第２０５掘：迫る時 (Part2)
Although I had added some minor embellishments, my gear was still pitiful compared to the Princesses'. To project the aura of a battle-hardened veteran, I’d intentionally dirtied and scratched it up. My only weapon was a single-handed sword resting in a crude scabbard at my waist.
"It’s so rare for us to see Yuki wearing such heavy-duty equipment," Seraria remarked.
"Usually, you’re just in a hoodie or a dress shirt, after all," Rurua added.
"……It doesn't match the atmosphere of this continent at all," Eris muttered.
Well, there’s no reason to wear clothes that restrict movement if you don't have to. My defensive capabilities, combined with the protection of my wives, are more than enough—and besides, I’m a Doppelganger to begin with.
"However, seeing you in that gear puts our minds at ease," Jessica said. Ria nodded in agreement, and the others followed suit.
"After all, the plan is for you to lead the vanguard this time, Yuki," Ria noted.
"Yes. Even if you are a Doppelganger, it’s not good for our hearts to see you on the front lines without armor and in your everyday clothes," Jessica added.
That’s right. The highlight of this Betan defense battle is my appearance on the front lines. If I don't do it, the morale of our allies—facing an army of 120,000—might crumble. Unless I show them the strength of the man who defeated the Magic Sword User, they won't be able to stand their ground against such overwhelming numbers.
I could have one of my wives do it, but that would only lead people to question my position as the leader. The real reason I’m doing this is to identify the enemy’s Magic Sword User. The commander of 120,000 troops wouldn't easily show their face on the front lines, and if defeat seems imminent, they might just retreat. We could pursue them with our strength, but it’s better not to reveal our true capabilities to the enemy just yet.
My standing on the front lines is merely to show off a fraction of my power and lure them in. The rest is up to the defensive line. I’ll pretend to be locked in a desperate struggle with the Magic Sword User, while the others fight tooth and nail at the defense line. Then, once I "defeat" the Magic Sword User, our morale will soar, the enemy’s will plummet, they’ll retreat, and we’ll claim victory. That was the plan.
"For now, it seems there are no changes to this strategy," I said.
"As long as the enemy comes here without changing their plans, that is. We’ll get the next scout report soon, and after that, it’s the final pre-battle meeting with Horst and the others."
During the battle, as I said, I’ll be on the front lines, so I might not have much breathing room... or so I thought. No, the Magic Sword User is surely strong, so I definitely won't have any room to spare!!
...But that strategy crumbled with an emergency transmission.
『Can you hear me!! This is Milly!!』
"I hear you. What happened?"
The emergency call came from Milly, who was on standby in Weed. Her voice sounded uncharacteristically panicked.
『Seraria has gone into labor!! She’s calmed down a bit now, so we’re transporting her to the hospital!! But the midwife says there’s a high chance the baby will be born today or tomorrow!! I know you’re busy, but is there any way you can all come back here!!』
"「「！？」」"
Everyone in the room froze.
Wait, hold on. Seraria’s due date was still three weeks away... though I suppose that’s within the margin of error!! This is bad, really bad. If I keep playing around with the enemy, I won't be by Seraria’s side!!
"Change of plans!! We’re going to them and crushing them right now!!"
"「「Yes!!」」"
None of my wives objected. I can just give Horst a post-battle report later.
"If it’s come to this, let’s make it so flashy that no one will believe it was human-made!!"
"「「Oooooh!!」」"
Sorry, enemy forces—and you two Magic Sword Users—but I don't have the luxury for adjustments anymore. And so, the "approaching time" wasn't for battle, but for childbirth.
Now, leaving the enemy aside, will Seraria’s child be a boy or a girl!! And will Yuki be able to wait calmly instead of pacing back and forth in front of the hallway!!