I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 122: War 4

Episode 122: War 4

The Kingdom of Rodgrul was defeated and destroyed. News of its downfall spread across the world with incredible speed.

Maria had joined the military as royalty. In the midst of all this, she immediately began overseeing domestic affairs in Rodgrul capital.

“You, take care of wiping out the remaining enemy troops around the capital. And you, suppress the rebel forces trying to rally in the major cities of Rodgrul. It’s fine to request help from other otherworlders, except for Kouya-sama and Ena-sama. Absolutely no looting is permitted in the capital—make sure the soldiers understand this.”

“…..Akagi too?” 

Standing next to Maria, who was rapidly giving out orders, was Kouya. He couldn’t help but feel suspicious about Maria’s high regard for Ena.

“Everyone played a role, but Ena-sama in particular made significant contributions in this war. That’s why I think she deserves some rest for now.”

“That Akagi? Honestly, the idea that she did anything helpful just makes me nervous.”

“Ufufu. Given Ena-sama’s temperament, that’s understandable, isn’t it?”

Maria smiled innocently, but Kouya had no way of knowing what she truly felt inside.

(It wouldn’t be wise to let Ena-san go just yet. Though she might find it boring…)

Behind her smile, Maria was inwardly scheming. Though she was far too mature to let it show on her face.

“Kouya-sama, you should rest as well.”

“No, I want to stay with you, Maria-sama.”

“…….Thank you. But just because we’ve entered the capital doesn’t mean it’s safe. You must rest when you can.”

Her smile gave way to a more serious expression. And though reluctantly, Kouya decided to follow her advice. As he turned to leave the office, he paused at the door and looked back, speaking softly.

“…….Please make sure you rest when you can too, Maria-sama.”

“Such kind words. Thank you.”

Maria watched Kouya leave with concern in his eyes. But once his gaze broke away and he exited, she turned toward the swaying curtain behind her and spoke.

“…Do you need something, Ena-san?”

“…Tch, so you noticed.”

It was Akagi Ena, who had completely concealed her presence. But that hadn’t worked on Maria. As she emerged from behind the curtain, a sly grin was plastered on her face.

“I managed to fool the student council president, though.”

“There’s a barrier in this room that I set up. I can tell when an intruder is present.”

“Huh? Didn’t know that.”

“Even you aren’t privy to all my safety measures.”

“So, even the student council president doesn’t know?”

“Of course not. He and I are merely in a cooperative relationship.”

Maria’s earlier smile had disappeared, replaced by a neutral expression as she explained flatly.

“The same goes for the other otherworlders. Well, it’s because I control them with my Magic Eyes, after all. Oh, but of course, you’re different, Ena-san. Don’t misunderstand that.”

“…Yeah, yeah, I know~.”

“So, what brings you here?”

It wasn’t Maria who had called Ena here. For her to sneak in even while Kouya was present, Maria knew she must have had a good reason.

“Oh, right. Shriden has fallen.”

“Wha—!? That’s too fast!!”

While turning Rodgrul into her own nation was part of Maria’s plan, the news that Shriden had fallen so soon was shocking. She shot up from her seat in surprise. Maria had predicted that nearby nations would begin their invasions. And though the messenger would return urging defense, they’d ignore it. So, only after over a year of warfare would Shriden finally be defeated.

Yet, here they were—Shriden had fallen in nearly the same time frame as Rodgrul. The supposedly mighty country was now gone.

“…What happened?”

“It wasn’t Hocalidol or Urungal that attacked.”

“Stop dragging it out and tell me! Which country was it!?”

Maria’s voice rose in anger as Ena deliberately teased her, keeping her in suspense. Bathed in the sunlight streaming through the window, Ena smirked as she sat casually on the windowsill and finally began to speak.

“…..Adelreed.”

“…..What? That’s impossible. If that’s the case, wouldn’t it mean Urungal must be cooperating with them?”

“Nope, Urungal isn’t helping at all. Though, they might be aware of what’s going on~.”

“…..Let’s assume what you’re saying is true, Ena-san. If that’s the case, where did the Adelreed army come from?”

“Who knows? Even I don’t have the answer to that~. But one thing’s for sure—Adelreed is the one that destroyed Shriden.”

The doubts kept piling up. But Maria couldn’t detect any falsehood in Ena’s words. She slumped weakly back into her chair. Leaning her full weight against the backrest, Maria tried to imagine what could have happened.

(Where did the Adelreed army come from? Where were they hiding?… Impossible, I can’t think of any explanation. How could I not know something like this?)

The thought that someone might have used her exclusive teleportation magic circle never crossed her mind. Her reasoning stalled. It was only natural—there were no other ways to move a large army across the land quickly. At least none that she could think of.

“…Well, I delivered the message~.”

“Wait a moment, Ena-san!”

“Huh? What is it~?”

“Go infiltrate Shriden and gather information for me.”

“…..Aren’t I supposed to be on a break?”

“I’m retracting that. Adelreed might attack at any moment.”

“…..Alright, alright. Geez, you sure are a demanding princess~.”

With a casual wave of her hand, Ena leaped out the window.

Left alone, Maria desperately tried to piece things together—but in the end, she never arrived at the possibility that her teleportation magic circle had been used.