Side: Qual
"...Crack-dono."
While watching the farce unfolding before my eyes, I spoke to the Rithea commander standing beside me.
"What do you think of this farce?"
"If Yuki-dono says it is necessary, then there is no doubt it is. It would be a mistake to judge it blindly without listening, but you heard his explanation, didn't you?"
"Of course. I heard the details from Seraria-sama as well."
"Then this farce is necessary."
While issuing orders to his subordinates, Crack-dono carried out the official pretext of "saving the demon race". He treated the demons who cooperated through internal revolt as allies and justice, while labeling the opposing demons and monsters as enemies and evil. With tremendous momentum, the allied army poured into the fortress.
Just as originally planned, before reaching the fortress, a male demon arrived as a messenger and said:
"We thank you for the reinforcements. However, there is no need to weaken your army by attacking the fortress. Please leave it to us and focus on the Demon King's castle. You are our hope."
Upon hearing those words, Ares-sama—the captain of Roshuru's royal guard—and the allied soldiers who didn't know the full situation all pleaded in unison for Elju-sama to support and rescue the friendly demons inside the fortress.
Exactly as anticipated, they joined the assault, providing support and protection to the friendly demons while successfully capturing the fortification.
"Still, it is only a matter of time now."
"No, the fortress gates have already been opened from the inside by our allies. The army is flowing in smoothly. Moreover, thanks to the internal cooperation, the magical attacks and arrow barrages that should have come from above the walls are almost completely ineffective. The same goes for the interior. Narrow passages are normally ideal for a small force to defend against a large one, but that advantage isn't working right now."
"Hm? Crack-dono, isn't that incorrect? Once the gates are breached, doesn't the interior lose its defensive value?"
"That's true when speaking purely of military defense. However, using the passages to defend while allowing a small number of people to escape is not a mistake."
"Ah, I see. So a small group escaped the flames of war and fled to the Demon King's castle?"
"Probably. But Yuki-dono already controls the other side. It's completely checkmate. They may survive as individuals, but the organization centered around the Demon King is essentially finished."
"What if the 300,000 troops invading Roumel turn back?"
"That is one concern, but as you know, the upper echelons like Seraria-sama and Yuki-dono don't seem to view it as a major problem."
"Why is that?"
"You heard it as well. Half of the Lumer invasion army—one hundred fifty thousand—has already collapsed into a rout. A rout. They no longer function as an army. The remaining one hundred fifty thousand are also severely shaken, continuing to fight only because they still receive attack orders from their homeland and the Demon King."
"In other words, half are already gone, and if they hear the Demon King has died, their morale will shatter and they will surrender?"
"Not all of them, but the majority probably would. After all, they have nowhere left to return to. If they knew they would definitely be killed, surrender would be impossible. But by then, Liliana-dono should have reclaimed the position of Demon King — or rather, ruler of the demon race."
"And because of that operation Yuki-dono mentioned, there is no need to worry?"
"Yes. Anyone who would still swear loyalty after that plan succeeds isn't just blind — they simply have a death wish."
Indeed, if that operation succeeds, the hardliners will have no choice but to collapse. It's a plan that renders the very existence of the hardliners meaningless.
As we spoke, the Demon King's flag was finally lowered from the barrier, replaced by the fluttering banners of the Allied nations.
"It seems to have fallen."
"Yes, but it was surprisingly quick. Normally, capturing a fortress like this would take 10 days, or even a month..."
"It seems to have fallen."
"Yes, but it was surprisingly quick. Normally, capturing a fortress like this would take 10 days, or even a month..."
"The result of careful preparation. To think it fell in just four hours. By the way, what is the schedule for today? Do we march immediately?"
"No, the plan is to coordinate with the friendly forces who were here. The march ends here for today. We have to treat the wounded and handle the aftermath of the capture. The next day or two will be a period of rest under the guise of 'gathering intelligence.'"
"There was also a plan for additional provisions to arrive later, right?"
"Yes. Now that the barrier has fallen, this will serve as a stockpile for rations and a relay point for transport. We need to set up defenses and logistics for that. We're ahead of schedule; there's no need to rush."
As we were talking, Seraria-sama approached us.
Of course, it was her Doppelganger double.
"I came after receiving the report. Looks like there were no problems. It seems the elite Roshure forces, with minor support from Rithea and Gartz, were enough."
"Thank you for your hard work, Seraria-sama."
"The ones who truly deserve praise this time are the Roshure soldiers who stood on the front lines."
"Crack, you're as stiff as always. It's true that Roshuru contributed greatly, but Rithea's recovery and support, and Gartz's iron wall with their great shields — this victory was only possible because of the allied army. And thanks to our new friends who lent us their strength. Look."
