Chapter 03

Posted by : Unknown Tuesday, 22 May 2018

Chapter 3 On the Evening of the New Moon

As the stars faintly shined in the heavens above, a circle floated in the sky with a faint blue light tracing its edges like a tray painted with lacquer.

―On the night of a new moon, never compete against a swordsman.

As a magician, Suimei's father had come onto the brink of conflict with sword masters, he was reminded of the warning he was told to absolutely keep in mind. A sword was something that reflected the moonlight well. Thus, when moonlight was plentiful, it would show a strong glimmer of the swordsman's killing intent. This would allow one to see with their own eyes the line drawn by the sword at just the right moment when the swordsman went for the killing blow. However, on the evening of the new moon, it was a different story. Light from electricity does not reflect killing intent. Neither does light born from mysteries. Due to this, the killing intent of the sword master becomes hazy to detect at best.

Naturally, in this world where there isn't much light during the night, one can easily predict just what would happen on the new moon. Hoping that crossing Hatsumi once more would not end up turning into a conflict from a misunderstanding, Suimei looked up at the deep dark sky gloomily. On this evening of the new moon in Miazen, Suimei was once more infiltrating the palace on his own.

Descending from the tall spiked wall, he softly and lightly stood on a thicket. After looking at it once more, he realized the palace grounds were actually quite enormous. There was the main building, three separate annexes with gardens, the barracks for the guards and a chapel separated by some woods. To take a tour of the entire grounds would take a considerable amount of time.

Just like the other day, it would be nice if his destination was fixed, but tonight it was different. He was also worried whether or not she would be alone tonight as well. Due to the incident last time, she should have gotten more vigilant. It was possible she wouldn't be alone. Suimei could only verify it for himself.

“At night, she's alone and goes to a watering hole, huh...”

This was the information Liliana brought back to him. If it was correct, it wasn't that difficult to confirm. However, because the palace went to great difficulty to create two different watering holes, Suimei was forced to investigate both of them.

While thinking to himself, Suimei half hid himself behind a tree. It didn't have much meaning since he was using magic to make his presence hard to perceive, but it was only human to act out the appropriate action which matched the atmosphere.

There were soldiers posted as guards sporadically around the water well and a house maid was currently drawing water from it. It seemed this one was used by many people. That's why Suimei quickly excluded it from the list of possibilities. If she was planning on being alone, it would be hard to imagine her coming to a watering hole where may people came by. However―

“A watering hole huh... Just what is she doing in that kind of place?”

The first thing that came to mind was coming to get a drink, but as long as she was receiving the hospitality appropriate for a hero, going to get water would be something left to a servant. Just like he saw now, it was work for a house maid to do. Therefore, if there was something else he could think of―

“Using water for sword training... maybe?”

Suimei wasn't too familiar with the principles of the sword, but it wouldn't be weird to require water to do some sort of training. It was possible to think of using the difficulty of moving in water to train after all. Moreover, if one was required to hide their art, it was obvious to be alone. Suimei was convinced this was the case. But if it was...

“If I'm careless she'll strike at me with that sword... It's finally the chance to be just the two of us too...”

Letting out words that could easily be interpreted in another way, Suimei jumped up onto the roof. Using flight magic, he quietly landed and moved along the rooftop while focusing his gaze downwards. He continued to distance himself from the main complex and headed towards a place near the chapel which was only permitted to be used by the royal family.

There was a tall grove of trees surrounding it as if to hide it from the other places in the palace. It had a desolate atmosphere. The patrols in this area were scarce, it was the ideal place to be alone. All that was left for Suimei was finding the watering hole in this area...

“Oops, looks like they're at least coming here too huh?”

Suimei spotted a single female guard headed in that direction. Just as he jumped down from the rooftop, he hurriedly concealed himself. He thought to put her to sleep at first, but he concluded that a single person patrolling around such a large area wouldn't really matter if they were left alone, so he passed on using magic for now. However, around the area he landed, there wasn't any sort of watering hole nearby.

“Which means it's behind the chapel?”

Suimei muttered to himself while keeping his focus on the guard. As he went around the building, there was a stone wall made quite differently from the chapel itself. Perhaps it served as some sort of partition, however, since the side of it was completely open, if it did serve that kind of purpose, it was an awfully careless setup.

From the other side of the partition, Suimei could hear a much larger amount of water than he thought he would find. He could hear the sound of a sufficient amount of water splashing around. The interval was irregular, but there was no mistaking that someone was using it for something.

After confirming that nobody was nearby, Suimei slipped in to the other side of the partition. On the other side of the stone wall was what he believed to be a water drain made of stone paving. There were objects around it which took into consideration multiple people using the watering hole at once. Above it was a bucket hanging on a metal fixture. And right next to it was―

“... Eh?”

“Eh...?”

―Kuchiba Hatsumi, stark naked.

After letting out a boneheaded voice, Suimei was unable to move like he was completely bewitched. Her un-Japanese golden hair, which was due to her genetics skipping a generation, was wet with water, by sight, he could see most of her healthy looking skin was dripping wet. Her body drew bewitching curves which were poison to his eyes, her feminine figure left a strong impression on his mind. While still matching his gaze, she made a completely dumbfounded expression with a bucket of water still over her shoulder.

―Thinking about it properly once more, this was also reasonable. Because this was behind the chapel, it was absolutely necessary to keep in mind that there would probably be facilities to be able to purify one's body.

In this world, the culture of bathing only spread in a single region. Because of that, when people washed themselves it was usually just with a sponge. But for people like them who were used to washing their bodies in a bath, it just didn't feel right. It was easy to consider wanting to come out and bathe like this.

“Um, you know, this is, um...”

Though completely incoherent, Suimei attempted to make an excuse right away. He wanted to say that he wasn't intending to peep on her. Naturally it wasn't his intent, but in the end Hatsumi did not interpret it that way, and he realized she was about to scream.

“―You per...”

“W-wait a sec!”

Wanting to prevent people from coming over after hearing her, Suimei ran towards Hatsumi. And then, after warding off the bucket she threw at him, he grappled her.

“Uguu!”

“W-wait, please quiet down! I'm begging you!”

Suimei skillfully went around to her back and held her down by holding her from behind. To prevent her from raising her voice, he sealed her mouth with his right hand. Due to the sudden event, their balance broke and the two of them fell backwards onto their butts, but Suimei wasn't paying any attention to that. More importantly, because there was still a guard patrolling around the area, his full attention was on trying to prevent a woman's scream from filling the air.

If she screamed here, the guard would definitely come running. Other guards would definitely gather as well. In that case, it would just be a repeat of last time. It would make a big mess of his only chance. He wanted to avoid it no matter what. Naturally, Hatsumi resisted. She was squirming to try and get out of his arms. Suimei tightened his left arm to strengthen his hold. His magic was devoted to trying to form a barrier, so he could only pin her down using his own strength.

“Mmm! Mmmm!”

“Like I've been saying, just spare me the violence...”

―Chomp!

“Mm! Hyamu...”

“Shit! Just a little more...”

In a complete panic, Suimei invoked his magic. It was careless of him not to use it in the first place. But there was no point in regretting it now. It was necessary that he deploy the Phantom Road immediately.

... Forming the barrier took most of Suimei's concentration, when it was finally completed, Hatsumi seemed to have calmed down a bit and her violent vigour had subsided. As he finished the barrier which isolated them from the outside world, Suimei let out a breath of relief as he let go of Hatsumi's mouth.

“Sorry 'bout that. I had no...”

“What do you mean you had no choice!? Pervert!”

While still being held by Suimei, Hatsumi turned her teeth towards him with the same vigour she had just used them to bite him with.

“E-even if you say that, I didn't think at all that you would doing this kind of thing...”

“Enough, just let me go! How long are you planning on grabbing my breast you idiot!!??”

“Eh―?”

Grabbing her breast. Hearing those words, Suimei finally realized just what it was that he was doing. Of course, his entire focus was just on holding her down, so he didn't realize at all that his left hand was perfectly gripping onto her breast.

A few seconds after being told. A few seconds to put his thoughts in order. Realizing that he was reacting far too slow, Suimei turned completely red and let go of his hand and jumped back. Now that he though about it, when he strengthened his hold on her, he remembered squeezing onto something soft.

“S-s-s-s-s-s-sorry!”

“It's not just sorry right you pervert!? First you enter someone's room arbitrarily and now you barge in on them bathing and grab their breast!? Isn't that completely the act of a degenerate pervert!?”

“Heee!! I-I don't have anything to counter that...”

Suimei replied in a hysterical voice, and in an unusual act for him, he meekly got on his hands and knees. On the other hand, Hatsumi was finding it hard to remain vigilant while hiding her body. Using only her arms and hands, she was unable to cover herself completely and seemed to be suffering. Her arm was wrapped around herself, but it seemed she didn't notice that a pink tip was peeking out on both sides above her arm. Looking at her bashful face as she became bright red while glaring back at him, Suimei finally realized.

“... U-umm, please take this.”

Suimei humbly went to get her clothes that had been hanging nearby and handed them to her. His head was completely pointed downwards and all he could see was the ground, but even so Suimei shut his eyes with enough force to to wrinkle his face. Hatsumi took her clothes from him while remaining completely vigilant.

Before long, after judging that he could no longer hear the rustling of clothing, Suimei raised his gaze. At worst he could be cut down right here, but it seemed like she didn't have her sword on hand. It may have actually been fortunate that she was bathing. As he looked up at her, she seemed to have noticed something and suddenly looked around her surroundings dubiously.

“I screamed quite a bit but, people aren't coming...?”

“This region has been isolated with magic after all. Even if you scream and go on a rampage, the sound won't leak out, nobody will come.”

“In other words, I've been caught by you?”

Hatsumi looked at Suimei with a sharp gaze like the blade of a knife. Even her tone was considerably sharp. Looking at her like this, Suimei raised both his hands in the air to show that he had no malicious intent.

“Aaah, eeeh, you know. I don't have any intention of harming you?”

“... I think you've already done quite a bit of damage just now though.”

“I'm sorry I apologize please forgive me it was completely out of my control.”

Suimei prostrated himself and gave an earnest apology as many times as he had to. Seeing that atmosphere which was completely different from the last time he infiltrated the palace, perhaps because she was considerably taken aback, she let out a tremendous sigh.

“... So? What did you come here for today?”

“Like I said last time, I came to talk.”

“That thing about being childhood friends?”

“That's right.”

Suimei nodded with a solemn expression. However, she pointed out what she had brought up the last time they spoke once more.

“I believe I denied that the last time didn't I? Why is a childhood friend from another world coming to visit me?”

“Because I was also summoned to this world. There's no other possibility except for that right?”

“Just what kind of probability is that... In other words, are you also a hero?”

“No, I was caught up in Reiji's... A friend's summoning and ended up getting stuck here. Did you hear about an accident happening during the summoning ritual in the Astel Kingdom?”

“Now that you mention it, that sounds familiar...”

“And that's why I'm here right now.”

Suimei spoke like he was fed up with the whims of the stars. However, Hatsumi still looked at him doubtfully. Seeing her act like that, Suimei made a grimace as he continued to talk.

“Then just what should I say for you to believe me? Your family members' names? Your specialties? Your hobbies? The things you like...? Other than that, I can also talk about the secrets that you refuse to tell people or your embarrassing past?”

“What do you mean embarrassing!? Embarrassing!? How do you even know the secrets that I refuse to tell people!?”

“I've been hanging out with you since we were brats after all. You're my cousin that lived in the house right next to mine you know?”

“Eh? Cousin...? is that true?”

Suimei nodded back at her after she showed her surprise at him being family. After seeing Suimei sincerely confess that they were related, a portion of her obstinate doubt crumbled, but her expression was still slightly uneasy.

