“I see, so they’re heavy drinkers… An excellent strategy, using alcohol to win them over.”

“Hah!”

At a time when the ostrich-chans were devouring the town’s food supply at an unbelievable rate, the Strategist in the Heed Kingdom’s royal capital was busy trying to secure an alliance. The ‘Purveyor Merchant’, Aran-san, had found himself in the pitiful position of being hounded with, “Food? Food?” every time he showed his face, thanks to the ostriches memorizing the delicious smell of food ingrained into his very being. He was now reporting to his true superior, the ‘Strategist’.

Looking at Aran-san, he was clearly not dressed as a ‘Purveyor Merchant’. Despite having prepared it only a few days ago, his apron was already well-worn. Furthermore, his hands were steeped in the smell of a delicious sauce likely made for cooking, and he wore a chef’s hat to prevent his hair from falling into the food. He wasn’t a merchant anymore; he was a chef.

But, this couldn’t be helped. As a spy, in order to get information from the mercenary group calling themselves ‘The Ostriches’, he absolutely had to meet and interact with them. And to get them to efficiently drop information, he had to get friendly with them.

That’s why I tried to get close by offering them a large amount of ingredients, but…

That was a bad move. Before he knew it, he’d been thrown in as a helper among the very chefs he was supposed to have hired and ended up having to prepare the ostriches’ meals. And perhaps because he had underestimated their appetites, he was forced to cook until he passed out. I mean, if he couldn’t provide, he’d probably be eaten.

As the days passed in a blur, Aran came to be recognized by the ostriches as ‘the person who smells tasty and gives us food’.

Because of that, he could barely gather any information, on top of which he was so cornered that he didn’t even have time to change for his regular reports. Day after day, he just kept cooking, watching the food supply that was originally meant for the occupying army disappear into the ostriches’ bellies. The dark circles under his eyes, so black they looked as if they’d been painted on, spoke of his grueling schedule and the fatigue that had piled up to no end.

“Understood. Then I will prepare some fine alcohol on my end. It’s a fifty-year-old vintage from the Empire, of extremely high quality. It’s quite strong and an acquired taste, but… for a liquor lover, it would be an absolutely irresistible item. It’s something I was saving as a treat for myself, but at this point, it cannot be helped. …It’s just so ridiculously delicious that I don’t want to give it to anyone, you know.”

“…Are you certain?”

“Ye-yes. It is extremely, extremely regrettable, but… I am still Nagan’s Strategist. My own hobbies come second… Ahh, I really wanted to drink it.”

Looking incredibly vexed, the Strategist arranged for his treasured bottle to be sent to Aran. It was actually a super-premium item, a single bottle that would cost enough to buy a shiny new car at modern prices. It was a treasured sake he had been planning to enjoy slowly while moon-gazing if the alliance negotiations went well. Furthermore, being a product of the Empire, it was an item that was rarely available. The sight of the Strategist with a few genuine tears welling in his eyes was reflected in Aran’s.

“On another note, Aran-san, are you alright? You seem incredibly tired…”

“…To be honest, I haven’t been able to get any proper rest.”

Aran-san consulted his superior.

Currently, Plaque was rapidly heading down the path toward a food shortage, thanks to the ostriches. The merchants, including him, were transporting food at a frantic pace, but the ostrich-chans’ stomachs were not so easily satisfied. Matilde-san had decided to start cultivating a large-scale farm on some nearby vacant land and was trying to buy food by talking to other nobles, but it would be a while before they saw results. For now, merchants like Aran-san had to do their best.

Therefore, his schedule was a death march every day. After all, he had to juggle three roles: ‘Purveyor Merchant’, ‘Spy’, and ‘Food Manager’.

When he wakes up in the morning, he places orders to various regions as a merchant and pulls food from the warehouse for the ostriches. Then, for his objective as a ‘Spy’, he must go to the ostriches and make them a delicious meal. Because if he doesn’t get close, he can’t get any information. If he’s been remembered by them as ‘the delicious food person’, he has no choice but to use it.

Furthermore, as if the training he underwent as a Nagan spy to blend into any environment had backfired, while he was inferior to a professional chef, he could make reasonably delicious dishes. He was a very popular chef among the ostrich-chans. What’s more, the chefs who were enduring the daily onslaught of the ostrich-chans already saw him as part of their ‘fighting force’. There was no way he could escape, no matter how he struggled.

Perhaps because he was repeating such work, he would basically pass out while preparing the ostriches’ dinner. He’d spend the night outside the town, and when he came to, the sun would be rising. He’d spend his days rushing back into town for his work as a merchant, relieved that he hadn’t been eaten yet.

It’s a wonder he hasn’t collapsed and become permanently disabled yet.

“…Let’s take a break, okay?”

“But…”

“Aran-san, you are an important person to our Nagan Kingdom. Collapsing from overwork is no laughing matter. Let’s see… let’s do this. I’ll instruct the spies who have infiltrated other cities to gather food supplies. Leave Plaque under the pretext of ‘buying up food supplies’ and refresh yourself a little. Taking a rest is also part of the job, you know?”

“S-Strategist-sama…!”

Tears welled up in his eyes, in spite of himself. He couldn’t help it. He had been trying so hard for so long.

In the first place, to him, ‘The Ostriches’ were the ones who had trampled his country’s soldiers right before his eyes. Honestly, just standing in front of them made his whole body tremble uncontrollably. He somehow suppressed that with mental fortitude and went about his days. But the ostriches couldn’t understand such complicated things. Having understood that ‘if you beg the person who smells delicious, you can get food’, the ostriches charged at Aran-san.

From his perspective, they had eyes filled with an aura that said, ‘If you don’t give me food, I’ll devour you instead’ (it was just hunger, but also a fact). In the midst of days spent enduring such stress, if his trusted and respected superior says such words to him… well, you get it, right?

“Th-then I will take a ten-day break. After I have recovered both mentally and physically, I will be sure to gather information on ‘The Ostriches’…!”

“I’m counting on you, Aran-san.”

◇◆◇◆◇

“…A souvenir?”

“Yes! I got my hands on a very fine item from the Empire, so…”

I open the package that Aran-san hands me. Inside is some clearly high-end, expensive-looking alcohol. Even without drinking it, I can tell it’s in a different league just from the box’s design and all. Even I, a stranger to this world, can tell the difference in class. …Is this okay? To receive something so nice.

“Of course, you’ve been a great help to us!”

“I think we’re the ones who’ve been a great help to you, though?”

Well, if he’s giving it to me, I’ll gratefully accept. At first, I was suspicious of Aran-san for one reason or another, but that perception has completely changed now. There’s the fact that he’s the ‘Purveyor Merchant’ that Matilde trusts, and more than anything, he’s been preparing food for my kids. My kids get a lot of intense exercise, so they require a lot of energy. Their digestive efficiency is quite good, so they can cut back to a certain extent, but… well, they still get hungry if they don’t eat a lot.

Hence, compared to humans, they’re insane gluttons. Normally, they would have literally eaten everything, but he’s the reason that’s been stopped. Not just the ingredients, but he even goes out of his way to cook for my kids. He said, ‘My skills are a bit lacking compared to a professional chef,’ but I don’t mind at all. In fact, his cooking was so good it made me want seconds.

“So if anything, I’m the one who should be thanking you…”

“No, no, please don’t worry about it. Besides, having someone eat everything you’ve made with such relish is a wonderful feeling. It was also an experience that helped me understand the feelings of the chefs. So please, don’t hesitate to accept it.”

“Really? Then I won’t be shy.”

Oh, right. Changing the subject, but my kids were lonely, you know? I know it’s a pain right after you got back from stocking up, but could you just show your face for a bit? …Well, of course they’re not actually lonely, but this guy keeps asking about the ostriches as if he’s taken a liking to them. He probably just fell for my kids’ cuteness. A white lie, as they say. Otherwise, he wouldn’t bring all sorts of accessories while saying, ‘For the ladies,’ would he?

Well, my kids tried to swallow them in a flash, so I had to stop them with all my might, though.

