The meeting concluded, and Lucila returned to the guest room arranged by the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky, her attendant following closely behind.
While the accommodations were luxurious, they were not gaudily decorated. The room possessed a lean, practical aesthetic that felt appropriate for the headquarters of a clan of explorers.
"I will be resting until dinner. Please call for me when the time comes."
The attendant gave a respectful bow, replied with a quiet "Understood," and took up a post outside the door.
Once silence descended and she was finally alone, Lucila let out a heavy breath.
"...Phew. For now, everything is proceeding as planned. That is a relief."
She sank into a chair, letting the lingering tension melt from her shoulders.
Even before Selma had officially proposed the Raid Concept to the group, Lucila had already been briefed on its contents. She had assumed that her endorsement as the Princess would be enough to settle the matter, but there was always the risk that some troublesome noble might try to interfere. To have completed the meeting without incident was a significant weight off her mind.
Lucila had come to Tsutrail as the Royal Representative to serve as a bridge between the Royal Family and the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky.
In truth, however, her presence here was largely due to the fact that the foolish nobles back in the capital had begun clawing at one another in a desperate power struggle. The Nohitant Kingdom was currently in an unstable state. Her father, the King, had passed away last year, leaving her older brother, First Prince Ias, to handle the affairs of the state. Under normal circumstances, the coronation would have already concluded, and Ias would have firmly established his position as the rightful monarch.
However, the war with the Empire and the successive monster uproars had left no room for ceremony. In the chaos, a faction of the nobility had begun plotting to set Lucila up as a puppet queen so they could reap the rewards of her influence.
She shrugged her shoulders lightly, a mocking smile playing on her lips.
"I truly wonder what kind of logic leads them to the foolish conclusion that they could ever control me. To be so blind to the current state of the world... it is utterly appalling."
Lucila had not the slightest interest in the throne. The right of succession belonged to her brother, and she believed firmly that he was the one who should lead the nation. Besides, she currently had matters of far greater importance to attend to than such trifles.
Having composed herself, Lucila stood up quietly.
"...Now then. Shall we?"
She whispered the words as she withdrew a small magic tool. Stroking the control panel with her fingertip, she watched as a faint light filled the room. She tested the effect by clapping her hands together, but no sound followed.
Confirming the Silence Barrier was active, she cast aside her dress without a moment's hesitation. In its place, she donned simple, inconspicuous attire—clothing entirely unsuitable for a princess, yet perfect for blending into the city streets.
Once dressed, she operated the magic tool again. Lucila's silhouette wavered like a heat haze before vanishing completely. She walked to the window, unlatched it, and pushed it open.
The evening breeze from three stories up brushed against her cheeks. Any ordinary young lady would have found standing on the ledge terrifying, but Lucila didn't hesitate for a second. She stepped out into the air.
Gravity took hold, dragging her toward the cobblestones below. She adjusted the magic tool a third time, and her descent slowed until she drifted down as gently as a falling feather. Landing softly, she gazed affectionately at the device in her hand.
"...To think one could incorporate so many varied functions into a single magic tool. As expected of Orun."
She whispered in admiration, a faint smile gracing her lips. Then, keeping to the shadows, she slipped through the clan's grounds and disappeared into a back alley.
The moment she dispelled her invisibility, she looked like nothing more than an ordinary young woman. Lucila merged with the buzzing crowds, vanishing into the twilight of Tsutrail.
Lucila’s destination was an unremarkable cafe on a quiet street corner. She took a seat at a terrace table near the window, ordered a drink, and gracefully opened the book she had brought with her. As she sat there reading, surrounded by the evening bustle, she appeared to be nothing more than a quiet, well-bred young lady.
Eventually, another customer sat down at the table directly behind her. Lucila didn't need to look back to know who it was. He had a face that left no impression, an average build, and a presence as thin as air. He was a man who seemed destined to slip from memory the moment he left one's sight—Solda, the Grandmaster of the Explorer Guild.
"...The situation?"
The question was delivered in a low, gravelly tone. Lucila allowed her lips to curl slightly. Knowing he was referring to the progress of the Great Labyrinth of the South, she answered quietly.
"Everything is proceeding smoothly."
Solda remained silent for a moment before speaking with cold, businesslike detachment.
"Do not forget that results are the only thing we require."
"Of course, I am well aware. Though I expect some lives will be lost during the conquest, I will see it through to the end."
"The conquest of the East is already complete. If progress here is unfavorable, we will take direct command of the South as well. If you find that disagreeable..."
Even at that thinly veiled threat, Lucila’s smile didn't waver.
"I shall surely meet your expectations. This honorable task entrusted to me by Lady Philly... please, allow me to carry it out until the finish."
Solda gave a curt nod at her humble response.
"...It is well that you understand your position."
With that, he rose and melted into the crowd as if he had never been there at all.
Lucila waited until his presence had completely receded before finally closing her book. She let out a soft sigh, her thoughts turning inward.
As always, a truly repulsive man. Is he even human? Well, it doesn't matter. More importantly... he said the conquest of the East is already complete.
She ruminated on his words, her mind sharpening.
The Cult consists of people who think nothing of human experimentation. They treat lives as mere tools. Despite the fact that many prominent explorers died in the Great Labyrinth of the East, the fact that the conquest was finished so quickly means... they must have deployed explorers "remade" through their experiments.
It was more than a guess; it was a certainty. And that was exactly why the initiative for the Great Labyrinth of the South could never be surrendered to the Cult.
She unconsciously traced the surface of the magic tool in her palm. Its cold touch reinforced the iron resolve in her heart.
The Cult seems to believe that I have become their obedient pawn—but the reality is quite the opposite. Philly’s Perception Alteration was neutralized the moment I activated this magic tool Orun-san gave me.
The Cult believed Lucila was a convenient puppet through which they could manipulate the kingdom’s affairs. It was thanks to that very arrogance that the nation had remained largely free from their direct interference so far.
They may think they are the masters of this game, but the initiative of this country has belonged to us from the start. I will protect my people from the Cult's reach. I will never let them lay a finger on my citizens.
She gripped the book tightly, looking up to see the street bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. The cries of vendors, the laughter of children, an elderly couple walking arm-in-arm—the peaceful reality of everyday life was right in front of her. She etched the sight into her mind.
I will not let a single person die. I will not let the Cult have their way. I will protect them all.
As a Princess. As a Royal Representative. And as a person who loved this land.
The weight of her responsibility swelled within her, but she did not let it overwhelm her. Instead, she used it to whet her determination to a razor's edge. To her, this was a war to save her country—and a battle to reclaim her own pride.
Thank you for reading. From the next chapter, the perspective will return to Orun. Due to various circumstances, there will be no update next week. The next chapter is scheduled for February 6th. I apologize to everyone looking forward to it, but I would appreciate it if you could wait just a little longer.
Also, the Audible version of Volume 6 of the light novel was released today (January 23rd)! It’s a great companion for your commute or while working, so please check it out. Page Link ⇒ https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0F2T9RQ7B