“Like I thought, you can't believe me?”

“... Do you think I'm in a position to carelessly believe anything?”

“Well you have a point...”

Right now, she was a hero with amnesia. She was in a position where there was an obvious danger that many influential powers were aiming to use her. It was only natural that she would be strongly vigilant. There was no way she would believe anyone just because she was told to. Because she was lacking the materials with which to judge others, she must have been going through quite the hardships.

Suimei dropped his shoulders and scratched his head like he was troubled. If it wasn't possible from talking to her, he didn't have any other ways of proving it to her. If he couldn't convince her by talking to her about anything and everything, he could only pray that her memory returned. While thinking of this, Suimei folded his arms and groaned as Hatsumi stared at him fixedly. Before long, she let out a somehow resigned voice.

“―Got it. I'll believe you. If you were planning to bring me down, you wouldn't go about it in such a roundabout way.”

“Is that fine?”

“It doesn't seem you have any intent to harm me after all, besides, you know things that only I know and things that I do not. Also... That's it. Could you say my full name?”

“Kuchiba Hatsumi.”

“And your name is?”

“It's Yakagi Suimei?”

“Yakagi, Suimei...”

“What's up?”

As Suimei made a confused expression, Hatsumi muttered out his name separately while looking like she couldn't help but approve of him now.

“... It's reversed.”

“Eh?”

“When you say it, it is reversed. When the people of this world say my name, they seem to be saying something that is easier for them to pronounce too. Also your name is easy for me to pronounce. Above all, the movements of your mouth match the words I am hearing. Also it seems evident that we're the same race. When I think of it properly, there's an overwhelming number of things that make it easier for me to believe you than to not do so.”

After a short pause, she continued talking.

“What I was suspicious last time, was that you seemed to know too much, which is why I couldn't accept it right away. Also I was completely surprised at your sudden intrusion.”

She certainly had a point. It was something quite difficult to just up and believe someone who was trespassing. However, having finally reached this stage, Suimei let out a sigh of relief. He was finally able to move on to the main point he originally wanted to talk about. But Hatsumi once more looked at him with a strict gaze.

“―But it's not like I plan on letting my guard down around you.”

“Ah?”

“Isn't it obvious?”

“Ha... Haa!? You believe me now right!? Why!?”

“Isn't it obvious? Even if you're an acquaintance of mine and even if you are showing me your favour, I still don't know whether or not you're trustworthy right?”

She was right. Even if they were acquaintances, friends or cousins, she still did not know whether he was someone she could trust. It was perfectly reasonable that she was still cautious. Hatsumi then questioned Suimei in a somewhat aggressive tone.

“So? Why did you do something like infiltrate the palace? Wasn't there another way to visit me?”

“That huh? It seems like it isn't so simple to arrange a meeting with the hero. It was impossible even by trying to use the guild master of the adventurers' guild known as the Twilight Pavilion as an intermediary.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. It seems the royal family won't allow any meetings.”

Watching Suimei shrug his shoulders like it was troublesome, Hatsumi knit her brows as if she still found in dubious.

“... The king and the others are all good people though.”

“I don't know anything about that. But―”

As he said this, Suimei made a pensive face and hesitated to continue. He was wondering whether it was really alright to say it here. What he wanted to inform her of, was the fact that the royal family was likely using her. He wasn't positive, but it was also definite that they were protecting her, so he was hesitating on whether it was essential to inform her of this.

“It's not like I don't have a clue. I do feel like they are using me somewhat.”

Perhaps she read what he wanted to say from the subtleties of his expression, Hatsumi put in words what Suimei was worried to bring up.

“But if you say that, the hero summoning is the most extreme example of that. If you try putting it in words, there won't be an end to it.”

“That's true. Well, because of that, I could only resort to this kind of method.”

After Suimei simply stated the reasons for his actions, Hatsumi suddenly changed the topic.

“... Hey, were you worried about me?”

Hearing her ask this, Suimei made a face like he was questioning why she was asking something so needless as he replied.

“Isn't it obvious? We're family.”

“Family...”

Even if they were related by blood, they were still only cousins. The sense of distance between such people depended on the household, but even so, for Suimei who had no immediate family, having a blood relative who lived nearby and who he kept company since he was a child was the same thing as immediate family. Whenever he was in Japan, Hatsumi's parents would always worry about whether he was eating properly and had him over. Hatsumi would also cook for him, though only once in a while. Suimei could not possibly coldly leave someone like that alone. Perhaps because he used the word family, Hatsumi was standing there blinking in surprise.

“What is it?”

“N-nothing! It's nothing!”

After he asked, Hatsumi shyly turned away. And then, after her embarrassment subsided to an extent, she turned back to him and questioned him in a timid tone.

“... You say that I'm family indifferently, but do I have other family?”

“Yeah. Your father is Instructor Kiyoshiro. Your mother is Yukio-san. And you have a little brother called Haseto. After you suddenly disappeared, I'm sure they're all worried.”

“... That, that's right isn't it...”

After hearing that she had family, as one would expect, it was difficult for her to bear. Because she didn't know that there was anybody waiting for her to return, it was true that she didn't have such needless anxieties. She was probably quite worried now. Seeing her like this, Suimei stuck out his hand.

“Hatsumi, come with me.”

“With you?”

“That's right. I'm currently looking for a method to return to our world. The reason I came to Miazen was also for this purpose... If you come with us, you can return the moment we find the way back. That's why.”

That's why, he wanted her to come. That's what he was trying to say. But, Hatsumi didn't take his offer. As if she was turning her back on his kindness, she awkwardly averted her gaze.

“But, I have to fight the demons...”

“There's no reason why you have to fight them right? They summoned you arbitrarily and told you to fight, you don't have any responsibility to do so.”

“...”

This did not apply only to Hatsumi. It was something he could say to every hero summoned to this world. They didn't have any responsibility to fight the demons. In Hatsumi's case where she lost her memories and having already fought the demons, it could be said to apply doubly for her. Suimei was worried whether or not her will had been tampered with. However, if she wasn't forced into this but was unable to agree with him, it would be...

“Could it be, you're unable to turn your back on the comrades you've fought together with until now?”

“That's also true... But it isn't just that. It can also be said that this was a fight I started, so I can't cast it away partway through.”

“You started it yourself? What do you mean?”

“Just as you said, I don't have any memories, I don't have any reason to fight. That's how it was at first, I had always shut myself up in my room. But, when I heard the demons were attacking, after hearing someone begging to save the people, I thought it was something I had to do.”

Hatsumi fluently cut to the main reason, and Suimei closed his mouth. The reason she gave him was somewhat similar to what Reiji told him before.

“After that, I fought together with the people of the Alliance, Selphy and the others and pushed back the demons. Everyone was happy. Not because I fought, but because I saved many people and their families. That's why...”

―She was unable to cast it away partway through. It was a fight she started, cutting it off and throwing it away after hearing she could return was just being selfish.

As if it was the first time she ever spoke her mind from the depths of her heart, she said it all at ease. However, in the end, it was something unavoidable. Taking advantage of her conscience, she was stuck with having to fight as they were being pressed back. In that case, it wasn't her own fight. Suimei could only think of it as her getting swallowed into the fight of others. As Suimei was about to admonish her for this, Hatsumi suddenly began speaking.

“Hey? I don't know when it was, but was there a funeral? You had the role of the chief mourner, and had just lost someone important.”

“A funeral... Three years ago, was my father's funeral. The chief mourner was supposed to be Instructor Kiyoshiro, but since I was the closest blood relative, I ended up doing it.”

Suimei was wondering whether she was able to figure something out. As if she had just found something that she wasn't supposed to find, she let out a sigh like she was resigning herself.

“As I thought...”

“Rather, how do you know about that? Don't you have amnesia?”

“I had a flashback. The people I saw in that vision had hazy faces though. The images flowed through my mind fairly quickly.”

While Suimei was thinking of how that kind of thing actually happened, she continued speaking.

“And so, after that funeral ended, you were there. You said, that you had to keep going forward. That you had to go save them...”

“I did?”

Suimei unintentionally turned her question around. When he tried to remember, he didn't have that kind of memory.

“You don't know...? I see. It's probably because you were tired and dozing off. So I think you don't remember it. The context was strange too. But at that time, it felt like you had something you had to do no matter what. That's why, I thought it must have been some sort of dream.”

Many things happened at that time. His father died. After that was settled, he had to protect the last promise he made with his father, it was without a doubt the time he made his determination to walk forward on the path of a magician. It wasn't that strange for him to let out that kind of thing unexpectedly when he was dejected at the time.

“When Gaius stampeded into the palace asking for reinforcements, that memory came back to me. That's why I started fighting. That person in my memories marched forwards without breaking down after all. That's why, I also couldn't just stand still... Though finding out it was you, I'm a little peeved.”

At the end, she trailed off shyly and added that on. That last part didn't sit well with Suimei, but even so, pinching his brow, he couldn't help but feel anguish over his helpless feelings boiling up. He never though that his own words would be one of her reasons for fighting. He could only describe it as some kind of karma. Because of the things he said himself and the fact that she did not want to neglect them, right now she was unable to take the hand he was extending her. Suddenly, Hatsumi continued speaking like she realized the reason why Suimei was at his wit's end.

“It's not like I'm saying it's your fault...”

“... I know. Even if you didn't have amnesia, there's a possibility that you would fight. I won't say whose fault it was.”

Declaring that bluntly, Suimei was unable to wipe away his feelings of guilt. If it was Hatsumi before she lost her memories, then it was considerably possible that she would fight the demons. The style of sword she studied was a technique used for nothing other than fighting evil after all. Seeing her like this, Suimei quietly asked her.

“... You're going to fight here?”

“Yes. I started it after all, I can't stop partway.”

“I see...”

The reason he was only able to squeeze out those words, was because he was worried deep down in her heart. Fighting the demons couldn't be taken halfheartedly, she would likely go through many hardships from here. It was also true of her bonds to other people. As long as she held the position of a hero, there were things beyond her control. On top of that, she was fighting while having lost her memories, it was to be expected that he would be anxious. However―

“Got it.”

Saying this, Suimei stood up. Just because he was worried, it didn't mean he could make light of her determination. And even if he did take her along forcefully, he would just be pressuring her with his own worries. To comfort his own heart, he couldn't have her give up on her own desires. And then even for himself, he couldn't give up on the things that he had to do. Therefore...

“I'd like to go along with you, but I have to find the spell to return us to our world. When I find it, I'll come to let you know.”

“Un.”

“I'll be in the lodging house of the Twilight Pavilion in this city for a while, if you need anything don't hesitate and come and ask. Though you may be reluctant to meet with me.”

After saying this gently, Suimei suddenly remembered something as he clapped.

“That's it!”

“What?”

“The next time you meet some important guy, tell them this for me. If they're planning to continue messing with me despite being the hero's friend, my goal will change. Next time, whether it be ten or twenty thousand of them, tell them to come at me with the resolve to be annihilated.”

After Suimei informed her of this in a slightly joking manner, he left Hatsumi behind.

★

It was the day after Suimei once more infiltrated the palace. Kuchiba Hatsumi was now in the garden of Miazen's palace. In a corner of the spacious garden was a circular gazebo where Hatsumi was seated, and before her was the king of Miazen. Flanking the king was the first prince Weitzer, surrounding the gazebo were the cabinet ministers, generals, and of course Hatsumi's companions Gaius and Selphy.

After judging that the king had finished with his government affairs, Hatsumi proposed to have an unofficial conversation with him. The royal family had taken heed of Hatsumi's circumstances, and because they had to put up a front that all business with the hero was official, they chose not to hold the meeting in the formal atmosphere of the audience chamber which in itself could be considered a foreign enemy―but setting that aside.

