Did You Think Another World Would Motivate A NEET? Volume 1 Chapter 5
Chapter 5 - NEET’s Scheme
──To Paulette Bonaparte.
The new battlefield known as Universal Paradise (Aquatera Realm) was not that much different from her original world.
The 「Beastia」 that had summoned Paulette were a mixed race which had various types of beasts as their ancestors, a race that had a much greater variety in outer appearances than the other races.
However, that did not matter to her.
Be it the existence of magic, or the tails and beast ears that they had.
They were 『People』 who possessed rationale and feelings.
As long as they were 『People』, it would be easy to make them obey and manipulate them──
The Realtà known as 「Impossible does not exist (Absolute Command Authority)」 further supported her opinion.
With that, Paulette maneuvered everything from the shadows as she had intended, continued to fight in the Heroic War against other Heroes and obtained quite a war record.
It did not matter how legendary the Hero was, even if she could not match them in pure strength.
As long as nothing unexpected happened, she could maneuver it.
Everything was according to her intention. According to her aim.
And eventually 『Napoleon』 would grasp the entire land of the foreign world──
As she thought that the whole time, the current situation could be said to be the first time that something was out of her expectation.
“──「Liberator」 declared war against 「Beastia」?”
Hearing the Miko of 「Beastia」 who acted as the transmitter from the summoner relaying the message while she was confused, Paulette spoke without changing her expression on the surface.
“Is that...a formal declaration?”
“Yes......it was addressed to Edolas-sama (Ruler of 「Beastia」) through the Great Contract Magic......such was the content received this morning.”
“This morning......”
“As Edolas-sama received the Heroic War from 「Infirma」, he...um...was really angry and was going to accept it on the spot......”
“So you stopped him, and came to ask for my opinion on whether to really accept it or not?”
“Y-Yes......Please excuse my rudeness, but the current Ruler, Edolas-sama, is a typical [Koshka], impulsive and hasty......”
“The previous Ruler Terishine-sama was more cautious. ──Speaking of which, Terishine-sama was a [Renard] (your specie), wasn’t she?”
“Ah ── N-No, that was not my intention......”
Seeing the girl awkwardly denying it, Paulette smiled bitterly in her mind.
[Perrito], [Koshka], [Renard], [Cuniculus], [Schaf], each possessed the traits of a dog, a cat, a fox, a rabbit, and a sheep respectively.
Though they were all born in the same world, the 「Beastia」, each of whom had different roots and possessed an independent territory, they took turns to be the representative of 「Beastia」.
Naturally, frictions or discontents between the five species like that would often be seen and heard.
Despite being in the same country, factions and groups would form due to the different languages and cultures.
Such things seemed to be the same in any world.
Of course, to Paulette, being similar would only make things easier.
“──Please do not worry. I also think the same. Edolas-sama is a little too impulsive and aggressive.”
“Th-That’s right......!”
Exactly ── This is why it is easy to manipulate them.
Considering the possibility of a calm person being swayed by the noise known as emotion, it would be rather easier and safer to instead provide fuel for an emotional person, and guide them according to her own intentions.
“I’m glad that Napoleon-sama held the same thoughts.”
She swung her tail showing favor as she patted her chest in relief.
Glancing at the easy to understand girl, Paulette pondered about the hard to understand enemy.
It had not been one day since Paulette had invaded Tistel on her own.
It had become an incomprehensible situation where the Heroic War was declared not from 「Beastia」 (own side), but from 「Infirma」 (other side).
“Umm, but, why is that? The 「Infirma」 couldn’t use a single magic ── not to mention that they are untrained, I think there is no way for them to win against us. Them declaring Heroic War is......”
The miko girl had an expression showing that she truly could not understand as her fox ears twitched.
It was natural.
Although it was impossible according to the rules of the Heroic War, suppose the 「Infirma」 all over the world rose up, and obtained a military size of 100 times more than 「Beastia」, they still had no chance of victory in a proper fight.
That’s why 「Infirma」 had chosen the path of servitude to other races.
With not even the military size matching the 「Beastia」 at the minimum, the 「Liberator」 that could not even be said to be a gathering, trying to fight against them could only said to be a suicidal act.
However.
“It’s most likely that they are trying to invalidate the replacement Ruler on our side.”
“Eh?”
“Needless to say, the Ruler should have been Tifalycia Cleargreen originally. However, she was only a person who made the country founding declaration. In other words, there was no credibility towards others, and I used that gap to make a replacement──”
As the 「Liberator」 side initiated the Heroic War, it would establish their achievement towards others.
With the 「Beastia」 being challenged to a Heroic War from the Ruler of 「Liberator」 known as Tifalycia Cleargreen through the Great Contract Magic, they had no choice but to acknowledge her position.
“Once acknowledged, we cannot make a new replacement Ruler anymore.”
“I──I see.”
Taking a glance at the nodding miko, Paulette confirmed the contents of the Heroic War written on the paper.
“Well, the fake Ruler was meant to forcefully make them accept the Heroic War, challenging us in order to nullify that is putting the cart before the horse though.”
“Certainly......the overwhelming difference in fighting strength will not change.”
“Yes. As far as the content on this goes, it will be our win no matter how many times the Heroic War is conducted.”
The victory condition for the Heroic War that was suggested by 「Liberator」 was not the subjugation of the Hero, but to reach a specified location.
The detail was 『From the start of the Heroic War until sunset is the duration, the victory condition for 「Beastia」 is to reach the Room of the Lord in Tistel Castle, otherwise 「Liberator」 will win if they can prevent that from happening.』.
In a normal 『Hero Subjugation War』, Reiji was in an overwhelming disadvantage without Realtà. Naturally, an 『Extermination War』 where soldiers fought until one side was completely annihilated, or a 『Generic War』 where opponents fought for each other’s territory would be out of question, and so she deduced that it was decided without much of a choice.
“This level of condition is nothing.”
「Liberator」 had added two conditions.
One was 『Direct violence is forbidden』, it was most likely to reduce the power of 「Beastia」 that possessed physical strengthening magic, but it was irrelevant against 「Infirma」 when there was an obvious difference in their physiques in the first place.
