Chapter 66: Before the Battle
"I apologize for the wait."
While waiting for the report in a room at the reception hall, the knights returned.
However, there were additional individuals besides Mercedes and Chester. A woman in knight attire with slanted eyes and a man with distinctive facial hair resembling a priest were together.
"Speaking like this is the first time. I am Mildred Calvarale, the leader of the knight order."
"I am Derek Volger, the inquisitor."
"Nice to meet you. I am Theodore Gartner."
Mildred is the leader of the knight order, and Derek with the Kaiser beard is the inquisitor.
"First, I'll provide answers regarding the questions."
It seemed Derek was in charge of the magical interrogation of Fernando and Jasper.
Summing up the discussion, the adventurers who accompanied them to the Twilight Forest were two in number. They are staying in a cheap inn close to the harbor in the western district.
Regarding them, Jasper only recently got acquainted, and they seemed to have hit it off with the guys they met at the tavern. Jasper had similar thoughts, saying that searching for the knights might lead to some money. That's how they became close.
After parting ways with his original companions, Jasper must have relied on those who shared his views.
"And the companions they were caught with... seem to be a separate matter."
Mercedes mumbled.
"Those guys originally hailed from the western district. They were Jasper's longtime rogue companions, not adventurers."
Derek replied as he adjusted his Kaiser beard with his fingers.
"Fernando was also originally from the western district. He knew Jasper as a man who would do anything for money."
I see. It's easier to make connections through acquaintances. That's probably how Fernando got involved and Greg followed suit.
"Well, the information we've gleaned from them is about that much. What currently interests me is... why you are concerned about such insignificant individuals."
Jasper had not trusted them enough to let them get involved in the captivity, but it's unclear how much they understood from their side. Depending on that, they could be divided between those who were deceived and those who were aware and cooperating.
On the surface, they are just peripheral figures. However, even their place might be visited by soldiers at any time.
But... that's not enough.
"To be frank, I suspect those two might be demons."
"Wha—"
As I said that, a uniform expression of surprise appeared on the faces of those present.
"Is that... based on any concrete evidence?"
Chester inquired.
"Not exactly concrete evidence, but it's been bothering me a bit. The demons were investigating matters related to the Moonlight Temple's seal, and considering the part where Fernando said that adventurers got burned when they touched it... if you put those things together..."
Even if they're not demons, if the infiltrating agents had failed, they would have just sent in the next personnel.
"Come to think of it... that's true. I touched that door myself, but I didn't get burned."
Mercedes nodded approvingly.
"There is a possibility that something changed with the door. However, it wouldn't be wise to confirm that by going to the Twilight Forest. Since Jasper and Fernando have been captured, they might sense our actions and escape."
"But... if they are demons, confronting them with soldiers for interrogation is dangerous, right?"
Chester exclaimed.
Indeed. That would be a repeat of the Linette incident. Moreover, this time it could potentially involve two individuals.
"What will you do?"
Mercedes asked Chester.
Even if we had room for negotiation with demons, we could try to explore methods. But with my knowledge of their attitude towards humans, the answer is limited.
"Sealing the area and entering with a small, elite force capable of countering demons seems reasonable. Given that Fernando had been cooperating, we'll need to interrogate him as well."
I don't like dawdling. If the adventurers were merely hired and unaware, they could apologize for the suspicion later. It's a story that falls under the category of baseless suspicion, and with an interrogation involved, it's even less likely to lead to a false accusation. Besides, scrutinizing clients and selecting comrades is part of an adventurer's job.
"Again... that's a rough approach."
The knights chuckled, but there was no disagreement. Mildred was smiling gleefully.
"When dealing with demons, the Dragonfly Brigade might be necessary... but there's a problem."
Chester said with a grimace.
Right. The Dragonfly Brigade costs money to maintain. That's why they tolerated the likes of Greg, who cared more about pleasing nobles than fulfilling their knightly duties... But since Greg, who had infiltrated the Dragonfly Brigade, had been caught, the unit was likely in disarray. While they won't be needed for tasks like road closures or evacuations, dealing with demons is different.
"Indeed, an elite force it is. It's difficult for the unit to move as a whole."
Crossing his arms, Mildred spoke.
"Either way, I'll go. This isn't cooperation; it's personal."
If I hesitated after learning that demons might be involved, it would be the same as with Mom. I'll dive in headfirst, and if they have ulterior motives, I'll crush them.
"Summarizing, we will select a few elite individuals capable of riding wyverns, and together with Lord Theodore, we'll strike down the demon."
