This position is good. This angle is the best.
I reported the current situation while looking down at Lady Ria Hanne Runbergzach. I informed her that Her Majesty the Queen’s 1st Brigade had launched a surprise attack on the Demon Army and was delaying their advance. I also mentioned that I was still on the battlefield to attack the enemy’s supply units. Finally, I relayed that King Shidenzach was heading this way with Magic Cannon shells.
I spoke while being careful not to be rude by looking down and kept my gaze slightly lower to avoid appearing like I was glaring at Lady Runbergzach.
N-not that I wanted to see her cleavage or anything, hmph! The real reason is that I feel drawn in when I look into Lady Runbergzach’s eyes. It’s a feeling of weakness that reminds me of Lady Annelyse’s power. That’s why I looked a bit lower. I had no ulterior motives, truly.
“Thank you. To think you would work so hard for Runbergzach. We should pay our respects to Her Majesty Queen Flugen someday as well.”
If I were to say, “I’d go through fire and water for you,” the two behind me would probably destroy the entire room. So, I won’t say it. However, there is something I want to ask. I hesitate to ask, but I feel compelled to.
“Miss… are you human, Lady Runbergzach?”
I should think before I speak. I really want to know, but I need to restrain myself. Perhaps I can measure it myself someday.
“Yes, I am. I was chosen by Ottomar, the Dwarf Lord, and married him. My husband was also preparing the castle for a siege upon hearing of the Demon Army’s approach… but then there was a cave-in accident…”
I shouldn’t have asked. I should have asked about her bust size instead. In this room, which has suddenly become gloomy, I alone am cheerfully eating salami!
“Rufina. A little quieter, please.”
“This is quite good. There’s nothing this delicious in Ashtal either.”
This, and some sake. Japanese sake is good, but whiskey is especially good. The deep flavor of salami, washed down with whiskey, enjoying its bitterness – how perfect. And as for you, go die.
“My subordinate is being rude. Lady Runbergzach…”
“You can just call me Ria. Until King Shidenzach arrives, I’d like to entrust the command here to Commander Shin…”
That’s a kind offer, but I can’t accept it while overlooking the Dwarves here. Right now, we only have ten members of the White Lily Corps, and even if Priscilla’s group joins, it will only be a little over twenty. It would be easier to lead if we at least had a brigade…
“My Lord! The Dwarf territory will be defended by Dwarves! We will drive out the Demon Army without needing human help!”
Yes, it always ends up like this. I understand the desire to protect one’s own land without relying on others, but I wish they had a bit more open-mindedness, enough to use us, people with many “A”s and “S”s in their names.
“Asmus, don’t you know the name of the White Lily Corps? They are a notorious mercenary group said to kill even crying babies. If they were to take command, Runbergzach would be secure.”
“But they are humans! They would likely be the first to flee if things got dire.”
“I am human too. My desire to protect Runbergzach is no less than yours!”
Yes, victory is declared. Lady Ria wins. …Winning is good, but I feel like the White Lily Corps’ reputation is heading in a very bad direction. We don’t kill children, and we only make them cry in bed, and only the girls at that.
“Almus-san…”
“It’s Asmus!”
“Asmus-san, King Shidenzach is already close. I will only be in command for a short while, and King Shidenzach should arrive by the time we finish preparing for the siege.”
“Hmph… Understood! So, I should proceed with preparations for the siege!”
“Yes, please do. Also, a detachment of the White Lily Corps is heading this way, so please open the gates when they arrive.”
“Understood!”
They aren’t even that far away, so there’s no need to shout. I kind of feel like I did something wrong. For a short while, I’ll be in command. I’m important.
“Also, please maintain the Magic Cannon.”
“Understood! I’m going ahead!”
Asmus stood up and glared at Rufina, who was still eating salami, then headed for the door. Since I was there, I took a bite too. It was so delicious, it made me say “I see.” If it were at a convenience store, I’d buy them all out.
“Also, another cup of tea…”
The door slammed shut with a roar. That last part was a joke. I should relax and take it easy. We’ll be too busy to rest soon.
“I am so sorry. Asmus, or rather, Dwarves in general can sometimes be humorless.”
I can keenly understand Lady Ria’s distress. She was chosen by the Lord of Runbergzach, married a Dwarf Lord despite being human, and has now, by chance, found herself at the pinnacle of Runbergzach.
I want to be of help to her. And I need her help. The duration Runbergzach can hold out directly impacts whether the Ashtal Empire can safely rendezvous with Lady Annelyse in Denberg.
“I apologize for teasing you a bit too much. Asmus-dono, how long have you been serving by her side?”
“Asmus is one of the veterans who has been serving since the time of the previous Lord’s wife. Despite his youth, he possesses great talent and is an estimable person.”
Young, huh… I heard Dwarves have long lifespans, but with that beard and those wrinkles, he looks ageless. He sometimes resembles certain people who are vague about their age and permanent address.
Speaking of young, Lady Ria must be in her late twenties. The Lord himself is on his third marriage, having taken a wife of considerable age difference. To die in a cave-in, leaving behind such a young wife, he must have died with deep regret. I wonder if Rufina could revive him as an undead.
“We should be going too… We’ll wait for the White Lily Corps and King Shidenzach.”
