---

The atmosphere at the forward base was as thin as ice.

The priests treating the wounded moved about as if they had important tasks, and the soldiers were all in a high state of combat readiness, ensuring victory for the next sortie.

It seemed like fighting against the cultists was quite a tough endeavor.

They showed joy upon seeing the knights entering through the open fortifications, especially Eunice.

‘It looks like these folks have a lot of trust in Eunice.’

That was an expected reaction.

When I eavesdropped on the noble discussions, Eunice was renowned as an exceptional knight safeguarding the border zones. This crowd had personally witnessed her achievements, so she must appear all the more reliable to them.

‘They said she wields both sword and shield with ease.’

Unfortunately, I hadn’t seen her true skills just yet. But judging by their enthusiastic reactions, perhaps I could have some reasonable expectations.

Finally entering, I dismounted and set my feet down on solid ground.

Led by Eunice and Shione, the knights began checking their equipment. After a brief, sweet respite, they prepared for re-engagement. Diolia, who had followed us, was also catching her breath while maintaining her bloodstained sword when someone from the knights approached us.

“Lady, that soldier in uniform is Young Master Abel. It seems he came looking for us after hearing we had arrived.”

Abel Kalia.

He was dressed neatly in the regimented clothing of the Marquis family’s army. His shining insignia and disciplined gait showed that he was definitely not your ordinary noble’s son.

‘His demeanor is totally different from Allen’s─’

Though we had only briefly crossed paths before, one couldn’t overlook the genetic similarities between brothers; Abel resembled Allen.

However, unlike Allen, who always had that charming, mischievous vibe, he radiated calm and controlled emotions. Unlike my brother, who always seemed eager to flirt, Abel’s composed demeanor was impressive.

‘Honestly, it would suit him better if he were introduced as the brother, rather than the other way around.’

Well, I hadn’t had a deep conversation with him yet.

When Allen had tried to hit on Shione and me, it was Abel who conveniently stepped in to rescue us. Compared to Allen, who often seemed untrustworthy, Abel appeared to be a solid character.

To be honest, I was close to losing my mind listening to Allen’s nonsense; I was bound to remember Abel as a decent guy.

And Shione seemed to share that sentiment.

“You’re as composed as I saw you previously.”

“Oh, Lady, have you met Abel?”

“Yes. Young Master Abel helped me when Allen Kalia tried to grab my attention. We met briefly then.”

As we exchanged pleasantries, Abel had now drawn closer to us.

The relaxed knights took their positions, and Abel gestured for them not to do so, addressing us instead.

“You’ve finally arrived, Sister. And everyone from the Count’s House. I’ve been eagerly awaiting news from Lady Siabel and Mother.”

“It’s been a while, Abel. I’m glad to see you are well.”

“Since I’m only sitting in the command room, there’s no way I could get hurt. The soldiers suffering due to the traitors are the ones truly in distress.”

“Even so, I’ve heard you’ve continued to achieve victory after victory, thanks to you. Good to see you, Abel.”

“It’s not just me; those victories were made possible with the help of excellent strategists.”

After our brief exchange, Abel glanced around.

There were three nobles present, including Shione. With me as the odd one in the mix, naturally, all eyes were on us.

Being aware of this, Abel proposed.

“Let’s not linger here. We can go to a dedicated meeting room instead. Given the size of the town, it is well-prepared for our discussions there.”

Eunice readily agreed to his suggestion.

However, Shione and I, unable to join in their conversation, stayed quiet and waited, and he then extended the invitation to Shione.

“Princess Shione Shianella, you should come along too. One cannot have a gathering of such importance without members from the Count’s House.”

I was the only one left out of this meeting.

Since things were heading towards a conclusion, I felt relieved that I wouldn’t have to awkwardly insert myself into the meeting and stare blankly at the conversations.

To be honest, just filling a seat without participating was a bit embarrassing, and I preferred physically engaging over strategically analyzing the situation.

With this development, I even found comfort in the fact that I could summon spirits for discussions and take a breather.

“And, if possible, I’d hope that─”

Why was Abel’s gaze directed towards me?

Truthfully, I hadn’t received formal military training in this world, nor was I a person of noted status.

Why would he put any burden on a lowly servant like me?

“I would like Sir Ray to join the meeting as well. In my opinion, he is currently the best knight in the order.”

“……”

“I heard that during the conflict from the Count’s House, he dispatched a mid-level demon with a single arrow that combined wind and fire magic. Is that correct?”

