Side: Yuki
This is how the world works, I guess.
I mean, isn't there that saying about everything always happening at the worst possible time?
1. The problem with Taiki-kun—our "Isekai Hero"—and the Kingdom of Rankus.
2. The movements of the Demon King.
3. And now, the protection of a domestically-produced Hero?
...Okay, I get it. You guys coordinated this, didn't you?
It would've been fine if things stayed as they were.
But come on...
"From today onward, I'll be in your care."
For some reason, Ria was really eager and decided to live at our house.
And then—
『Report from outside: A woman claiming to be a demonkin is requesting an audience.』
This came in from the village guards outside Weed.
And—
『Um... it seems that idiot princess is way more furious than expected, and she's already at the very edge of Gartz territory with only a cavalry unit.』
A message from Taiki-kun arrived saying that Rankus had formed a cavalry-only unit and was advancing.
...So, you can't blame me for getting annoyed.
"Seraria, I need you to organize the troops. Start preparing the engagement zone for mortar fire. Two battalions of Goblins, one battalion of Orcs. Equipment: Type 4."
"Huh?"
"Only move the people directly under your command to handle survivor rescue. The enemy total is five thousand; we're going to finish them all off in the kill zone. Issue a surrender demand to any survivors—if they don't comply, shoot out their limbs. Then capture them."
"H-Hold on a second!?"
"They're moving unusually fast since it's cavalry-only. Get started immediately."
"Ugh, fine, I get it already!!"
Good. That takes care of the Rankus's situation.
I've already told Taiki-kun about the mortars, so he can use his Hero powers to pull through. I'm too busy to listen to any pre-battle monologues.
"Next, Eris — guide the demonkin. She's probably here to talk. Focus on gathering information."
"Understood."
"Use the conference room in the government building. It has skill and magic suppression, so only physical actions are possible. Derieu, I'm counting on you for protection."
"Leave it to me."
"Tori, Riel. There are bound to be other demons around. Use 'Dig Here, Woof woof' to investigate thoroughly. Capture them and get intel from that side as well. Also, since a war is about to start, public order might deteriorate. Make sure the call for intensified police patrols is strictly enforced."
""Understood.""
That covers the demon-related issues. I can head over once preparations are ready.
"Milly, Kaya—report to the residents that Rankus is attacking and tell them not to panic. I considered hiding it, but with the army deploying, it's impossible to keep a secret. We'll report it upfront. Also, tell them that if the enemy actually reaches the city, we'll start a draft, so ask them to be patient until then. As for supplies, open up the stockpiles in Warehouse No. 1 and make them available."
""Roger.""
Resident response—handled.
"Sheila, Rurua, Narjia-san—notify the various nations about the Rankus advance and the visit from the Demon Race. Deliver the message directly to the royals. Declare a temporary suspension of trade starting in three days. Tell them we are increasing pressure on Rankus."
"""Yes!"""
That should handle the notifications to the three kingdoms. They'll handle the rest based on their own judgment.
"Aslin, Filia—go to the school and tell everyone the I won't be coming for a while. Calm them down. Also, I'm counting on you for dinner at home. It doesn't look like I'll be able to cook for a bit."
""We'll do our best!!""
Man... I finally spent a full day at school after so long, and this is what happens.
"Rutz, Labyris—stand by at the Government Building. Be ready to respond if any trouble breaks out. Ratz, additionally, the news of war might cause a weird panic regarding supply shortages. Supplement any gaps from the DP savings. Tell everyone that Super Ratz will operate as usual to reassure the residents. There will be no shortage of goods."
"Got it."
"Leave it to me."
Good thing I already had countermeasures prepared in advance.
If I hadn't, things would've been a total mess... Seriously, don't throw three problems at me at the same time...
"E-Eh? Rankus? War? Demon Race? What?"
As expected, Ria was in a state of total confusion.
Well, of course she would be. She had just arrived at a place where she could finally relax, only to be hit with a flood of incomprehensible information. I"Um... What exactly is going on?".
"Um... What exactly is going on?"
Now then... what should I do next?
The answer is obvious—the remaining issue is Hero Ria's situation.
Since she had already heard this much, I couldn't just leave her be.
In that case...
"Just as you heard. During the founding festival, Rankus loudly declared that the Demon King was in Weed and that we were working together."
"No way..."
"Rankus's true goal is just to secure supplies for war. Thanks to them, it looks like demonkin spies have entered Weed. The current situation is that Rankus, wanting to claim Weed's interests, is now invading."
"T-This is... absurd."
"Yeah. So we have to respond. Don't worry, we've been preparing for this kind of thing. And the problem right now is you, Ria."
"M-Me?"
"Yes. You've now learned confidential information about Weed."
"Eh?"
"I don't intend to do anything to you, but there's a chance outsiders might see value in you. That's why all my wives and I unanimously agree that we want to protect you. What do you think?"
"W-Why... would you protect me? Spending time and effort on someone like me... is inefficient. Especially in this situation..."
Ria looked like she was afraid to take the hand being reached out to her.
I still don't know exactly what she went through to end up like this. After all, it's only been two days since we met. We're still full of unknowns to each other.
The only thing she could trust was likely the fact that I am the representative of Weed. I'm also her master, but I'm keeping that out of the equation for now.
"You've only just arrived, so I don't expect you to understand yet, but protecting and nurturing people like Ria is what Weed is all about. So, I won't tell you to 'follow me'. But it's safe here, so won't you wait with Aslin and the others?"
"Will Ria‑oneechan be staying home with us?"
"Do you want to make a dinner together?"
The two little ones tilted their heads and stared up at Ria.
Ria stared back at them, lost in thought.
"If you come with me, you'll just get dragged deeper into the problems. I don't recommend it. Well, I should get going. I need to interrogate the demonkin."
With that, I headed toward the entrance.
My wives had already scattered to their respective posts.
The idiot Rankus princess went home on the first day of the festival. It's been a little under two weeks since then; it feels like she sent word by fast horse and then immediately turned around to head back here.
It's moving perfectly according to Taiki-kun's plan.
As for that demonkin... getting caught just one day after our meeting? Are they idiots? Well, if they came openly and boldly, there might be another reason.
"Well then, I'm counting on you girls to watch the house."
When I turned around, Ria was hurriedly putting on her shoes.
"I... will go, too. I... can't just... do nothing again... while everyone else... works hard."
There was a firm strength in Ria's eyes.
Well, in my eyes, at least. It's not like I'm some genius who can read people perfectly or anything.
"Alright. But don't leave my side. Technically, Ria is acting as my attendant. Got it?"
"Yes."
Well, I don't quite understand Ria's resolve yet, but this solves the issue of staying together. I don't need to launch a panicked offensive like I did yesterday. I'll worry about getting closer to her after I've cleared up all this trouble.
* * *
Fine. I've decided.
I've really decided.
If the world won't let me relax, and it wants to bring it all at once—
"Then I'll hit back with everything I've got."
I'll use my sheer strength to force things back to being peaceful.
Listen up, especially Rankus, you who brought all this trouble. Even if this is according to plan, I won't forgive you.
And so, the downfall of Kingdom of Rankus began.