From what I’ve heard, a rumor has been going around town that Dere tried to eat the accessories that old lady was selling. And it seems to have been embellished here and there, and now the story is, ‘The ostrich-chans all love shiny things!’. It seems Aran-san was concerned and brought them for us. Well, it’s true they like shiny things, but just like babies, my kids immediately put those things in their mouths and swallow them…

I felt bad just returning them, so after consulting with Amelia-san, who has now become Dere’s completely dedicated keeper, I’ve hidden them all together in the tent where I sleep. I’ll let my kids use them to dress up once their intelligence develops a little more… so forgive me ♡

Well, that’s Aran-san for you, always looking out for us. And such a person is tired from a long journey for supplies. It’s at times like these that he should be soothed by these adorable ostrich eyes.

“Hey you guys, Aran-san is back. Do you get it?”

“Aran?” “I don’t get it!”

“…Smells good!”

“Food?”

“Food!”

” ” “Food! Food!” ” ”

“Ah, ahaha… Well, it’s about time for a snack. I’ll whip something up from what I’ve just stocked.”

With those words, he walks toward the area that has been converted into an outdoor kitchen by the chefs, leading the ostriches who are hungry for a delicious snack. My kids no longer remember why they’re here or even who is in front of them. However, because everyone is saying ‘Food!’, they run towards the outdoor kitchen, which is steeped in a delicious smell.

“Aaalright, it’s a little early, but what the heck. All that’s left is to eat and sleep, so maybe I’ll have a little taste?”

As expected, I feel bad being a freeloader, so we usually help out with subjugating monsters or clearing the surrounding forest to expand the farmland. Well, ostriches are dubious at even simple tasks, so it’s really only easy stuff, you know? Even so, they say we can output power that humans can’t, so we’re treated like uncontrollable heavy machinery.

But all of today’s work is done. Like I said just now, it’s still bright out, but no one should get mad at me for having a drink.

Now, now~?

I can tell it’s clearly expensive, but it’s probably better to drink it soon and give my thoughts rather than strangely hesitating. With that, I peel off the wrapping with my foot and pull the cork. …Ah, you thought that was bad manners just now, didn’t you! An ostrich-san has no hands, so I have to use my feet… Well then, bottoms up~.

“…………Tch, ahh~. Yep. A distilled spirit? It’s pretty strong.”

I don’t think I drank that much, but my throat burns. Because I’m an ostrich, it subsides in an instant, but this is… I wonder what, whiskey or something like that? It’s a type of alcohol I never drank in my past life, and the flavor is incredibly strong. I’m not sure I can enjoy this unless I dilute it with something.

“I mean, I like sweet, low-alcohol drinks that I can drink a lot of, so… this is a bit harsh. I can tell it’s good, but it seems expensive, so I might feel hesitant to chug it. Rather than drinking it straight, it seems better to look for a good way to mix it.”

With that, I re-cork the bottle with my foot and stand up, thinking of mixing it with something sweet, like fruit juice or something. Aran-san just brought us various ingredients and things, so I wonder if there’s anything good in there… Hmm, nope. Well, besides me, everyone else has trouble drinking things from a bottle, let alone a cup… It’s not that they can’t do it if I teach them, but they forget right away.

“It’s a drawback of having wings… shoot. What should I do?”

If it’s not here… it seems it’ll be hard to get my hands on a tasty drink without searching in town. But as much as my kids’ heads are filled with ‘Food!’, it’s too scary to leave them unattended. I guess I’ll just quietly wait for Matilde or someone to show up. She’s quite a drinker too, and when she starts to get tipsy, she’ll teach you all sorts of liquor trivia you didn’t even ask for. She’ll probably know a delicious way to drink this, too.

“Well then, I guess I’ll spend the time watching my kids.”

◇◆◇◆◇

“Eh!? Eh! Ehhh!!!”

“…Is it that good?”

“Nodnodnodnod!”

Late at night, I welcome Matilde, who often comes to my place for a drink after work. When I show her the sake I got from Aran-san today, her excitement goes through the roof. Her vocabulary completely dies, and she starts headbanging at a speed that looks like her neck is about to come off. It was a sake that even I, still ignorant about this world, thought looked expensive; seeing her reaction, it must be something quite special.

“A-A fifty-year-old from the Empire! This is a masterpiece so popular that nobles and commoners fight each other every year to decide the buyer! Ho-ho-ho-how! Did you perhaps… ‘kill them and take it’!? E-even if you did, I! I didn’t see anything! If you give me a sip, I’ll pretend I didn’t see a thing!!!”

“No, I just got it as a gift…”

“A-a g-gift! Who’s this person! What, they don’t understand how insane this is!? Tell me!!! I’m gonna go punch them a bit to beat its greatness into them and ask how they bought it!”

I knew that when Matilde receives a strong shock, she reverts to her true self, or rather, stops talking like a knight, but… is it that serious? I mean, you’re the town’s judiciary and administration, you can’t just overlook a murder… I mean, to overlook it for a sip, is it that amazing? When I drank it, I just felt it was a bit harsh.

“…Hmph! Come to think of it, Reis-dono isn’t a fan of strong drinks, is she? Then it can’t be helped. I have certainly heard that it is good to mix it with milk and such, but the best way is to sip it straight like this, yes, while gazing at the moon is said to be supreme. For Reis-dono, who wishes to drink large quantities of relatively weak and easy-to-drink things, it may indeed be an unsuitable sake!”

She says, sneaking glances at my face. I don’t know when she prepared it, but she’s already clutching her favorite glass in her hand. And probably my milk, too. It might not be good to give away something I received to someone else, but… I guess it’s okay to enjoy it together? Besides, I’m sure Aran-san wouldn’t mind if it’s Matilde.

I mean, normally, shouldn’t he have given this sake to his own superior, Matilde? She’s a self-professed liquor lover. …Ah, whatever.

“Alright, alright, truce. Let’s enjoy a drink together, shall we? By the way, Aran-san was the one who gave me this.”

“Hm? Him? I believe he was a teetotaler and wasn’t very interested in alcohol… But why did he give it to Reis-dono first instead of me? As a merchant, he should know its value even if he doesn’t drink…”

“Maybe he’s interested in my kids? Look.”

I point a wing toward the outdoor kitchen. There he is, cooking with a look on his face like he’s on the verge of death, yet that scheming smile is still plastered on his face as always. Or is it more like he’s forcing a smile? I’ve heard from Matilde that’s just how he is, but… if you didn’t know anything, you’d be super wary. In fact, Amelia the elf is still wary of him.

“Indeed, he looks like he could die at any moment, yet he continues to stir the pot… And as always, many ostriches are running this way.”

“It must have been delicious. Well, no one’s managed to reach him yet today.”

We continue our conversation like that, sipping our drinks. Just as she said, it’s remarkably tastier mixed with milk, and as I bring it to my lips, we engage in some idle conversation. We make a bet on which of my flock’s kids will reach me first, and talk about why Aran-san has such high favorability with the ostrich-chans. …Well, it’s a drunk’s conversation, not a sensible one.

“…You know, it’s gotta be that, right?”

“That being?”

“Love!”

It seems that in any world, there’s no better entertainment than someone else’s love life. Matilde suddenly leans forward, her face already bright red, perhaps because she’s drinking faster than usual. It’s good stuff, so she probably won’t get a bad hangover, but… Don’t drink too much, ’kay? You get it? Then it’s fine.

That passionate gaze towards my kids, that devoted attitude of preparing meals at his own expense, and then there’s me, who could be called their mother? Well, I’m a guy on the inside so that part’s not clear, but. Giving this to me, a liquor lover… he’s trying to secure the outer moat, isn’t he?

“…Plausible.”

“Right?”

Once we have a good topic to go with our drinks, there’s no stopping us. Partly because we’re drunk, we begin to freely speculate about his love life. We both somehow understand that he’s probably not in love with anyone, but we’re not so boorish as to cut the conversation short over something like that.

