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The next day, as the dim dawn chased away the darkness, a soldier, looking like a defeated stray, came rushing in with urgent news.

The front outpost had suffered a catastrophic blow. Many soldiers had fought valiantly but were either dead or injured, scattered and rendered ineffective. This news rapidly spread among the troops in the rear.

Awakened by the chaotic sounds of the morning, both Shione and I could sense the dread looming around us.

“It seems the resistance is fiercer than we imagined,” I remarked.

“Looks like when they shook our side, they hit the front base as well. They must have deployed significant forces to the front,” Shione replied.

“They certainly aren’t going down easily,” I added.

“Indeed. Siabel must be having a headache over this,” Shione sighed.

The news was quickly relayed to the interior regions. Given the urgency, Abel entrusted the message to a cavalry soldier, so we should be able to receive a response shortly.

In fact, Siabel’s reply regarding the current status of the Marquis’s forces arrived swiftly.

Within the meeting room filled with key figures from our base, I was fortunate enough to join Shione and Diolia in discussing the letter, where we were informed about the situation and new directives.

“It feels like things are rolling in a strange way,” I noted.

Reports suggested disturbances not just in the outer region where Allen was actively causing trouble, but even within our own territory there were signs of unrest.

Not only were there disappearances, but also suspicious deaths leading to tightened security. The thugs working for Allen were rumored to be popping up frequently in both the west and north, stirring chaos.

The current quietness of our rear base felt eerily similar to the calm before a storm.

The explanation of the current situation was conveyed through Abel Kalia’s voice, followed by Siabel Shianella’s orders relayed through him as well.

“Furthermore, command of the rear outpost is delegated to Abel Kalia, along with the Deputy Commander of the 1st Legion of the Kalia Marquis Family and the currently dispatched commander of the Count’s House’s 2nd Heavy Cavalry.”

Abel, who had held firm in the outer region, was relinquishing his position. It seemed he had taken a liking to the post, which was evident in the slight frown that crossed his features.

“Being the commander of the 2nd Heavy Cavalry isn’t a bad choice.”

I viewed it positively, as the Count’s House not only raised Rangers but also excelled in heavy cavalry. Anyone capable of leading such skilled troops would possess not just combat prowess but exceptional strategy as well.

Shione seemed to share my sentiment, as her expression mirrored approval of her sister’s reasoning.

“They are declaring the return of Abel Kalia, Eunice Kalia, and the others, including Shione Shianella, Diolia, and Ray.”

The subsequent content essentially suggested recalling all major personnel in the outer region back to the interior, leaving us in need of time to consider.

Had the need to maintain the forward base disappeared? Or did something arise that required us to prioritize our defenses in the interior against Allen’s chaotic schemes?

No matter how much I pondered, Abel provided a clear explanation.

“The reason is the discovery of several geometric magic circles on the Marquis’s castle walls.”

After Abel Kalia’s description, Shione cautiously yet firmly inquired, “Are those magic circles similar to the ones found at the Count’s House previously?”

Abel Kalia glanced at Shione before nodding.

“That is correct. Lady Siabel found nearly identical magic circles at the Count’s House and has determined that their effectiveness is exceptionally high. It seems we must leave this dangerous area and prepare for the fight back at our stronghold.”

“……”

Shione struggled to sigh and nodded in agreement.

In the brief moment when our eyes met, I couldn’t ignore the shared understanding; a clear sense of foreboding about the demanding ordeal ahead.

With war looming, shooting arrows in the Great Forest, and entangling ourselves in battles at the Marquis’s stronghold, it was evident that my lady’s feelings were entirely in sync with my own.

Just the thought of the endless pile of work became tiresome.

Eunice, picking up on the serious atmosphere between Shione and me, asked, “…May I inquire just how dire the situation is?”

The response came not from either of us but rather from Diolia, who had been quietly listening.

“The purpose may differ from the Count’s House’s, but the magic circles that were drawn there were meant to destroy the castle walls.”

“If those magic circles remained unaltered, the Count’s walls would have crumbled…”

“In that case, the Count would have been unable to claim victory in the war. They were, after all, surrounded by a sea of monsters.”

That was indeed true. Had the castle walls fallen so easily, I wouldn’t have been waiting for the right moment—I would have fled to safety with Shione immediately.

Listening to Diolia’s insights, Eunice Kalia spoke with a grim expression.

“So, despite the circumstances, it means that Allen won’t hesitate to raze the territory to the ground, does it? Even under this kind of pressure, he still lacks awareness.”

A chilling atmosphere began to settle around the meeting room.

“Let’s make preparations to return immediately.”

Because Allen would soon come crashing in.

*

Ileyana Kalia.

