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Chapter 306 part 2

「I am honored to respond to Count Lestel’s question. Vengitta, whom I fought, and Quince, whom my vassals engaged, both possessed unique abilities and were seasoned in combat.

Both are suited to face a multitude of opponents. Considering compatibility and strength, they should not be confronted with numbers.

If we must fight in numbers, we will need a relentless barrage of attack spells from a hundred magicians and melee combat from another hundred warriors, all receiving the benefits of supportive magic. Needless to say, both the magicians and warriors must be of at least first-rate skill and equipped with the finest gear.」

「I see… That’s a difficult situation. Had I not heard this, many soldiers might have been senselessly lost. Thank you, Baron.」

The bewitching batwoman Count Lestel tilted her head in concern, highlighting the extraordinary abilities of Christina and her vassals who had repelled such formidable foes.

The daughter of the Marquis of Almadia was notorious for her extraordinary, even nonsensical, territorial management, but her military prowess was equally unorthodox.

The conference attendees, some of whom had witnessed Christina and Dran’s combat at the previous year’s Magic Tournament, were astounded by their performance in the recent battle.

「No, sharing information to win against the Demon King’s Army is essential.」

Unaware of the attendees’ thoughts, Christina felt a childlike pride in expressing herself clearly, while Dran, standing behind her, smiled knowingly at her inner feelings.

The next to speak was Giorda, with the understanding that it was nearly impossible for ordinary soldiers to face the Demon Army’s Six Generals.

「The fake dragons we confronted were some of the toughest I’ve ever faced. Their numbers and quality will surely increase as we approach their stronghold.

We are willing, even eager, to assist you, but we may be fully occupied dealing with our own enemies.

I hear one of the Six Demon Generals is a queen of the fake dragons, likely a Dragon King level powerhouse. Is there a possibility of the famed Arc Witch participating? Or further reinforcements from your country?」

Giorda’s point was valid. Merle, the kingdom’s greatest strength, could potentially face one or two of the Six Demon Generals simultaneously and emerge victorious.

Merle’s immense power had made her difficult to utilize, but under the current circumstances, her deployment should be considered.

Responding to Giorda’s practical suggestion, Bearbe growled, his brow furrowed under thick fur. His bear-like growl was imposing, but Giorda’s larger and more formidable presence somewhat lessened its impact.

「Approval from His Majesty is required for Merle-sama’s participation. She possesses extraordinary power, capable of deterring a war by herself. A single action from her could decide the fate of a nation.

However, her power would be extremely useful against the formidable Demon King’s Army. Together with reinforcements from the capital, His Majesty will undoubtedly decide to dispatch her.

Fortunately, our losses in the recent battle were minimal, far below our initial projections, and we are in a fortunate position to engage our forces in the next battle directly.」

The Arkrest Kingdom’s minimal losses were largely due to the Demon King’s Army’s focus on the battle against Bern and the assistance of external forces.

Several religious orders with temples and churches in Bern offered benevolent collaboration, and Dragon Succubus from Caravis Tower provided various forms of logistical support, though they did not engage in combat.

「The priests have confirmed some unexplained phenomena, although we are grateful for the gods’ apparent prompt response to our prayers and the immediate effectiveness. In addition, the substantial assistance of the Dragon Succubus people was instrumental in maintaining the high morale of our soldiers and greatly aided us in medical care and other areas. I have nothing but words of gratitude.」

Lilyeltiel returned a soft smile to Bearbe’s heartfelt gratitude.

「Inside that tower, our abilities as Dragon Succubus might be considerable, but outside, our powers are not as significant. We cannot perform miracles like other great gods, and our assistance is modest. However, if our kin have been of help, we fulfill our role as allies. As dependents of the Ancient-Celestial Dragon, we cannot overlook the faux dragons of the Demon King’s Army, and we will continue to assist your country without reservation, both as Dragonkin and as Succubus.」

The smile she gave at the end of her words was temptingly appropriate for a succubus, but before the attendees could be captivated, Lilyeltiel added a thought.

「About the prompt response to the prayers, one reason is the tower. Its interior is a disjointed, patchwork world, including the battlefield of the gods. It’s known that temples of Mairahl, the Earth Mother Goddess, and Aldeath, the God of War, have been discovered there, originating from ancient times or different worlds. In the tower, gods can exert their power and rights more strongly than on Earth. The transmission of wills and miracles is quicker through the tower, which still retains remnants of the divine era. As we move away from the tower, prayers reach the gods with more difficulty, returning to normal. Hence, as we head deeper into The Dark Wilderness, we won’t see such convenient circumstances.」

「So, the tower has such an effect. However, attacking Mundus Carnus means we won’t benefit from it. Conversely, might the Demon King’s Army receive blessings from their ancestral god?」

To Bearbe’s insight about the potential increase in the Demon King’s Army’s power, Lilyeltiel nodded thoughtfully before responding.

「It’s not impossible, but the impact should be minimal. At most, they might feel a bit more energized. If the invasion was ordered by Sagrabas, the God of War, then your gods would need to intervene as part of a divine proxy war. I don’t know Sagrabas directly, but from what I’ve heard, he’s not a god to do such a thing, and this battle isn’t initiated by divine will.」

After listening to Lilyeltiel’s words, Christina turned to Dran at her back, who subtly nodded. Christina quietly acknowledged the point.

The lords were discussing whether to take the Dragon-Succubus goddess’s words positively when Christina suddenly raised her hand to speak.

