He would definitely accomplish the empire’s earnest wish of conquering the west side; they never doubted the emperor who would one day unite the lands.
To the unlucky northeast in the Great Jura Forest, the evil dragon Veldora is currently weakened, there’s nothing to fear anymore.
TN Note: 鬼門 means northeast, but since the author wants to reference to the fact Northeast is an unlucky direction in Japanese culture,鬼門 was used instead of 東北 .
偉大なる皇帝陛下の御世で、最強の帝国軍による侵攻作戦が遂に開始された。
Under the imperial reign of the great emperor, the greatest imperial army invasion has finally begun.
それが一般的な臣民達の感想であり、敗北どころか苦戦を予想する者もいない始末だったのだ。
These were the thoughts of the general citizens. Nobody expected them to have a hard time let alone defeat.
Neither were there any survivor left, nor did they ever reach the western countries, and simply all perished in the Great Jura Forest. There was not a single soul who could imagine this scenario.
ユウキはその報告を得て、苦笑いを浮かべた。
Yuuki received the report, and made a wry smile.
百万近い軍勢で上手く攻めれば、魔王リムルを始末出来ると期待していたのだが……結果は全滅。
If the forces of almost a million strong was used well, they perhaps there’s a chance they could eliminate the Demon Lord Rimuru…… but to think it was a complete annihilation.
文字通り、全将兵が殺されるという結末になったのである。
Literally, the result was every soldier killed without exception.
魔王リムルを始末した上で、帝国軍が大ダメージというのが理想であった。
Demon Lord Rimuru gone and the imperial army suffering heavy casualties, that would be the ideal scenario.
次点で、魔王リムルへ損害を与えつつ帝国軍も大ダメージならば目論み通り。
The next most ideal scenario would be Demon Lord Rimuru and the Imperial Army dealing heavy damage to each other.
痛み分けに終わっていれば、時間を稼ぐ事になるので予定通りだったのである。
If both sides ended up suffering major causalities, then he would have earned some time as planned.
損害を受けた帝国軍が戻る前にクーデターを終わらせて、戻った機甲兵団も吸収し磐石の体制を築く。
He would launch a coup d’etat before the wounded Imperial army returns, then he would assimilate the returning armored corps to form a stable foundation.
魔王リムルが受けた損害を回復する迄に時間を稼ぎ、帝国を掌中に治める予定だったのだ。
And while stalling for time as he recovers from the damage dealt by Demon Lord Rimuru, he’ll use this time to seize the empire in his grasp.
蓋を開けてみれば魔王への損害は然したる事もないまま、一方的に蹂躙を受ける事になった訳だ。
When he opened the lid and looked inside, not only did the demon lord hardly suffer any damage, it was practically a one-sided trampling.
If there’s one question present, there should have been some strong veterans with a certain degree of strength somewhere amidst the armored corps, why didn’t they play an active roll is inexplicable.
魔王リムルは動かず、配下の魔物達によって帝国軍は壊滅させられたらしい。
It seems like Demon Lord Rimuru himself didn’t take action, it was his subordinates who had devastated the imperial army.
Bound to naught, they are like the king of demons, the highest level of beings, yet they followed a single demon lord, this was something beyond Kagari’s imagination.
Just now… he has obtained definitive confirmation of the imperial army’s defeat. In addition, he had also confirmed the absurd growth of Rimuru’s military might.
ならば……と、その先の状況を予測していく。
If that’s the case……he can only predict what will happen after that.
ヤツが動く。
‘He’ will make a move.
この状況に至ったならば、間違いなく最強存在であるヤツも見過ごす事は無いだろう。
With things as they are, that strongest existence will definitely not overlook this.
帝国軍の壊滅は問題ではなく、寧ろ都合が良いのだ。
The destruction of the imperial army isn’t a problem; rather it was just what he wanted.
魔王リムルを葬るのは、別に誰が行っても問題は無いのだから。
If it’s to send Demon Lord Rimuru to his grave, it doesn’t matter who does it.
