Chapter 28

After Antimishka and her Royal Guard left, the village was filled with a tense atmosphere.

Well, it was to be expected.

"Xiao Ming, I said earlier that I knew you were in this village for quite some time."

At the edge of the village.

In front of the new house that I and Garai built the other day—there stands a wooden table and bench that we also made ourselves.

We made it so that we could eat outside on sunny days.

I and Ikusa are talking there, just the two of us.

"Uh-huh."

"To be honest, I had planned to visit this village much earlier."

"......"

"Don't worry, it wasn't because the head of the Weeble family informed on you. It was my own investigation. He's a trustworthy man."

In response to my silence, Ikusa added this to reassure me.

Hearing that, I felt relieved.

"Right... But thinking about it, that makes sense."

"Hmm?"

Ikusa tilted his head.

"You're royalty, and you have power. You saw me with the Beowulfs that day, so you had a lead."

"Right, I had people conduct inquiries in the market city to find out where the Beowulfs, who had been using the market for a long time, came from."

And that's how he found out about this village.

I guess I was too naive.

"But if that's the case, why didn't you come to the village until today?"

"I really wanted to see you as soon as possible, but Suaro stopped me."

He made a gesture as if hugging someone from behind.

Thank you, Suaro.

I'm glad she acts as Ikusa's brake.

"She said we shouldn't make contact so easily and that we should observe the situation... She's cautious and seems to view you as somewhat dangerous."

Well, considering we had a big commotion in the market city right before parting ways, I can't blame her.

"To be honest, I wanted to meet you immediately and investigate the magic and your background, and most of all, get more magical artifacts to study."

"Hehe, you're still the same, Ikusa."

I laughed.

Ikusa smiled at me and continued.

"Actually, I came to the edge of this village once."

"Huh?"

I didn't notice.

When did he come?

"And when I saw you living peacefully with the Beowulfs in this village... I decided not to approach you."

"......"

"I thought I shouldn't get involved."

...I see.

"Thank you, Ikusa. You were thinking about me. I'm sorry, but I was only thinking about keeping my location a secret from you."

"It's fine. In fact, it worked out well. At that time, I had given up, but I was planning various strategies to create an opportunity to meet you again."

He grinned.

I take back what I said; this guy is quite shrewd.

Then, I realized from his words why he came here today.

"Right, that's why..."

"Exactly. I had information that Antimishka was heading to this village. I couldn't sit still, so I came here."

Ikusa's expression turned serious.

He looked up at the sky, frowning.

"Antimishka is fixated on being royalty."

"......"

"She has some issues with her birth. Well, I have similar issues, but... hmm..."

Ikusa crossed his arms, as if unsure where to start.

"Ikusa, just the key points. Tell me what's important now."

"Understood. Simply put, Antimishka will do anything for the king."

Her father, and Ikusa's father, the king of this Glouga Kingdom.

I don't know much about him, but from the information I have, he doesn't seem to be a good person.

"Can I tell a bit of a long story?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"There are currently 61 princes and princesses in this country, all vying for the throne."

Suddenly, a huge setting was revealed.

I've heard that heroes like to have many children, and kings need to leave many heirs, but isn't this number quite high?

"My 'Seventh' and Antimishka's 'Third'... these numbers don't represent the order of birth. They are the priority for succession. The achievements and abilities of the princes and princesses are considered, and these numbers are updated regularly."

I see, it's a ranking system.

"But if that's the case... isn't there a lot of bloodshed among the royal family?"

"Exactly. But that's the king's goal."

Ikusa's expression was stern.

His tone was soft, but it was clear he didn't have a good impression of the king.

"The king desires conflict. He believes that only the best will survive in conflict, leading to further growth and progress in new areas. He thinks this will lead to the country's further development. He even accepts the discrimination against beastmen and invasions of other regions as part of this progress."

...I understand what he's saying.

It's true that wars often lead to significant advancements in civilization and science.

But for those caught in the conflict, it's not a pleasant experience.

"When will this succession race be decided?"

"When the current king passes away or acknowledges the successor, the first child will become the next king. Antimishka worships the current king. She believes she is the most suitable successor and has embraced his philosophy of conflict to the extreme. She is actively working on the exclusion of beastmen, strengthening military power, and invading other countries."

At that moment, sensing someone's presence, Ikusa turned to face the front.

"Prince Ikusa."

There stood Suaro.

