Yes, since the talk about the Jilva Empire had begun moving again.
During that time, Zargis and I have been investigating the cause of the mana depletion, and we have managed to determine a certain safety line.
And now, at long last, a sample carrying the out-of-place artifact known as a magic sword was finally coming to us.
Oh, I almost forgot, but the demi-humans are, for the time being, listening to what we say.
Some of them were still hitting on my beastkin wives, and others took advantage of the fact that I deliberately stayed out of the public eye to say whatever they wanted behind my back. But Tori, Riel, and Kaya are thoroughly beating them down for it.
We've gathered about 1,300 of them.
Compared to the total number of demi-humans hiding in the shadows, that's not even 1/500th.
That said, considering the continent is roughly the same size as Weed and yet the population is only around 500,000, you can see how severe the mana depletion really is.
That number probably wasn't completely accurate, but according to the elders and the demi-humans who had gathered here, around that many were scattered across the continent, hiding rather than living together.
At this point, the strength of the demi-humans is no match for the sheer numbers of humanity.
And that figure of 1,300 wasn't combat strength—out of them, only about 800 were actually capable of fighting. The remaining 500 are women, children, and the elderly. They are people who followed their families who came to fight.
Well, originally, most of these 500 were planned to participate in combat as well. However, because they didn't meet our standards, they are now busy tilling fields and hunting to feed the comrades who will be fighting.
Weed could have supported them, but many of these demi-humans still harbor a hatred for humans and are only following us on the surface, so we can't show them even a fragment of our true power. If they knew supplies were freely available, they'd likely demand whatever they wanted. Some already viewed us as convenient tools.
It really makes me realize how difficult cross-cultural exchange can be.
Not knowing the cause of the mana depletion problem—and therefore being unable to simply dismiss them—made everything even more troublesome.
"Ossu. Boss, we've finished setting up the formation." (Steve)
"Oh, good work. How's the enemy's strength?"
"Around 5,000 or so, I'd guess. Same as the prior intel."
"How about Mobu's group?"
"Just as planned, they're staying with the demi-humans. Hopefully that'll make them think a little better of humans."
Mobu's group hadn't been using their Doppelgangers for intelligence work lately.
Instead, for the past few months—well, actually about three months—I had them living alongside the demi-humans to build trust.
The resentment they held toward humans was unbelievable. Most people meeting us for the first time immediately frowned. So I assigned Mobu's group to train with them and build relationships through combat exercises.
According to the reports, anyone who had shared meals and drinks with Mobu's group usually ended up becoming friends with them... I guess there's a "grown-up" way to handle these things after all.
"Well, it'd be nice if things improved at least a little. Even if we brought Aslin and the others in, it wouldn't really help our image."
"Well, Princess Aslin's the only human among the little ones."
"Labyris, Filia, and Sheila are viewed as demi-humans here, after all."
"Actually, there was one foolish adult demi-human who tried to ostracize Aslin because of that."
Oioi.
Someone actually picked on a kid like Aslin?
"Of course, Labyris-neesan, Filia-neesan, and Sheila-neesan beat him to a pulp-ssu."
"Oh, is the guy still alive?"
I made sure to receive reports whenever someone died, so I already knew he wasn't dead.
But it's just human nature to ask out of habit.
"He's alive, technically-ssu."
"What do you mean 'technically'?"
"Well, Labyris-neesan was there-ssu. You know how much she adores Princess Aslin. She's basically the leader of the little-kid group and can even act in your place when needed, Boss. No way she'd let that slide."
"So what happened?"
"She beat him senseless in front of everyone, stripped him naked, hung him up, and put up a sign saying, 'I am a bully'."
"Oof."
"Even I wouldn't go that far-ssu. But, considering the way he treated Princess Aslin, whom everyone had been getting along with, plus being hung up naked and beaten by a bunch of kids, he's become a total shut-in."
"Oh, it's amazing he ended up just becoming a shut-in..."
Honestly, I was impressed.
Back in Japan, if something like that became public, you'd never be able to live in that community again.
He's tough. If he ever reintegrates into society, I'll try to be nice to him.
"Anyway, we got off topic. So where are Olivu and Pikkon right now?"
"Ah, right, we did. At their current pace, they'll arrive around noon tomorrow-ssu."
"As expected, armies move slowly. Modern vehicles really are convenient."
"That's true-ssu. And yet, you tell us to fight with swords and magic."
"I already explained the reasons before, right? We don't want them complaining, we don't want to reveal our cards, and there are plenty of other factors."
"I know, Boss. It wouldn't be good for you to show up, either. Leaving aside Ria-neesan, if Jessica-neesan shows up, it would put Marley-neesan, whom we let escape, in a dangerous position-ssu."
"That's also a factor. Jessica's technically one of my aides now, after all."
"To be honest, I'd like to test how strong I've become in real combat..."
Jessica chimed in.
"You'll cause trouble for the Princess-san, for sure." I replied.
"...Yes, regrettably, I will refrain this time. Since you're not participating either, Seraria-sama will be relieved."
"By the way, why do you treat Seraria so politely?"
"Because she's Her Majesty, Queen of Weed."
"In that case, I'm just as important."
"I know. But that's the stance you've chosen. Seraria-sama, on the other hand, carries herself as a ruler. That deserves respect. Besides, she resembles the Princess... No, shall I say she's like a grown-up version of the Princess?"
"Ah, yeah. Seraria and the princess are really similar in character."
"Yes, I was even more convinced hearing she used to be a battle-maniac. The princess is from a noble family — not a ducal house, but a distant relative — and technically has a claim to the throne in case of emergency."
"They're really similar, aren't they?"
"Indeed."
Seraria loves fighting too, after all.
I wonder what would happen if she and the princess ever met?
While we were chatting like this, Ria, who was with us, spoke up.
"Well, it's getting late. Since the battle is tomorrow, the generals should get some rest."
"Doesn't feel like I'm a General-ssu."
"That's because in Weed you're more like a handyman than a General." I commended.
“There's almost no need for a military there, after all.” (Ria)
While talking about such things, we returned to our respective beds to prepare for tomorrow.
Ah, I barely talked about the enemy army.
Sorry, I don't really place much importance on them.
