Chapter 165: The Out-Of-Control Gears.

TN Note: from this chapter onwards, I'll put the Katakana in brackets next to the words they were meant to be above. Enjoy:

165話 狂いだす歯車

The Out-Of-Control Gears.

帝国内にはその情報はまだ届いていない.

The news had not arrived into the Empire yet.

だが,それは帝国臣民にとって幸せな事であっただろう.

However, for the Empire's citizens ignorance was bliss.

魔物の国(テンペスト)への侵攻へと向かった帝国軍将兵,つまりは彼等の愛すべき家族達が,為すすべもなく皆殺しにされた,などと.

The Imperial soldiers who headed out to invade tempest, in other words their beloved families, were slain by some unknown means.

百万近い軍勢が攻めて,敗北など考えられない.

With a force that almost reaches a million strong, they never considered the possibility of defeat.

必ずや帝国の悲願である西側の征服を成し遂げ,帝国皇帝による統一国家を樹立すると信じて疑ってはいなかったのだから.

He would definitely accomplish the empire's earnest wish of conquering the west side; they never doubted the emperor who would one day unite the lands.

ジュラの大森林は鬼門ではあったが,邪竜ヴェルドラが弱体化した今,怖れるべき何者も存在してはいない筈だったのだ.

To the unlucky northeast in the Great Jura Forest, the evil dragon Veldora is currently weakened, there's nothing to fear anymore.

TN Note: 鬼門 means northeast, but since the author wants to reference to the fact Northeast is an unlucky direction in Japanese culture,鬼門 was used instead of 東北 .

偉大なる皇帝陛下の御世で,最強の帝国軍による侵攻作戦が遂に開始された.

Under the imperial reign of the great emperor, the greatest imperial army invasion has finally begun.

それが一般的な臣民達の感想であり,敗北どころか苦戦を予想する者もいない始末だったのだ.

These were the thoughts of the general citizens. Nobody expected them to have a hard time let alone defeat.

一人の生き残りも出る事なく,西側諸国に到達する事もないままに,ジュラの大森林で全滅するなどと想像出来た者など,誰一人としているはずも無かったのである.

Neither were there any survivor left, nor did they ever reach the western countries, and simply all perished in the Great Jura Forest. There was not a single soul who could imagine this scenario.

ユウキはその報告を得て,苦笑いを浮かべた.

Yuuki received the report, and made a wry smile.

百万近い軍勢で上手く攻めれば,魔王リムルを始末出来ると期待していたのだが......結果は全滅.

If the forces of almost a million strong was used well, they perhaps there's a chance they could eliminate the Demon Lord Rimuru...... but to think it was a complete annihilation.

文字通り,全将兵が殺されるという結末になったのである.

Literally, the result was every soldier killed without exception.

魔王リムルを始末した上で,帝国軍が大ダメージというのが理想であった.

Demon Lord Rimuru gone and the imperial army suffering heavy casualties, that would be the ideal scenario.

次点で,魔王リムルへ損害を与えつつ帝国軍も大ダメージならば目論み通り.

The next most ideal scenario would be Demon Lord Rimuru and the Imperial Army dealing heavy damage to each other.

痛み分けに終わっていれば,時間を稼ぐ事になるので予定通りだったのである.

If both sides ended up suffering major causalities, then he would have earned some time as planned.

損害を受けた帝国軍が戻る前にクーデターを終わらせて,戻った機甲兵団も吸収し磐石の体制を築く.

He would launch a coup d'etat before the wounded Imperial army returns, then he would assimilate the returning armored corps to form a stable foundation.

魔王リムルが受けた損害を回復する迄に時間を稼ぎ,帝国を掌中に治める予定だったのだ.

And while stalling for time as he recovers from the damage dealt by Demon Lord Rimuru, he'll use this time to seize the empire in his grasp.

蓋を開けてみれば魔王への損害は然したる事もないまま,一方的に蹂躙を受ける事になった訳だ.

When he opened the lid and looked inside, not only did the demon lord hardly suffer any damage, it was practically a one-sided trampling.

自分の軍団を失ってはいないとはいえ,その内自分の手駒として利用しようとしていた考えが全て水泡に帰したわけである.

