Up until now, the regressor had merely been negotiating. Though annoyed, she hadn’t tried to use her strength, opting instead to continue the conversation. But now, things were different.

She looked ready to draw her sword at any moment, her attitude ferocious—not with the cold killing intent of facing an enemy, but with the reckless aggression of a child throwing a tantrum until they got what they wanted. The only difference was that her power level was akin to that of a demon.

“I told you, didn’t I? I don’t like hostages. No matter who they are.”

“Oh my?”

Hilde forced a clumsy smile, but the regressor’s expression darkened even more.

Until now, she had limited her use of power to achieve her goals. But if the regressor decided to unleash her full strength, she could destroy a country, no matter how long it took. Especially if it were the military nation, which she’d consistently annihilated in previous rounds. Placing her hand on the hilt of Cheonaeng, the regressor growled.

“Do you think I fought my way here just to be manipulated by you taking hostages? Let them go, now.”

A terrifying aura emanated from the regressor, directed solely at Hilde. Of course, since Hilde was on my lap, I ended up taking the aura head-on as well. Hilde, looking troubled, asked me.

“Hmm. This is a bit awkward~. It doesn’t seem like the right time to use the hostage’s safety as leverage. Father, could you do something?”

No way, she’s asking me? My hands are trembling just like hers.

“Hughes.”

Damn it, she’s finally noticed. I responded somewhat sheepishly.

“Oh, yes?”

“I consider you my comrade. If you were ever taken hostage, or whatever, it would ruin my mood.”

Even though you were just thinking about selling me off as a hostage!

…But then again, I guess that wasn’t her true intention.

Once the regressor accepts someone as a comrade, she’s surprisingly devoted to them. Just a moment ago, for instance. When Nebida tried to take me away, the regressor charged in, knowing she couldn’t possibly win. She might have died, but she didn’t regret that choice at all.

And it’s the same now.

“You didn’t personally suggest taking your friend and the princess as hostages. But if the negotiations could only proceed under such conditions… even if the princess isn’t harmed, if you accepted that arrangement…”

From the regressor’s tone, I sensed a hint of disappointment. It was minor, but even that small difference would greatly impact my future.

Not just in this round, but in the next as well.

‘Admit it. Hughes is a stroke of luck. Things have never gone so smoothly across all rounds. It must be because of Hughes. But… can I really trust him?’

Competent or incompetent—between the two, I am undoubtedly on the competent side. But for the regressor, that isn’t all that important.

“Hughes. Answer me. Where are they?”

“Oh… they should be arriving soon…”

Just as I finished speaking, the door swung open. Entering was Tir, with a parasol on one shoulder and a golem on the other. She looked around the room before spotting me.

“Hugh!”

With a smile of delight, Tir marched straight over to me. Her steps were full of energy, but her short stride meant it took a while for her to reach me. Currently, she was one of my most amicable allies, second only to Historia, and a strong companion on our side. The progenitor vampire, Tircanzhaka.

What a shame. If only the hidden power behind the military nation weren’t a saint, she would’ve been a formidable ally. But if I’d brought Tir along, there’d be nothing but destruction and massacre, so I couldn’t.

I greeted Tir warmly.

“It feels like it’s been a while. Sorry for leaving without a word. I had things to do…”

Tir briefly tilted her shoulder, revealing the golem.

“This puppet told me about it. Said you went alone for negotiations. I understand the intent, but why leave without even a hint? Did you think I wouldn’t worry? But… what’s going on here?”

Tir, who had approached cheerfully, tilted her head when she noticed the tense standoff between the regressor and me. She quickly picked up on the serious look on the regressor’s face.

Luckily, Tir had the means to resolve this situation—or, more specifically, what she carried on her shoulder. I called to the golem.

“Aibi.”

It took a moment for the golem to respond, as it seemed quite busy.

[Military nation communication officer Aibi at your service. Sir, was the persuasion successful?]

“Not yet. Aibi, Shea here was worried about the esteemed princess’s safety.”

[Esteemed princess…? Are you referring to Yerien Grandiomor?]

“Yes. It seems she’s worried about her safety. Could you call her for us?”

The golem tilted its head slightly before, while maintaining the connection, it seemed to reach out to someone else.

[Yerien Grandiomor. There is someone asking for you. Affirmative. Shea is concerned for your safety… Wait, stop. Shouting in my ear won’t make your voice reach the golem. Synchronization doesn’t work that way. Please, stay still! Even if you press your lips together and speak, it won’t transmit! This system doesn’t work like that, and even if it did, I would refuse with all my strength!]

I can’t read minds, but I can guess the situation. Is this the kind of conversation a king of the military nation has with the princess of a fallen kingdom? How dignified and refined. The military nation’s future is bright—so bright that the soldiers watching might have shed a tear.

After a back-and-forth exchange lacking both dignity and any hint of danger, the golem reached a dramatic conclusion.

[Affirmative. Due to the nature of the synchronization, as long as she stays in close contact with me, her voice should transmit. Perhaps… embracing from behind might help.]

Aibi’s voice, which had been confident, softened somewhat reluctantly, and gradually, Princess Yerien’s voice slipped through, as though she were speaking with her face pressed to someone’s back. It was faint, but unmistakably hers.

[Lord Shea? You called for me? I… I’m sorry for causing you worry, but just knowing you reached out makes me so happy…. Ehehe….]

Just hearing her voice dissipates all the tension. It’s an innocent, pure tone that exudes a sense of calm. Probably far from the princess the regressor remembers.

