Oh, hello. I'm Reis.
The name was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but it's starting to feel right. Names are vital in this human society; they make communication possible and convenient. Everyone calls me by my name now, and I don't have to struggle to find the right words when introducing myself. Explaining a culture where nobody remembers names, so nobody bothers giving them, is just too exhausting.
Maybe it's thanks to the victory festival, or maybe it's because my kids are just so cute (definitely the latter), but lately, we've been interacting more with the townspeople. Some bring us sweets they baked, and neighborhood kids come over to challenge us to races. The ostriches are absolute pushovers for anyone who gives them food or plays with them. Of course, no matter how many times they meet, it's always "nice to meet you" for my kids...
The ostrich-kin racial trait—being fundamentally easygoing until attacked—is working in our favor. Matilde and the soldiers have been drilling it into the citizens: "Do not attack them!" Though, I do occasionally see one of my kids tilting their head at a human while thinking, 'Food?' ...But let's keep that a secret.
(Still, I wish they'd at least remember my name. Even Dere hasn't memorized it yet...)
Well, this environment is a thousand times more stimulating than the Plateau. I'll be patient. Once they can remember, we'll all pick out names together. Mommy will squeeze her brain dry to think of the best names for you all.
While lost in thought, I kicked off the ground. I soared high, aiming for the skull of my prey. With a light swing, the Wyvern's head shattered, and it fell slowly toward the earth. A "Flying Dragon," they call it? Something like that.
"It's falling! Dodge it!"
""Run away!""
I shouted instructions to the ostriches at the landing zone to avoid the falling Wyvern. If I don't give them a regrouping order, they'll just keep running forever.
Currently, we are at a Wyvern nest in the monster habitat outside of town. Yes, we are out hunting for food. Originally, the Nagan Kingdom's failed invasion provided us with a reward—food and a place to stay—but...
"What's wrong, Matilde? Why the sudden summons?"
"I... I am sorry, Reis. We... we are out of food."
"...For real?"
Apparently, my dear ostriches ate through the town's entire reserve.
The merchant Alan had stocked the warehouse for "emergencies," with enough food to sustain 5,000 humans for several weeks. My kids polished it off in less than two. I suppose the soldiers and citizens ate some during the festival, but my kids are just bottomless pits. Aha!
By the way, Alan was reportedly found collapsed yesterday inside a warehouse that didn't have a single grain of wheat left.
Matilde and Alan knew the eating speed of my kids was otherworldly and tried to rush food in from other cities, but we were faster. Considering the townspeople need to eat too, we had to return to our natural ecological state: hunting monsters to fill our bellies.
We were doing our daily runs, but some of the flock were getting a bit soft. Look at this one—the greediest of the bunch. Her belly isn't "fat," per se, but it feels like mochi. Time to move and lose some weight!
Of course, food isn't the only goal.
"You can kill them, but don't eat them yet, okay?!"
"No?"
"Don't eat!"
"Food!"
I said DON'T EAT!
I grabbed the neck of one ostrich who shouted "Food!" with my wing to stop her. You can only eat after the three adventurers and the soldiers have finished harvesting the materials!
You guys won't understand this, but monster materials equal money. To save Plaque's treasury—which is currently screaming in pain because of our grocery bills—you have to be patient! Otherwise, we won't get any more delicious cooked meals!
"No! No! Eat food!"
"Yes, yes, I know. Just be a good girl and wait, then you can eat as much as you want."
"...Okay!"
"Good girl."
We continued the hunt like that.
Wyverns are quite large. While their wings are mostly inedible membrane, their torsos are thick. About the size of a large barrel? Since we raided the nest directly, we should be able to process a good number of them. The kids will definitely be full.
...Actually, the monsters around here are kind of weak. Looking around, I see Wyverns trying to take flight only to be swatted down by my kids. Compared to the "Plateau" standards we're used to, their reaction speed makes me want to yawn. Their altitude is pathetic, too. My kids just jump up and perform an overhead kick to their skulls.