Although he didn't lose any of his own corps, game pieces he could have utilized went up in flames.

予想外の出来事と言っていい.

It was an unexpected scenario.

何よりも驚愕すべきは,魔王リムルの勢力の増強具合であろう.

But what's most startling of all, was how much Demon Lord Rimuru's forces have grown.

「まさか......あの大軍を難なく撃滅するとは,ね」

"Unbelievable...... to think he razed that large army with ease"

「信じられませんね......あの軍勢ならば,魔王3体の軍勢を相手取っても互角に渡り合えそうでしたが......」

"It truly is unbelievable...... if it's an army of that scale, they would have strength on par with 3 demon lord armies......'

「いや,君が居た頃の十大魔王に比べて,現在の八星魔王(オクタグラム)達は勢力が桁違いだよ.

レオンだって,あれだけの個人能力を隠し持っていたし,魔法騎士団(マジックナイツ)という戦力を有している.

部下を持たない事で有名だったミリムでさえ,カリオンにフレイという旧魔王クラスの配下が居る.

それらの魔王の領土を併呑し,今やジュラの大森林以南の広大な領土の支配者な訳だし.

最強たるギィは当然,ルミナスにダグリュールは元から最大派閥と呼ばれる自分の軍勢を持っていた.

ボッチなのはラミリスとディーノだけか?」

"No, compared to the Ten Great Demon Lords of your era, the calibers of the current Octagram are a bit extraordinary.

Take Leon for example, even when he's hiding his true strength he still has the battle prowess of a magic knight corps.

Even Mirim who was famous for having no subordinates has taken in Karion and Frey, two old demon lord class individuals as her subordinates.

There's also the demon lord who's been gathering territory, and is now the ruler of the Great Jura Forest.

Then of course there's Guy who's the strongest, alongside Dagruel and Ruminas dubbed the largest faction alongside their own forces.

Aren't the only weak ones Ramiris and Dino?"

「......ですわね」

"......that's true huh."

ユウキの言葉に反論したカガリだったが,説明を受けるにつれ納得の表情を浮かべる.

Although he originally wanted to refute Yuuki, he showed a convinced expression after hearing the explanation.

確かに,自分が魔王であった頃とは状況が違うのだ.

It's true, the situation's very different compared to when he was a demon lord.

天使との戦いで勢力が削がれる魔王達の中でも,ルミナスやダグリュールは大勢力を誇っていた.

Despite having their battle potential shaved during the battle against the angels, Dagruel and Ruminas displayed some ridiculous power.

だがそれ以外の新参魔王達は,それなりの配下を揃えてはいても,自身の生き残りに必死になるレベルであったのは確かなのだ.

But for the other new demon lords, even if they gathered subordinates to a certain degree, survival is still a desperate issue.

それはカガリこと"呪術王(カースロード)"カザリームも同様であった.

This was also a similar case for Kagari, or "Curse Lord" Kazarim.

何より,配下を増やし数を揃えたとしても意味は無い.その事は,クレイマンの失敗からも明らかである.

More importantly, there's also no point in simply increasing the number of subordinates. This was evident from Clayman's failure.

ある一定の強さを超えた者に対しては,軍勢はまるで意味を為さないのだから.

For those whose strength surpasses a certain threshold, an army's strength in numbers is pointless before them.

一つ思うのは,機甲兵団所属の者にも,一定以上の強さを持つ猛者も居たはずなのに,その者達ですら活躍する事が出来なかったのが不可解だ,という事であろうか.

If there's one question present, there should have been some strong veterans with a certain degree of strength somewhere amidst the armored corps, why didn't they play an active roll is inexplicable.

魔王リムルは動かず,配下の魔物達によって帝国軍は壊滅させられたらしい.

It seems like Demon Lord Rimuru himself didn't take action, it was his subordinates who had devastated the imperial army.

先程まで疲れた表情で説明を行っていたミランダによれば,恐るべきデーモンロード級の魔人まで魔王の配下に加わっているという事である.

According to the haggard-looking Miranda's explanation, she feared that Demon Lord class majin had also joined under the banner of the Demon Lord.

