"Uuuu..."
"（Issues regarding odor are strictly forbidden territory for the opposite sex to voice. That crosses right into sexual harassment.）"
One of the ostriches who had been called Dele. Red Knight Dorothea, who had been branded as "stinky" by that child, had seemingly been rendered completely useless for some time now. Her ears flushed a brilliant crimson, she buried her face within both of her hands, continuously muttering like a delirious patient: "I don't stink, I merely sweated a little bit..." Given her current mental state, any words offered would likely act as a follow-up attack. For that reason, I intended to leave her alone until she calmed down, choosing to let her be, but... I wonder if she will be alright, in a grand variety of ways.
Using her breakdown following the mock battle as a convenient excuse, I took my departure from that place. I had managed to secure a reasonable baseline of information, and the figures of beastmen tied to the Beast Kingdom were nowhere to be seen near her. Concealing the sheer joy of having won the gamble and securing invaluable information, I made my exit while making it appear as though leaving the banquet was deeply regrettable.
（Besides, if I had remained there, I might have been murdered under the influence of alcohol.）
The absolute instant Lord Lais uttered the words, "Then let us do it as well!" following the conclusion of their mock battle, my heart came one step away from stopping entirely. It felt completely like, 'Ah, she is coming to kill me at this exact timing?' If it were for the sake of the nation, dying would be one thing, but my life is surely not so cheap that it should be claimed in a drunken frolic. ...Her eyes were quite exceptionally serious, so I was terrified from the bottom of my soul. Yes.
"Now then, Lady Dorothea? It will be troublesome if you do not return to form shortly, so let us begin by slowly taking a deep breath, shall we?"
"Haiii..."
Encouraging her fading spirit, we step into the interior of the town. While we were struck by a grand display during our first contact, the situation has unfolded roughly within expectations, saving for the mental states of the soldiers. We have been safely accepted into this town, and judging by the demeanor of the populace, a place for our stay has already been secured. Let us call out to one of the Nagan soldiers and have them guide us to the location.
"Excuse me. What is the current progress regarding our arrangements?"
"Ah, Lord Strategist! Things are proceeding smoothly! We haven't secured an inn just yet, but we will arrange it immediately! Furthermore, the pavilions outside have already been completely set up! Shall I guide you there?"
"Yes, thank you very much. Once we arrive, please clear the area of personnel, understood?"
"Understood!"
Even so...
（While the absolute worst-case scenario was avoided, this may prove to be far more troublesome than anticipated.）
The absolute worst case—a scenario where Lord Lais had already aligned with the Beast King and comprehended that she was being deceived—was successfully evaded. Judging by the state of the town and Lord Lais's own behavior, the Beast Kingdom remains incapable of making a move. Merely learning that is a stroke of unparalleled good fortune. ...However, it is the way of the world that when good things occur, bad things reliably follow.
Though this was my first time laying eyes upon the ostriches, it can be said that it was a truly wonderful thing to see them at this exact timing.
Because they had instantly annihilated 5,000 Nagan soldiers and completely decimated 12,000 soldiers of the Beast Kingdom, I had hypothesized that they were entities of immense musculature. Yet, the ostriches present at that gathering all possessed the forms and countenances of children. To be sure, perhaps due to their race, their height was quite tall for children, but their faces were pure children. They possessed only the type of faces that would cause anyone to mistake their true age.
（And, their "intelligence" as well.）
In all likelihood, there was absolutely zero bluffing involved in the behavior they displayed on this occasion. The reasoning for that lies with their leader, "Lais." She was frantically attempting to conceal information regarding themselves. The fact that she kept attempting to draw my gaze toward her own self rather than the other ostriches stands as evidence. She had caught onto my intentions to a certain degree, and she likely does not harbor a shred of trust toward me. A tedious opponent.
...Now then, rather than Lord Lais, let us first organize my thoughts regarding her subordinates. Considering the facts observed, one can hypothesize that they are entities who receive vast power as a race in exchange for severe limitations placed upon their intellect. In all likelihood, this is the reality.