Like, the one with the most well-featured face in the flock is good, or the one with the biggest emotional expressions is good. We start thinking up Aran-san’s crush—his crush-ostrich?—and making them a couple for fun. It’s like, ‘As their mother, I won’t allow you to marry them off!’ or, ‘No, if we’re talking about good looks…’. Heard sober, there’s probably no conversation more unproductive and pointless than this, but to us at that moment, there was nothing more interesting.

Currently, I’m about the only one who can distinguish individuals and their subtle differences in personality, but I enjoy it by explaining it carefully to Matilde.

“Oh? Look, Reis-dono! It’s getting messy over there! They’re fighting over him!”

“Eh, what!”

“Wait-!” “Wait, wait-!”

“Food?” “Food!”

“H-helppp meee~~!!!”

I look where Matilde is pointing, and before I knew it, Aran-san is being chased by my ostriches. Looking closely, the food he brought has all been devoured. I don’t know if he was going to get more food or if he was trying to close up shop for the day and go home, but it seems he got caught by the ostriches on the way.

The ostriches chase him at a speed that Aran-san can’t quite outrun at full sprint—a somewhat restrained speed. …C-could it be! A daytime soap opera development! A messy love triangle! I don’t hate it!

While I’m thinking that, one of the chasing flock members says “Food!”, and their brains become dominated by “Food!”. The phase shifts from play to hunt, and they instantly accelerate to top speed. As expected, a mere human is no match for an ostrich…

“Ah, Aran-san tripped.”

“And then, he’s surrounded.”

“They’re stripping his clothes off and…”

“…Reis-dono, aren’t they seriously trying to eat him?”

“………I’m going to go stop them for a bit!”

‘Purveyor Merchant’ Aran! Retired after being nibbled on just a little! P.S. No lasting injuries thanks to treatment at the church! Full recovery in three days!

◇◆◇◆◇

“We haven’t even arrived in Plaque yet, and my stomach is already…”

Inside a carriage surrounded by many guards, the Prime Minister of the Heed Kingdom was complaining to himself. His hair was already pure white, and he was of an age where it wouldn’t be strange for his grandchildren to be adults. Normally, it wouldn’t be surprising if he had already retired. However, he was a man who served as Prime Minister solely for the sake of his country and his king. Even a Prime Minister with such resolve… wanted to run away just a little.

And who could blame him? He was about to meet the ‘Special War Potential’, ‘The Ostrich’.

A Special War Potential, an entity that can single-handedly destroy a country.

The existence known as ‘The Ostrich’ that he was now going to meet. It wasn’t a single, self-contained being, but a flock that had been judged to be ‘Special War Potential’ equivalent. A mysterious group that had suddenly appeared in the Heed Kingdom.

Not all powerful beings have the same personality, but those called ‘Special War Potential’ are often arrogant. This is because they have absolute confidence in their own strength, and if they chose, they could make a nation their own, or even turn everything to dust.

Therefore, it is said that extreme caution is required when interacting with them. Offending them won’t just end with the negotiator being killed. At the very least, that city will be blown away, and in the worst case, the nation could collapse. If they rampage too selfishly, they will be subjugated by a higher-ranking Special War Potential or multiple Special War Potentials, so civilization won’t completely collapse. However, even in the history of humanity in this world, there are countless stories of nations that made foolish moves against those who could be called Special War Potentials and vanished overnight.

If you get along with them, they are the guardians of humanity and a nation’s greatest strength. If you offend them, they are the root of ruin and the king of rubble. That is a Special War Potential.

“Therefore, Prime Minister, I entrust the role of negotiator to you.”

“…As you command.”

“Accept all their demands and offer them more than they desire. By any means necessary, bring them to our country.”

The Prime Minister recalled the conversation in the royal capital.

There was no way they could send an ordinary negotiator to deal with such a monster. Even if the Heed Kingdom had no experience negotiating with Special War Potentials, they understood that offending them in the slightest would mean the end of everything.

Furthermore, there was the Nagan Kingdom, which had just become an allied nation through a military alliance the other day. The expression of the ‘Strategist’, who was impatient and frightened of something during the negotiations, and the speculation of the Heed Kingdom’s young queen. And the report from Plaque that Nagan’s invasion force had been literally annihilated. Considering all of this together, it was decisively clear that the Nagan Kingdom was keenly interested in the new Special War Potential, ‘The Ostriches’.

Knowing Nagan, which has that ‘Strategist’, it wouldn’t be surprising if they’ve already acted ahead of us. …According to Matilde-dono’s report, they are a free entity, so we must act before they are recruited.

Hence, it seems he, who held the king’s deep trust and at the same time held various decision-making powers as Prime Minister, was dispatched. Initially, the king had planned to go in person, but the only one left with royal blood was the young queen. Losing her would mean the fall of the Heed Kingdom, so his vassals had vehemently opposed her leaving the royal capital. Therefore, as a substitute for the young queen, the choice fell upon him, the Prime Minister.

…And, for his own objective as well. It was more convenient for the Prime Minister himself to be the first to meet them. While fearing the yet unseen threat, the Prime Minister’s face showed a firm will.

“Your Majesty…”

Even if the king was consumed by the flames of revenge, she was still the king they served. And as long as Heed did not possess a Special War Potential, the future of being preyed upon by other countries would be certain. In this age of warring states, ‘power’ is everything. ‘Those without power’ are simply crushed. Perhaps because he was in the position of Prime Minister, he himself understood this idea strongly. Therefore, he had no complaints about the job entrusted to him, but rather seemed to be overflowing with the spirit of doing anything for this country.

But still…

“Is it really going to be alright?”

The closer they got to Plaque, the more letters from Matilde addressed to the royal capital increased. She, though a commoner, had her excellence recognized by the former king and became a knight. She was probably sending information she obtained sequentially for the sake of the king and the country, even a little. The Prime Minister, needing as much information as possible as an envoy, had read through all the letters, but… the more he read, the more anxious he became. So much so that he regretted it, thinking it might have been better not to have seen them.

It is said that they are a flock of three hundred, composed of a single species.

It is said that because they appeared from the south, they are from the dark continent.

It is said that our common sense does not apply to them at all.

It is said that the leader of the flock is female and possesses magical power like that of a demon lord.

It is said that even an ordinary member of the flock is equivalent to or greater than a thousand soldiers.

It is said that the members of the flock view people on the same level as food.

It is said that some people have been eaten…

A pile of sealed letters, sealed by Matilde, which can only be opened by the young queen or the Prime Minister she has authorized. In other words, everything written here is the truth, nothing less than what the excellent knight Matilde saw and heard, and is warning the Prime Minister and others about. Furthermore, at the end of every letter, it was written, ‘You must never oppose them’, and ‘You must not harm them’, so he could understand Matilde’s strong emphasis.

Very, very dangerous.

An image of burly, muscular men striding through the town of Plaque floats in the Prime Minister’s mind. A giant like an ogre, casually grabbing an innocent, defenseless citizen and tossing them into its mouth. And a devilish woman who makes such men serve her. Such was the scene the Prime Minister concocted based on the information from Matilde.

Scary…

Well, in reality, they are all like children, with big, round, cute ostrich eyes. These girls are just running around saying ‘Food! Food!’ or sunbathing. …Eh? Do they eat people? A wild ostrich not controlled by the leader would probably eat one without hesitation. It seems the distinction between humans and other creatures is still vague for them.

“No! I must not get weak-kneed…! I must succeed, no matter what!”

Steeling his resolve once more, he was thinking about the king he served in his mind.

Though still young, she possessed enough ability to govern and manage the nation; however, she was not a genius, though she could be called wise. She was a person who ‘cast aside everything else’ to obtain that ability. Just to kill the one who took her family. To increase that possibility even a little. She threw everything away to acquire the skills necessary as a king. That is the queen.

And the final destination that the young queen envisions is only one. ‘The completion of revenge’.

It is no exaggeration to say that she threw everything away to gain the abilities of a king… as a ruler, she had absolutely no intention of ‘connecting to the next generation’. In other words, once she has taken her revenge, she doesn’t care what happens afterward. If she judges that her retainers who serve the king, or the people who support the king, are necessary for her revenge, she will use them up and crush them in an instant.

