“This is the Berias Kingdom …….”

“It’s beautiful. The ground’s really nice.”

“There’s a lot of people here.”

“Yeah, the castle town is pretty lively, isn’t it? The capital of Berias is the center of the country …… We’re conspicuous with this number of people, let’s get the report done quickly, this way.”

As soon as we entered the town, we saw a beautiful cityscape that’s on par with Illuminate, and as Makina and Kudelica marvel at it, Hitzrite smiles cheekily. However, he soon turned serious and walked towards the towering castle.

We were followed by the raggedy Everlide soldiers, and even from a distance, we could tell that the townspeople were whispering.

Well, we’re pretty dirty and smelly too, so I guess it can’t be helped. By the way, our clothes are not the ones we usually wear, but the ones we prepared separately to make them look tattered, and we’ve been exposed to the blood of monsters, so we have quite the atmosphere.

“Don’t talk too much. We’re about to have an audience ……”

“I wonder if the Lord Founder is here?”

As soon as Vertical and Eiiri open their mouths, admonishing Sarge and the others for their marital bliss, the door to the audience room opens, and we wait in silence for the right moment. 

First, Hitzrite. Then Albatross, Vertical, Eiiri, and then us. Finally, when all the Everlide soldiers were present, the gloomy man on the throne …… probably the king, spoke up.

“You’re back, Hitzrite. So, how was the expedition? I assume you were able to bring down the town of Gust?”

“…… Reporting. Unfortunately, we lost over 3,000 of our 5,000 Everlide troops and were defeated.”

“What ……!?”

I’m not sure if it was unexpected or not, but the king stood up in surprise, and Vertical gave him a follow-up.

“In addition, our own troops, Sherida, Akzeryus, and Tsaakabu, were also killed. When I rushed to the scene, the outcome had been decided, so I decided not to pursue too deeply and came back.”

“Nonsense!? You, ten chief priests, have lost ……?”

“Yes, I apologize, Your Majesty. I could have resisted, but I couldn’t die without telling you this fact, Yes.”

Nice.

When I heard Albatross casually mention the reason for his defeat, I nodded my head in agreement. Before the king could say something dismissive like, “You’re not loyal enough”,  he said something like, “I ran away for the King”, so he wasn’t able to ignore it. 

It’s also a good thing that Vertical told him before that he decided to not pursue it too deeply. If three of the strong ten chief priests were defeated and the top Vertical came back, it would be easier to convey the threat.

“…… Does the Reflexion have that many strongmen in its ranks? Wait, you’re not telling me that they’re going to attack us, don’t you!?”

“Don’t worry, we were defeated, but they have been dealt a blow by Lord Vertical, so they won’t be attacking us anytime soon.”

“I, I see…… but I didn’t expect the ten chief priests to be defeated ……”

“I suppose every country has its trump card …… I’m sorry, I couldn’t be of help to you …… If my head will make you feel better, feel free.”

“Hitzrite, sir!?”

When Hitzrite stepped forward and said that, I panicked and spoke up, but the King sat down, rested his cheek on his hand, and shook his head. 

“No, it’s fine. It may make me feel better if I dealt with you, but I’ll lose a valuable asset. If they attack, you will be my shield.”

“Yes, sir! ……”

“So, who are these people? Aside from Retzel, I haven’t seen any of them before.”

The king looked at us, or more accurately at Makina and Kudelica, and said so, and Hitzrite gave a small nod, then stepped forward and opened his mouth.

“They are the ones who were involved in the battle of Reflexion, we attacked the town of Gust, and of course the town was engulfed in war. In that occasion, they used the townspeople as a meat wall and followed us. They were so disgusted by this that they gave up and offered to help us. “

“They were also the ones who created an escape route for us to escape.”

“Well, that’s reassuring. In other words, they were able to create an opening, huh.”

“Yes. As you can see, they’re dirty and tired. That’s all I have to report, is it alright if I leave now? I’d like to let them rest.”

“…… Hmm, you’re right. How about letting the women use the castle baths? I can get let them use the rooms.”

He looked grim, but his nose was swollen, so I guess he was hoping for the best. But Hitzrite checked him with the words he had already agreed to.

“If it’s all right with you, they’re married couples and lovers, so if they’re not together ……”

“Mm, I see ……”

You look disappointed, but what are you going to do?

It’s not a problem if we spend our time outside the castle and are occasionally invited by the Vertical and the others. I’ve already done some simulations on that.

The king thought about it for a while and then said to Hitzrite.

“…… All right, you’re allowed. The men should have a bath and a change of clothes. I’ll leave their room arrangements to you.”

“Thank you very much. My name is Lars, and I appreciate your generosity.”

“Well, you’re an auspicious fellow. I can promise you a reward and a good position if you do well. The Everlide people have done their best, and I will give them a reward, even though it’s small.”

“Very well, sir. I will negotiate with the minister.”

And just as we’re leaving–

“Sorry, I’m late.”

“Oh, Lord Apollos. I was just about to finish, but you’re just in time. I heard some of your men have been killed in action.”

“What!? What does this mean, Vertical? Are you saying that Akzeryus and the others are dead?”

“As you surmised, the three people we released earlier have been killed.”

“…… I see.”

“……? What is it?”

“No, it’s nothing. Who are they?”

“They are the ones we picked up over there. They are no less powerful than the ten chief priests, so they might make good replacements.”

When Vertical said this, Apollos came out of the back door and walked down to us.

This is Apollos …… he looks like a regular guy, but–

“This kid is …… Ugh!?”

“Kuh ……!?”

“W-What’s wrong, Lars!?”

“Lars-kun!”

“What is it, my Lord Founder?”

“N-No …….”

What’s that ……? As soon as I made eye contact with Apollos, I got an intense headache and a bad feeling, and Apollos and I fell to our knees at the same time.

I’ve never seen this guy before, but my brain is telling me that he’s dangerous.

But it doesn’t change what we have to do, we have to defeat Apollos. That’s why we’ve come all this way–

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