A while after we started our battles, the situation changed.
The intermediate monsters that had been numerous until now suddenly decreased dramatically.
“What could have happened?”
While wielding the sword bestowed by Lord Kousuke, I tilted my head inwardly. Of course, I wouldn’t show it externally, so as not to affect my subordinates around me. However, Dael, who was fighting beside me, seemed to feel the same way, as a subtle expression appeared on his face. More obvious were the goblins I had brought for training. They were clearly starting to let their guard down against weaker opponents. Noticing this, Dael began to shout encouragement. Even though their opponents were low-level monsters, they were not opponents the goblins could afford to be careless with.
While I was issuing instructions to the goblins, who were starting to let their guard down at the slightest lapse in concentration, a fox approached me. Immediately, the surrounding subordinates formed a guard around me, but the caution was soon lifted. They must have realized that the approaching fox was Lord Kousuke’s familiar. Satisfied with their reaction, I spoke to the fox.
“Lord Silver Fox. Is something the matter?”
The fox with beautiful silver fur was the Silver Fox who, along with me, had received direct instructions from Lord Kousuke. The Silver Fox came right up before me and let out a cry, “Kyau!” Then, the Silver Fox appeared in human form. Even though their appearance had changed, I knew it was the same being by its scent and atmosphere. It was concealing itself, draped in a piece of cloth it had produced from somewhere.
The Silver Fox, who had approached me with a brisk pace, spoke to me. “Has the situation changed on your end too?” With that single sentence, I understood what the Silver Fox wanted to say. It had likely come to confirm the sudden decrease in intermediate monsters.
“Yes. Intermediate-class monsters have clearly decreased.”
“I knew it.” The Silver Fox nodded slightly at my reply.
“Has it been the same for you?”
“Yeah. My companions confirmed that the intermediate-class monsters were retreating.”
At those words, I widened my eyes. I had confirmed the decrease in intermediate-class monsters, but I hadn’t confirmed their retreat. That meant it wasn’t simply a reduction in numbers, but there was a possibility that some order had been given. As far as I could see, I hadn’t gotten that impression, but it was possible they had withdrawn before engaging.
“I couldn’t confirm it… but is that so? If that’s the case, there’s a possibility they might launch an attack.”
“Yeah. Be careful.”
“Understood. Thank you for the warning.”
“No problem. We’re companions.” I offered a smile at the Silver Fox’s words. We rarely interacted normally, but meeting like this as Lord Kousuke’s familiars must be some kind of fate.
“Indeed,” I replied curtly, and the Silver Fox gave a small nod.
The Silver Fox said only that, then immediately returned to its fox form and ran towards where the other foxes were. The cloth it had been wearing had also disappeared on the way, so I wondered if it had used some kind of magic. I didn’t know the details, but there was no opportunity to ask. After seeing the Silver Fox off, I followed its helpful warning and began issuing instructions to my surroundings again. As expected, the goblins, who hadn’t evolved yet, tended to slack off if stronger enemies didn’t appear. Realizing that this would be problematic if the situation suddenly changed, I continued to issue instructions.
Ultimately, despite the Silver Fox’s warning, the battle for the day ended in less than half a day. There were no traps like I had been wary of, and in the end, we simply subjugated the floor by defeating the surrounding monsters along with the monsters Lord Kousuke had sent.
***
After giving instructions to Dot and Dael to send my companions back to their usual floors, I headed to meet with the management layer, who had been summoned by Lord Kousuke. As requested by Lord Kousuke, I reported the number of casualties from this battle. However, seeing Lord Kousuke frown upon hearing the number, I couldn’t help but say it.
“Please don’t worry about the casualties. They went into battle knowing the risks.”
At my words, Lord Kousuke gave a small laugh and said, “Ah, that’s right.” However, I could tell that his smile was forced. I could see it from the indescribable expressions on the faces of the other women around Lord Kousuke. It was then that I truly understood, for the first time, that Lord Kousuke strongly disliked experiencing sacrifices among his familiars. For me, it was a good opportunity to encourage the goblins’ growth, so I considered some casualties to be natural, but it seemed different for Lord Kousuke. Afterward, Lord Kousuke didn’t mention the casualties and spoke about the next battle. I thanked Lord Kousuke for giving me another chance and hid my resolve to minimize casualties without any unnecessary thoughts on my part.
Upon returning to our usual floor, I received a more detailed report from Dot and Dael. As a result, the casualties were fewer than initially planned, and more joyfully, the evolution of the goblins was also more than expected. Dot and Dael were delighted, but having seen Lord Kousuke’s face directly, I was no longer in a mood to be happy. Noticing my mood, Dot and Dael looked at me with inquiring gazes.
“…While it’s joyful that many have evolved, he was more saddened by the numerous casualties.”
At my words, they seemed quite surprised and were speechless for a while.
“That’s…”
“Even if the casualties were among the goblins…?”
Finally, they spoke. I nodded in response.
“Yes.”
“To think… Should I say he’s kind, or naive… No. That was a slip of the tongue.” Seeing my glare, Dot immediately bowed his head. To us, Lord Kousuke is, in a way, an absolute existence. Unless there’s a serious reason, we don’t go against his policies. Regardless of usual circumstances, this battle was carried out under Lord Kousuke’s instructions. Naturally, if Lord Kousuke says he doesn’t want casualties, we should follow that policy.
“…In any case, the next instructions have been issued by him. This time, we must ensure there are no casualties.”
“Next? There’s a next one?” Dael looked interested at my words.
“Yes. It’s in two days. This time, we must fight in a way that results in fewer casualties, just as he wishes.” Today, we fought with a more effective strategy aimed at the goblins’ evolution. Next time, we must aim for a fighting style that minimizes casualties, rather than such things.
“That… sounds like it will be troublesome.” I inwardly agreed with Dael’s words. Fighting efficiently, even with some casualties, is an instinct inherited from the time of the goblins. To fight without that would be a difficult task.
“…Perhaps. However, it is also his instruction. We must overcome it.” At my words, Dot and Dael nodded deeply.
In the end, we succeeded in reducing casualties in the next battle. However, compared to other foxes and wolves, there were still quite a few casualties. Learning the results, I resolved to further improve, realizing the continued need for diligence. Thanks to that, a few days later, Lord Kousuke informed me that I had evolved into a new species called
This was the latter half of Sol’s story. I feel like the title “Victory Dedicated to the Master” makes you wonder where the story of victory is. Anyway, through this experience, Sol has safely (?) achieved a new evolution. As for what’s next… I don’t know if there will be one.