Rather, it could be said that the「Liberator」 without any magic would lose their only attacking method.
“If they are going to do it, I hoped that they forbade magic instead.”
“That’s......a little...”
“Well, maybe they thought that we would not accept such an extreme limitation.”
In fact, the current Ruler of 「Beastia」, Edolas, would have immediately accepted it enthusiastically.
If magic itself was forbidden, a strategy that Paulette had planned would not be able to execute at least.
If that were to be the case, it would become rather troublesome, but ── looking at it another way, it could also be said that they did not have sufficient information.
“If I have to say something, it would be about the other condition, 『The battleground (Field) will extend from Tistel up to 「Beastia」 Union Capital Ledra』. This is the one with the problem.”
“......? Specifying the battleground (Field) is common in a normal Heroic War though.”
“In a Tistel Castle siege war, why is it necessary to include Ledra in the battleground (Field)?”
“Ah......C-Could it be that they want to attack──”
“Attack us...is what one would normally think.”
“Ha?”
“Even though it’s a Tistel Castle siege war, Ledra is specified as a part of the battleground (Field). This means that the possibility of a surprise assault on Ledra needs to be considered. If there is a possibility, one would think that manpower must be divided for defence like you just now. Doing so would naturally reduce the battle strength for the siege. ──Now then, what is the victory condition for the enemy this time?”
“............A long duration of hold the fort.”
“What is necessary for besieging a castle is number. It matches their objective perfectly.”
The girl opened her eyes wide as Paulette provided the answers fluently.
“I-Incredible......this condition is for the sake of diverting attention from the siege war.”
“In the first place, although there is the possibility of them attacking us, there is no need to increase the defence. Leaving aside a normal opponent, they are 「Infirma」.”
“C-Certainly......”
“A person fears the unknown in a battle. In other words, the anxiety of 『I don’t know what’s coming』 will have a great effect, but it is foolish to hold an unnecessary amount of fear.”
Seeing the girl opening her mouth as if spacing out, Paulette smiled gently.
“You are leaving your mouth open, you know?”
“──P-Please excuse my rudeness.”
She mumbled as her face turned red while she covered her mouth.
“E-Even so......while the Hero on the other side has no Destiny, he seems to be quite tricky. Is he trying to be a tactician as he has no Destiny?”
The girl added, “Of course, it would be no match against Napoleon-sama.”
Paulette laughed.
“That may not be true.”
“......Eh?”
“Aah no. Being a tactician is definitely not wrong.”
He was the type that used his head and words to turn the situation around according to his intention.
Therefore, what was wrong was ── the part that he was no match against Paulette.
Even for Paulette Bonaparte, who controlled the person known as Napoleon Bonaparte and did not leave any trace of herself in history, she had to be cautious against that person.
No, perhaps──
“Napoleon-sama?”
“──No, it’s nothing. In any case, there is nothing you need to worry about.”
“Then......!”
“Yes, let’s accept it. According to their conditions.”
With those words of Paulette, the miko was clearly relieved.
She most likely had interpreted it as ── since the ever victorious Hero Napoleon acknowledged it, the「Beastia」 would have an easy time in the upcoming battle.
Paulette herself thought the reverse.
Hero Houbami Reiji.
As long as he was involved, something unexpected would probably happen in the upcoming battle.
Paulette was certain of that at least.
However, that certainty was the type that she would not understand without meeting him face to face and converse with him.
Hence she could not explain it to the others in 「Beastia」.
She could only handle it as a 『Suicidal act by foolish 「Infirma」』 at best.
Leading a careless army against an unpredictable enemy.
Considering up to there, she suddenly noticed.
──What if.
What if that was also a part of his strategy?
Paulette trembled in excitement, and showed a savage smile that made the miko at her side open her eyes wide.
“......I am really...looking forward to it.”
She muttered those words from the bottom of her heart filled with exhilaration.
◇◆◇
The Heroic War declared by the new country known as 「Liberator」.
The trigger was pulled with astonishing silence.
At the same time as the magic formation spread out in the sky.
War cries were raised from the Napoleon army and they stepped foot into Tistel territory.
Normally, instead of the paved path, they would cross through the forest where there would be no traps or ambushes, but the opponent was 「Infirma」.
Rather than getting assaulted, they would be finishing off the opponent first.
As they calmly travelled on the fastest path, they began to feel some slight incongruity.
“What’s this? There’s no reaction at all?” “Rather, there’s no presence of people.” “What’s going on?”
It did not matter what was shoved against them. They just had to repel it and strike them back ── that was what they claimed, but not having any reaction at all was unexpected.
Hesitant, confused, they slowed down a little──
“Do not falter!”
They looked back due to the Hero’s words.
Riding a horse, overlooking from a higher position, 『Napoleon』 took the lead at the front, thrusted out his left hand and speaking with force.
“My brethren, you all are the braves who have defeated other races countless times. What is there to be wary of against an inferior specie that cannot even use magic? There is nothing that can stop us! Onward onward onward! Doing so will grant us victory!!”
“O──OOO!” “Follow the Hero!” “We’ll crush ‘em!!”
Along with a loud war cry, they raised their speed as they went down the path.
“──Looks like it has been successfully transmitted.”
At the back.
In the carriage that was slowly chasing after the army, the cheers of the brave soldiers entered Paulette’s ears, and she muttered to the empty space before her while she sat elegantly on a chair.
“This is thanks to you.”
At those words that sounded like soliloquy, a reply was heard.
{──N-No.}
A voice that sounded like a whisper close to her.
Paulette knew that it was the voice of the miko girl that was on standby at the far away Ledra Castle.
{I am just relaying Napoleon-sama’s instruction as it is......}
What she used just now was a synchronize magic that allowed the target’s voice to be transmitted to them without losing the intent behind it.
If it wasn’t for this, it would probably be a little troublesome to pass down the instruction to her body replacement.
“Oh you don’t have to be humble. It is a fact that this is all thanks to you.”
{Y-Yes............However, um──}
“{Why do you have to travel along with the army this time? Even though usually you would just give instruction to them to follow the patterns agreed beforehand without going along with them to the battlefield.} ──Is it?”
