Oh, how could this happen?

　Erdis muttered to himself as he stood in front of the elven masters. Of course, she wouldn't let such thoughts show on her face. She would never reveal anything that would make them feel uneasy. I've been good at theatrics since I was a kid.

　But I couldn't help but think. Why is this happening to me?

"Princess ......, it takes an army to make things happen. We'll throw in our own private army.

　With a smile that did not degrade her, Elddis answered the voice. In the darkness, a number of glittering elf eyes drifted by.

　Letting out a light exhale, Elddis sifted through them.

　Perhaps the ones who had been called loyal servants since their father's time were less of a concern. As long as they didn't do anything out of line with the Finn bloodline, they would do well because of the loyalty that welled up in their hearts and their opposition to Largias.

　Now the question is, who sits at the bottom of the table?

　The ones who are not interested in loyalty at all, but who have been displaced and driven out of their positions in Largias' rule, and who are willing to follow us for profit. The question is, how far can we draw them in?

　That's what Lugis said. Oh, God, I hate this.

I'm sure some of you still have your doubts. Some of you may still be wondering if you can trust your lives to this little girl.

　He said, placing his fingers on his chest and looking deep into the darkness. My heart almost jumped. I'm good at pretending, but it's been a long time since I've done something so theatrical. After all, I've been buried in that tower for so long.

　Don't bite your words, but speak slowly. Your voice should be resonant, your belly should be strong. I tell the people around me, in a tone that sounds like poetry.

　At the sound of Erdis's voice, some eyes darted about in confusion, others widened, others looked at him as if to assess his strength. The content varied, but there was no doubt that all of the interest in the room was now concentrated in her voice.

"Well, some of you may want to give this plan to Largius and cut off my head. But I hope you will at least consider which side has the best chance of winning at this meeting.

"There is no such thing, ...... Princess.

　The old loyal retainer's voice was fine, as if he was admonishing her. The low voice seemed to indicate that he was sincerely concerned about Elddis.

　That's as it should be. If you say something like this, and it's coming from a little girl like Elddis. It is not surprising that there are a few people who feel antagonistic towards her. Elves have a long temper, and once anger is harbored in the depths of their hearts, it does not go away easily. It smolders for a long time, a very long time.

　But it is these people that must be incited. Erdis's lips were pale and wet, and his blue eyes glittered in the darkness.

"Let's go to ...... and discuss the plan. Let's talk about how we're going to win. Let's talk about how we're going to win. Let's talk about how we're going to force Lagias off his throne.

　The voice was gentle, tickling my ear. The strangely haunting voice slowly seeped into the darkness and into the consciousness of all those around the table.

　You are a smart man.

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here.

　I had heard that she was an elf princess in a box, so I hadn't expected her to have much knowledge of tactics or fighting techniques, nor had I expected her to.

　But here's the truth. From the beginning of this meeting, she was flashing her words as if she had a vision of what was to come.

　How should we win? How much glory is there in that? How will the traitor be disgraced by the poets of the future? What a disadvantage that would be. Over and over again, as I remind everyone.

　I've been there, I know. Mattia's eyes flickered to the elves around him.

　At first, they couldn't shake their skeptical gaze. They were the ones who would have been willing to assess the qualities and flit to either the princess's side or Largias's side if they had the chance. The heat in their eyes rose as if fueled by the princess's words.

　Well, this is what charisma is all about, I suppose. Mattia placed a finger on his chin and nodded lightly. The centripetal force created by the noble blood that draws everyone's hearts together.

　I must learn this art myself. Words to force people's hearts to burst into flames and drive them to action. Mattia's lips pursed as he listened to the words.

"But, Princess. The royal guard is weak. There are informers. Then you should show your authority here. You should stride proudly through the streets and march on them.

　One of the elves spoke up. That's a very nice thing to say. He sounded feverishly optimistic, as if he thought everything would turn out all right. Most of the time, such dreamy words are shattered in their dreams.

　Suddenly, Mattia's eyes turned to the Elven princess. How would the princess respond? If she simply rejects it, she will be seen as being too afraid of the Ra'gyaas. If she were to accept it, the calculating ones would give up on her.



　Finn, the human champion, has to see reality. But if he sees only reality, he will be disappointed by those who see the ideal. How selfish the people can be.

　For a moment, the princess's eyes twinkled and her long ears flicked. Then she spoke in a flowing voice.

"Sir. I don't act to give soldiers a graveyard. I only raise them to win. That plan would kill men blindly. At least, I'm not going to sacrifice any soldiers on my side.

That's not too idealistic.

　An elf near Mattia let out a squeak. It's like a voice piercing the princess. You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their lives. Without thinking, Mattia gulped down his spit.

　From my point of view, I must make sure that this princess succeeds. Ragias has joined forces with the Great Patriarch. The heraldry will no longer be able to take advantage of her. Therefore, if the heraldry is to find a way to win in the future, it must put a new Finn on the throne. I will help them in any way I can.

　But for this moment, at least, I had to let the princess ride it out on her own. If she doesn't show off her abilities as a lord, those below her won't be able to follow. There are not many people in this world who can overcome everything with loyalty alone.

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do this, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

But still. But even so, it is the duty of those who rise to the top to pursue the ideal. What I'm saying is that we should not make unnecessary sacrifices. Or is it that you prefer waste?

　He seemed to have a lot of time on his hands when he joked about it.

　The elf who posed the question also closed his words with a smile and a shrug of his shoulders. The answer may be mediocre. But his attitude is good. He is resolute, relaxed, and has a certain conviction in his heart. That's the way a leader should be. She believes in herself.

　Perhaps she has learned such manners from someone. Perhaps it's her father, who was Finn, or another elf.

Now, there are a few things I would like you to prepare, first--

　I have a few things I want you to prepare, first. The princess spoke smoothly, as if assuming many, many things. Even Mattia rolled his eyes at this. Even though this was only the first time she had ever held a rally, it seemed that everything, including the future, was already in the brain of her leader.

　I heard that she was imprisoned in the tower for a long time. Well, she must have been harboring some very unbearable emotions during that time.

　And so, the meeting came to a close. When the agenda was no longer so modest, Mattia raised his hand at the right moment to avoid antagonizing the others. She knew she shouldn't be too obvious, but there was one thing she had to resolve.

"What is it, my precious human collaborator, Mattia? Let's hear what you have to say.

　Thank you," the voice rang out, and Mattia brushed aside the stares of those around him.

　She kept her eyes downcast in a show of respect and spoke.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. You do not know him, do you? His name is Lugis.

"I don't know.

　It was thrown into the darkness in a strong tone, as if to eat up Mattia's words. Mattia's eyes blinked. The elves around her looked up at the slight change in her appearance.

...... Excuse me. I'm sorry, but I don't know any humans besides you. Yes, if I hear about it, I promise to tell you.

　The princess's face had already regained its composure as she said this. A slight smile appeared on her face, and her voice wavered gently.

　Mattia nodded, thanked her, and narrowed his eyes.

　--I see. I see now where you've been indulging in your playful antics. Lugis.

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.