For her, the position of king is nothing more than ‘something necessary for revenge’. A king who can move many things is more likely to be able to use a Special War Potential than a mere child who has nothing. In other words, ‘no matter what happens to the country’, ‘no matter what happens to the people’, as long as she can achieve her own revenge, that was enough. For a child, family is the world itself, and for her, whose world had already been destroyed, death after achieving revenge was even a salvation.

…………

And, the Prime Minister understood. He understood what the young queen was thinking and what her objective was. And also that he could no longer stop her. He, who had been by her side as her ‘jiiya’ since she was born, and who had supported her as Prime Minister to this day. He, who had come to understand that her grudge was hopelessly deep, regretted that he had been completely unable to lessen that burden.

[T/N: Jiiya is a familiar term for an old male servant or butler, often used by someone they’ve cared for since childhood.]

Therefore, he acts. No, he must act.

The young queen’s ‘objective’ is to negotiate with the Special War Potential, ‘The Ostrich’, and bring them back to the royal capital. And the moment they arrive in the royal capital, to declare war on the nation ruled by ‘that person’, the target of Her Majesty’s revenge, the Beast Kingdom adjacent to the east. To force ‘The Ostriches’ into the war in a haphazard way.

According to Her Majesty the young queen’s assumption, the curtain would fall with her own death at the hands of ‘The Ostriches’, who would realize they had been used, after achieving her revenge using the two special war potentials: ‘The Ostriches’, newly born in Heed, and ‘The Strategist’, Nagan’s pride of intellect. What happens to the nation after that is none of her concern.

I will change that.

The Prime Minister directs the spearhead of his anger not at the queen, but at himself. Fortunately, considering the young queen’s appearance, it would not be suspicious to say that the Prime Minister was pulling all the strings behind the scenes. Rather, it would be judged as a plausible story. That is how young Her Majesty is.

If a Special War Potential rampages, it is predicted that the nation itself will suffer considerable damage. However, the Prime Minister believed that if he could achieve the defeat of the enemy Special War Potential and the survival of Her Majesty, it would be more than worth it. He believed that if the young queen’s ability and the power of a Special War Potential could be truly combined, the Heed Kingdom could survive in this world of continuous warfare, even if he were not there.

He does not know what the queen will think after her revenge is fulfilled. But the Prime Minister believes that if she lives, there is a possibility that something will change. He wants her to live rather than to die and erase all possibilities. With such feelings in his heart, he heads to these negotiations. It was his final service, he who had also served the former king.

“I really must pull myself together, mustn’t I.”

◇◆◇◆◇

“Eh, the Prime Minister is coming!?”

“Yes, he says he wants to thank Reis-dono.”

“Heeh~”

After the regular monster hunt, while I was letting my kids play freely and watching them, Matilde came to talk to me. After returning from the hunt, she got a message from somewhere and rushed off towards town… So the Prime Minister is coming, huh… uh, hey? This might be weird if my perception is wrong, but a prime minister is a super important person, right?

“That’s right, he’s the No. 2 of this country.”

“Ah, I see. Just as I thought.”

Indeed, I did stop an invasion from another country, and Matilde thanked me for it, and I also heard that she reported it to her superiors. Furthermore, that the country would probably thank me for it as well. But for someone that high up to come flying over all of a sudden… you know? I’m an uncivilized person who’s been living a primitive life for ten years, and in my past life, I wasn’t some great person either. This is the first time in my past and present lives that I’ll be talking to someone that important… Is this one of those times I should ‘dress up’? Even I know that being stark naked would be rude.

“Hmm, I wonder. That person doesn’t care about such things, so I think it’s fine. Of course, if you want to, I’ll help, you know? Besides, this time Reis-dono is on the ‘receiving’ side. Even if he is the Prime Minister, considering the power balance, we are the ones below. If you don’t like it, you can just turn him away.”

“…Is it okay for you to say that, as a court servant?”

“Normally, it’s not. Keep it a secret.”

She says with a laugh. Oh you, what a joker!

…My standard of common sense as a person is based on my experience in modern Japan from my previous life. Therefore, I can’t be assertive towards authority, and my true feelings are that I don’t want to get involved with important people. Especially if it’s a negative for the flock, right? But from what I’ve heard, he doesn’t seem like a bad person. Matilde has helped me a lot, and if I refuse, I’ll probably cause her trouble. In that case, I guess I’ll endure it and accept.

Still, me being ‘above’ them, huh.

As a result of learning various things from Matilde and Amelia-san, it seems that in this world, ‘power’ is everything. Not just simple military might, but wealth, authority, and all that stuff lumped together is ‘power’. Well, in other words, the one left standing at the end is the greatest.

“In this case, we compare Reis-dono and the Heed Kingdom. It is true that our country possesses wealth and authority, but… there is no way we can compete with the overwhelming violence that Reis-dono possesses. If you were to rampage within the country, there would be nothing we could do. Therefore, we bend the knee, go ‘Yes, my lord!’, and come to say ‘We’ll do anything, so please be quiet’.”

“…Is that okay? The country’s authority and all that.”

“It’s normal, you know? Against a Special War Potential like yourself. Well, it’s a different story if the king is a Special War Potential, like in the neighboring Beast Kingdom.”

Special War Potential, the ridiculously strong people in this world. It seems we ostriches are also included in that, and the Heed Kingdom, which originally had no Special War Potentials, is apparently pulling various strings so that we will stay in this country. I didn’t really understand that part, the power dynamics of trying to incorporate us, but Amelia-san explained it to me, saying, “If the ‘Biku-Biku’ that you talk about would lend you their power in times of need in exchange for being carefully protected normally, that would be reassuring, wouldn’t it?” and I was very convinced. Indeed, if there was a possibility of somehow dealing with the Biku-Biku and other highland monsters with words, I would have kowtowed or done anything… Well, in reality, if I did that, I’d probably just be eaten immediately.

“Special War Potential, huh. Compared to ‘Biku-Biku’ and the like, I think we’re pretty cute. …And we are actually cute ♡”

“The stories I sometimes hear about the ‘Highlands’. My head starts to hurt when I listen to them. …So, what will you do, Reis-dono?”

She asks if I will settle in this country by signing a contract with the Heed Kingdom, or if I will go to another country. From what she and Amelia have told me, it seems that there are countries everywhere that would want the military power of us ‘Ostriches’. In other words, I can go anywhere I want to serve. Furthermore, it is even possible to sign a contract on equal footing with a nation, rather than belonging to one.

“Let’s see…”

Honestly, thinking as the leader of the flock, as long as these kids can live freely and their food problems are solved, that’s all that matters. I don’t want to fight because it would put the flock members in danger, but compared to the highlands where there was a possibility of the flock being wiped out every day, it’s much better. If I can get the safety and food for my kids in their daily lives in exchange for accepting the risk of fighting, I should take it.

Honestly, it’s difficult to survive in this human society without receiving protection from somewhere. It’s impossible for my kids to work or earn money. It would be difficult for me to go somewhere to work and earn money, and then who would take care of them? In that case, it’s better to receive support from some country. So, which country’s support should I receive? That’s the question…

From what I’ve heard from Matilde, Amelia-san, and the other adventurers in her party, there are two good options nearby. The Heed Kingdom where we are now, and a place called the Charda Beast Kingdom to the east. The Heed Kingdom is a multi-ethnic nation, so it has a foundation for accepting beastmen, and thanks to the presence of many other races, the country is working to reduce friction between races. On the other hand, the Charda Beast Kingdom, as the name suggests, is a nation of beastmen, and we technically belong to that group, and since their national character values strength, it seems there’s a high possibility we’ll fit in. Well, both countries seem to have little prejudice against us ostrich beastmen, and there’s no danger of persecution. By the way, the Nagan Kingdom to the west is out of the question. A ‘love humans, kill everything else’ nation.

So, if I compare these two countries… Well, it has to be the Heed Kingdom, right?

