Bonus Chapter
Congratulation everyone for clearing the quest!
Enjoy your reward~ 🙂
Check my for NEWS.
Translator: Raizu
Editor: Shirayuki
Chapter 27
Riru was tasked with collecting information around the town of York. But there was no particularly important news circulating on the street. What she could gather was…..she said as she trying to remember.
[There is no good information at all………well, all I could dig out was………..that some sheep and cows had ran away; a farmer who was repairing the roof fell down…] (Riru)
Ortashia closed her eyes and sighed. As expected from the countryside, she thought.
[……..what about other things? Like the number of guards?] (Ortashia)
[The number seems to be extremely small. Apart from those guarding outside, there are only three hundred guards inside the town at most.] (Riru)
[I see. That number won't be a problem if we try to sneak out.] (Ortashia)
Ortashia was supposed to stay on York until her wounds are fully healed but if her existence is compromised, they'll have to be ready to escape immediately. Although Ortashia, at the moment, hasn't completely regained her power, we would still be able to break through. That's why we had chosen a town with small amount of guards.
There is a hilly area between York and Banrodos where Sir Randall reigns. As long as we could run towards there, the possibility to escape pursuit will be high.
And at the mere sight of Ortashia who could kill mercilessly despite being a princess, any inexperienced soldier or normal farmer will likely ended up trembling, unable to do anything. Those are the existences that don't need to be noticed at all.
Ortashia crossed her arms and nodded.
[Let's stay here for a little longer. Fortunately ,there seems to be no other customers here.] (Ortashia)
As cruel as Ortashia could be, it's enough to make her feel some sympathy. What's wrong with this hotel? Certain it was the peak season so we shouldn't have been able to stay for long. Could it be because it's in the countryside? There were no other guests coming after Ortashi's group arrived, but just in case, we have been supplying the innkeeper with gold coins under the condition that he'll leave us be.
Suddenly, the place became noisy with a loud sound of steps from the stairs. Tensions spread in the room at once.
Did we get exposed? Everyone thought.
Riru's hand had been ready on her sword hilt and Shingen had taken a stance as well.
The door was knocked on. A familiar heavy breathing can be heard from beyond the door. Riru who knew it all too well loosened up immediately and reported. It was Mina. Asking Ortashia so she can get in.
[Enter.] (Ortashia)
Mina entered the room in a rush. After she closed the door, she reported with a face full of sweat.
[This is very bad! Your Majesty, the Queen has died!] (Mina)
[Na?!] (Ortashia)
Riru's face become surprised upon hearing the news. Shingen was only a bit less surprised. As for Ortashia, she only blinked once. That's all. She did not show any emotion as if it's been flushed away so easily.
Even though Mina is surprised at Ortashia's reaction, she continued with her report nonetheless.
[Tsu, and Your Majesty Yuran has been chosen as the next queen, with the coronation ceremony already completed.] (Mina)
[Hou.] (Ortashia)
[Does this mean anything at all to you?!] (Riru)
Riru pressed on Ortashia and asked emotionally.
[Runatitas seems to have sent the army of the Church of Starry Light to the south whilst sending Ardesil army to the north.] (Mina)
[Did all of them move at once? They are going for a witch hunt in the south. But what of the north….?] (Ortashia)
Ortashia glanced around. Though she understood they are moving south for witch hunting, there is no point in moving Ardesil's Army to the north. The glance then naturally stopped at Shingen.
[Perhaps… it's to lure me out.] (Shingen)
[ What does that mean?] (Ortashia)
[….as a result of Yuran becoming queen, wouldn't Runatitas gain a lot of power?] (Shingen)
Mina confirmed it.
[Yes indeed. Now he has become Ardesil's Prime Minister. Then, in that case, the Army of Ardesil won't be able to take action]
The Ardesil Army can only move when there is a royal order from the queen. As long as there is no emergency, the ministers also cannot move on their own. However, the Prime Minister is a different case. Because the Queen's will is conveyed by the prime minister, it's possible to move easier. When waging war against other countries, it is necessary for the Queen to approve and send out the order for it.
[Runatitas must be manipulating the queen's order. But if it's against the other aristocrats' will…..wouldn't they revolt?] (Riru)
Riru frowned.
[In short, there is an opportunity to that.] (Ortashia)
[You said opportunity?] (Riru)
[Yes. In making the capital unguarded, it will be easy to be attacked.] (Ortashia)
Ortashia understood that and thus she began to talk. She seemed to notice something.
[Perhaps, lord Randall and lord Mars will move at this timing.] (Ortashia)
[Why?] (Shingen)
Shingen asked Ortashia this time.
[Because there are people who side with Maruto. They will raise an army in order to avenge his death.] (Ortashia)
[Don't they need to confirm it first?] (Shingen)
[No need to.] (Ortashia)
The answer was short but clear.
[Then what should we do?] (Shingen)
Ortashia put her hand on her chin.
[ Mina, map.] (Ortashia)
Mina took out a map and promptly laid it out on the desk, pointing to the location of Banrondo.
[When lord Randall revolts…. Banrondo region will be on his side. Because he's loved by his people. And this is York, where we are now――― ] (Ortashia)
Ortashia traced the map from Banrondo to York and tapped her index finger twice.
「―――will become the frontline. In other words, Randall's forces will come here.」(Ortashia)
[ So, there is a chance to join up with them right?] (Shingen)
[ It is so. However, this Ortashia won't join without doing something first.] (Ortashia)
A suspicious smile bloomed. Shingen merely shrugged.
[……..what do you intend to do?] (Shingen)
He had a bad feeling. But he didn't put it into words and at his question, Ortashia opened her mouth while banging at the map with her palm and said.
[ I'll take over York!] (Ortashia)
[……….] (Shingen)
[Your highness, are you serious? You're not joking?!] (Mina)
[ Such boldness….] (Riru)
Ortashia scoffed with her nose raised high. Shingen raised his shoulder in surprise.
[So, is there a strategy or something to achieve this?] (Shingen)
Ortashia raised her hand and gazed at Shingen with her jewel-like blue eye.
[There is no such thing. I'm not a hero nor a soldier. Didn't you put that into consideration?](Ortashia)
[I thought you have one.] (Shingen)
Was it momentous or something? She said that with vigor. Shingen couldn't really tell or understand. Riru and Mina looked at each other and let out a wry smile. Shingen also sighed, head hung low. But at that moment, he did not know why he felt that he could fulfill her will.