutely written there were the place from where the demons attacked first, the composition of their army, the magic they used and how Vichy dealt with them.

“This is…” (Imeraria)

“The documents Caim put together from what I told him. Do your best and look through them and then ponder about countermeasures.” (Hifumi)

“T-Thank you… very much.” (Imeraria)

“Well, I guess that planning to gather information is the correct approach. See it as reward for running around and keeping at it while keeping your mouth shut in Horant.” (Hifumi)

“Wh-…!” (Imeraria)

There’s no need to even think about who might have leaked that. The only who was present there and had a chance to talk with Hifumi is Alyssa.

After listing several grudges and hard feelings towards Alyssa in her mind while hanging her bright red head in shame, Imeraria clears her throat.

“Ahem. Putting the reason aside, it saves me troubles. As for the countermeasures, I will consult with Sabnak and the others, and arrange for them. Thus, next is the real reason why I called you here.” (Imeraria)

“Mmh? It’s not because you wanted this information?” (Hifumi)

“There’s that as well. But there’s something I’d like to ask of you.” (Imeraria)

While listening, Hifumi picks up a backed sweet and tosses it into his mouth. Only his gaze remained on Imeraria.

“I’d like you to teach your way of fighting to the knights, Hifumi-sama.” (Imeraria)

“If that’s the case, the instructions of Fokalore are carried out all over the place, right?” (Hifumi)

“That’s not it”, Imeraria shakes her head.

“It about your personal techniques, Hifumi-sama. I haven’t… seen it that many times, but everyone of the knights… Midas-san and Vaiya-san, of course Sabnak-san as well, have highly praised your strength and skills without reluctance, Hifumi-sama.” (Imeraria)

“You don’t have to praise me any further.” (Hifumi)

“Eh?” (Imeraria)

“I warmly welcome anyone who wants to become strong, but there’s no need to praise me for that sake. I don’t expect to be acknowledged by others and I’m not such a nice person either.” (Hifumi)

Imeraria gasped.

But, she didn’t fail to hear it, namely 「I warmly welcome anyone who wants to become strong」.

“Excessive sugarcoating is unnecessary then, right? … Please help us.” (Imeraria)

Imeraria stood up while talking and slowly bowed her head.

“Please bestow strength to protect this country to the knights of Orsongrande.” (Imeraria)

“… As means to protect the country created by you?” (Hifumi)

“No, it’s not only that.” (Imeraria)

Hifumi lifted one eyebrow due to the unexpected answer and showed fake surprise.

“Umm… right now I can’t tell you.” (Imeraria)

“Hmmm.” (Hifumi)

Seeing Imeraria hesitant to speak about it, Hifumi stood up while grinning broadly.

“From tomorrow onwards, right? I will start early in the morning. You have decided on the number of people, haven’t you?” (Hifumi)

“Yes. It will be 30 knights. Please do bestow your teachings on them.” (Imeraria)

“Got it. See you tomorrow.” (Hifumi)

Imeraria suddenly had a question for Hifumi who was about to leave like that.

“You won’t be staying in the castle?” (Imeraria)

“Yeah, I already took an inn near the castle. The retired married couple will spend its time carefreely among the people.” (Hifumi)

“Married couple…” (Imeraria)

Hifumi leaves the room with a “See you”.

Imeraria, who sat down once again, placed her head on the table with her face turned downwards.

“Y-Your Majesty!?”

“Don’t worry… I’m alright…” (Imeraria)

The maid, who entered in exchange for Hifumi, raised her voice, but Imeraria lifts a hand and waves her slender fingers.

After not showing her face to anyone for around three minutes, Imeraria raised her face energetically.

Inside the room there was a maid on standby while looking uneasy.

“Pass a message to Sabnak-san and the others. They are to gather here tonight.” (Imeraria)

“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

The maid quietly leaves the room.

Once again Imeraria was sitting absent-mindedly in the room by herself.

“… What should I do…?” (Imeraria)

No one replies. She has to find an answer by herself.

He stomach rumbled.

“I have to show that I’m full of spirit…” (Imeraria)

Standing up staggeringly, Imeraria started to walk in search for the lunch that should have been prepared in her office.