Historia spat out words completely different from the thought that had crossed her mind.
"That's right. At that time, Maximilian tried to interfere, and Huey and I stopped him. I thought we had barely taken him down, but..."
"Ah, I get it. So Nebida came?"
I had omitted the information that I was the King of Humans and Yuel's existence, but other than that, it was extremely close to the truth. With a story that fit the logic, I had succeeded in convincing the regressor.
"I understand. So what? Since Hughes would have been a great help to me, you're going to take him as a hostage?"
"Ahaha. That would be impossible. How could I dare demand someone like Father as a hostage? I couldn't do that, and even if I did, you wouldn't accept it either."
'Tsk. Something feels disappointing...'
Were you even planning to give me up if you could?
Damn. I'd rather not know, but because of mind-reading, I know your true feelings and it makes me feel bad for no reason. I'll get my revenge someday. Even if you're taken hostage, I'll make you suffer plenty before rescuing you!
While I was simmering with anger inside, Hilde giggled and revealed the hostage.
"Rest assured! Shei's hostages are the Princess and her handmaiden!"
"The Princess?"
The regressor asked back in surprise. Because the target taken as a hostage was completely unexpected.
'In this iteration, the Princess and I shouldn't have much connection, right? Besides, if you're taking the head of the Resistance as a hostage, wouldn't you actually have to turn a blind eye to the Resistance? Until the contract ends, you can't harm the hostage directly or indirectly.'
Rather, it was a situation where she should be grateful. In terms of profit and loss, it couldn't be better. The regressor was about to quickly nod her head.
'In the first place, I didn't get much involved with the Princess in this iteration. Let alone the previous iterations, I don't really care what happens...'
However, even at the proposal she should naturally accept, the regressor didn't nod. A past that didn't exist in this iteration flashed through her mind. Rather than an overall recollection... she only pulled out memories tied to a specific person, but since it was quite a good clue anyway, I read her thoughts as much as possible.
In the 2nd iteration, the regressor had tried to escape from the Military Nation's conscription order. At that time, while escaping to the Allied Nations through the Resistance, she encountered the Princess. The Princess, who was an experienced leader at the time, suggested she join the Resistance, but the regressor, afraid of fighting, refused and headed for the Allied Nations. She got attacked and died in the process, though.
In the 3rd iteration, the regressor realized the need for power and threw herself into the Resistance. The Princess, who was less experienced compared to the 2nd iteration, was suspicious and tested the regressor, but before long they became deeply trusting of each other. With the Princess's full support, she learned the forgotten kingdom's qi arts and steadily built her strength. Thanks to the standard qi arts learned in the 1st and 2nd iterations and the combat experience gained from repeatedly crossing the line between life and death, she was able to build her strength quickly.
After that, as she gradually got involved in bigger incidents, her dealings with the Resistance decreased... but the Princess was the regressor's friend for quite a long time.
Even if not in this iteration.
The regressor spoke as her heart dictated.
"No."
Until now, the regressor was strictly in the middle of a negotiation. Even when displeased, she hadn't tried to use force and had attempted to continue the conversation.
But now it was different.
She was fierce as if she might draw her sword at any moment. It wasn't a sharp killing intent toward an enemy, but a violence like that of a child throwing a tantrum until they get what they want. It was just that the magnitude of that power was at the Demon God level.
"I told you, right? I don't really like hostages. No matter who it is."
"Oh my?"
Hilde smiled awkwardly, but the regressor's expression sank even further.
Until now, she had only used her power limitedly to achieve her goal. However... if the regressor decided to go on a rampage, a single country would be destroyed no matter how long it took. Especially if it was the Military Nation, which she had consistently destroyed in the past few iterations, it would be even easier.
The regressor placed her hand on the handle of Cheon-aeng and growled.
"Do you think I came all the way here to be manipulated while taking hostages? Release them right now."
A fearsome aura bloomed from the regressor. That aura was precisely directed at Hilde. Of course, since Hilde was on my lap, I also ended up facing the aura head-on.
