The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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We couldn’t afford to delay on our way to Arael Fortress. We hurriedly completed our reorganization and pressed onwards.

It was only natural to encounter several minor skirmishes. They were all weaker opponents than the first battle, so they weren’t particularly difficult. However, the problem was that shamans and demons were consistently involved in every single fight.

Thus, I couldn’t ignore our dwindling supplies and the growing fatigue of our troops. We ultimately made a decision.

“Let’s proceed with the route suggested by Shione.”

Having pierced through the Erosion Zone and reached Arael Fortress in the shortest distance, I worried whether the soldiers hearing our decision might tremble in anxiety.

Surprisingly, their voices were not that negative.

“How many battles have we won? With Princess Shione’s magic and the head of the Family watching over us, there’s no need to be afraid.”

“Even if you say that, your voice is shaking. While telling others not to be scared, it sounds like you’re the most terrified one.”

“…Still, we’re going into the Erosion Zone so openly.”

“We only said we’re aiming to cross quickly. We didn’t mention fighting in the Erosion Zone. Besides, unlike the Special Mission Team, it’s obvious the head of the Family will protect us. I think we’ve been saved enough times now… It feels like the little spirits are becoming familiar, too.”

Unfortunately, there was nothing we could do for the soldiers we couldn’t protect. However, the number of soldiers we saved was overwhelmingly larger.

Even the soldiers who perished in battle would be honored and respected once the war concluded. I proclaimed that we would ensure their families had a means of living.

Of course, the most significant aspect was that we treated them with unwavering consistency, and the trust built upon those victories was shining through.

And I, too, had something to rely on for this breakthrough operation.

“I sent a letter to Adelhaite.”

According to Shione, Adelhaite claimed she would enter Arael Fortress faster than us through a different route. I had written and sent her a letter.

I heard that her ministers fervently objected, but I couldn’t fathom why the princess herself would ignore them and decide to march into the most dangerous fortress.

Since she was reportedly at Arael Fortress,

“It was Adelhaite who pushed for friendship.”

The princess, who had skillfully utilized her connections with Shione and me, was now in a position to help us.

If the letter reached her safely, her army would surely be dispatched to the Erosion Zone to assist our movement.

As I lost myself in thought for a moment, a cold gust of wind jolted me back to focus.

“It’s certainly very cold.”

Fortunately, the weather was fair, but the chill of northern winter was beginning to set in.

The beggars and slaves of the West also faced harsh winters alike, but the lower-class folks from the North likely experienced a daily battle for survival.

I prayed for the war to end as soon as possible before it got colder when I heard a lively conversation among the commanders behind me.

“So, is the match with Lady Diolia still not finished?”

“…It’s because we excel in different areas. I deal with demons primarily, while Senior Diolia faces monsters, so it’s hard to compare.”

“Despite that, the head of the Special Mission Team piles up monsters in every fight. Even if our Hanelrn is mainly dealing with demons… that’s quite different, isn’t it?”

“Theia, I’m from the North.”

“Why is being from the North suddenly coming up?”

“Provoking a woman from the North won’t do anyone any good. Haven’t you heard? Northerners can be reckless when riled up!”

“…Sorry.”

They were having a grand old time. I, too, was keen to hear the result of Diolia and Hanelrn’s match soon, but if I chimed in now, I might just set Hanelrn off.

Thus, as we idly chatted away the time, we made our way forward.

“We’ve arrived at the edge of the Erosion Zone!”

Finally, we reached the Erosion Zone.

*

“Count Shianella, you’ve worked hard in this battle.”

Upon Adelhaite’s summons, Ainel, battered and covered in blood, silently bowed her head.

Blood from the numerous monsters she had killed sprawled around. The tense atmosphere of the fierce master from earlier remained, exuding an immense pressure.

Yet, Adelhaite continued without being daunted by Ainel’s air.

