◇ ◇ ◇
"—That concludes my report on the labyrinth’s conquest."
The day after Twilight Moonbow arrived in Daluane, I visited Princess Lucila to report our success. I was accompanied by Fuuka and Haruto-san.
After listening to my summary, Princess Lucila gave a small nod, her expression softening.
"As I suspected, asking for the help of S-Rank Explorers was the correct decision. To think you could conquer the target labyrinth so swiftly. Had I mobilized the Central Army, it would have surely cost far more in both time and manpower than the three of you required. Once again, you have my gratitude for handling the regional labyrinth conquests."
"You flatter us, Your Highness. I operate as an explorer in this kingdom as well; it’s only natural that I offer my cooperation."
"It is heartening to hear you say that, Orun. With this, we have finally severed our lingering concerns."
By "lingering concerns," she likely meant the fear of a Labyrinth Stampede breaking out within our borders while we were preoccupied with the Empire.
While many labyrinths still remained scattered throughout the country, the current outlook was that any potential damage could be kept to a minimum by mobilizing local explorers, the Territorial Army, and the Central Army.
However, despite her words, Princess Lucila’s expression remained clouded.
"I shall tell you all this now. An express messenger reached me this morning. The fires of war have finally been ignited."
The news brought a sharp edge to the air—not just around me, but around Fuuka and Haruto-san as well.
I see. So that’s why Selma-san and Loretta-san, standing behind the Princess, look even grimmer than usual.
The war between the Kingdom and the Empire had begun. From this point on, both nations would suffer a massive number of casualties.
Given the information I’d gathered, the Empire likely wouldn't stop until it had seized the Kingdom—and by extension, the Great Labyrinth of the South. Since the Empire refused to back down, the Kingdom had no choice but to fight.
While finding a point of compromise would be better than letting this devolve into a bloody quagmire, finding someone on the Imperial side willing to talk was an arduous task.
Until recently, the Empire’s "Great Hero," Felix Roots Kreuzer, had been a candidate, but the fact that war had broken out despite his presence at the summit meeting suggested that hope was thin.
"We may be at a disadvantage for a time, but preparations for the Allied Forces are entering their final stages. Our country will not lose."
Princess Lucila wore a defiant smile as she spoke those powerful words, showing no hint of the anxiety she surely felt. It looked as though she was trying to encourage herself as much as us.
"Yes. I, too, pray for the Kingdom’s victory."
Based on the intentions of Princess Lucila and the Crown Prince, we explorers were expected to secure resources from domestic labyrinths rather than appear on the front lines for the time being. However, depending on the state of the war, high-level explorers might eventually be drafted.
I didn't want my clan members fighting in a war, so I truly hoped the Allied Forces would hold their own.
"Thank you. It seems it will be quite a while before I can see you again, Orun, but once things settle down, let us talk—!?"
Princess Lucila was speaking with a lighthearted laugh when her eyes suddenly widened. She snapped her head toward a blank wall, staring as if she’d seen a ghost.
Beads of cold sweat formed on her brow. Her expression was one of pure disbelief. "What... what is the meaning of this...?"
I wondered for a moment if there was something in the room I couldn't see, but judging by her reaction, she was looking far beyond the wall—at something much further away.
"...Orun, things just got complicated."
As I watched the Princess, Haruto-san, who was sitting beside me, spoke up.
"...Complicated?"
"Yeah. A massive swarm of magic beasts is closing in on this city. At this rate, they’ll be on top of us in less than an hour."
"What—!? Why magic beasts? We just finished conquering the labyrinth here!"
I couldn't help but raise my voice at Haruto-san's unexpected news.
There were many foreign envoys currently in Daluane. If they fell victim to a magic beast attack, the political fallout would be disastrous. That was exactly why the former Count Claudel had almost accepted the Empire’s demands for Sophia’s hand in marriage—to prevent a Stampede. It was also why Selma-san had conquered the local labyrinth.
So why were magic beasts appearing on the surface now?
"The direction is different from the labyrinth we just cleared. I checked that area just in case, but there isn't a single beast near it. I can't rule out a delayed emergence, but for now, they seem unrelated."
If it wasn't the recently conquered labyrinth, then...
"Selma-san, are there any other labyrinths in Daluane?"
"No. I just confirmed it with my brother; the Claudel House only knew of the one."
