※Below was translated by Sephallia. Thank you very much.
“We’re finally back!”
With the teleportation gate behind us, Simone stretched and energetically announced our return.
We found ourselves outside the facility housing Bauer’s Teleportation Gate. The very one where we suffered an attack from the demons and parted ways with Mother Rei just days before. The area was marred with signs of the conflict, but now, all that was left was a guard unit securing the area. We’d gone through quite some trouble to repair the gates, so it was likely a preventative measure against future attacks.
A short while after we finished repairs on the gate in the Empire, Bauer’s side finished as well. This allowed us to finally reconnect the long-distance route. For various reasons, there were other individuals who had priority access over us, but our turn came soon enough. As soon as we were cleared, the three of us rushed back to Bauer.
“Guess we should try and regroup with the others, yeah? Should we start by heading back to the capital?”
“L-Lily thinks that would be best. T-There are signs that the conflict has already begun, but carelessly joining before we confirm the situation could just create unnecessary chaos…”
“How tedious!”
Personally, I’d much rather swing first and figure the rest out later, so knowing that the conflict between humans and demons had already begun and having to sit on the sidelines frustrated me beyond belief. That said, I had first hand experience how bad situations could spiral as a result of recklessness. As Lily-sama said, our first course of action should be to regroup and confirm the situation.
“Alright, let’s get on with it then. Sorry, but I’ll leave it to y’all for the lead and the rear. You’re both a lot stronger than I am.”
“Leave it to us.”
“O-Okay!”
And so, we set off for our home in the capital. On our way, we ran into monsters sporadically but it seemed we were far enough from the front lines. So long as a horde of monsters didn’t swarm us all at once, it was nothing that Lily-sama and I couldn’t handle.
That said, it was clear that the monsters were irritated.
“Do you think it’s because of Yunu?”
“L-Lily can’t say for sure… But the reports said that the demon’s tactics relied on overwhelming numbers, so she may have the ability to control them.”
“Urgh… Sounds like a pain…”
Exchanging banter even as we rushed down the road, we arrived at something that looked like a security checkpoint. Just as I wondered why there’d be a checkpoint at a place like this, I saw that quite a crowd had gathered.
“Form two proper lines! We’ll confirm your identity in order!”
“Don’t push!”
Looking at the crowd waiting, it was clear that there weren’t enough staff at the checkpoint. It was total chaos.
“… Oh?”
“Something wrong?”
“No, I must be overthinking it.”
For just a moment, the flow of people as they formed lines somehow appeared too perfect. It was truly just for a moment before one of the soldiers at the checkpoint noticed us.
“Thank you for your service. I’m Alea François. Could you let us through?”
“Alea François…?”
I thought by clearly naming myself, they’d quickly let us through, but for some reason the soldiers exchanged suspicious glances.
“In the report just this afternoon…”
“Yeah, I heard they’re mounting an offense.”
“…?”
“Are you just going to retreat?”
“I’m not sure I understand, would it have been better that I stood by in the Empire?”
“What are you talking about! You were left in charge of the front lines!”
My words weren’t getting through.
“Would you just call for the person in charge here? I seem to be getting nowhere talking with you.”
“We can’t afford to right now, can’t you tell!? In the first place, I could never stand you damned Ten Saviors or whatever. You aren’t even officially enlisted, but you sure do flaunt your status as heroes―”
I asked for the person in charge, but that didn’t seem to get me anywhere either. I wasn’t aware there were people that saw us in that way. But well, I suppose that was exactly why Mother Rei and Mother Claire had tried to avoid standing out.
“Just what’s the ruckus!?”
“Slacking’s a nono, ‘kay~?”
Just as our exchange was about to heat up, a dignified voice spoke up, followed by a soft voice.
“Loretta-sama, Pipi-sama.”
“That’s… well… their responses were just suspicious and―”
The soldiers faltered in their response, so the two officers pushed past directly toward us.
“Oh my?”