Sitting across from Hatsumi at a marble table, Miazen's king was looking at her with a gentle smile. That expression was likely his way of telling her not to humble herself in this place. Miazen's king had a mild character. His personality was completely opposite from his son Weitzer. He was a person who was the very picture of a gentle king right out of a story book. He was sometimes strict, but because he was always took into consideration those around him, he was idolized as a king. After their preparations for their little session had finished, the king spoke to Hatsumi.

“―Hero-dono. What was it that you wanted to speak of earnestly with myself?”

“Yes. It is about the actions from here on out that we agreed on the other day, as well as a report.”

Without particularly abasing herself, she answered gracefully. The king spoke back to her in a slightly joking manner.

“Hohou. So you discussed that kind of thing already? It is a good thing to be thinking of the demon subjugation during your time of rest, but if you were to do so I would also have liked to participate.”

“My apologies. Your Majesty is a busy man, though it may be presumptuous, we decided to only talk among ourselves.”

“I see I see. My apologies for causing you concern. But Hero-dono, as always you are a quite the humble hero. Without being proud, you are still dignified. I am proud of you as the king of this country who calls you hero.”

The king laughed with a broad smile, he was showing his face as a king who loved the people. Though she wasn't sure whether it was a good or bad habit to give praise to someone at every opportunity. As Hatsumi casually took at glimpse in Gaius' direction, perhaps because he found the king's loose tone to be tedious or perhaps because he didn't like his excessive praise, his mouth was shut tight in a frown. The king eventually moved the conversation along while still smiling as he was.

“Well then, what was the contents of that discussion?”

“From now on, as much as possible, I was thinking of taking on the actions that were originally planned for a hero. Of course, this is only after the remaining demons in the northern parts of the Alliance are defeated, but I was thinking of linking up with the other heroes and fighting in various places with them.”

This was the duty of hero that she had heard from Selphy before. Around the areas where the demon attacks were fierce, they would find opportunities to do aid each region as they could. Due to the demon invasion currently being sluggish, the other heroes were doing so and moving around with the goal of inspiring the soldiers and citizens of the world, but she was thinking it was about time that they started moving towards the fight.

“Umu... You certainly have a point. However, I think it is a little hasty to be talking of this though? I'm sure you have heard of the activities of the other heroes, but I think it is vital to focus on what is right before your eyes without rushing it.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Despite the king's consideration seeming to be somewhat optimistic, Hatsumi bowed her head.

“My goodness. Rather, I couldn't really bring myself to have a young girl your age fight in battle. Hero-dono, do you not also wish to live a peaceful life? If you desire it, you could stay in the palace hereafter and live a life unrelated to battle.”

“Eh...?”

He was implying it was fine for her to ignore her duties as a hero. Hatsumi was darting her eyes about. Despite summoning her over to defeat the demons, it wasn't something that he should be saying no matter how she thought of it. She believed it to be a suggestion taking into consideration her amnesia, but the reason why she didn't feel like she was being deluded must have been because of that smile he always had. She didn't want to distrust them but... As Hatsumi was processing her thoughts deep in her heart, the king spoke once more.

“What do you think? Hero-dono defeated the demon general, I believe you've accomplished your duty sufficiently just from that. Even if you alone withdrew from battle, I don't think anybody would blame you?”

His favour made her think of it like a devil's invitation, but Hatsumi did not nod back to him.

“No, I cannot resign myself from the battle. I will gratefully accept only your feelings.”

“I see... In that case there's no helping it. I believe that your battles with demons will only increase exceptionally from here on out if you take on such actions. We will also offer you all the support we can, but Hero-dono, do be careful.”

After acknowledging her request, the king moved his gaze over to Weitzer.

“Weitzer. Take care of Hero-dono.”

“Understood.”

Weitzer lightly bowed his head. The two of them were being overprotective. Judging that this part of the conversation was over, Hatsumi moved on to the next topic.

“Also, there is one more thing I'd like to talk about with your Majesty.”

“What is it?”

“Yes. It is about the case of the intruder who came into my room the other day.”

As Hatsumi replied to him while he was still smiling, but the king then immediately grimaced.

“... I can do nothing but apologize for that matter. I am expecting to be able to give you a favourable response regarding that case, but that nefarious bandit has yet to be caught. The soldiers are patrolling around, but I hear even after searching the entire city they have yet to find his presence at all. From here the search will extend to other towns and we will devote all our efforts to capturing the bandit, so I would like you to wait just a little longer. Though the security around you will be quite boisterous...”

“No, about that, I'd like you to stop fussing over it.”

“... What do you mean?”

“Because last night, that man came to visit me once more.”

“What!?”

“Oi! Is that true!?”

“That man again!? No, but just where did he...”

Hearing Hatsumi's confession, the King's complexion changed in an instant, and forgetting where they were, Gaius and Weitzer became agitated. Though calm, Selphy also showed a surprised expression and was astir.

“There's no need to worry everyone. I'm okay after all.”

After she told them to be relieved, the king questioned her while still unable to shake off his agitation.

“H-hero-dono. Are you really alright?”

“Yes. If he came to me with ill intent, then I wouldn't be able to talk with your Majesty here after all.”

“That is true but... Just what were the palace guards doing?”

The king had a slightly angered attitude, and was making a deliberately sour expression. This was now the second time the palace security was breached. As one would expect, it wasn't something a king could be calm about. Looking at the surrounding soldiers trembling though, Hatsumi could only feel sorry for them. And then, though belatedly, the king seemed to have understood her intent.

“However Hero-dono. What do you mean by overlooking the intrusion?”

“Last night he came to visit me, and we talked. As expected, it seems he is one of my acquaintances.”

“I have also heard that the intruder claimed to be Hero-dono's good friend. However, Hero-dono is from a different world, I don't believe one of your friends could possible show up, just what does that mean?”

“He said that he got dragged into the hero summoning in Astel.”

“Fumu... In that case it is possible, but I do believe it would be rather difficult to believe? Why do you believe that man's words?”

“It's the movement of his mouth. Even when I talk to your Majesty as I am now, the words I hear from you are changed into the words that I use. What I hear and the movement of your mouth is different. But his words and the movement of his mouth coincide perfectly with the words I use.”

“... I see. In other words that bandit... No, that man who calls himself Hero-dono's good friend uses the language from your world. In that case there should be no mistaking it.”

“Other than that, he told me many things about myself. It seems that he is somebody who knows me well.”

“Umu...”

He was a king known for smiling no matter the situation, but right now he was making a face like he just ate something very sour for some reason. While he was showing this unexpected behaviour, Weitzer cut into their conversation with an unusually perturbed attitude.

“I-Is there no mistaking it?”

“Yes, without a doubt. There are far fewer factors that would lead me not to believe him.”

Hearing her say that, he showed a completely dumbfounded expression, on the other hand, the king showed her a very serious one.

“However, Hero-dono's friend has performed the crime of infiltrating the palace. I also do not want to charge your acquaintance with such a crime... But there is also nothing that can be done about it.”

“But he said that he had no choice but to do so. He said that there was no way of meeting with me by approaching the palace directly, is that correct?”

Due to the subject matter, Hatsumi's tone was unexpectedly somewhat reproachful. Perhaps because the king was not expecting her to ask him like this, he made a slightly dismayed face.

“U-umu. That was to protect Hero-dono. We believed that preparing a place to have a conversation would be a hindrance for you who had lost your memories.”

Due to his agitation, she could only hear it like he was making excuses. Perhaps it had something to do with what Suimei was trying to say at that time. While Hatsumi was speculating about this, she continued to ask for the suspension of the search.

“Then, is it fine to look at is as something irrelevant?”

“Even if you say that, I also have my authority to think about... Allowing the palace to be infiltrated does not sit well with me as royalty.”

Hatsumi could tell that the king was reluctant to agree with her. However, after witnessing Suimei brave danger to visit a friend only to have him branded as a criminal, it did not sit well with her. In that case, Hatsumi changed her tone and spoke bluntly.

“Understood. If your Majesty insists on it no matter what, I do not mind. It's just, before he left, he told me to leave you these words. 'If you plan to continue messing with me, be it ten or twenty thousand of you, come at me with the resolve to be annihilated.' In this situation where we must fight against the demons, I don't believe you have the leisure to lose your soldiers over such foolishness.”

“Muu...”

Partway through, the way she spoke became more threatening. The king hesitated to reply. Suimei's way of speaking was quite haughty, but because the king knew of the hero's strength, he must have thought that even without divine protection, someone from the same world would be quite strong. On the other hand, Weitzer couldn't suppress his anger at Suimei's words.

“Ten or twenty thousand... Such a boastful claim.”

Weitzer was also present at the time, but he did not actually fight with Suimei. He probably did not think there was much difference in their strength. He saw both Gaius and Selphy defeated, but the two of them had their guard down and they were planning to capture him. He didn't know whether or not they were being serious, so he didn't think there was such a large gap in their abilities. However, the same thing could be said of Suimei who was just trying to leave peacefully.

“I do not necessarily think that he was just acting brave. The palace guards weren't able to oppose him at all. Both Selphy and Gaius also think that he's quite the formidable foe right?”

“That's right. Even if I was looking down on him, I got taken down in a single shot after all.”

“... As I am now, no matter how many times we fought, I don't feel like I could ever win against that young man.”

Gaius snorted with spite, while Selphy quietly replied. During that fight, Suimei greatly impacted their self-confidence. There was probably subtleties about him only those who fought against him knew about. Hearing this, the king made a bewildered expression and Hatsumi once more urged him.

“So that you do not incur more damages, I don't believe there is any other choice. Is it still not possible to ask this of you?”

“But you know, Hero-dono...”

Seeing that the king was still being indecisive, Hastumi grew impatient and took on a frank attitude.

“Then let's do this. If you plan on causing him harm, I will take his side.”

“Wha!?”

“That man braved danger just to meet with me. In that case, it is only proper that I also take the risk―to carry the burden of danger in response. How about it?”

“U-umu... Understood. I'll comply. If Hero-dono says it would only be proper...”

Her intimidating bluff worked perfectly, and the king consented with a painful expression, and then spoke once more.

“So did he come to Miazen to meet Hero-dono?”

“No, he said that he originally came here to look for a means to return to his own world. It's likely he only realized I was here after arriving in Miazen.”

“A means to return?”

“Yes. I don't know the full details, but he said that if I went with him we would be able to return the moment he found it. From the way he spoke, I think he may actually find one.”

Hatsumi conveyed the impression she got from their conversation the other day. Magic was outside of her area of expertise so she was unable to see through his abilities, but just as she said, from the way he spoke, it made her think that he we certainly confident of the fact. After he heard this, the king showed a far more perturbed expression than before and leaned forward to ask his next question. He spoke as if it was a matter which affected national affairs greatly.

“Hero-dono! Is that really true!? If it is, how did you reply!?”

Sweat was forming on his brow and he had a tense face waiting for her reply. The people in her surroundings were the same. Despite the king asking her this, having lost his patience, Gaius suddenly came into the gazebo.

“Oi, you're not going to say you're going with him are you!?”

“I'm not. Didn't I just say it earlier? I have to defeat the demons.”

As she replied, the frozen atmosphere thawed out in an instant. They all felt relieved at once.

“Don't scare us like that. It's bad for my heart.”

“Sorry.”

Hatsumi apologized for the way she spoke as if she was insinuating something. And then, she took a look at the faces of everyone around her. After they all calmed down, she forced the topic to another thought that she was holding on to.

“However, after they are defeated, I'm thinking of returning to my own world.”

Partway through, it wasn't something she expected to be able to do. But if there was a means to return, anybody would want to do so. Selphy and Gaius both had faces like they were unable to calm down as they looked at her clearly. While everyone was at a loss for words, the first one to talk was Weitzer.

