Chapter 50: The Recapture of Esperanza - Part 1
"What? Valonos failed?!"
"Yes, sir. The defense of Esperanza was not annihilated, and the magical creatures used for the ambush were completely destroyed. The five members of the demon unit assigned to Baron Valonos were also wiped out."
"So, what about Valonos himself? He recklessly went on the offensive and lost his subordinates. There will be severe punishment for that."
"That... is uncertain. It's possible that he was defeated by the enemy's commander."
"Tch, useless fool. Well, whatever. He was the weakest among the barons anyway. Though his failure here was unexpected, at least we've learned that the enemy has some fighters worth dealing with."
"It seems that the enemy is planning to recapture this fortress. Please leave it to me, Lord Vals."
"Very well, I entrust this to you. I will return to our main stronghold for now. Since there is a possibility that the enemy is aware of our existence, we may need to reconsider our invasion strategy."
"Understood."
"...Vals, why not use this fortress as bait? Make use of it to capture the enemy all at once."
"Of course, Count Gomis."
Watching Count Gomis leave the fortress, Vals smiled.
"That wretched Valonos finally did something useful. It seems the opportunity has finally come... Kufufufu."
＊＊＊
"Kakeru-kun, are you really okay going alone?"
"Yes, I'll be fine. Alfried-sama, please take care of the Demon Empire matter."
"Understood. I'll immediately inform the whole country about the situation in the Empire. But how about your health?"
"Uh, I'm perfectly fine, couldn't be better."
"I-I see. Indeed, the hero from another world seems to be exceptional even during the night!"
(When I received the report that he was sleeping with nine women, I was surprised, but being young is nice.)
Anyway... why does Alfried-sama keep looking at me with sparkling eyes?
***
The plan to recapture Fort Esperanza hinges on me infiltrating the fortress alone and defeating the demons.
Alfried-sama will return to Primera and disseminate information across the country. Since we don't know when or where they will attack, sharing information is urgent.
Celestina's knights and Chloe will act as a diversion and hold off the massive horde of about 100,000 demons. If I can defeat the demon believed to be in the fortress, their control should break, and the horde will disperse.
Everyone wanted to accompany me, but I have no intention of facing them head-on. I want to reclaim the fortress with as little damage as possible, so I decided to infiltrate alone this time.
"Well then, I'll be off. Make sure to be as flamboyant as possible! It'll make it easier for me to sneak in."
Valonos and Fleur will stay back to earn experience points by dealing with the monsters. Their main job is to support everyone, but if there's danger, they can shield them.
Everyone sees me off as I head out alone.
(The Demon Empire... they destroyed Celestina, Chloe, and Claudia's country and family. Not just them, Sara and Silphy's homeland is currently in danger, and even Katarina, Cecilia, and the people of Usaneko have lost their countries, families, and friends. The culprits who caused them such pain... don't expect to return alive!!)
...I made up various reasons, but the real reason I'm going alone is that I don't want them to see me driven by anger.
Besides, even though they're demons, I don't want to see them kill people... well, Cecilia is a battle maniac, so she's an exception...
It's just self-indulgence and arrogance, but I became stronger to uphold it.
In addition to the effects of concealing my presence and stealth, I'll use the dark magic Valonos gave me. It's only at the beginner level, but it's excellent for dazzling opponents. I probably won't be found out, but just in case, I'll use the secret escape route Sakura taught me to infiltrate.
So, let's see if you demons can let your guard down...
Kakeru's figure disappeared like a shadow.
***
"Achoo!"
"Oh, that's rare. Even though Cecilia and I never catch a cold..."
"Katarina, you're so cruel! It's just that Kakeru seems to be thinking about me."
"Eh... Kakeru? That's impossible! He's definitely thinking rude thoughts."
"Why would he do that? Kakeru and I are pretty close. We even made a promise to take a bath together."
"Wh-what... I let my guard down. I guess it worked in my favor that I don't come across as a typical woman to Kakeru..."
"Geez, Katarina, you're always so rude! If you want, you can join us in the bath too."
"......Friends sure are precious, I like that about you, Cecilia."
"Speaking of which, Cecilia, why did you start calling Kakeru that all of a sudden?"
Silphy asked curiously.
"Oh, yesterday, the goddess appeared in my dream and told me that calling him that would bring good luck."
"The goddess appeared in your dream? 'Good luck' is quite vague... Anyway, um... Cecilia, can I also... you know..."
"What, you want to bathe with us too, Silphy? Of course, you can."
"Um... my voice is getting loud..."
Silphy blushed and got flustered. Naturally, everyone heard her words...
In the end, it was decided that everyone would bathe together, but Kakeru isn't here, so he wouldn't know.
"Everyone looks like they're having fun! What are you all talking about? Aren't we about to set out? You seem pretty relaxed."
"A- Alfrayd, Sakura!"
"We actually have a plan to take a bath with Lord Kakeru and everyone..."
"A-a-a bath?! That's... so, so indecent... tell me more, Chloe."
In a sudden turn of events, Celestina and Sakura also decided to join in.
['Hey... we're about to face 100,000 demons, you know?']
['Seeing the leaders like that makes me feel silly for being so nervous.']
['...Once I safely return to the city, I'll take a bath with her...']
['[STOP!! That's a flag!!!]']
"...Perhaps worrying is needless. Even if I'm not there, I can still influence people... that's what being a hero is all about. Now, let's return to the city!"
Looking at everyone who's carefree and rowdy without a trace of tension, Alfrayd lets out a light sigh.
(There's so much to do. It looks like I'll be busy once we return...)