Side: Yuki
Finally, the Allied Forces have begun their march. As planned, the route extends from Roshure toward the Demon King's Castle.
However, those of us from Weed who were supposed to join the campaign — Elju, Seraria, me, and others — are currently...
"Ria, how about this one?"
"I think this one is good too."
"I personally recommend this one."
Leaving the advance to our Doppelgangers, we're busy fawning over the newly awakened wife hero. By the way, I spent last night with Ria too, so I'm sleep-deprived... Being able to skip the official departure ceremony is a real luxury.
"Ria-san, since you're a Hero, leave the weapon to me!! I'll pour my full power into making it!!"
"Um, thank you very much."
"Fufufu, to think I would get to craft equipment for a Hero!! This is the greatest honor for a blacksmith!!"
Narjia-san is already fully motivated to burn through DP to create unprecedented cheat-tier equipment.
"Hey, Ria being a hero is supposed to be a secret, right? So we shouldn't make anything too flashy..."
"—That won't do."
"—What nonsense are you speaking?"
"—To suggest such a thing to a girl..."
Seraria, Derieu, and Elju all turned looks of pure disbelief toward me.
"U-Um... if you'll allow it, Yuki-san, I'd like to wear something grand. After all, I'll be standing by your side. And I am your bodyguard."
"Well said, Ria."
"Umu! Truly a model wife."
I mean, if Ria wants to wear it, I'm fine with it...
I suppose it's important for her to be recognized as my guard, anyway.
"I don't mind. Just don't overdo it."
"Yes!"
Ria seems composed enough that she won't force herself into anything uncomfortable.
For now, I'll set the girls aside and check on the allied army's progress. It's been about three hours since they left. They are currently 24 km away from Weed.
That's 8 km per hour. For an army of over 10,000 to keep that pace is abnormally fast. It would be quicker if it were cavalry only, but for a regular army in full gear to keep step like that, the speed usually drops significantly. It seems the "elite" label wasn't a lie. Since we're anticipating a siege, cavalry makes up less than 10% of the total force. The main strength is infantry, and they're moving at this speed.
Thinking 8 km/h is slow is probably because I came from modern, scientifically advanced world. But they don't march 24 hours a day. Usually around 10 hours, with the remaining 14 hours used for meals, sleep, and setting up camp.
I suspect historical records of "march speeds" usually cite the absolute maximum rather than the average; I mean, 15 km/h for a standard march is basically a jog. A human's average walking speed is said to be 4 km/h—fast is around 10 km/h. Considering that, this Allied Force is exceptionally efficient.
It also highlights just how insane the Marauder—the vehicle we use—is in this world. It can hit 120 km/h, after all.
Since we need to let the Allied Forces take the lead this time, we can't use our "cheat" items openly. However, Ratz and the others are moving ahead via the underground tunnels in the Marauder.
"Ratz, how's it going? From the screen, it looks like there are no problems."
『Yes, yes, no issues at all. The ground isn't bumpy, so I can really step on the accelerator.』
"Make sure to drive safely."
『Yes, Yes~』
After confirming that Ratz' group was proceeding safely, I look back at the map marked with our various strategies.
The straight-line distance to the Demon King's castle was about 1,000 km. At their current marching speed, they should arrive in under 20 days. Well, they'll have to take detours suitable for a large army, there's a fortress along the way, and they'll have to climb mountains, so 30 days is probably more realistic.
The Marauders are traveling underground along the route for operational reasons, so it will take them about 4 days. On a straight line, they could reach it in a single day.
Though they won't be driving for 10 hours straight either.
"How are you doing, Slakichi-san?"
『Troublesome, but the operation is proceeding without problems. We've eliminated the specified strong monsters and those gathered above the designated numbers, as planned.』
"Huh? Already?"
That was fast. Way too fast.
『They show up on the map, you know. We started clearing the small fry along the path two days ago. You know my level and the average of my subordinates, Boss.』
"Well, I do, but they're scattered over a huge distance, right?"
『Oh, that? It's just an application of that 'Cannonball Tackle' you taught me before.』
"You flew directly to the monsters!?"
『Yep. With that, I can reach most places in one leap.』
The Cannonball Tackle—was something I taught Slakichi-san back during the Rithea conflict.
It's a method of using mana explosions to turn yourself into a living shell and launch yourself forward. Naturally, it covers a lot of ground. It's only usable by those who can either reinforce their bodies immensely with mana or those like slimes whose physical form follows different rules.
"Anyway, don't let your guard down. We don't know if the Demon King will send out an intercepting force."
『Yeah, yeah. I get it. Honestly, dealing with the brats at the school is more exhausting than this.』
You don't even have bones...
I desperately held back the urge to say it.
Still, if Slakichi-san was handling it, ordinary monsters—or even Demon Kings—wouldn't stand a chance.
"To use Slakichi-san, who could slay the Demon King, as a mere vanguard is quite the luxury."
"Whoa, what's up, Derieu?"
"Ria is agonizing over her outfit. She wanted your opinion."
"Ahh, since it's something she'll wear in official settings."
I get it, but accompanying a woman while she chooses clothes requires immense mental fortitude. I'd like to think it's a modern culture thing, but... looking over at Ria, there are already an staggering number of outfits lined up on hangers. Most of the wives were enthusiastically debating what Ria should wear for her grand debut.