Once a proud figure writing the myths of the Eastern Kingdom with sword and shield in hand, now she stood as the head of a family, depleted of mana and succumbing to the test of time.

Yet, her mind remained sharp as ever, receiving the support of everyone within the Marquis’s household.

Though she had lost her mana, many sympathized with her plight. Politically opposing retainers and members of other families could find no way to undermine her confidence, but lately, she was slowly losing that self-assurance and positivity.

Ileyana Kalia sat alone on the empty sofa in the reception room, letting out a heavy sigh.

“Hah…”

Her voice was low and deep for a woman, and as she gazed vacantly into the space, calm reason shone through her eyes.

However, the scenery before her was lightheartedly dismissing the sharp rationality she had maintained thus far.

[Transfer the head of the family title to Allen Kalia.]

[Never forget that death, which is sometimes accepted and welcomed, can also possess a certain beauty.]

She was witnessing an excruciatingly clear illusion.

Even calling for clergy or summoning powerful wizards could not resolve this cruel line.

And there was a more tangible illusion that remained unresolved.

─Aaaagh…! My, my arm…!!

─L-Lord, please, escape!

She stood still, watching those who had served by her side throughout her life die around her.

“…What a wicked trick, Allen.”

Even if it was reality, the sounds and actions felt real enough to sharpen her nerves.

She was convinced that all of this was tied to the involvement of demons.

There were legends of an ancient demon known for manipulating illusions and phantoms descending upon the continent. This heinous creature was said to have bewitched everyone across the land, ensnaring them in a horrible mirage.

While those were merely stories, she believed that only a demon capable of deftly manipulating one’s mind could create such stubborn illusions that defied healing.

At that moment, the reception room door creaked open, and a servant entered.

“Lady Siabel Shianella is—”

Now, even her illusions applied to the living.

Thud. With a thump, the servant’s head rolled off and hit the ground, yet the servant continued staring at her, speaking as if nothing had happened.

“She has come to the reception room. Shall I let her in?”

“Please do.”

As if the moment of decapitation had never occurred.

With the servant’s respectful bow, Siabel Shianella soon entered.

“Lady Ileyana, I heard you were looking for me.”

It was a curious occurrence.

Perhaps it was because a member of the Count’s House, known for their strong resistance to magic, stood beside her.

In Siabel’s presence, Ileyana managed to break free from her illusions.

They exchanged pleasantries before moving on to the main topic.

“I heard you ordered to minimize the forces on the outside and recalled everyone else back to the interior region. While I have no right to question your command, may I inquire as to your reasoning?”

“Due to urgent reports brought to us by the Rangers and spies of the Count’s House, I haven’t had the chance to explain the current situation.”

Siabel eloquently shared her gathered information.

All those who had successfully infiltrated close to Allen had been subjected to hallucinations.

They discovered traces of enormous magic circles on the castle walls.

There were indications of troop movements in the underground sewers of the estate that they had not been managing, along with the remains of their allies.

Additionally, she mentioned that communication with other lords nearby was several hindrances, and with Allen’s apparent obsession with attacking the Marquis’s House, he likely might strike in his current cornered state.

“It was helpful; I was able to piece together a lot of information I missed.”

“It was merely my duty to inform you in a timely manner.”

With all matters addressed, the conversation concluded, and Siabel departed from the reception room, returning to her personal quarters.

At that moment, her dedicated retainer, Bronte, knocked on the door.

“Lady Siabel, may I enter?”

“Yes, come in.”

“Excuse me!”

A robust figure with a noticeable mustache. Yet, he still bore an endearing quality that made one want to give him a playful punch.

As Siabel watched her familiar retainer start cleaning her room, she paused briefly to take a rest, then suddenly swatted at something in the air as if to chase away an insect.

Seeing Siabel’s serious expression, Bronte cautiously stroked his mustache before calling out to her.

“Lady Siabel?”

“It’s nothing. Just thought I saw something.”

Ultimately, Siabel stood up and declared, “I believe we need to summon our assassins.”

“…The assassins, you say?”

“Yes. There’s something we must address before more people gather, just like you.”

“……!”

“Since the moment I arrived at the Marquis’s House, I instructed you not to come into my room or clean. And during cleaning, you must never stroke that mustache of yours. Of all things, I detest seeing dust on your own mustache.”

“What the hell!”

It was faster for Siabel to unsheathe her sword and slice him than for him to cast a spell.

Swoosh─!

She tore the mask off the one who bore a long gash on his chest.

As she poured a potion onto the wound, she crushed his solar plexus beneath her foot.

“First, let’s burn everything you know. They say the Marquis’s House is famous for its torturous techniques.”

 

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