（They revered Lord Lais as their mother, but it should physically be quite difficult to give birth to that entire number. And even if every single one were her biological child, the question of the father's identity would naturally arise. In short, the plausible conclusion is that she is a "Queen." A species that seeks preservation by treating a single individual as the mother and the sovereign.）
The fact that Lord Lais, unlike the other ostriches, possesses an intelligence equivalent to or greater than other human races further supports this hypothesis. A collective established by a "Queen Individual" possessing capability and intellect, alongside "General Individuals" who comprise the rest—that is the ostrich. While they are a race that normally runs around outside like actual children, they are entities that will assault a target as a collective the instant something occurs. The fact that they arrived en masse to meet us when we entered this town must have been due to that exact nature.
（For the time being, my knowledge regarding them has deepened... but because of that, several revisions will become necessary.）
To list the primary matter, it is highly probable that the vast majority of the "alienation tactics" I had initially conceived will hold absolutely no meaning.
I observed the conversations between Lord Lais and the other individuals, and I judged that their baseline intellect and awareness do not differ greatly from the children we know. In short, it is not impossible to draw their attention with sweets or toys just as one would with a child. However, the problem lies in their overwhelmingly low memory capacity. That entity had definitively forgotten the words of Lord Lais, who is supposed to be the Queen and mother. It absolutely did not retain them for even a single minute.
In short, even if one attempted to win an individual over by handing them an item, from their perspective, it would merely amount to an object suddenly appearing before them without context. While a lack of memory would normally act as a demerit, from my perspective, it stands as the absolute highest tier of counter-intelligence. If one wishes to execute a plot, it can only achieve an effect if directed at Lord Lais or her immediate vicinity.
（And, that rampaging demeanor.）
Even if winning them over is impossible, separating them should be entirely plausible if one utilizes their low intelligence and lack of memory. No, it can be said with certainty that it is possible. However, during that mock battle between the Red Knight and Lady Amelia, the absolute instant Lady Amelia was directed with even a sliver of hostility, that individual known as Dele threw an absolute tantrum. It reached a level where, even with Lord Lais holding her back, I—who stood nearby—felt the literal terror of death.
In all likelihood, their sense of camaraderie is exceptionally high. They fly into a rage the precise instant a comrade is attacked, which perfectly aligns with Alan's report. Consequently, deploying any form of trap would mean a complete severing of relations with the ostriches. Until a strategy capable of completely neutralizing them in their rampaging state can be constructed, it is a method that must absolutely never be handled.
（And as a reason that supports this intense sense of camaraderie, the exchange prior to the mock battle can be cited.）
When I requested a mock battle with one of her subordinates, she hesitated and put forward a substitute. Her expression and tone of voice at that moment did not reflect concern for her subordinates, but rather a hidden sense of apology and regret toward us. In short, because their camaraderie is so intense, if even a single one of them had been harmed, they would have flown into a rage, and the Red Knight would have been killed.
（Furthermore, this is a mere probability, but she did not display a shred of anxiety regarding her children being harmed. While it is possible that only the "Queen Individual" possesses a different mentality, she clearly loved those children. In short, it implies that even as single units, they possess a caliber of strength superior to the Red Knight.）
As I compiled my thoughts in this fashion, we arrived at the pavilion the soldiers had set up before I realized it. Expressing my gratitude to the guide, I stepped inside alongside the Red Knight, who had seemingly managed to recover at long last.
There appear to be no defects within the magic tools, and no hidden entities seem to be lurking about.
"Lady Dorothea, let us sit and converse."
"Ah, understood!"
Saying so, I encourage her to take a seat.
"Come to think of it, I believe I discovered some excellent tea leaves during our transit. Please wait a brief moment."
"I-I shall prepare it!"
"No, no, the one who worked the hardest today was yourself, so please sit comfortably and rest."
Gently guiding her into a seat, I proceed with preparing the tea.
...Even so, what path should we take from here?
