Chapter 32

People often take their everyday life for granted—until it's gone.

The irreplaceable, peaceful normalcy we once had can fall apart from just the smallest misunderstanding.

“Me-Mei!? What happened!? What’s going on!?”

We had just returned from the training grounds to the inn Emma had arranged. The moment Rex opened the door to our room, we found our Black Mage companion in a horrifying state.

“…”

“Who could do something this cruel!?”

Mei lay face-down, her complexion pale. Her hair was disheveled, her legs twitching in spasms. A dying message remained near her trembling hand.

She must have written it with the last of her strength. The shaky handwriting read—

“The culprit is Clari.”

“Ooh! You’re back, Rex!”

Just as I rushed over to hold Mei in my arms, we realized someone had already entered our room.

“It’s been a while, Rex. And you too, Flatche! I’ve come to visit!”

The intruder, the one who had so mercilessly done this to Mei, smiled warmly at us as we stood there, confused and struggling to process the situation.

“Oh, I’m punishing my little sister because she mocked my prospects of getting married.”

“I see.”

Apparently, the strongest mage alive is rather sensitive about her marriage prospects.

“I went through hell… I feel gross.”

“I’ll have you know, despite appearances, I’m quite popular! Despite appearances!”

“That’s why you should drop the delusional fantasies and seriously look into marriage—ah, I’m sorry, I won’t say anything else, please forgive me.”

“You two really do get along, huh.”

When we entered the room, the affectionate sisters were cuddled up as usual. It seems we’d intruded on their private time. That was rude of us.

“Long time no see, Clarise. Well, it’s only been a few days, though.”

“Indeed!”

Clarise replied energetically. We’re about the same age, but she always makes things feel a bit warmer somehow.

“Welcome back, Rex.”

“Huh? Karin? Weren’t you supposed to be staying at the church today?”

Standing next to Clarise was Karin, who should have been at the church. Maybe they didn’t have space for her? So she ended up staying here again?

“I got kidnapped by these tiny sisters. I’ll head back to the church soon.”

“Yes, I met Karin at the church. I asked her to come because there’s something important to discuss.”

“Huh, so even you go to church, Clarise.”

“I’m a devout follower, after all! I never skip my daily prayers!”

“Oh, really?”

It suits her, actually—Clarise praying. With her usual black-and-white habit-like outfit and the goddess-engraved amulet she wears, she looks more like a priestess than a mage.

“Well, make yourself at home. It’s just a temporary inn Emma arranged, though.”

“I would’ve loved to stay longer myself, but I have to head back soon to prepare for a long journey. A royal order came down—I’m on a tight schedule.”

“Huh? Is it really okay for someone under direct royal orders to be lazing around here?”

Clarise shook her head sadly. It seems she’s been assigned a mission.

“It’s something important. Strictly speaking, the mission details are military secrets, so I shouldn’t say anything. But I thought it best to let you know, Rex. The mission is to suppress a possible Demon Lord army.”

“Demon Lord army!?”

Wait, is she going to face them alone? Then again, this is Clarise we’re talking about—it might just be doable.

“No witnesses. No reported damage either. But apparently, the Demon Lord’s forces may appear near a derelict fort northeast of the capital.”

“What the hell is that about?”

“Our strategist put it this way: the Demon Lord’s army might soon take refuge in the northern fort and launch an attack on the capital. So my mission is to preemptively strike them before they strike us.”

I see? So they’re predicting a surprise attack and planning to counter it ahead of time. If they’re sending one of their strongest assets—Clarise—they must have great faith in this strategist’s foresight.

“The strategist... You don’t mean Mino!?”

“Indeed. I’m moving under her command this time.”

“Mino… wasn’t she that general Rex said was even worse than Mello?”

Oh, that one. The ruthless one who somehow always looks like she’s overworked.

“Can’t you refuse this mission?”

“It’s a royal order. I don’t think that’s possible.”