“Ideally, I would like you to take overall command here even after King Shidenzach arrives. The Magic Cannon is still in the maintenance phase, and it would be a great help if King Shidenzach himself could attend to it.”
Even if we manage to get it ready to fire, it’s useless without shells. However, if we can fire even one shot, its destructive power would surely make the Demon Army hesitate to attack Runbergzach.
Or so I think. I haven’t even seen the power of the Magic Cannon that has arrived at Nebel Bridge. How much of a spectacle will Runbergzach’s Magic Cannon, with its larger caliber and destructive power, offer…
“We will discuss that with King Shidenzach. Excuse us for now.”
We left the room and, after inquiring about the Magic Cannon’s location, headed there. On the way, I reluctantly sent Rossa back to her original world and went with Rufina, enjoying salami together.
“So, this is the Magic Cannon… It’s huge.”
A railway gun. It held enough allure to awaken a man’s soul. The wheels, which could be moved outside if tracks were laid, were meant to rotate the entire turret, not to be moved outside, which was a shame.
The first Magic Cannon, mounted on the castle’s walls. Furthermore, the second Magic Cannon, stationed within the castle, emitted a dull gleam, aimed to crush external enemies, with its muzzle pointing towards the town’s cannons.
“So you’re the White Lily Corps, are you? Asmus-sama informed me.”
Asmus-san is quick with his work. If he didn’t make jokes, we could probably get along well. I should refrain from teasing him.
“How long until it can be fired?”
“In another day, both the first and second cannons should be ready to fire. The first one is a bit delayed, though.”
With such a good answer, I’m in high spirits. The Demon Army’s advance has been halted, and the attack on the supply units should be fine if I leave it to Christine and Sophia.
Now, all we have to do is wait for Priscilla and the shells. Asmus-san is also handling the preparations for the siege, so my job will likely be to report the status of the troops when King Shidenzach arrives. I can’t take command before the King, after all.
“Is Iris here?”
“A good person, always by my side…”
Even Rufina looked surprised by Iris’s appearance. Before I knew it, I was being hugged from behind. Next time, before she speaks, I’ll use Wide Area Mind’s Eye to check where she’s appearing from. Once I find her, I’ll sneak up behind her before she grabs me and give her a big hug to surprise her.
“Please try to get a grasp of the troop situation, and do you know King Shidenzach’s whereabouts?”
“I apologize. I have no information regarding King Shidenzach.”
“Understood. Prioritize situational awareness.”
I gently broke free from Iris’s embrace and met her gaze directly. Apart from her tanned, sun-kissed complexion, she seemed to be like any other Elf. She wasn’t any less beautiful with her refined features, but her eyes didn’t have the same mesmerizing quality as Lady Ria’s.
If it were just the two of us, I’d gladly be drawn in, but it’s different from Lady Ria. Does Lady Ria also possess some special power, or am I simply drawn to the widow archetype?
“Something…”
A surprise kiss. Was I truly drawn in…? Of course, there was killing intent. And a sharp curse wood flying my way…
“What are you doing at a time like this?!”
“I thought a moment of relaxation was necessary precisely because of the times. Rufina, you should relax too… Not a single one hit.”
I dodged the curse wood that flew towards me, as if to separate Iris and me, and distanced myself so as not to hit Iris. Be it a spear or a whip, I should retreat before those cursed branches get thicker. I fled to the second cannon emplacement with Godspeed.
Upon reaching the second cannon emplacement, I saw a cluster of Dwarves performing intricate work with their thick fingers, but I didn’t know what they were doing, nor did I call out to them before retreating.
I’ve seen the emplacements, now I just need to hear about the siege preparation status from Iris. Priscilla is supposed to come to Runbergzach if we aren’t at the rendezvous point, and King Shidenzach will probably arrive late if he’s not drinking.
The sun is about to set. Torches are being lit in the castle, adding to its majestic presence. A siege within the castle, without reinforcements, might seem reckless, but if push comes to shove, we can escape through caves, and if our goal is to buy time, it should be sufficiently effective.
My first moment of solitude in a while. It’s still too early to watch the stars. In times like these, it’s good to pause for a moment and think.
“So this is where you were!”
Ah, it’s over. No time for twilight contemplation. Alas, how cruel.
“I was taking a stroll. The view of the castle and the town from here is quite beautiful.”
“That can wait! You! What did you say to Rossa earlier?!”
If you’re going to add a suffix, use “Commander-sama” or “Master-sama.” I was telling Rossa about helping humanity evolve. Rossa’s clothes can be restored multiple times, making them economical. Moreover, the fleshy Rossa is a suitable sample.
“It’s been a while, Mikael-sama.”
It’s fortunate Rossa is here too. Let’s discuss evolution together. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to discuss the evolution of an undead and a human? Unfortunately, with Rufina, her bust size is probably insufficient…
“Rossa, let’s talk about what we discussed earlier. The night is still long.”
I can tell she’s blushing and feeling shy. I’ve reached a point where I can imagine Rossa’s form even when she’s just a skeleton, or visualize her with flesh when she’s corporeal.
“Who says you two can be alone?! I also have the right to receive payment!”
Human evolution will still require some more time.
