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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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In the original work, it was described that the racial alliance fell along with the Royal Knights.
But if you think about it, the alliance wasn’t completely broken.
After all, the racial alliance was maintained on the surface.
And that wouldn’t break until all the demons were wiped out.
What does that mean?
It meant that even races with bad relationships to the point of risking war in the past would usually not go to the extreme situation of drawing weapons first, unless it was unavoidable.
The problem was that I was in a situation that was not so unavoidable.
Weeds that grew tall enough to reach ones waist.
Very thick old trees and vines that were tangled in a mess.
And between them, they were aiming their bows at us.
Except for one, most of them had shiny blonde hair.
And their ears were pointy.
Plus, each and every one of them was very beautiful.
What’s there to hide?
These guys were elves living in the forest.
And they were aiming their bows at us, the Royal Knights.
How did I end up in this situation?
Let’s rewind time back to this morning for a bit.
* * *
The Royal Knights were an elite united order of knights, selected solely based on skill regardless of race or status.
Therefore, apart from the commander, there were no ranks among each other.
Even the position of commander was closer to the other Royal Knights voluntarily following their will.
There was one symbol that represented the will of such Royal Knights…
In the center of Lionheart Fortress, there was a room large enough to be close to a square, and in it was a red round table capable of seating 20 people.
That was the symbol.
The Table of Equality.
It was said to have been created so that everyone could speak facing each other from an equal position, regardless of race.
I summoned all the Royal Knights to the Table of Equality.
There was an urgent agenda.
“The kingdom contacted us today. Fortunately, they said they would replenish various personnel.”
Just managing the fortress required a considerable number of personnel.
Not only basic cleaning and meals, but also security forces to guard this fortress.
And other miscellaneous things.
Many people were needed.
But they took out all those numerous personnel without even notifying me.
At that point, the Royal Knights had already been abandoned by the racial alliance.
Of course, there would be many knights who wished for the revival of the Royal Knights.
But for the rulers, it wasn’t easy to dispatch their country’s high-quality personnel for the Royal Knights whose future was uncertain.
For now, they would just watch and see.
If the Royal Knights showed signs of growing to some extent?
Then it wouldn’t be too late to support them at that time, they judged.
Anyway, those annoying bastards, just die already.
“Starting with personnel assignment, our top priority is to normalize Lionheart Fortress.”
Many facilities were closed due to lack of personnel.
Not only the pharmacy and laboratories, but even 4 out of the 5 training grounds were closed.
That’s how severe our current situation was.
“Do we have time to do such things one by one?”
“What do you mean?”
“Even now, the demons are keeping a close eye on us. So we need appropriate preparations for that.”
Surprisingly, the first one to express an opinion was Ruby.
Certainly, she wasn’t wrong.
The Royal Knights were the biggest obstacle to the demons.
And the Royal Knights had been annihilated.
Frankly, it wouldn’t be strange at all if they barged in right now, leading the monsters.
I silently looked at Ruby.
Apart from her strong tone, her body was slightly trembling.
She was probably afraid.
Thinking that those who had slaughtered all her comrades would come for us again.
Nevertheless, her will to not run away was amazing.
“You don’t have to worry about that.”
“What are you talking about? Don’t tell me you’re underestimating them?”
“No way. I’ve never underestimated the demons even once.”
“Then please explain properly.”
“Although the Royal Knights were annihilated, the other side must have also consumed a considerable amount of their forces.”
Moreover, they were up against not just any Royal Knights, but the Royal Knights who were at the peak of their prosperity in history.
And now, there were even survivors.
“In other words, we have at least a year of leeway. So, until then, we’ll prepare as much as possible and be ready for the enemy’s attack.”
Of course, it wasn’t just my own speculation.
It was clearly stated in the original game’s story.
The full-scale attack of the demons began 2 years after the annihilation of the Royal Knights.
But it wasn’t a situation to be completely relieved.
Just as the Royal Knights weren’t completely annihilated now, unlike in the original work, the demons’ attack could start earlier than in the original work.