「さて、どうするのかな？ リムルさんは……
どこまで抗えるか見ものだね。上手く共倒れになってくれると最高だけど……
少なくとも、ギィがリムルさんを始末してくれれば、問題が一つ片付く訳だ。
上手くギィに手傷を負わせてくれれば最高なんだけどね」
“Now then, what are you going to do now? Rimuru san……
I’d like to see how long you’d last. It would be splendid if this could end in mutual destruction.
At least, if Guy could get rid of Rimuru, there’s one less problem to deal with.
If you could also injure Guy in the process that would be great.”
そう。
Yes.
ここまで勢力を増強させてしまったのならば、間違いなくギィ?クリムゾンが動くだろう。
If his strength has gotten this strong, then Guy?Crimson would definitely make a move.
そうなるように既に手は打っている。
And things have already progressed to such a stage.
未だ計画は順調であり、少しの修正で問題なく遂行出来そうだった。
So far the plan’s still on track, with a few modification and the plan can continue on with no problems.
ユウキは自分の言葉に反応せず無言で立つクロエを見やり、小さく笑う。
Yuuki looked at Chloe who didn’t respond to his words and slightly smiled.
命令は後２つ。
2 commands left.
倒すべき敵は後３人。
3 enemies to defeat.
その内の二人が潰しあってくれれば、最強戦力を投入するまでもなく願いが叶う可能性もあるのだ。
If two of them could strike each other down, then his wish could come true without expending his greatest combat asset.
予定とは違うが、全ては順調に進んでいるのである。
Although things deviated from his expectations, they are still advancing smoothly.
ユウキは上機嫌に、今後の計画について思考を深めていったのである。
Yuuki deepened his thoughts regarding future plans in high spirits.
しかし、全ての事象を読み切る事は至難の業であった。
However, to interpret every event was a difficult task.
狂いだした歯車の修正は容易ではなく、事態はユウキの手を離れ、思わぬ方向へと動く事になる。
To realign the gears that had spun out of control was no easy task, things have already gotten out of Yuuki’s hands, and started to advance in an unforeseen direction.
??????????????????????????
ユウキへの報告を終えて、ミランダは速やかに帝都を離れるべく準備を行っていた。
After finishing her report to Yuuki, Miranda swiftly began making preparations to leave the capital.
一応軍属の身分を持つ以上、敵前逃亡がばれれば死刑となる。
As a member of the military, desertion before the enemy is a capital offense.
隠れ蓑として身分を得た事が、この事態を招く事になってしまったのだ。
she obtained this identity as a disguise, and yet it led to this.
苦労して手に入れた身分の割りには、逆に足枷となるなどと、皮肉にも程がある。
It was a position she obtained after many hardships,
And yet they became her very shackles, truly ironic.
裏組織”三巨頭(ケルベロス)”の頭(ボス)の一人でもある彼女としては、逃亡先に困る事は無い。
As a head of the underground organization Cerberus, she had no qualms about running.
An dark organization that has its roots in each nation like the freedom association, there would definitely be a “Cerberus” member lurking about.
当然、帝国の首都にも組織は存在するので、そこに潜伏し機会を見て西側に脱出する計画であった。
Naturally, there are also similar organizations existing within the empire’s capital, and so her plan was to lay low, and wait for a chance to escape to the west.
She was so close to inveigling Calgurio success was one step away, with her charms as a “woman”, with a bit more effort she would have seized authority over the armored corps.
ダムラダが恐れる程の魔王とはいえ、100万の軍勢で掛かれば恐れるべき程でもないと思っていたのに……
Even though it was the Demon Lord Damrada feared, if an army of 1 million was used well there isn’t really much to fear……
魔王を駆逐し、西側諸国を制圧する。
Expel the demon lord, and conquer the western countries.
そして、自分はカリギュリオを操り、帝国の中枢で栄光を掴む。
And then, by manipulating Calgurio, be basked in the center of glory in the empire.
大手を振って凱旋し、約束された未来が待っている筈だったのだ。
She should have made a triumph return, with a promising future ahead of her.
