Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody

This chapter is written from a third-person perspective.

Note: Typographical errors have been corrected as of August 13.

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This is a salon located in a corner of the Royal Capital. Even during the day, thick curtains cover the outside light, dimming the room, while magical artifacts softly illuminate the floor. Decorative cloths hang from the ceiling, and arrangements of potted plants, designed to resemble a gazebo with sofa sets, block the line of sight.

Because of this, no one present here can be identified by others.

Furthermore, the sofas are spaced widely apart, and magical devices that absorb voices and convert them into music are placed between seats, ensuring that voices from neighboring seats are barely audible.

This is the gathering place for rumors in the Shiga Kingdom.

Not only scandalous gossip but also the latest national defense information exchanged via communication magic is shared here, making it an important information hub for the nobles.

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“Have you heard the news?”

A gentleman took his seat, speaking in a secretive tone.

Although publicly his identity is unknown, everyone sitting in this sofa set knows who he is—they are just pretending otherwise.

“Is it Marquis Muno?”

“Oh, you have sharp ears.”

“We were just discussing that very topic. Apparently, the undead have attacked Muno City.”

“It has been half a day since the first report reached the Royal Palace’s emergency communication room, and we’ve been anxious without any updates.”

“If it were the Marquis’s elite troops, I doubt they would be outmatched by mere undead. Surely they have already repelled the attack, but depending on the damage, it could be an opportunity to infiltrate the Marquis’s interests.”

“Well, everyone, please calm down. Let’s hear the latest information from him.”

A portly old man gently steered the highborn attendees who were speaking excitedly.

Perhaps starved for new information, their murmurs soon quieted.

“It seems the Marquisate of Muno has been defeated by the undead army.”

At this, the subdued murmur swelled again.

“Impossible.”

“There should have been golem units and magic corps stationed there.”

“Moreover, they recently purchased a large number of tiger tribe slaves from the weasel tribe to assemble a sizeable force.”

“It was said to be among the top five military powers in the kingdom.”

“What happened?”

Their astonishment was understandable. The Marquisate of Muno holds vast territories and numerous gold and silver mines, as well as some of the nation's leading mines producing Mithril and magical ores. Backed by such wealth, they enjoyed unparalleled luxury rivaling even the king and maintained forces capable of challenging the national army.

“We must wait for further updates, but according to intelligence from the bird tribe’s spy units dispatched by Duke Oyugok, a brief report stating ‘Marquis’s capital fallen’ was received.”

A moment of silence dominated the room before the eldest gentleman, leaning on his cane, broke the silence.

“Excuse me, but it’s time for my appointment with the family physician. I must take my leave.”

“Understood. I also have grandchildren coming to visit.”

“My chronic ailment is acting up...”

Following the elder, others rose to leave, leaving only the young noble who had brought the report and a middle-aged gentleman behind. Both were aware that the excuses given by those departing were mere pretense.

“Well, everyone is shrewd.”

“Undoubtedly, the national army will soon be dispatched to exterminate the undead. A large-scale expedition will offer plenty of opportunities for profit, so it’s understandable.”

“Are you okay with this?”

“Yes, I have already instructed my household to make arrangements.”

“As expected of His Grace’s right hand.”

“Sir, perhaps we should not inquire about identities here?”

“Indeed, my apologies. I obtained a list of nobles without heirs, as requested by a certain bureaucrat. Would you like me to deliver it to you?”