“If it isn’t Alea-chan and Lily-sama!”
“Long time no see, you two.”
“I-It’s so nice to see you both again…!”
One was a taller woman with a fierce presence, the other woman exuded a soft and gentle atmosphere. The taller woman was covered in an armor suit that appeared to be a magic artifact. She also bore a sword sheathed on her hip. The other was dressed in lighter armor that looked easier to move in, but it was clear that she was well built beneath that lighter armor.
I happened to be acquainted with the two of them.
“What, you know ‘em?”
Ah, that’s right, this was Simone’s first time meeting them.
“This is Loretta-san, she comes from House Cugletto, a house distinguished for its martial prowess, next to her is Pipi-san. The two of you, allow me to introduce my friend Simone.”
“The name’s Loretta.”
“And I’m Pipi, hope we can get along, Simone-chan!”
“L-Likewise.”
Being greeted by these two women who both possessed a strong presence in their own right, Simone appeared a tad overwhelmed.
“The two of them are longtime friends of Mother Claire.”
“So the two of them are ex-nobles?”
“Nobility huh… it’s starting to sound nostalgic.”
“That’s what we were back then, huh…”
For a moment Loretta-san and Pipi-san both stared off into the distance reminiscing the past before snapping back and addressing us,
“Looks like our troops here caused you some trouble. You’re on your way back to the capital?”
“Yes, but it appears there’s been some sort of mistake.”
“It may be the result of some miscommunication. According to our reports, you’d already been deployed out to the front lines. Was there a change in that deployment?”
As Loretta-san asked that question, she maintained her smile, but her eyes weren’t. Her glare told me that if I answered carelessly, there would be trouble.
That said, my only choice was to explain my situation truthfully.
“We have only just returned from the Naa Empire and don’t have a full grasp on the situation. We want to be briefed and to discuss what our next steps should be, so we’re looking to meet with my mothers as soon as possible.”
“… Hold on. Something about that isn’t quite adding up.”
“Yeah, something’s off. Loretta, a moment please.”
Pipi-san pulled Loretta-san aside and they began discussing the situation amongst themselves.
“W-What’s happening? Alea-chan has been deployed out to the front lines…?”
“This doesn’t just happen from simple miscommunication.”
“I don’t quite get it myself, but it seems we’ve found ourselves in a situation…”
Having finished their discussion, the two returned to address us.
“My apologies, but we’ll have to hold the three of you here until we’re able to confirm the facts.”
“We’re sorry!”
I was sure this wasn’t the result the two of them had wanted either. They seemed genuinely apologetic about the state of affairs.
“I don’t mind, but how long will it take to confirm?”
“It should be at most two hours. While you’re waiting, Pipi will explain the current situation to you. How does that sound?”
“… How do the two of you feel about this?”
“I’m good with that.”
“L-Let’s do that then. I-It’s not like we can just force our way through either.”
Lily-sama had a point. I believe we all knew that Lily-sama held no ill will in saying that, but upon hearing her say that,
“Having to fend off Alea-chan and Lily-sama at the same time? Rather not even imagine that.”
“Quite literally a nightmare.”
The two of them said that as they forced an awkward smile.
“Oh please, what are the two of you saying? Individual ability aside, the two of you are renowned for your teamwork and leadership. Even across our entire kingdom, you’re considered to be in the top three.”
There surely was such a thing as being too humble.
“Loretta-san and Pipi-san are that strong?”
“Oh please, our reputation is exaggerated. Our kingdom possesses plenty of talent and our specialty is in ensuring the groundwork is laid for such talent to shine.”
“And I’m just her helper~”
“I see. You’re that strong.”
“”Were you even listening?””
Oh she was, but it seemed Simone was able to tell. Underneath their veil of humility, the two of them had a confidence that was backed by their consistent efforts.
“Alright, that’s enough standing about, please join us inside.”
“I’ll update you on the situation over some tea.”
“Thank you, we’ll take you up on your kindness.”
