Chapter 355 - r e u n i o n

I woke up.

[Hnn……]

[Piggi?]

[You’ve woken up?]

After Pigimaru’s cry———– was Seras’ voice.

I opened my eyes and raised my body.

I squinted my eyes to adjust my vision blurred from sleep.

I can see the army on standby in the distance.

It looks like we’ve caught up with them as they’re camped out and resting.

[We have already left Urza and entered Neia territory.]

Seras explained our current location.

[A scout just called out to me and went back to report. I’m sure they have heard that we have returned by now. Should we continue and meet up with them?]

[Yeah.]

I patted Slei’s flank.

[You must be tired too…… Well done.]

[Burururu……?]

After we arrived at the camp, the Mad Emperor and some other people greeted us.

They have apparently already cleared out the people and the usual barracks were up.

Only a limited number of people would be standing there.

[You’ve returned safely, Touka. From the looks of it, it looks like a fierce battle took place…… Are you alright?]

[Yes. At the very least, the Human-Faceds that had gathered near the fort were exterminated.]

[Fuuu…… While you said it like it was handled easily, what you accomplished is equivalent to a great feat. Even so……]

As I ride behind Slei, the Mad Emperor looks up to me.

[Somehow, it feels like you’ve grown a size…… I guess it might just be my imagination.]

It’s not like I’ve grown taller or my physique has grown.

I wonder if the effect of the correction values from my level-ups makes it appear that way?

[You’ve done well too, Seras, escorting the Fly King.]

Seras responded with a reserved nod.

We got off Slei.

……I mean……

Thinking about it again, it is disrespectful to talk to an Emperor from horseback, looking down on him, right?

The Mad Emperor doesn’t seem to mind though.

At that moment……

[Everyone, you’re safe……]

[Munin-dono.]

Munin rushed over to us.

[Pakyuuun.]

[Slei-san too…… Thank you for the hard work?]

Munin hugged Slei, who has returned to her first form.

[Munin-dono, the factor that could be a threat to the people of the Faraway Country…… We’ve eliminated them.]

Hearing Seras’ words, Munin looked up.

[Seras-san, thank you…… Touka-san too.]

[Yeah.]

It seemed like there wasn’t anything particular that happened here either, and Munin was safe.

Now then……

[Seras, I’ll have you sleep with my skill for a while. I was able to sleep all the way here, but you’ve been up and moving around after all. From the looks of it, you’re pretty much at your limit, aren’t you?]

Looking a little happy, Seras wryly smiles.

[You’ve been watching me very carefully…… Well then, I’ll take your word for it.]

[Munin, I’ll leave Seras to you. Also, you two rest with her too, Slei, Pigimaru.]

At my words, as if to salute like a noble lady, Munin lifted both hems of her skirt a bit……

[Understood, Your Majesty Fly King.]

Then, I casted on Seras.

Slei and the others helped Munin carry Seras.

Seras was then carried to the carriage that Munin used for waiting on standby and sleeping.

[Welcome back. Also, thank you for the hard work.]

Seemingly finding that moment right, Hijiri stood beside me.

As we had already entered the curtain-covered barracks, she had already taken off her Fly Knight mask.

[Good work on your side too. I’ve left you in charge of a lot of things here…… How did things go here?]

Hijiri talked about what had happened here.

While I went to deal with the Human-Faceds, it seems that there was a sudden development here as well.

[……I see.]

Nyantan succeeded in escaping from the Royal Capital.

Her little sisters who were held hostage were also safely rescued.

Our classmates who had remained behind were also successfully taken out.

That also includes the homeroom teacher, Zakurogi.

She also properly got the evidence of Vysis’ wickedness.

……I see.

The reason why there was no contact from Erika’s familiar……

It was because she had devoted her time, including the assessment of the situation, to attempt making contact with them.

And then, she used her actual voice, unable to communicate with them with something like my letter board, to convey information to Nyantan.

Erika is probably unconscious by now.

The greater the burden she bore, the more days she should be unable to move.

……You’ve pushed yourself pretty hard, Erika.

Moreover……

You even brought us close to the best possible outcome.

There’s also that information worth mentioning———–

[For her to be bringing along a Deity…… one hostile to Vysis at that, it’s quite surprising……]

A Deity other than Vysis that I didn’t even know existed……

[Just as we thought, it seems like there really is an assessment system for Deities, and it seems that she had triggered that.]

