‘Thanks to you coming out of Zaneji like this, the monsters have become more active. After all, if there is any opening for them to strike back against us, it would be now.’
“We are scheduled to arrive in the capital of Gai Straum in two weeks. In the meantime, I have noted two points where we can expect battles to occur.”
‘Aye. Well done. They will likely attempt to launch a surprise attack by using the narrow mountain terrain. However…there are some troublesome issues.”
It was rare to hear a hint of bitterness in the Seer’s voice. It wasn’t contempt or irritation, but contemplation over how to deal with a troublesome matter.
‘As long as that wretched dragon god is helping them, any ordinary strategies will put us at a disadvantage. He always reacts with the best and most unusual moves… Are you listening?’
“Ah…yes.”
‘Our goal now would be to gather the soldiers from the surrounding lands to Gai Straum. And form an official alliance with Kaitar. After that, there will be nothing left to threaten you.’
“So we are to avoid any direct conflict?”
‘You must decide based on the situation. If it is attack from the mountains, you can flee.’&
The Seer said as if thinking about something.
‘However, if you are challenged on the field, you should crush them with all of your power.’
—
Sheto returned to the fortress around noon, the day after the attack.
As soon as the watcher saw him, the gates were frantically opened, and the monsters who were training or working in the courtyard all gathered around him.
“Oh! So you came back alive!”
“What news of the enemy? Did you see the Hero?”
He managed to push past them, just as the giant minotaur came out of the main building.
“Good work! I suppose nothing serious happened?”
“Attacked by enemy, on the way back. But, no problem.”
The general looked visibly relieved. Sheto let out a sigh.
“You, say I’m to be sent to Demon King. But you send me to scout, same as killing me.”
“Yes, I know that very well, and told you so. However, you are the only one who could have done that mission.”
Other scouts that had been sent out had been killed. And so it had been necessary to send someone with the eyes and protection of gods.
“While I’m sure that you are tired, I’d like a full report. With everyone gathered.”
“Aye.”
“Someone, bring him water and something to eat!”
Berganda walked next to him and matched his stride. It couldn’t be helped, as the size difference was similar to that of an adult and child, but it was a little comical to see him walk with such small steps.
“I have to do this, or you would have to run. Stop laughing.”
“You, most important one. I the lowest. Strange to care.”
“Really? But I happen to hate those who throw their weight around just because of their status.”
He was much too friendly for the general of the Demon King’s army. Sheto found it difficult to dislike him.
“I see that everyone’s here! Let’s begin!”
Still, when they entered the meeting room, the authority of a general returned to his expression.
There were changes in the members who sat at the table. Not only were there hobgoblins and ogres, but also lizardmen, orcs and mysterious figures in hoods.
“We’ll begin with a report from our scout, Sheto.”
“There is something, must say first.”
Sheto took something out of his bag and threw it onto the table.
The corpse of a silver bird. While its head had been crushed by magic, there was not a single drop of blood pouring from the open neck.
“This, used by the Hero’s army. It can see far away. Even now, they look down at this castle.”
“Wh…what!?”
The others erupted with shock. Berganda’s voice rose for silence.
“Do not lose your calm over something like this! …So, what must be done?”
“Nothing. For now…”
The others began to talk again, but the general’s shout silenced them.
After that, Sheto repeated the order he had received from the Dragon God.
“No point, in driving them away. Too many. We will get tired, if worry about them. And so we use them.”
“I see. So we can leak some information, and when the time comes, hunt them all down and restrict the information that flows out.”
Komos caught the scent of intrigue, and looked somewhat pleased. The other monsters in the room also returned to their seats and did not object.