“E-Excuse our intrusion…”
“Don’t mind if I do.”
And so, for the time being we found ourselves detained at this checkpoint.
“I assume you three are aware the demons staged a simultaneous uprising all across the world just days ago?”
“Yes.”
Lily-sama, Simone and I all nodded in response to Pipi-san’s question.
We had moved to the break area within the checkpoint. There were several tables scattered around, and we sat ourselves down at one of them.
Loretta-san had unfinished work, so she returned to her post leaving Pipi-san with us to explain the situation.
“Right right. So they simultaneously hit each country’s gates and communication facilities, quickly shutting down any chance of international cooperation. We rushed to get it back up and working, but it’ll still take a while before everything’s back.”
According to Pipi-san, the effects of this initial attack were still being felt.
“Compared to the Great Demon Queen War ten years ago, the demons are relying on quantity this time around. Now, while some countries are left untouched, others have been entirely surrounded and ganged up on.”
Pipi-san concluded that the situation could have been rather different if communication had been possible.
“What is the current scale of the conflict?”
“Right now, our kingdom’s army is holding off a horde about three times its size. While each individual monster is weak, their sheer numbers flip that difference on its head.”
“T-Three times…!”
The color drained from Lily-sama’s face as she heard Pipi-san’s answer.
“But even then, we have some pretty exceptional people fighting for us, right? You know, like Claire-sama and the other Ten Saviors.”
Simone did have a point. Even if we were outnumbered three to one, a powerful mage counted for at least a thousand. If demonkind outnumbered us ten to one, we’d be in a tough position, but I felt like at three times we should be able to manage.
“Yup, that’d normally be true. But well, this time, the monsters aren’t just a horde, but they’re organized like a proper military force.”
“―! The monsters are following orders?”
“Mhm.”
Our current understanding of monsters was that they were animals that had absorbed a magic stone and mutated. In other words, their basic biology was extremely close to that of wild animals. That was why monster exterminations could be carried out in a similar way to how we’d hunt beasts. However, Pipi-san was saying that these monsters had organized themselves like a military.
“That… Does seem problematic.”
“Ah, so you get it?”
“I don’t claim to be as well versed as you or Loretta-san are, but the difference between a mob and organized soldiers is as vast as the east stretches from the west.”
“You really do get it~!”
On top of that, in terms of physical toughness, the human body couldn’t begin to compare a monster’s.
“This checkpoint was hastily put together. As you can see a lot of people have gathered hoping to find refuge in the capital. We also noticed some abnormalities amongst the people too.”
“Abnormalities?”
“Yup. When we compare the report that came from Rei to the one we got from the Spirit Church, something’s off.”
“I suppose it’s best we don’t pry?”
“Ah, yeah, my bad, you probably shouldn’t. Oh no, Loretta’s gonna scold me for this slip…”
The way Pipi-san maintained her casual composure even in this situation was something I appreciated about her.
“The hoards are concentrated at the capital’s outskirts, so we’ve also divided our forces accordingly.”
“What are the specific placements? The majority of the Ten Saviors remained in Bauer, didn’t they?”
I responded with a question.
“Rei and Claire-sama are in charge of a roaming unit. We really didn’t want to involve the two of them since they’d become civilians, but we don’t have that luxury right now. Well, that and the two of them were practically chomping at the bit.”
“T-That’s definitely the Rei-san and Claire-san that Lily knows…”
My mothers were practically still in their prime.
“Rodd-sama is in charge of the main army. As you know his firepower is something to be reckoned with, so he’s been stationed at the front expected to be fiercest. Honestly, if we didn’t have Rodd-sama we wouldn’t have lasted this long.”
“Rodd-sama, uh, the first prince, yeah? I didn’t expect a prince to be able to fight.”
“He’s an incredible guy who has firstrate swordsmanship and magic~”
Rodd-sama was actually the first one to teach me swordsmanship.
