Chapter 340 - Plans Hereafter

[She killed the Exiled Emperor. If she stands on the same side as Vysis, it would be hard to believe that she would let that opportunity to kill the Mad Emperor slip.]

[Thats true. In that case, it seems unlikely that shes on the enemy side at the moment.]

Keeping my gaze in the direction Asagi left to

[She said she didnt trust Vysis. She also presented the truth that her goal is to accomplish her mission.]

[I wonder if that was indeed the truth though? Do you think theres a possibility she would suddenly betray us?]

[A last-minute change of heart is indeed possible.]

At my words, Hijiri nodded in agreement.

[Whims are the only unreasonable uncertainties that are difficult to predict.]

[Its just]

[ ? ]

[Unexpectedly though I feel like her not betraying isnt impossible either.]

[Thats a bit of a surprise.]

[Hmmm? Ahh To tell you the truth, I cant properly verbalize my thoughts either]

[Can I ask you something? Just something to consult you with.]

[Before setting up that mission I feel like she could have established a game in which she was part of Vysis camp.]

Her silence prompts me to go on.

[However, she set up that mission and joined the anti-Vysis camp In other words, she chose the side opting for repatriation]

[And yet, she said she didnt care one way or the other about returning to our word. This was true, right?]

[I suppose so.]

Thats why, Im curious about that reaction of hers, when she kicked Kas.h.i.+mas leg.

I have a feeling that that was something that she had done unconsciously.

[For example What if her subconscious, a part of herself that she isnt aware of, is at work in setting up that mission?]

[The ability to judge whether someones telling the truth or not wouldnt work for a subconscious that the person themself unaware of After all, the person themself isnt aware that theyre lying- Is that your interpretation?]

[Yeah.]

Perhaps, the reason why she had expressly set that second clear objective is also

[]

I shake my thoughts aside.

[No, this is still something that hasnt left the realm of wild ideas. Relying on weakly grounded speculations would only trip us up. As for Asagi, for the time being, lets consider her as a fighting force, and continue our policy of just keeping our vigilance just like before.]

[She could be a powerful joker in hand, quite useful as an ally, so handling her sure is difficult.]

However, pausing for a moment, Hijiri continued.

[Regarding what she said when she left, I think she was sincere. She acknowledges the results you left behind. So far, I think she considers Mimori-kun the winning horse.]

Or perhaps, was there some trial in mind for Ikusaba Asagi?

Kirihara Takuto and Sogou Ayaka.

She may have been checking out how Id handle the two of them.

No As expected, considering it like this may just be me thinking too much.

Perhaps, going further like this would lead me to a maze of thoughts with no way out.

[The only way to get her to continue recognizing us as the winning horse would be to continue creating situations where we have the upper hand huh.]

[Im also going to lend you my strength for that, you know?]

Thereupon, Itsuki approached.

[Elder Sis.]

Itsuki glared in the direction Asagi left with a serious look on her face.

[The stuff Ikusaba was saying, even though I knew the language I didnt quite understand it.]

[I couldnt grasp the context of some of her phrases either.]

[From what I felt from the way she speak, I wonder if Ikusabas one of those otakus?]

[I dont like easily labeling people by their personalities and tastes, but she did seem to have a deep knowledge of that subculture. Also, even if the person herself isnt here, you shouldnt call her by her surname. She doesnt seem to like her surname.]

[If thats what Elder Sis says, Ill be careful Hahh Got scolded again]

Meanwhile

[Mimori-kun I- Its been a while I guess?]

Calling out to me was Kas.h.i.+ma.

[I guess this is the first time weve met face-to-face since I was thrown down the Disposal Ruins huh, Kas.h.i.+ma.]

[Thats right]

After fidgeting for a bit

[Ummm Thank you. Following up for me back with Asagi-san and theres also with this matter with Ayaka-san.]