I have friends in this country that I made for the first time since coming to a cultural sphere, and my kids are starting to get used to the place called Plaque. And above all, we’ve already done the Heed Kingdom a favor. Since we’ve sold them the favor of having repelled an invasion from a nation that advocates human supremacism, Nagan, we’ll be able to sell ourselves at a higher price to the Heed Kingdom.

“Well, for now, the plan is to be in this country’s care, I guess.”

“Really!”

“Yep, yep, for real, for real. But well… I’ll decide after I hear what the Prime Minister has to say, you know?”

What we want is ‘securing food’ and ‘a place to live’, and then maybe ‘the safety of the flock’. The demands they’ll make, and the things I can’t concede. That’s what’s required, a skillful compromise on those points. …Alright! As the leader of the flock, I’ll do my best!

◇◆◇◆◇

“Amelia-san… is this really okay?”

I say as I peek at my reflection in the full-length mirror. There stood me, not in my usual naked state, but adorned with the numerous accessories I had received from Aran-san for my kids the other day. Of course, I am only wearing the accessories. …Um, I don’t really want to put it into words, but being naked with just string-like accessories on, isn’t that completely out and requires an age rating? Isn’t it bad? Honestly, I’m starting to regret asking for this.

I mean, eh, what? Thanks to being tidied up, my hair feels like its cuticles are shining more than usual. And the feathers on my torso and wings have also been groomed with a special brush for bird-type beastmen, so they look very beautiful. No, that part is fine, you know? That part.

But on my head, there’s a crown-like thing with lots of jewels attached to a stringy circlet, right? I’m wearing a bunch of clearly expensive necklaces, right? And I have a lot of gold rings and stuff on my legs… Isn’t this something out of that kind of play!? I’ve seen it in my past life, with dancers and stuff!

It’s true that I’m beautiful enough to make me go ‘Eh, is this me!’, but! Is this really okay!? Won’t I be treated as a walking environmental disaster, a strange woman who destroys the sexual-preferences of the youth!?

“Is that so…? It’s a common attire for beastmen like you who are covered in fur or feathers. Well, you’re not wearing clothes, but…”

“No, I’ve certainly heard of it, you know!? But it’s just… you know! I’m naked with accessories on!?”

“You’re meeting the Prime Minister, right? You’re the chieftain, so you wanted to dress appropriately, didn’t you?”

Well, yes, but…

The other party is the country’s No. 2, a ridiculously important person. And from what I heard from Matilde, it’s definitely not just ‘thanks for annihilating the Nagan invasion force’. They will definitely bring up how to deal with us ‘Ostriches’. In that case, I have to respond as the leader of these kids’ flock. There’s a certain way one should dress for that. So I asked Amelia-san, who seems to have a wealth of life experience—elven life?—and has traveled to many places, to help me prepare, but…

“It’s true that if an elf or a human did the same thing, they’d be taken care of by the guards as a pervert, but for a beastman, it’s normal. Dere, you think so too, right?”

“???”

“…Isn’t your leader beautiful?”

“? I don’t know!”

Dere replies cheerfully, a child who’s taken a liking to Amelia-san’s scent and is always with her for some reason. I always thought she was an obsessive child, but… she’s gotten quite attached to Amelia-san. I don’t know if the ostriches, who can’t even remember the faces of their other companions, remember an individual’s face, but… seeing these kids interacting and getting along with people like this makes me happy in various ways.

But Dere? I think this is where you say ‘She’s beautiful!’ even if you don’t know. I don’t really mind, but I learned in my past life that you should say these things even as a compliment. Well, I think she probably doesn’t even understand the concept of a compliment in the first place, though.

“She’s actually beautiful, so don’t worry. Besides, can’t you trust your master’s opinion? …Well, a master who still hasn’t even properly taught you magic manipulation, though.”

“Ugh! A-about that, I am truly…”

“It’s fine, it’s the master’s responsibility if the disciple can’t do it. Well, for now, why don’t you just enjoy your talk with the Prime Minister?”

Enjoy it… the other party is the country’s No. 2, you know? The Prime Minister, you know? In modern terms, that’s a Prime Minister or a Minister or someone on that level, you know? There’s no way I can enjoy it… Well, I’m the leader of these kids too, so I’ll do my best, but… Amelia-san, you’ll be with me, right?

“Of course. I’m practically on a break from being an adventurer, and it seems Dere wants to stay here, so I’ll stay too. …Ah, during the talk. Treat me like a handmaiden, okay? And don’t forget the condescending attitude. The strong have a way of behaving as the strong. Just go with that ‘aura’ you showed me in the highlands. Besides, if the country looks down on you, it’ll be a pain later on, you know? Taking them out with the first shot is important.”

“…Are you sure that’s okay?”

“Yes, with all this primping, it’s sure to go well.”

That’s not what I was talking about, but… well, I guess behaving appropriately is important. For now, I’ll try ‘Chieftain Mode’. Doing that makes my kids come over weirdly, and it puts me on edge, so I don’t really want to do it, but… it can’t be helped. For now, I’ll just be careful not to let the Prime Minister get attacked and cause a problem.

◇◆◇◆◇

“It has been a while, Prime Minister-dono.”

“My, my, thank you for coming all this way to greet me. Are you well, Matilde-dono?”

Matilde-san, who is entrusted with the protection of this town, greets the Prime Minister who has arrived in Plaque. Her direct superior is the queen herself, but when faced with someone who holds the rank of Prime Minister, Matilde, who only holds the rank of ‘Knight’, must offer a suitable reception.

However, Matilde is the only one to greet the arriving Prime Minister and his entourage. Normally, she should have allocated most of the soldiers under her command for the Prime Minister and for the reception… The fact that no one is criticizing this shows that everyone understands just how exceptional this case is.

“…So, is the town alright?”

Choosing his words carefully, the Prime Minister asks. In his head, the scene of perverts with bulging, muscular bodies striding through the town in a gang is still painted. Well, considering the letters he has received from Matilde so far, it is no wonder that such a monster would be produced. And since they eat people in the literal sense, the town’s residents must be in a terrible state, the Prime Minister thinks, and he spins his words in a voice that shows his concern for her. Perhaps because she is of commoner origin, she sees the townspeople as individuals, not as ‘numbers’ like other nobles. Therefore, her mental fatigue must be immeasurable; that was the intention behind his words.

“Yes, well, it’s true that our food and funds are about to hit rock bottom, but… the lives of the people are as usual.”

“A-as usual…???”

“Ah, come to think of it, recently we’ve been seeing the town’s children playing with them a lot.”

“Playing!?”

The image that pops into the Prime Minister’s mind: a scene of burly, muscular men playing in the sand with the town’s children. A scene of them happily playing chase. How very surreal.

“No, that doesn’t matter… no, it does matter! They eat people, right!? They should be the last ones to let children get close to! No, children are beings who ignore what adults say, but it’s the adult’s job to stop them!”

At that point, Matilde also finally realizes that something amazing is going on in the Prime Minister’s head. It’s true that if you only look at the letters she sent, you would imagine a dangerous monster strolling through the town. No, well, it’s not wrong that they are dangerous opponents, but…

“Ah… Well, for now, please rest assured. I think it will be faster to show you. They basically live outside the town, on the opposite side of here. Let’s go at once… oh, and, if the guards could please disarm here and wait. In the worst case, you will be annihilated.”

She urges the Prime Minister’s guards to leave their weapons. When people feel their lives are in danger, they tend to ready their weapons. This is even more so for trained soldiers. However, for ‘The Ostriches’, that is nothing but a hostile act, an act that makes them a target of a ‘hunt’. For now, thanks to ‘her’ strong words, a major incident resulting in deaths has not occurred, but if by some chance a spear or sword blade were to hit one of the ostriches… The Prime Minister and his men would not be returning to the royal capital alive.

“…Understood. Then everyone, please put your weapons and such in the wagon. To avoid provoking the other party, it would be better if I went alone. …Also, if I do not return, I have prepared written instructions in the carriage, so please follow them. …Well then, shall we go?”

The Prime Minister gives instructions to his guards, straightens his appearance, and steels his resolve. And so, they began to move.

