Third day of the Moon of Azure.
Lily and I left the preparations for the decisive battle to others and arrived early at the Varna Forest Sea. Of course, our destination after teleportation was the “Meteor Fall,” where the Original Monolith is located.
The Alliance of Beasts, which rules over the dense jungles of Varna, did not submit just because they formed an alliance with the Empire. Therefore, we cannot freely open teleportation here, and the only teleportation route to this place remains “Meteor Fall.”
Fahren and Adamantoria, anticipating the immense convenience and commercial potential, were proactive in opening teleportation routes to other regions, but in Varna, which is predominantly tribal in lifestyle, this did not spread. They tend to be quite closed off, for better or worse. Simply speaking of gains might not be enough to convince them to submit to the Empire.
As Xenongart had feared, it is difficult to demand their submission when they are not yet cornered to the brink of survival. In the worst case, I may have to rely on Lily to intimidate them…but that would be a last resort. First and foremost, I must exhaust all diplomatic efforts.
That is why I, the Emperor of Elroad, along with Queen Lily of Pandemonium, the two top figures of the Empire, have come.
“I am Lionel Leoguyger, the Beast King of Varna, and the leader of the Clan of Great Fangs. You have come well, Demon King Chrono and Queen Lily. It has reached my ears, even from afar, about the remarkable progress of the Empire.”
Lionel, the face of the Empire and the Alliance of Beasts, greeted us today with a grand smile befitting a lion beastman.
I shook hands firmly at this long-awaited reunion, while Lily was joyfully held in his arms, touching Lionel’s mane.
“Have the representatives of the Alliance of Beasts gathered?”
“Sorry, it’s been rather sudden, and we have just about half of them gathered. That’s why I said to set up one teleportation route.”
“No, it’s fine. We have things we want to discuss first.”
“Before long, the Great Expedition Army will arrive.”
Lionel said with a frown, so pronounced it was clear even with his lion’s face. He likely understands the gravity of the situation in Varna better than anyone.
A massive army that has destroyed country after country is finally invading here.
“Even now, things are quite volatile in Salawin.”
“I knew those were also forces of the Cross Religion.”
“We tried negotiating with them as well, but they are completely closed off. No, maybe it’s better to say that they maintain a stance of independence… In any case, Salawin is having a huge amount of supplies transported in from various places. Additionally, there are increasing numbers of what seem to be advance parties disguised as adventurers or mercenaries.”
According to Lionel, they tried to convince Salawin to join the alliance with the Empire, but they insisted on their autonomy, refusing to listen at all. When asked about the threat of the Crusaders, they maintained a stance that they are a commercial city and merely conduct business equally with anyone, which seems to be a unanimous opinion in their conference.
Of course, they do not genuinely burn with the spirit of a just and fair merchant; they are Cross followers who are rather just waiting eagerly for the Crusaders’ arrival. The hidden Cross followers are originally forces that have been in Pandora. They likely feel safer and more reliable siding with Nero’s Great Expedition Army rather than the Crusaders from Sinclair.
From the interrogation of the Crusaders captured in the Konahat liberation battle, it appears that the Crusaders from Sinclair and Nero’s Great Expedition Army do not have complete cooperation and remain in a state of mutual non-interference. As long as I, who claim to be the Demon King, lead the demon race to annihilation, they will not oppose us, but afterwards they will undoubtedly fight over the hegemony of the continent, so their recognition as potential rivals is the basic understanding of the Sinclair nobles who participated in the expedition.
The same applies to the Cross forces from Pandora. Salawin likely aims for control over Varna by fully cooperating with the Great Expedition Army this time.
“How about we strike Salawin while we still can?”
“We can’t move recklessly before negotiating with the Alliance of Beasts.”
Lionel’s suggestion has its merits. If we leave things as they are, they will gather troops and resources, and join forces with the Great Expedition Army, thereby increasing their combat power.
If so, eliminating them while they are still on their own could prevent an increase in their strength.
“They’re probably disguising themselves to avoid declaring that they are still enemies. Even if it’s obvious.”
“Since we have had a long association with Salawin, even if they’re clearly not enemies within the alliance, attacking them from our side will likely face more opposition.”
If it’s simply opposition, it might be fine, but there’s a risk of them dragging us down or acting in ways that benefit the enemy. The attacking side always needs a justifiable reason.
“Furthermore, if we crush Salawin first, it becomes uncertain how the Great Expedition Army will move. We want to be in the best position to meet them within the dense jungles of Varna. If the enemy doesn’t come at us in an organized manner from the front, we’ll be at a disadvantage.”
The main reason not to attack Salawin at this point is strategic convenience.
It is the main entrance to the Varna Forest Sea, and the highway leading to Meteor Fall is broad and well-maintained, becoming the shortest route. However, there are multiple paths to enter Varna.
Crushing or obstructing routes that are easy for a large army to advance can be tactically correct, but in this case, it is important to ensure that the enemy’s forces are concentrated in a single route.