[As you heard earlier, Sogou being persuaded was Hijiris accomplishment. I just drew out the path to that happening. Well, Ill accept the thanks.]

[Unnn.]

Kas.h.i.+ma softly giggled.

While Itsuki watched all that with a raised eyebrow

[Have you interacted with Mimori back in our original world, Kas.h.i.+ma? Doesnt it feel like youve been in touch with him for quite some time?]

[There were a few times when Kas.h.i.+ma-san ignored Mimori-kun when he tried calling out to her back in our cla.s.sroom though, even running out of the cla.s.sroom, seemingly running away from him]

[Waaahhhh!]

Kas.h.i.+ma flapped her hands and shouted, seemingly trying to drown out Hijiris words.

[Hijiri-san, h- h- how did you know that? Even though I thought no one was interested in me when I was in the cla.s.sroom!]

Kas.h.i.+ma rushed over and grabbed both of Hijiris shoulders with a firm grip.

[Why!?]

[No Its simply because I was watching you.]

A blush creeping up her ears, Kas.h.i.+ma lowered her head.

[P- Please Please forget that! Also Mimori-kun too, Im really sorry! About that time!]

[No, we already said that matters enough already, right?]

[However Ah]

Thereupon, having noticed that everyones eyes were on her

[Im sorry Im sorry, Im sorry]

Kas.h.i.+ma squatted down and covered her face with her hands.

Seeing her like that

[Ohh Kas.h.i.+ma, you should have shown more of that kind of thing back in our original world, you know? You would have been popular then.]

[Ara, she is relatively liked by the boys even back in our original world, you know?]

[Eh? Is that so?]

[If you look at their eyes and facial expressions that is. However, they only express their favorable thoughts on her indirectly. No one really took direct action.]

Perhaps because Kas.h.i.+ma is too shy, their conversation doesnt seem to have entered her head.

[They sure are a clueless lot. I know a lot of people outside of school who are older than us After everyone gets to know each other, its like you casually exchange

[emailprotected]

ID, and from there you can interact, hang out, go out for dinner, and just naturally get along with each other, you know? If you like someone, why dont they just take action like that?]

[There arent many people in the world who can just take action like that. I mean, Itsuki.. In the first place, you yourself dont really have that kind of relations.h.i.+p. You got lots of invitations, dont you?]

[No, I do get a lot of them but I enjoy being with Elder Sister the most As for the men I interacted with Look, our relatives from our mothers side are like that, arent they?]

[Compared to them, dont you think the others just look like a bunch of acorns?]

[Hmm Is that how it is? No, but at the moment I just cant find anyone I like more than Elder Sis]

[Putting aside our gender, I am your twin sister, you know?]

[Uuuu I know that but]

[Mimori-kun I dont want to say this in front of Seras-san, but well, if you look at his Majesty, the Emperor, dont you feel anything?]

[ ? I know hes a beautiful guy but even if you find a scenery beautiful, you dont fall in love with that scenery, dont you? No matter what kind of land it is, youd definitely feel more comfortable with the land youve lived in than land youve never lived in]

Indeed, Hijiri said, a small smile on her lips.

Even though it was just a small smile

She somehow looked happy.

[You were that kind of child after all.]

I met the Asagi group members as Touka Mimori once.

I didnt particularly reproduce the mob feeling I had when I was in the original world.

It seemed that Asagi had told them many things in advance.

Thanks to that, their reaction to my transformation was less than I had expected.

Well, they seemed surprised at the answers they received from Asagi in advance.

Some of them apologized, mainly for their att.i.tude and abusive words before I was disposed of.

If I want to mobilize them as a fighting force, I should put an end to this animosity.

I was able to accept their apology.

Introducing Pigimaru to them also served as a good buffer to soften the atmosphere.

Kas.h.i.+ma stayed with the Asagi group.

By her own will, that is.

After Asagi left our barracks, I was asking Kas.h.i.+ma about the situation.