The well-built woman placed her hand on the hilt of the sword at her waist and reported to Ikusa.

She had just returned from a quick reconnaissance with Entia.

"Princess Antimishka's army is encamped on the plain beyond the mountain. They are likely requesting reinforcements from nearby forces. They are fully prepared to attack and will likely assault the village tonight."

"...She's really serious."

To attack just a village, she has gathered an excessive amount of troops.

But considering her childish, arrogant, and hysterical personality, this is not surprising.

There's no choice but to fight.

"With my words, she's fully committed. She intends to completely destroy this village and use that achievement to lower my standing with the king."

"......"

By the way, there's something that's been bothering me.

Ikusa is supposed to be a playboy prince who has no interest in the throne and uses the royal authority and wealth to indulge in pleasure.

Yet, he is ranked seventh among the 61 princes and princesses.

...Is there something going on?

As I was thinking this, Ikusa turned to me.

"From here on, this village is likely to become a battlefield. I am already preparing to mobilize the secret forces I have been secretly organizing. I hope you and the villagers will evacuate as soon as possible."

"......"

I see, I understand Ikusa's intention.

He is trying to turn the conflict between the village residents and Antimishka's troops into a battle against him, in order to protect us, regardless of the outcome.

"Hey... Ikusa."

"Yeah? What's up?"

"Well, I was thinking... you know, this village's land can't grow crops properly without my 'liquid fertilizer.' So, if I explain that this place will be meaningless without me, maybe Antimishka will...—ah, no, that won't work."

I thought it might resolve things peacefully, but I realized it wouldn't work.

Ikusa nodded, understanding my thoughts.

"If that happens, the next target will be you. She will be interested in your magical abilities, which only the royal family should possess, and will try to capture you. She might even offer you as a gift to the king."

"I don't think I'm that valuable."

"Are you sure? I think you have a good appearance. Or, she might find you interesting and use you as an experimental subject or a pet. Given her personality, that's a possibility."

"Right... You're still the same as before, Ikusa."

"No, no, I wouldn't do something that cruel. That's unfair."

We both laughed.

Suaro, who is serious, might have thought we were lacking in tension. Sorry about that.

I became serious again.

"Ikusa, I appreciate your concern, but can you leave this to us?"

The reason for the royal visit this time is likely because the village has become too prominent. We've drawn too much attention.

But I don't want to push the beastmen into a negative direction, living quietly and cautiously.

I want everyone to live happily.

So, I want to build the strength for the village to handle similar issues in the future.

I already have a few ideas.

"Are you done talking, ma'am?"

Everyone gathered.

Entia, Garai, Orchidea, and Fressa.

All the Beowulfs.

"Maul, is your face okay?"

"It's fine. It doesn't hurt anymore."

Maul, with a bandage on his face, came with Meala.

Meala looked worried about Maul and then glared at me.

"Mako, I'll fight them. I won't forgive them."

"Of course, we won't either!"

"We'll show them the pride of the beastmen!"

Everyone cheered.

"Mako... the longer we wait, the more their forces will strengthen. We need to strike now."

Garai said in a low, calm voice.

"I've entrusted my life to you. Tell me what to do."

"Thank you, Garai."

I turned to Ikusa.

"Ikusa, if you're willing to go along with my plan, I'd like you to join us."

"...Understood. Let's prioritize your ideas first."

Then, I looked at everyone again.

"I've made up my mind. I want to spend every day, tomorrow, and the days after, living happily with everyone in this village. There's still so much I want to do. We can't let a problem like this discourage us. Right?"

Everyone cheered.

Okay, we're all on the same page.

"Let's fight and win. Don't worry, we have Prince Ikusa on our side, so we can rely on him if we get into trouble."

"Hey, hey, it's fine, though."

Then, I explained my plan to everyone.

A strategy that combines all the power I have and all the power everyone has.

This is our chance.

Antimishka is likely underestimating us.

She's waiting to crush the village with overwhelming force.

This is the perfect opportunity to defeat her and win this battle.

There's no need to worry.

I'm the one who, when appointed to the staff of a new store, managed to survive the grueling schedule while other employees were hospitalized, and made it to the grand opening.

I can handle this.

And unlike last time, I have reliable friends.

Let's do this.

Like the hope warrior, Soma Haruto from Kamen Rider Wizard, with a strong heart!

"Alright! Let's do it, Mako!"

"Let's get started right away!"

The Beowulfs, hearing my plan, started moving.

It's showtime!