何者にも束縛される事のない,悪魔(デーモン)族の王たる最上位存在が,一人の魔王に従うなどと,カガリの想像の外の出来事である.

Bound to naught, they are like the king of demons, the highest level of beings, yet they followed a single demon lord, this was something beyond Kagari's imagination.

そんな事を可能とするのは,"暗黒皇帝(ロード・オブ・ダークネス)"たるギィ・クリムゾンのみだと思っていたのに.

Someone who could possibly do such a thing, only "Lord of Darkness" Guy・Crimson came to mind.

「だけど,これで面白くなってきたね.

現在帝国の軍団は,ルミナス討伐も視野に入れた二正面作戦を実行中だ.

カリギュリオの敗北は未だ伝わっていないし,グラディムの魔獣軍団は,"飛空船"により北方面へ移動中.

本国首都の防備は混成軍団に任されている.

つまりは,この僕の意思で,帝国の心臓を握っているに等しい.

機甲軍団の帰還を警戒する必要が無いのなら,大手を振って軍事行動を起こせるよね」

"However, things have sure gotten interesting.

Currently, the Imperial army has also started the two-front war against Luminas.

Calgurio's defeat still hasn't been transmitted, and Gladim's demonic beast corps and "Airships" are moving to the north.

The defense of the capital is left to the hybrid corps

In other words, if I will it, I can grasp the heart of the empire in my hands.

If we don't need to be vigilant about the armored corps' return, let's start our military operation with some swagger."

「それはつまり......皇帝の寝首を掻く,という事ですか?」

"So in other words......let's just cut of the emperor's head in his sleep, something like that?"

「うん.その通り! クーデターだね」

"Yeah. That's right! It's a Coup d'etat

その言葉に,カガリが妖しい微笑を浮かべる.

These words put a suspicious smile on Kagari's face.

この世に混乱を齎す事が彼女の望みであり,その為の手段は何だって良いと考えるカガリ.

To bring forth chaos unto this world was Kagari's desire, no matter what the method.

ユウキの予想は外れたものの,その事により自分達が不利益を得た訳ではない.

Although things didn't go as Yuuki predicted, this doesn't mean they're in a bad position.

寧ろ,今こそが帝国掌握のチャンスとなっていた.

Or rather, this is a chance to seize the empire.

策とは,それが失敗に終わった場合すらも考慮に入れて張り巡らせるもの.

Plans were made; even failure was taken into consideration.

ユウキは実にその点を熟知している.転んでもただでは起きないのだ.

Yuuki was well aware of that. He will result in profit no matter what the scenario.

TN Note: "転んでもただでは起きないのだ" basically means finding profit in anything, but it also means a greedy person who is able to do so.

「了解ですわ.では,準備しませんとね」

"Understood. Then, I'll go prepare."

そう告げて,カガリは席を立った.

Saying so, Kagari stood up from her seat.

忙しくなりそうだ,そう思い,更に笑みを深くする.

Looks like things are going to get busier, she thought as her smile deepens.

その顔は,更なる血と惨劇を求め,邪悪に染まっていた.

Her face, as if lusting for more bloody and tragedy, was tainted with wickedness.

ユウキはカガリの退出を眺め,更に思考を深めていく.

Watching Kagari exit, Yuuki was deep in thought.

予想外に魔王リムルが成長していたが,今はそれは置いておく.

Even thought Demon Lord Rimuru's growth was outside of his expectations, but he'll be putting this aside for now.

たった今・・・,裏付けが取れて,帝国軍の敗北は確定した.そして,リムルの軍勢の出鱈目な増強ぶりも確認が取れたのだ.

Just now... he has obtained definitive confirmation of the imperial army's defeat. In addition, he had also confirmed the absurd growth of Rimuru's military might.

ならば......と,その先の状況を予測していく.

If that's the case......he can only predict what will happen after that.

ヤツが動く.

'He' will make a move.

この状況に至ったならば,間違いなく最強存在であるヤツも見過ごす事は無いだろう.

With things as they are, that strongest existence will definitely not overlook this.

帝国軍の壊滅は問題ではなく,寧ろ都合が良いのだ.

The destruction of the imperial army isn't a problem; rather it was just what he wanted.