At Seraria-sama's words, we looked at the soldiers raising victory cheers at the fortress.
Soldiers from Roshuru, Rithea, Gartz, and the demon race were linking arms and shouting together. In other places, Rithea healers and demon mages skilled in magic were desperately treating the injured.
Everywhere, there was no discrimination based on race or country.
Everyone here was a comrade-in-arms and a friend.
This was the bridge to friendship.
A definite step toward peace on the continent.
"Surely, this event will go down in history."
"Most likely."
"What are you saying? Don't be satisfied with just this. We still have a long way to go."
Indeed. This was merely a foothold.
Just one move in the effort to eliminate war from the continent as much as possible.
"However, Seraria-sama. The preparations are already in place, correct?"
"Yes, of course. Whose plan do you think this was?"
"...Yuki-sama's, right? It's definitely not your achievement, Seraria-sama."
"My husband's achievements are my achievements. Right, Crack?"
"Ah, well... That's true, but it's not entirely accurate either..."
Crack-dono looked uncomfortable. If I didn't say something firm here, she would start bragging about her husband again... I had to change the subject.
"By the way, what happened to Yuki-sama?"
"Hmm~? Yuki's at home preparing dinner."
""......""
How should I put this... I know Yuki-sama's personality, but isn't he spoiling Seraria-sama too much?
He's the queen's consort, a military staff officer, and behind the scenes a major figure who can move four nations — including the demon country — with a single word. Yet Seraria-sama treats him like a servant...
"What's with those looks? My husband does it because he enjoys it as hobby. The food is delicious, and the work proceeds smoothly. There's no problem, right?"
"Well..."
"...Indeed."
We both muttered awkwardly.
As we were talking, Dest-dono returned from the fortress.
"...Complete suppression of the checkpoint has been achieved. We will now begin transporting supplies and selecting defensive troops."
"Understood. For the next two days, we'll transport the wounded to the rear and replenish supplies. As for the demons, if they wish to continue serving, allow it. If they are wounded, do not overwork them—send them to the rear and care for them properly."
"Understood."
Also, today, aside from the minimum defense force, distribute alcohol. This is a historic first achievement. Let's celebrate."
"Yes, ma'am!!"
Saying that, Dest-dono ran off.
And yes, I made sure the formal written orders were handed over. Even for Seraria-sama, you can't just use up supplies on a verbal 'OK.' Everything has to be officially documented and stamped. We are thorough about that.
"What is it, Chii-neesama?"
"It's almost dinner time, so come back with me."
"Eh, but we just captured the fortress. I can't just leave..."
"Leave it to the doppelganger. Quarl is here too, so she can handle things appropriately. Today Yuki is making a grand feast because we captured the fortress. It'd be a waste if you don't come."
"Y-Yuki-san made an extravagant meal...?"
Yes, Yuki-sama's cooking is exquisite. He balances seasonings perfectly to bring out the flavor of the ingredients. And if he himself calls it a 'feast,' it means it will far surpass what we already consider a gourmet meal.
"P-Please wait a moment!!"
"Ara? what is it, Qual?"
"Am I being left behind!?"
"Eh, of course?"
Nguu!! It's true I'm a subordinate and I respect her.
But when it comes to delicious food, that's a different story!!
In fact, most of the complaints from Seraria-sama's royal guard in Weed are about the food. With the allied army, there's a lot of dried meat and dried fruit. Weed provides plenty of supplies, but the allied army's policy is to consume what they brought first. Because there's a danger that the soldiers might buy Weed's food directly.
The higher-ups have noticed this and are trying to prevent the soldiers from overspending. Simply put, if soldiers start buying directly from Weed, it would be a loss for each nation. The plan is for each nation to import Weed's products and sell them at their own prices, keeping the money within their own countries. But if soldiers spend money directly in Weed, the money accumulates there, and their own countries have less. They want to prevent that.
In the long run, this is apparently problematic, so Yuki-sama has agreed to keep Weed's supplies to a minimum. If there's a real problem, he can easily replenish them, but that's the current food situation for the allied army.
What I'm trying to say is...
"I protest!! Please take me with you!!"
Knowing delicious food awaits and being left behind is unacceptable!!
* * *
Side: Yuki
"...Hmm?"
"What's wrong?"
"No, I just had a feeling more people are coming."
"That makes sense. With this much luxury, someone's bound to be lured by the smell."
Well, even if more people come, there's more than enough food. Labyris and the others are helping too. If we run out, I can make more immediately.
Yeah, no problem.
"Here, take this over there."
"Okay, Onii-chan!"
"Yes, Nii-sama!"
Now then, time to get started on the roast beef.