That’s why other Deities, people from something like the auditing department on their side, were dispatched

However, they were beaten back by Vysis……

[You mentioned she had information that could be useful against Vysis?]

[That Deity has apparently been asleep since they were in the Royal Capital. If she had been awake, we could have gotten the information from the magical war pigeons first.]

[Have they sent out more magical war pigeons?]

Hijiri leisurely shook her head.

[……The one who went there was Sogou huh.]

[Just in case her help might be needed, Itsuki also went after Sogou-san. However, she was the best option in order for our side to make it there in time. As long as she makes it there on time, she should be able to escort them here.]

Incidentally, it was apparently impossible for two people to ride on her unique silver horse.

In any case……

[The fact that Sogou’s mental state seems to have recovered is good news.]

In terms of combat, there aren’t many allies better than her.

[You also did a great job, Hijiri. I couldn’t have dealt with matters related to Sogou on my own.]

[Your welcome———- is what I’d like to say, but I’m sure more things were handled because Mimori-kun was here rather than me.]

[When you say it like that, I’m kinda feeling embarrassed.]

[Liar.]

As expected of Lie Detected No. 2.

[What about Asagi and the others?]

[They have been quiet. Although they occasionally show up here, they’re usually strengthening their ties with the Emperor’s elite troops under the orders of the Mad Emperor. It’s so that they could work as a separate unit.]

The Asagi group is now treated like a regiment under the Emperor’s command.

They would be mixed with the finest elite soldiers and deployed alongside them.

According to Hijiri, the Mad Emperor originally planned to challenge Vysis with that line-up.

[Now that you mentioned it, Asagi joined hands with the Mad Emperor before he joined forces with the Faraway Country and our Fly King Squadron……]

I guess he’s just fitting them into the form he had originally planned huh.

……For Kashima’s sake, I guess I’ll show my face there a little later.

[At present, it seems that everything is going exceptionally well. However, it appears that the main force is currently at a standstill……]

At my words, Hijiri throws an inquiring look at the Mad Emperor.

The Mad Emperor, who received her gaze, nodded back.

His nod just now, seemed like an acknowledgment for Hijiri to explain.

[We’ve almost caught up with the mixed army. The other side keeps retreating, so it’s not like we’ve suffered any casualties though.]

On the contrary, it seems our forces are increasing.

Mira’s generals and soldiers who had been prisoners of war in Urza’s Royal Capital and the enemy forts……

Some of them have been released and reinstated to this main army.

It can be said that the fact that Sogou had taken them as prisoners of war without killing as much as possible turned out well for our side.

[For them to not show any sign of counterattacking so far…… The Queen really is doing a good job.]

“The further the Mira army is away from Mira territory, the more disadvantageous it will be in terms of logistics.”

“Conversely, the closer we get to Alion, Neia and Bakuos, the better off we are in terms of supplies”.

Perhaps, that Queen deceived them like that.

[Right now, with the mixed army in front of us———– we are taking a break and discussing how to attack hereafter. Ostensibly, that is.]

[Ostensibly, you mean……]

[If all goes as planned———– tomorrow, Neia’s forces will turn on us. I received a letter containing a letter-picking-sealed message from the other side. Seras-san gave me a rough idea of how their secret messages worked.]

[………………..]

It seems that Takao Hijiri already comprehended that.

……Seriously, Elder Takao really feels like a natural-born genius.

[However, it’s true that we’re resting here. As expected, we just can’t keep on marching. If that Sacrament army is waiting for us, we need to maintain a battle-ready state. Even your Fly King Corps, who returned in haste after fierce battles, will need some time to rest, right?]

[Well, yes.]

I looked in the direction of the mixed army.

[At any rate, Neia army defecting to our side———— will finally happen tomorrow huh.]

▽

Early the next morning, the leading group from the Faraway Country caught up with us.

Their numbers make up about a quarter of their overall troops.

Only the fastest ones met up with us first.

There are only a limited number of monsters like Giant Wolves that can quickly move.

And among those people……

[I have come!]

Her arms folded, acting all arrogant, was the Arachnid Prime Minister.

Lieselotte Ornick.

We’re meeting again after a long time.

[Yo, Liese.]

Liese almost fell off her seat.