(Goal! One point for Team Ostrich! However, since no one can remember the score, the match remains 0-0!)
And so the massacre continued. On the Plateau, if you flew up, you'd usually be slammed back into the ground and explode instantly. Here, looking at the sky feels safe. There are no enemies that require an immediate "flee or die" response, and no weird sounds coming from underground. Back home, it was a daily occurrence to hear a noise, run, and see a Giant Mole's mouth where you were standing a second ago!
"Matilde! We've wiped out everything in sight. No enemies nearby. I'm going to take the kids for a run to keep them distracted until you're done!"
"Understood! Begin material recovery! Everyone, to your posts!"
At her command, the soldiers moved with practiced efficiency. They must be used to living next to monster habitats. I'm impressed. Alright, you lot, time for a ru—
"Yum yum."
"Tasty?"
"Yeah!"
"...Hey, you over there."
""Eep!""
You've got guts trying to sneak a snack while my back is turned. The rest of the flock is being patient! You've been eating high-nutrition food lately; if you don't move, you'll get fat! Come on, running! Let's go!
""Yes!""
"Hungry!"
"Hungry!"
"Now?!"
"Yes. Go ahead, eat."
""Yaaaay!!!""
Whew. After running around aimlessly to wait for the harvest to finish, we finally got the go-ahead from Matilde. The kids charged into the pile of Wyverns. I stepped aside. They can eat in peace, but the leader of the flock has to talk to the "important people." Don't worry about bringing me the tasty bits—just enjoy yourselves.
"Reis, sorry to keep your followers waiting."
"It's fine. We're the ones who ate all your food anyway. ...So? How's it looking?"
"We haven't done a final count, but it should be a significant sum. We even secured several intact eggs. If they're fertile, we can sell them as mounts. Or perhaps keep them for Plaque's defense."
I see. Dragon riders... how fantasy-esque. I'm just glad this will turn into money. Seeing Matilde turn pale yesterday while saying "We have no food and no money to buy more" made me feel incredibly guilty. I was eating without a care in the world... I almost considered going back to the Plateau to hunt.
"Hahaha, apologies. It's far from harvest season, and because we suddenly started demanding massive amounts of grain, people are price-gouging us. Alan is working hard on negotiations, but the expenses are high."
They've been "laundering" and selling the captured Nagan equipment and rations (except for what's needed as proof of invasion), but even that isn't going perfectly. Apparently, the Heed Kingdom is currently "not at war with anyone," officially.
"Our policy is strictly defensive. Our territory and resources are small compared to our neighbors. We don't have the strength to invade. Thus, few people are buying new arms and armor. ...If Nagan had officially declared war, the market might have moved more."
No word has come from the capital, even though it's been two weeks since the attack. A fast horse could have made the trip by now. The lack of a formal declaration suggests it really was a clandestine strike.
"Man... being a public servant is rough."
"It has its moments. On a more vulgar note, the amount of personal funds I can move has increased. Reis, how about it? If your recent achievements are officially recognized, you could easily land a title as a Baronet or even a Viscount."
"I'll pass. I have my hands full taking care of these kids."
Seriously, just these kids are enough. It's already hard, and the flock will probably get bigger, and a title just means more trouble. I'd rather just have food so my kids don't starve. The Plateau is beautiful and rich in nature, but it's too dangerous. I never want to go back if I can help it. A leader who drags their flock back into a death trap is a failure.
I like it here. It's safe, the food is delicious, and we get thanked for hunting monsters and defeating enemies. This is the life.
(Though, because it's so safe, our numbers are going to skyrocket...)
Well. For now, I'll just pray for another intelligent ostrich to be born. Desperately. I'll leave the complicated stuff to my future self.
The Capital of Heed
"...Chancellor."
"I am here, Your Majesty."
In the capital city of the Heed Kingdom—Galtayba (a name an ostrich could never remember)—two people were talking in the royal castle.
The woman addressed as "Her Majesty"—though her age suggested "girl" was more accurate—sat on a throne that seemed too large for her. She looked solemn, which was understandable. Just recently, a sudden proposal for a non-aggression pact and a military alliance had arrived from the Nagan Kingdom. And it came from a man who had climbed to his position using nothing but pure intellect.