「May I speak, Viscount Bearbe?」

「Yes, of course. Your words carry weight, especially as you have deep ties with Lady Lilyeltiel and have shown great valor in recent battles.」

Accepting Bearbe’s praise, albeit a bit shyly, Christina started speaking. As she spoke, all the lords focused their attention on her, but she endured without flinching, thinking it was easier than battling Vengitta.

「It may seem presumptuous, but if I may summarize Lady Lilyeltiel’s words, neither side will have a significant advantage from the gods’ blessings. While the gods’ mercy and miracles are indispensable, this war is waged by those living on Earth against others on Earth. Thus, I believe the outcome of this battle will be determined not by the gods, but by us, the actual combatants.」

Bearbe and Giorda admired Christina’s words, which emphasized that while the gods are great, the outcome of the war should be determined by the people’s strength, not by relying on the gods from the outset.

「Baron Berne is correct. Whether we live or die, kill or are killed, it’s up to us who live on Earth. Focusing too much on the gods of heaven and the demon realm will make us lose sight of the battle in front of us.」

Bearbe laughed warmly, and Lilyeltiel also smiled silently. As a goddess not of the heavens or the demon realm but of a unique place on Earth, she didn’t seem offended by Christina’s words. It seemed that the non-reliance on gods, possibly influenced by the dragon, was agreeable to her.

Christina, deciding to be bold, continued speaking under the attentive gaze of the lords.

「Even if we aim to invade the stronghold of Mundus Carnus, we lack sufficient information about the enemy. It’s obvious, but to shift from defense to offense, we urgently need to secure information, more military strength, and logistics. Attacking from our side with our current capabilities seems inadequate.」

「Indeed, Baron Berne is right. They moved large forces quickly using land warships, but we lack such equipment. Unless, of course, we could prepare nearly a thousand of Baron Berne’s mobile forts.」

「Preparing that many forts is unrealistic. Besides reinforcements from the kingdom, collaboration with other nations seems necessary.」

Christina’s statement, while potentially problematic, was not criticized by the attendees, who silently listened to the conversation between her and Bearbe.

「Perhaps the Romal Empire, also threatened by the Demon King’s Army?」

「Yes. Given the situation, both the Grand Duke and the Princess might accept cooperation with our country.」

「But will they easily accept a joint relationship? And such a significant matter must first be reported to His Majesty.」

「Of course. However, I assume that negotiations were already underway before the outbreak of the war with the Demon King’s Army. I’ve also heard rumors of someone on the other side who is quick to act.」

Behind Christina, Dran, the source of those rumors, secretly sighed about the situation of his alter ego currently active in the Romal Empire. His alter ego, appearing more human-like as a Dragonian, was with Gwandan’s group at Baroldi Castle, assisting Asteria in dealing with the Demon King’s Army and the rebels.

A notable addition to their group was a new godmaid, not a novice. The beautiful woman with black hair and golden eyes was cleaning the room assigned to Amria in front of the senior maids, Lynette, Gundeus, and Kyrlinne.

Lynette and her sisters, trained in imperial maid techniques, were now judging the new godmaid, who was diligently making the bed. Gwandan heard the sharpness in their words.

「The work is impeccable, without a single wrinkle. Despite hindering Gwandan-sama’s battle, you are competent.」

The new godmaid seemed unfazed by the harsh words. Kyrlinne, with a warm smile, commented next.

「Yes, you chose calming herbs for Amria, who often gets nervous. This scent is her favorite, very effective. But where’s the lack of awareness that baffled Gwandan-sama?」

The new godmaid almost choked at Kyrlinne’s relentless words.

She then replaced the flowers, freshened the water with a hint of lemon, and arranged a plate of fresh fruit, all with flawless efficiency.

Gwandan wondered if she learned this in the underworld, refraining from stopping the verbal knives of Gundeus and Kyrlinne, marveling at their boldness.

The final test awaited – Lynette. The new godmaid, trying to maintain composure, gracefully curtsied before Lynette and her sisters. Gwandan admired her skill.

「Your maid skills are beyond doubt. Lynette assures you’re qualified to care for Gwandan-sama and Amria’s personal needs.」

Gundeus and Kyrlinne didn’t object, and the relieved new godmaid received their approving gaze.

「Just remember not to become too narrow-minded in showing off your good points and disturb Gwandan-sama. Remember this always, Goddess Thanatos.」

In front of Gwandan, the new godmaid, the great goddess Thanatos, looked visibly deflated at Lynette’s final admonition.

「I’ll keep that in mind, Maid Chief Lynette, Deputy Maid Chief Gundeus, Deputy Maid Chief Kyrlinne. I feel so pathetic, like I want to live in a corner of the underworld, eating only dust and dirt.」

「Oh? Lamenting your circumstances before your master? You’re truly a great goddess of the underworld. We can’t imitate that.」

「I’m sorry, Maid Chief, I misspoke.」

Thanatos bowed deeply in apology, but Lynette’s tone remained cold and stern.

「You’re apologizing to the wrong person.」

Lynette’s voice was colder than Gwandan had ever heard. Gundeus remained silent, and Kyrlinne watched the flustered god without her usual smile. Thanatos then understood and bowed to Gwandan, her true master.

「I sincerely apologize for my many faults as your servant, Master Gwandan.」

「No, it’s fine. You guys decide what’s best.」

Gwandan wondered if this was okay, especially with General Hausen from the Romal Empire visiting Baroldi Castle to meet Amria.