"Well, I can't blame them. A Hero has appeared among our family. Just bear with it."
"You're a Demon King yourself, Derieu."
"I only need Yuki to admire me as a flower. But Ria is acting as your bodyguard while hiding her Hero status; if she looks shabby, people will look down on her. Being underestimated draws trouble. Wearing appropriate attire is a necessity."
"Yeah, true enough. Guess I'll help."
When I walked over to the group, all eyes snapped to me.
"So, you're worrying about the outfit?"
"Yes. Since she's an escort, I recommended a solid full-plate style or military uniform..."
"I understand where Milly is coming from. But before she's an escort, Ria is a wife. Something too rugged doesn't feel right. How about a dress armor like mine?"
Milly was pushing for military-style armor, while Seraria was advocating for Dress Armor.
"I prefer things easy to move in, so I'm with Milly."
"I think something more elegant would be nice, so I vote dress armor."
Riel preferred mobility over dresses, while Toori thought something beautiful would be nice.
"Um... Yuki-san, which do you prefer?"
Ria asked while anxiously comparing the outfits.
"Hmm. If we were just going for 'cute', a dress would be great, but like Milly and Riel said, it is a battle outfit. I'm torn too. If only there were a deciding factor..."
"Fufufu, then let me give you the deciding factor!"
"You have one?"
Seraria puffed out her chest confidently.
"Yes, listen. With dress armor, you can do it with our husband right away!! With pants, you'd have to take them off first!"
"Oi."
She's not wrong, but she's wrong in so many ways...
"I'll go with the Dress Armor!"
"Wha—!?"
Ria made her decision instantly.
"What a blind spot... That never even crossed my mind. Since I wear hotpants, is that why my turn count is lower?"
"I wear pants too... Is that why he doesn't do it with me outside very often?"
"No no no..."
Riel and Tori (the pants faction) were saying some strange things.
After that, my wives collectively started wearing skirts more often.
As a result, whether during work hours or not, things became... well, sometimes they happened, sometimes they didn't...
...Anyway, back to the main topic.
"Alright, Ria-san's armor will be Dress Armor. Base color: black. Leave it to me! I'll have it done in three days!"
"Just don't push yourself too hard."
Narjia-san tends to go overboard.
"It's fine! I'll devote every single second of these three days to Ria-san's exclusive equipment!!"
She's planning to change the world's power balance, isn't she?
Well, Weed itself has already broken the power balance.
Actually, the fact that my wives alone could easily capture the Demon King's castle is already ridiculous.
"By the way, what exactly is Ria's Hero power?"
"Yeah, now that you mention it, we haven't heard about that yet."
"...It's important to understand your allies' abilities."
Oh, Kaya's back. She really does worry about Ria a lot.
"Um, I'm sorry. I haven't heard the details from Lilyshe-sama yet..."
"—Fufufu, I thought you'd say that."
Lilyshe appeared immediately when Ria looked troubled.
"Hey, you should have told us yesterday."
"I was full and I forgot."
This goddess is hopeless.
She's a bit of a "useless goddess," though not quite as bad as Luna. She's the type who can do many things but misses the small details.
"Now, now, I made it in time before the departure."
...She really is like a grandma.
Anyway, here is the summary of the Hero's skills:
[Hero of Love] Skill Effects:
* Stats x2 if a lover or husband is alive and well.
* Stats x5 if both parties hold a specific item (like a ring).
* Family Stats x1.5 as a secondary blessing.
* Note: The blessing vanishes if the user's mental state deteriorates (e.g., death of a lover/husband). Loss of a family member reduces the blessing by half, etc.
* Immunity to status ailments for the user.
"It's an incredibly powerful ability, but..."
"This isn't something a country or organization can handle."
"...Yes. Previous 'Heroes of Love' were often neutralized by having their families taken hostage or their lovers killed."
The compensation is far too great for such high performance.
We really need to keep the fact that Ria is a Hero a secret.
"Woah, it's true! My stats went up by 1.5!"
"It seems she considers us family too."
"Of course! Riel and Tori are precious family to me."
""Thank you!""
The three of them shared a tight hug.
We checked with the wives who were currently working, and it seems everyone living in this inn is receiving the blessing. The power of a Hero is incredible.
"...Um, my stats have also gone up..."
"Is there a problem? What's wrong with a Demon King receiving a Hero's blessing?"
Derieu looked conflicted, but Seraria just laughed it off.
I guess it is a bit weird to think about. Ria already knows Derieu is a Demon King.
"Derieu-san, did your stats really go up?"
"Yes, they did. But... I wonder if this is truly okay."
"It's fine! Derieu-san is my family too!"
"I... I see. Thank you. Ria, you are family to me too, Hero or not!"
Yeah, her character is truly worthy of being a Hero.
Still, seeing a Hero and a Demon King hug each other looks like an abnormal situation on paper.
"Everyone, Ria's ability puts us at a huge disadvantage if it becomes known. For the safety of our family, please keep it secret."
"""Understood."""
『『『We absolutely won't tell anyone.』』』
Today the allied army began its march, but for us, it feels more like an optional side quest...