魔王リムルを葬るのは,別に誰が行っても問題は無いのだから.

If it's to send Demon Lord Rimuru to his grave, it doesn't matter who does it.

「さて,どうするのかな? リムルさんは......

どこまで抗えるか見ものだね.上手く共倒れになってくれると最高だけど......

少なくとも,ギィがリムルさんを始末してくれれば,問題が一つ片付く訳だ.

上手くギィに手傷を負わせてくれれば最高なんだけどね」

"Now then, what are you going to do now? Rimuru san......

I'd like to see how long you'd last. It would be splendid if this could end in mutual destruction.

At least, if Guy could get rid of Rimuru, there's one less problem to deal with.

If you could also injure Guy in the process that would be great."

そう.

Yes.

ここまで勢力を増強させてしまったのならば,間違いなくギィ・クリムゾンが動くだろう.

If his strength has gotten this strong, then Guy・Crimson would definitely make a move.

そうなるように既に手は打っている.

And things have already progressed to such a stage.

未だ計画は順調であり,少しの修正で問題なく遂行出来そうだった.

So far the plan's still on track, with a few modification and the plan can continue on with no problems.

ユウキは自分の言葉に反応せず無言で立つクロエを見やり,小さく笑う.

Yuuki looked at Chloe who didn't respond to his words and slightly smiled.

命令は後2つ.

2 commands left.

倒すべき敵は後3人.

3 enemies to defeat.

その内の二人が潰しあってくれれば,最強戦力を投入するまでもなく願いが叶う可能性もあるのだ.

If two of them could strike each other down, then his wish could come true without expending his greatest combat asset.

予定とは違うが,全ては順調に進んでいるのである.

Although things deviated from his expectations, they are still advancing smoothly.

ユウキは上機嫌に,今後の計画について思考を深めていったのである.

Yuuki deepened his thoughts regarding future plans in high spirits.

しかし,全ての事象を読み切る事は至難の業であった.

However, to interpret every event was a difficult task.

狂いだした歯車の修正は容易ではなく,事態はユウキの手を離れ,思わぬ方向へと動く事になる.

To realign the gears that had spun out of control was no easy task, things have already gotten out of Yuuki's hands, and started to advance in an unforeseen direction.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

ユウキへの報告を終えて,ミランダは速やかに帝都を離れるべく準備を行っていた.

After finishing her report to Yuuki, Miranda swiftly began making preparations to leave the capital.

一応軍属の身分を持つ以上,敵前逃亡がばれれば死刑となる.

As a member of the military, desertion before the enemy is a capital offense.

隠れ蓑として身分を得た事が,この事態を招く事になってしまったのだ.

she obtained this identity as a disguise, and yet it led to this.

苦労して手に入れた身分の割りには,逆に足枷となるなどと,皮肉にも程がある.

It was a position she obtained after many hardships,

And yet they became her very shackles, truly ironic.

裏組織"三巨頭(ケルベロス)"の頭(ボス)の一人でもある彼女としては,逃亡先に困る事は無い.

As a head of the underground organization Cerberus, she had no qualms about running.

自由組合同様に各国に根を張っている闇組織には,必ず"三巨頭(ケルベロス)"の手の者が潜り込んでいるからだ.

An dark organization that has its roots in each nation like the freedom association, there would definitely be a "Cerberus" member lurking about.

当然,帝国の首都にも組織は存在するので,そこに潜伏し機会を見て西側に脱出する計画であった.

Naturally, there are also similar organizations existing within the empire's capital, and so her plan was to lay low, and wait for a chance to escape to the west.

カリギュリオの篭絡は後一歩の所まで漕ぎ着けており,自身の"女"としての魅力を駆使し,機甲軍団の実権を握るのも後少しだったのだ.

She was so close to inveigling Calgurio success was one step away, with her charms as a "woman", with a bit more effort she would have seized authority over the armored corps.

ダムラダが恐れる程の魔王とはいえ,100万の軍勢で掛かれば恐れるべき程でもないと思っていたのに......

Even though it was the Demon Lord Damrada feared, if an army of 1 million was used well there isn't really much to fear......

魔王を駆逐し,西側諸国を制圧する.

