第１３６３堀：女神と一緒 (Part1)
Chapter 1363: With the Goddess
Side: Ria
In the end, the battle concluded while we simply sat around, idling in the headquarters beneath the fortress.
Well, that in itself is a very good thing.
For us to stand on the front lines is, in every sense, a sign of a dire situation.
Above all, Yuki-san would never desire such a state of affairs, so it would only happen if things were truly desperate.
Even so, we remained in full gear, ready for combat at a moment’s notice...
"Ah, my shoulders are stiff. Micos-chan’s chest is so large that it makes this even tighter than usual..."
"Huh? What’s that supposed to mean? Are you taking a jab at me?"
"Come now, Kagura, don't pick a fight over every little thing. Besides, Kagura, you have a perfectly normal chest yourself."
"...Hmm. Whether one has a chest or not is irrelevant. Still, wearing armor makes me feel a sense of tension, and I suppose I am somewhat fatigued. Even though, in terms of stats, there shouldn't be any burden at all."
"It is a matter of atmosphere, I suppose. Until now, our nerves were frayed, but with that tension gone, our consciousness has shifted to the armor we are unaccustomed to. I, too, feel the same discomfort."
The members who do not usually wear armor were discussing their fatigue.
Incidentally, my own breasts have grown a size larger since I gave birth.
I suppose they are a bit larger than average now.
"I hate to interrupt your relaxation, but the situation is not yet resolved. Isn't that right, Agil?"
Defes’s words pierced through our idle chatter.
"That’s right. We haven't received word that the operation is complete. Well, we have succeeded in repelling this particular enemy force, but..."
"I mean, thinking that only this place was attacked is a bit strange, isn't it?"
"Indeed. I believe we must confirm the safety of the other towns as well."
Kaya and Claudia’s observations made us snap to attention.
That’s right.
This is a war of sorts, isn't it?
It is unlikely that the army attacking Suurus is limited to just one force in one location.
Our Weed has the monster corps led by Steve and his men, the navy under Dressa’s care, the monster units led by Aslin, the human units headed by Seraria, and even the aviation units currently undergoing operational testing—all of which are further subdivided.
...My own village was crushed by a unit dispatched by an army.
Recalling the past, I felt a slight wave of nausea.
"So, General Steve, what is the word from the top? Are we to remain on standby?"
"I’m inquiring right now. Please wait a moment."
It seems Steve is contacting Yuki-san via call in response to Menou’s question.
I exchanged a glance with Agil, wondering if we should also reach out...
"It would be redundant since Steve is already doing it. Well, what we can expect next is confirming the safety of the towns and villages across Suurus. Plus, we’ll need to contact the royal capital and offer greetings for the reinforcements we provided, I imagine."
"Indeed. While we did receive a request for reinforcements, it was from Litea, and the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance acted upon a misinterpretation of that request. To us, this was a natural course of action, but for Suurus, it is inevitable that they would view us as an unknown army that has suddenly encroached upon their territory. I believe it is necessary for us to offer greetings alongside the person in charge..."
"Ugh. Greetings to the King and such? Will that be alright? What do you think, Kagura?"
"It’s wartime; it can't be helped. If they want to complain to us about it, then that shows the extent of their character. We can just refrain from future associations."
"True. Still, that doesn't mean we should be rude. There is likely an envoy from Litea, so it would be ideal if that person could teach us a bit about Suurus’s etiquette..."
Just as Enora finished saying that—
"Eh? Seriously? That person is coming here? Ah, I see. Yes, yes, I understand. I’ll have the scouts and the intelligence division move out ahead."
Steve seemed remarkably surprised as he spoke.
Who could be coming?
As I wondered this, Steve looked up.
"The Boss just contacted me; he says we are to head to the royal capital of the Suurus Principality and confirm the current situation. He said the envoy from Litea arrived at the northern town and has already departed, but there’s no guarantee the enemy is only here, nor that the envoy arrived safely. So, he’s sending the Litea envoy through the Gate, and he wants us to act as their escort."
"Well, that’s reasonable. Though, I hadn't imagined there might be other armies. It’s a possibility, of course."
As Agil said this, we all nodded.
Yes, I had thought this was the extent of it, too.
But there is certainly a possibility of other threats, and we must hurry to confirm.
"I understand the situation. And who is this envoy from Litea coming here?"
"Uh, well, that is..."
For some reason, Steve faltered.
"Yoo-hoo~ Everyone~"
With that bright voice, Lilishe-sama walked into the conference room for some reason.
" " "Eh?" " "
My understanding couldn't keep up.
Why is Lilishe-sama here?
As we all stared with that thought in mind, Steve began to explain.
"I understand your surprise. However, it makes sense once you hear the explanation. Lilishe-sama served as a priest at a church in the Suurus Principality about ten years ago. It stands to reason that she would be familiar with the internal affairs of Suurus."
" " "Ah..." " "
I see.
I was about to be convinced, but wasn't she at my village about ten years ago?
Just as I thought that—
"I was with Ria-chan before I was in Suurus. Besides, quite a few years have passed since I came to Weed."
"Ah, now that you mention it, that’s true."
It has indeed been over five years since I came to Weed, and Lilishe-sama was at my village over fifteen years ago.
...I feel like I’ve aged quite a bit.
No, no, I am still plenty young, and my figure is superb.
"And so~ I was asked by Alstaire-chan to come as an envoy. And since I’ve been entrusted to all of you for protection, I’m counting on you~"
While I was lost in strange thoughts, Lilishe-sama offered her greeting.
"Okay. If Lilishe-sama is going, there’s no problem. I was wondering how much of our information we should disclose, but it’s a relief not to have to worry about that."
"Indeed, she is the best possible person for the job. So, General Steve, when do we depart?"
"In one hour. We have drones and familiars flying ahead for aerial reconnaissance."
"And so far, there are no issues?"