We move to the manor dining hall, where I explain the battle at Milond Fortress to Cyrus-san and those who stayed behind.
「…To think you defeated the Demon King’s army…」
I don’t know how great a threat the Demon King’s army is in this world, but a force of two or three thousand would be nothing less than a complete disaster for a single territory. Just having the fields ravaged would be enough to ruin them.
「Though our expenses took a devastating hit」
Since Cyrus-san has experienced war, he should understand how enormous the costs of war can become.
「We lightly burned through four million yen」
In this world’s currency… how much would that be? I can’t calculate it, but it would surely be an amount no single territory could pay.
「…I can’t compensate you, but I’ll do my best to improve Safety Bullet’s standing in Koraus」
「Then put that in writing and sign it with the acting lord’s name. Write two copies. If you do that, I’ll gladly hand over the credit for this victory to Marquis Koraus」
That is what I want more than anything. Something worth far more than four million yen.
「…You truly are a troublesome man. To think I’d be the one led around…」
I never intended to lead him anywhere. I only thought it would be nice if it turned out that way.
「If it can’t be done, then that’s fine too」
「You say that after making me say it in a place where I can’t take it back. Honestly, you’re a nasty one」
Please direct that complaint to the useless goddess who created a world where living honestly is impossible.
「Haa… I’ll discuss it with Misha and make sure it gets written. Misha likely has no desire to oppose someone who wiped out the Demon King’s army either」
Same here. Let’s maintain a mutually beneficial friendship.
「Have goblin sightings around the temporary fortress increased?」
Once the Milond Fortress discussion ends, I shift the topic to the temporary fortress.
「Feels like they’ve decreased a little. They may have moved to Milond Fortress」
Well, in a straight line it’s about forty kilometers. That isn’t impossible for goblins. Those things can move long distances without issue.
「Then let’s hold the major extermination after winter begins, once goblin food sources decrease. Until then, let’s conduct large-scale extermination around Miroid Fortress」
Before leaving Miroid Fortress, I sensed more than two hundred goblins there. The goblins from that side probably didn’t flow toward Milond Fortress.
「Sounds good. We’ll leave some people to maintain the temporary fortress and transfer the rest to Miroid Fortress」
That matter is settled quickly, and I leave the selection of who stays behind to Cyrus-san.
「Cyrus-san. Sierra. Let’s talk in another room」
Without saying what about, I tell the two of them that.
Misaro is here as well. A stranger would stand out no matter what, and one with green skin even more so. It’s only natural that everyone’s eyes keep drifting toward her even while we talk.
The two of them seemed to understand and moved to another room without saying anything.
In the separate room were five of us: me, Misaro, Bisha, Cyrus-san, and Sierra. I ordered drinks and snacks from Home.
After eating a few snacks and taking a sip of tea, I took a breath. Ah, right, I was entrusted with Mizuho-san’s letter (parchment).
「This is from Mizuho-san」
「Was Mizuho doing well?」
「Yes, she was doing well. Well enough to make me jealous」
I’d like to reach my fifties in good health too.
「So, what is it you wanted to discuss?」
Once everything was settled, Cyrus-san brought it up.
「Her name is Misaro. A former officer of the Demon King’s army, and a half-human, half-goblin」
At my words, Cyrus-san and Sierra drew in a breath, but neither openly showed their emotions.
「I first met Misaro when the Goblin King appeared. It was while Cyrus-san was fighting the King」
I should be honest with these two. Otherwise, it would create discord in our relationship. Well, even telling the truth might still cause discord, but hiding it would only make things worse later. This is something I should say plainly.
「Misaro said she was human, and I told her that if she was human, then she should come to our side」
If I don’t take responsibility for saying that, then I’m trash. If I don’t show Misaro what it means to live as a human, then I may as well be saying goblins are the better choice.
「The goddess told me that if I wanted to save Misaro, I had to destroy the Demon Flute that bound her」
I’ll be changing the facts a little.
「I slaughtered every member of the Demon King’s army who was there. I also staged it to look like Misaro died. The only people who know Misaro was a former officer of the Demon King’s army are those in this room. Of course, I’ll tell Kainzel-san and the others as well」
There’s no way I can avoid telling them. They’re my companions.
「Please discuss it properly with the acting lord. I’ll accept whatever decision is made」
「We’ll discuss it. But if the goddess acknowledged her, then we’ll move toward accepting her. So don’t pull a vanished by morning stunt」
Ahaha. He saw right through me.
「I can’t throw away the place I worked so hard to build that easily」
「Coming from someone who had already steeled himself, that carries no weight at all. Honestly, stubborn people are such a pain because they never know how to bend…」
I’m not actually that stubborn, though?
「You’re Misaro, right? Do you want to stay by Takato’s side?」
「I want to, and I’ll make the effort to remain there」
For some reason, Bisha suddenly steps between me and Misaro. What now?
「Haa… There’s never an end to trouble」
For some reason, Cyrus-san says that while looking at Sierra. No, I’m the one whose troubles never end.
「Then all she has to do is try her best」
For some reason, Sierra gives me a smile. No, your eyes aren’t smiling at all! What is going on here!?
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