第１４０掘：関攻略 (Part1)
**Dungeon Excavation 140: Capturing the Barrier**
**Side: Quar**
"……Sir Crack."
I address the commander of the Lithea forces beside me while watching the farce unfolding before our eyes.
"What do you make of this charade?"
"If it’s something Yuki-dono said, then it must be correct. It would be a mistake to act blindly without hearing the full story, but you have heard what Yuki-dono proposed, haven't you?"
"Of course. I have also heard it directly from Seraria-sama."
"Then this farce is necessary."
While issuing orders to his subordinates, Sir Crack carries out the pretext of "rescuing the demons." He frames the demons who turned traitor and joined our side as allies and champions of justice, while branding the demons and monsters who remained with the enemy as villains. With incredible momentum, the Allied forces surge into the barrier.
Just as planned, before we even reached the barrier, a demon messenger came to us and said:
"We are grateful for the reinforcements, but there is no need to deplete your forces by attacking the barrier. Please, leave it to us and focus on the Demon King’s Castle. You are our hope."
Hearing this, those in our Roschur camp who were unaware of the situation—such as Ares-sama, the captain of the Roschur Royal Guard, and the soldiers of the Allied forces—all cried out in unison, pleading with Elju-sama to support and rescue our "allies" at the barrier.
As expected, we participated in the capture of the barrier, supporting and protecting our demon allies as we took the stronghold.
"However, it’s only a matter of time now, isn't it?"
"No, the gates of the barrier have already been opened by our allies, and the army is flowing in like water. Furthermore, the magic and arrows that were supposed to be fired from atop the barrier are barely functioning due to the internal betrayal. The same goes for the interior. While a small number could usually hold off a large force in narrow corridors, that function is currently non-existent."
"Hmm? Sir Crack, isn't that slightly off? Once the gates are breached, doesn't the interior lose its defensive meaning?"
"As you say, it no longer functions as a military defense. But it is not wrong to set up a defensive line in the corridors to allow a small number to escape."
"Ah, indeed. So, the few have fled the fires of war and retreated to the Demon King’s Castle?"
"That would be my guess. But Yuki-dono has already secured the other side. It is a complete checkmate. They might survive as individuals, but the organization centered around the Demon King is effectively finished."
"What if the 300,000 invading Rumel turn back?"
"That is one concern, but as you know, the upper echelons like Seraria-sama and Yuki-dono do not view it as much of a problem."
"Why is that?"
"You’ve heard it too, haven't you? Half of the Rumel invasion force—150,000—has already routed. They are in a rout; they no longer function as an army. The remaining 150,000 are in such a state of agitation that they are only continuing to fight because of the attack orders from their home country and the Demon King."
"In other words, half are already gone, the morale of the invasion force is shattered, and if they hear the Demon King is dead, they will surrender?"
"Not all of them, perhaps, but the majority will. After all, they have nowhere left to return to. If they knew for certain they would be killed, they wouldn't surrender, but by that time, Liliana-sama should be back on the throne—or rather, back as the Queen of the demons."
"And with the strategy Yuki-dono mentioned, there is no need to worry?"
"Yes. If they still swear loyalty even after that, it’s not just blindness—it’s a simple death wish."
Indeed, if that strategy succeeds, the hardliners will have no choice but to fall. It is a strategy that renders the very existence of the hardliners meaningless.
As we were talking, the Demon King’s flag was finally lowered from the barrier, and the flags of the various Allied nations were hoisted in its place.
"It seems it has fallen."
"Yes. Though it’s anticlimactic. Usually, a barrier like this would take ten days, or even a month to capture..."
"The result of the groundwork. To think it fell in a mere four hours. By the way, what is the schedule for today? Are we advancing immediately?"
"No, the plan is to cooperate with the friendly forces stationed here, so the advance ends for today. We have to tend to the wounded and clean up after the capture. We will likely take a 'rest'—under the guise of gathering intelligence—for a day or two."
"There was also a plan for additional provisions to arrive later, wasn't there?"
"Yes. If the barrier fell, this place was to become a supply depot and a relay point for transport. We need to prepare for that and station defensive troops. It happened faster than expected, so there is no need to rush."
As we were talking, Seraria-sama approached us. Naturally, it was the doppelganger.
"I came over after receiving the report, but it seems there are no issues. It looks like the elite of Roschur, with a little support from Lithea and Gartz, managed to handle it."
"Thank you for your hard work, Seraria-sama."
"The ones who deserve the praise this time are the Roschur soldiers who stood on the front lines."
"You’re as modest as ever, Crack. Certainly, Roschur’s efforts were significant, but it was the recovery and support from Lithea, and the iron wall of Gartz’s great shields. This victory is thanks to the Allied forces. And thanks to our new friends who lent us their strength. Look."
At Seraria-sama’s words, we looked at the soldiers cheering on the barrier. Roschur, Lithea, Gartz, and demons were all locking arms and shouting together. In other areas, Lithea soldiers and magic-proficient demons were desperately treating the injured.
Everywhere you looked, there was no discrimination based on race or nation. Everyone here was a comrade-in-arms, a friend. And this would become a bridge to friendship—a certain step toward peace on the continent.
"I am sure this event will go down in history."
"Likely."
"What are you saying? Don't be satisfied with just this. The road ahead is still long."
Indeed, this was merely a foothold. Just one move toward eliminating war from the continent as much as possible.
"However, Seraria-sama. The arrangements are already in place, aren't they?"
"Yes, of course. Whose strategy do you think it is?"
"……It is Yuki-sama’s, isn't it? I don't believe this is Seraria-sama’s achievement."
"My husband’s achievements are my own. Isn't that right, Crack?"
"Ah, well. That is true, but one could also say it isn't."
Sir Crack seemed to find it difficult to speak, but if I didn't say something sharp here, she would start bragging about her husband, so I had to change the subject at all costs.
"By the way, where is Yuki-sama?"
"Hmm? Yuki is at home preparing dinner."
"「……」"
How should I put this? I know Yuki-sama’s personality, but isn't this spoiling Seraria-sama a bit too much? I mean, he is the Queen’s spouse, the military strategist, and a great figure who can move four nations—including the demon nation—with a single word, yet Seraria-sama treats him like a servant.
"What’s with those looks? It’s just a hobby of his. The food is delicious, and his work is never delayed. There’s no problem, is there?"
"Well……"
"……That is true."
We both managed to mutter a response. Though, I wonder about the order of her priorities—dinner first, work second?
As we were talking, Dest-sama returned from the barrier.
"……The complete pacification of the barrier is finished. From here on, we will begin transporting supplies and selecting the defensive units."