{──}
The girl gulped in reflex because her thoughts were seen right through, Paulette smiled as she thought.
She was really easy to understand.
“It’s simple.This time is different from usual.”
{Eh......but that means...}
“{Since the opponent is the weak 「Infirma」, won’t it be an easy win instead?} ──No, in this case, being strong or weak is rather irrelevant. In the battlefield, it is not the strong or the incredible ones who grasp the glory of victory, it is the one who believes in oneself.”
That was the...empirical rule of those who took the hegemony in Paulette Bonaparte’s, nay, Napoleon Bonaparte’s world.
She pressed her hand on her chest, and grandly spoke.
“I believe in myself more than anyone. And that me thought of this. In this Heroic War, instead of enjoying tea in my room in Ledra and controlling the battlefield from far away according to my will like usual, I should personally participate and give out instructions.”
The miko fell silent again, and became even more confused.
While understanding how she felt, Paulette spoke as calmly as possible.
“Of course, I am not acting based on that feeling alone, you know? There is a clearer ── Aah, seems like it has started.”
Paulette narrowed her eyes as she heard a commotion different from before from the outside.
{Started...is it?}
“Yes. The meaning of me being in this place will show now.”
The carriage stopped while Paulette spoke, she stepped outside, accompanied by the soldiers she picked out for this very moment, and spoke to the empty space.
“Now, I will have you all do another task.”
◇◆◇
The abnormality happened all of a sudden.
The Napoleon army advanced along the shortest path. The soldiers rushing at the front suddenly covered their eyes, ears and nose, and stopped on the spot.
Some could not stop themselves from tearing up, some felt scorching pain in their nostrils, some fell to the ground due to a heavy impact as if their heads were bashed in.
The symptoms were varied.
If everybody had the same symptoms, the cause could still be investigated.
However, as they were suffering from totally unrelated symptoms, the unaffected soldiers were greatly confused.
“Wh-What, what happened?” “Why are you suddenly in pain......” “Where’s the enemy!?”
“Could it be ── 「Elf」 magic?”
What the 「Elf」 were proud of was the [Recognition Magic] that worked on senses.
Tistel was originally 「Elf」 territory, they also heard that the [Absence] who announced the independence possessed half the blood of the 「Elf」 royalty.
They indicated that they wanted to get rid of the [Absence] on the surface, but it was also possible that they were in cahoots at the back.
More importantly, if it was magic, it could also explain why there was no enemy there.
Then, considering the fact that 「Infirma」 did not give out the condition of 『Forbid Magic』 in the Heroic War──
“Calm down everyone.”
A voice echoed deeply.
『Napoleon』 calmly spoke on his horse.
“Look around carefully. Recognition magic also has a range. In other words, the user must be nearby, but ── where do you see the figure of 「Elf」?”
As they confirmed many times, there was no sign of an 「Elf」 around.
“Since that is the case, there is only one answer for this phenomenon. That is ── natural phenomenon. More correctly speaking, a man-made natural phenomenon.”
{──Man-made natural phenomenon?}
Hearing the miko girl asking back without thinking, Paulette smiled.
“The words seem contradicting, but there is no better way of putting it other than this. A path made from cutting open the dense forest. The wind blowing down from the mountain before us flows from Tistel to Ledra. In other words──”
“The poison in the wind blowing down from Tistel...all of it will hit us.”
Those words from 『Napoleon』 caused an unrest amongst the 「Beastia」 soldiers.
“P-Poison......?” “Don’t tell me......” “But, then I can be convinced of this miserable state we are in.”
“The points are...to the degree that normal people aren’t concerned of, and to make use of natural phenomenon.”
{Normal people aren’t concerned of is......}
“You can consider it as working better against the 「Beastia」 that are sensitive compared to other races ── especially against the types that specialize in the five senses. They made use of natural phenomenon because creating it completely through man-made ways may trigger the condition of 『Violence is forbidden』.”
No matter what army, those moving at the front were called scout, soldiers who were mainly in charge of gathering information.
What was necessary for information gathering were the eyes, nose, ears ── Basically, it would naturally be the species that specialized in perception in 「Beastia」 case.
Only they were the ones showing symptoms, and the reason they showed different symptoms was because they specialized in different senses.
“That is a pretty good move, but if the opponent has incapacitated our eyes, nose, ears──”
“──Use your feet.”
A soldier girl stepped up as 『Napoleon』 spoke those words.
The girl was next to Paulette a while ago, as she glanced at the scouts specialized in the five senses fell back and her trademark bunny ears swayed, she dashed out at full speed.
Taking the risk of moving out alone, the [Cuniculus] that had great leg strength charged.
The reason was.
“After incapacitating our eyes, nose, ears, there is only one thing left. That is──”
The ground under the bunny-eared girl who ran ahead suddenly dented in.
“Trap.”
A really sudden trap.
As the area below her feet became empty, she could only let herself fall into the huge hole ── or not.
She was informed by Paulette that there was the possibility of traps being installed beforehand, the moment she felt it, she immediately jumped and escaped with a hair’s breadth.
The girl advanced like that and activated one trap after another, gracefully avoiding them.
{──Incredible.}
The miko girl exclaimed, while Paulette laughed coldly.
“It is over when the traps are activated once. The thing called knowing beforehand will become the strongest weapon. And if this strong weapon is used at the wrong place, it will become a useless advantage.”
{......Don’t tell me...for that sake.}
The reason Paulette went along with the Napoleon army.
By closely following up with instructions at the scene, so that she could make the best out of the situation.
“Knowing beforehand can also be applied to the other side. In fact, our eyes, nose, ears have been magnificently incapacitated in accordance to their intention. Hence──”
Since it was a battle between opponents who knew each other well, the outcome depended on the method.
“──Look. It’s nothing if you know of the hand that your opponent is hiding. Now, the young one has opened the path! You brave ones follow!!”
While using 『Napoleon』 to give out encouraging words, Paulette diligently threw in the [Cuniculus], [Perrito], [Koshka], [Schaf] she had given special education to at suitable moments, breaking through layers and layers of traps set up by the 「Infirma」.