それが、夜逃げのように自身の財産を掻き集め、逃げ出す事になるなどと……屈辱の極みであった。
Yet now, she’s gathering her belongings and escaping under the cover of night, do to something like fleeing …… this was maximum humiliation.
それもこれも、魔王リムルの実力を見誤ったユウキの責任であり、カリギュリオの不甲斐なさのせいである。
This was all because of Yuuki for underestimating Demon Lord Rimuru, and Calgurio for being so useless.
Thanks to the benefits of a scientific civilization, streetlamps have been implemented substituting lanterns. However they don’t illuminate every nook and cranny.
発展を続ける帝都ではあったが、闇を全て駆逐するのはまだまだ先の事となりそうだった。
Since the imperial capital is still under development, to dispel all the darkness was a matter in the future.
そんな帝都の闇を、ミランダは静かに移動していた。
In the darkness of the capital, Miranda silently moves about.
ヴェガやダムラダには劣るものの、ミランダも頭(ボス)としてそれなりの実力を持っている。
Albeit inferior to Vega and Damrada, as a head Miranda does possess a certain degree of ability.
こそこそと逃げ出す事になってしまったが、その事を不安に思う必要などないとミランダは考えていたのだ。
Even thought she’s making a sneaky escape, Miranda thought there’s no need to be so anxious.
だがそれは失敗であったようだ。
However that has lead to failure.
ミランダが油断した訳では無かったのだが、ミランダの行く手に一人の男が立ち塞がったのである。
It wasn’t due to Miranda’s carelessness, but there was a man standing in Miranda’s way.
She concluded that since news of the imperial army’s complete annihilation was reported, the empire’s defenses must have been strengthened, Miranda understood this.
よりにもよって、情報局の中でももっとも厄介な男に見つかったのは痛いが、応援が駆けつける気配はない。
Consequently, it sucked running into the most troublesome man in the intelligence bureau, but there were no signs of incoming reinforcements.
今ならば近藤を始末し、帝都を離れるのも容易だろう。
If she got rid of Kondo now, escaping the capital would become easier.
一瞬の間に、ミランダはそう判断を下した。
In an instant, Miranda made her decision.
近藤がミランダをどのように見ているのかは不明だが、ミランダとしては危険の芽を摘み取るだけ。
Miranda doesn’t know how Kondo viewed her, but she decided she must uproot the buds of danger.
つまりは、近藤を殺す事を決意していたのだ。
In other words, she decided to kill Kondo.
「君はカリギュリオ軍団長の参謀のミランダ、だな？
戦時作戦行動中に、何故帝都に戻っている？」
“You’re Corps captain Calgurio’s advisor Miranda right?
Why have you returned to the Imperial capital in the middle of battle?”
そう生真面目に質問してくる近藤に対し、
In reply to Kondo’s serious inquiry,
「怖かったですわ、近藤中尉！
実は私、カリギュリオ閣下に密命を受けて、帝都に戻って参りましたの――」
“I was so scared, Lieutenant Kondo!
Actually, I’ve received secret orders from Calgurio-Kakka, and returned to the capital――”
TN Note: (閣下)Kakka is a way to address someone, much like -san or –chan, but for people with a high position.
そう返事をしつつ近寄り、近藤の胸にしな垂れかかるミランダ。
Miranda approached him whilst replying, and snuggled into Kondo’s bosom.
自身の”女”の魅力を存分に駆使し、男を篭絡する。
She made full use of her “womanly” charms, to entice the man.
With her usual method of charming with 〈Perfume curse〉 and 〈illusion series〉, she would impair her opponent’s thinking while dominating them.
カリギュリオも何度か抱かせている内にこの術に嵌り、弄せず言いなりに出来るようになったのである。
She also used this spell on Calgurio several times while he embraced her, and soon she would be able to wrap them around her little finger without doing so.
TN Note: make them listen to her without using her curses and illusions.
