Direct Train to the Demon King's Castle (1)
Sisilia's vacation came to an end. Beatrice had managed to implement One Flash to a certain degree. But she was struggling with the part that involved using her Aura. No matter how much Sisilia explained, there was no progress. Still, there was no need to get impatient. It was something that would sort itself out after a few near-death experiences—a simple matter.
St. Michael 499, March 10th. Queen Lydia, who rarely interfered in anything, made her appearance.
Threat to the Kingdom Due to the Demon King's Death
— Edward Windsor
The basis was Edward's report. For the first time in ages, the queen showed her true regal demeanor.
"I command the former lords of the Liannen Kingdom: refrain from war for the time being and focus on strengthening your domains."
"Reorganize the supply routes and clear all dungeons that could interfere nearby."
"I delegate large-scale subjugations to the Windsor Knights. However, the north's defenses cannot be neglected, so dispatch one high knight."
The leaders of each major division and the nobles, who always engaged in fierce arguments, unified in an instant.
"We obey your command."
It was possible because it was a direct order from Queen Lydia. She was a benevolent queen, but she showed no mercy when it came to challenges to her royal authority.
Dispatches are shit jobs.
Mission appraiser Sisilia grasped the key point immediately. There was reason to go north because of the Demon King—some minor business. But that was a one-off task. An open-ended dispatch like this was essentially exile.
The captain will handle it, right?
Sisilia cleared her mind and gazed at Chiron with pleading eyes. Are you really going to throw your pretty daughter straight into the battlefield...?
Sensing her gaze, Chiron glanced at Sisilia and sighed.
"Do not jump to conclusions on any matter. Even the Demon King's death is not yet confirmed. But it is true that demon forces are gathering in the north, so do not slack on preparations."
"Yes!"
It was a warning not to flap their mouths and unsettle the people. The queen swept her eyes over the tense chamber and smiled brightly.
"With you all here, I feel at ease. Even the war a hundred years ago was overcome thanks to our excellent retainers. I believe it will be the same this time."
A hundred years ago, the Liannen Kingdom truly had only excellent retainers, just as she said. Because any incompetent ones had drunk poisoned tea laced with something extra and were never seen again. In short, Queen Lydia was openly threatening them.
Sisilia flinched for no reason. As expected of a 300-year-old monster... she was something else.
The queen closed her eyes briefly, then opened them with utmost seriousness.
"The Liannen Kingdom faces an unprecedented crisis. Remember that every step you take will be etched in history. This concludes the meeting."
***
"Sisilia."
Sisilia eyed the black tea in front of her with deep suspicion. She looked up to see Edward sipping his tea with a leisurely smile.
"What, afraid it's poisoned?"
"Yes."
Sisilia answered honestly.
"I'm really curious what's going on in that head of yours."
Edward stared at her in disbelief. Having just returned from the royal council, Sisilia was dressed in her proper uniform per regulations: black pants, white shirt, and a black overcoat. Notably, the Silver Medal of Merit she'd received last time stood out on her right chest.
So she does know when and where to dress appropriately.
It was rare to see Sisilia in uniform. For reference, she hadn't worn it even at the last award ceremony. But seeing her in it now, perfectly timed, suggested she sensed the gravity of the situation.
I like it.
Edward preferred Sisilia like this—her actions and her outfit. ...Though even he had to admit that skirts and knee socks in the world's top knight order looked a bit undignified.
"You look good like that. How about dressing in that style all the time?"
"No thanks."
Of course, Sisilia's tastes were firm.
Edward's lips twitched.
"Why'd you call me? If it's a date, wait a year. I'm booked solid."
"...I'm not asking."
Edward barely held his poker face, forcing a gentle smile.
"Sisilia, don't you think it's time you had your own squad?"
"I have Betty."
"One's too few, don't you think? We've got a bunch of new recruits this time."
Sisilia whipped her head away. Edward barely restrained himself from flicking her forehead.
"...That's why I'm saying, how about assigning the new knights to your squad? Their skills might not impress you, but judging by this recent achievement, you're more than capable as a leader."
Sisilia made no secret of her disgust. Even without coercion, it was her superior's suggestion—and she looked like she was eating three-year-old salted herring.
Edward felt scratched.
"...Betty's enough. We can handle any high knight's missions with just her."
"If you say so. It's good for me if your faction doesn't grow."
"... "
Sisilia felt a chill. That remark struck her as petty.
"By the way, you heard Her Majesty's orders this time? We need to decide your mission. I recommend—"
"Vice-captain."
Sisilia said flatly.
I'm just gonna kill the Demon King and stick to the capital.
But souring things with Edward, soon to be captain, wasn't wise. She had a perfect counter.
"Sorry, but I think I'll head out now."
Edward's expression visibly hardened.
"Got something urgent? It must be very important to interrupt me."
"Wanna change clothes."
"... "
Edward closed his eyes briefly. He opened them, serious.
"Is it... that important?"
"Yes. I'm on my period."
Edward closed his eyes again. He nodded, and Sisilia stood.
She bowed once and left the vice-captain's office. Left alone, Edward stayed stiff for a moment, then chuckled softly.
"In the end, she didn't accept a single thing I said today."
But there was no flaw to pick at. That was Sisilia's way—
"...You'll end up moving according to my will anyway."
Just a young girl, after all. If he couldn't handle that much, he couldn't be a ruler.
Edward was confident.
***
No time even to change...
Sisilia moved quickly. To subjugate the Demon King—without anyone noticing—required thorough preparation. Chiron was a solid backer, but this demanded caution.
All preparations are perfect.
Her plan was simple. First, take a seemingly trivial but actually crucial "simple mission."
"If I were demons, I'd target the magic engineering train first. I even stopped a terror attack before, so let me inspect it personally."
"Do as you will."
The north was harsh terrain. Supplies went up in bulk every three months. Tomorrow was the day—perfect excuse.
Take it slow. By then, all the good subjugation missions will be gone.
Windsor knights were like office workers. They had a strong sense of duty, but who didn't want the sweetest gigs within reason?
When I get back, only the most unwanted northern subjugation will be left. I'll snag it then, looking all noble.
She'd already told Chiron she wanted free pick on this one.
Sisilia's final move—
"Lude. Do it."
"Uh, um. Even for cute Lia's request, that's tough. I've already got an assignment..."
"I'll do that for you."
"...!"
Click, click!
Lude's self-developed magic tool, the Phenomenon Recorder, captured it! In other words, a photoshoot collection.
Sisilia dutifully posed with a V-sign.
"Yeehaw...!"
Lude's eyes sparkled; he loved it. Deal sealed.
The most dreaded "shit mission" went to Lude.
"We're inspecting the train."
Everything went smoothly. That's why Sisilia hadn't changed—this outfit was uncomfortable but screamed "high-ranking VIP" at a glance.
"Th-the Medal of Merit...! An honor to meet the recipient!"
"Conductor, we'll inspect now. Circle the capital once. Announce to passengers."
"Yes! Of course!"
"Slowly as possible. Inspections require care."
Welcome aboard the northbound magic engineering train.
Sisilia settled comfortably in general seating, lips curling up.
"Lady Sisilia. What first?"
Beside her, a tense, rigid cute newbie. Passersby bowed at the medal.
Perfect conditions for Sisilia to act cocky.
"Just watch operations closely and think of security weak points."
Though even perfect security wouldn't stop the Seven Deadly Sins.
She didn't notice.
Destination changed. Attention all passengers.
Cutting supply lines before war was a classic, reliable tactic.
A hypothesis with high probability of occurring—in other words, very likely to actually happen.
This train's final stop is the Demon King Castle. Demon King Castle.
There are no exits.