It seemed that the condition 『Direct violence is forbidden』 was for the sake of using traps after all.
If they had prepared all those in one night, it could only be an astonishing feat, but reversedly speaking, it only amounted to that much.
“It’s really nothing if you know about it.”
Because Paulette excelled in controlling, manipulating people, using traps against her was not a bad move, but also not the best.
The best was...to face her with a person exceeding her expectations.
Therefore──
“Hurry up ── Please hurry up and face me directly, Reiji-sama.”
At the same time Paulette muttered so.
The Napoleon army had finally reached Tistel Castle.
◇◆◇
The castle’s interior was weirdly quiet.
Of course, it would be impossible for there to not be anybody deployed there like the path they came from, the 「Infirma」 people were probably hiding their presences.
Such an ominous silence, however, was not a problem to the 「Beastia」 that had high morale after breaking through the numerous traps.
Though, because there was no problem, there could be an opening to be taken advantage of.
“Uooo!” “It’s our game already now that we have reached all the way here!” “Ignore the small fries, advance advance advance!”
As the 「Beastia」 had already opened the gate and swarmed into the castle in the current situation, it would be too late no matter what countermeasures there could have been.
Watching them opening the paths with overwhelming vigor and invading inside, Paulette also slowly stepped into the castle.
There really were not many people left within the castle.
Even for those servants who remained behind, they could only fearfully watch the 「Beastia」 soldiers advance from afar, unable to take any obstructing action.
Of course, as direct violence was forbidden, force could not be used, but the same applied to the opponent as well. Making a human wall, building a barricade, there were still so many ways.
Just like the name 「Infirma (Serf)」, they were used to serve under others, and could not resist at all.
Giving those people a cold glance, Paulette advanced through the passage she went through one day ago ── and finally arrived.
“......My oh my.”
There was no sign of enemy even in the 『Room of the Lord』.
There were only a few people that seemed to be the close aids left in the room, they also just allowed the invasion.
With that.
Victor: 「Beastia」 Napoleon Bonaparte
““Uooo!””
As the victory condition was achieved, the soldiers were basking themselves in the victory.
In her heart was not a sense of achievement, but dissatisfaction.
“──Just this...much.”
Certainly.
Paulette herself also did not consider such a hand.
In the first place, 「Beastia」 obtained Tistel from the 「Elf」.
They were illegally occupying it, so it was obvious that they would sooner or later collapse.
So they only did the nation founding speech of 「Liberator」 there.
If they did the declaration, that would mean that 「Liberator」 ── 「Infirma」 would exist in the world. If they could gather just some percentage of those, they could organize a resistance faction.
As they had achieved that objective now, there was no need for the territory known as Tistel.
In other words, where they went was──
“Borrowing time for escape.”
The Ruler and Hero of 「Liberator」.
The people remaining there were probably to buy them time for escape.
That was not a bad strategy in itself, however.
“......This is...boring.”
Frankly speaking, it was disappointing.
Did Paulette overestimate them?
Even though she believed that he would do something more wonderful, more unpredictable──
As she thought so, at that moment.
{Na──Napoleon-sama!!}
A sudden voice.
What the panicking miko girl told her...was exactly the unpredictable.
{J-Just now ── 「Beastia」 has succumbed to 「Liberator」!!}
◇◆◇
When encountering an absolutely impossible situation, a human would stop thinking.
Hence it was also the same for Paulette who had expected the possibility of such an impossible situation happening.
“............When......what method?”
It took all her mind just to utter those.
{It’s not something so complicated.}
The sudden voice she heard was not that of the miko girl’s that she was used to hearing.
That frivolous tone.
More importantly, the only person capable of creating such a situation.
“Houbami Reiji......!”
The Hero of 「Liberator」.
As Paulette muttered his name, she ran her thoughts through endless doubts.
All conflicts between races in this world was resolved through Heroic War.
Different from a personal contract, there was no other method possible in case of a contract with the entire race.
That’s why 「Beastia」 could only go through Heroic War in order to make 「Liberator」 surrender.
And the start of a Heroic War would definitely be informed in the sky.
There was no sign of that happening as far as Paulette could confirm.
Despite that, the miko girl said that 「Beastia」 surrendered to 「Liberator」.
Just...how──
{Oi oi, Heroic War is not just simply army against army, race against race.}
......Heroic War was not simply army against army, race against race?
Those phrases caused Paulette’s thoughts to connect the pieces of the puzzle.
It was not the army that fought Heroic War. Neither was it a plural concept like race.
The one who fought Heroic War was ── 『Individual』.
The instant she comprehended that.
Her eyes...opened up.
“──Don’t tell me...”
{There is no rule stating that you cannot do a 「Showdown」 against the Ruler directly during the Heroic War, is there?}
Reiji sneaked into the 「Beastia」 throne room, and challenged Edolas directly to a 「Showdown」?
With the authority of the Ruler of 「Beastia」 as bet.
“That idiot......!”
As Paulette spoke without thinking, Reiji laughed.
{How about sending that word to your Ruler-san?}
「Beastia」 had an overwhelming number and power against 「Liberator」.
Hence it was good enough for 「Beastia」 to involve 「Liberator」 in a Heroic War.
In that sense, Edolas, who completely looked down on 「Liberator」, would not compromise or be shaken by any threat, wanting to crush it no matter what, was the most suitable for a Ruler, but──
{No, well, it really helped when I told him ‘You can have authority over my life if I lose, so can you give me the authority of the Ruler of 「Beastia」 if you lose?’, he agreed to a 「Showdown」 without listening to the details.}
Reiji jokingly spoke, while Paulette muttered quietly.
“......You lured him into agreeing, right?”
{Who knows? ──Well, but, to a guy who thinks that the Heroic War being declared from 「Liberator」 is a humiliation in itself, if the Hero of that 「Liberator」 challenges him to a 「Showdown」on top of that right before his eyes ── it’s obvious that he would accept.}
She bit her lip.
The authority the Ruler held ── the Heroic War authority.
