Chapter 293: Words of Encouragement

Returning to the guest house designated for us, I explained the situation to Seras and the others.

Hearing my explanation……

[———-I see. If we can neutralize the Drunken Sword Party, the White Army can be swept away by Mira’s remaining forces…… And, you have accepted the Mad Emperor’s request, right?]

[Yeah.]

[If that’s the case, I will go with your decision.]

Without a hint of concern, Seras readily agreed.

[Mira’s movements also serve as a distraction to the Goddess. For the time being, I want to keep the Goddess’ attention on the Mad Emperor. That’s why I don’t want Mira to collapse here.]

With an appearance that looked rather picturesque, Seras put her hand on her chin.

[Cooperation with the Mad Emperor will ultimately be to our advantage…… Indeed. Incidentally, in this battle, would there be no problem for our Fly King Squadron to stand out?]

[I don’t think there would be any problem.]

The more the Goddess’ attention is directed to the Fly King Squadron……

The more the shadows beneath the Fly King Squadron are concealed———-

And eventually, the time when “he who had been invisible, Mimori Touka” can make his move.

In the first place, the change in policy for making our squadron stand out had that as its aim.

As long as we can prepare the Fly King and Fly Knights’ outfit, we can have body doubles prepared.

This is the advantage of operating as the “Fly King Squadron”.

[However, what about the fact that they’re making just us, the Fly King Squadron, the only ones in this battle?]

Munin asked.

[Ahh, about this matter…… Seras and Munin will stay here.]

[ ! ]

I stopped the two of them as they looked like they’re about to say something……

[The enemy’s movements this time…… seems to be a diversion. I feel a little uncomfortable about the fact that information about the Drunken Sword Party was easily received by Mira’s side.]

[Now that you mentioned it……]

[It’s possible that the Drunken Sword Party is a bait. But as I had previously explained, if we just leave them alone, the situation over here will continue to get worse over time.]

“Hmmm”, Munin groaned, looking troubled.

[However, Zine-san is the Emperor of this country, and that Asagi-san girl is their trump card against the Goddess, so they don’t want to expose her to as much danger as possible…… so in that case———-]

[At the moment, in terms of strength, it would be more appropriate for me to face them. At least, that’s what the Mad Emperor decided.]

[However, this White Army has numbers on their side, right? That aforementioned Drunken Sword Party was also made up of multiple members…… Wouldn’t it be better if Seras-san and I were to support you? Look, I can take the form of a raven and do some scouting……]

Her hands clutching on her arms, Munin instead.

However……

[No, we can’t say that the Mad Emperor would be their only aim. Munin…… There’s a possibility they’re after you too.

[Ah———-]

[The one the Goddess wants to get rid of the most is ultimately you. Besides, we can’t be sure that you won’t be shot dead while you’re scouting in your raven form. Well, having me move by myself this time is easier for me…….]

[It’s unknown what latent forces may appear along the way…… You’re being concerned about those as well?]

Yes.

If I were to bring them and we’re poorly discovered, it will be difficult for our side to make bold moves.

It’s even more difficult the more people I bring with me.

[I just don’t want to be struck by a sudden blow———— and lose Munin along the way…… When you’re on the “offensive”, it’s easy for openings to appear. On the other hand, when you’re on the “defensive”, it’s easy for one to be aware of every detail in their surroundings.]

[That is to say, you want us to stay here and be on the “defensive”, right?]

[And since you would be here, Seras———- I can be relieved in leaving the situation here to you.]

[Tha———- Thank you very much. Yes…… Having you praise me that much is an honor…… It’s an honor.]

Hearing me say that to her face, it seems that Seras was feeling embarrassed.

…………………….

No matter how much time passes, this Princess Knight sure is modest.

[I’m also leaving Slei here.]

[Pakyuu?]

Hearing her name being mentioned, Slei, in her pony form, raised her head.

[Since the enemy’s forces and measures haven’t been completely revealed, they may still have something more under their sleeves…… If you feel it’s not a good idea to stay here, don’t hesitate to ride Slei and escape from this place. As for this matter, I will borrow one of Mira’s warhorses.]

I’m glad Seras taught me how to ride a horse back then.

[Pakyuu~~……]

Slei’s eyes were filled with worry.

Bending down and facing her at an eye level, I patted her.

[I will be fine. That aside…… I’ll leave Seras and Munin to you.]

[Pakyuu!]

[Pigii!]

[Pakkyuuuu!]

Pigimaru gave his cheer too.

Standing up……

[Seras, in the case you decide to escape the Imperial Capital…… Our rendezvous points will be as we decided on the way here.]

[And if it doesn’t seem like we’re able to meet at those places…… we’ll lastly meet near the door to the Faraway Country, yes?]

[Well, meeting near the door to the Faraway Country would be the last option.]

We had also anticipated a situation where we would be attacked by Mira’s forces before we entered the Imperial Capital.

In that case, we had decided on a number of rendezvous points in case we were to be separated.

[Are you alright with that, Munin?]

[If you had already said that much, I can only follow. Fufufu, with you doing this much…… When you managed to return safely, how about I pamper you with hugs and cuddles♪]

[Well then, I’m counting on you.]

[—–is what I was thin————, ………Eeeeeeeeeehhhh—————-!?]

Ignoring Munin as she fooled around again, I turned towards Seras.

[With you all here, I’ll be rest assured while fighting.]

[Are you sure…… you can handle them on your own?]

[……I need to make it happen.]

In the current situation———– I need Mira to dance some more.

Just as their side is trying to make use of me……

I’m going to take full advantage of their side too.

Putting my hand on my mask……

[Don’t worry———— I’ll get this over with and come back.]

[If that’s what you say, I’m not going to worry about this anymore. All I’ll say now…… is good luck. Please leave this side to us.]

Saying this, Seras pledged an oath.

[I swear on my honor as a Knight, I will protect Munin-dono by all means.]

[And you should protect yourself too.]

Upon my words, Seras’ expression slackened a bit.

[Yes. It’s just, ummm……]

Seras looked as if she was finding something difficult to say.

[You don’t have to be reserved, just say it.]

[The enemies on the other side are the Drunken Sword Party……. and they had treated you kindly at the Mills Ruins……]

[……Yeah, they did.]

[……………………]

[……………………]

[……My apologies. I’ve done something that dampens your enthusiasm when it was not needed.]

[No———– I’m relieved that you’re feeling that way.]

First of all, this battle will not be a head-on fight.

It will probably be similar to when we were fighting the Heroic Sword.

It’s just, well……

There’s one big difference this time though.

It’s just that, the opponent we’re facing is unlike the mere trash we’ve been facing until now.

[……………………………..]

□

At that time……

It was when I was diving in the Mills Ruins……

I was but a stranger with the appearance of a novice mercenary, but the Drunken Sword Party told me these words———-

“It may just be me being meddlesome, but I recommend for you to go back to the upper levels too. Well, I think you should leave the investigation to the private soldiers of old man Harclay. Seems like that old man really wants that sakazuki.”

“Ahh, so that’s why. While they’re escaping from monsters, they would find themselves straying toward a floor more difficult than they could handle. What would you do now? Are you going to the upper floors with us?”

“I understand. However, don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”