"I have no objections to that."
"Hmm. Then all that's left is to await His Majesty's decision, and we can proceed. Let's have our preparations finished by dawn."
Dawn, huh? There's still some time.
"As for evacuation guidance, will the orphanage assist as well?"
The orphanage should be fine since it's located away from the port, but just to be sure.
"The orphanage in the western district. Understood. I'll make sure arrangements are in place."
"Thank you very much."
"What about Lord Theodore? Will he wait here until the appointed time?"
Asked by Mercedes, I contemplate.
"I'm concerned about my family. I'll return once to inform them."
Regardless, I should properly explain the situation to Grace and the others. Last time when we fought the demon, I ended up worrying them. It won't be a sudden fight like before.
"I'm back."
Returning home, everyone greeted me with smiles.
It seemed Sheila and Ilmehild were also waiting at home.
"What happened?"
"Greg's group and Fernando have been captured. However..."
"However?"
"There's a chance we might have to fight the demon. A couple of adventurers suspected of that are heading to the western district tomorrow morning."
I proceeded to tell them what was decided today.
Upon hearing about the western district, Sheila and Ilmehild furrowed their brows.
"I heard it's near the port, but the orphanage said the knight order will handle evacuation guidance."
"...Thank you."
Their expressions seemed to ease somewhat.
"Also, being near the port... my and Ilmehild's dens are close by, but..."
"Well... it might be better not to return there today."
"...I understand."
They seemed to accept it, but their expressions remained somber.
Grace and Ashley were the same. Just by looking at them, it was clear they were worried.
"Facing a demon, we can't take everyone like we do in a labyrinth. It's a personal battle of mine."
"Well, I..."
After a moment of silence, Ashley was the first to speak.
"If I'm being honest, I want to go together... with you."
Ashley narrowed her eyes.
True, for Ashley, demons were enemies.
"But... I'd probably just be a burden at this point. My role is not to fight demons face to face... It's to ensure that I can cast healing magic anytime someone important gets hurt... at least, I think so."
Her words trailed off towards the end, as if questioning herself.
Even from my perspective, her answer wasn't wrong. Saying she wanted to go together would only cause trouble. Ashley's role was to always keep her condition in check so she could use healing magic whenever necessary. The long mace was just one of her responses to close-range encounters. Hence, I lightly stroked Ashley's hair and replied.
"Yeah. You're probably right. So, you can fight with peace of mind."
"Yes."
Ashley tilted her head and smiled gently after a moment of eye contact.
"Teo..."
I turned to Grace.
She looked straight at me and asked, "Would I be a burden?"
"No."
I shook my head.
At the moment, Grace was the only one among my companions who seemed capable of countering the demon. And she had her reasons to fight.
"I think Grace can fight. I'll prepare a strategy for dealing with a 50-50 situation."
"Teo... Thank you."
Fighting demons myself was fine. There was no doubt that I wanted to crush them. But honestly, I didn't want to let important people fight demons. That was true for me, and probably for them too. It would be selfish to impose only my perspective. However, I understood the difficulty of being unable to do anything other than watch such scenes unfold.
So, if Grace wanted to fight and had a means to do so, I would fight alongside her. That, to me, was a form of trust. Since Grace also had her mother's situation to consider, it was only natural she wanted to fight against the demon.
"Thanks, Teo. Also... the seal on the ring..."
Ah, that's right. Grace was in her released state all along.
After I sealed her ring, Grace smiled and hugged me.
"Ashley-sama too."
"Yes."
Grace pulled Ashley into the hug as well, holding them both close.
A gentle touch. Warm body temperature. A faint scent tickling my nostrils.
Softly, Grace gave me a kiss on the cheek. Surprised, I looked at her, and she responded with a gentle smile.
Ashley followed suit and timidly brushed her lips against my cheek.
Once contact was made, their arms tightened around me with a hint of force.
...Gradually, they released me, blushing.
"Um, umm..."
Sheila cleared her throat. I realized that everyone in the room was blushing. An oddly relaxed atmosphere lingered.
"Ah, well. If Ashley-sama is holding back, then perhaps we should as well."
"Mhm."
As Ilmehild changed the topic, Sheila nodded along.
"Well then, let's have a meal."
Saying so, Ashley rushed off to the kitchen.
...Still, that was quite a forceful kiss on the cheek. Returning home turned out to be a good decision.
The person I wanted to protect. The reason I seek strength. The reason to fight the demon. The person I want to protect. I felt like I could confirm all of it.
I won't allow the demon to take anything else from us.