[Oi, isn’t your reaction much weaker than expected!? Isn’t this an emotional reunion!?]

[What’s with you, Liese? Are you that moved by this?]

[Kuh——— I- Is that bad!? I was looking forward to this!]

Thereupon, a black Leopardkin stands next to Liese.

[She really must have been looking forward to this, our Prime Minister-sama was.]

[You’re so noisy, Gio!]

[Isn’t your voice louder than mine?]

Looking at said Leopardkin, Gio, who was being insulted by Liese……

[Gio.]

[Ou, Fly King.]

[I’m glad you came.]

[This matter is also related to the future of our country too after all.]

Meanwhile, a few distance away from us……

[Heyya, Seras-kun, you doing well here!? Munin-kun too~~! You’ve been fine, right~~!?]

The blue-skinned centaur Qir Meiru cheerfully asked Seras and Munin for a high-five.

[I’m glad you’re here too, Gratora.]

[……It’s been a while.]

The Captain of King Zect’s Royal Guards.

The Harpy, Gratora.

[As expected, your tone of voice has become more natural and less unpleasant huh.]

[That’s harsh.]

She’s still the same stern, expressionless character.

[Were you not attacked by Human-Faced on your way here?]

[Yes, we were fine.]

[That’s good to hear.]

[I learned about it from the magical war pigeon. It seems you got a little reckless for our sake.]

[It’s also for our own sake. There’s no need for unnecessary consideration.]

[No. I don’t have the right to stop you, but I would like you to stop doing that if possible.]

The always unconcerned Gratora’s lips had turned into a slight frown.

[If Fly King Belzegia dies, there will be many people in our country who will be saddened.]

……She too had somewhat changed huh.

[Wait, Gratora!?]

[What is it, Liese?]

[I was supposed to be the one saying such thoughtful words! What’s the meaning of this!?]

[Huh. I’m sorry for being thoughtless.]

[As usual, even when you’re apologizing, I can’t feel any good faith from it at all! I’m the Prime Minister, you know!? The Prime Minister!]

Liese sure is like Duke Zuan when the situation is at a disadvantage……

——–At that moment.

Behind the barrack’s curtain, a familiar face appeared.

[That is……]

It was Rohm who entered the barracks, giving me a bow.

I just raised my hand and nodded in response.

I’m glad to see that he has joined up with Liese and the others.

He then went straight to the Mad Emperor to make his report.

Incidentally……

I heard from Liese that the slow-moving army, led by Armia, would be following after.

[————-Hmm?]

When my gaze happened to move her way……

I suddenly saw her, from behind the curtain.

A familiar girl’s face————

[Nyaki.]

[Master-san!]

Nyaki rushes over to me.

Taking off my mask, I knelt down to meet her gaze……

[You came too huh.]

[Nyaki had come too nya!]

Thereupon, seemingly realizing something, Nyaki anxiously looks at me with upturned eyes.

Pressing the tips of her index fingers together……

[N- Nyaki also wants to be of some help to Master-san and the others…… Ummm…… Is it alright for me to come?]

[This time is up to what you want. If you decided to come, then that is fine.]

At my words, Nyaki’s expression brightened up.

[Nyaki is very happy to meet you again, Master-san!]

As Nyaki embraced me———– Two shadows approached from the side.

[Piggi!]

[Pakyuuun!]

[Nya?]

Nyaki turns her body towards the two shadows……

[Nyanyaaa———– Pigimaru-san! Slei-san!]

Slei jumps to Nyaki.

Pigimaru, who was riding on Slei……

[Poyoriiin!]

——-leaped off her back and towards Nyaki.

[Nyahahaha! Nyaki’s so happy to see you two again nya~~! Nyaki is too nyappy! Nyaki’s really glad that Nyaki’s come!]

From the weight of the two’s bodies, Nyaki fell to the ground on her back.

Incidentally, the back of her head and her back were protected by Pigimaru, acting as her cushion.

[Pinyui~~?]

[Pampiiii~~?]

……Pigimaru and Slei really like Nyaki.

[Nyaki-dono.]

[————-! Seras-san!]

Nyaki picks herself up and hugs Seras.

[Seras-san, we…… we meet again nya! I’m so happy to see you again nya!]

[Yes…… I’m also happy to see you again.]