‘Wait. What’s going on? Isn’t she supposed to be a hostage?’

The regressor, visibly flustered, looked at me, then back at the golem.

“…She’s safe?”

[Yes! And are you well, Lord Shea? I can’t see you.]

“I’m fine. But you’re with a communication officer? What’s going on?”

[Oh, me? Originally, I stayed to watch over Siaty, but I changed my mind. I wanted to stay here a bit longer with Aibi and Uel.]

“Aibi… the communication officer?”

[Yes! It’s cramped here, but there are many people and lots of ‘windows.’ From here, I can observe the military nation from a broader, more objective perspective. I might even find clues to make it a better place here, with Aibi…. Ah, sorry, Aibi….]

The princess paused for a moment, perhaps to excuse herself. Her voice faded, and Aibi’s voice gradually resumed.

[This concludes the transmission. With my physical form confined, Yerien Grandiomor’s proximity causes great difficulty in controlling other golems. Given current priorities, her message will end here.]

The golem’s clear voice resumed with an even tone. I waved at it.

“Thank you for your hard work, Aibi.”

[It’s a light task compared to my duties, sir. Are you leaving the military nation?]

“Yes. I think we’ll head for Yulguk as soon as this talk ends.”

[I see….]

The golem’s limbs drooped briefly, perhaps momentarily disconnecting. Then it lifted its head quickly and spoke again.

[Administrative processes have been handled. You will receive the highest honors of a general at all administrative facilities in the military nation.]

“Yay! Thanks, Aibi!”

[Correction. Not at all. This is all I can offer. Even if it’s just this…]

“What do you mean ‘just’? Receiving general-level honors is the highest privilege in the military nation! When else would I get that kind of treatment in my life?”

[If it’s helpful to you, I am… pleased as well.]

The golem lowered its head slightly, its body moving in small, almost human-like motions. It was a rare, genuinely human display of laughter. But the pleasant atmosphere didn’t last long.

[…Aike. Receiving transmission. Affirmative. I will handle it. Please vacate your location quickly. Over.]

It seems the golem is maintaining multiple connections while communicating with various locations. Just how busy can one be? Finishing the report, the golem spoke quickly.

[The time granted to me is over, sir. I will take my leave now.]

“Thank you for your hard work, Aibi.”

[However, as long as you remain in the military nation, I will always be watching over you.]

“Oh, should I be thankful for that? It’s a bit scary, actually. I don’t even believe in a god because the thought of being watched constantly is unnerving.”

[Correction. I differ from a god in the most important way. I watch openly, with the courtesy of informing you of that fact.]

True enough, there is a difference. Gods don’t ask for permission to observe me directly. Though, I wonder how much that really matters. Regardless, the golem made its bold proclamation and bowed.

[…I look forward to meeting you again. Farewell.]

With a soft “thud,” the connection with the golem ended. I, having enjoyed the conversation, turned to look at the regressor with Hilde. The regressor seemed to struggle with processing the situation.

‘Wait. What? Hostages? Why is she with the communication officer? Weren’t those communication officers just soulless puppets? Why does she seem so close with that one?’

Remember when I said I’d get my revenge? The time has come. I mimicked the regressor’s earlier words with a smirk.

“I don’t like hostages. No matter who they are. Wow, Shea, that was a legendary line. You were really cool just now.”

“Ugh!”

Hilde, seizing the moment, chimed in.

“When you glared and demanded, ‘Let her go,’ I almost thought my heart would stop. Father, can you hear my heartbeat? It’s… thumping so hard I can’t calm down.”

“It’s a good thing the princess isn’t here. If Hilde’s feeling like this, the princess might have fainted if she’d heard it in person. Targeting an invulnerable princess like that—you really are something, Shea.”

“Sh-shut up!”

“You have a devil’s talent for making women’s hearts race. Though, I doubt that was the talent you wanted.”

“No, Hilde, to be honest… my heart raced a little, too.”

“No! Father can’t be given to a man!”

“I told both of you to cut it out!”

Haha, it’d be a shame to end it here. Now that Tir’s here, she should have something to say, too.

But wait, why is Tir covering her mouth in shock? Did something surprising happen?

‘F-father…? Hugh already has a child this grown…?’

…Yeah, that’s worth being surprised over. Even I’m caught off guard. Let’s clear up this misunderstanding as soon as possible.

Taking advantage of the lull in my teasing, the regressor spoke up.

“More importantly, what’s with that communication officer? Isn’t it the same one from the Abyss? Why does it act so friendly with you?”

Really now. I’m not one to judge others, but you didn’t even know what a communication officer was and kept ranting about destroying the military nation? I raised my finger for her to see and wagged it.

“Shea, if there were only one liar in the world, that would practically make them a god. No matter how absurd their words, everything would be taken as truth.”

“You’re saying that’s you?”

“No, not me. Aibi. I taught it how to lie. In other words, Aibi is like the god of the military nation’s communication officers. Though I don’t know how long that’ll last!”

Hilde joined in, continuing my line.

“Anyway, thank Father for securing a solid line to the headquarters. Hostages are just a public front; everyone’s just gone to their respective places.”

“Grr….”

“By the way, the hostage that the military nation sent is me! I’m the only one with authority to make independent decisions, I know all the military secrets, and I’m the only capable negotiator if it comes down to it!”

“Fine, fine. Is that all there is to the hostage talk?”

“Nope! There’s one more unexpected hostage. A true ‘hostage’!”

With a mischievous grin, Hilde pointed to Historia.

“Historia has to stay here!”