Jack of All Trades, Party of None

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"—That concludes the report on the dungeon conquest."

The day after the jade gale arrived in Darane, I was reporting on the dungeon conquest to His Highness Lucilla, accompanied by Fuuka and Mr. Haruto.

After hearing my report, His Highness Lucilla nodded once, then relaxed her expression and spoke.

"It was definitely the right choice to rely on s-rank seekers. To conquer the targeted dungeon so quickly is impressive. If we had mobilized the Central Army, it would have taken more time and manpower than you all have used. Once again, thank you for your efforts in conquering the dungeons across the land."

"You're too kind. Since I am working as a seeker in this country, cooperation is only natural."

"Having you say that, Orun, is reassuring. ...Now we can put worries about the homefront to rest."

The “worries about the homefront” likely refer to the concern over demonic beast incidents within the country amid the ongoing war with the empire.

Although many dungeons remain throughout the country, the current ones can be monitored and controlled by the seekers, regional forces, and Central Army soldiers active there, minimizing damage, I have been told.

Yet despite this, His Highness Lucilla’s expression remains uneasy.

"I'll inform you first, Orun. Early this morning, a courier came to me. The war has finally begun."

The information from His Highness Lucilla sharpened not only my own mood but also the atmosphere around Fuuka and Mr. Haruto.

(I see—the reason Ms. Selma and Ms. Loretta, who usually stand behind His Highness Lucilla, looked more serious than usual is because of this.)

The war between the kingdom and the empire has begun.

There will be many casualties on both sides from now on.

Based on everything I’ve gathered so far, the empire is unlikely to stop until it gains control of the kingdom—and ultimately the Great Southern Labyrinth.

Since the empire will not halt, the kingdom cannot either.

I think it would be better to find a compromise point than to fall into a quagmire, but finding someone on the empire’s side to talk to is hard work.

Until recently, the empire’s hero Felix Roots Kreuzer was a candidate for negotiations, but given that he was present at the summit yet war still broke out, the chances are slim.

"It looks like we’ll be at a disadvantage for a while, but preparations for the allied forces are nearing completion. Our country will not lose."

Though there must be anxiety, His Highness Lucilla showed none of it, instead weaving strong words with a confident smile.

It almost seemed as if she were bolstering her own resolve.

"Yes. I also wish for the kingdom’s victory."

We seekers, under the will of His Highness Lucilla and the crown prince, are currently expected not to go to the battlefield but to secure resources from the dungeons within the country.

However, depending on how the war unfolds, seekers with fighting skills might be sent to the frontlines.

Because I don’t want my team members fighting in such places, I hope the allied forces can do their best.

"Thank you. It seems a long time will pass before I see you again, Orun, but when things settle down, let’s chat again—!!?"

As His Highness Lucilla laughed softly while speaking, suddenly her eyes widened in surprise and she turned her face toward an empty wall.

With cold sweat on her brow, she said in disbelief, "What... is this...?"

I wondered if something invisible was in the room, but judging from her demeanor, it seemed she was looking far beyond the wall, deep into the distance.

"...Orun, this is becoming troublesome."

While I was focused on His Highness Lucilla’s change, Mr. Haruto, who was sitting next to me, spoke.

"...Troublesome?"

"Yeah. A large number of demonic beasts are approaching this city. They’ll arrive in less than an hour."

"What—!? Why demonic beasts? Didn’t we just conquer the dungeon recently!?"

Mr. Haruto’s outburst was completely unexpected.

There are many envoys from other countries here now.

If they suffer from demonic beast attacks, it’s easy to imagine how complicated things would become.