I thought she was a general, but it sounds like she’s acting as a strategist too. A general-slash-strategist, maybe.

After hearing all this, Rex’s face darkened.

“It’s dangerous to take Mino’s words at face value… There might be more to this mission than meets the eye.”

“…So that’s why you came to me.”

“Whether the Demon Lord army actually shows up at the fort, someone like me wouldn’t know. But this mission… it feels like an excuse to get me away from the capital.”

Clarise looked up at Rex, worry in her eyes, and bowed her head.

“There’s always a deeper motive to her actions. Something cruel. Something cunning.”

“…Yeah. That’s the kind of woman she is.”

“That’s why I want to leave the capital in your hands, Rex. That’s the only reason I came.”

With a serious expression, Clarise pleaded with Rex. I didn’t get it when I first met her, but if even someone like her is this wary, Mino must truly be dangerous.

For someone as kind as Clarise to be this guarded—it’s no joke.

“You can count on me, Clarise. If there’s anything I can do, I’ll do it.”

“I’m counting on you. Please protect this city I love, and everyone I hold dear.”

Clarise bowed her head, and our leader responded with a firm nod. Naturally, I feel the same way.

No matter how twisted Mino’s schemes may be, I’ll slice through them all with my sword.

“…Judging by the Demon Lord army’s past movements, they don’t seem desperate enough to rush an assault on the capital. This mission really does feel like it’s just to send my sister away.”

“Yeah, I’ve got a bad feeling too. I’ll try to trace some church connections and dig up intel around Mino.”

“We’re counting on you. You’re the brains of our party, Karin. I trust your judgment.”

"Leave it to me!"

...What!? Wasn’t I supposed to be the brains of this party!?

"I do have some noble connections, but I doubt I’ll find anything Clarise doesn’t already know. Karin, I’m counting on you."

"Sorry, but I don’t have any political ties. Actually, I don’t even know anyone in the capital."

"For now, let’s have Karin focus on gathering intel. If my skills are needed, just call me anytime."

"Got it."

Well, it’s true I don’t have any real connections or pull right now. Best to let Karin, who knows the capital well, handle this one.

"Alright, I’m off. Mei, don’t cause too much trouble for Rex!"

"I’d rather not be lectured by someone known as 'a walking nuisance.'"

"Well, I doubt it’ll come to that... but if the Demon Lord’s army really is out there, be careful. You might run into a swordsman as strong as a demon and swift as the wind."

Rex suddenly offered a warning to Clarise, as if something had just crossed his mind.

Hmm, is he talking about the brainwashed version of me? …Too bad, that guy’s long gone. Cremated at Saikoro Volcano.

"No matter how many spells you hurl at him, none will land. He’ll be standing right in front of you, completely unharmed. Unless you run away the moment you see him, before you realize it, he’ll be right on top of you—and then, off goes your head. If you come across an enemy calling himself ‘Kazenagi,’ flee immediately, Clarisse."

"Hm. That’s the one you mentioned before, right, Rex?"

"Yeah, my personal rival. Look, I know how strong you are, Clarisse, but even then, your compatibility with him is just awful. I’m not underestimating you, I swear…"

"No, I understand completely. If you say so, then this ‘Kazenagi’ must be a terrifyingly powerful man."

Uh, wait, I think you’re overestimating him a bit. If Clarisse just blows him away with one of her big area attacks, he’s toast.

I’m not afraid of fighting other swordsmen, but against a monster like Clarise? No chance. We’re just playing different games.

...Hmm, though depending on the distance, maybe I’ve got a shot?

"Then farewell. And Mei, come visit home every once in a while, won’t you?"

"Ugh, absolutely not."

"My sister’s so cold… How tragic…"

Looking genuinely heartbroken at her rejection, Clarise wrapped things up quickly and left.

"Next time, let’s sit down for a nice cup of tea, shall we?"