“As I mentioned, I’ve ordered the construction of two additional high-ranking magic circles to confront the dragon. The binding spell will be able to tighten its constriction more effectively than the existing one, and the attack spell should be capable of tearing off at least one of its wings.”

“How reassuring it is to have Your Highness, who bears the blood of a true dragon, helping the hunting party! However, I lack deep knowledge of magic, so I still have some lingering questions.”

Ainel spoke boldly without feeling inferior to Adelhaite.

“When we discussed the additional constructions with Your Highness, the dragon’s movements seemed to have accelerated. Thus, while it’s good to have a more advanced and complete magic circle installed, I wonder if we can gather enough mana before the dragon appears. I believe it may be better to have the wizards focus on refining the existing magic circles rather than setting up more.”

Despite being the next queen, she still held the title of princess.

On the other hand, Ainel was a master and the head of a prominent family from the West.

“In accordance with the command of Her Majesty the Queen, as the commander fulfilling the duties of slaying the dragon, let me ask: Do you believe the additional installation of the two magic circles is still a worthy investment under these changed circumstances?”

She boldly questioned whether building a delayed magic circle held any value whatsoever.

“Refinement is merely an enhancement. The fundamental spells of my magic circle differ entirely from the existing ones. After repeated refinements and improvements, they won’t yield significant utility. I believe it’s far better to spend all that time and effort on constructing new magic circles. Moreover, with wizards from the royal army, and of course, the wizard legions of the Rephelia and Peiyosha families joining us, we should be able to complete it within the expected timeframe.”

Adelhaite, showing no signs of displeasure, proceeded to explain Ainel’s words.

“If the eldest daughter of the Rephelia family finishes her guard duty with the head of the Special Mission Team and returns, it should come to a swift conclusion. Also, the more magic is built, the more things I see within the dragon. I believe this endeavor is a sufficiently valuable investment.”

As soon as her words ended,

Boom─

From somewhere beyond the fortress walls, a powerful explosion and a beast’s roar echoed faintly.

In response, both Adelhaite and Ainel turned their bodies and gazed in silence toward the source of the sound.

The Count, who had been silent thus far, began to fiddle with the hilt of his sword.

“Then, I will respect and support your judgment, Your Highness. However, Princess Adelhaite… The roars of the dragon have been heard twice now, both yesterday and today. There’s a possibility that all demons have either fled or been slain, and the assaults on the fortress have diminished. Before we dive into completing the magic circles, I would like to ask for a moment of your time.”

“Count, you are one of the most trusted among my mother’s confidants. How could I refuse your request? However, may I ask for the reason behind your request?”

“My duty is to subdue the dragon in accordance with Her Majesty’s command and the ancestral contract. As such, I am not at all inclined to be easily defeated by the enemy, but I have personally felt the cults becoming more aggressive as of late.”

“……”

“With that, the likelihood of a deadly battle arising between the great demon and the dragon has significantly increased. I wish to devise a plan with you, Your Highness, considering the worst-case scenario.”

“We already have responses for every potential defeat prepared. Many tacticians have combined their ideas into several operational plans.”

“You mentioned that your existing magic circle and your Highness’s magic circle differ fundamentally. I feel the same way.”

Ainel Shianella took a moment to catch her breath.

As she opened her mouth again, her voice was steadfast, devoid of any quaking tones.

“The plans we’ve established so far do not account for my sacrifice.”

As soon as the Count mentioned the word ‘sacrifice’, Adelhaite’s composed expression cracked for the first time.

“Princess Adelhaite.”

She instinctively looked at Ainel through her dragon’s eyes.

Ainel met her gaze quietly and continued to speak.

“With this Duke, should the worst come to worst, I have a strategy that can turn this situation into a counter-offensive.”

Her unwavering thoughts were too firm to dismiss as mere nonsense, and the various fates reflected in her eyes revealed a deeper truth.

For a while, Adelhaite could only hold her gaze with Ainel in silence.