The answer I received from her was

It kinda feels unpleasant for me to leave the group Ive been in for so long Besides, how should I say this You see, even if Asagi-san treats me like that, it doesnt really affect me as much as I thought it would Ahaha, t- that might be strange for me to say that, right? I myself find it strange I wonder how I should describe it? Its like, I just cant find myself leaving her alone or something like that? Ahaha

While I gave her some advice, in the end, I decided to respect Kas.h.i.+mas wishes.

Kas.h.i.+ma Kobato.

Her existence here is the key to unlocking something about Asagi.

I myself wanted to determine the reason for that out-of-place feeling Im getting from her.

I think it might be better for me to keep those two in the same group.

After I finished presenting myself to Asagis group, we continued to make preparations for the future.

[After this, we will join Miras army in the east and march towards Alion. And then]

Inside our barracks, we gathered before departure.

We proceeded to confirm our basic plans once again.

The map was spread out on the table, and the Mad Emperors fingers slid over it.

[After solving the problem regarding the mixed forces, we will proceed through this main road Once in Urzas territory, Urzas strongholds are scattered to the north and south of the main road. On our march, our forces will also take these forts. However, we will use a separate army for the attack on these forts.]

Hearing the Mad Emperors words, I responded.

[They dont have much numbers, but its not good to leave forts with a well-enough enemy force? Is that what you mean?]

[Umu.]

A part of the main army would be reorganized, and the divided forces of the second and third platoons would be sent out to take down the enemy forts.

Meanwhile, the main army led by the Mad Emperor would continue to advance eastward without stopping.

[A messenger is also on his way to the Faraway Country. The reinforcements from the Faraway Country, which will follow our group later, will join the forces that have been distributed toward the forts And then, they would try to catch up with us who went east first. Such a plan happening flawlessly would be most ideal.]

Its also possible that Vysis will send out her White Army.

Even if they get stalled, its rea.s.suring to know that reinforcements are following us from the rear.

[Your Majesty, what about Neias Queen?]

[I sent a messenger on a fast horse with a letter written by Seras Ashrain. Our magical war pigeon doesnt have a nest to deliver to Cattleya in their camp over there.]

Hearing his words, Seras spoke.

[Regarding the Prin Cattleya Stramius, we will have to wait for the messenger to send back a magical war pigeon to tell us the results.]

[If your plan succeeds, the mixed forces should be weakened. Depending on how the situation goes, it may be possible to wish for the withdrawal of their entire army. And then, Touka Any news from the familiar about Vysis movements?]

[So far, there have been no major developments but]

She- appears to be spending her time relaxing in her castle.

The good news is that we have confirmed Nyantans presence.

If possible, we will try to make contact with her.

That is what Erika told us.

Incidentally, I also asked if there were any signs of her having been brainwashed.

Being a third-party observer, this is a meaningful question to ask Erika.

I think shes alright.

According to Erikas point of view, that was the case.

Brainwas.h.i.+ng carries the risk of crippling a person.

At worst, this is a method used for those she wouldnt mind being broken.

This being the case, the current Nyantan is valued highly and given important responsibilities.

Such a thing is conceivable huh.

In any case, it seems that her being brainwashed is not likely.

If possible, I would like to tell Nyantan about our situation.

That, along with how Nyaki is doing now.

It would be great if there is an opportunity, but you should make contact with Nyantan only after you have ensured that its safe enough.

That is what I told Erika.

Since contact with Nyantan might expose our movements, I also told her not to take any chances.

[Is what the situation seems to be the case.]

Summarizing the main points of my report

[Fumu, I see By the way, we havent received any new information from our Miras spies yet. It seems that making contact with Nyantan through them would also be difficult. I am making arrangements to help her escape but When it comes to moving in and around that castle so as not to be suspected by Vysis, it seems that their movements are considerably restricted.]

There can be cases where people are caught or killed as a result of taking risks.

If that happens, the information they acquired before that would all be useless.