I’m not sure if emotions welled up in her heart upon seeing Nyaki again……

However, Seras had some tears in her eyes.

Well, not like I’m sure how she feels though.

………………..

Rather, Liese……

Why the heck do you also look like you’re slightly tearing up too……?

[Nyaki-san.]

[Nyaa~~ Munin-san! Nyaki brought it with me…… the Fly Knight mask Munin-san made for Nyaki!]

[Fufufu. It’s the same as mine, isn’t it?]

[Yes nya!]

[Nyaki is also an important member of the Fly King Squadron after all.]

[That’s right nya!]

At that moment……

[Your Majesty!]

[ ? ]

Rushing past the barrack’s curtains is Yoyo Ord.

[What’s the matter, Yoyo? Have the mixed troops already made their move?]

[No.]

Another person also comes in from behind the barrack’s curtains.

Yoyo turns around……

[They’re back———-]

[———————]

In that instant……

Nyaki, who was nostalgically reminiscing after her reunion with the members of the Fly King Squadron————-

She broke into a run.

As if unconsciously muttering “Nee-nya, Nee-nya” to herself repeatedly……

Nyaki ran frantically.

On the other hand……

The person who just entered our barracks, another person with cat ears on her head————–

She also ran with her eyes set on Nyaki.

The distance between the two of them became narrower.

The person with the cat ears opened her eyes wide.

Yes, as if she was preparing to embrace her……

And then……

The two hugged each other.

[NEE-NYAAAAAAAAA————– UWWAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHNN!]

[Nyaki…… Nyakiii———- I’m sorry…… For being so late……. coming to get you! I’m sorry…… I’m sorry!]

Ahh……

I see.

That’s Nyaki’s———– “Nee-nya”.

Nyantan Kikeepat.

She managed to get here…… safely.

Nyaki is crying in Nyantan’s chest.

As if the emotions that had been stored in her heart exploded, she cried out.

Meanwhile, Seras……

Covering her mouth with both hands———– seemingly trying to keep herself from speaking, she was crying.

Ahh.

That certainly is the case.

We knew it.

About how much Nyaki……

About how much———- Nyaki wanted to see her Nee-nya……

[Eh? Nyaki……? Nyaki is here! Nyono, Chelsea! It’s Nyaki! Sniff…… Nyaki is here!]

[It’s really Nyaki~~!? Waaaahhnnnn…… Nyagiii……]

[Nyaki! Nyaki, Nyaki, Nyakiiiii……]

Following Nyantan……

Three small children, similar in appearance, appeared from behind the barracks’ curtain.

[Sniff…… Eh? What……? Ah———- Is that Raia, Nyono…… Chelsea……? It’s really you nya!? Waaaaahhhhhhn, Raia! Nyono! Chelseeeeeaa——–!]

Those are……

Nyantan’s little sisters huh.

The five sisters hugged each other and wept at the reunion.

Nyantan gathered her four little sisters together and embraced them.

As her little sisters cried like kittens……

As if they were incredibly precious to her, she embraced them tightly.

[……………………………..Good for you, Nyaki.]

I look up at the clear early morning sky.

Truly……

[It’s really great.]

———-That we were able to save Nyaki.

▽

After that, more people came into the barracks……

[I’m back. All of them——— brought back safely.]

Sogou Ayaka.

[Since we’re inside the barracks, I can take off the mask already, right?]

Takao Itsuki.

And those are———-

The Hero classmates huh. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

At that moment, Banewolf, who was leaning against the barracks, gave a slow clap.

[You really are a Hero, Sogou-chan. Also…… I’m glad you’re safe——— Suou-chan, Nihei…… everyone.]

[Ahh!? It’s Bane-san!]

The classmates who noticed Banewolf gathered around.

Meanwhile though, I saw Sogou approaching my way.

From her expression and the atmosphere around her……

She’s here to apologize again huh.

However……

Before Sogou could come closer, I motioned with my chin, indicating a different direction, urging her to go there.

It seemed that Sogou also noticed my intention.

Although she looked somewhat hesitant……

In the end, she meekly started walking in the direction I urged her to go.

At the direction she was walking to————

[Hijiri-san, I was————-]

[Allow me to say this. Well done.]

With a smile that seemed to say “I take my hat off to you”, Hijiri spoke.

[It seems like I———- have to thank you for this once again, Sogou-san.]