Hilde asked me as if troubled.
"Hmm. This is difficult~. It seems like I shouldn't use the hostage's safety as a threat here. Father, isn't there something we can do?"
No, even if you ask me right now, there's nothing I can do. My hands are trembling too.
"Hughes."
Damn, it came after all. I answered slightly submissively.
"Ah, yes."
"I consider you a comrade. If you were to be taken as a hostage or anything, I'd feel really filthy."
You were just thinking of selling me off as a hostage a moment ago!
...Of course, that wouldn't be her true intention.
The regressor is quite devoted to people she has accepted as her comrades. That was the case just a moment ago too. When Nebida tried to take me away. The regressor had rushed in even though she knew she absolutely couldn't win. If she had made a mistake, she might have died, but the regressor had no regrets about that action.
It was the same now.
"You wouldn't have directly suggested taking your friend and the Princess as hostages. But, if those were the only conditions under which negotiation was possible... No matter that the Princess wouldn't be attacked, if you accepted that..."
The emotion felt from the regressor was a slight sense of disappointment. It was very trivial, but because of that difference, my future fate would be greatly divided.
Not just this iteration, but up to the next iteration.
'I admit it. Hughes is a fortuitous encounter. Across all iterations, things have never gone this smoothly. It's definitely thanks to Hughes. But... still, I'm not sure. Can I really trust him?'
Competent and incompetent. Between the two, I'm definitely on the competent side. But that part isn't very important to the regressor.
"Hughes. Answer me. Where are they?"
"Uh... well. They should be arriving soon..."
Right after I finished speaking.
The door burst open, and Tyr appeared with a parasol on one shoulder and a golem on the other. Looking around, Tyr spotted me.
"Hughes!"
Tyr smiled warmly at me and walked straight toward me with big strides. Though her steps were energetic, perhaps because her stride was small, it took quite a while for her to approach.
Currently, the comrade most well-disposed toward me after Historia, and the most reliable existence when she's an ally. The progenitor of vampires, Tirkanjaka.
It's truly regrettable. If only the hidden mastermind of the Military Nation hadn't been the Saintess, she would have become a great strength for me. If I took Tyr along, only destruction and massacre would occur, so she couldn't join me.
I greeted Tyr warmly.
"It feels like it's been a while. I'm sorry for leaving without a word. I had things to do..."
Tyr slightly showed the shoulder with the golem on it.
"I heard the story from this doll. You said you went alone for negotiation. I understand the intent, but how could you leave without even a word of notice. Weren't you worried? But... why are you like that?"
Tyr, who had been approaching warmly, tilted her head after seeing the standoff between the regressor and us. She realized that the regressor's expression was unusual.
Still, Tyr had the means to solve this problem. Precisely, on Tyr's shoulder.
I called the golem.
"Abby."
It seemed quite busy at the moment, as it took a little while for the golem to respond to my words.
[This is Military Nation Communications Officer Abby. Your Excellency. Has the persuasion gone well?]
"Not yet. Abby. Shei is worrying about the safety of her beloved Princess."
[Beloved Princess...? Are you referring to Erien Grandiomor?]
"Yes. She seems curious about her safety. Could you call her?"
The golem tilted its head and spoke to somewhere while maintaining the connection.
[Erien Grandiomor. Someone is looking for Your Highness. Affirmative. Shei is worried about Your Highness's safety... Wait, stop. Shouting into this unit's ear will not be transmitted to the golem. Synchronization does not work in that manner. Halt, stay right there! Even if you press your lips together and speak, it will not be transmitted! It is not structured that way, and even if it were possible, this unit would refuse with all its power!]
I can't read thoughts, but I can roughly guess what the situation is. Is this the conversation between the King of the Military Nation and the Princess of the Fallen Kingdom? It's truly overflowing with dignity and decorum, the future of the Military Nation is bright. So bright that if soldiers had seen it, they would have shed tears.
After a conversation that lacked both dignity and any sign of danger, the golem reached a dramatic conclusion.