“Another one of our kingdom’s princes―who was actually a princess―as well as another member of the Ten Saviors, Yuu-sama, and her partner, Misha-san are leading the refugee evacuation efforts across our land.”
“So people are evacuating from the outskirts toward the capital?”
“Yup. This isn’t something that can be handled just by the army. The Spirit Church frequently involves themselves in our citizens’ daily lives, so they’re perfect for this.”
“That’s a pretty important role, huh. The situation’s… a lot worse than I thought, I mean if even royalty are getting involved.”
“We’re in quite the pickle.”
Finally, I asked what I’d been wondering this whole time.
“So what’s Mei been up to?”
“Well you see… that’s exactly the thing.”
Pipi-san paused to scowl before continuing.
“Mei-chan’s been on quite the rampage at the frontlines… and well, she’d been sent there with you. So you see, our soldiers’ reactions weren’t entirely wrong.”
“But that makes no sense… Then, what about Lily-sama?”
When I asked, Pipi-san responded.
“Our latest info said that Lily-sama had yet to return from the Empire.”
“H-Huh!?”
“Then Simone?”
“Unfortunately we haven’t received any reports on Simone-chan.”
“Hm…”
It seemed intelligence had gotten mixed up along the way.
“So the biggest contradictions have to do with information concerning me, is that right?”
“That’s what it seems like. But I mean, you’re here with us now, so it’s just a matter of time before things are sorted out.”
“I certainly hope so…”
When I let out a deep sigh, Pipi-san teasingly said,
“Or what, maybe you’re actually an impostor?”
While also exerting her aura.
“Would you like to find out?”
When I responded with my own, Pipi-san said,
“Ah, yup, we’ve got the real one."
With a serious expression on her face before retracting her aura.
“Your sword aura is so thick it’s almost palpable. I can’t even bear the thought of there being two or three people with an aura like that.”
“I’m grateful you understand.”
“Hey hey, Alea-chan, have you decided what you’ll do in the future? If not, why not join us in the military~?”
“H-How frank can recruitment efforts be?”
Simone responded to Pipi-san’s attempt in exasperation.
“I mean I’ve gotta try. She’s the freakin’ God of the Sword, Claire-sama and Rei’s daughter, and personally trained by THE Dorothea Naa. What army wouldn’t bend over backwards for her?”
“Well, I guess you got a point.”
“A-Alea-chan is very strong.”
The flow of conversation somehow suggested that I’d be enlisting in the military in the future, but there was something I had to make clear.
“I’ve already decided on my future.”
“Huh!?”
“Wait, really?”
“Hey, that’s news. Heck, I didn’t think ya were thinking about it at all.”
How rude.
“In the future I’ll―”
“You’ll…?”
“G-Gulp.”
“Cut the theatrics and out with it.”
Of course―
“Become Lily-sama’s bride!”
“…”
“…”
“… Right, right. Wrap it up.”
Hey! Just how rude can they all be!?
“Alea isn’t one to bring up the future much, so when she did I thought we were in for something big, but of course it’s this again.”
“L-Lily somehow feels relieved actually.”
“Tch… If I’d actually managed to enlist you right here and now, I’m sure Loretta would have heaps of praise for me later.”
“You all…”
Well, I suppose it’s fine. Then, the moment I breathed another sigh, a loud sound could be heard not too far away.
Pipi-san reacted first, springing out of her seat in the direction of the sound. Lily-sama and I followed just one breath after her.
“What happened!?”
“It’s an enemy attack!”
“Yeesh, that’s a lot of them.”
Scanning in that direction, I saw countless monsters emerging from underground. Not only that, but I could see waves of monsters marching toward us from the distance as well.
“Alea-chan, Lily-sama, I’m sorry but we’re gonna have to take advantage of your presence here!”
“By all means.”
“Imagine chess with the God of the Sword and the Saint stacked on your side of the board. Normally there’s no way we’d lose, but…”
What Pipi meant was―
Based on her analysis, the situation was so grave we may still lose in spite of it all.