A heavy silence settled over us the moment Princess Lucila spoke.
As a rule, explorers didn't involve themselves in politics. While it was impossible to deny we were indirectly connected to the state, we never stuck our noses into those affairs of our own accord. We knew all too well that stepping too deep into that world meant becoming hopelessly entangled in a web of intrigue.
The royalty and nobility understood this as well, which was why both sides had maintained a mutually beneficial distance until now. In particular, I had almost never heard of a member of the royal family personally visiting explorers to speak with them face-to-face.
"Your Highness, I apologize, but even if this is a request from you, we cannot simply accept it without due consideration. Could you first explain the details?"
Selma spoke up as our representative. I’d heard she and Princess Lucila had been close friends and classmates back at the Noble Academy, which might explain why her tone—while still respectful—seemed more natural than when she dealt with our usual aristocratic sponsors.
"Yes. First, I will explain our current situation and what I wish to ask of you. Naturally, since what I am about to tell you involves problems currently facing our nation, please keep this strictly confidential."
We nodded in unison to indicate our understanding. Once she was satisfied, Princess Lucila continued.
"As you all likely know, my father, His Majesty the King, was recently assassinated by the Empire. The Empire has committed many reprehensible acts in the past, but our country cannot overlook this latest incident. It is inevitable that this will escalate into war."
This was already common knowledge. The nobility was using the press to stoke public outrage against the Empire, fanning the flames of war. Given the sudden surge in magic weapon development, a clash between the two nations seemed inevitable in the near future.
"However, it is an unalterable fact that there is a massive gap in national power between our country and the Empire. If we fight them as we are, the probability of defeat is high. Therefore, I intend to join hands with neighboring friendly nations to organize Allied Forces."
There were originally four Great Labyrinths on this continent. Currently, only three remained after the Great Labyrinth of the West was conquered. Nations possessing a Great Labyrinth had a history of converting the vast resources obtained within into national strength; consequently, with the exception of the Nohitant Kingdom, they were all major powers.
The Republic of Junoe, which possessed the Great Labyrinth of the North, had seen its strength greatly diminished in the war decades ago, leaving its power only slightly above our own kingdom’s. Despite this history, the Nohitant Kingdom had worked to enrich itself while simultaneously building friendly diplomatic ties with its neighbors.
If the Kingdom and the Empire clashed one-on-one, the Empire had the clear advantage. But if the Kingdom joined forces with its neighbors, the tide of war would become much more uncertain.
"That brings me to my first request. This is a request for Selma personally."
"For me... personally?"
"Yes. I have already finished the groundwork with the neighboring countries. However, since the final details cannot be handled through documents, I intend to travel there myself to chair the summit."
"Wait, don't tell me the location is..."
"Yes, it is exactly as you think, Selma. The meeting will take place in the Eastern District—in Daluane, the gateway to our kingdom."
Daluane was the trade hub of the nation, ruled by the Count Claudel House. It was also the hometown of Selma and Sophie.
"I know I am asking for something that may be uncomfortable for you. But right now, I need your strength. Will you travel to Daluane with me?"
"............"
Selma lowered her gaze. Though she hadn't said anything directly, I'd sensed a certain friction between her and her family, the Count Claudel House. It was mostly conjecture based on Sophie's past—which I’d learned while mentoring Twilight Moonbow—but in all the time I'd spent with Selma, she'd never once brought up her home.
Everyone waited for her answer, but I could feel her hesitating. It didn't seem like she was trying to avoid Daluane, though; rather, she seemed worried that her absence would hinder the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky.
"Selma, you should go," Rain said, giving her the push she needed.
"Rain? But..."
"You really should face your family. Especially when you have the chance. If you miss this, you might never get another. Having a family isn't something you can take for granted. I don't want Selma to go through the same things I did. Don't worry about us. The Great Labyrinth exploration will have to stop, but I'll make sure to fill the gap while you're gone!"
"I agree with Rain-san! If you're hesitating, you should just do it!" Lucre added.
"Yeah. It's not like you to be so indecisive, Boss. Making quick decisions and putting them into action—that's the leader I thought we had," Wil chimed in.
If a comrade was wavering, you should give them a push. Even if the result didn't benefit you personally. That's what true comrades did.
"Everyone is saying this, but we should prioritize Selma-san's feelings. Of course, I'll respect whatever choice you make, Selma-san."
"...Thank you, everyone. Then, I will be absent from the clan for a short while. I'm leaving the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky in your hands."
"Leave it to us!" "You got it!" "Yeah!" "Understood."
"Princess Lucila, I humbly accept your request. Please use me to the fullest during the journey and the summit."
"Thank you, Selma."
With our support, Selma decided to head to Daluane with Princess Lucila.
"So, Princess, that's not the only request, is it? What else do you want from us?" Haruto asked. He was blunt, but he maintained a thin veneer of politeness.
"Yes. The second request is the reason I called you all here. It hasn't been made public yet due to information control, but the truth is, several Stampedes have broken out recently, primarily in the north. I was even attacked by one on my way to Tsutrail. Based on this, we believe the Empire has perfected a technology to trigger Stampedes artificially."
I had been told about this in advance by Abel and had encountered the Stampede earlier, so I wasn't surprised. However, the other explorers were hearing this for the first time, and they couldn't hide their shock.
"—Is that really true?" Fuuka cut in the moment the Princess paused. Even for someone as taciturn as her, this news was hard to swallow. If Stampedes could be triggered at will, invasion would become child's play.