Good spies arent people that can be easily replaced either

[As long as we dont know what Vysis is up to, we have no choice but to continue on our way to Alion for the time being. Incidentally, as we have discussed before, are we to send Kirihara back to the Imperial Capital?]

In response to the Mad Emperors question

[I dont really mind even if he isnt in the Imperial Capital As long as its a place I know of and the ice hes trapped in was under strict control.]

The first bug I froze with

as an experiment.

Before, when we were aiming for the Anti-Demon White Castle to save Princess Cattleya

I left some of my luggage at Erikas house.

Among my luggage, there was that bug.

Even after I left Erikas house, that bug was still there.

In other words, its not like the frozen target would be released if it gets too far away from the skill user.

[I want to keep that one hidden away from Vysis. I dont really think theres any chance of that happening but Vysis might have some way of canceling the effect of

. When we settle the matter with Vysis, Kirihara being released from

due to a coincidence of circ.u.mstances would disturb that situation- and I just want to avoid such a situation.]

This is also the case when Sogou becomes our ally.

Kirihara being taken away and used as a countermeasure against Sogou.

We want to avoid such a pattern.

Well, bringing him around would simply make him an unwanted baggage.

Ahh, other than that, speaking of the battle with Vysis

[Your Majesty, the new Fly King and Fly Knight outfits that we have been asking for]

[Umu, theyre ready without a problem.]

[Thank you very much.]

[Youll need them for the preparation of your plan, I presume?]

[Yes. Even in a situation where Vysis movements and goals are unclear, I would like to lay some groundwork. Of course, depending on the situation, they may just turn out useless.]

The ident.i.ty of the Fly King should have been exposed to Vysis.

However, if she recognizes that the Fly King = Mimori Touka

It will be easier to establish the perception that the person in the Fly King outfit = Mimori Touka.

What I asked him to prepare was a replica of the Fly King outfit.

I also asked him to prepare a reasonable number of Fly Knight outfits.

I dont know whether preparing these will be effective or not.

However, we would like to go through with things we could do without any risk.

While we were talking about that

[Sorry to keep you waiting.]

The curtain in the back of the barracks was drawn to the side, where the Takao Sisters came out from.

They were both dressed in Fly Knight outfits.

Itsuki looks down and checks how she was like from the neck down.

[The size looks fine? I guess this is also cosplay?]

[It feels a little tight, but it doesnt seem to be much of a problem for my field of view. The outfit doesnt feel heavy either.]

Thereupon, Itsuki twirled around.

[What do you think, Slei? Pigimaru? Does it suit me?]

[Pakyuu!]

[Piggi!]

[Ohhh!? What do you think, Mimori?]

[I think it fits you.]

[I see~~ If you guys say so, Im relieved~~]

Itsuki crouched down and frolicked with the approaching Slei.

Just like that, they rubbed their cheeks together, making Slei purr Panpiii.

As Hijiri confirmed the sensation of pulling out the sword from her hip while wearing her Fly King outfit

[With this, I suppose we have also joined the Fly King Squadron.]

[As the King, I expect great things from you.]

Thereupon, acting like a butler, Hijiri gave a leisurely bow.

[We will strive our best to live up to our Kings expectations.]

[.]

[Oh my, whats with that face?]

[No, I was just thinking- the older Takao was someone open to jokes like that huh.]

Hijiri took off her mask and lightly shook her head.

[Not really. However, I dont intend to be that stiff of a person.]

At that moment, a bell rang.

The Mad Emperor returns that sound.

Thereupon, Yoyo Ord came in.

[Your Majesty, we are ready to go.]

[Good work. As we advance east, lets find the opportunity to discuss other matters.]

And so

The reinforcements led by the Mad Emperor left the encampment, aiming to join Miras main army in the east.

I apologize for not being able to fully confirm the release date, but I hope to be able to update the next chapter by May 5th (Friday) next week.