Expel the demon lord, and conquer the western countries.

そして,自分はカリギュリオを操り,帝国の中枢で栄光を掴む.

And then, by manipulating Calgurio, be basked in the center of glory in the empire.

大手を振って凱旋し,約束された未来が待っている筈だったのだ.

She should have made a triumph return, with a promising future ahead of her.

それが,夜逃げのように自身の財産を掻き集め,逃げ出す事になるなどと......屈辱の極みであった.

Yet now, she's gathering her belongings and escaping under the cover of night, do to something like fleeing ...... this was maximum humiliation.

それもこれも,魔王リムルの実力を見誤ったユウキの責任であり,カリギュリオの不甲斐なさのせいである.

This was all because of Yuuki for underestimating Demon Lord Rimuru, and Calgurio for being so useless.

ダムラダはユウキを恐れているようだが,ミランダとしては利用出来るから言いなりになっているだけであった.

Damrada obeyed Yuuki out of fear, but Miranda only did so for she judged he has his uses.

ただし,"三巨頭(ケルベロス)"がユウキの創った組織である以上,ユウキには利用価値がある.

It's just, since Yuuki was the one who founded the organization "Cerberus", that's why there's value in manipulating him.

自身の"女"の魅力が通じぬ相手である以上,命令には従う必要があった.

Since her "womanly" charms, didn't work, she needed to follow orders.

ともかく今は,脱出を優先すべきだ.報告を終えた時に逃亡の許可は得ている.

In any case, as of currently the top priority was to get out of here. After finishing her report she had gotten permission to escape.

要らぬ事を考える前に,さっさと身を落ち着けるべきであろう.

She should find a save haven first before thinking about pointless things.

TN Note: Raw says something like a place to wait things out.

そう考え,ミランダは集めた財産を鞄に詰め込み,暗闇に乗じて自宅から夜の帝都へと飛び込んだのである.

Thinking so, she stuffed all her belongings into a bag, and fled from her house into the imperial capital night with darkness as her shroud.

帝都の闇は深い.

In the dark depths of the capital.

科学文明の恩恵により,灯篭に代わり街灯が設置されるようになってはいたが,未だ全区画を網羅してはいないのだ.

Thanks to the benefits of a scientific civilization, streetlamps have been implemented substituting lanterns. However they don't illuminate every nook and cranny.

発展を続ける帝都ではあったが,闇を全て駆逐するのはまだまだ先の事となりそうだった.

Since the imperial capital is still under development, to dispel all the darkness was a matter in the future.

そんな帝都の闇を,ミランダは静かに移動していた.

In the darkness of the capital, Miranda silently moves about.

ヴェガやダムラダには劣るものの,ミランダも頭(ボス)としてそれなりの実力を持っている.

Albeit inferior to Vega and Damrada, as a head Miranda does possess a certain degree of ability.

こそこそと逃げ出す事になってしまったが,その事を不安に思う必要などないとミランダは考えていたのだ.

Even thought she's making a sneaky escape, Miranda thought there's no need to be so anxious.

だがそれは失敗であったようだ.

However that has lead to failure.

ミランダが油断した訳では無かったのだが,ミランダの行く手に一人の男が立ち塞がったのである.

It wasn't due to Miranda's carelessness, but there was a man standing in Miranda's way.

もし,ミランダが財宝等捨て置いて,さっさと帝都を逃げ出していれば,或いはその者から逃げ遂せていたかもしれない.

If Miranda left behind her property and left the capital as quickly as she could, perhaps she could have escaped from that person.

しかし,頭(ボス)としての自信が仇となりミランダはその男と向き合う事となってしまった.

However, her confidence as a head shall become her downfall as Miranda confronted the man.

その男,近藤達也(タツヤ コンドウ).

That man is Tatsuya Kondo.

帝国情報局に所属し,帝都の闇を知り尽くす正体不明の怪人に.

Someone from the intelligence bureau, he was a mysterious person with an unknown identity who knows everything about the capital's darkness.

「こんな夜中にどこへ行くつもりだ?」

"Where do you plan on going at this late hour?"

「あら? 近藤中尉ではありませんか!」

"Ara? Why isn't that Lieutenant Kondo!"

