Chapter 144 - Volume 8 (1/2)

Volume 8, Chapter 2: I became a Hero, Part 2

The Allied Nations’ Strategic Command. It was made up of a coalition of nations built to oppose the [Forces of Darkness] formed of the [Forces of Light]: the humans, elves, and dwarves.

Each country provided a budget in exchange for quick relief and support coming from the coalition whenever one of the member states got attacked.

Such an organization was undeniably beneficial for the smaller nations, but less so for larger countries, which were capable of relying on their own militaries to repel attacks.

But, in this powerful alliance, there was a matter that even the great powers…… nay, even the four great nations who had Heroes could not ignore.

“Staff Officer Sephyr, the preparations to depart towards Lucell are complete.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

As the soldier came up to report to the young-looking Staff Officer, she gave him a hint of a smile, and the young soldier’s cheeks turned red.

The forces of darkness had taken one of the human nations, and now the Allied Nations were scrambling to send a massed force north.

Not only were the Allied Nations dispatching a military in accordance with the agreement, but now, even the four Heroes were headed to the small country Lucell that was acting as the forward headquarters.

“Seriously, if Staff Officer Sephyr does not come, then the Heroes will……”

“Yeah, it’s alright. I know. …… They’re really a troublesome bunch.”

Not only would the men swell up onto their toes troublingly and link arms sighing when she made a graceful gesture like waving her arms, but the women would as well.

“Make the preparations, please.”

“Y-yes”

Sephyr headed to her own room to prepare herself even as she called out to the soldier watching her in fascination.

The Staff Officer of the Allied Nations’ Strategic Command.

This youthful woman was placed in this powerful position because she was the only person who was trusted by all the Heroes, who weren’t particularly friendly with one another, and as a result, was an indispensable part of the Alliance between Nations.

“……I really do hope that the new “Saint” will be useful.”

* * *

Dear Father and Mother in the Holy Kingdom,

Are you all well?

It should be winter over there, should it not? Here, even in winter we’re living in warmth and cheer unless we head north, and my followers have been playing in the ocean, fishing up the souls of the drowned out of the water, adding a touch of flavor to my dining table for me. You know that food doesn’t taste like much to me.

I’d like to be able to return to the Holy Kingdom if possible, but I’m sorry that I can’t show my face there right now thanks to my current circumstances.

We were able to catch loads of great seafood in the countries that were facing trouble, and I think I’ll be able to award all of my employees who are working hard 23 hours a day with the dried fish as souvenirs.

Yours Truly,

Yurushia.

“…… I can’t receive the reply.”

I sent an “e-mail” to Rinne who wasn’t in the Holy Kingdom but rather on the side of the Forces of Darkness, but no reply came.

At the moment, it was even incredibly difficult to communicate with Geas, who was Yuzu’s grandfather, by sending a message through the “bloodline”.

Even when I tried contacting Geas directly, all I got in return was [Gau gau].

…… No, wait a minute.

If you could send back a line like “Gau gau”, then write a proper sentence, gramps.

I can’t tell if it’s because this is what he is, if it’s because he’s a child, or if it’s because he’s just being silly.

“…… well, it’s alright.”

After completing a contract with Kan-chan and returning from the northern country, some small human nation had fallen to the forces of Darkness.

I thought that perhaps Rinne would know something, but I couldn’t get in touch with them for some reason.

I could still feel the three of them were connected to me, so I don’t think there’s any immediate danger to myself, but what in the world were they doing?

“Princess.”

As I stood in the courtyard of the castle with the servants along with Daichi and the gang, one of the maids assigned by the castle to me came to find me.

…… Is it really okay for you to be calling an otherworlder [Princess] like this?

Well, I’m a Demon, though.

“It’s great that you’re back.”

“Yes, but wait just a minute. Do you have any details about what happened?”

What was this maid’s name again……?

She was a rather pretty lady in her late twenties (and single), so she didn’t bear me a shred of malice, but I’ve been indebted to women of this type since I was little, since she reminded me of the [Three Maiden Maids], and our interactions were pleasant, even though she was the cat’s paw of the castle.

Well, those three maids were now all married, so I couldn’t really call them maidens anymore.

Their marriage had raised their statuses to those of the female knights.

I hadn’t seen their faces in more than a year, and by the time I returned, they might have well already had babies.

“Yes, I was looking for you, Princess, about that.”

“So, what’s the situation?”

If a country had fallen, naturally, the [Hero] would have to be dispatched.

I think Kan-chan, who had close ties with the Forces of Darkness, would move first, but the other heroes wouldn’t keep still either.

For a country to have been annihilated in the war was impossible even if it had fallen, and there would definitely be a large number of refugees and injured. Because of that, I, and that “billboard” above my head called [Saint], would very likely be called upon.

Thinking about such things, I wondered if the maid was relieved to find me as she gently lowered her head.

“Yes, regarding that, we have to hurry to the discussion between Hero Kyoji and the Royal Princess. I was told to invite you to lunch the day after tomorrow around noon.”

“…… The day after?”

………eh? Seriously? Even though the war had begun, what are you doing, still arranging for lunches the day after tomorrow, you aristocrat? Yeah, she’s clearly an aristocrat through and through.

No, I myself am also a noble, but I’m 6th in line for the throne, and the King (grandpa) was so simple as a human being that it was kind of refreshing.

Tina and Nea were talking to me too, and it seems that that maid’s thoughts were obvious, so I arranged for a place and nodded naturally.

“…… What, is it that strange?”

“……Uhmmm, I don’t think Yuru-chan is wrong.”

I was a little relieved from Mizuki’s words.

As I listened on, I thought of making a dress for the meal with the Royals, but it seems that getting it done by the day after tomorrow was kind of rushed.

…… as expected of the nobles. The Holy Kingdom was casual everywhere, apparently.

“No, I think it’s only in the vicinity of Yurushia.”