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From the moment we secured the arrangements left by the ancient elves, the retreat proceeded smoothly and without significant losses. The immense amount of mana required to command hundreds of spirits was provided solely by the high elf Edelin, who also meticulously handled all the detailed commands by herself.

At this level, it was evident that even a high elf would feel the burden. Despite the captain of the royal guards’ attempts to dissuade her, she showed no signs of wanting to stop managing these spirits. All we could do was hasten our arrival in the city to relieve her of that burden.

As we rushed onward, nearing the city, a bit of leeway began to appear.

Finally, I found an opportunity to talk quietly with Shione.

“Having laid on the ground alone amidst that chaos… I would imagine what I obtained must be rather extraordinary.”

I subtly rolled my eyes, observing Shione, unusually close to me, vigilantly scanning our surroundings.

“…She looks somewhat gloomy.”

If she had inherited the powers left by her revered ancestor, there was no way that Shione would be in such a downcast state.

I cautiously opened my mouth.

“Princess Shione, how was the trial of the First Head?”

“Huh? Trial?”

“Yes, you fainted in the midst of the battlefield… Orna tried to wake you up countless times, yet you were so absorbed that you didn’t stir at all.”

“Hmm…”

Shione began to stroke her lips while casting subtle glances my way.

“That’s a bit… ambiguous to talk about.”

“Ambiguous, you say—”

“It’s more like I succeeded, but also didn’t succeed,” she explained quietly, providing a rough overview of what she had experienced.

To summarize the core of the story, which was safe enough for the keen-eared elves to hear, it went like this: She had inherited the powers left by her ancestor, but if she wished to continue using them after this incident, she would have to undergo a trial once more.

‘Well, I have a basic idea of what that trial entails, at least.’

It would be better to discuss this in detail later rather than delve deeper here.

After collecting my thoughts, I noticed Shione starting to regard the spear I had with a growing curiosity.

“Hmm…”

Her azure eyes began to sparkle with interest.

This was the weapon left behind by a being Edelin had emphasized; a spear from this world. Quite a few elves aside from her had shown interest in it too.

Curious, Shione asked, “Ray, can you handle a spear?”

“I can only wave it around a bit, giving an impression of skill at best.”

“You? Really?”

“…I assure you, I can’t master every weapon.”

“Hmm.”

I wondered just how capable the Shione within her truly was.

Despite my lack of knowledge in wielding a spear, she didn’t seem readily convinced.

In fact, I had attempted to learn briefly from a past comrade but stopped midway due to it being too difficult.

When I earnestly claimed that I lacked talent, her suspicion slowly began to lift.

‘Oh, now that I think about it…’

I may not know how to wield it, but I did manage to throw it at targets somewhat successfully back then.

I could even recall the look of surprise on that guy’s face sometimes.

Chuckling at the suddenly resurfacing memory, I added, “Ah, but—”

“Hm?”

“I am fairly confident in spear-throwing.”

“…….”

At that, Shione merely sighed and lightly punched my shoulder, displaying her exasperation.

Soon after, we returned to the city, and the aftermath efforts for retrieving the arrangements left by the ancestors accelerated.

With the recognition of Airine Ianette and the spirits Edelin had collected, her busy schedule only grew as she prepared to summon the spirits into the city.

Shione and I trailed behind her, assisting or checking the fortified city, as we shared plans with various generals, causing time to pass swiftly.

Two days later, as we approached the gathered army of monsters in front of the city, Edelin finally asked for a meeting with Shione and me.

At last, we were able to meet Edelin, now in military attire, in front of the World Tree.

“Tomorrow, the enemy’s attacks will pour down upon us.”

Edelin offered a faint smile toward me, holding the spear I had brought and to Shione, who had become a true knight.

“Let’s commence the final meeting.”

Tomorrow, the Great Forest would become a land of disaster, engulfed in flames.

*

“The great event is almost upon us.”

Allen Kalia whispered quietly.

The only listener was but one—Chloe, the commander of the 1st Army of the Marquis Family, a trusted knight.

There was no hesitation in Allen’s words.

“The moment the Great Forest burns away, we will begin to move. The mundane days of this boredom will soon come to an end. Though I can’t complain; our family chef is particularly skilled in cooking. I’ll miss that a bit.”

After being lost in thought, Allen Kalia pulled back the curtains in his room.

In the dimly lit space, only his eyes, glinting with frenzy, stood out.

“But to properly execute such an important event… it would be wise to first deal with our bothersome brother Abel, who has been relentlessly pursuing us.”

At those words, Chloe, who had been standing like a statue, began to react.

“Just how did he manage to charm mother so easily to take the west right in front of me? Where did he catch that scent? That kid seems determined to make life difficult, doesn’t he, Chloe?”

Allen’s mocking question earned a nod from Chloe.

The cold, rational figure she had become no longer resembled the valiant knight loaded with firm convictions.

Like a puppet, she had lost her great vigor and was simply a marionette dancing to Allen’s whims.