“H-Hero-dono, are you seriously...”

“Un. I was told that I also have a proper family, also I can't just leave my memories like this.”

“But...”

“Sorry. I feel bad after having been attended to so thoroughly, but I can't stay like this. My family is probably quite worried too...”

That's why she would go back. And then, seeing Weitzer's attitude like he was clinging on, she thanked him deep within her heart. Hatsumi then turned to her other companions who had yet to speak.

“What do you two think?”

“For me, if that is what Hatsumi wants, then...”

“That's all up to you. Personally I'll be lonely, but it can't be helped.”

“Un.”

Selphy was hesitant to say it, but on the other hand, as one would expect of him, Gaius showed the dignity of an adult and sympathized with her situation in an unusually sullen and serious attitude. It seemed that Weitzer was feeling quite bitter as he was making a somewhat flustered expression. She was a little worried about the king's complexion, but the two of them must have felt the same.

Nobody spoke anymore, and it happened just as that awkward silence spread out. A soldier suddenly came rushing into the garden. It was not a palace guard. From his clothing, he was a soldier from Larsheem. The way he stumbled over the lawn was somewhat like a humorous puppet show, but it must have been just that important a matter. While being helped up by the palace guards who were running behind him, he approached with exhausted steps.

“Oi! What's wrong!?”

“Ha!!”

The soldier replied to Gaius vigorously, and knelt down before the gazebo.

“I have a report to make to his Majesty the King with haste!”

“What has you panicking so much? You are before the hero.”

“M-my apologies!”

The soldier lowered his head and apologized. Seeing him like this, the king once more asked him.

“So, what happened? Seeing the state you are in, it isn't something trivial.”

Even without asking, everyone realized that something had happened. While in the tension of waiting for an answer, the soldier who was out of breath finally spoke.

“The demon invasion has restarted!”

And so, the hero Hatsumi's brief period of rest came to an end.

★

Currently, the demon territory was looking out over Gaius' native land of Larsheem. Between what was originally the demon territory and Larsheem, there was a large boundary region which was not influenced by either race. However, when the demon army first invaded Larsheem ages ago, because it was quite the large scaled advance to cover so much land, simple fortresses were placed in this region to stave off the demons' advances.

After Hatsumi and the others pushed back the demon army, these fortresses now served as the front line and was the site where they were gathering. It was a four day trip by foot. Hatsumi and the others left with some reinforcements ahead of the others and arrived at the main headquarters in the wastelands at an astounding speed.

In the area of the main fortress, they were hurriedly bringing in supplies into tents in a panic. Preparing for a large scale decisive battle, the Alliance soldiers from each of the affiliated countries were restlessly moving around. Looking at this situation from atop their horses, Hatsumi and the others dismounted in front of a tent, and went inside.

Generals from each Alliance army were already inside, all the staff officers were present and discussing strategy for the upcoming battle. They were all people she knew from the previous battle and the battle before that and they were also informed of her arrival beforehand, so none of them were surprised at the hero's arrival.

As a hero, Hatsumi took the seat of honour, and Weitzer was next to her. Because Selphy was the one to summon her over, she was standing behind her. After everyone was seated, Weitzer questioned the staff officers of Miazen's army.

“What's the current situation?”

“Ha! Currently, the Larsheem and Miazen armies are forming a linchpin with soldiers deployed on both flanks. We believe the demon army intends to attack head on and are deployed to face them with layered defences.”

“What's the situation of the fortresses in the border region being attacked?”

“The northwest, north-northwest, north and north-northeast fortresses are under attack. The reinforcements are moving over there now and are fighting bravely, but the attack on the north-northeast fortress seems to be particularly severe, the situation there is not very good.”

Gaius let out a groan after hearing the staff officer's restless report.

“There should have been a sufficient amount of forces left behind though.”

“The number of demons far exceeds the number of deployed soldiers. Because of that, it was decided to send reinforcements to the pivotal points.”

The staff officer went into further detail, but after Hatsumi put together the situation...

“It's a poor strategy.”

“As expected, does Hero-dono think it is a diversion or dispersion strategy?”

After Hatsumi evaluated the situation, Weitzer asked for confirmation on her thoughts. After she nodded back at him with a knowing look, Selphy also nodded.

“It is likely that Hatsumi's prediction is correct. While the main demon is facing down the Alliance forces, several detached forces could be employing diversionary tactics. Or perhaps they are planning to draw in the Alliance soldiers―the hero, out on their own, and split our forces.”

“It's just―”

“It can only be said to be a poor strategy, right?”

“Yes, anybody would be able to easily tell that would be what they are planning.”

Hatsumi nodded back towards Selphy. Anybody who saw this would be able to see through that plan and evaluate it as a poor strategy. However, this also became the main factor to think that there was some other intent behind their movements. Gaius then turned a severe expression towards the staff officer.

“What is the scale of the demon armies attacking each fortress?”

“Other than the north-northeast fortress, the number of demons about double the number of deployed soldiers. It seems forces are continuously pouring onto the north-northeast fortress and we estimate there is around three or four times the number of demons there.”

“That's a lot...”

Because the Alliance soldiers were fighting from a fortress, it was possible for them to put up a fight despite being outnumbered. They had the composure to hold out for a while. However, the number of demons attacking the north-northeast fortress was enough to overthrow it. There was a need to send a large amounts of reinforcements there, to crush the attack they would need to concentrate a considerable amount of effort into it.

“... In other words, those guys are simply planning to disperse our forces huh. It's simple, but effective. It's usually their plan to look like they have a plan but not to really have any particular plan in mind. It's a deception.”

“Yes, I believe the same if we are thinking about it normally.”

Hatsumi agreed with Gaius' conclusion. From their current information, that was the only conclusion they could make, they were not in a situation where they could determine whether or not there was a grander scheme in action. The staff officer then showed a bitter expression.

“... Right now they are holding out, but it is only a matter of time before the north-northeast fortress falls.”

“It'll be bad to leave it like this huh.”

“Un. There would be a hole in the defences, and the demons would pour in through there with force.”

Judging that the conversation on the enemy's movements had ended, Weitzer questioned the others.

“So, what will we do about the reinforcements?”

“Ha. Our main plan is to once more send reinforcements from here. And our secondary one... My apologies, but we would like Hero-sama to prepare to head to the fortress and lead the reinforcements.”

The staff officer who proposed to plan was standing at attention. The reason they proposed the main plan first was likely to appeal to the hero reservedly. By all means, it was the best hand to play, but a mere staff officer or general was unable to directly order the hero into battle. Sensing their intent, Hatsumi resolutely nodded to them.

“We cannot afford to stay still. The number of reinforcements we can send to the other fortresses is limited, so that we're ready when the main force of the demon army moves, we can't spare too many of them.”

“Then that means that.”

“Since it is easy for us to move and we possess a significant amount of war potential, there's no choice but for us to do so.”

“Is that enough talking? We'll move out once preparations are complete, please take care of the arrangements.”

Hatsumi deprecated herself and bowed her head, and the gathered generals became flustered and bowed back.

★

After their military meeting, Hatsumi and the others took action quickly. Without taking the time to relieve their fatigue from marching all the way here in a hurry, they left behind the forces they took with them and spearheaded the group of soldiers prepared by the generals and headed for one of the fortresses in the boundary.

They arrived at the fortress where the demon attack was fiercest. In an open and slightly elevated position between the mountains and forests, a defensive wall made of wood posts cut out of black wood stood tall. Watchtowers were put in place in all four directions. It was far from the image of a firm stronghold, but even so, because it was put in place to perfectly block the path, it held to the reputation of a fortress well.

However, unlike the main headquarters fortress in the north which stood before a large wasteland, they had previously lost this one and retaken it. So the destruction and restorations on the fortress were piling up and it was not in great condition. The sturdy black wood wall had great scars here and there, and a section of it was missing. At a glance, it was unreliable.

Currently, this boundary fortress was much quieter than they imagined. It seemed that the demons' assault had stopped for the moment. They could see the fortress in a flurry from recovering after a battle, but at present they were not being attacked. Leaving the forces they brought with them to Selphy, Hatsumi went ahead with Gaius and Weitzer into the fortress and ascended the main watchtower.

The fortress' commander was overlooking the situation from the watchtower himself and was in the middle of giving out orders from above. From the shoulder pads he was wearing, he seemed to be an officer from Larsheem. As they approached the commander, he stiffly fell to one knee. After Gaius ordered him to be at ease right away, he cut to the chase.

“How's the situation?”

“Ha. The battle with the demons has currently fallen into a stalemate. It seems those demons are also at a loss on how to continue and loosened their attack. We're currently hurrying with tending to the wounded and repairing the fortress.”

The commander gave his report in a slightly excited tone. He was probably still filled with the exaltation over the battle from the previous day. Seeing him like this, Gaius showed him his characteristic smile.

“You held out huh. You did good.”

“Those words are more than I deserve. General Forvan.”

The commander lightly bowed his head and showed his gratitude to Gaius. Hatsumi then questioned him about the situation further.

“So, are those the demons?”

The commander gave her a nod while still in an excited state. From the top of the watchtower, they were able to look down at the foot of the hill. As Hatsumi shifted her focus to it, the commander pointed out where the front was, and the demon army was there. As if they were laying siege to the fortress, they were set up in a battle formation spread out at the bottom of the hill.

It wasn't like they were carrying out their business like a human army would, but they dug trenches in the ground and placed makeshift walls of wood. At the very least, it looked like a military encampment. She couldn't get an extensive view of it, but it looked like they laid waste to a considerable amount of the outskirts. It was likely that they did so when they retreated as a means to slow down any pursuing forces―But setting that aside for now.

“That battle formation looks like they're showing off.”

“As long as they're not attacking us then it's a good thing, they've just been pressuring us like that. Once in a while they'll raise their voices or lay waste to the land. They're likely aiming to exhaust us...”

Before Hatsumi arrived, there weren't that many soldiers. If they were being messed with in that state, it was possible to bring them down without even attacking. They were aware that reinforcements were coming, but the time spent waiting chipped away at their morale. Unexpectedly for the demons, they built up the anxiety in the fortress that the attack could occur at any time forcing them into a fight. However―It was strange.

The movement of the demons could be described as strategically respectable. It made sense. However, it was uncharacteristic of the demons. Demons had a disposition where they would lunge in for the kill the moment they spot a weakness. So it was irregular for them to be simply applying pressure even in the situation of assaulting a fortress. It was possible that they were waiting for reinforcements before attacking, but Hatsumi felt that it looked strange regardless. While she was thinking of such things, Weitzer spoke to her.

“Hero-dono. Is something the matter?”

“Let's rout them. As always. But it's just... Aren't the actions of the demons strange?”

“I don't believe there is any important information other than what was just reported. There are no other demons in the area.”

“Then there doesn't seem to be a problem.”

Immediately after making her decision, Selphy's voice came from the bottom of the watchtower.

“Hatsumi, a message came.”

“What happened?”

“It seems the main force of demons has moved. The Alliance army is currently moving in response.”

The time had come, those in the area were astir as tension ran through the air. Weitzer then spat out in an unpleasant tone at the report.

“Like we thought, it was a plan to disperse our forces. How insolent.”

The demons had determined the timing that they would separate from the Alliance forces and moved in to attack the main force all at once. In the end, they went right along with the enemy's plan, but now they were definite that the demons before them were a decoy with the purpose of splitting their forces.

“Let's defeat them quickly and return. Also, Weitzer, when this is over, hand over the soldiers we brought along to this fortress.”

“To compensate for the defences right? All is as you will.”

As Weitzer humbly agreed, Gaius looked to Hatsumi for her decision.

“What do we do?”