“Matilde-dono, I have confirmed it in the letters I received, but… I would still like to hear about the leader of the ostriches, ‘Reis’-dono, from your own mouth. No matter how trivial it may be.”

As they walk slowly along the outskirts of the town, outside the defensive walls, the Prime Minister asks. He, who thinks not only of the country’s future but also of the queen’s future. Since he doesn’t know what might cause the other party to become enraged, he wanted to get as much information as possible.

“Let’s see… Compared to the other ‘Ostriches’, she is very intelligent, or rather, someone you can communicate with. I believe she is a person with a relatively gentle way of thinking who is considering coexistence with us. However, I still feel that she draws a clear line between her own kind and others. If you were to interact with her as a mere individual, I think she could be a very good friend… But if you are to deal with her as their leader, as the chieftain, I believe you should be very careful with your words and actions towards her kin.”

“…I see.”

“Ah, and also, I think she likes jokes, but it would be better to refrain from compliments and such. There are still parts of her that I do not understand, how far I can tread. I had the opportunity to interact with her as just a friend… And while she let my slips of the tongue at the drinking party slide, I believe your words, Prime Minister-dono, will be taken as the words of the country.”

As he listens, the Prime Minister’s mind races. In the era of the former king, he worked as a minister in charge of foreign affairs. He has a corresponding amount of experience in meetings with kings of other countries. From what she says, it seems he felt it would be best to immediately discard the plan of praising her to get her in a good mood, which was one of the policies he had initially considered. Rather than using strange flattery and stepping on a landmine, it would be better to approach the meeting with a sincere attitude, and after the conversation has been settled to some extent, proceed with the conversation without regard to official positions. His experience judged that she was the type to prefer such actions. In that way, he had determined a certain direction, and was about to voice his next question, but…

” ” “Waaah!!!” ” ”

His thoughts are interrupted by the voices of what sound like many children. Looking towards the voices, he sees bird-like beastmen. He can see what look like their children running around in circles in the same place.

“Wait, wait-!” “Wait-!”

“Waaah!” “I’m tired!”

“…Hehe, how heartwarming.”

“Ah~, yes.”

“They don’t look like people I see much in Heed… Did they recently come to Plaque?”

The Prime Minister asks Matilde, while watching the beastman children playing, running around outside the defensive walls, taking a nap in the sun in a large group, or digging a hole large enough to bury their entire bodies.

The multi-ethnic nation of Heed Kingdom is not allowed to favor any one race or tribe. And at the same time, it is not allowed to not provide support to any one group. It was created by somehow managing to unite everyone while ensuring that there were no disparities and that dissatisfaction did not accumulate.

Therefore, the fact that there is a new race to be seen means that they are a race that has flowed in from outside the country, and a race that has not yet received the country’s protection. In order to be trusted by their new brethren, and also so that the existing races do not lose faith in the country, swift support is necessary. Of course, they must confirm that they are not spies from another country.

The Prime Minister, standing in a position that supports the country, asked her as part of his duties.

“Prime Minister-dono. I would like you to listen without being surprised, but… those are ‘The Ostriches’.”

“…Those are?”

“Yes, the ostriches.”

“Waaah!” “Rest-!”

“Warm and toasty,” “The sun,” “is warm.”

“Where is this-!?” “Help me-!” “I don’t like the dark-!”

Running around, then suddenly sitting down to rest. Napping under the sun, then suddenly not knowing where they are. The one who was digging a hole realizes he’s buried in the dirt and calls for help, the one who went to help also falls in the hole and panics, then suddenly calms down…

The perverted, muscular macho men that had been depicted in the Prime Minister’s mind are instantly blown away and rewritten by the ostriches. For a moment, the Prime Minister’s cheeks almost relax at their truly innocent, or rather, childlike behavior… but he realizes. That innocence, precisely because it is innocent, is terrifying and cruel.

“…What about their sense of camaraderie?”

“It extends only to their own kind.”

The Prime Minister can’t help but think. When they were children, had they not done extremely cruel things from an adult’s perspective without a second thought, just for the reason that it was fun? It is because they know nothing that they can do anything, it is because they understand nothing that they do it. And, their companions are only their own kind. In other words, it means that the brakes of pity and compassion that humans would normally have do not apply.

“Their, their chieftain? Does she, hold such a consciousness towards us?”

“Yes, which is why she seems to be considering coexistence. Also, she is willing to negotiate with our country.”

“…Thank you.”

If they were all innocent beings, there was a possibility that not just this country, but all surrounding countries would not stop until they were destroyed. In that case, the young queen’s wish might be granted, but the Prime Minister’s wish would not be. …But, their leader is different.

In other words, everything depends on this negotiation. If he can win over the leader, the plan will proceed, and the future of this country will also be connected. If he fails, it’s all over.

“…Now, let us go.”

◇◆◇◆◇

“Reis-dono! I have brought the Prime Minister of our country!”

Matilde’s voice echoes inside the tent. Amelia-san, who I don’t know when she prepared it, is staring at me with a hood pulled down low to hide her elven ears and face. She has a great deal of life experience, it seems she has also met many important people, and she just taught me how to proceed.

I give her a slight nod, and while asking her to bring them before me, I focus my consciousness. The ‘Chieftain Mode’ I was talking about was probably an act of unconsciously releasing my own magic. The magic I usually suppress with a lid. When I get serious, it feels like I blow away not just the lid but the outer wall as well, and hit them with it as immense pressure. I finally understood the principle after I became able to perceive magic.

I still can’t move or use it at all, but… just letting it flow out is easy.

I release the shackles and let it out all at once. Dere, who was inside the tent, instantly switches, and I sense all the flock members outside the tent slowly begin to move towards me. I signal Dere, who looks like she’s about to move at any moment, to sit with my neck, and straighten my own posture. ‘The behavior of the strong’—in a way, in this world where everything can be moved by power alone, a corresponding way of behaving is required.

Well, I also just plain don’t like it when my kids or other members of my species are looked down on because of me. Since we’ve made it this far, there’s a possibility that ostriches other than us could wash up here. So that they won’t be discriminated against or taken advantage of at such a time. I shall face this matter as the representative of the ostrich species.

“Reis-sama.”

While I’m thinking about that, Amelia-san brings the visitor to the back of the tent. Taking advantage of the fact that the other party can’t see her face, she’s making a completely ridiculous face. Why are you adding ‘-sama’ and using a voice that creates such an atmosphere, Master… Well, I’ll play along.

I reply with just a slight movement of my neck and watch her take a seat below Dere, who is sitting next to me.

Now then, as for the Prime Minister-dono…

I briefly look at the face of the man who entered, who must be the Prime Minister. An old man with a very pale complexion, perhaps overwhelmed by my aura. I have no hobby of bullying the elderly, but this is quick and easy to understand. I’ll turn it back to normal when we’re done talking, so forgive me ♡

There’s almost nothing in this tent. Since people were coming, I pushed everything that was here into a different tent; it’s like a makeshift audience chamber. There’s something like a carpet on the ground, and the place where I sit is a little higher. All that’s left is for me to sit cross-legged, rest my cheek on my hand, and glare at the Prime Minister-san, and with Dere and Amelia-san positioned by my side, the setup is complete.

…So, what was I supposed to say? Uh, for now, does the Prime Minister-san have something? Do I have to be the one to speak first? Ugh, I don’t have that much vocabulary I can use in this kind of situation…! Do your best, my mouth! Spin! Move!

“Should I say, ‘Welcome’? Well, you may sit.”

For now, it would be bad for a number of reasons if he just stood there, so I urge him to sit. Ah~, what should I do. In terms of the conversation’s content, first he’ll thank me for that raid incident~, I’ll accept that~, and then next he’ll ask ‘Will you become a HEED KINGDOM LOVE?’, so I’ll ask back, ‘Sure, but how much can you offer-! Try and jump-!’. …Alright, Reis-chan, you’ve got it!

I’ll show you the power of Reis-chan, who has the strongest brain in ostrich history!

“So, for what purpose have you come?”