In a stiff and rigid tone, she spoke.

“Indeed, the retainers supporting Eunice have started to rally around Abel as their focal point to attack our forces. Recently, I’ve heard they have even sent a suspicious petition to the head of the family, Illeina. A swift response is necessary.”

“It’s surprising that little brat managed to mess up so badly. It can’t be helped at this point.”

“…….”

“Chloe, send a shadow that was assigned to mother over to Abel. After all, an old man who can’t even wield a handful of mana won’t be any threat, even if we pack shadows on him.”

“Understood.”

Chloe’s reply seemed to please Allen, who then threw himself onto the bed.

“Foolish Eunice.”

His tone dripped with malice.

“Like a moth drawn to a flame, seeking out its demise.”

He was undeniably a minion of the demons.

*

Knock, knock, knock.

“Come in.”

The one who knocked on the door of Ainel Shianella’s office entered calmly.

The visitor was a woman with long, silvery hair, reaching down to her waist. The eldest daughter of the Shianella Count Family, Siabel Shianella, promised to succeed as the next head.

Having just finished training, she looked visibly tired as she performed a brief greeting to her mother.

“You called for me, mother.”

“Indeed. I heard you’ve reached the threshold of a new level in your training. Any progress?”

“Unfortunately, my training has been lacking, and I have yet to find a hint to break through.”

“Hmm. Your current level is already quite sufficient… If you continue to practice your swordplay steadily, you’ll surely find the path you need. Do not stop your training.”

“Yes, I will.”

Ainel smiled slightly at Siabel’s poised demeanor.

However, the smile vanished as soon as she retrieved a parchment from her desk drawer.

“Siabel, the reason you were called today is because of this.”

“Is it because of that parchment?”

“Yes. To be precise, it’s a letter sent to me directly from the Kalia Marquis Family. Can you guess why the head of the Kalia Family would send us a letter?”

“It’s hard to guess… But the head of the Marquis Family wouldn’t send a letter unless it’s concerning kingdom affairs or involving mutual harm. I suspect it contains something that will certainly create a significant ripple.”

Nodding in agreement, Ainel affirmed.

Her silver hair swayed gently as she nodded, adding weight to her conviction.

“You’re correct. However, having read it in advance, this parchment holds content far greater than you might imagine.”

“What do you mean…?”

“The head put magic into writing it with his own blood seal, requesting assistance.”

Tap… Tap… Tap…

Ainel began tapping her index finger on the desk.

“He has requested that until the current chaotic situation stabilizes, he’d like us to govern in his place.”

“Excuse me…?”

Siabel couldn’t help but be taken aback.

It was certainly not a normal occurrence for the Count family to take charge while heads of the Marquis family were still alive.

Especially considering that one of the most powerful families in the kingdom would delegate authority to the Count family, the significance was immense.

Ainel began to elaborate further.

“To put it plainly, the current head is in dire need of assistance, and until the king grants permission and the military support reaches the territory… he’s offering us military command over the local troops and the Immediate Judgment Authority over those swayed by evil.”

“…Does that mean a demon has appeared at the Marquis Family?”

“Correct.”

“…….”

“A demon with a deep scheme has emerged in both the Marquis Family and the Great Forest.”

“…But I find it strange. Why would the Marquis trust our Count family with such heavy authority?”

“It’s due to an oath made among our ancestors, what can we do? It’s something that has been compelled upon us by our blood and unique mana.”

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Ainel clicked her tongue in frustration at the absurd pact left by their ancestors.

“If the Kalia is threatened by demons, the Shianella must intervene; if the Shianella suffers calamity, the Kalia must help. That’s the pact they firmed. Hence, the Shianella will invariably intervene wherever there’s any sign of demon activity in the kingdom.”

While Siabel remained silent, Ainel narrowed her gaze at the kingdom’s map.

Her attention was directed towards the east of the Kalia Marquis territory— the Great Forest.

“Siabel, you are to head towards the Marquis Family. Assist them—”

Despite the area being fraught with flooding forests, it was just as rife with demons as indicated by the letter.

“I command you to do so.”

As Ainel took in the sight, she continued, “Wait for Shione’s return. If Shione doesn’t show any signs of coming back from the Great Forest once it turns into a battlefield—”

“…….”

“Utilize the military authority bestowed upon you to declare war against the demons. Bring the forces to breach and rescue Shione, no matter what.”

“…Can we truly proclaim that using the Marquis Family’s forces?”

“Of course. Though we are a Count family, our traditions and influences go far beyond just being counts.”

Ainel Shianella smiled coldly.

“In this kingdom, built along with the absurd and childish contracts and oaths from our forebears. The declaration of war against demons is the rightful privilege granted to us amidst the irrational restraints our families have bestowed upon us.”

The nobility of the kingdom, whose lineage had persisted from the founding, especially the descendants of those with grand accomplishments in the past were burdened with uncountable restrictions.

Once a demon was involved, it only meant that at some point, this would potentially cause significant turmoil for the kingdom.

 

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