A Lazy, Cowardly Princess

"A Lazy, Cowardly Princess" is the seventeenth episode of the Log Horizon anime. It aired on January 25, 2014.

Synopsis
The scene opens looking over the forest at night with explosions visible in the distance. Minori high on a tree branch observes the area thru a telescope. She receives a call form Naotsugu informing her a couple of squads of goblins are heading her direction. When she relays the message to the rest of the party Tohya acknowledges his role will be to lure the goblins in. Rudy questions how well can she see. Serara tells him she is using magic eye drops borrowed from Naotsugu and will be able to see like a cat for a full day. Felling responsible for getting others to agree to the preemptive strike Minori remembers how she managed to convince Maryelle, Naotsugu and Nyanta to let her party begin a surprise attack against the goblin forces. Her plan is to confuse and draw them away from attacking Choushu

The scene shifts to the Palace where Shiroe, Krusty and Michitaka are discussing the trainees independent decision to defend Choushu. Mickitaka is annoyed that action is being taken before any thing has been decided. Krusty points out if they were there they would want to do the same thing. Shiroe states the three of them make up the political power of the Round Table and must come to a consensus before meeting with the Eastal Lords

Meanwhile at the counsel of the Eastal Lords the first thing we hear is a wild theory, that the goblin invasion is a plot by the Adventurers. When Baron Krendit points out calling earlier inaction of the adventurers a plot is drastic leap. Other lords remind him that is why they were meeting in private so every one could speak their mind. One of the lords remarks he doesn't expect Choushu to hold out long. and Lord Kiliva's Tsukuba City is the next likely target or possibly Maihama.

Shiroe, Krusty and Michitaka are still waiting to be called into the conference. Michitaka is wondering why it is taking so long. Krusty remarks the lords are probably discussing maters they don't want to mention to the adventurers. Shiroe says the lords probably don't want to be indebted to the adventurers and so will likely try to enlist the aid of the Izumo Knights.

Duke Serjiad Corwen informs the other lords the Izumo Knights are missing. They are also told that scouting parties have found no clue of how or why they vanished. Lord Kiliva says all the lords must combine forces to attack the goblins. It's suggested that the goblins be lured into attacking a well defended city then surrounded and destroyed. Kiliva takes this to mean sacrificing Tsukba city. As he strongly objects Duke Corwen suggests they take a break.

Back in the forest Minori watches and coordinates the others from her branch. As Tohya lures in the first group of goblins Serara snags them with vines Rudy, enhances Tohya's sword for the finishing blow. Just as Rudy is commenting on their victory Minori announces the second group is inbound. Isuzu boosts Rudy's magic and he blasts the second group quickly. As the scene leaves the forest we see Minori watching everything.

Shiroe prepares specific roles with Crusty and Michitaka for their talks with the Eastal Lords for when they are finally summoned.

Princess Rayneshiais alone at the little pavilion where she and Krusty meet. She is interrupted in her worries by two of the lords talking about the possible sacrifice of Tsukab. They also discuses how expensive it would be to hire the adventures. However what shocks the Princess it that the Isuzu knights are missing.

Having predicted that the Lords would try to gather more information from them, Shiroe uses the same tactic, prompting an outburst from Kiliva stating that the Adventurers have a responsibility to act. Although Michitaka violently retorts that they deserve more respect than what the League has shown them. At this time, Raynesia reluctantly makes a sudden appearance and notes the League's error in negotiating with the Adventurers and instead proposes that she go to Akihabara to respectfully recruit volunteers to aid the People. Afterwards, as Minori's party continue fighting with their own resolve, Shiroe, Akatsuki, Crusty and Raynesia make their way to Akihabara as Shiroe remarks that Raynesia may be the one to change the Cities of Eastal.