◇◆◇◆◇

“Reis-dono! I have brought the Prime Minister of our country!”

The Prime Minister is led by Matilde-san and moves to the tent where Reis, the leader of the ostriches, awaits. A few seconds after arriving, Matilde-san shouted so, in a voice with a slight stiffness, that it echoed to the inside of the tent. She had said just before that she had ‘interacted with Reis several times’, but she must be nervous in a situation like this. …Well, that can’t be helped. If she makes even one mistake, the country she belongs to, the Heed Kingdom, will be finished.

The possibility that a being with the ability to easily scatter people, due to its innocence, may not be able to be restrained. To oppose them means a war of annihilation until, in the worst case, all existence is erased. If this were directed at an enemy, it would be an unparalleled fighting force, but the moment it is turned inward, the kingdom of rubble is complete.

The Prime Minister accepts this fact once more and tries to calm his spirit by taking a deep breath, but…

“Tch!”

Something pierces his entire body, and his body instantly understands. Death itself. His heart stops for a moment, and he feels the strength drain from his entire body. However, he somehow manages to hold it back with the power of his will, and tries to maintain a posture befitting his office. And so, as he somehow tries to maintain the face of a representative of the country, a human figure emerges from the back of the tent.

A woman with her face hidden by a deep robe. It is a field that is difficult for the Prime Minister and Matilde, who have little understanding of magic, to judge accurately, but from the ‘aura’ that envelops her body, they can understand that she is a being with considerable magical power.

“…The chief is waiting in the back.”

“Amelia-dono, what are you-”

“We’ll talk about that later, now, inside. …Oh, and. I recommend you keep a strong will.”

The woman called Amelia says so and points behind the Prime Minister, to the outside of the tent. The Prime Minister was curious about her exchange with Matilde, but more than that, he felt a strong question as to why she would go out of her way to point at something in a place like this, and he turned to look in that direction as if drawn by it. He turns around.

And, what remains is regret, and a strong fear.

The children who were playing like children just a moment ago, the ostriches are right behind them. All of them, with their clear eyes directed this way. The faces of the Prime Minister and Matilde are reflected in their round, transparent eyes that seem to be thinking of nothing, and their faces are rapidly distorting. It is just, terrifying. The absence of will means that with a single trigger, everything will attack. In other words, if they fail in any way, it will be over in that instant. They were made to witness that.

“…Matilde-dono, shall we go?”

“………Understood.”

They continue to act as if nothing is wrong, paying the utmost attention. Breathing shallowly and quickly, they stepped into the tent where the presence of death was growing stronger.

With every step forward, their brains sound an alarm, and it grows louder and louder. That they should flee this place immediately. However, that is not allowed, there is no way it would be allowed. If you look behind you for a moment, the ostriches are surrounding the tent, and they have come into the tent, blocking their immediate rear. Death in front, death behind. If you can’t survive without moving forward, you have no choice but to advance.

The Prime Minister, while forcing his body that was on the verge of breaking to move, moves further forward.

And then.

“Should I say, ‘Welcome’? Well, you may sit.”

She was there.

A particularly large ostrich, exuding a thick presence of death, gazing this way as if to appraise them. Looking at her, one can understand that she is of the same species as those outside. However, her body is adorned in the same way as the other high-ranking beastmen the Prime Minister knows, she is taller, and ‘something’ is definitely different. And above all, the power of will felt from those eyes. They were made to understand that this person was their leader, the leader of the ostrich species, and a being who could kill everything in this place.

The one with the most power to speak here is her. There is no way to rebel against a ‘thing’ backed by overwhelming violence. Since she, who is in such a superior position, has recommended sitting, it is proper etiquette to accept. The Prime Minister sits down on the spot, desperately hiding his inner feelings so as not to appear arrogant, yet not too frightened. Seeing his state, she looks at him as if seeing something interesting, and opens her mouth.

“So, for what purpose have you come?”

“…Regarding the recent invasion by the Nagan Kingdom that surged upon Plaque here. I have come to formally express my gratitude for your defense.”

“Hmph, no pleasantries, huh. …Good, I prefer it that way. Don’t mind it.”

From Matilde’s story, he thought that stringing together strange words of praise would have a negative effect. Because of that, he stated it succinctly. He speaks only words of thanks while bowing his head. Judging by the other party’s reaction, that must have been the right thing to do. While somehow managing to hold back the sigh of relief that was about to escape, the Prime Minister raises his face slightly to gauge the other’s expression.

Their eyes meet. And her lips slowly curl into a smile.

…The attitude of the strong, but it is by no means tyrannical. Although he only knows through hearsay, it is a much more rational exchange compared to other Special War Potentials. In the subtleties of her words, the Prime Minister feels a consideration, a kindness that seems to be concerned for him. What dominates his heart is fear. But from this exchange, he understands that the being before him is by no means a being of violence alone, and a small sense of relief is born within the fear. The Special War Potential called ‘Reis’ has emotions just like a person. And her values are, for now, ‘close to our own’. The fact that she has emotions means that she may feel affection for something, and there is a possibility that she will lower her raised fist. The fact that her values are close means that it will be easier to persuade her. For the Prime Minister, this little piece of information was worth a thousand pieces of gold.

“Well, I had already heard the story from Matilde over there. That you would come all the way from afar today to thank me, right? Right, Matilde?”

“Tch! …Ah, that is correct.”

“Hehe, don’t be so frightened. We’re drinking buddies, aren’t we? Didn’t you say you’d be my friend? The usual me, and the me right now, are the same me. Is it arrogant of me to want you to talk to me as you usually do?”

“N-no…!”

Matilde is flustered, having been suddenly drawn into the conversation. From her reaction, and what can be inferred from their conversation. It is that her relationship with Reis-dono is deeper than he had expected. And it is also clear that this is the first time Matilde has seen Reis-dono in this state.

It may have been a little unfortunate for Matilde, but for the Prime Minister, it was a stroke of luck that had fallen into his lap. The Prime Minister, who had gained time to catch his breath as the line of sight shifted from him to Matilde, continued to search for the optimal solution while his thoughts raced.

“Well, that’s how it is. Prime Minister-dono… was it? That is why you need not worry about the gratitude from before. I will accept it, but I have already received much from Matilde. This tent is one of them. You should be well aware of that… Shall we get to the main topic?”

That last word, the moment Reis put it into words. The aura he was receiving, the thick presence of death, grows stronger. The Prime Minister has a vision of a scene where something pitch-black overflows from behind her. If he hadn’t been sitting on the ground, he would have clearly collapsed. Before him was a power that made him think so.

“Hehe, don’t be so frightened, Prime Minister-dono. Well, it may indeed be a topic that is difficult to broach from your side… I want to check how much of my own assumptions are correct. May I be allowed to speak?”

“I-it matters not.”

“Thank you… Well, to put it simply, you want to keep us in the Heed Kingdom, don’t you? I hear that this country does not have beings like us… ‘Special War Potentials’, was it? Therefore, you want to put a collar on us with a contract or something, keep us as pets, and use us as watchdogs or vanguards. …Am I correct?”

“…………There is no, mistake.”

It is not wrong. However, he was made to say it, he could not make a correction that it was different. A sense of impatience is born in the Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister, if his side had explained, even if the content was the same, he would have chosen his words more carefully. But he is completely, being controlled by their pace. In the first place, negotiations are only held when the power of both parties is equal. When there is too much of a difference, what happens is only one side being pushed around. He is made to understand such a simple thing, right here, right now, in practice.

“Good, it would have been a pain if I was wrong. …Well, on our end, we are thinking of accepting the offer you were about to bring.”

“…”

“If you look outside, you’ll probably understand, but… as you can see, we’re a bunch who can only fight. We can’t even prepare our own meals properly. Therefore, receiving support from somewhere was already in our assumptions. If that’s a nation, then all the more so. Now then…”

She stares at him, and lightly adjusts her posture.

“We will offer our military strength. What can you offer? …Ah, of course, please answer with the consideration that we may go to another country in mind, alright?”