We cannot predict where Misa might appear from. If the Great Expedition Army splits into multiple parts and attacks via different routes, it becomes very troublesome.
However, at the same time, the Great Expedition Army would not want to advance through narrow, treacherous roads that are not well-maintained, nor would they want to risk being ambushed and wiped out.
They would want to advance in a way that avoids dispersion and minimizes the risk of getting lost in the dense jungle. Based on Misa’s nature, she likely won’t allow any other strategy, as it would be inconvenient.
“Hmm, I see. Then for now, it’s best to just ensure that our compatriots in Salawin retreat.”
“Yeah, if beastmen remain in that town, we can only imagine what could happen. It would be worse than the ‘Judgment Arrow.'”
Once they join forces with the Great Expedition Army, there will be no need for neutrality, and they will likely be the first to suppress the demon race. Whether it’s Sinclair or Pandora, the Cross believers will act the same anywhere.
“Hey, hey, where’s Laila?”
With a look suggesting that our discussion was boring, the young version of Lily asked Lionel.
“She should be in the lab. Since that time, she’s been holed up in there.”
Lionel replied with a troubled expression.
Laila is his youngest daughter, and Lily has a connection with her because she rescued Laila from the “Judgment Arrow.” After that incident, it seemed Laila had become quite fond of Lily.
“Then I’ll go play with Laila!”
“Make sure to come back by dinner.”
“Okay!”
With that, Lily bounced off cheerfully as she ran out of the room.
“Who would have thought that such a free-spirited fairy would be a queen? I still can’t believe it.”
“Yeah, Lionel hasn’t seen the true power of Lily yet…”
Depending on the negotiations with the Alliance of Beasts this time, I might end up trembling in fear. However, I hope it doesn’t come to that.
The cult “Judgment Arrow,” which caused great unrest in Varna with the abduction of beastmen, was based at an ancient hidden fortress revived by its founder, who was well-versed in ancient magic. The cult was swiftly annihilated by the Rank 5 adventurer party “Element Master.”
After the incident, the hidden fortress was placed under the management of the Alliance of Beasts to prevent it from being misused again, and for that purpose, Lily dispatched several homunculi. Thus, having effectively secured control over the fortress, Lily had not simply left it unattended.
“Ohhh! Lily, it’s been a while!!”
“It has been a while, Laila. You look just as lively as ever, and that’s great.”
Welcoming Lily, who had come to the hidden fortress alone, was Laila, Lionel’s daughter.
With her beautiful silver fur and dignified appearance, she looked like a lion beastman warrior, but at that moment she was not clad in armor, but in a lab coat. Large round lenses that displayed visuals were firmly secured on her nose, belonging to an ancient relic known as goggles. Her attire was very much akin to that of a researcher working at the Magic Engineering Bureau.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t come by for a while. But I’ve heard a lot about you. You seem to have become quite knowledgeable in ancient magic.”
“Oh, I’m just a novice filled with things I don’t know—I’m still far from regaining management rights from you, Miss Lily.”
Laila, despite her youth, became the formal representative managing the hidden fortress. Being the beloved daughter of the former clan leader and a participant in the incident, there were no particular objections.
Now, as that appalling place where the abducted beastmen were sacrificed, Laila was sent to study ancient magic diligently under the guidance of the homunculi to make that great power an asset to themselves.
At this point, she learned to operate the hidden fortress almost as well as the founder did and had acquired remarkable skills among the beastmen who worked there. Therefore, she realized that at that time, Lily had intentionally activated the concealment barrier and that the administrator of the hidden fortress was still set as Lily.
“Hehe, if you understand that well, perhaps I can truly return management rights to you this time.”
“I don’t think of it as being deceived. I respect you deeply, Lily, and admire your power… Therefore, please lend us your strength to save our Clan of Great Fangs, Your Majesty.”
Laila knelt before the small Lily in a profound bow typical of the Empire.
Having learned ancient magic allows her to comprehend just how powerful Elroad, which wields it, is. She understands that the Crusaders, who boast technological prowess equivalent to the Empire’s and possess widely brutal armies and the Apostle blessed by the gods, are the most formidable hostile force that could potentially conquer the continent.
“Lift your head, Laila. Chrono is very kind; he would never forsake you. And you are my friend, so I will help you.”
“Thank you, Lily…”
Smiling, Lily gently embraced Laila, who was bowing down.
Lily, who would impose any sacrifice for Chrono and accomplish any atrocity as a queen, still finds herself softening toward those who sincerely admire her, such as Laila.
Since Chrono had decided to change strategy so that the beastmen of Varna would not be sacrificed, it seems only natural for Lily to feel a desire to protect her few friends.
“Now then, shall I see your research results?”
“Yes! There are many things I want to show you, Miss Lily!”
Holding Lily in her arms, Laila excitedly began to guide her through the fortress, which had become her ancient magic research facility.