突然目の前に現れ,声を掛けられたにも関わらず,ミランダは慌てる素振りも見せずに悠然と切り返す.

Suddenly appearing before her, and telling her to halt, Miranda hid her flustered emotions and showed a composed facade.

しかし,油断無く周囲の気配を探り,近藤が一人かどうかを確かめた.

However, she vigilantly sensed the surrounding for other presences, confirming Tatsuya was alone.

周囲に人影は無く,気配もしない.近藤は一人で来たようだと確信し,内心で安堵する.

There are neither other figures nor presences in the vicinity. After confirming Kondo came alone, she was relieved in her mind.

たった一人で来るなど,ミランダに殺してくれと言っているようなものなのだから.

To come here alone is like telling Miranda 'kill me please'.

自分が敵前逃亡した事が本部にばれて,追っ手が差し向けられる事になるのは問題だ.

If it's know to the headquarters that she fled before the enemy, it's going to be a problem when they start sending pursuers after her.

西側に逃げても諜報員に狙われて,暗殺を警戒する毎日を送るのは御免であった.

if she fled to the west she's just be targeted by spies, she'd rather be spared from living of fear of being assassinated on a daily basis.

この場にて,ミランダの生存を知る人物を消しておく必要がある.

In this case Miranda must eliminate anything that knows the truth.

恐らくだが,クリシュナが魔法道具(マジックアイテム)を使用し,状況を伝えたのだろう.その際にミランダの逃亡を伝えているとは思えない.

She feared that Krishna may have used a magic item and conveyed the situation. However it doesn't appear her abandonment was reported Miranda thought.

帝国軍の全滅は伝わっていると判断出来るので,帝都の防備を強化した,そういう事だとミランダは理解した.

She concluded that since news of the imperial army's complete annihilation was reported, the empire's defenses must have been strengthened, Miranda understood this.

よりにもよって,情報局の中でももっとも厄介な男に見つかったのは痛いが,応援が駆けつける気配はない.

Consequently, it sucked running into the most troublesome man in the intelligence bureau, but there were no signs of incoming reinforcements.

今ならば近藤を始末し,帝都を離れるのも容易だろう.

If she got rid of Kondo now, escaping the capital would become easier.

一瞬の間に,ミランダはそう判断を下した.

In an instant, Miranda made her decision.

近藤がミランダをどのように見ているのかは不明だが,ミランダとしては危険の芽を摘み取るだけ.

Miranda doesn't know how Kondo viewed her, but she decided she must uproot the buds of danger.

つまりは,近藤を殺す事を決意していたのだ.

In other words, she decided to kill Kondo.

「君はカリギュリオ軍団長の参謀のミランダ,だな?

戦時作戦行動中に,何故帝都に戻っている?」

"You're Corps captain Calgurio's advisor Miranda right?

Why have you returned to the Imperial capital in the middle of battle?"

そう生真面目に質問してくる近藤に対し,

In reply to Kondo's serious inquiry,

「怖かったですわ,近藤中尉!

実は私,カリギュリオ閣下に密命を受けて,帝都に戻って参りましたの――」

"I was so scared, Lieutenant Kondo!

Actually, I've received secret orders from Calgurio-Kakka, and returned to the capital――"

TN Note: (閣下)Kakka is a way to address someone, much like -san or -chan, but for people with a high position.

そう返事をしつつ近寄り,近藤の胸にしな垂れかかるミランダ.

Miranda approached him whilst replying, and snuggled into Kondo's bosom.

自身の"女"の魅力を存分に駆使し,男を篭絡する.

She made full use of her "womanly" charms, to entice the man.

手口としては,〈香水系呪術(カースパフューム)〉と〈幻術系〉の魅了( チャーム)を併用し,対象の思考を妨害しつつミランダの思惑通りに相手を支配するのだ.

With her usual method of charming with 〈Perfume curse〉 and 〈illusion series〉, she would impair her opponent's thinking while dominating them.

カリギュリオも何度か抱かせている内にこの術に嵌り,弄せず言いなりに出来るようになったのである.

She also used this spell on Calgurio several times while he embraced her, and soon she would be able to wrap them around her little finger without doing so.