“I'm planning to sally out and meet them from here. We'll quickly charge in and render them helpless, then quickly turn them back. I think that's the best way, how about it?”

“I'm in favour of that.”

“Well, there's no other way after all.”

Just as Gaius said, this was the only choice for them. They didn't have the leisure to take their time, so they were unable to do something more intricate like lure the enemy into another place where they could ambush them. It was possible that they would pile up casualties from attacking head on, but in that case it would just be up to Hatsumi and the others to cover for that. After confirming their plan, Weitzer turned towards the commander.

“Commander, what is the status of the soldiers remaining in the fortress?”

“Many of the soldiers are wounded or exhausted. If it were a defensive battle, we could put three quarters of them into action, but in the case of an offensive one, it would only be about half of them.”

“Selphy, how are the soldiers we brought with us?”

“They had sufficient rest interposed during the march, so there will be no problems having them participate in battle.”

“Then have them prepare for battle immediately. Against the demons' forces, we will split our forces into three units. The left and right flanks will protect both sides while the main unit led by Hero-dono will cut into the demon army. After forming up in front of the fortress, we will attack immediately!”

As Weitzer let out his orders, all the soldiers began moving. He was royalty and the fact that he was the hero's companion was well known, all the preparations would be flawless. Meanwhile, Hatsumi called out to Gaius.

“Let us go right away as well. Gaius, are you ready?”

“Damn right. I'm itching to go.”

Gaius struck his palm with his fist as he replied. Watching him descend from the watchtower, Hatsumi placed her foot on the railing and descended by kicking off of it. Normally this act would cause the soldiers to boil with excitement, but right now, nobody had the leisure to watch her. Passing through the soldiers who were taking formation, she dashed to the front of the gate.

Waiting in front of the gate, the preparations to attack the demons eventually finished, and the signal to open the gate resounded through the air. And as the gate opened, she turned around to face the soldiers forming ranks. She could see the faces of soldiers brimming with excitement before fighting together with the hero. She did not a give a single word for the soldiers who were about to face the demons.

Their high morale was likely due to her consecutive victories against the demons. Exactly because of that fact, everyone present was certain of their victory. She had to live up to their expectations. This feeling welled up within Hatsumi's chest. Biting down on those emotions, she passed a gaze over all of them. Weitzer then took a step in front of all the soldiers.

“From here on out, we will strike at the demons who are besieging the fortress! Including our reinforcements, our forces number fewer than those damn demons, but we have Hero-dono with us who holds the strength of ten thousand reinforcements! As long as she is fighting with us, we will never lose! Be honoured that you fight alongside the hero who was given the Goddess Alshuna's glory! Everyone, take pride in facing this battle!”

As his speech filled with an unusual amount of zeal ended, the soldiers raised a remarkably loud war cry. As the cry came to an end, Weitzer and Gaius immediately lined up at Hatsumi's side. And then together with Weitzer's command, the soldiers sallied out of the fortress and immediately ran down the hill. Keeping some distance between them and the demons, they quickly took formation and came to a stop.

“... It seems the demons noticed our intent and have begun moving.”

“Since we're forming up in the middle of the hill, it's easy for them to tell.”

After Weitzer's explanation, the commander's voice rang out from behind.

“The formation is ready! We can attack at any time!”

Hatsumi looked at her companions and gave them a single nod. As she did, Weitzer yelled out his orders.

“Mage units, prepare to chant!”

―In a collision on level ground where sheer numbers proved effective and there wasn't any strategy in play, it was an established tactic to use magic units to strike a preemptive blow. After they fired magic all as one, they would be followed by volleys from the archers and a charge from the cavalry and foot soldiers.

“After the magic volley ends, we're charging! Vanguard, gather your courage!”

Right after Gaius' voice rang in the air, they could hear an ominous wail from the demons' side. Weitzer then called out to Selphy.

“Selphy, after the preemptive strike finishes.”

“I'll take the unit around and provide support from the flanks right? Understood―Mage units, prepare to chant! Use fire and wind magic to deliver the demons a blow!”

After confirming that she knew what to do, Selphy ordered the mage units. As the sound of their chanting in unison filled the air, fire magic fanned by wind magic flew towards the demons all at once. The first strike crashed into the demons spreading out at the foot of the hill. After the second and third strike following that, the thundering rumble of the flames rose in the air.

“Wind users keep the wind's direction in check! Keep our forces upwind at all times, don't be negligent of the adjustments!”

Selphy's orders came out once more. Meanwhile, the left and right flanks continued to fire magic at the demons, slowing their advance. Seeing the demons directly in front of them march through the fire, the swordsmen took action. The vanguard prepared to draw their swords, and Weitzer lifted his own to the sky. Just as sunlight reflected off the tip of his blade―

“Alright, all at once―”

And just as he was about to give the order to charge. A screaming report came in from the right flank.

“Your Highness! Demon reinforcements from the right side!”

“Wha!?”

“With this timing!?”

Weitzer and Hatsumi's surprised voices piled atop each other. Gaius' angry roar then fired off towards the messenger.

“That side is a mountain! What's going on!?”

“They're flying demons! They're coming at us from the skies!”

“Did they prepare an ambush...?”

“But the commander said it didn't appear that way...”

He said that there didn't appear to be other demons in the area. Just what did that mean? As Hatsumi spun her thoughts around, Weitzer looked at her with a severe expression.

“There's no point disputing it now. There's no other choice other than splitting off some of the soldiers at the front―Soldiers! Advance immediately and support the vanguard! The mage units at the front! Hurry and go around to support the right flank!”

Just as he hastily gave his orders, another soldier came bearing a report as if dealing the final blow.

“A message! Demons have appeared on the left side to the north! Their number far exceeds the ones here!”

“Wha―How can that be?”

“Ridiculous! Just at this time as if they've seen through us...!?”

“That's can't be. Just where were they stationing such a large army...”

Gaius groaned in bewilderment. Reinforcements came in from both sides and only appeared just as they were about to attack themselves. The timing was so good that it was as if the demons read their movements completely. At this rate, their force would be encircled from the front and both sides by a bulky demon army. Weitzer panicked and let out an angry roar rang through the air.

“Our response!?”

“Th-there's too many of them! They originally doubled our numbers, and with the reinforcements it's now several times that! If they all collided with us, our army will not be able to withstand it!”

Because there was a forest on the left side, they weren't able to confirm the approaching demons themselves, but the demons from the mountain were now visible.

“You're kidding, that many...?”

There was enough demons flying in to cover the mountainside with a dark red wriggling mass. There was too many of them, the soldiers currently on the right flank would never be able to defeat them. From the left flank, the messenger also reported a vast number of them coming from the forest... But it was a mystery. Right before they were about to attack, it was impossible for them to call in reinforcements. It was impossible unless they already had an ambush prepared laying dormant. But with such a large army, they should have been able to overthrow the fortress by brute force. There was no meaning in laying out the ambush to begin with.

But even so they lured in the Alliance army perfectly, which meant that they were expecting reinforcements to come, but even that didn't make any sense. There was no meaning in doing this much just to beat down some reinforcements. Gaius then yelled out.

“Tch! The demons didn't just have the detached forces attacking the boundary fortresses and the main force!?”

―Hearing Gaius spit those words out, Hatsumi suddenly got a hint.

“I see, a detached force...”

Hatsumi's voice was drowned out by the screams in their surrounding. She could hear Weitzer's orders coming from right next to her.

“All forces maintain the formation. If our ranks break now the demons will take advantage of it! Hurry!”

Maintain the formation. In other words they were planning to hold and fight. However even if they maintained the formation and fought defensively, it was obvious that there was nothing they could do before this number of demons. This was the crossroads to make a decision. After discerning that they couldn't defeat the demons no matter how she thought about it, Hatsumi yelled at the top of her lungs.

“Run away!”

“Eh?”

“Hero-dono!?”

Bewildered voices were raised in her surroundings. It showed the most on Weitzer and Gaius' faces. Hatsumi turned to the two of them and passed down her command.

“Everyone retreat! All units that just advanced, shift positions!”

“However Hero-dono, if we do that the line of defence for this fortress will crumble!”

“That may be so, but there are too many of them! If this continues, even if we fight we'll only be annihilated!”

“H-however, if we retreat so easily then the effect on morale would...”

Certainly, after continuous victories, the morale of the entire Alliance army had swelled. On top of that, if the forces led directly by the hero retreated so easily, then it was only naturally morale would plummet. However...

“I don't think it's okay to suffer casualties just to maintain morale.”

As Hatsumi bluntly stated this, Weitzer gave up on clinging onto the battle. He likely also knew that it would be foolish to continue fighting such a lopsided battle.

“... Understood. Then hurry up and form up the rear guard, we'll use the defensive capabilities of the fortress to...”

“No, have all the soldiers in the fortress withdraw as well.”

“The soldiers in the fortress will also retreat?”

“Oi, then what will we do about slowing them down?”

“If there's no rear guard we can't even run...”

It was just as Gaius said. It was indispensable that a unit was there to slow down the pursuit so that the remaining force could run away. Because Hatsumi also understood this, she shook her head.

“Of course we will assemble a rear guard. However, that rear guard will only be composed of those with spare strength and ourselves. Without barricading ourselves in the fortress, move with the premise of abandoning it.”

“Abandoning you say...”

“There's no meaning in throwing away people's lives to defend that fortress right?”

Hearing her words, the two of them kept silent, but they were likely of the same opinion. It was true that this boundary fortress was an important base for keeping the demon invasion in check, but at this rate, even if they went to defend it, the present condition would inevitably lead to its capitulation. That's why it was vital to give it up and retreat.

“And so, about the rear guard, if the two of you dislike it I don't mind if you don't do it.”

Hatsumi presented them the choice that she was not coercing them into this. However, just as she expected, the two of them didn't say they disliked it. Both Weitzer and Gaius, though their faces were covered in sweat, gave reassuring nods that they would support the retreat of the soldiers. Even at that time, another screaming report came from behind.

“The right flank! They can't take it anymore! The left flank is also about to collapse!”

“That's fast...”

“We were lured in. Completely. We didn't even have time to draw our swords.”

They were completely caught in the flow. It all went exactly as the demons intended it to. The situation had become relentless to the point where there was nothing they could do to push back. At this rate, they couldn't even properly perform a retreating battle. Selphy, who was leading the mage units, then came running over.

“Prince Weitzer, what is the situation here?”

“We just decided our plan.”

“To hold our ground?”

“No... We decided to retreat.”

Weitzer and Selphy bit down on their lips bitterly. As their exchange ended, Hatsumi spoke up.

“Weitzer, Gaius, Selphy.”

“Ha.”

“What's up?”

“Hatsumi.”

“From here we'll disperse and fight. After buying some time, everyone scatter and run away. Each of you lead a unit and retreat. I will move independently on my own.”

“Independently... You...”

“Hatsumi! You cannot do that!”

Selphy denied in a strong tone. She was probably worried. However there was a reason Hatsumi had to do so.

“I have the divine protection from the hero summoning ritual. That's why I have more endurance than everyone else, I'll manage one way or the other.”

“Even so, no matter how you put it, for you to be alone!”

“If I imprudently take soldiers along, it would only weigh me down. Isn't that right?”

“Th-that's... Certainly true.”

Unlike Gaius who was at a complete loss for words, Weitzer put on a serious expression and shook his head.

“No, Hero-dono. I will accompany you.”

“You can't. If we do not split up, who will protect the soldiers?”

“I was ordered by his Majesty the King to help you. Also, I would like to help―”

“Weitzer.”

“Hero-dono...”

Calling her by that name, he gazed at her eyes. Complaining with a firmly determined look, he had no intent of yielding. Seeing this, Hatsumi played a cowardly hand.

