Chapter 131 (1/2)

Volume 2

Atelier Tanaka Volume 3 Chapter 2 Part 2

Conflict 4

We were still at the all toofamiliar frontline base. We had moved from the cabin to a large tent to hold a strategy meeting.

The tent had no luxury items like tables or chairs, so we were all sitting on the ground. Neither Ester-chan nor the noble mage voiced any complaints. Even though they’re nobility, they’re not arrogant like most other nobles.

Thanks to Gonzalez, we were able to recruit his clan without any issues.

“I understand. It does sound dangerous.”

Gonzalez let out an exaggerated groan when I explained the situation to him.

“will you still help?”

“Yes. I already told you I would and a member of the Twilight Company will never go back on their word.”

“Thank you. I’ll definitely return the favour someday.”

“You don’t need to worry about that. Until this war is over, I won’t be able to fulfil my promise to eat a proper meal with you. Besides, if it means we can save the people of Tricklis, it’s worth the danger.”

In addition to Gonzalez and I, the tent was filled with Ester-chan, the noble mage, Sophichan, Christina and several members of the Twilight Company. Thanks to the latter group, the tent was filled with muscular men wearing little clothing.

We could’ve asked people to leave, but I’m sure if we tried to keep them out when this directly concerns them, a riot would’ve started. So we really couldnt keep them out. In fact, we wanted them to hear everything so they could decide for themselves if they wished to help.

I’m actually worried about Ester-chan’s succubus blood kicking in due to so many ikemen surrounding her and giving her the desire to breed.

I’m also concerned about Sophichan. She only desires attractive men and there is a lot to choose from in this tent.

“Let’s go over everything once more.”

“Sounds good.”

More than anything, I’m trying to not think about Ester-chan and Sophichan’s ikemen orgy.

Right now, I just need to progress this meeting.

“Ester-san, when will the enemy’s army arrive?”

“It’s hard to judge the distance because we were travelling on a dragon, but the distance between our two cities isn’t great so they should be arriving around sunset. We’re still sending out scouts to monitor their progress, but this seems like a reasonable time for their arrival. In any case, we should make haste with our preparations.”

“I agree.”

It’s true that Drill-chan’s city wasn’t very far from Tricklis. In fact, apparently, the two cities used to belong to the same country. I bet if there were a mountain range between them, they’d have a more peaceful relationship.

“Oi.”

“What is it, Fahren-san?”

“I’m getting tired of waiting. I’m going to survey the area and set up a few traps.”

The noble mage nodded to Ester-chan before standing up to leave the tent.

“Are you sure?”

“If it means we’ll have fewer casualties on our end, I’m all for it.”

“Okay then. Thank you and please do your best.”

“Of course, leave it to me.”

The noble mage left the tent. Perhaps he was just trying to live up to his self-given title, but a man like him is most useful when he’s acting on his own. It may seem selfish of him to do this, but he already knows our plan and is just looking for ways to improve it.

But the noble mage’s actions inspired one more person to speak up.

“Don’t I get any thanks for helping? I flew all of you here and to that city. However, not a single one of you has even bowed your head to me.”

“Well, from the beginning, wasn’t it your idea to come here to try and find me?”

“.”

It seemed like she had a lot to say so I thought it would be best to stop her before she got going.

Our plan will hopefully involve as few casualties as possible.

So why is she even here?

“So, then, w-what should we be doing?”

“Please follow the orders of Ester-san, the noble mage, and the Ahan Baron. I’ll be focusing entirely on healing everyone and won’t have time to give you individual orders. I know it may be a selfish request but if you can focus on preventing the enemy from targeting me, it would be a great help.”

“Eh!? You expect us to protect you!? How can you call yourself a man!?”

Drill-chan was upset when she thought I was trying to hide in the back.

She’s still cute even when she’s angry.

“I won’t let the enemy lay a single finger on you!”

The long-haired man said some reliable words.

It’s no wonder he’s her favourite.

Compared to that guy, the noble mage may even be inferior. I feel anxious having them on our side considering they were our enemies just days ago, but Christina is our insurance policy if they try to betray us.

The long-haired man will follow whatever Drill-chan does, so we just need to keep her on our side. Unless she commands him to do otherwise, he’ll keep helping us.

I guess it’s actually good that the loli dragon is here. There’s no better deterrent than an overpowered dragon.

“I know we were enemies just days ago, but please cooperate with us, Ahan-san.”

“What would me and my people have to gain from helping you?”

“How about a guarantee that a certain dragon won’t attack your castle again?”

“Gu.”

Drill-chan’s frustrated face is also cute.

Although, I should really refrain from taunting her so much. I feel like I’ve been pushing her a lot over the last few days and now I’m worried that she won’t put up with much more.

“I’m just joking. Ester-san, isn’t there something you can offer her so we can make peace?”

I turned to the loli lord to make sure she understood.

“Who knows.”

Ester-chan looked deep in thought.

“Liz, are you trying to make me upset!? I’m not someone you should be playing with!”

I gave Ester-chan a stern look and told her to be serious.

“Doris, I can send you goods from my territory to help you rebuild your castle. Of course, this won’t be free but I will sell you it at market price and won’t charge any tariffs. Does this sound agreeable?”

“Is that really all you can offer me?”

“Do you think it will be easy gathering the materials needed to rebuild an entire castle? The goods you buy from me here will be of a good quality at a reasonable price, and do you really want to pay high import costs for something that you can’t even guarantee the quality of? In fact, the price I’m offering will be quite cheap considering shipping costs.”

“Uuu.”

“So? If you don’t think it’s good enough I have no problem rescinding my offer.”

“I-I get it! Let’s just get this over with and shake on it!”

Drill-chan looked upset as she barked this out.

Well, in a way, she’s taking responsibility by paying for the materials herself.

“Is this good enough?”