[Affirmative. Given the nature of synchronization, if you are in maximum contact with this unit, you should be able to transmit your voice. Embracing... from behind, might also be an option...]
Abby's voice, sounding somewhat reluctant, grew quieter, and gradually the Princess's voice began to seep through in between. It was unclear, as if someone was speaking to another's back, but it was discernible enough to recognize as the Princess's voice.
[Shei? You were looking for me? Ah... I'm sorry for causing you concern, but just the fact that you came looking for me makes me happy again... Ehehe...]
It was an innocent voice that made all tension disappear just from hearing it. An atmosphere that went beyond safe and became comfortable emanated from the voice itself. It was probably quite different from the Princess in the regressor's memories.
'Wait. What. Isn't she a hostage?'
The quite flustered regressor looked at me once, then spoke to the golem again.
"...Are you safe?"
[Yes! Are you okay, Shei? I can't see your appearance.]
"I'm fine. But with the communications officer? What's going on?"
[Ah, me? I originally stayed behind to follow Siati, but I changed my mind. I want to stay a bit longer and watch over Abby and Yuel here.]
"Abby... the communications officer?"
[Yes! This place is narrow and stifling, but there are many people and numerous 'windows' open. I can observe the Military Nation with a broader and more objective perspective than anyone. In this place, I might be able to find clues to make the Military Nation better. With Abby... Oh, I'm sorry, Abby...]
A movement as if briefly asking for understanding. The Princess's voice gradually grew quieter, and Abby's voice began to flow out again.
[This is as far as it goes. This unit's body is one, and when Erien Grandiomor is in close contact, it experiences major difficulties in controlling other golems. As there are many things to prioritize at this point, her message will end here.]
The golem spoke clearly again with Abby's clear voice. I waved my hand toward the golem.
"You've been working hard, Abby."
[It is light compared to the duties received. Your Excellency. Are you leaving the Military Nation?]
"Yes. Once the conversation here ends, I think we'll depart for the Allied Nations right away."
[Is that so...]
The golem's limbs drooped. It seemed to have temporarily disconnected. And a moment later, the golem raised its head sharply and spoke again.
[I have completed the administrative processing. Your Excellency will be able to receive general-grade ceremonial treatment at all administrative facilities in the Military Nation.]
"Yay. Thank you, Abby!"
[Negative. It is not. This unit... this is all this unit can do... So at least this.]
"What do you mean 'only this'? General-grade ceremonial treatment is the highest treatment you can receive in the Military Nation. When would I ever receive such treatment in my life!"
[If I was of help, then I too... Hehe.]
The golem bowed its head and its body slightly heaved. It was a human-like laugh that it rarely showed even in its human form. However, the pleasant laugh didn't last long either.
[Ike. Receiving. Affirmative. This unit will handle it. Evacuate from that location immediately. Over.]
It seemed to be communicating with multiple other locations while keeping this connection open. How busy must it be. The golem spoke quickly as soon as the report ended.
[The time allowed for this unit is only this much, Your Excellency. This unit will now withdraw.]
"You've been working hard. Keep up the good work, Abby."
[However, as long as Your Excellency is in the Military Nation, this unit will watch over you forever.]
"Uh, I'm not sure if I should be thankful for that. Isn't it a bit scary? I don't even believe in gods lest they watch over me. An existence that secretly watches my every action is a bit chilling, isn't it?"
[Negative. This unit asserts that it is different from gods in the most important aspect. This unit watches over you proudly. Enough to declare that fact to you.]
Well, there is a difference. Gods don't ask for permission to watch over me directly. Though I'm not sure if that's such an important difference.
Anyway, after proudly making a stalking declaration, the golem bowed its head.
[I look forward to the day we meet again. Farewell.]
With a click, the golem's connection was severed. Having enjoyed the conversation, Hilde and I turned back to look at the regressor. The regressor was struggling a bit to accept the situation.
'Wait. What. Isn't she a hostage? Why is she with the communications officer? More than that, weren't the communications officers dolls that didn't seem human? Why is she so affectionate with that thing?'