軍団長にもなれる男すら、ミランダの術の敵では無いのだ。たかが中尉如きが、この術に抗える筈もなし。
Even a man who was the Army Corps Leader was no match against Miranda’s spells. A mere Lieutenant would never be able to resist.
ミランダは確信し、その手を近藤の背中に回す。
Miranda was convinced, and placed her hand around Kondo’s back.
豊満な胸を近藤に押し付け、自分の魅力をアピールしつつ、近藤の気が緩むのを待つ。
Pressing her voluptuous breasts against Kondo while appealing her charm, she waited for Kondo to relax.
フッと近藤の気配が緩むのを感じ、
Once she felt Kondo’s presence loosened,
（フフッ、この男も堅物かと思えば、案外チョロイわね）
(Fufun, I thought he was a serious man, but that was easy)
と、内心でほくそ笑む。
She snickered in her mind.
（いいわ、何なら抱かせてあげて、私の虜にしてしまえば――）
(Alright, embrace me as you please, once you become my captive――)
それがミランダの最後の思考となった。
Those were Miranda’s last thoughts.
近藤は表情も変えず、ミランダのこめかみを撃ち抜いた小型拳銃を袖口に仕舞い込む。
Without changing his expression, Kondo tucked away a small pistol that he used to shoot Miranda in her temple.
情報は既に採取済みであった。
He has already obtained the intelligence.
接触した対象の思念思考を読み取る、ユニークスキル『解読者(リーディング)』によって。
To read the target’s mind through physical contact, this was the unique skill 『reader』.
TN Note: Katakana says “Reading, but Kanji says reader.
ユウキの企みも、ミランダの目的も、帝国軍に生存者が居ない事も。
Yuuki’s intentions, Miranda’s objective, and even the fact there no were no survivors in the imperial army.
その全ての情報を読み取るのに、一秒も要してはいなかった。
To read all of this took less than a second.
そして、それだけの情報を読み取ったにも関わらず、その表情に変化は無い。
And then, despite reading through all that information, his expression didn’t change.
ただ詰まらなそうに、
With an uninterested look,
「――クーデターか。愚かな」
“――A coup d’etat. How foolish.”
と呟いたのみ。
He muttered.
そして、死体を一瞥すると、その場を後にした。
He then glanced at the corpse, and left.
その後、情報局所属の者により、ミランダの死体は痕跡を残さず処理される。
Later on, a member of the intelligence bureau had dealt with Miranda’s corpse, leaving no trace behind.
帝都の夜の闇は深く、全ての出来事を無かった事にして葬り去るのだ。
The night of the capital is deep and dark, and all that happens stays buried in the dark.
??????????????????????????
ギィは不敵に嗤い、立ち上がった。
Guy laughed fearlessly without fear, and stood up.
驚くべき報告を受けて。
He received an astonishing report.
魔王リムルの動向を探らせるべくディーノを送り込んだのが、思わぬ形で役に立ったようだ。
Dino was sent to spy on Demon Lord Rimuru’s movements, but he was unexpectedly useful.
ものぐさなディーノが珍しく、
It was rare for the Lazy Dino,
「ダグリュールの所を追い出されたから、リムルの所にお世話になりたいんだけど……
紹介状、書いてくれない？」
“I got kicked out of Dagruel’s place, so I want to crash at Rimuru’s place…
Can you help me write a letter of introduction?”
そんな事を言ってやって来たのには驚いた。
to actually come over and say such a thing.
怠け者のディーノが自分で動くなど、ここ千数百年来無かった事である。
To think that lazy Dino would move by his own free will, this was something that hasn’t happened for thousands of years.
天使との戦いでは、何度か面倒そうなディーノと共闘した事があったのだが、それ以外では記憶に無かった。
During the battle with the angels, there were several occasions where he’d team up with Dino against troublesome opponents, there were no other recollections aside from that.
「何かあったら報告するし、いいだろ？」
“If there’s something report about it, okay?”
馴れ馴れしいのはディーノらしい。
Being overly chummy with people is how Dino rolls.