“I will be fine on my on. That's why Weitzer will join the rear guard and retreat all the way to the main force. If I say it is an order from the hero, will you listen?”

“Hero-dono!? That's!?”

“Hatsumi...”

“Oioi, that's...”

He had no choice but to agree if it was a hero's order. They were words that Hatsumi never wanted to use. If she did, his choice would vanish just like that.

“... Ku... All is as you will.”

It was painful for him to agree. She felt like he was wasted on a woman who was only called a hero. After hanging his head for a moment, he firmly raised his head, and yelled as he faced the soldiers.

“From here our army will retreat! Abandon the fortress! Those who have strength remaining for a rear guard come with us. Everyone else hurry and retreat all the way to the main force in the wastelands!”

Along with that command, the commanders of each unit embroiled in a free-for-all fight on the battlefield relayed the orders. Hatsumi then noticed, that an unpleasant cold sweat coiled around her and dripped down the back of her neck.

★

After Hatsumi and the others were scattered by the demons' offensive, Weitzer made it all the way back to the main force, and without taking a moment to rest, immediately took command of the battlefield from the centre.

“Preserve the right flank! Send a messenger to Valvauro's army and have a portion of the left flank come around to the centre! While the main force endures their pressure, have the right flank push them back!”

By the time he returned to the main force, the demons set up in the centre were already advancing and crashing into the four armies of the Alliance which composed the main force deployed at the plains before the wastelands. The Alliance army increased the number of soldiers there to begin with, so it looked like they outnumbered the demon force at first, but because the invading demon army as a whole was much larger in scale than they imagined, the front line had fallen into a stalemate.

“Ku... Even after getting back to the main force, in this situation we're still in a difficult position...”

After giving out orders from a location where he could see the trend of the battle, Weitzer bitterly grumbled to himself. As he did, a staff officer from the army respectfully to gave a report.

“Your Highness! The current situation is about fifty-fifty, but the situation is not favourable enough for us to overturn it! We should pull back the line here and rally.”

“Don't be foolish! Are you saying we should fall to the rear of the fortress!? If we do that then Hero-dono will have no place to return to! Until she returns, we will hold this position!”

“H-however... Then the army will...”

Even if they weren't wiped out, they would suffer considerable casualties. However, the staff officer was unable to say so.

“If we lose Hero-dono, then that in itself will be a major blow to the Alliance army. We would lose the power bestowed to us by the Goddess Alshuna you hear?”

The staff officer was unable to object to Weitzer's words. On the battlefield, the hero's power was tremendous. Hatsumi's own abilities was one thing, but the effect of the divine protection from the hero summoning ritual was also immense. In all the battles up until now, she had never once lost her stamina, willpower or concentration. This was common knowledge among the army, the staff officer was unable to easily weigh out on a scale whether the hero or the army was more important.

“I understand what you are saying. In a normal battle that would be the proper judgment. However, your statement as it is cannot stand in this situation. For the reputation of our army and my own mental health. Record keeper! Do not write down the statement the staff officer just said!”

The record keepers nodded to Weitzer's command. A fluttering green robe then came into his sight.

“Prince Weitzer.”

“Selphy? What is it?”

When Weitzer linked up with the main force, she was also able to return. Currently she was organizing the mage units on the right flank into three regiments and fighting a hard battle, but if she separated from them and came all this way, something must have happened.

“Just now, Gaius-shi has returned from the west along with his unit.”

“So he's returned! And, is Hero-dono with him!?”

“That's... The survivors of the unit he brought along were unaware of Hero-dono's location...”

“Ku...!”

His faint hope didn't reach the heavens as he bit his lip. A man's voice then cut into their conversation from afar.

“Oi Weitzer! What the hell is the situation!?”

“Gaius-shi! I told you to withdraw!”

Gaius did not withdraw to the back and pursued Selphy. The staff officer and her own scream piled atop each other. However, on the other hand, Gaius and Weitzer didn't pay them any mind and came together to confirm the situation.

“Oi!”

“It's not good.”

“What about pushing back those shithead demons!?”

“We're taking actions to somehow manage.”

Knowing that the main force was facing a difficult battle and that Hatsumi's rescue was getting further and further away, Gaius kick the ground like he was trying to blow away his irritation at the situation.

“Even though she insisted on going into a different forest from us...”

“Don't say it. If Hero-dono says so then we can only obey.”

Gaius dropped his shoulders and sat on the ground as Weitzer tried to persuade him that it was inevitable. They knew of Hatsumi's abilities, and knew that she had power beyond what they knew of. If she told them she was going to be alright, they could only believe her. They had no choice but to follow a hero's orders.

“Gaius-shi, fall back! Even if your wounds are healed, your stamina has its limits! Now quickly, go with the other survivors.”

“I get it, but I can't do that in this kind of situation. I'll wait here for Hatsumi's return.”

“But...”

In complete opposition to Selphy who was still trying to persuade him, Weitzer spoke with the authority he was bestowed with.

“Do as you will. But if you get in the way...”

“Ou! You can just leave me the hell behind. Don't mistake what's important.”

They had come to a mutual understanding. Seeing the two of them like that, Selphy calmed down and let out a tired sigh. As she did, a soldier then came running and panting from the rear.

“A message! Just now, guild members from the Twilight Pavilion have arrived to provide assistance!”

The runner came to inform them of reinforcements. However, to Weitzer and the others, such information was still not particularly good news.

“Even if they arrive now...”

It wasn't like the situation would change for the better. As long as it was nothing more than support from the guild, they would be unable to move anything on the scale of an army unit. In that case, against these numbers, it would be overwhelmingly insufficient.

“However, along with several high ranking member, Camellia Sasanqua the Empress of the Sword Dance is with them. I expect they'll be able to preserve the front to a certain extent.”'

“Certainly, if that is the case...”

“However, the demon army's invasion has vigour. I don't think it will―”

Go so smoothly. Selphy had a faint glimmer of hope in her voice, but Gaius was still sullen. However, just as he was saying that, this time a messenger came from the front. Naturally, that one came from the front line where the fighting was taking place, so if there was an urgent message coming, it could only be...

“The demon forces from the front are overtaking us! They'll be here soon!”

“What did you say!?”

“What the hell are you doing!? Fuck!”

Weitzer and Gaius let out a yell at the sudden crisis. The staff officer next to them went completely pale. A hole had formed in the wall of soldiers. And then they started pouring through as they eliminated the soldiers... In other words, they were aiming for the commander. Weitzer drew his sword and Gaius stood to his feet.

“We're fighting back! Staff officers fall back and call for support! Every one here take up formation immediately! We'll meet the demons and attack them back!”

At Weitzer's command, the soldiers present quickly took their positions. The spearmen advanced to the front and put together a wall of spears and the swordsmen hardened both flanks. Behind them, together with Weitzer, the mages were standing in a row. They were prepared to fire their magic at their own discretion at the demons. As Gaius and Selphy also prepared for battle, the demons came into sight.

“That's a lot...”

There was easily over a hundred demons who broke through the front line. Along with enormous monsters, the demons were all in a single lump coming in at a terrifying speed.

“First we'll fire magic at them. After that I'll leave the rest to you.”

Both Weitzer and Gaius silently nodded back to Selphy. Every single person present had a poor complexion and had broken into a cold sweat. They managed to take formation in time, but there weren't many mages, there was only enough to blow away just the front row of monsters at most. It was up to the spearmen and swordsmen to buy time until the next chant could finish, but they were outnumbered by the demons. It was unknown whether they would be able to hold out until reinforcements arrived.

As they held their breath, they waited for the demons' line to come into striking range of magic. Before long, the mages all began chanting in unison, and immediately fired their magic. Fireballs rushed towards the demons like cannon fire. The spears and swords that were pointed forward shined brilliantly from the orange light. And from the fire, the demons began appearing one after the other.

The demons' vigour was not reduced in the slightest. Even more so than they expected, they were unable to deal any significant damage to the charging force. Everyone swallowed their saliva and looked at the scene pessimistically. And just at that time, from behind the formation, a solemn and quiet woman's voice was carried by the wind and resounded around them.

“―Just as the wind from far and wide conveys. Bring the flame that shines as it sways. Hear my voice, thou art the shimmer dyed in white. Hear my voice, thou art the shimmer which shakes off all calamity. And so, I shall sing and recite them once. Eva, Zurdick, Rozeia, Deivikusd...”

What was resounding in the air, was a chant for a spell. A white magic circle formed in mid-air and began revolving. The magic circle disturbed all of the air in the surrounding, and a gale was born. And then, the white magic circle shed the light of a white incandescence.

“―Mow them down! Truth Flare!” (White Flame Toss)

A white flame coiled around them in a flash, and with a sound like a high pitched shriek, it swept into the demons from the side and mowed them down. Just a little after the white light came sweeping in from the side, the dust that went soaring due to the turbulent winds blew into the demons and detonated everything in a white explosion. After a soundless moment, a thunderous roar shook the earth. As the white light vanished, the demons had also all vanished. Looking at the remnants of the white flame that were still vigorously flickering in front of the spearmen, Weitzer came to his senses and raised a loud voice.

“What is this!?”

“It's probably magic, but this destructive power is...”

He couldn't tell what was going on at all. There was no mage in the Alliance who could use magic which such devastating power. While Weitzer looked dumbfounded, Selphy reported this to him. As Gaius looked at the dazzling white flame in astonishment, he let out a mutter.

“Either way, with that destructive power... Almost all of them were completely blown away.”

“It is not just that. The embers from the aftermath are taking down the remaining demons in the area. There's no longer any need for us to do anything.”

“That really put a waste to our heroic resolve though...”

“It's something to be thankful for. But even so, this kind of magic, just who could...”

As Weitzer knit his brows, the wall of soldiers to the back split open, and a single shadow appeared with glossy silver hair and a robe of the same colour as the flame which burned the demons. Of course, this was the mage who just fired off the magic which defeated the demons―Felmenia.

“―It seems we made it in time.”

“Just now that was you―Wait, aren't you the little lady that I met at the restaurant!?”

Gaius opened his eyes wide as he spotted a familiar figure. Seeing him, Felmenia took a docile attitude and gave her greetings at their reunion.

“Forvan-dono, it has been a long time.”

“Y-yeah...”

“Do you know her? Just who is she?”

“No, when I was coming back last time I met her at a restaurant but... That really was amazing magic huh. A white flame...”

After seeing Felmenia's magic and hearing Gaius' words, Selphy seemed to have figured it out. She showed a surprised expression as she spoke.

“―Could you be the mage from Astel, the White Flame Felmenia Stingray-dono?”

“Eh!? U-umm...”

Having her identity figured out in an instant, Felmenia began to panic. Though she should have known this would have happened if she used the white flame.

“Oioi, the little lady was the White Flame...?”

“But why is Astel's Court Mage-dono here?”

Weitzer was perplexed since he knew her identity as one of the Court Mages of the Astel Kingdom. Suimei then appeared from behind her.

“Well, a lot happened.”

“You're!?”

“Yo.”

Seeing Weitzer completely surprised, Suimei lightly raised his hand. It was a greeting meant for Gaius an the others as well, but looking at Suimei make such a relaxed greeting, Gauis made an expression like he strangely came to a complete understanding.

“... If the little lady is here then it would be obvious you were too.”

“Well yeah. Besides, it's not just us you know?”

As he said this, Suimei turned his head to where Rumeya was smoking her pipe.

“Larsheem's General of the Fist-dono. It was been a while right?”

“Ugeh!? Sasanqua of the Seven Swords!”

“Ah? What's with the 'Ugeh'? Do you want me to beat you to a pulp again?”

“Give me a break... I mean, please.”

Gaius' usual reliable expression crumbled into a weak one before Rumeya. Something must have happened before. Though they could guess from what she had just said. On the other hand, Selphy was making a curious expression as she spoke to Rumeya.

