Those Who Depart and Those Who Remain
I saw off the ones heading to the Albul Kingdom…
Among them was Princess Flora, my fiancée, the one meant to be my legal wife.
And the one going with her was…
“You’re seriously going ahead first, old man?”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Got a problem with me, you idiot son? I can finally leave the territory again, so I’m gonna go wild out there.”
… This damn old man, seriously.
He’s forgotten he’s the head of a Margrave house.
“Well… if it’s you, you’ll be fine. Take care. And look after Princess Flora.”
“I know, I know. I’m not letting anything happen to cute little Flora, whether it’s enemies or monsters.”
“Young master, please leave it to us. We will protect the young madam with our lives, to atone for Almeria’s misconduct as well.”
“With Uncle Gulliver there, I’m not worried. Take care of Princess Flora. And keep an eye on that idiot old man so he doesn’t go off the rails…”
“Hahaha, that I cannot promise. I too feel my blood stirring at the thought of battle.”
… Yeah, Uncle Gulliver really is a South man.
That feral grin on his face, yikes!!
This advance force, five hundred battle horse riders, would be led by my old man and Uncle Gulliver, heading straight for the Albul Kingdom’s capital.
Battle horses… even alone, they’re monsters. Strong enough to go toe-to-toe with an Orthros that the Hero’s Party couldn’t beat.
And the South Margrave house had tamed them as familiars… forming a cavalry unit.
There aren’t that many battle horses in the territory, so only elites get to ride them. It’s basically a status symbol. Kids out here in the frontier dream about it.
… Man, if I stuck battle horse cards in snack bags, would they sell?
And just like that, the vanguard set off for the Albul Kingdom, cutting straight through the Forest of Demons.
The commoner prisoners were also preparing to depart, heading back to their homes. Among them were the middle-aged man Peter, who’d pleaded for the youths, and that intellectual-looking guy, Richard.
“So, made your decision?”
“Ah… young master. I’ve decided to bring my family and move to the South territory. The way you treated the prisoners here, and how the people live… I found it very appealing. I would very much like to work under you.”
Ohh, Peter made up his mind, huh. I’ll have him lead the migrants. Eventually, I might even put him in charge of a new town.
“I would also like to return, with my fiancée this time. I look forward to working with you.”
I see, I see. Richard too.
He looks sharp, perfect as Peter’s second-in-command.
“Alright. Dante, Dadan, take care of the prisoners. Anyone who wants to serve the Margrave house, bring them along. Don’t worry about backgrounds, we’ve got ways to handle that.”
“Understood, my lord.”
Dante gave a graceful bow, and the combat maids lined up behind him bowed as well.
Unit 5, his unit.
Also known as the [Butler & Maid] Unit…
Each and every one of them is strong enough that even the entire Hero’s Party together wouldn’t stand a chance. And as maids? Flawless. Ages all over the place, though.
“Boss, we’re heading out. Get fired up, you lot.”
““Yessir, Boss!””
… Who are these guys? Some kind of gang? Is this a raid?
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t go overboard.”
““Yessir, Big Boss! We’re off!!””
Yep. They’re the real deal. That half-crouch, hands on knees, slight downward bow… I’ve only ever seen that in yakuza movies in my past life. There’s no way that greeting exists in this world…
“Sammy, get started on that big city project. I’ve assigned Hatena as your escort.”
“Got it, Master. Leave it to me. The entire Unit 2 is working on the city plan, right? If Hatena’s there, we’ll be fine.”
Sammy’s Unit 2 is a group of craftsmen. Sammy herself’s a dwarf, a top-tier artisan. All the captains’ weapons? Her work.
And watching her swing a hammer with those… yeah, it’s something.
As for those staying behind, Giri, Elia, and Nemesia would train the Hero’s Party. Charlotte would handle the Yotsuba General Trading Company. Yukimi would be my guard. And from the Unit 10 onward, everyone was already stationed at their posts.
“Phew… everything’s going according to plan so far. Right, Yukimi?”
“Yes! As expected of Master. So cool. I love you. Yukimi loves you very much.”
Her tail wagged like crazy.
Man, that reminds me… back in my previous life, there was this crossing guard lady who waved her flag that fast. You’d miss it if you blinked. Absolute pro-level flag work.
Still… hearing it said so directly is kinda embarrassing. But Yukimi’s happily rubbing against my arm, so… yeah, guess it’s fine.
Her ears are drooping all soft and floppy too, cute.
But in battle? Yukimi’s calm. Never loses her head.
And she’s ice-cold to men other than me (yes, I’m bragging). She specializes in ice magic, so her title is [Ginka].
A single ice flower blooming on the battlefield.
Her silver hair flows as she freezes everything around her, so cold that even blooming flowers freeze solid where they stand.
And her enemies… lose their lives, captivated by that beauty.
Honestly, her fighting style’s the most beautiful in all of Shiranui.
“Alright… the curtain’s risen. Let’s see if anyone can stop what’s coming next. Our scenario’s progressing perfectly. That’s Phase I complete…”
“Yes, Master. The road ahead may be harsh, but we will all follow you. Please, use us as you see fit.”
“Haha, you’re too stiff, Yukimi. We’re just doing what we can to make the South territory a better place. Now then, let’s start Phase II. Yukimi, inform everyone.”
“Understood. We will always stand with you, Master.”
Together, we looked out over the Forest of Demons.
Bathed in the morning sunlight, it shimmered…
I kept watching, hoping the future of the South territory would shine just as brightly.
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