第１３５７堀：挨拶と作戦概要の説明 (Part1)
Chapter 1357: Greetings and Operational Overview
Side: Agil
*Clatter, clatter...*
The sound echoed as I checked my equipment. Beside me, Jessica had already finished her preparations and stood there with a composed air.
"You're quick, Jessica."
"When one acts alongside Lady Marly, speed in donning weapons and armor becomes a necessity."
"Ah, fair point."
That sounds exactly like something that battle-junkie would demand. Her adaptability is incredible, but the subordinates who have to keep up with her certainly have it rough.
"Still, it’s been a while since I’ve had to gear up like this. Could you take a look?"
"Certainly."
Jessica circled around me, inspecting my equipment.
"The armor is fine. But isn't your lab coat supposed to be quite the defensive gear by now?"
"Yeah, it is. I asked Narjia, and she had it woven from fibers created by Firia."
Indeed, it was a masterpiece—legendary metal spun into thread, retaining its flexibility while becoming a garment. Even as simple clothing, it boasted far greater defensive power than standard plate armor. This was our standard issue.
"I see. Then why the armor?"
"It’s about the mindset. Wearing the armor gets me in the zone, you know? It’s the same for you, isn't it?"
"Yes. I see, so that is how you get into the right frame of mind, Agil."
"Exactly. If there were more people, I’d be happy to hang back, but this time, that’s not an option."
"...True. With a Dungeon Master involved, things could get complicated."
"Right. At worst, we’ll have to hit the front lines. If that happens, it’s our job to hold the vanguard. We can't leave that to Kagura and the others."
I glanced toward Kagura and the others standing in the rear. Jessica followed my gaze and offered a wry smile. They were trembling. It wasn't as if this were their first time, but perhaps the intelligence regarding a potential Dungeon Master had them more rattled than usual.
"You two, hurry up and get dressed! We don't have much time before General Steve and his forces reach the destination."
"I-I know! But..."
"Ahaha, s-sorry, I just can't stop shaking..."
Despite Enora’s scolding, they remained visibly terrified. If they were that stiff, they’d end up pulling back at the wrong moment and putting themselves in danger. Reckless, headlong charges are bad, but being this paralyzed with fear is just as dangerous. Now, how to bring them back to their senses...
"Hey."
*Thwack!*
"!?!"
Before I could move, Deryu appeared with a dull thud. She had delivered a sharp rap to their heads, and the two were now hunched over, clutching their skulls.
"Honestly. Yuki asked me to look after you, but what do you think you're doing, acting like this from the start?"
"D-Deryu-san..."
"O-ouch..."
"I understand you're afraid because there will be combat, but there is no need for excessive terror. There is a possibility of a Dungeon Master, but Steve will be the first to establish a base. We plan to pour in a massive amount of DP to ensure it isn't seized. The interior will not collapse. When the Dungeon Master charges in, you simply have to strike back head-on."
She punctuated her words by slamming her fist into her palm. It was a sentiment befitting a martial-arts-loving Demon Lord.
"Deryu is right. I know you can't just calm down instantly, but pull yourselves together by the time we arrive. If you do that, we can provide the necessary support."
"Indeed. It might seem strange to be perfectly calm on a battlefield, but when it is for the sake of the youth, there is no shame in it. Please rely on Lady Menou and myself. And, of course, on everyone else as well."
Menou and Show, dispatched as external reinforcements, remained perfectly composed. By "external," I mean they weren't part of the inner circle of wives or family. The Holy Sword users like Difes were considered family.
"Mm. There is nothing to worry about. If the situation turns dire, we will retreat."
"That is correct. We have escape routes secured, and we have Yuki-sama’s backup. You only need to demonstrate the fruits of your training."
For some reason, Cleena and Samantha, who shouldn't have had that much experience in actual warfare, were far steadier than I expected. Is it because of everything they’ve experienced alongside Yuki?
"It will be fine. They have defended the borders of Weed. When the time comes, they will act with composure. I, who was once their enemy, can vouch for that. Please, believe in them."
"Stasia..."
Stasia was fully geared up in her iron mask this time, hiding her face. It showed just how serious she was. Her follow-up seemed to lighten the atmosphere, not just for the two of them, but for everyone around. Perhaps it was the realization that they did, in fact, have real combat experience.
With the mood improved...
"Alright, it looks like we're ready. Let’s go, everyone."
As I said that, everyone nodded and headed toward Yuki. Yuki was waiting in the conference room, and the kings of the great nations were watching us. In this specific instance, we were acting as reinforcements from the great nations. I sighed—even though I’d married into Yuki’s household, I was still being used for political maneuvering. But given the circumstances, there was no other choice. There simply wasn't enough time to wait for the great nations to mobilize their own reinforcements. I hoped they would discuss the deployment of standing armies and rapid-response forces in the future.
"Is everyone feeling alright? No health issues?"
"Yes. Everyone is fine."
I answered on behalf of the group. I had held the rank of general, after all. Stasia and Jessica were serving as vice-commanders. Stasia was certainly qualified to be the general, but due to seniority and my familiarity with Weed’s methods, I had been entrusted with the command. Normally, Seraria would be at the top, but she was staying behind for the conference, and since we were reinforcements from another land, the core members of Weed were essentially sitting this one out.
Well, with the Demon Lord and Hero duo of Deryu and Ria dispatched, it was clear how worried they were.
After finishing our greetings with Yuki, I turned to the kings of the various nations.
"We shall now depart to provide relief to Litea, representing the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance."
"Very well. However, Agil—and all of you—you remain Yuki-dono’s wives. Do not push yourselves too hard."
"Yes!"
Words from King Enaria VII were rare. Well, I was the representative, so it was only natural he’d say something. After exchanging greetings with each of the kings, we gathered once more. We had some time before Steve and his forces arrived, so I began the briefing to explain the operational overview.