Chapter 26 – Ruinous Strike
Even though he was inside of a far away tent, the Demon General’s voice still reverberated deep inside of Yasuharu’s ears.
The challenging words, the murmurs of the soldiers. The rising chaos that could not be hidden.
‘That damned general. Why does he act as if he has the advantage? He does not even remember what happened…’
The Seer’s voice was shaking with anger and annoyance.
However, Yasuharu realized that he was looking at all of this with a strange indifference.
“What does he…mean by it?”
‘By what?’
“To discuss…war…”
‘You fool. You do not even know that? Since ancient times, with wars between great armies, the commanders of both sides would first send envoys and decide on the date and field for the battles. Even for your pastime, if you were a professional player, there would be similar arrangements.’
Said the Seer, and then his consciousness was pulled back to the present.
The Demon General wanted to meet face to face and discuss their next course of action.
Just like in a shogi match.
“Wouldn’t it be best to refuse such a thing?”
‘Of course. There is no need to, is what I would like to say…’
He could sense the Seer’s anger in the air. His skin prickled as the rage-filled voice filled his ears.
‘While nothing remains as a record, the kobold remembers it well! The numerous times they have overwhelmed us! A past where they have won! And how you were easily flustered!’
“M-me?”
‘Have you forgotten how I have had to take charge of most military affairs, due to your complete incompetence!’
Yasuharu could not even raise his head as the Seer rebuked him mercilessly. Instead, a dark sense of defiance began to stir within him.
“Forgive me for talking back, but why did you even make me save at that point?”
‘What did you say?’
“Um…I just don’t think it was a good move.”
‘If you did not, then you should have said so clearly! Besides, on what basis are you calling it a bad move!? You do not even have twenty years of knowledge and experience! Or is this the intuition of a master shogi player!’
Yasuharu’s headache began to return then.
The worst thing about this god was that beneath that calm and composed mask, there was someone with fierce arrogance and a flaming temper. Thanks to his calculating nature and ability to execute his plans, this rarely ever surfaced… But once it did show itself, it was uncontrollable.
“…I understand. It was my fault. I am sorry.”
Forcing himself to suppress his feelings and apologize. It reminded Yasuharu of sitting through classes at school. Being made to accept systems he did not understand, and do things against his own will.
‘In any case, there will be no more resetting from now on. And we cannot afford to show any more weakness. Get yourself ready and attend this meeting with the demon general.’
“Understood. And I will leave the conversation to you.”
‘You fool! You must at least respond to some extent yourself! Do you wish to look like a mere puppet!? Do you want the enemy to look down on you, more than they already do?”
It really was ridiculous.
For the gods, everything was a game, and he was nothing but a pawn and a puppet.
And yet, he was now being forced to speak for himself.
As a page helped him put on a new clout, Yasuharu thought about what lay ahead for him, and his mood sank.
‘You look terrible. Tell your page to apply some makeup before you go.’
“I-I’m fine! A man sh-shouldn’t wear…”
‘Hmph. Do not judge things by your narrow ideas of what is normal. It is not rare for men to use powders and rouge.’
Yasuharu pursed his lips and then left before the god could say anything further.
‘Sir Hero!’
Suddenly, all of the soldiers and officers shouted outside in unison, as if they had been waiting for him.
“What do you mean by holding talks with the demon general!”
“Please give us the order! And we will wipe them out!”
“Sir Hero! Sir Hero!”
Their fervor stirred him. And he took a step back without thinking.
In the eyes that were fixed on him, he could see dissatisfaction and confusion.
That was natural enough. For them, the victory during the day was the only reality.
However, Yasuharu remembered. Even now, there was a possibility of them all being burned alive in hellfire.