When that authority was snatched away by the enemy, it meant that no matter how disadvantageous the Heroic War could be, 「Beastia」 would be unable to reject.
In an extreme example, magic forbidden, own side one person, opponent one thousand person, even if the Heroic War had such an impossible to win condition, they had to accept.
In other words ── Reiji ignored the current Heroic War, made the Ruler himself, who possessed the Heroic War authority, surrender, so even if he lost the current Heroic War, he could control all future Heroic Wars with 「Beastia」.
“......You...got me.”
Paulette purposely ignored the impulsive and aggressive ruler Edolas.
That role was brilliantly used against her.
Kicking away the common sense that ‘Heroic War is a fight with the entire race, the fight is also the amalgamated will of the race’, and aiming to beat the Ruler that possessed the Heroic War authority was an unexpected move.
However, even so, there was one question left.
“......I wonder if you can tell me this for reference. How did you invade that place?”
A direct invasion into Ledra.
She could not understand the method.
Without beating about the bush, Paulette asked directly.
{When a person tries to hide, he will be found out instead.}
“......Ha?”
{You can call it Caligula effect or Streisand effect. Trying to hide would instead cause others to notice them. So ── expose what you really want to hide.}
“What are you talking──”
{Try recalling. What Tifa declared was not 「Infirma」 country, but 「Liberator」 country, you know?}
With...those words.
Paulette had finally noticed a possibility that she had unconsciously eliminated until this day.
{How did I sneak in huh?}
What if...the premise that 「Infirma」 could not use any kind of magic was to be overturned──
{That’s obvious. I moved from within the shadows.}
「Strega」 girl Clanleu Shimishika.
Paulette naturally knew that she was at Reiji’s side.
The mysterious 「Strega」.
She had heard from others that the girl yielded to a Hero without any Destiny, and established a master-servant contract which restricted all her abilities.
The 「Strega」 that could use powerful magic lost to a Hero that did not even have a Realtà.
Paulette became interested in the Hero that was Reiji due to that fact, but she never held any doubt about the restriction of all the abilities.
That was because, she believed that it would be impossible for the 「Strega」, which could evenly match a Hero one on one, would establish a master-servant contract with the Hero of another race without restricting their abilities.
In fact, even when Paulette had invaded, Leu seemed to be unable to use any of her abilities.
However, if it was not unable to use, but rather did not use.
If even though she herself could not use it, the things she possessed were not actually restricted.
In order not to let people think that way, Reiji purposely revealed her to the public eyes.
Because it was a trump card, he revealed it so that others would not think that it was one.
“Everything......Everything...for the sake of this.”
With that, while Paulette was conquering the empty Tistel Castle, he easily sneaked into Ledra, and defeated the Ruler of 「Beastia」 ── 「Beastia」 itself.
......What avoiding a fight?
Running away? Totally wrong.
He...from the start.
Was aiming for the absolute victory that would overthrow everything.
{I didn’t tell you huh? The outcome...is decided before the fight begins.}
A shiver.
She felt a trembling elation on her back.
Paulette could not suppress the smile that was forming on her mouth.
“Really......You really are ── The best......!”
Exceeding any and all expectations from her. Surpassing her.
That fact made her irresistibly elated. Delighted. ──Fired up.
{Well thank you. But, you aren’t satisfied by just this level, right?}
A challenging tone.
Words that he was sure she would take the bait.
“Yes ── Nothing has been decided yet.”
With 「Beastia」 obtaining the victory in the Heroic War, 「Liberator」 lost its territory.
In return, the Ruler of 「Beastia」 lost in a 「Showdown」, 「Liberator」 snatched the Heroic War authority from 「Beastia」.
If the Heroic War authority was to be sold to other races, the core of 「Beastia」 would be shaken.
In other words ── both sides suffered fatal loss, and only lacked a decisive blow.
Therefore.
{Therefore, why not do another 「Showdown」?}
「Beastia」 and 「Liberator」 ── Between Paulette and Reiji, betting on the territory and authority that they both snatched, a 「Showdown」 where the winner would take all (All or Nothing).
“......It’s a battle that I absolutely cannot back down on huh.”
Such an invitation was what she couldn’t ask for more.
The powerful emotion swelling out from the bottom of her heart caused Paulette’s lips to bend into a crescent.
“So, how exactly will you do this? Since it is not in the form of Heroic War, you are not considering large scale, right? No, no matter what, you have to at least come here──”
{Ah wait a moment, you seem to be misunderstanding something.}
The next moment, Reiji frivolously interrupted Paulette’s words.
{I’m not the one fighting you know?}
And readily continued.
“──Eh?”
{Rather, since when was I your enemy?}
At the same time his words finished.
The one appearing before Paulette’s eyes was...
{I did not fight against anyone from the start. The opponent of you, the Hero of 「Beastia」, is ── that one.}
As Paulette muttered so, the Ruler of 「Liberator」 was straight across her.
Anxiety...and determination.
She stared at the girl whose emotion was so easy to read.
“......Fu──Fu...fufufufufufu.”
Paulette let out a dry laugh while she spoke to the person far away.
“My opponent is her? You still like to joke as usual.”
{No? I don’t like to joke as much as you mentioned though?}
“............Then, are you saying that, she will really be fighting against me, in a 「Showdown」 with the fate of 「Beastia」 and 「Liberator」 at stake?”
{I’m not really forcing you. If you are fine with forfeiting, we are more than glad to accept.}
“......Are you aware of the reason you are called to this world as a Hero?”
{Of course, it’s obviously for the sake of the ultimate NEET life!}
“..................Ha?”
Paulette’s eyes rounded as she truly could not understand him.
“Um......”
Somehow apologetic, Tifalycia interrupted.
“Sorry......I think it’s better that you don’t really...take that guy’s words seriously.”
{Oi Tifa, whose side are you on?}
“I told you not to call me Tifa.”
Seeing the duo start their bantering...
“「Can you please not irritate me too much」?”
The seal floated on her forehead.
The girl froze on the spot.
Basked in the Realtà that was 「Impossibile does not exist (Impossible n’est pas francais)」, the girl whose body was frozen...