“So you are the reinforcements from the guild?”

“Yeah, that's right. By the way...”

As Rumeya began looking around, Lefille and Liliana suddenly came out.

“It looks like they're being pushed back quite a bit.”

“It is not, a good atmosphere.”

“The little lady with the sword and the tiny one are also here huh... Yeah, the number of demons far exceeded what we were expecting.”

The two of them were quite experience with battle and seemed to be able to read the situation of the army. Rather than not good, it was just bad. They weren't quite on their heels, but just maintaining the front was quite difficult. Hearing this, Rumeya let out a sigh with a frown.

“So, it led to this messed up situation huh―Aah, after this the lot from the guild will be supporting the other places. You don't mind right, your Highness Weitzer?”

“Yes. I thank you for your assistance, Sasanqua-dono.”

During this, Suimei suddenly looked at his surrounding dubiously. He realized that somebody who was supposed to be there, wasn't.

“Hey, is Hatsumi not here?”

“Now that you mention it, she doesn't appear to be.”

Agreeing with him, Felmenia also looked around, but they weren't able to spot her figure. Suimei noticed that her companions and the Alliance soldiers were making a bitter expression, and he once more asked them.

“Hey, where is Hatsumi?”

“... What will you do if you hear about it?”

Weitzer returned his question in a somehow irritated tone. Hearing this, Suimei grimaced and returned it right back at him.

“The hell? Can't I just ask?”

Suimei glared at him sharply as he asked, but Weitzer only glared back strangely and stayed silent. Seeing this exchange between them, the soldiers from Miazen were filled with anger. They were unable to stay silent at such arrogance before the prince of their country. Representing them, a staff office came forward and flared up at Suimei.

“Oi, you bastard! How dare you speak like that to his...”

“Shut up. Outsiders should keep their mouths shut.”

There was no time to dispute. After Suimei fired back in no time at all, he forcefully shut the staff officer's mouth. No longer able to open his mouth by his own will, the staff officer was frozen in surprise for a moment, and then struggled to open his mouth with his hands.

“Does someone else want to fucking complain? Come on out.”

As Suimei scowled at them, Miazen's soldiers faltered. Though a little late, Gaius gestured to them and warned them to step back. In a complete change from the friendly attitude he was showing before, Suimei's expression was blurred by irritation. Selphy then spoke up.

“Hatsumi is not here.”

“She's not?”

“Yes...”

Selphy nodded back in a depressed tone. And then, she told Suimei and the others about what happened at the boundary fortress.

“... So, you guys were ambushed at the fortress you went to relieve.”

“And then we were scattered, we were the only ones to link back up...”

“Oioi, so it ended up like that huh...”

Hearing Weitzer groan as he told him this, Suimei pinched his brow. The situation was moving in a direction he did not expect at all, and it was the worst imaginable.

“A rescue... If it was something you could do you would already be doing it huh.”

Without waiting for anyone to reply, Suimei convinced himself and remained silent for a moment. And then, as if he settled on a general plan for his actions from here on out, he turned to Selphy with a firm expression.

“So? Which way?”

“Which, way?”

“Which direction is that boundary fortress in?”

“Why are you asking something like that, bastard?”

“I'm going to save her. Isn't it obvious? If I know the general area it'll be easier to search.”

As Suimei said this, Weitzer flared up while still gripped by surprise.

“You... If you do that it will mean plunging into the demon army you know!?”

“I can tell that much without you telling me.”

“You can tell!? Don't be foolish! Just what are you thinking plunging into the middle of the demons despite knowing that!?”

Certainly, in a normal situation it would be a strange declaration. But they were only talking about plunging into the demons. Suimei could somewhat understand his anger, but he also felt that Weitzer was also somehow flustered.

“Hey you, just what's got you so angry?”

“I'm not particularly angry!”

“Well calm down a bit. Either way, if I don't go to save Hatsumi right away it'll be bad right? It's not the time to debate whether or not I can do it.”

After saying something completely reasonable, Weitzer was at a loss for words. And then, as if swallowing down his anger, he cast his eyes down as if vexed. Perhaps he understood that he had lost his composure.

“... Are you saying you can do it?”

“I have to. It's my role.”

Hearing Suimei say this, Selphy spoke up in a fluster.

“H-however, even if you head towards the fortress, you don't know whether you can catch up to Hatsumi or where she went right?”

“I'll just have to try my best and search. Nothing will start unless you do something.”

“But you know lad, the place you're trying to go to is filled with demons right?”

“That's why you'll attract a whole lot of them, old man. If you do, I can get by skillfully.”

Suimei shook off all of their anxieties like they were nothing. All three of them sank into silence.

“Then Suimei-dono, I will go with...”

Just as Felmenia was requesting to accompany him, Lefille stopped her.

“No. Felmenia-jou, we will stay behind.”

“Eh? Why!?”

“This is a losing battle. The Alliance soldiers are at a disadvantage against those numbers on an open plain. If we do not suppress their advance, let alone recovering, holding on will be impossible. It's up to us to attract the demons.”

Lefille gazed over the sand being kicked up from the battlefield as she restrained Felmenia. Looking at her, Rumeya held her chin as she laughed lightly.

“You sure said it Lefi. Do you see those numbers?”

“When those things invaded Noshias, the number of demons I cut down myself was about that number.”

Lefille fearlessly boasted. They were reliable words for a warrior about to head into battle. Weitzer and the others as well as the Alliance soldiers didn't pay her too much attention. However there were a few people present who thought her words were only bravado. Liliana then spoke up in a somewhat clumsy tone.

“Lefille. That's, a lie, right?”

“Yeah, of course it's a lie.”

Though she said that, her tone certainly didn't seem serious. When Noshias was invaded by demons, Suimei heard there was a preposterous number of them. If that was true, and taking into account her true abilities...

“Umm, Suimei-dono...”

“It doesn't necessarily sound like a lie at all...”

“Yes...”

Suimei had a little secret talk with Felmenia. He didn't think it was actually true, but it was definite that she defeated quite a number of them. Perhaps because of what they were talking about, even if she charged into all the demons they could see in front of them, they felt like it was possible she would just come back with a composed expression. Hearing Lefille boast like that, Rumeya burst into laughter.

“You said it. You're in quite the good mood.”

“I'm just happy I'll be able to vent my anger after a long while. I haven't fought any demons since I was in Astel.”

Her voice as she said this was filled with an extraordinary wrath. And then, Lefille turned towards Suimei.

“So, that's how it is, Suimei-kun.”

“Yeah, I'll leave it to you. Menia and Rumeya too.”

“Yes, please leave it to us.”

“Aiyo. Get it done lickety-split and save her you hear?”

After the two of them replied, Liliana who had been following along, mumbled apologetically.

“... There's nothing, that I can do...”

“This time you played a huge role in other places. Today just take a look at Menia's magic and study.”

Hearing Suimei reassure her, Liliana nodded back. The talks between Suimei's group came to and end quickly. However, the others were all still anxious. That was natural, the place that Suimei was headed towards was―

“The fortress is to the northeast of here. However, how will you pass through that thick battle formation?”

“How? I don't have any intention of struggling my way through that.”

As Suimei said that, he pointed his chin towards the direction that Selphy pointed out. They could faintly see the demon army gathering there in the distance. The Alliance army was not there, and despite it being inadequately defended, they were not attacking, as if the battle formation was there to defend. It was somewhat inconceivable, but having already made his plan, it was not anything Suimei would feel uneasy about.

“Ridiculous. Even if you try and go around, it's not like you'll escape the demons' reach.”

“Well that's obvious from looking at their numbers.”

Hearing that he was off the mark, Weitzer's bewilderment only strengthened. Suimei then stepped forward. Gaius' voice chased him hot on his heels.

“Oi, are you listening to us lad!?”

“I can hear you. That's why, all of you stand back a bit.”

“Ah?”

Gaius only grew more puzzled from Suimei's response. Without replying to him any further, Suimei continued walking forwards. As if flipping open a coat, he flung his arm out, and his green clothing changed to a black suit in an instant.

On one hand was the two men and the Alliance army unable to get rid of their bewilderment, on the other, Felmenia, Lefille, Liliana and Rumeya obediently stepped back as they were told. And then...

“― Abreq ad Habra...” (Oh death. Thou shall perish before my lightning...)

Suimei's voice quietly resounded in the skies above the battlefield. And before long, the inhuman shriek of a woman swept down.

★

“―There aren't any flowers huh~”

Focused on the demons flying through the air and running across the ground, Rumeya stabbed her swords into the earth. She only had two hands, but the number of swords exceeded that and matched the number of her golden tails, numbering seven in total. Like a blooming flower, she stood in the middle of her swords casually. She stretched out her arms lightly to the point where she was just barely touching the swords around her with the tip of her fingers, and stood there quietly as she waited.

There were no allies around her. If they got even a little bit close to her, they would get caught in her sword techniques. It was a tacit understanding of those who accompanied her on the battlefield that only their enemies should come close to her. Before long, the demons who were aiming for her came flying in like falling meteors.

“My goodness, even animals have properly working brains. Just why do these guys who know nothing of elegance come in to get killed right away?”

Lying in wait, Rumeya let out a tedious sigh. The first demon that crossed her broke into eight pieces as it flew past her. Before they knew it, her arms were crossed. It was like the afterimage of her having drawn and slashed with all seven swords. A crowd of demons then came in. There was ten, maybe twenty of them. However, altogether, they splashed into the surroundings like a flower made of blood, silver and gold.

―The Death Boundary of the Flower Arrangement. Everything before her was cut to pieces in the blink of an eye, and would fall in her surroundings like a blooming camellia sasanqua. This was where her second name came from.

Watching the blooming sasanqua like it was the beginning of winter from behind, Lefille gave her a compliment in admiration.

“As expected of Rumeya-dono. That was splendid sword handling.”

“That's enough flattery. I don't want to hear it.”

“It isn't just flattery.”

“What are you saying? Just as you know, when I do this I can't move right? Well, that's why I lost to a human in the Seven Kings sword tournament.”

Rumeya spoke like she was at a loss, but even so Lefille shook her head.

“Even so, it doesn't change the fact that your sword technique is beautiful.” “Well that's obvious.”

This person lived with the aim of making the flower of swords bloom on the battlefield. Weitzer who was also looking over her from nearby spoke out respectfully.

“As long as Sasanqua-dono is here, it is like having the strength of a hundred soldiers.”

“You're also going to flatter me Prince? Give me a break.”

“No. It is a fact that because Sasanqua-dono is here, the battle line has been preserved.”

It was still at a minimum. But even so, it was Weitzer's opinion that the fact that the demons were no longer slipping through was thanks to the presence of Rumeya's power. However, that was nothing more than his own opinion.

“Not really~? Weren't most of them blown away just some time ago~?”

“Th-that's...”

Weitzer fumbled over his words. However, Rumeya couldn't tell what he was thinking, despite witnessing that power, he couldn't honestly admit it. Suimei, who had come along with Rumeya and the others, was no longer present. As he walked towards the thick lineup of demons sealing the path to the northeast, after he quietly muttered those words, he unleashed a devastating amount of mana, and fired his magic.

A grand ultramarine magic circle. An enormous bust which resembled a woman. Within the brilliant luminescence, everyone present was only able to catch fragments of it with their eyes, but a tempest of lightning poured down onto the wastelands. That lightning which spread out widely and gathered everything beneath its fingertips manifested power far beyond the understanding of the people of this world. And then, the pale blue light cast by the lightning blasted away the vast majority of the demons on the right flank, and one person went running through the path created by the lightning.

“Thanks to that I'm able to take it easy here. That's also true for you right?”

“...”