The combat capability and traits of the ostriches have been grasped. In all likelihood, if they lack someone to command them, they are nothing more than a "herd of Quasi-Special Tactical Forces"—entities that will merely rampage as they please on an individual level. However, because a commanding individual, a Queen—Lord Lais—is present, they are capable of becoming a true Special Tactical Force. A herd of 300 possessing a single will; though they may only comprehend simple commands, that alone is a massive threat.
The sheer terror of them packing tightly together and launching a straight charge is unmatched. It is a matter where handling them would be difficult unless one prepared a human of the mid-tier Special Tactical Force level, such as the Beast King.
Yet, even if one prepared such a force, Lord Lais remains. That capability of hers, reported to be capable of neutralizing the Beast King, is something that must never be underestimated. Having conversed with her this time, it was a massive stroke of fortune that her personality proved to be exceptionally rational. She is the type of person who will never launch an assault unless an attack is initiated from this side first.
（Conversely, it can also be said that if one lays a hand upon them, she is an opponent who will strike back until you are dead, though.）
It is certain that if we can maintain a smooth relationship, it will result in a grand benefit for the nation. They practically represent two separate Special Tactical Forces, so we absolutely want to remain on friendly terms. Pulling them into our Nagan would be difficult under the current circumstances, but we successfully established a connection this time in the form of "two favors owed." This is exceptionally grand.
The time will surely come when we must return the favor in some manner, but simply creating a link right now is a major achievement. It can be called the greatest harvest of this trip. While she is exceptionally vigilant toward me personally, she seems to have taken a bit of a liking to the Red Knight. It will be best to maintain our association while balancing this dynamic smoothly.
To Nagan, hostility will yield nothing but disadvantage under the current circumstances.
...If that is the case, our response toward that young Queen of Hiard will alter as well. I had considered it as a final resort for Nagan's survival, but if we do not form an enmity, their existence is indispensable. Our nation still harbors a troublesome ideology. Until we can manage that issue, it will be the wisest policy to leave the ostriches in the care of the Hiard Kingdom.
"Then, let us make the first move in advance. Think nothing of it—you are a deeply, deeply important allied nation, so I shall not demand a price."
◇◆◇◆◇
"And with that, thank you for your hard work, and congratulations on the victory—!"
"Yes, thank you. ...It has been a long time since I had a proper, solid match, so my tension rose a tiny bit, didn't it."
"Eh, is that so?"
Engaging in such chatter while offering alcohol to Amelia-san. However, she didn't seem to be in the mood for it, retrieving a fresh cup from the edge and filling it with water generated via magic. Well, guzzling alcohol while the sun is still high in the sky does carry a bit of a shameful vibe, doesn't it~? ...Me? I'm drinking, though? Alcohol is delicious—!
"A splendid alcoholic piece of trash, aren't you. How lamentable. ...So? Did you watch closely?"
"Mmh, I watched both of them properly."
Saying so, I demonstrate a tiny bit of my improved mana manipulation right before her eyes. To speak honestly, I quite want to practice the spells she displayed during the battle, like constructing golems or deploying artillery emplacements, but if I were to execute them, they would reliably end up being created on a monstrous scale. Golems resembling giant god-warriors, or artillery resembling the World Tree. ...Though that sounds rather grand in its own way.
"...Yes, you have become more skillful. All that remains is that matter—the switching of mana."
"Switching?"
"Yes, during the battle, I altered the flow several times to change the magic being utilized, correct? Right now, you are executing it based on a vague intuition, it seems, but if you master it, I believe it will become possible to reinforce a single portion to more than double its strength, or channel mana into an object to harden it."
Ah~, that matter where she was clashing with the sword using that staff. I had been wondering why a wooden staff wasn't being severed at all, so that was the secret. The flow of her mana truly was a bit different. If I develop my mana manipulation further, it implies that against an attack directed at my abdomen, I can redirect every single drop of mana to that spot for defense! That's how it functions. I comprehend, I comprehend.