{We can’t adhere to that.}
Immediately showing an expression of relief, she relaxed her body as he continued in a frivolous tone.
──It seemed like they had prepared some sort of countermeasures.
Paulette’s Realtà could accomplish anything she said with her overwhelming Destiny.
To defend against such an unreasonable power that affected the heart, it was necessary to have a sense of security with backing.
As for the key to activate that sense of security, Reiji probably made use of his existence as the Hero. There would be nothing to worry about as long as he said so, or it could be said as planting a suggestion.
It was not simple, but also not very difficult. Because humans feared the unknown, but they could overcome the known.
“......So you have made the minimum preparation.”
{Of course.}
However, despite saying so, if compared to Reiji, Tifalycia was probably an enemy many levels weaker.
She could not expect the blood boiling deception exchanges.
At Paulette who felt disappointment about that and sighed without thinking...
{You have missed out on one decisive factor.}
Reiji spoke joyfully.
{And because of that, you absolutely cannot win against her.}
Cheap...provocation.
She thought.
“──In the end, you insist on not fighting.”
{Yeah that’s right. Have you understood?}
“Yes ── 120% so.”
Those words and that...smile.
They were pointed not at Reiji ── but at Tifalycia.
Since any and everything had been examined, considered, and thought through.
What was left was only to advance, exterminate, and conquer.
“Very well. I shall accept the 「Showdown」.”
◇◆◇
Facing Paulette Bonaparte’s chilling smile...
“──”
Tifalycia was assaulted by a feeling as if her core itself was trembling.
As long as they were residents of this world, they could only cower from the pressure exerted by the Destiny that Paulette possessed.
And, furthermore.
{Nice, so clear-cut.}
Inciting skillfully with words.
As a result, things moved according to how Reiji planned, Tifalycia was truly astonished.
She believed more and more that every event, including herself, was moving according to his aim.
Despite so, there was no feeling like she was being made to move.
It was at most them moving by their own will, and the result took shape in the way he wanted.
Therefore, seriously, simply speaking.
──A cunning person.
As if seeing through Tifalycia’s thoughts...
{Then please feel free to do as you like now.}
Saying so at the end, Reiji’s voice could no longer be heard.
From here onwards, it was necessary to act by her own will for everything.
Feeling nervous as if her shoulders became heavier at the same time she realized that, Tifalycia closed her eyes.
What she remembered...were the things that happened in that one month.
After summoning the Hero that was Reiji, days of being toyed around, toyed around, toyed around continued.
Amongst the memories that could only be considered as sullen.
She consciously recalled those 「Showdown」 she kept challenging and losing to Reiji.
How did he, for that one month, keep making her lose──
“We are good to go now I suppose?”
Paulette’s voice called out.
Tifalycia opened her eyes.
“Then, I would like to decide on the actual method of the 「Showdown」──”
“Before that.”
She interrupted the Hero of 「Beastia」.
She, the Ruler of 「Liberator」, spoke.
“Please let me declare again.”
Facing the determined gaze of Tifalycia, Paulette responded calmly.
“──Sure. Go ahead.”
Fully composed words. Gesture. Expression.
Towards the Hero that was excellent in every aspect, the [Absence] girl spoke.
“The Ruler of 「Liberator」, Tifalycia Cleargreen, challenges the Hero of 「Beastia」, Paulette Bonaparte, to a 「Showdown」. The 「Showdown」 method is──”
“......!”
A pre-empt attack by making use of negligence.
Making it appear as merely a declaration, it was actually to present the showdown method.
Tifalycia thrusted out her right hand as planned, and opened up her fist-shaped hand with her palm facing upwards...
“A one-time coin toss.”
And showed Paulette the silver coin from a foreign world resting on her palm.
◇◆◇
“The showdown method is...a one-time coin toss......?”
It could be said to be a very simple, or an overly easy method.
“Using such a simplistic method, are you saying that you want to bet the fate of your country, your race on it?”
Paulette muttered so in astonishment, while Tifalycia nodded her head stiffly.
“I understand that your doubt is valid. However, to conduct a quick showdown in this place with no tools or items without any 『Direct Violence』, the methods were very limited.”
『Direct violence is forbidden』 was a rule used in the Heroic War.
It would probably continue to apply in the current 「Showdown」.
“Even if the methods are limited, aren’t there other ways? Why must it be a coin toss?”
“Because there is no draw in this, and it’s difficult to cheat.”
An instant answer.
That meant, it was a prepared answer.
“Certainly, there are many other methods. However, I believe this to be rather simple and easy, without the need to decide on any detailed rules, no room for cheating, having only two extreme results, there are very limited ways satisfying these conditions.”
That was...certainly reasonable.
Taking the 『Who am I?』 showdown between Paulette and Reiji as an example, the correct or wrong answer to that sudden question could determine the outcome, but a proper explanation must be added to the correct answer.
On that point, 『Guess the side that is facing up in a coin toss』 was straightforward.
“Also ── with the head or tail of just one coin, it will carry the weight of the victory or defeat of the race. Can you not feel the meaning in this unconventional method?”
Towards Tifalycia’s stiff smile ── Paulette laughed.
“Unfortunately ── I have my own preference.”
The meaning was not important.
Rather, it would be better if there was no meaning.
Hence, Paulette would not agree with what she said.
Just ── betting on the fate of one’s own race with the head or tail of just one coin was crazy.
And the fact that such an unconventional method came out from Tifalycia’s mouth, it would be a lie if Paulette was not tempted.
The reason was because she clearly saw the shadow of Reiji behind it.
“──Very well. I will do this showdown.”
Paulette readily agreed.
“......Then, this coin──”
Tifalycia let out a sigh of relief, and was about to toss the coin herself as if it was natural...
“「Wait a moment」”
But was interrupted.
In just an instant ── In the gap that Tifalycia stopped moving, Paulette took the coin from her hand.
“Wh-What──”
Seeing Tifalycia panicking as expected, Paulette narrowed her eyes.
“Ah, the showdown method is a one-time coin toss, right? Isn’t it fine if I toss the coin and you guess?”
Paulette paused once, and raised the corner of her mouth.