While it was possible there was an undiscovered labyrinth, that felt too convenient given the timing. It was more likely that a new one had been forcibly opened. If that were the case, the list of culprits was short.
Nine times out of ten, it was the Cyclamen Cult.
"Since the beasts are already on the surface, we have to treat this as a Labyrinth Stampede," I said. "Whether the labyrinth was simply undiscovered or appeared out of thin air doesn't matter right now."
Thanks to Princess Lucila and Haruto-san, we’d learned about the threat before any damage occurred. We had to ensure it stayed that way.
"Princess Lucila, Fuuka and I will head out to conquer the labyrinth. Haruto-san will stay with Selma-san to act as your guard."
With Haruto-san’s Bird’s-eye Vision and Selma-san’s Telepathy, they would have a massive advantage in the information war on the battlefield. Fortunately, my disciples were also in Daluane. Between Twilight Moonbow, the members of Jade Gale acting as the Princess's escort, and the local explorers, we had more than enough force to protect the city from the surface beasts.
I assumed Princess Lucila would reach the same conclusion. I was ready to head out as soon as she gave the word.
However—
"I realize that your proposal is the most efficient move, Orun," the Princess said, her expression clouding with regret. "Personally, I would like nothing more than for you to head straight for the source. But with foreign envoys present, politics must take precedence."
She was rejecting my plan.
In short, because the safety of the envoys was paramount, she wanted me to prioritize the city's defense. Furthermore, she likely wanted to use my reputation as the 'Hero of the Kingdom' to reassure the foreigners and maintain order.
God, politics were a pain.
"If we do that, it will take far longer to solve the root of the problem, you know?"
It was highly unlikely this Stampede was natural. It was almost certainly man-made. In a natural Stampede, the number of beasts eventually dwindles as the labyrinth empties. In those cases, just handling the surface threat can be enough.
But based on what Haruto-san had said after our fight with the giant wolf, the Cult had developed the technology to create magic beasts artificially. If they were behind this, the labyrinth could churn out monsters indefinitely.
It would be a battle of attrition we couldn't win.
"Yes, I understand. I will have you switch to the conquest as soon as the timing is right, but for now, I need you to focus on the city's defense."
Princess Lucila bowed her head as she spoke. Even if no one in the room was the type to take offense at such a gesture, it was a massive deal for a princess to bow to a commoner.
I could see she was just as frustrated as I was about delaying the conquest. But seeing her endure that frustration for the sake of the big picture, I couldn't bring myself to refuse.
"...Understood. I'll prioritize the city’s defense for now."
"Thank you, Orun. I'm sorry to put this on you, but I'm counting on you."
I nodded to the Princess and then turned to Selma-san.
"Selma-san, have the envoys been informed?"
"Yes. My brother is already taking action. We expect both the residents and the envoys to be evacuated before the beasts arrive. As long as we keep the monsters out of the city, we can protect everyone."
I was truly glad Selma-san was here. I felt it often, but in times of crisis, her reliability was a godsend.
"...Alright. Then Fuuka, Haruto-san, and I will intercept the beasts at the front line. Selma-san, it’s a lot to ask, but could you take command of Twilight Moonbow, Jade Gale, and the others at the second defense line?"
If we were using my name as a rallying point, it was better to keep the front-line numbers small. That said, I wanted Fuuka and Haruto-san with me so we could use their unique perspectives to catch any unforeseen developments early.
Princess Lucila looked toward Selma-san, asking a silent question. Selma-san spoke up immediately.
"I have no problem with that."
Princess Lucila nodded, her eyes filled with resolve as she looked back at me.
"I apologize for forcing our circumstances upon you. I swear upon my name as the First Princess of the Nohitant Kingdom that I will reward your service. Please, lend me your strength once more."
◇
After leaving Princess Lucila, I immediately regrouped with the members of Twilight Moonbow.
"Sorry for the sudden summons. Do you all know what’s happening?"
"Yes," Log answered for the group. "We heard the Territorial Army’s announcement to the citizens. Magic beasts are approaching the city."
"If you're up to speed, this will be quick. We've been asked to help defend the city. We can't allow a single casualty this time, so I need to borrow your strength."
"Of course!" Carol chirped, looking energized. "We’re more than ready to fight!"
"Um, Orun-san," Sophia started, "I assume you’ll be heading off to clear the labyrinth? Should we focus on holding the line until you’re done?"
That was the logical assumption to make.
