Chapter 33
The original expedition to slay the Demon King was meant to last over a year. Demons would converge on the King’s stronghold to defend him, and it would take time to eliminate them all. Most of the demons were supposed to die at their hands…
A few months. They’d swiftly killed the Demon King and returned in a few months. The number of surviving demons must be considerably higher than in the original story.
“Did I offer too thorough a guideline…?”
Because I’d drilled them so intensely, it was as if they’d skimmed the text, marked the correct answers, and promptly returned.
‘Wow, I’m a top-tier instructor. But now, character-building and cultural education are completely ruined.’
“But if that’s the case, wouldn’t the demons secretly hidden by the noble families also be a problem?”
“Indeed. Reports of mid-level and higher demons are surfacing around the densely forested areas of the borderlands. It’s sporadic, so it will take time to properly address.”
Oh dear. That’s a serious issue. The joy of the Demon King’s death is still fresh, and everyone will be in a frenzy before they can even savor the taste of peace.
“Reports will start reaching the Imperial Palace soon. Mason’s Manor will be contacted shortly as well.”
‘He speaks of his own home as if it belongs to someone else.’
“Are they preparing for an official subjugation?”
“Since the expedition ended not long ago, I doubt it. They’ll likely start by mobilizing mercenary groups and knights who didn’t participate in the expedition.”
‘I think so too.’
Only those blessed with divine power can withstand lands saturated with demonic energy, but the Imperial Knights can handle mid-level demons that emerge in populated areas.
Since the Grand Temple dispatched paladins for the expedition, it would be appropriate, both for public opinion and for balance, for the Imperial family to take the lead this time.
“So, this time, Paladin Reynard Mason will be absent, and only the Black Raven Mercenaries will lend their strength. What are your thoughts?”
“Why ask for my opinion on something that’s none of my business?”
Reynard, reclining with his head resting on one hand, subtly lifted the corner of his lips.
“Officially, Paladin Reynard Mason will be entering a period of seclusion disguised as rest. Of course, the underlying reason is to court the novice priestess, Adelina.”
My head throbbed. I brushed past Reynard, who was acting like a frivolous Casanova, and headed for the door.
“Where are you going without answering?”
‘I’m going to buy new undergarments because you’re ruining mine, you idiot.’
***
The small village, consisting of only a few houses, lacked proper shops.
However, there was a small general store near the inn where I was staying, so I purchased the necessary travel supplies there.
“Emergency medicine, boots, a thin blanket, and dried meat…”
The general store was small but well-stocked. I filled my bag with a few essential items and stepped outside. Reynard, who had been leaning against the store’s door, trailed behind me.
The tall man, who attracted attention even when standing still, followed me, drawing the villagers’ gazes towards us.
In a sparsely populated village, the appearance of outsiders, especially a strikingly handsome and tall man, was apparently quite an interesting event.
I quickly grew uncomfortable with the villagers whispering and staring as we moved along the short path.
“Will you stop following me?”
“Are you planning to run away again if I take my eyes off you?”
“Run away? Am I a criminal? I’m just going my own way, so stop following me.”
“That’s a problem.”
“What’s the problem… Don’t tell me you’re going to inform Seikan or Helion that I’m here, are you?”
I raised my fist threateningly, warning him not to, and Reynard smiled with a troubled expression.
“I wouldn’t want to tell them either, but we made an agreement.”
I had a feeling this agreement wouldn’t be in my favor. I touched the back of my neck, which had grown cold, and subtly avoided Reynard’s gaze.
Just then…
BEEEEEP—
A long cry, like something tearing through the sky, made me look up.
“What is that? A d-demon?”
“A demon? It’s a bird, a bird!”
“What kind of bird is that big? Are you sure it’s a bird?”
Listening to the conversations exchanged by the villagers who were also looking up at the sky, I narrowed my eyes. That’s…
“Why did they send it all of a sudden? Did something urgent come up?”
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