"In short, it is the next step. While continuing the training to operate your mana manipulation with smaller quantities of mana just as you are doing now, begin the training to channel mana into objects as well. At the start, the objects will likely explode because they cannot endure the force... but well, do your best."
"I see, I see. Understood. Then I'll begin whenever I have the free time. Right now, look... I'm completely buried."
Saying so, I shift my gaze to my lap. A collection of ostriches who had gathered before I realized it were currently taking a midday nap. The weather is beautiful, and because they are packed tightly together around me like a bunch of hot water bottles, it is constantly toasty. It's a tiny bit hot, even. Once things turn out like this, well, you know? It would be a pity to wake them, so I cannot move.
As a side note, right on Amelia-san's lap, Dele has buried her face while emitting 'uni-uni' noises. From her perspective, Amelia-san was being attacked by a human who suddenly showed up swinging an incomprehensible stick. Even though she attempted to eliminate the enemy as usual, she was held back, and even when she screamed to gather her comrades for assistance, she was held back by me as well. She comprehends that it is forbidden, but the organizing of her feelings hasn't managed to catch up. For that reason, has she turned a bit sulky?
"Say, Master-san. Is it perfectly fine if we take a rest day today?"
"Fufu, it cannot be helped, I suppose... Continuity is deeply important for this sort of thing, so make absolutely sure you perform properly tomorrow, okay?"
"Understood~."
Exchanging smiles as we share such a conversation.
"...Come to think of it, you mentioned a moment ago that you 'watched both of them.' Could it be that you mean her technique as well?"
"In truth, just a tiny bit, you see?"
Saying so, I lightly flick my wing. In that split second, an air bullet carrying a thoroughly visible level of force was launched, though it fell short of the attack the Red Knight had displayed earlier. Traversing the air without being obstructed by a single thing, it traveled ten-odd meters before naturally dissipating into nothingness. While it remains far from practical deployment due to a lack of raw power, to a winged being like myself, it can be called an exceptionally simple technique. I cannot fly, but I can certainly stir up the wind by flapping my wings, after all!
"...That child is rather pitiful, isn't she. You could likely execute the exact same feat after a few days of practice, couldn't you? Look, that matter of flying through the sky."
"I imagine I could~."
Though I likely ended up handing over a considerable amount of information to the Strategist, I managed to secure a combat technique in return. To be sure, flying through the sky isn't completely impossible if I utilize my mana cannon, but that method inflicts a grand amount of collateral damage upon the surroundings. Furthermore, with my current clumsy mana manipulation, high-mobility combat is completely out of the question. I had believed that even straight-line movement would prove difficult.
Yet, here we have "Jet Form"—a technique to manipulate air. Thanks to this, once I gain proficiency, the breadth of combat in midair will expand dramatically. And on top of that, the dream of all ostriches to flap their wings and take to the grand sky can be successfully achieved.
"I'm a tiny bit looking forward to it~."
Regarding Jet Form
One of the techniques passed down within specific households of Nagan. It is an art that manipulates air currents, allowing for vacuum slashes, thrusts, and aerial walking without the utilization of mana. Because handling it requires a caliber of strength above a baseline tier, the number of users is quite small. It branches into a grand variety of techniques starting from the baseline "Jet Form: Blast," which generates a sphere of compressed air. If one masters the style, they can secure enough strength to slaughter a lower-tier Special Tactical Force even if they remain at the Quasi-Special Tactical Force level. Truly, a technique designed for the weak.
...However, it has been casually copied by both the Beast King and Lais. While this is partially due to the Red Knight having trained desperately to refine the technique to its absolute peak—completely eliminating all waste and thus creating the absolute finest textbook example—the simple reality is that these two are simply bizarre. Because the Beast King's physical limitations have completely vanished within the afterlife, he continues to grow without boundaries, and Lais has managed to memorize it because her learning capabilities have reached an absurd level.
Well, given that there are those in the world who suddenly begin flying through the sky due to some mysterious stand-like power, perhaps it isn't such a bizarre matter after all.