"No. The city’s defense is the top priority this time. I’ll be on the ground intercepting the beasts as well. We aren't switching to the conquest until we’ve thinned out the surface forces."
As I outlined the plan, Log’s brow furrowed.
"Why? If you're available to clear the labyrinth, wouldn't you doing that be the best way to protect the city? Even without you, this city has enough strength to defend itself. We’re strong enough to be counted as part of that force, aren't we?"
"You're right, Log. Your logic is sound. To minimize damage, we really should be doing both simultaneously."
"Then—"
"It’s because of politics, right, Master?" Luna interjected.
I nodded, confirming her suspicion.
"Huh? What do you mean by 'politics,' Big Sis Ruu?" Carol asked.
"There are many foreign envoys in Daluane right now," Luna explained. "Protecting them is essential, but who protects them matters just as much for future diplomacy. The Kingdom wants to show the world that their 'Hero' was the one who saved the day. It gives them more leverage later."
"So they're holding Master back for something that petty!?" Log's voice shook with anger. "Even though the risk of someone getting hurt goes up every minute this drags on...!"
"Politics isn't always about doing what’s right," I said, trying to calm him. "Oftentimes, logic doesn't even enter into it. That’s why most explorers stay far away from it—and why Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky has the same policy. But in this situation, we don't have the luxury of choice."
Log wasn't the only one who looked upset. Sophia and Carol were clearly frustrated, and while Luna kept her face neutral, I knew she felt the same.
Luna and I had dealt with this kind of political nonsense back in Golden Dawn, so we were used to it. I’d sought power specifically so I could protect myself and those around me from this kind of irrationality, but this was a stinging reminder that I still had a long way to go.
Still, getting emotional would only lead to more trouble.
"...I understand what you're saying, Master. Even if I don't like it." Log took a breath, then looked me straight in the eye. "In that case, Master... we, Twilight Moonbow, will conquer the labyrinth!"
I blinked, stunned by the unexpected proposal.
"Oh! Log, that’s a great idea!" Carol cheered.
"I agree!" Sophia added. "If Orun-san can't move, we’ll move in his place!"
While I stood there frozen, the three of them were already on board, their eyes locked on me with newfound determination.
"Wait, hold on! The source of a Stampede is no ordinary labyrinth. I can't let you go into a place that dangerous!"
"We know it’s dangerous!" Log countered, his voice thick with emotion. "If we decide it’s more than we can handle, we’ll turn back immediately! So please, let us do this!"
He wouldn't let it go. "It just doesn't make sense! Master, you also think the labyrinth needs to be cleared at the same time as the defense, right!?"
Log was right. If Twilight Moonbow handled the conquest, it would solve the tactical problem perfectly. But the thought of sending my disciples into such a meat grinder was terrifying. My brain knew it was the best move, but my heart couldn't find a way to say yes.
"That’s true, but... if something happened to you all..."
"Master! We aren't just children you have to protect anymore!"
Log’s shout hit me like a physical blow.
"We are explorers of the Second Unit of Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky! In this clan, the Second Unit is a core combat force! We have the right to dive into any labyrinth besides the Great Labyrinths at our own discretion!"
I was speechless as Log continued to press his case.
"Yes, you've protected us countless times. To you, we probably still look like rookies. But we've been chasing your back this whole time! Your teachings are a part of us. We won't make a mistake! So please... let us go!"
Log’s passion shattered my hesitation. In its place, I felt a strange sense of clarity.
"Hahaha... I never thought I’d see the day you’d yell at me like that, Log."
When I first became their Master, Log had a tendency to follow me blindly. I’d always been a little worried about that, so seeing him stand up to me like this—challenging me head-on—actually made me happy.
"Ah! S-sorry! I didn't mean to be disrespectful, Master!" Log suddenly went pale, looking flustered.
"No, I'm not angry. You're right. You all are already walking on your own two feet, aren't you? I was still thinking of you as children. I was wrong, and I’m sorry."
"N-no! It’s our fault for not showing you enough to make you believe in us! That’s why we’re going to prove it now! We’ll show everyone that your disciples are true explorers!"
"Yeah. Show me how much you've grown. I’ll fill the gap in our defensive line left by your departure. So, as your Master—and as the executive in charge of this clan’s Exploration Department—I am officially requesting your help. Go and conquer that labyrinth in my stead!"
""""YES!!!!""""