(The Queen has dismissed everyone else to speak with me alone. It must be about the alliance we just signed.)
The Chancellor understood. It was too sudden. There was an ulterior motive. However, the Heed Kingdom had no choice but to accept the terms he offered. Even with all his knowledge, the Chancellor had concluded that rejecting the alliance would lead to greater loss—despite knowing something was "off."
(At first, no one was fond of Nagan. They treated us as a potential enemy. The troop counts at the border, their diplomatic attitude... it was a situation where war could have broken out at any moment.)
Because of that, Heed had pulled troops from the interior to reinforce the borders. No one had a good impression of Nagan. ...But everything changed when that "Strategist" arrived at the capital.
Before he knew it, everyone around him had been won over. People who were skeptical of even a non-aggression pact were suddenly speaking in favor of a full military alliance. Everyone had met with the Strategist just before their change of heart. The Chancellor had investigated everything—magical brainwashing, "Charm" status effects—but found nothing.
It was pure silver-tongued persuasion.
Then, it was the Chancellor's turn. He had used the young Queen's age as an excuse to stall, but he hit his limit. He went into the meeting without finding a single flaw in the man's logic.
(And then...)
When that meeting ended, he was struck by an unbelievable terror. His negative feelings toward Nagan had vanished. He felt toward the Strategist as if he were an old friend of many years. After only a few hours of conversation. He realized his mistake: he should have never spoken to him at all.
For the first time, he understood the horror of a "Special Strategic Asset"—a "monster" that didn't exist in his own country.
The Queen had said, "Indeed," and the alliance was formed. The 6:4 split in Heed's favor helped. Nagan would share its communication magic tools and provide refined Mithril. Given the difference in national power, Nagan should have been the dominant partner, yet they humbled themselves. He couldn't refuse.
Immediately after the signing, the news was sent to other nations with impossible speed. Even though it had only been a few days, neighboring countries were already sending "letters of regret." Normally, such a notification would take a month.
(Her Majesty is young, but she is wise. She must have a plan to handle Nagan's moves or eventually break the alliance. I must not miss a single word.)
The Chancellor watched the Queen's lips. Her eyes seemed to see through everything; she possessed the charisma of a true ruler. She had successfully led numerous policies despite her age. Now, her mouth opened.
"I want pudding for today's snack."
"...Shall we make it a pudding à la mode?"
"Yes."
"Very well, I shall prepare a dish with plenty of seasonal fruits... Wait!"
"You fell for it, Gramps."
"Your Majesty..."
The Queen smiled, losing her regal mask for a moment. She called him "Gramps," the name she used back when the late King and Queen were still alive. He had fallen for her prank again.
"Well, you had such a terrible look on your face. I couldn't help it."
"I am deeply sorry."
"It's fine... Besides, I don't think this alliance is a bad thing. It was sudden, but..."
"He" was in a hurry. That's what she said.
The Queen's smile now reminded him of the late King. No, she had even more presence. She possessed the unique aura of one born to rule. Normally, if a King is a child, the people's hearts wander and vassals drift away. A "normal" child cannot govern.
But she was different.
(Fools tried to revolt right after her coronation, but since then, nothing of the sort has happened.)
She was born to be Queen. But the Chancellor couldn't help but think: if her father hadn't died in the war, and her mother hadn't died of grief, she could have remained a child for a while longer. She could have played and learned slowly like any other girl.
"Your mind is wandering, Chancellor."
"Ah! My apologies."
"It's okay. Back to the topic. He was in a hurry. He looked like he was afraid of something."
She continued, "If we think simply, why would he want an alliance with us?"
To think simply... either they didn't want to fight Heed, or as the Strategist explained, they wanted to secure their eastern flank. Nagan lacks a direct combat "Special Strategic Asset." They can't fight two neighboring powers at once.
