Published: January 4, 2026
After Etna and her subordinates helped bury the soldiers' bodies, I asked her.
"Don't you need to contact your father?"
"No! It's fine. My father won't yield to their threats unless I'm actually held hostage."
"Even so, if they lie and say 'we've captured her,' it could cause some hesitation. You should reassure your parent."
"Ah, you're right. Then—"
Etna thought for a moment, then called over one of her nearby subordinates.
After whispering something to the subordinate, they nodded slightly and quickly ran off.
After seeing them off, Etna returned.
"Well, I'll be taking my leave here."
Since people were gathering to handle the bodies, I made sure to speak casually, not in my usual imperial tone.
"Where are you going?"
"To the provincial capital. I want to eavesdrop on the rumors circulating."
I omitted the word "my" before "provincial capital."
"I-I'll go together then—"
"Together?"
"Yeah, I'll guide you. I know where those rumors are gathering."
"Hmm."
I nodded and thought it over.
If it's just infiltration, it's easier alone, but having someone who knows the area is better.
"Alright then, can I count on you?"
"Yes!"
Etna was clearly thrilled to be relied on by the emperor, breaking into a big smile. She called over another subordinate and whispered something.
Waiting for that, I left the village with Etna.
☆
"Is—is that a monster!?"
After leaving the village, we walked for a while. Etna seemed puzzled that I wouldn't get inside the carriage.
I realized I hadn’t introduced it yet, so I lightly called to the mule, and it poked its head out.
Seeing the mule's face, a monster, Etna was tremendously shocked and almost stumbled backward.
"W-what is this?"
"I decided to keep it. Its name is Mule."
"K-keep it...?"
"Mule, she's not an enemy. Don’t attack her."
"Miki!"
When I gave the order, Mule responded with big innocent eyes and an adorable cry.
Seeing this, Etna was even more surprised.
"Very obedient..."
"That’s right."
"Your Majesty, amazing... I've never heard of a human taming a monster so naturally."
"Indeed."
I nodded slightly.
The empire has certainly succeeded in "controlling" monsters.
But that control is more akin to brainwashing.
This is completely different—the behavior and atmosphere of Mule are more like a "pet."
It's no wonder Etna was surprised.
Before long, we approached our destination.
Gopher Province, the provincial capital, Itosugi.
It had long been under imperial rule, but being on the western frontier and the frontline, the city's outer walls were high and strict, matching even the Imperial Capital in security.
When we neared Itosugi, I spoke to Mule inside the carriage.
"Wait here a bit."
"Miki?"
"I'll be back by morning."
Mule looked dejected and reluctant.
I petted it firmly.
Then I jumped down from the carriage driver's seat and asked Behemoth,
"Can you create a distraction from the carriage?"
"Easy."
"No problem. I'll be back overnight. Leave this place to me."
"Understood."
"Um... Your Majesty? Who are you talking to?"
"Bahamut."
"That’s the same name as the ancient great sage... but what exactly is that?"
Etna said this and glanced around.
Explaining about Leviathan, Behemoth, and such would take too long, so I evaded the topic and started walking.
Etna followed behind.
Since there was still some distance to Itosugi, I decided to ask her something.
"Is the castle gate's security tight?"
"Not really. The captain is an acquaintance. If you slip him a little pocket money, passing through is easy."
"I see."
I nodded slightly, understanding.
Seems it's the same everywhere.
"There’s no need to spend money there."
"Huh? Then what will you do?"
"We'll enter separately and meet inside."
"Separately? But Your Majesty, do you have a plan for entering?"
"No problem."
I nodded and then mentally asked Jiz.
I didn’t want to be caught off guard if Bahamut suddenly asked, "Who’s Jiz?"
Like Bahamut, Jiz responded promptly.
"Already ahead."
"Huh? That means—eh!?"
From behind, from the ground, Etna’s shrill voice rang out.
Jiz, the magical bird known as the Sky Soarer.
With Jiz’s help, I leapt into the sky and flew straight toward the castle.