“First, the Seer’s army. They are currently taking control of the port city of Zaneji. And now their military ships are escorting convoys and transporting supplies from Efalea. Because of that, many monsters in nearby waters have been wiped out… The influence of the Sea Demon General is nearly erased.”
“Berganda. Why would the Hero’s army have supplies sent from the continent, instead of just taking what they can from their location?”
Berganda hated having to talk with the Demon King after a meeting.
At first, he had found it difficult to answer questions. He would sweat and his stomach would hurt. The only reason he was able to do this now, was that he had been taught by Comos, his attendant and strategist.
“…The reason for not conducting wartime requisitions from Morania…is to reduce friction …when it comes to future military operations.”
“There is friction?”
“Currently, Morania has three royal families. And the Hero’s army received support from the center continent. It seems they want to avoid wartime requisitions being seen as an act of invasion, which would make it easier to establish a cooperative relationship… After subduing Morania…perhaps.”
He somehow managed to answer. The Demon King smiled thinly and shook his head.
“You said it in your report. Military ships escort the convoys and eliminate the sea monsters. At the same time, they aim to restore trade and promote economic recovery for both Morania and Efalea. Though, I suppose your point is still one of the reasons.”
“Ye-yes.”
“Continue. What else has the Seer’s army done?”
Berganda worked his horned head as hard as he could while disclosing his information.
“Currently, there has been little upfront movement… However, scouts have been sent out to other lands. It seems they are measuring the size of our forces.”
“And what have you done in reply?”
“I-I’ve stationed soldiers across fortresses, dungeons and caves. Keeping the true numbers as secret as possible. A-also, scouting parties of goblins, hobgoblins and imps have been formed…to investigate the Hero’s army.”
“That is no good. Organize a mobile unit and set fire to the village where the Hero’s scouts stayed previously. Also, launch attacks on key points along the mountain roads. You understand why I am saying this?”
Don’t kill the scouts. Crush the path.
“To cut off the supply and communication routes and…slow down the Hero’s advance.”
“That is correct. As soon as you return, notify everyone. Is information shared among the units?”
“It is. That being said, they are mainly imps…and not so reliable…”
“Hmm… Well, that is fine.”
The Demon King finally relented and leaned back in his throne as if satisfied.
Surely it is over now. The Minotaur sighed with relief.
If he was being honest, this was worse than being insulted by the other generals.
He rarely felt such severeness outside of the battlefield.
However, this audience would probably be the last one.
It was said that the Seer was one of the most powerful gods. A Hero from such a god would have no trouble defeating a Minotaur.
If that was going to happen, he should leave something.
He didn’t know about the others, but if he gave the Demon King information about the Seer’s army, it might be useful.
That was all he could do as a low-rank demon without much magic energy.
Berganda decided this as he stood up.
“Your Majesty, I must take my leave…”
“Wait.”
The Demon King stood up and walked towards him.
“I still have something to ask you.”
All expression had vanished from his face. It was just cold and piercing.
“Why did the Seer’s army invade Morania?”
“…Why?”
“I am the one asking. Answer now.”
The reason.
If this was about expansion, then it would make sense. However, Heroes were meant to free the world from demons and monsters.
“Pe-perhaps they came in order to kill me. Because I am an easy target.”
“They were able to withstand Zono’s demon beast army just fine. In two months, they could have been rid of them. In other words, the Hero abandoned a battle he could have won, and went all of the way to you. Why would he do that?”
“…I-I do not know!”
The Demon King moved closer and patted Berganda on the nose.
“I told you not to say that.”
“Ye-yes!”
“You do not know because you do not think. You do not think because your eyes are not open to the problem. And your eyes are closed because you are scared. Scared of the unknown.”
He said as if talking to a child.
“The Seer’s actions do not make sense. It is the unknown. However, both gods and men do not act without reason. In other words, there must be a hidden motive. There is something on your continent that is attracting the Seer.”
“Wh…what is…”
“You cannot think of something? What it could be?”
Berganda was tired. But the question penetrated his tired mind, shaking him.
A change that had occurred on his land.
“Th…there is…something. But…”
“I don’t want excuses. Just say it.”
“It-it’s impossible! Everything…something that my mind cannot comprehend…happened!”
“Then let me ponder it. Ponder what you know.”
Indeed, things had changed rapidly in Morania during the past three months.
It was because of that, that Berganda’s army had been able to deal with the Hero’s army without heavy losses.
However, the source of that reason… Was a ‘rumor.’ That he had not wanted to include in the report.
He wanted to be sure. He had wanted to believe that it was a baseless story.
“Hurry. Time is short.”
The Demon King demanded.
Berganda made up his mind.
“Y-you would have heard about the descent of a certain Hero in Morania.”
“Yes, and?”
“About two months ago…that Hero vanished…”
“What do you mean?”
The Demon King frowned.
“Was it your soldiers? Or some other Hero?”
“…We are not sure… However, he has definitely vanished from this world.”
His tracks had stopped after crossing a mountain road.
And what was left was an unbelievable rumor.
“A-and, about one month ago…a hundred Heroes were on the continent…and they too vanished…”
“Are you mocking me?”
“Not at all! They said that they were going to kill a monster. And after leaving mercenary soldiers at their locations…they…”
The Heroes had disappeared.