Thanks to that one arrow, I had spent 70% of my mana and could only remember downing a Mana Potion afterward.

But indeed it was true. If I hadn’t been there, those folks up on the castle wall would have likely preferred dying instead of getting sliced.

I couldn’t help but silently agree with that memory.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Lady Siabel Shianella told me to keep you informed about the battlefield situation. She mentioned that you would create another variable if I did. A positive one, at that.”

Had Siabel already left me a message?

“Therefore─”

Just as I was about to think I would be joining that meeting room after all.

Voom─!!

From beyond the fortifications, specifically from the observation tower observing beyond, the sound of a horn echoed. Following that was the booming resonance of drums rolling in time with the heartbeat of the base.

Eunice, with her hand on her sword’s hilt, raised her heart rate and asked.

“Abel, what’s going on?”

“It’s a regular occurrence. Every time Allen sends out my scouts, he does so to ensure their extermination. It happens multiple times a day, and the soldiers on standby must have gone out to respond quickly─”

Bang─!!

A deafening sound burst forth from the fortifications.

The parapet collapsed, revealing a horde of monsters beginning to pour in.

“Princess Shione, behind me!”

I stepped in front of Shione, starting to assess the situation quickly.

Allen’s scouts, huh? The creatures pouring in had little intelligence at all. The fact that they were breaking in here indicated someone behind the scenes had ordered them to raid the place.

‘Even though those cultists are a maddening bunch, they’re not so dim-witted as to lose their heads in execution.’

These meticulous villains must have been waiting for the perfect timing to act, be it through digging in or using magic.

Why had they chosen to strike just as so many knights were entering the forward base? Crazy folks wouldn’t concern themselves with logic, but what was happening was utterly beyond comprehension.

While I pondered, Eunice, now wielding her sword and shield, declared.

“The escort knights will protect Abel with their lives. All knights that came with us, prepare for battle!”

Bang─!

Before her words could even finish, explosions echoed again from various spots.

They didn’t approach the center of the forward base but began destroying the facilities from the outside.

“I will provide protection from now on, Princess Shione.”

“Thank you, Lady Diolia.”

At that moment, refined killing intent radiated from Diolia as she became a sturdy barricade for Shione.

Monsters began invading through the breached barriers.

As I summoned spirits to assist with morale and reconnaissance, that moment marked the start of the damned battle.

*

Chaos.

To repel the monsters, even the injured soldiers were handling their weaponry, hacking down enemies.

The ground was becoming soaked in deep blood and magic, and Shione grimaced at the foul stench.

‘Something’s wrong.’

Until we entered the forward base, she hadn’t sensed any magic at all…

Now, the overwhelming surge of revulsion and the unexpected assault from the cultists were sending her heart racing even more.

She looked around.

Ray was shooting arrows at the monsters. Diolia was supporting nearby, staying close to keep an eye on things. Abel was sheltering in a safe rear position. Eunice was smashing monster heads with her shield.

Each one was displaying their individual combat prowess, yet none captured Shione’s attention.

“Over there─”

She pinpointed the source of the horrendous stench.

From Ray’s flank, at a considerable distance, a pitifully emaciated figure, be it dead or alive, was approaching a patch of bright red flowers, blooming in contrast to the sickening mana swirling around them.

Blending in and camouflaging itself, it was nearly impossible to detect unless one focused their mana. Almost perfectly hiding its dark magic, it was a sorcerer, yet Shione’s gaze locked onto it without fail.

‘It’s aiming for Ray.’

For reasons unknown, it was evidently targeting Ray alone. That did not sit well with Shione, and she notched an arrow to her bowstring.

This was right next to the Great Forest. An area blessed by the World Tree, with its fertile soil and a wealth of wildflowers that had survived the seasons.

Among them, as it rampaged through the crimson flowers and churned vile mana, her irritation surged.

‘Let it hit…!’

Shione unleashed her arrow, wrapping it with mana.

However─

“What?”

Whatever trick the sorcerer had played, the mana contained within the arrow began to fade. Ultimately, even as the arrow struck its heart, it didn’t flinch at all.

In an instant, the sorcerer calmly plucked out the arrow.

Shione failed to protect the rose blossoms sprawling wide.

But she didn’t despair at its antics.

“Lady Diolia, go to Ray immediately.”

Unless it was a challenge, surrendering was not something Ray had taught her.

 

---