“Or is it that doing it this way is no good?”
Those words were filled with certainty.
Paulette’s tone caused Tifalycia to keep quiet awkwardly.
Seeing that easy to understand reaction, Paulette thought of the fox-ear miko girl on reflex.
Although it was just made, the girl that was a Ruler of a country was only on the same level as the miko.
Paulette was slightly disappointed, but without showing that on the surface...
“Then, it is decided.”
Right after confirming the small magic formation spreading, she tossed the coin before Tifalycia could say anything.
“Ah──”
The coin spun quickly in the air before it was caught.
Paulette thrusted out her fist after catching the coin, and asked.
“Then, is the side facing up head or tail ── can you make a guess?”
There was no unnatural movement in Paulette’s series of action.
A very normal coin toss. A simple and quick test of luck.
A coin toss did not have any complicated conditions attached to it in the first place.
It’s only tossing the coin, catching it in midair, and asking if the side facing up was either head or tail.
Therefore, there was no room for cheating just like Tifalycia had said ── was the misunderstanding.
No, it would be impossible to cheat normally.
In fact, there was probably no trick for it in Paulette’s original world.
That’s right, if it was in the original world where she was not summoned as 『Napoleon Bonaparte』 and given supernatural power known as Realtà.
Tifalycia Cleargreen, or rather Houbami Reiji, might have been relieved that Paulette’s Realtà could not work on Tifalycia.
That’s why they did not consider such a possibility.
Paulette’s Realtà, that was 「Impossibile does not exist (Impossible n’est pas francais)」.
The possibility that such an absolute commanding authority could work on Paulette herself.
Making the impossible feat of unleashing the restrictions on Paulette Bonaparte’s physical body and seeing the side of the rapidly spinning coin in air possible.
──Expose what you really want to hide?
No way.
The trump card should be kept hidden until the last──
With astonishingly heightened dynamic vision, Paulette knew that the side of the coin facing up in her hand was 『Head』.
And that knowledge was able to make room for cheating in the simple and quick test of luck that was coin toss.
That was because the way to open the hand in a coin toss was not decided.
It was already assumed that the person throwing would not know the side of the coin in the hand, so there was no reason to specify it.
Of course, Paulette had no obligation to open up the hand that she thrusted out just like that, if Tifalycia said 『Tail』, she would move her right hand over the back her left hand and open up, if 『Head』, there would be no problem if she used the excuse of falling if she opened up directly to turn her palm facing upwards before opening.
In other words, correctly understanding the state of the coin in the hand, it would be the coin tosser side, and not the coin guesser side, that would have the clear initiative of changing it with 『Magician’s Choice』.
──The outcome...is decided before the fight begins.
(It’s so appropriate.)
The moment Paulette reached the current situation with her trump card still hidden, her victory could not be shaken.
That’s right ── it was truly decided before the fight.
The pitiful girl, who did not notice that, creased her brows.
She thought and thought.
As her thought came to an end──
“......I choose...『Head』.”
She...decided.
In an instant, Paulette sighed in her heart.
......With that, it’s over. It’s finished.
Honestly speaking, she wanted to see the strategy that Reiji had taught that girl.
However, since the person herself was just like that, it was probably not something she would look forward to responding to.
What a pity ── While thinking that...
──You have missed out on one decisive factor
She turned her right hand around.
──And because of that, you absolutely cannot win against her.
..............................Reiji’s words...
Bugged her like a curse.
\n Is this really fine?
\n That doubt...echoed from the bottom most part of Paulette’s heart.
Her senses heightened by Realtà became even sharper.
She unintentionally saw Tifalycia’s expression.
Her face that could only be seen as panicking...showed only an instance of relief.
A smile formed.
She saw it ── in that instant.
Paulette’s brain that was like dried earth was nourished by the cool water known as truth.
If she reconsidered.
No, even without considering, the current situation was extremely abnormal.
Using coin toss to decide the fate of the race, it was such a showdown that questioned sanity itself.
Of course she did not believe that they would seriously bet on the low 50% possibility, but even the word reckless would not be enough to describe leaving everything to the existence known as Tifalycia.
No.
That’s impossible.
At least the Reiji that Paulette knew would not make such a gamble.
In that case.
There must be a sure-win strategy.
Just like the strategy Paulette herself used.
He would have done the same thing.
............Same?
Houbami Reiji doing the same thing as Paulette Bonaparte would mean...
He had predicted that Paulette would use the 『Magician’s Choice』?
......Paulette’s Realtà could be used on Paulette herself...that should be something that could be easily deducted.
If...he correctly saw through Paulette’s Realtà.
And made a plan that allowed him to win on top of that.
If there was a plan that would activate the instant she was certain of her victory──
──You have missed out on one decisive factor
Decisive factor. Missed out.
──And because of that, you absolutely cannot win against her.
Her. Tifalycia.
Paulette looked at the girl standing before her.
Why...was she the one standing at this place and not Reiji?
The distance or time issue could be resolved.
At least since it’s a showdown that betted on the fate of the race, it’s natural to show up himself to properly grasp the situation.
Even so, he let Tifalycia act on his behalf.
He also added the explanation that it was Tifalycia’s fight from the start.
There must be a reason.
In other words, a reason that it had to be Tifalycia and not Reiji.
Something she had, and Reiji did not.
Something Reiji could not do, and the [Absence] here could do.
In that instant, as if struck by lightning, Paulette Napoleon staggered a few steps.
She understood.
Paulette had certainly missed out on one decisive factor.
“Fu──Fufu...fu...ahahahahahahaha.”
As Paulette suddenly started laughing, Tifalycia did not show any reaction.
She strangely remained expressionless.
As if the panicking behavior before was just an act.
No ── not as if it was an act.
She was actually acting.
“Fu...fufu...fu......That’s how it is...I see.”
Understanding everything, the Hero of 「Beastia」 reevaluated the strategist ── actor in the person standing before her.
“That’s such a realistic act ── Tifalycia Cleargreen.”
And then she laughed.
Laughed at herself for not knowing that she was cornered into defeat earlier.
Then ── at herself who was certain of the victory after turning the table around after noticing it.