◇◆◇◆◇

Now, what will they bring to the table…

A large part of it was improvisation, but I think I was able to turn my words fairly well. Even with the memories of my past life, this world is full of unknowns. Furthermore, I had spent ten years in the highlands without contact with civilization. My conversation partners until now were, of course, only my kids. The only partners I had were those whose memories lasted only about three seconds. I’ve been doing my best by relying on my past memories since I came here, but there’s a limit.

If I were to fight against ‘a Prime Minister who is clearly used to negotiations’, I would definitely be talked into a corner. Therefore, I sealed his words with the unopposable force of violence and made it so that I could steer the conversation in a way that was advantageous to me. Amelia-san probably intended for me to do something like that as well.

For now, the opening was a success, I guess.

I control the conversation and constantly put pressure on the other party. And by intentionally throwing the conversation to them in the middle, I throw the other party into a vortex of thought. All I have to do is make a face that says ‘You know what will happen if you say something strange, right?’. Well, it’s also said that this is all I can do, but it’s also said that this is enough. It’s many times better than making a blunder by mentioning too many details.

“…First, regarding food.”

“Hmph.”

“Currently. I have heard that the preparation of your meals is being handled by Plaque, and we would like to support that from the country’s side. We will send support from the royal family to Plaque, and ensure that it is returned to you all.”

“What about the deadline?”

“For the duration that you are allied with the Heed Kingdom, for all eternity.”

“I see… and the amount of that support. We will decide it, but you have no complaints, right? Of course, we will set up a place for discussion with you. We are a flock, if we increase, we will demand a corresponding addition. Is that clear?”

“I do not mind.”

Oh, you don’t mind, he says… I said we’d set up a place for discussion, but isn’t this basically like having no ceiling? It means if you don’t give us the amount we want, we’ll leave, you know? …Is it something like, the country will do something about it! or something? Or is it that ‘Special War Potentials’ are that valuable? …Probably the latter. I should add a follow-up.

“What. It is true that our food consumption is much higher than yours, but it is not so much that we will devour everything. If we are lacking, we will have you provide more, it is only to that extent.”

“Thank you.”

Now, what to do next. Honestly, all I need now is ‘a place to live’ and ‘the right to refuse to provide military force’, but… if this continues, other unnecessary things will be added, and it will definitely get complicated. In the first place, ‘the right to refuse’ and such, unless I bring it up, the Prime Minister will definitely not say anything.

No, I could throw a tantrum in the middle of the conversation and have it added, but… if I do that, nine times out of ten, they’ll take the lead in the conversation. I’ve managed to wrap up the food support part so well. I want to avoid making a bad impression by doing something strange.

I can say that I’ll go to another country, but there’s not much merit for me in leaving this one. As an option, there’s the beastmen country, the Beast Kingdom, was it? I can go there, but in that case, it seems like I’d have to give up all the connections I’ve made here. I’ve heard it’s a time of warring states, so I don’t know when a war will break out… I really don’t want to have to fight people I’ve gotten along with here. I’ll do it if I have to in order to protect the flock, but…

Also, if I let this old Prime Minister do all the talking, I feel like he’ll take over the whole board. He has a veteran feel to him; he doesn’t crumble much even with this much pressure on him.

…Should I lead the conversation? The possibility of a slip of the tongue increases, but it’s better than having the initiative taken away.

“Now then, since you have conceded one condition, it would be rude if I did not explain the ‘product’ I am providing… Well, where should I start?”

“…………”

“To put it simply, we can only act as a group. It is because we are that kind of species; we will not lend out one of our members.”

Well, it’s not because we’re that kind of species, but because the moment one gets separated, they become a perpetually lost child that will never return… Until an intelligent individual other than myself is born, or until the current individuals grow up, we must basically act as a single flock. Even if it’s on a battlefield. In fact, it’s scarier to leave my kids behind than to take them to a battlefield.

“On top of that, there are times when we cannot work as a fighting force. I do not know about other beastmen, but… Prime Minister-dono, do you have an understanding of the breeding season?”

“Only a little.”

“Then that is fine. There is a period of several months in a year when we cannot move, and when there is clearly no merit for us to participate, I will have to refuse the offer. …Ah, this is non-negotiable, you know?”

“Understood, we too are of shallow learning regarding your species. If it is impossible, we will withdraw gracefully. However, please also understand that in such a case, there is a possibility that our country itself will be destroyed.”

“…I see, I will remember that.”

Ah~, right. You want to say that if our country breaks when you don’t lend a hand, then there’s no contract or anything anymore, and there won’t be any country that can give you good conditions anymore. Conversely, you’re saying you’ll provide various support in return, I suppose.

“But, to say that much, you will offer something of corresponding value, will you not?”

“Yes, of course.”

“However, you have little understanding of us and do not know what to give, is that it? ‘What can you offer?’ was a rather cruel thing to say, I apologize.”

I was about to bow my head, but I am stopped by his words and hand. …But this old man, when I said the words ‘don’t know what to give’, his face didn’t move an unnatural amount. …It might be bad if I don’t say this first. If this continues, I’ll only be able to secure ‘food’, and I won’t be able to get a ‘place to live’ or the ‘right to refuse’. We don’t need or want anything other than these three things. If I let this guy open his mouth, I’ll be given things I don’t even want, and my actions will be restricted.

And what’s more, even though I’m getting things I don’t need, they’ll probably make a face like ‘If you receive something, you should give something in return, right?’ and make me participate in a war I don’t want to. I might be able to avoid it if I do it well, but there’s a high probability that I won’t be able to avoid it nine times out of ten.

It’s definitely better to present it from my side rather than being forced to wear more shackles, huh.

“Since you have conceded so much, it would be rude of me not to state my wishes. …Well, there are not that many, though.”

Other than the condition the Prime Minister raised, the support for food, there are two things I ask for.

One. First and foremost, the prohibition of hostile actions towards ‘The Ostriches’. If this is broken, as retaliation, we will kill that person and those who were near them.

Two. The provision of a place to live, the location is designated as this Plaque where we are now. Well, it’s maintaining the status quo.

The former, in particular, I added first because I just remembered it. This is not so much something I want, but has a strong meaning of insurance. If my kids go on a rampage, the possibility of me being able to stop them is low, so if I don’t include this, I’ll end up being blamed for a troublesome crime. Of course, I have no intention of letting them kill innocent people, but I felt it would be bad if I didn’t include it.

“…To kill them all, you mean.”

“My people are hot-blooded, even I cannot stop them. Ah, of course, I have no intention of crushing the whole country, so rest assured.”

“Is that, so… Understood, I will issue a proclamation to all citizens. And for the second condition as well…”

When the Prime Minister glances at Matilde, she nods deeply. I guess she has no reason to object if she can receive support from the country, huh? Well, as long as we are here as a fighting force, the possibility of being attacked by weak monsters around here is reduced. She probably judged that overall, there are more positives.

“This is also fine.”

“That is good… Well, I may have other requests in the future, but… at that time, I would like to set up a meeting through Matilde again. Is that alright?”

“Yes, I do not mind.”

After receiving his reply, I glance at Amelia-san. She’s nodding too, so this form is probably fine. …Phew, for now, the contract is over. Yep. It should have settled in a form that’s not disadvantageous to us, or rather, is okay. It would be the worst if my kids suffered a disadvantage because of me. Most of them probably won’t remember what was done to them, but you know? I don’t like it.

“Then, our business is concluded. I am glad to have had this good talk with you. I hope that we can maintain a good relationship with your country in the future.”

“Yes, we as well.”

I receive the Prime Minister’s reply and let out a breath without him noticing. Ahh~! It’s finally over. Yep, this should be fine, right? I said what I wanted to say, and I made my requests. For a first time, I did pretty well. I have to praise myself, good job~.

“So, Reis-dono.”

“What is it?”

“This is unrelated to the current matter, but… our country’s king, Her Majesty the Queen, has said that she would very much like to see you in person. Would it be possible for you to come to the royal capital, along with your followers?”

“Eh, no.”

Ah, crap. My real self just slipped out.