Episode 8: Lisha

 

"First, Lugus, the investigation report on the Royal Knights that I asked you to prepare the other day... It was very good."

 

"I-I am honored...!"

 

Lugus, praised by Gildo, bowed deeply, almost exaggeratedly.

 

In the 'Blade of the Black Mist,' there was a rule that clan members did not use honorifics with each other, but Gildo, the clan master, was an exception.

 

"Yes. Based on the movements of the Royal Knights, I believe the time to strike is one week from now."

 

The executives exchanged puzzled glances.

 

"Master, when you say 'time to strike'...?"

 

One of the executives voiced the question on everyone's mind.

 

"Well, wait. Don't be so hasty. I'll explain step by step. We have risen to become the strongest adventurer clan in the kingdom. We've taken on all kinds of hardships within the kingdom. However, we have received far too little in return."

 

There were murmurs of agreement from the executives.

 

"The royal palace sees us as a convenient subcontractor for the Royal Knights... no, more like mere servants. I can't stand that. Normally, one would expect to be granted some kind of privilege. Therefore—"

 

With all eyes on him, Gildo finally revealed the main topic.

 

"If they won't give it to us, we'll take it. Yes, we will stage a coup. The knights are focused on the border, wary of an attack from the neighboring Airis Empire. The palace is practically defenseless. If we strike now, we can make this kingdom ours."

 

Gildo's statement sent a ripple of shock through the room.

 

"Take over the kingdom...?"

 

"Can we really do that...? No, if it's Gildo-sama's command..."

 

"Sure, the knights piss me off. If we were in charge, we could boss them around..."

 

The atmosphere was a mix of confusion and expectation.

 

"But... will our subordinates follow us?"

 

A voice of concern emerged from among the executives.

 

"It's not a matter of can or can't, it's a matter of doing it. We've always done things this way. I'm not saying to tell lies, but... we could deceive them by saying the knights are planning to betray the kingdom."

 

He was essentially suggesting they tell lies.

 

"It will definitely work. When we succeed, I promise you all royal titles. Wealth, fame, whatever you desire. Your families will be pleased too. But if there is anyone here who is cowardly enough to throw away this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... no, if there are any big fools here, leave the clan now. I won't force anyone."

 

The room fell silent.

 

If the coup succeeded, they could aim for heights beyond being mere adventurers.

 

Conversely, if they did not comply, they would throw away the careers they had built up.

 

And everyone was confident in their abilities. If they struck, the chances of success were high.

 

But if they failed, they would lose everything and become traitors.

 

In this swirl of emotions, two people were the first to make a decision.

 

"Of course, I'm in!"

 

"Me too. We'll definitely succeed."

 

Lugus and Raven spoke up.

 

With the younger members expressing their intent to participate, the momentum built—

 

"I'm in too."

 

"We have no choice but to do it!"

 

"I planned to do it from the start!"

 

"Master, I'll follow you to the end!"

 

"Running away now wouldn't be manly!"

 

Out of the eleven, ten expressed their willingness to follow the master.

 

The only one left was the silver-haired girl, Lisha.

 

Lisha stood up with an exasperated sigh.

 

"Are you guys idiots? This is nonsense. I'm not an adventurer for money or status. I don't care about that. Goodbye."

 

She promptly abandoned her position and left the room.

 

"What the... seriously?"

 

"...What a waste."

 

The executives, wanting to justify their own choices, cast cold looks at Lisha's departing figure.

 

"Hmm. That little girl... interesting. What's her name?"

 

Gildo asked one of the executives in a voice tinged with anger.

 

"Lisha Gracia."

 

"Lisha, is it? We can't leave a traitor alone. Eliminate her."

 

Shock ran through the executives.

 

Indeed, if Lisha, who knew their top-secret plans, was left alone, there was a chance she would inform the kingdom. They understood this intellectually, but the order to kill a comrade weighed heavily.

 

At the same time, they felt relief that they had made the right choice.

 

◇

 

"Her fate... you say?"

 

Recalling the game scenario, I answered Milia's question.

 

"The 'Blade of the Black Mist,' dissatisfied with the kingdom, stages a coup, but the plan obviously doesn't succeed. They suffer heavy casualties and are crushed. I'm glad we didn't get caught up in that mess."