Rumeya looked back at him, but Weitzer only frowned and averted his gaze. And then, she seemed to have sensed something.

“Oh dear, is it like that? I see, in that case you can't really honestly assess him... Well setting that aside. Just how long do you plan on sitting there? Larsheem's general?”

“I'm exhausted after taking care of the soldiers coming all the way here. I bet you don't care though. Since you're all here now it'll just work out one way or the other anyways.”

Gaius threw up both his hands while remaining seated. He was being slovenly. However, they were words he could say precisely because he could properly grasp their strength.

“... Anyways, as usual it's quite the dreadful technique. I can't see your hands at all, and I don't know whether it's because your tails are in the way or what, but I can't read your movements at all. As one would expect of the second place Sword Master-sama of the Seven Swords.”

Gaius then turned towards Weitzer.

“... So, what does the fifth place Sword Master-sama of the Seven Swords think?”

“Is that sarcasm?”

“No~”

Gaius replied frivolously to Weitzer's glare, who then replied with sarcasm himself.

“If you don't even have the energy to stand up then be silent. I'll at least let you be my herald.”

“My glorious time has really passed huh. It's the end after having a brat tell me that.”

As the two were joking with each other, Rumeya turned to Lefille.

“So, next is your turn Lefi. It's been a while, bewitch me with those skills of yours.”

“After being shown your techniques just now, my sword will only seem boorish.”

Despite saying such self-deprecating words, Lefille walked to the front. After Rumeya had cut them down relentlessly for a while, the next line was faltering and kept their distance. However, it did not change the fact that there was a large group of demons. Weitzer then questioned Rumeya.

“Sasanqua-dono, who is that girl?”

“Hm? Lefi? That child is the daughter of a swordsman I admired before.”

As she spoke nostalgically, Weitzer continued speaking dubiously.

“I understand that you trust in her skills, but is this not a situation where you can't just stay here and watch?”

“What are you saying Cloud of Death? The battlefield is the blooming stage for a swordsman right? Just what do you plan on doing by getting in the way of a flower in full bloom?―Eh, oioioioi! That child really had dreadful amount of pent up anger huh...”

As Rumeya was talking, an unbelievable thirst for blood swept through the atmosphere.

“This is...”

It was without a doubt, Lefille's murderous intent. Weitzer could feel a hallucination of his skin being cut to pieces and held his breath. Behind him, Gaius muttered in an astonished voice.

“... It's like we don't even have any ground to stand on anymore...”

Lefille then opened her mouth before the demons.

“Hear me demons!! You shall become a mist of blood and vanish before my sword forged by the spirits!!”

She was shouting in a thunderous voice. From her war cry accompanied by a whirlpool of red wind, her voice froze all the demons in place. And then, in an instant, she began rendering them into paste with her sword, it could only be described as a massacre. Before those opponents who could not run, fight or even move, it was a display of completely one-sided excessive violence. There was no time to even describe it. In a single instant, Lefille had blown away that mass of demons.

“Gala Walner.” (Mountain Breaker)

Her voice was quiet. However, the action following it was equivalent to an explosion. After wrapping her large sword in a red wind, she swung with all her might. The red wind became a shockwave and rushed towards the demons.

Naturally, the demons could not stop it. All they could do was be blown away, as if they were burned by a scorching heat, all of their bodies were completely reduced to dust. Lefille then charged into the hole created in the demons' formation and devoted herself to swinging her sword. Demons soared through the skies. Broken demons. Minced demons. They were just being struck that hard. Even a demon large enough to cover one's entire field of vision was categorized as an easy opponent to her. After piercing its stomach with single strike from her sword, she swept to the side. As a result, it was split in two extravagantly and tumbled over the other demons as it crushed them.

They were unable to see Lefille's expression within that red wind. However, without a doubt, as long as her blue eyes gave off that afterimage like a flash of lightning, her wrath coexisted with righteous indignation that the demons could never wash away.

“To think a sword master like that would still be in the north...”

After saying that, Weitzer was at a loss for words. Felmenia, Suimei and the swordswoman who came after Rumeya, compared to the general worth a thousand soldiers, compared to the heroes that appeared in epics, they exhibited absolute strength which completely overshadowed all of those.

“As one would expect of an acquaintance of Camellia Sasanqua the Empress of the Sword Dance is it? It's a relief to see.”

“... No, that's dangerous.”

“What do you mean?”

Rumeya suddenly made a sour expression as she gnawed down on her teeth. Gaius and Weitzer then turned towards her with puzzled expressions.

“It may look compelling to you guys, but I can only see a sword of complete desperation in that.”

After hearing Rumeya groan, Gaius once more looked at Lefille's fight. However, he was unable to see what she was talking about.

“I don't see anything dangerous 'bout it? She's dodging their attack and hasn't been hit right?”

“Certainly that is true.”

“So what is it?”

“It doesn't really matter. Even if she cast aside defence, that kind of sword exists. But you know, after watching her fight like that without any pause at all, I just wanted to say that. She understands the limits of her stamina well, but she seems to have forgotten about the danger of concentrating on thin ice like that. Even if she isn't just a human, she's the child of one after all...”

Hearing this, Gaius finally realized it.

“I see. Now that you say it, I get it.”

Weitzer then turned towards Gaius.

“Do you understand? What does it mean?”

“You listening? At a glance that little lady looks like she's fighting perfectly safely. It's true that those demons aren't worth mentioning, but it doesn't change the fact that she's running wild without any concern for her own well being. Just look at the way she's fighting without paying attention to herself. There's no room in her consciousness for anything else, if she fights for too long the gaps will just get bigger. That's why in general, to avoid breaking one's concentration, it is necessary to fight with composure... But that little lady has none of it right now.

“My goodness, to think I didn't see through this earlier. Is this also because that boy was near Lefi...?”

Rumeya wasn't speaking to anyone in particular as she mumbled to herself with an anxious look in her eyes.

“Then...”

“I will go and support Lefi. The lot from the guild are guys with knowledge of tactics, you can command them as you like, your Highness.”

After saying this, Rumeya ran off towards Lefille. On the other hand, Felmenia and Liliana were in another place and were unaware of the talks that had occurred and were watching the demons coming in from another direction.

“It's about time me made a big move ourselves. Lily, please take care of the demons who get close.”

“Understood.”

After saying this to Liliana, Felmenia began to fire magic while avoiding the Alliance soldiers who were fighting. Unlike the right flank where Lefille and the others were where they completely overwhelmed the demons, the left flank where they were was losing ground to them. The far left side had collapsed. Thus, the aim was to pierce through the side, and take care of the demons flanking the soldiers who were pinned from the front. The magic she weaved was naturally the white flame. Just as she burned down the demons before, she wrapped them up in a brilliant flash carrying a white flame. The soldiers were surprised at the powerful support they were receiving from behind. With a backwards glanced, Felmenia faced Selphy's direction.

“It was Fittney-dono correct?”

“Y-yes.”

After looking at the white flame, Selphy eyes were wide open in surprise. It was a spell she had never seen before this day after all. She was still gripped by both surprise and admiration. Felmenia then gave her instructions.

“When you next use your magic, please add on the words I'm about to say to the end of your normal chant. Eva... No, Olgo, Luciula, Ragua, Secunto, Labielalu, Baybaron.”

“Olgo, Luciula...?”

Selphy made a puzzled expression like she didn't really understand. Liliana then questioned Felmenia.

“Felmenia, is it okay, to teach her?”

“There shouldn't be a problem. More importantly, it is essential to defeat the demons before us. In that case, it would be regrettable to leave Fittney-dono's power unused.”

In the current situation where the demons were pushing them back, even the power of a single mage could influence the life and death of the soldiers. In that case, it was obvious for a talented magician to play a role. Selphy then cut into their conversation timidly while still completely perplexed.

“Umm, just what were those words...”

“They're called savage names. It's an ornamental chant that increases the effect of magic. If you add it on to the end of a chant, it will drastically increase the destructive power of the magic.” “That kind of convenient chant exists!?”

“Yes. It is just as you saw with my magic just now.”

Selphy then looked at Felmenia's face and the demons who were still being burned by the white flame. Liliana then lightly tugged on Selphy's robe.

“It's, Olgo, Luciula, Ragua, Secunto, Labielalu, Baybaron. You can't, teach other people.”

The reason they didn't tell her the savage names Suimei and Felmenia used was because they were difficult for the people of this world to pronounce correctly without practising. However, just thinking that with only those words she was able to increase the power of her magic, Selphy held her breath. From her tense expression, they could tell that she was still half doubtful of the fact, but she began to chant the magic for her snowstorm regardless.

“―Oh wind. Thou art the evil wind who receives the blessing of the frozen glacier. Blow violently, become a gust, trap my enemy within a superb cage. No one at all is permitted to crawl out of the icy prison which swoops down upon them, the baptism of the snowstorm! Olgo, Luciula, Ragua, Secunto, Labielalu, Baybaron!―Ephemerally Razed!”

After her keyword, her magic activated without a problem. However, due to the amount of mana it carried and the unexpected amount of force which exceeded her expectations, for a short time she was unable to control it well and it began to run wild. However, as expected of one given a second name as a mage, she regained control of her magic quickly, and sent all of that power towards the demons. The scale of the snowstorm of snow and ice could not even be compared to when she did not use savage names. It wrapped around the demons and froze them completely.

“A-amazing...”

It did not reach the destructive power of Felmenia's magic, but even so, it held far more power than any single strike a typical mage could conjure. It was a splendid performance. Knowing that they were getting powerful support from behind, the soldiers at the front were able to fight with composure without needing to pay attention to the flank. Seeing the power of her magic clearly rise, Selphy stood there dumbfounded for a short while. Seeing her like this, Felmenia made a bitter smile.

“That was amazing, but...”

“If it's Suimei, without using savage names, he could fire this much out, in his spare time. After seeing that thing before, I believe you can tell.”

After they said this, for some reason, Selphy hung her head down.

“As expected, it's best to leave it to him for now huh...”

That depressed groan was likely born from her inability to accomplish the task. Felmenia then spoke up to her.

“Are you worried about Hero-dono?” “Yes. Though it is presumptuous, I think of Hatsumi like a little sister.”

“Is that so...”

Felmenia and Liliana were unaware of it, but just as Selphy said, she got along well with Hatsumi. After being summoned to this world, she didn't know right from left or even about herself. Selphy took care of her a lot and was someone she was comfortable with keeping close by to her. And to Selphy, Hatsumi was also someone she could easily stay close to without prejudice.

“Besides, because of my failure, Hatsumi's memories...”

This was also one of the reasons that Hatsumi weighed heavily on her mind. When Hatsumi was summoned, she felt like the fact that she lost her memories was due to her ineptitude as the summoner. She always felt responsible for it. Felmenia was able to sympathize with this part of her.

“Fittney-dono. I understand your feelings. When I did the hero summoning ritual as well, Suimei-dono and Mizuki-dono... I ended up summoning people who were completely unrelated to the hero summoning.”

“Then, the accident that happened during Astel's summoning?”

“Yes.”

Felmenia replied as she cast her eyes down. However, she immediately raised her head, and showed her a determined gaze.

“I'm sure you are worried about Hero-dono, but if it is Suimei-dono, there will be no mishaps.”

“It's okay. If it's Suimei, he'll bring back the hero right away.”

Felmenia and Liliana called out to Selphy to try and cheer her up from her depression. She was able to feel a little more at ease from it. And then she once more put her strength into her staff, and resumed supporting the soldiers on the front line. Seeing her figure like that, Felmenia leaked out her voice without talking to anybody in particular.

“I'll do my best too.”

“Felmenia?”

“I am still quite inadequate. If I'm to be of use to Suimei-dono, I must be diligent.”

Saying this, Felmenia once more began chanting her spell.

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