TN Note: make them listen to her without using her curses and illusions.

軍団長にもなれる男すら,ミランダの術の敵では無いのだ.たかが中尉如きが,この術に抗える筈もなし.

Even a man who was the Army Corps Leader was no match against Miranda's spells. A mere Lieutenant would never be able to resist.

ミランダは確信し,その手を近藤の背中に回す.

Miranda was convinced, and placed her hand around Kondo's back.

豊満な胸を近藤に押し付け,自分の魅力をアピールしつつ,近藤の気が緩むのを待つ.

Pressing her voluptuous breasts against Kondo while appealing her charm, she waited for Kondo to relax.

フッと近藤の気配が緩むのを感じ,

Once she felt Kondo's presence loosened,

(フフッ,この男も堅物かと思えば,案外チョロイわね)

(Fufun, I thought he was a serious man, but that was easy)

と,内心でほくそ笑む.

She snickered in her mind.

(いいわ,何なら抱かせてあげて,私の虜にしてしまえば――)

(Alright, embrace me as you please, once you become my captive――)

それがミランダの最後の思考となった.

Those were Miranda's last thoughts.

近藤は表情も変えず,ミランダのこめかみを撃ち抜いた小型拳銃を袖口に仕舞い込む.

Without changing his expression, Kondo tucked away a small pistol that he used to shoot Miranda in her temple.

情報は既に採取済みであった.

He has already obtained the intelligence.

接触した対象の思念思考を読み取る,ユニークスキル『解読者(リーディング)』によって.

To read the target's mind through physical contact, this was the unique skill 『reader』.

TN Note: Katakana says "Reading, but Kanji says reader.

ユウキの企みも,ミランダの目的も,帝国軍に生存者が居ない事も.

Yuuki's intentions, Miranda's objective, and even the fact there no were no survivors in the imperial army.

その全ての情報を読み取るのに,一秒も要してはいなかった.

To read all of this took less than a second.

そして,それだけの情報を読み取ったにも関わらず,その表情に変化は無い.

And then, despite reading through all that information, his expression didn't change.

ただ詰まらなそうに,

With an uninterested look,

「――クーデターか.愚かな」

"――A coup d'etat. How foolish."

と呟いたのみ.

He muttered.

そして,死体を一瞥すると,その場を後にした.

He then glanced at the corpse, and left.

その後,情報局所属の者により,ミランダの死体は痕跡を残さず処理される.

Later on, a member of the intelligence bureau had dealt with Miranda's corpse, leaving no trace behind.

帝都の夜の闇は深く,全ての出来事を無かった事にして葬り去るのだ.

The night of the capital is deep and dark, and all that happens stays buried in the dark.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

ギィは不敵に嗤い,立ち上がった.

Guy laughed fearlessly without fear, and stood up.

驚くべき報告を受けて.

He received an astonishing report.

魔王リムルの動向を探らせるべくディーノを送り込んだのが,思わぬ形で役に立ったようだ.

Dino was sent to spy on Demon Lord Rimuru's movements, but he was unexpectedly useful.

ものぐさなディーノが珍しく,

It was rare for the Lazy Dino,

「ダグリュールの所を追い出されたから,リムルの所にお世話になりたいんだけど......

紹介状,書いてくれない?」

"I got kicked out of Dagruel's place, so I want to crash at Rimuru's place...

Can you help me write a letter of introduction?"

そんな事を言ってやって来たのには驚いた.

to actually come over and say such a thing.

怠け者のディーノが自分で動くなど,ここ千数百年来無かった事である.

To think that lazy Dino would move by his own free will, this was something that hasn't happened for thousands of years.

天使との戦いでは,何度か面倒そうなディーノと共闘した事があったのだが,それ以外では記憶に無かった.

During the battle with the angels, there were several occasions where he'd team up with Dino against troublesome opponents, there were no other recollections aside from that.

「何かあったら報告するし,いいだろ?」

"If there's something report about it, okay?"

馴れ馴れしいのはディーノらしい.

Being overly chummy with people is how Dino rolls.

最強たるギィからすれば,別にスパイなどをして貰う必要も無いのだが,此処に居つかれても面倒そうだった.

