Chapter 168 – Start Me Up (1/2)

The news about the new invasion by the demons came not from one of the Fokalore patrols dispatched at the borders with Vichy and the Wastelands, but was brought in by Vichy’s refugees who managed to escape.

At first it was considered to be outdated news due to refugees having been on the run all the time, especially as any mention of a demon invasion was also missing in the regular reports.

“In other words, that means the demon army didn’t come from the Wastelands, but suddenly appeared inside Vichy.” (Caim)

Caim, who checked the report drawn up by Paryuu, orally reported to Alyssa who is buried under a mountain of documents after having taken over the office formerly used by Hifumi. In short, what he wanted to tell her was to make a move immediately.

“How many troops do they have?” (Alyssa)

“Their scale is still unknown, but going by the number of refugees flowing in, it’s likely that they are steadily occupying cities opposite of the border touching with Orsongrande and Horant. Since it looks like the demons are also eliminating the rampaging soldiers of Pyursang, it became easier to deal with that side.” (Caim)

Apparently there were refugees who witnessed the demons killing reinforced soldiers.

The neatly summarized report was a splendid writing that had no places that required corrections by Caim and amply showed the abilities of Paryu. In addition, usually such documents, which appealed for an increased number of goods and personnel to be sent, had a lot darker emotions put into them, but in Paryu’s report something like that couldn’t be found at all, allowing for it to be passed around to staff members as material list without any changes.

And as matter of fact, Caim reproduced it without a single adjustment or supplement, and handed it over to Alyssa. He considered it to be just the right document to practise how to read reports.

“Since there’s an increase in the number of refugees, Paryu has requested goods and in addition personnel for defense duties. According to her estimation, there will probably be contact with the demons in less than 10 days. I share the same opinion.” (Caim)

It seemed that Vichy as group of city-states had already ceased to function. Loud requests for assistance started to flow in not from the central committee, but from the various cities close to Fokalore. But, in accordance with Hifumi’s order, they officially gave the reason “On top of instructing them to calmly watch the country, they should rely on the central committee first.” Alyssa adopted that stance as well.

“What shall we do?” (Caim)

Although Caim inquired expressionlessly and indifferently, one country on the other side of the border is being overrun by demons. Considering Fokalore, it was a danger affecting the existence of the territory.

Given that Viine understood that as well, she trembled while looking at the report.

“Increase the number of personnel… or rather, we will send the entire army. I will go as well. I will also take Pruflas-san and the other dwarves along. Prepare a shuttle service with rail cars since we will use all those who are useful for the construction of a defense base.” (Alyssa)

Once she returned the document to Caim, who was swiftly noting down her instructions, Alyssa continued,

“I’m sure he intended for me to look after this territory and noble title. Someday the time will come when Hifumi will come back, and then I will be scolded if the territory has shrunk or if I lost to someone.” (Alyssa)

And then she asked Viine to come with her as well.

“Can you keep me company for just a bit longer? I’d like you to tell Hifumi that I’m doing my best when you go to him.” (Alyssa)

“Understood.” (Viine)

In her heart she was scared, but Viine willingly accepted Alyssa’s request. It had been decided that Viine would be stationed at an official position that allows her to travel between Hifumi and the territory once she finished the basic education. She felt it to be natural for her to accompany Alyssa for the sake of playing that role.

“Caim-san, how long until we can depart?” (Alyssa)

“The preparation of goods is already making progress. Probably it will be possible for the first group to depart tomorrow morning. Since the rail cars and railroad tracks are ready, they will be able to arrive there in a day.” (Caim)

“As expected of you!” (Alyssa)

The next day Caim and Brokra stayed behind in Fokalore as representatives of the feudal lord, and Alyssa headed towards the border city Rhone while being accompanied by Viine as assistant.

On the third day of them setting up weaponry such as spear throwers and reinforcing the walls at high speed, unexpected visitors showed up.

“Ah! Viine-san, it’s been a while!” (Reni)

“Reni-san!? The others as well…!” (Viine)

Going towards Viine, who rushed over after being called by the border guards, Reni and Gengu approached her while waving their hands. The elves such as Zanga were present behind them as well.

“W-What’s wrong?” (Viine)

“Yeah, we want to live here. That’s okay?” (Reni)

Viine felt dizzy. She somehow managed to put strength into her knees while holding her head.

“I-I don’t have the authority to decide that, so…” (Viine)

“Sure~.” (Alyssa)

The one who came running to the place right before crossing the border at a light pace was the feudal lord Alyssa. She was additionally wearing a red mantle upon Miyukare’s suggestion, who said that she’d like Alyssa to be dignified in front of the refugees, but with her running around causing the mantle to fly in the wind, it only looked as if a child was playing around.

“A-Alyssa-sama…” (Viine)

After Viine explained to the puzzled Reni about Alyssa, Reni bowed her head towards Alyssa.

“Everybody wants to lead lives similar to humans. Please!” (Reni)

“Then, for starters you will live in this city. Viine-san, please ask Paryu whether there are any free buildings or inns and guide them there. Also please register them in the census, too. And, I’d like to listen to everyone’s stories, so please treat me well at that time.” (Alyssa)

Alyssa and Reni, who exchanged a firm handshake, smiled at each other faintly and separated.

Viine ran to the temporary town hall to look for Paryu. Alyssa told her that she has another task and headed to the wall that was still under construction.

“… Somehow it was decided all too easily. Although you said that she’s Hifumi’s successor…I’m sorry to say that, but will it be alright?” (Gengu)

“Isn’t it fine?” (Reni)

Reni immediately rejected Gengu’s concerns.

“Maybe that child… ah, wrong, Lord-sama thought that it would be convenient for us elves and beastmen to be here? Various people are reinforcing the walls and preparing the weapons. There are also very many soldiers present. They are probably expecting the demons to attack.” (Reni)

“So, why would be our existence be convenient to them then?” (Gengu)

“I was taught by Hifumi that it’s the basics to make your opponents plans go haywire in a battle. The demons don’t know that we are in a human city… that’s likely what Lord-sama is thinking.” (Reni)

“That means we are…” (Gengu)

“I don’t think that they plan to use us as shields, but… as one of the traps, maybe? I think the commanders-on-site won’t know what they should do if they run into beastmen after coming here with the intention to fight against humans. At any rate, since there’s also the matter with Malfas, it’s possible that our movements have been leaked to the other side.” (Reni)

Reni casually looked around and saw Viine running in her direction.

“Either way, let’s have them protect us by showing them our usefulness. Hey, something smells nice. For starters I will take a break. I’m already exhausted.” (Reni)

The people, who continued to walk until here, realized their own exhaustion due to Reni’s words and fell into a deep slumber after somehow arriving at the rooms prepared by Viine.

☺☻☺

“What are you saying. You, are you an idiot?”

“Uhh…”

After the meeting in regards how to deal with Hifumi, which also included Origa, Imeraria summoned Hifumi, who’s lodging in the castle, to her own room.

She had given detailed instructions to everyone, including the maids, to not get close to her room, but didn’t notice that this act in itself had provoked Hifumi’s wariness.

And when he confronted her about it, Imeraria told him that she wants his child. Once he concluded that she probably kept the servants away out of shyness that her love affair or whispered intimacies would be overheard, Hifumi lost all strength and fell back into the sofa.

“Which reminds me, Origa sent a weird look my way. So it’s about this, huh?” (Hifumi)

“Yeah, Origa-san is your wife, Hifumi-sama, I got her permission first…” (Origa)

“I’m not a toy to be used by you guys. Being lent out feels unpleasant.” (Hifumi)