"It is hard to believe, but the frequency of the Stampedes is an undeniable fact. The part about the Empire being responsible is merely our speculation, so we cannot claim it as absolute truth."
Princess Lucila seemed to believe it was the Empire, but I suspected the Cyclamen Cult was the real culprit. Then again, since the Empire and the Cult were almost certainly in league, it didn't make much difference to the Kingdom. I saw no reason to interrupt.
"As I mentioned, our country intends to focus on buying time until we can organize the Allied Forces," Princess Lucila continued. "However, with Stampedes occurring frequently near the northern border, we won't just fail to buy time—we could be defeated before the alliance is even formed. To prevent that, we are currently increasing the deployment of magic weapons in major cities and logistical hubs."
It was a reasonable plan, but it meant they wouldn't be able to protect the small towns and villages near the peripheral Labyrinths. Which meant...
"However, that alone will not cover the entire north. Therefore, I would like to ask you all to handle the Labyrinth Conquest of those sites we cannot cover, as well as the defense of Tsutrail."
"Princess, may I ask a question?" Rain spoke up immediately.
"Of course. Anything."
"I have two points to clarify. First, regarding the Labyrinth Conquest, has the Explorer Guild consented to this?"
Princess Lucila glanced at the Guildmaster, who nodded.
"We received the proposal a few days ago, and the Guild intends to grant permission. The permits are being prepared now; they should be ready by tomorrow."
"I understand. Second, what specifically does the 'defense of Tsutrail' entail?"
"We have received reports from Count Eddington suggesting the root of the Empire's recent actions is a shortage of Magic Stones. Based on that, we infer the Empire's ultimate goal is to seize the Great Labyrinth of the South. We intend to station a battalion-sized force in Tsutrail, but soldiers are not experts at fighting magic beasts. Therefore, I would like the S-Rank parties to periodically monitor the five Labyrinths around Tsutrail. If a Stampede occurs, you will lead the other explorers to stop it."
"So the Kingdom's army will handle the defense if the Imperial Army actually invades, right?"
"Yes. You do not need to involve yourselves directly in the war—though your assistance would be most welcome. And naturally, if you accept my request, I will provide appropriate rewards."
"And what would those be?"
"Once this is over, I will use my authority to grant 'Special Class' status to both the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky and the Copper Afterglow for the next ten years. This includes exemptions from taxes and access to magic and tools currently under national development, among other privileges that will benefit your future activities."
The reward was staggering. It would make running the clan significantly easier.
"What do you think? I think we should take it," Rain said.
"I agree. We won't be able to explore the Great Labyrinth for a while anyway, so it's a good deal," I added.
"I'm in!" "Me too!"
With Wil and Lucre also in favor, the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky officially accepted.
"Fuuka, the Rabbits are in. What about us?" Katina asked Fuuka, bypassing Haruto. Haruto and Huey didn't seem to mind; they simply waited for her word.
"We'll take it."
"Understood. Princess, Copper Afterglow also accepts." Haruto followed Fuuka's lead immediately, informing the Princess of their decision.
"I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Now, could you discuss among yourselves who will handle the conquests and who will handle the defense? I will abide by whatever you decide."
"The Princess said that, but it's pretty much already decided, isn't it?" Wil spoke up first. "We, the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky, should handle defense, and Copper Afterglow can do the conquests."
It made sense. For defense, we would need to coordinate with many other explorers. Our clan had multiple units and was better equipped to lead the general population.
"That won't work," Fuuka interjected.
"You want Copper Afterglow to handle defense? We don't mind, but can you coordinate with the other parties?" Wil asked.
"No. We'll leave the coordination to the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky."
"Huh? Then isn't that exactly what I just said?" Wil looked confused. Everyone else was struggling to follow her train of thought too.
"Sigh. Fuuka, explain yourself. You might be fine with that, but everyone else is lost," Haruto said, stepping in to help.
Fuuka nodded, thought for a second, and then spoke again.
"...The Princess's request is split into passive defense and active conquest. We need to prioritize speed for the conquests. The faster we finish those, the sooner everyone can focus on defense together."
"I see, that makes sense," Rain said. "So, Fuuka-chan, you think we should mix the two parties and form specialized conquest and defense teams?"
Fuuka nodded firmly.
"So, who is on your 'conquest team'?"
"Since we need speed and annihilation power, Orun and I are non-negotiable. With Haruto added to the mix—since he can just barely keep up with us in full-power combat—the three of us are the best choice."
"I can't argue with those criteria, but that's three front-line fighters. Shouldn't we have one rearguard for emergencies?" Wil argued.
"That's not an issue. Based on what we shared at the exchange meeting, my ability is Future Sight and Haruto's is Bird's-eye Vision. With us there, situational awareness is easy. Add Orun's overwhelming adaptability, and there's almost no situation we can't handle. If the three of us struggle, I don't think anyone else here could change the outcome anyway."
"Well... I can't really argue with that. Fine. We'll leave the conquests to Orun-kun, Fuuka-chan, and Haruto-san. The rest of us will protect Tsutrail. Is everyone okay with that?"
No one raised any further objections.
"The matter is settled, then," the Princess said. "Orun, Fuuka, Haruto—I leave the Labyrinths to you."
"I accept." "Mm." "Understood."
And so, the deal was struck. I would be heading out to conquer the regional Labyrinths alongside Fuuka and Haruto.