For the strongest guy, he doesn't really particularly need any spies, but it's going to be annoying to have him live here.

TN Note: Here referring to Guy's place.

ギィはともかく,ヴェルザードが許さぬだろう.

Putting aside Guy, Velzado will probably never agree.

TN Note: Velzado is Veldora's frosty sister, in case anyone forgot.

下手すれば,ディーノを殺してしまうかも知れない.

If handled poorly, Dino might even be killed.

ヴェルザードが認めた者は,未だレオン一人しかいないのだから.

The only one Velzado acknowledges is Leon alone.

せっかくの手駒の一つを失うのも詰まらないので,簡単に紹介状を書き送り出したのだが......

It's going to be unexciting to lose a precious pawn, so he chose to write a simple letter of introduction. but......

そのディーノから報告が来たのだ.

There was a report from Dino.

悪魔公( デーモンロード) を何柱か配下に従え,帝国軍凡そ百万名を皆殺しにした,と.

Several Demon lords has joined as his subordinate, and the imperial army consisting of almost a million soldiers massacred, he said.

TN Note: Kanji says Demon duke.

明らかに異常.

This was clearly abnormal.

世界は自分とルドラの支配を賭けた盤上だと認識していたが,そのバランスを乱す特異者(イレギュラー)が発生したようである.

The world has recognized himself and Rudra as the chess players in this domination game, yet there was an irregular that disrupted this balance.

人間達はルドラが,魔物はギィが,所有権を有している.

Humans to Rudra, monsters to Guy, each with their own ownership.

"竜種"に関してはお互いが一体づつ相棒としており,残り一体であるヴェルドラを取り込むのがゲームの醍醐味となっていた.

Each also had a single "Dragon Kind" as a partner, with the last one Veldora as a free-for-all target to add some thrills into the game.

バランスブレイカーであるヴェルドラ以外に発生した,特異者(イレギュラー).

And yet another balance breaker apart from Veldora has occurred, an irregular.

その所属は幸いにも自分と同じ,魔王である.

Fortunately its affiliation is the same as himself, a Demon Lord.

最強の一角である自分とミリムに続き,究極能力(アルティメットスキル)『暴食之王( ベルゼビュート)』を有するであろう魔王,リムル.

As the strongest after Mirim and himself, the Demon Lord with the ultimate skill 『Gluttonous King』Beelzebub, Rimuru.

何としても自陣営に取り込み,手駒とする必要があった.

It must be incorporated into his side no matter the cost, there was a need for it to become his pawn.

育つのを待つもりでいたが,その必要は無いかも知れない.

It appears the waiting time for it to grow is no longer nessesary.

ルドラに潰されるならそれまでと放置していたが,事態はそう甘くは無いようだ.

If Rudra destroyed it then it'll be left aside, but the situation wasn't so simple.

協力するなら良し,さもなければ,潰す!

If it cooperates then all is well. If not, Crush!

一度逢っておいた方が良さそうだ,そう考え,ギィは行動を開始した.

Meeting the other part once sounds like a good idea, so he thought, and guy began to take action.

「あら,愉しそうですね?」

"Ara, doesn't that sound like fun?"

そう問い掛けるヴェルザードに頷き,

He nodded and asked Velzado,

「お前も来るか?」

"You want to come too?"

と返した.

he asked in return.

ヴェルザードは冷たく光る妖しい深海色(ブルーダイアモンド)の瞳をギィに向けて,

Velzado's sparkly chilling mysterious diamond blue eyes stared at Guy,

「ええ,そうですね.久しぶりに"弟"にも会ってみたいですし」

"Yes, indeed. It's been a long time since I've last met up with my "Brother" ".

と冷たい微笑を浮かべる.

A cold smile on her face.

それで決まりであった.

And so it's decided.

二人は近所に出掛けるような気軽さで"白氷宮"を後にし,氷雪吹きすさぶ極寒の世界へと飛翔する.

The two left the nearby "Shirokori castle" behind with ease, and flew in the land of howling blizzards, and frigid cold.

暴威が今,魔物の国(テンペスト)を目指し飛び立ったのである.

The tyrant has taken flight, aiming for the country of monsters Tempest.