“I have always been thinking what trick you would play, but the moment I thought about that is already too late.”
It must be due to being too disappointed in Tifalycia Cleargreen.
Even Reiji could not let the powerless girl do anything. That’s what she thought.
──Even though it was such a simple matter once it was noticed.
Noticing that she was led to think about why she had not noticed it until this moment.
The purposefully hidden 「Strega」 girl (Clanleu Shimishika).
More importantly, the phrase known as the Ruler of 「Liberator」 ── of 「Infirma」.
The country of 「Infirma」.
The rebellion of 「Infirma」──
However.
“You carry the blood of the 「Elf」 within you.”
The Ruler of 「Infirma」 was...the [Absence] within the 「Elf」 royalty bloodline.
“──”
Probably unconsciously, Tifalycia moved her hands as if to hide her long ears, while Paulette pointed out the decisive fact.
“What magic is the 「Elf」 most proficient in?”
There was no need to listen to the answer.
Living mainly in the forested areas, what they, who shun strangers coming from the outside, would use was [Recognition Alteration Magic] that would trick others without others noticing as long as they did not realize it.
As Tifalycia’s expression stiffened, Paulette was certain of her victory now.
“For example. If the magic is used to misidentify the coin’s head as tail and tail as head ── won’t the side I secretly controlled be reversed?”
Then if the magic was undone after Paulette opened her hand, the coin in her hand would brilliantly flip side.
A trick done after seeing through Paulette’s trick on the coin toss.
If she considered that, everything could be explained.
“Despite grasping the personality of Edolas-sama (Ruler of 「Beastia」), I had the doubt why was the condition 『Usage of magic is forbidden』 not included in the Heroic War, so it was for this sake.”
Not including 『Usage of magic is forbidden』 in the Tistel Castle siege war was neither not considering the threat of 「Beastia」 magic, nor the fact that they were unable to grasp the personality of Edolas.
It was so that they could use magic themselves.
In other words, Reiji had already considered this development during the stage of initiating the Heroic War──
“Really...what astonishing considerations.”
Just that alone, she could only honestly admire.
The Hero known as Reiji was undoubtedly the strongest opponent she had fought so far.
However ── even so, the victor was Paulette, who comprehended, took caution, acknowledged him as a strong enemy.
“This is the end!”
Speaking loudly...
Paulette moved her right hand over the back her left hand, opened up...
\n “──────Eh?”
\n And lost her words when she saw the 『Head』 side of the coin shown.
Flipped over. Then returned to original.
Suspicious of [Recognition Magic] being casted. Concentrated.
Even if she stared a hole through it. Even if she touched it.
The result...did not change.
『Head』. 『Head』.
『Head』──
“I told you.”
The voice she suddenly heard...was unexpectedly closer than she thought.
Paulette raised her head, and recognized the figure of Reiji and Clanleu Shimishika standing right behind Tifalycia.
“You have missed out on one decisive factor, and because of that, you absolutely cannot win against her.”
“......Having the blood of the 「Elf」──”
“You’re wrong.”
In place of Reiji who immediately denied it, Tifalycia spoke apologetically.
“I......cannot use the magic of the 「Elf」.”
“Eh──”
Could not use...magic?
That meant.
That meant ── not having the 『Magic is forbidden』 condition in the Heroic War was for the sake of making her think that Tifalycia would use magic.
As a result, it was for the sake of making Paulette open the 『Head』 side Tifalycia chose in the coin toss──?
“How can that be...treating me like an idiot......!”
Reiji spoke with a thin smile to the dumbfounded Paulette.
“Aren’t you the one treating her like an idiot? You have only been looking at me, the Hero, and never looked at her. She is in your sight, but you never looked at her. Betrayed by the 「Elf」, the [Absence] who took on the burden as the liberator of 「Infirma」 ── that’s your degree of recognition, right?”
......That’s right.
Even the solo invasion of Tistel Castle before as well, it was to know the Hero known as Reiji, Tifalycia and others were only considered as extras.
“Too bad. This fella ── Tifalycia Cleargreen is not just an unfortunate [Absence]. Despite being prejudiced since birth and carrying the handicap of not being able to use magic (Defect due to [Absence]), she has continued to look forward, a rare existence that possesses a stupidly strong will.”
The one who swallowed her breath as if shocked was...Tifalycia.
However, Reiji took no notice of her reaction, and continued to look straight at Paulette.
“What meaning does a title hold? Being deceived by acts, determining the weak, losing sight of something’s true nature, that doesn’t seem to be like you, whom despite being a woman, a little sister, only in the position of being used, had made use of the people on the stage instead, does it?”
“────”
That’s...right.
Why had she forgotten that?
Was it because she was summoned not as Paulette Bonaparte, but as the hero Napoleon Bonaparte, to another world, and became proud of it without realizing?
And then.
More importantly──
Reiji saw through that.
That was...the most important factor of her defeat.
“......From the start, everything has moved according to your will huh.”
“And...that’s what you would think?”
“Eh?”
He suddenly changed his attitude, and frivolously spoke.
“Actually, I believe that there are many impromptu performances. Well, Tifa and Leu should know.”
“Eh......Eh!? You said 『Anyway, if things become bad, you just have to pretend that everything is going according to Reiji’s words, then it would be fine』──”
“Well, it worked better than I thought.”
“It was just a casual remark!?”
“It’s a causally working remark.”
“E──Even though I was finally seeing you in a new light......!”
“Eh? What?”
“──Nothing at all!”
“Even so, Master is incredible. You are so incredible that......I want to kill you.”
“Wait wait. Did you just say some really disturbing things?”
“......? Difference in values?”
“Don’t think that you can deceive me with those words!?”
The serious atmosphere softened up after one round.
It was probably done on purpose.
In consideration for the things from now on.
Every move was calculated to the utmost.
At least he made others think like that, and the result proved it to be true.
“Really ── I am no match for you,”
As if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
Paulette laughed cheerfully, and stared at Reiji’s group.
At their surprised faces.
Especially Reiji’s 『You can make such a face huh』 expression which mysteriously made her feel joyful.