—
Sixth day of the Moon of Azure. Three days have already passed since we arrived in Varna.
We have received confirmed information that the main forces of the Great Expedition Army led by Misa have finally departed from Damascus and slowly begun to advance this way.
When we were journeying across the continent toward Karamala, the schedule from Damascus to Salawin took about eight days. With a large army led by slow-moving infantry, it wouldn’t be surprising if it took double or even triple that time.
The decisive battle, at the earliest, would be around the middle of the moon, and if they launched a proper offensive, it would likely take until the end of the month. However, the terrifying possibility remains that Misa might change her mind and fly here immediately with Peaceful Heart.
It’s unlikely that Misa, separate from Nero, would come charging into the enemy’s main stronghold alone. In that case, we would be ready to greet her with the Anti-Cross. They can come from anywhere.
With that attitude, we are preparing as thoroughly as possible.
The Empire Army is arriving in droves to Meteor Fall, urgently fortifying our defenses there.
Additionally, we are deploying quite a number of troops to utilize the hidden fortress as a forward base. The ancient fortress, protected by a concealment barrier, is an excellent base for ambushing enemies advancing through the jungle. After finishing an ambush, they can return to the fortress, easily shaking off enemy pursuit.
Even if it is discovered, it is still an ancient fortress, albeit small. It could be quite defensible with full operational defenses, and it would be difficult for them to carry out a large-scale siege in such a jungle. Our main stronghold is Meteor Fall, after all.
For now, we are able to proceed with preparations for war as planned, but…
“It seems the Alliance is still reluctant to submit to the Empire.”
“Yeah, unfortunately, Xenongart’s words are holding true.”
In a room assigned within the temple at Meteor Fall, I discuss the results of the last three days with Lily.
While we have gained agreement to bring in a large number of the Empire Army and continue preparations for a counterattack, the Alliance of Beasts has yet to express their agreement to join us. I can only say that’s to be expected.
Given that I genuinely wish to save Varna, even if they refuse the collaboration, I will conduct a defense on my own. There’s no need for them to feel indebted or to make concessions.
“However, they don’t seem completely ungrateful.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“At the very least, they’d like to confirm the strength of the Great Expedition Army, enough to destroy Varna before expressing any willingness to submit to the Empire.”
There’s a suspicion that we are merely drumming up anxiety, blowing things out of proportion.
Of course, the movement towards war preparations in Salawin has become overtly active in the last few days, so the leaders of the Alliance of Beasts likely recognize that a major conflict seems imminent.
However, they currently do not know whether the Great Expedition Army is a force they can’t defeat on their own. The intelligence efforts to scout their movements are being conducted by us, and they cannot simply take the information provided by the Empire at face value.
That is why they insist on confirming with their own eyes a gigantic enemy, one that everyone can agree would necessitate their alliance with the Empire.
“Hmm, there isn’t much time to spare.”
“On the other hand, they won’t object to preparations for the counterattack.”
“Indeed, it’s fine to put the concern of the beastmen on the back burner.”
Initially, they do not rely on their combat power, and Lily stated that with an incredibly cool expression.
In instances like this, Lily truly is quite dry.
From my perspective, if we are to ambush the Great Expedition Army in the jungle, I would very much want the cooperation of the beastmen who are well-acquainted with the area. After all, we were able to carry out operations smoothly in Avalon and Fahren thanks to local collaborators. This is genuinely a matter of experience.
“Furthermore, I’ve been told that as the Demon King, I absolutely should visit each of the various beastman tribes’ settlements.”
“Summoning the Demon King like that, are they underestimating us?”
Should I halt their lifelines to teach them a lesson, Lily suggested before I calmed her down for the time being.
“It’s fine; it’s a war I started.”
For me, this is an expression of sincerity. I am well aware that when the Crusaders come, every little settlement will be obliterated regardless. However, involving them in the battle against those foes is entirely by my own volition.
It would be remiss not to see the land and people that will be drawn into the hellish Pandora Great War… or I might end up shirking my responsibilities within.
So, I must do this whenever I have the chance.
“Besides, I’ll also be liberating the monoliths wherever I go.”
“You really don’t have to do such menial tasks, Chrono. If necessary, I can just fly over.”
“What are you saying? You’ll be the busy one preparing for the counterattack, right? Right now, the only thing I can do is these kinds of performances, so leave it to me.”
To fully utilize the hidden fortress as a forward base, it is essential for Lily to make improvements there. Moreover, I would be at a loss without Lily commanding the Empire Army at Meteor Fall, as this will be the second mobilization of a large army following the Beldoria conquest.
“Ugh… If you insist, then I understand.”
“I’m sorry for the trouble I’m causing you.”
“It’s fine, it’s for Chrono.”
Thus, with Lily’s permission, I would start touring the various beastman tribal settlements spread throughout the vast Varna Forest Sea the following day.