Clarise is part of the national army, after all. Must be a busy guy.

Mei, you really should go home once in a while. Don’t let your family feel too lonely. I used to pop in to visit mine now and then, too.

"So, what do you really think the chances are of the Demon Lord’s army actually showing up?"

After Clarise left, Rex turned to us with that question.

"Pretty low, I’d say. …If they really were attacking the capital, it wouldn’t be impossible, but I don’t see why they’d bother hiding out at the North Fortress. They’ve got the tech to dig out much better hideouts themselves."

"Besides, the Demon Lord’s army isn’t even publicly recognized yet. Most people don’t believe they exist. There’s no real reason for them to go out of their way to show up at a fortress."

"So basically, Mino’s goal was to get Clarise away from the capital."

Now that they mention it, that does make sense. I don’t know where the North Fortress even is, but it doesn’t seem like a strategic move for the Demon Lord’s army. There’s probably more to this mission than meets the eye.

…Wait. No way. Don’t tell me our mission was actually—

"Hey, Rex. Maybe we should double-check something with Emma."

"Check what?"

"That we were called to the capital as guards because of a possible attack from the Demon Lord’s army, right? …Then who was it that predicted such an attack in the first place?"

Right. This mission came from Emma. But someone could have planted the idea of a Demon Lord army attack in her head.

"You’re thinking there’s a chance Emma was manipulated by General Mino? That’s what you’re getting at, Flatche?"

"Hmm… So even us being summoned to the capital might be part of Mino’s plan?"

"I-It feels like a stretch, doesn’t it?"

"No, not if it’s Mino. …You can never be too careful with her. Let’s confirm it with Emma."

Well, even if that’s true, I’m not sure what we can do about it. Rex clearly can’t stand General Mino, but personally, I still don’t fully get what makes her so dangerous.

Ah well. As long as we don’t blindly trust her, we should be fine.

"Alright, I’m heading back to the church. If anything comes up, I’ll report in."

"Counting on you, Karin."

With that, the nun left our room.

…A heavy, indescribable tension lingered in the air.

"Well, don’t worry too much, Rex. No matter what happens, I’ll handle it with this sword."

"Yeah, you’re right. No use overthinking things now. First, we need more information."

"Then, let’s call it a night, shall we?"

Trying to sweep away the creeping unease, Rex spoke with forced cheer.

"Alright then, see you at the training grounds tomorrow. This time, come with me—I won’t let you get lost again."

"Hmph. I only got lost because I didn’t know the way. That won’t happen again."

"I still feel vaguely uneasy…"

And with that, we each retreated to our assigned rooms for the night.

The strongest party sleeps soundly, unaware of the hell unfolding outside the castle walls.

They do not notice the screams begging for help, the wails of grief from those who’ve lost their loved ones, or the death cries of those who’ve fallen into utter despair.

The “enemy” they believed to be far away had already crept into their midst, quietly sharpening their blades.

"Sir Sword Saint!! Wake up, we're under attack!!"

At the break of dawn, a young girl bursts into the inn room and shakes the Sword Saint awake.

"Huh? Enemy?"

"The Demon Lord's army!!"

"What the hell!?"

With her face pale, Emma rushes into the inn where Rex is staying. Her furious voice jolts them from their sleep, rubbing their eyes as they scramble to their feet.

"Get ready for battle—move it, all of you!!"

"Yeah!!"

"Right away!!"

Still in their sleepwear, a mage hurriedly throws on a robe and grabs their staff, climbing onto Rex's back. The lightly armored swordsman already has their short sword and gear equipped.

Without hesitation, they dash out under Emma's direction, heading straight for the front walls—

There, in the morning sun, stretched a road dyed crimson and black.

The once-lively castle town had been reduced to ruins, and along the road, as far as the eye could see, bodies were piled high.

“……”

It was the first day since Rex had arrived in the royal capital. The Demon Lord’s army had already reached its gates.