“Advance slowly without panicking.”
“The entrance to the sanctuary is this way.”
Outside the shop, Holy Knights and sanctuary staff were guiding the surrounding residents to the sanctuary, working together. From the shop window, I could see many people entering the sanctuary one after another, their faces filled with anxiety.
“Fortunately, the castle and town are far apart, so the town hasn’t been affected yet. It seems we need to proceed with evacuating the residents while we still can. Saintess, I’ll return to the scene and resume command. Kent, I’ll be counting on you for what comes next.”
“Understood. Be careful.”
“Yeah, I’m off.”
Upon learning that the castle had been attacked, Otsupain judged that ensuring the safety of the residents before the town was affected was the top priority and returned to the scene. Normally, a castle town is built on the outskirts to protect the castle, but in the event of an attack on the castle, the castle and the castle town are separated to minimize the impact on the town. Thanks to this, although the castle is under attack at this stage, the town has not been affected.
“As the daughter of a noble, I too shall assist in guiding those evacuating to the sanctuary.”
“In that case, I will also help.”
“Both of you, it’s dangerous, so please stay at the shop.”
Following Otsupain, Josette and Caro also prepared to leave the shop, stating they would help with the evacuation guidance. Kent, judging this to be dangerous, frantically tried to stop them.
“Even if Kent-san asks, we cannot comply. This is an obligation imposed upon nobles.”
“Honestly, I’m also afraid to go out in a situation where I don’t know what will happen. However, as Josette-sama said, as nobles, we cannot feign ignorance.”
“If you feel that strongly, then I understand. Both of you, be careful. If it gets too dangerous, evacuate to the sanctuary immediately.”
“Yes (we will).”
Since Josette and Caro showed strong determination, Kent couldn’t say anything more. He had no choice but to send them off, only able to tell them to be careful.
“I might be able to help too, so I’ll go bring Mike from our second store while I’m at it!”
“Hey, it’s dangerous to go alone!”
“Don’t worry, don’t worry. Also, I’m worried about the second store, so I’ll check on things there while I’m at it!”
In a situation where anything could happen, Rachel decided she might be able to be of use and went to fetch Mike, the shop-attached fairy, from the second store. Although nothing seemed to be happening in the town at the moment, the situation could change at any time, so more personnel who could respond quickly would be better. However, Kent thought moving now, when the situation was unclear, was extremely dangerous and tried to stop her. But since he had already let Josette and Caro leave, he couldn’t strongly hold her back. Rachel, saying she’d be fine, dashed out of the shop.
“It seems fewer people are heading to the sanctuary now.”
“Yes. Perhaps they’ve completed their evacuation or fled elsewhere.”
A little time passed, Marie said, looking out the window. Although people were still heading towards the sanctuary, their numbers were gradually decreasing. Kent and his companions thought they had probably completed their evacuation to the sanctuary or had fled to other locations.
“Reporting in. Evacuation of the South District is complete.”
“Thank you for your work. Please continue to check if anyone has been left behind.”
“Understood.”
Currently, Marie’s Bakery was serving as a front-line base for evacuation guidance, with Catherine, who was in charge of the sanctuary’s overall command, present. Those on duty were frequently coming and going to report to Saintess Catherine.
“South District evacuation guidance complete.”
Upon receiving the report, Patty updated the shop’s whiteboard with the situation in the South District. This whiteboard was located in the dining space and usually displayed the menu. However, all the previous writing had been erased, and it was now used to record the progress of the evacuation guidance. Just by looking at the whiteboard, one could grasp the current status of the evacuation efforts.
“Still, I would never have thought of using a shop’s whiteboard like this. As expected of Kent-san.”
“Well, in emergencies, it’s easier to grasp the situation if things are organized like this.”
This was an idea initiated by Kent. Catherine appeared impressed by Kent’s quick thinking.
“Reporting in, regarding the East District evacuation guidance…”
“Understood. Um, then…”
Meanwhile, reports on the situation in each district were coming in one after another. Catherine, looking at the whiteboard, was issuing appropriate instructions to the Holy Knights.
“We’re back.”
“We’re back.”
“Welcome back, both of you. Thank you for your hard work.”
After a while, Josette and Caro returned to the shop. It was still the cold month of February, but sweat beaded on their foreheads, and their hairstyles were disheveled. It seemed they had diligently carried out the missions assigned to them.
“Josette-sama, Caro-sama, here is some cold tea.”
“Thank you, Emily-san.”
“Thank you, Emily-san.”
Emily brought over tea for both of them. Josette and Caro, perhaps thirsty, drank it down in one gulp.
“Speaking of which, I don’t see Rachel anywhere.”
“Ah, my sister said she was going to fetch Mike and rushed out of the shop.”
“Going out in this situation, what is Rachel thinking?!”
Noticing Rachel’s absence, Caro asked Kent about it. Upon learning she had gone out, Caro took out her smartphone and began operating it.
*Birobiro-rin, Piro-piro-rin*
Then, from the kitchen, the sound of an incoming call could be heard.
“Rachel, leaving her smartphone at the shop at a time like this…”
The incoming call was from Rachel, but her smartphone was still in the kitchen. Therefore, there was no way to contact her directly.
“Master, I sense the Prince’s presence outside. He seems very weak.”
“What?! Al, where is he?”
“Um, three shops down the alley from the store.”
Just as Caro was feeling anxious about not being able to contact Rachel, Al suddenly relayed information about Gordon.
“Understood. I’m going immediately. Al, come with me.”
“Understood.”
“W-Wait, I’m coming too!”
As Kent was about to leave the shop with Al, Patty called out, saying she would go with them.
“Then let’s go together. Marie-san, I’ll be right back.”
“Yes, be careful.”
Kent, Al, and Patty rushed out of the shop.
“Master, it’s down this alley.”
“Understood. Hey, Gordon, hold on!”
“Gh! This is terrible. Who would do this? Gordon, Gordon, answer me!”
Guided by Al, Kent and Patty arrived at the back alley three doors down. There, they found Gordon collapsed, an arrow embedded in his left arm, covered in blood. Upon discovering him, Kent and Patty rushed to his side.
“Hahaha, I managed to reach you. I’ve been nothing but trouble for you, Kent. Patty, it’s good to see you one last time.”
Kent cradled Gordon and called out in a loud voice. Beside him, Patty called out with a pained expression. Gordon opened his eyes slightly, saw Kent and Patty’s faces, and looked relieved. Then he closed his eyes, his body limp with exhaustion.
“Don’t die, Gordon! Hold on! Hey, answer me!”
“Gordon, answer me! I don’t want to say goodbye like this! Wake up!”
Kent and Patty desperately called out to Gordon. However, he remained limp and unmoving.
“It’s alright. He’s just lost consciousness.”
“What?”
At Al’s words, Kent and Patty froze.
“Just lost consciousness?”
“Yes, but it would be best to treat his wounds quickly. I could treat him here, but if I do, scars might remain. For a more certain outcome, it would be better to leave it to Emily at the shop.”
Kent asked Al for confirmation. Al stated that although Gordon had lost consciousness, his wounds should be treated urgently, suggesting it would be best to entrust the treatment to Emily, who was skilled in recovery magic.
