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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: selkie
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Those who advocate for the continuation of the war and those who discuss caution.
Between them, I began to share the conclusion I reached after much thought.
“Indeed… I understand that we are not in a situation where we can easily mobilize the army right now. After several days of forced marches, the soldiers are extremely fatigued, and many have sustained injuries.”
“Hmm…”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
Unlike my usual interactions with Elias, who I often clashed with, the demons began to listen to my words with a more flexible attitude, given that I had supported their side before.
Feeling relieved inwardly, I continued to speak.
“On the other hand, the enemies are likely ready to bite back like poisoned rats. In such a time, making a clumsy attack is not a good choice. However…”
“However?”
The demons began to show a bit of curiosity at my follow-up.
In particular, Elias started to show surprisingly noticeable reactions among them.
Although she was opposing for realistic reasons, it seemed she also felt quite regretful about the current situation.
‘In that regard, she is indeed a capable person; she can suppress her emotions and calmly assess the situation… It’s surprisingly not an easy thing to do.’
As I raised my evaluation of her even higher for not only being smart but also possessing the patience to judge calmly in this aspect, I automatically looked at Elias’s face and continued speaking.
“However, even so, simply giving up on this current flow would be quite a waste. Since it’s a large-scale victory, our morale is soaring while they are significantly demoralized and cornered. In this situation, I propose a slightly different method of attack.”
“A different method of attack?”
“What is it? Hurry and tell us.”
The demons began to show deep expectations at my words.
Honestly, there were some who were just brave like Samson here, but there were also quite a few who were smarter than me.
However,
I had always been interested in modern military history and, thanks to various bits of knowledge and cunning ideas, I could find better methods in this field.
Knowledge ultimately develops as a result of the passage of time.
Now that I understood various tactics used in modern warfare as well as direct combat, I had very good means that could be applied in this situation.
‘Sometimes words can be scarier than swords. In this case, that method will work very well.’
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The Hero was passionately discussing his plan while the demons listened intently.
However, at this moment, among the demons present, one person was focused not on the Hero’s words but on the person at the end of his gaze.
‘Could it be…?’
At that moment, the Hero was looking directly at Elias while speaking somewhat joyfully.
Watching this unfold made her…
Elisia couldn’t help but frown at the complex and anxious emotions blooming in her heart.
For Elisia, who was keenly trying to find out who the Hero’s confessed “lover” was, every move he made naturally became a major point of interest for her.
In that regard, it was impossible not to notice the Hero sending glances toward her mother.
‘Oh no… Surely not… How could my mother be involved among so many people?’
Her mother Elias was someone she believed she knew better than anyone else in this world.
The idea that her mother had fallen in love with someone who had been an enemy all along seemed absurd to Elisia no matter how she thought about it.
However…
Despite that fact, seeing the Hero looking toward her mother troubled her in many ways.
‘Now that I think about it… I feel like I’ve heard somewhere that people can become close while fighting together; could it really be…?’
As those thoughts crossed her mind, increasingly complicated feelings began to arise within Elisia.
Although it seemed unlikely for that to happen… The possibility that her most beloved person in this world—her mother—could become her rival filled her with confusion.
Carrying unresolved anxiety in her heart,
Elisia started thinking that she should investigate this matter when she had the chance and consult with Rebecca, who had now become her “companion.”
‘I definitely don’t doubt Mama; I trust her completely! This is just to confirm things so I can trust Mama more firmly…’
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Amelda, the Holy Knighy of the Elf Church.
Until recently, she was a member of the Hero’s party, but now she has returned to her original role as a holy knight.
At this moment, having just crossed the sea and arrived back in the Demon Kingdom, Amelda took out the decree she had brought with her and began to read it to the elf generals and soldiers in front of her.
“Now, I will convey the command of His Holiness the Pope.”
A proclamation with a clear seal.
Holding it in her hand, Amelda suppressed the tension in her heart and began to read its contents in a calm yet loud voice.
“As of this moment, it has been decided that the withdrawal of the Allied Races located within the Demon Kingdom will take place, and therefore I, the Pope, command all elves within the Demon Kingdom to return home. All generals and soldiers are to comply and return swiftly to dedicate themselves to the protection of the Elf Church.”
“Ugh…”
“Haah…”
As soon as her declaration ended, sounds of lamentation were heard from various places.
This was understandable because, although not explicitly stated, the Pope’s decree essentially meant a complete failure of this expedition.
The Allied Races and elf soldiers were returning as defeated troops, having to give up all the territory they had painstakingly gained.
They were somewhat aware that the current situation was at its worst and that this choice was unavoidable; however, they still held onto some hope.
They thought that perhaps a great Pope who served the will of the gods might provide a good solution even in this crisis.
Given that elves had shown the greatest faith compared to other races and had thus displayed the most enthusiasm and expectations in this war, it was perhaps natural for them to feel this way.
However, instead of some grand strategy, the Pope’s simple declaration of retreat only brought them disappointment.
Thus, elf soldiers began to dismantle their belongings while engulfed in deep feelings of defeat.
In some ways, they should have been happy just to be able to return home.
Yet, for most who held strong faith, they could only feel emptiness at how their long efforts had ended like this.
“To think we have to retreat like this…”
“How could the holy army chosen by the gods…”
“We had a chance to completely root out that Demon King and his monsters…”
As they lamented while packing their things, on the other hand,
Watching their state, Amelda felt an even deeper sense of sorrow and guilt than they did.
‘It’s my fault… If I had truly helped the Hero back then, we wouldn’t have suffered such a miserable defeat… We could have ended this war as everyone wished…’
With such regrets in her heart, Amelda began to return to her tent with heavy steps.
At that moment…
“It can’t be helped. Give it up.”
“Ha… But General! We can’t just leave them behind!”
“Please, at least let us send word to them that the retreat order has been given! If we leave them like this, they’ll all die!”
“I’m telling you again; it’s too dangerous. We don’t even know if our allies are still alive, and crucially, now that all paths there are under demon territory, even if we deliver news, they have no way to escape. It’s unfortunate, but we cannot increase casualties any further.”
“General!”
“Ugh…”
The soldiers were having a desperate conversation filled with despair.
In response to this, Amelda cautiously approached them and asked a question.
“Excuse me… What is going on?”
“Ah… Amelda! It’s…”
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“Are there soldiers in Galilee?”
“Yes, according to reports, there are still about 400 elf soldiers stationed there; however, right now we can’t be sure of anything. Still, these guys are insisting that we must send word to them…”
“Please! They must still be alive.”
“Even if there’s only a small chance, they’re my comrades and dear friends. If nothing else, please let us go. We will risk our lives to deliver the message.”
A group of soldiers spoke with desperate voices.
Seeing them willing to risk their lives for their comrades made Amelda remember something she hadn’t done in the past…
She recalled not being able to risk her life for the Hero.
As a result…
She began to feel that she wanted to make amends for him in any way possible…
Soon enough, these thoughts led her to make one decision.