"When Nagan fought the Republic of Tram and their 'Immortal' asset, they signed a pact with us and the Lima Union. Isn't this the same? We were busy with a defensive war back then and were forced to sign."
"That's the most likely scenario. But... if that were all, there would be no reason for the 'Strategist' himself to come here."
If Nagan were fighting a Special Strategic Asset, they would need their own Asset—the Strategist—on the front lines. If war were coming, he wouldn't be here; he'd be busy at the front while regular diplomats handled the paperwork.
"So, the thing the Strategist fears is in this country. ...Well, he changed his tactics immediately once he realized I'd noticed."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. He's an 'Asset' for a reason. I can't beat him in pure brains. He likely has other motives. ...But, you see? 'Since they were the ones who asked for the alliance, they cannot refuse the first call to arms.' That is how it works."
Her aura grew even more intense.
"That's all I need. With the Nagan alliance and the Strategist's intellect... I can finally avenge my father."
"That... that is..."
"Finally! We are so small compared to other countries. Without an Asset, we were just toys to be played with! I had to give up almost everything for Imperial 'support'! Monster materials, our gold mines... all that for a little bit of aid just so we wouldn't be invaded! I want his head! My father's killer!!! ...Aha, I can finally see it...!"
She had lost her father to war, and her mother to heartbreak. The one who killed the late King was a Special Strategic Asset. An enemy they couldn't beat even with the whole nation's strength. She had endured everything for a chance to kill "Him."
The Chancellor didn't know what to say. He was overwhelmed by her madness. Just then, a loud knocking came at the door, accompanied by a shout.
"Report! Plaque has been invaded by Nagan!"
"What?! Is that true—"
"...Chancellor, be silent. Messenger, when did this invasion happen?"
"S-Sire! Exactly two weeks ago!"
"...Late. Very well, continue. What happened to Plaque? Was Matilde killed?"
"N-No! On the contrary! They wiped out the enemy force of 5,500! Zero casualties on our side! A-Also, a letter from Lady Matilde..."
The Chancellor couldn't process the words. But looking at the messenger's face, the man himself didn't seem to believe what he was saying. The Chancellor took the letter with trembling hands and passed it to the Queen.
She opened it and read. ...The Chancellor would never forget her expression in that moment.
"...Heh. Ah, ahaha! Rejoice, Chancellor! It's a 'Special Strategic Asset'!"
The Second Meeting of the Ostrich Victims' Association [Alliance Edition]
"With General Delotado!"
"And Bobre!"
""The Ostrich Victims' Association!!!""
"Well now, we've managed a second episode."
"True! I thought I'd be in heaven or hell after I died, but here I am with a bearded old man. Never saw it coming."
"Hmph. What's wrong with a beard? Anyway, let's look at the Strategist's moves."
Step The Strategist's Masterful (and Desperate) Moves
1. Arrival Arrived at the capital, demanded an audience immediately.
2. Analysis Checked the favorability of every VIP, prioritized who to break down first.
3. Technique Since they were suspicious, he used the "Bad Guy Saving a Kitten" trope to make them go 'Aww.'
4. Pivot Realized the Queen saw through him, so he adjusted his plan on the fly.
5. Preparation Prepped spies and diplomats in other countries to announce the alliance the second it was signed.
6. Victory Signed the treaty before news of the failed raid broke. Did a celebratory fist pump in his carriage.
"It was a long process, but that's the gist of it."
"Impressive... but he really fist-pumped at the end?"
"It was a make-or-break moment. Let him have it."
"By the way, it looks like the Strategist completely understands what the young Queen is after. That's why he sent messengers to the Republic of Tram and the Lima Union saying 'Please don't attack us ♡'."
"I see. If this Queen launches a counter-offensive, Nagan will be dragged in. He's preparing for that."
"Exactly. And he'll use that opportunity to collect info on the ostriches."
"...Meanwhile, the ostrich leader is in the middle of a 'Power-Up Event'."
"If the Strategist finds out, he's going to get an ulcer... Let's just pray they never come our way."
"Agreed! That's all for today!"
""Bye-bye!""