So, not 2 years, but 1 year.
Or it could start even sooner than that, it would be good to think that way.
But still, we couldn’t just gloss over the basics.
“The fortress is the cradle and companion of the troops. But how can we wage war without even having those basics?”
“…I’m sorry. I was too impatient.”
“No, I understand. It’s natural to feel impatient. But at times like this, we need to prepare step by step.”
And that was the only thing I could do.
Frankly, it’s not like I was going to train the Royal Knights or anything.
For now, I’ll somehow restore the ruined foundation of the Royal Knights.
The rest, the next commander will somehow handle.
Fortunately, the kingdom provided a lot of support.
Not only personnel like blacksmiths and pharmacists, but they even said they would send security forces.
Plus, they provided financial support to some extent.
It was truly like a long-awaited rain in a drought.
Of course, it was the king who made me the commander.
In a way, it was like giving a disease and then the medicine.
“Commander! I think I can help with this too!”
“Help?”
“Didn’t I tell you before? That my comrades live nearby!”
“…You did.”
“I’ll ask my comrades for help! They’ll definitely help!”
Clara’s appearance, raising her hand and smiling brightly, was definitely better than before.
It seemed the counseling was quite effective. But apart from that, help from the contract gangsters…
I closed my eyes for a moment and thought.
Declaring war on the alliance for touching a single tree, and having the nerve to suggest exchanging corn and diamonds as conditions for peace negotiations.
No matter how much I thought about it, it didn’t seem like it would be of any help at all.
No, no.
I shook my head vigorously.
In my current situation, I had to eat even cold rice, no, even spoiled rice.
“I see, elves would definitely be helpful.”
“Right? Right?!”
“More Kanfs… It’s terrible.”
“You dwarf poop sack!”
“Enough chatter. And Clara, get ready in the morning. We’ll leave for the forest right in the afternoon.”
“Is the commander coming too?”
Of course.
It’s the law that the commander should directly handle such important matters.
If the personnel coming from the kingdom and the help of the elves were combined, remarkable progress would be possible.
“Then, Teacher, I will go with you as well.”
“No, you stay here and train with Ruby.”
“But…”
“Ruby is a member of the Royal Knights. And a veteran knight who survived that hell, there will be a lot to learn from her.”
“…I understand what you mean.”
I couldn’t leave Lionheart Fortress empty.
Because we never knew when and where the monsters would invade.
Unlike demons, monsters could freely operate within the barrier.
“I don’t usually have a hobby of taking care of brats. But if the commander insists that much, I have no choice.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m happy to be praised. You can just leave her alone at that age.”
Indeed, that’s right.
I actively employed Clara’s suggestion.
Helia’s talent was real.
To the point where she personally learned the Thunder Dragon Sword Technique that I had jokingly mentioned half a year ago.
In the first place, she was skilled enough to be called the Sword Saint in the original work.
If she was raised well, she could definitely play an active role in the Royal Knights.
So, I entrusted her to other members to be raised.
At least she would be able to make much more progress than learning from someone like me.
After entrusting Helia to Ruby, I left the fortress with Clara in the afternoon and headed for the forest….
And that led to the current situation.
No matter how much I thought about it, I didn’t do anything particularly wrong.
Just in case, I didn’t break a single branch.
I treaded carefully, trying not to even step on the grass.
But as soon as I arrived, you’re giving me this kind of welcome?
As expected, massacring the contract gangsters was the answer.
I was deciding on the next policy in my mind, and right at that moment, someone appeared among the elves.
Unlike the other elves, she had faintly shining silver hair.
Her pointed ears and the blue eyes visible between them were coldly settled.
Also, while the other elves were wearing both swords and bows, she was only wearing a single sword.
No matter how you looked at it, that person seemed to be the commander.
I was about to ask why they were suddenly doing this.
Right then, Clara, who had been quiet, shouted as if in shock.
“M-Mother…?!”
…What?
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Already meeting the mother in law? This uncle sure is fast