NOVEL NEXT Chapter 25
“Lady Rui, it’s time to wake up.”
“Ugh.”
“Oh.”
I thought it was an unfamiliar voice, but it turned out to be a maid from the Alfaras Count household. She had already entered the room quietly, opened all the curtains, and stood quietly beside me. Even though I had the same service yesterday and the day before, I still couldn’t get used to it.
“If you’re still sleepy, shall I massage your shoulders?”
“Ah… yes… thank you.”
I was so exhausted from learning crafting techniques from Diahurshil until late last night. Soon enough, the maid’s two hands began to gently massage my shoulders.
“Ah…”
It felt so good that all my fatigue seemed to disappear.
“It’s now time for your face wash.”
“Y-yes…”
As I simply sat there, a washbasin was conveniently placed in front of me.
“I’ll clean it for you…”
“Ah, no. I’ll do it myself, please.”
Asking someone to wash my face was just too much, so I handled it myself.
“How cute…”
“What? What did you say?”
“Ah, nothing at all.”
After finishing my face wash, it was time to change clothes. At this point, another maid came in with my freshly laundered clothes.
“Lady Rui, this time let me help you…”
“No, no. I’ll manage it as per the schedule, so please wait a moment.”
“……?”
After a moment of commotion outside the room, the original maid returned, slightly tired but with a proud expression, as if she had just returned from battle with the enemy general’s head.
“Until Lady Rui leaves the mansion, I will be in charge, so there’s no need to ask other maids.”
“Yes, yes.”
Anyway, with the maid’s help, I finished changing and went downstairs for breakfast. Then I would enjoy the exquisite delicacies prepared by the mansion’s chef yet again.
‘Is this what noble young ladies experience every day?’
I might have been better off being reincarnated as a noble lady.
“Rui, you’re up.”
“You woke up the latest again today.”
“That’s probably because I worked hard; you shouldn’t overdo it.”
I hurriedly sat next to Serelin, who was waiting for me along with the hero party.
“Rui, eat more of this.”
Serelin, who was sitting next to me, held out her carrot soup.
I looked at her with disbelief.
“… You’re not eating? The carrot soup?”
“Ah. I don’t really prefer soups, to be honest.”
“You can’t just change your story like that.”
I quickly took the soup and savored it.
I heard that the spice with a savory aroma is a specialty of Alfaras, so I could see why the carrot soup was also delicious.
‘I want to eat more…’
“Here you go, Lady Rui.”
“Eh?”
The maid had already appeared from behind with a new bowl of soup.
Thanks to Serelin and the maid, I wolfed down three whole bowls of carrot soup, ignoring the other dishes.
But at least my mouth was happy, right?
After breakfast, it was time to head to our respective gates.
“Ariya, you’re going to the Southern Gate today, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. Thanks to Lady Rapirie, I heard there are hardly any injuries.”
“Oh, come on. After today, I’m treating you to some delicious skewers. I found a great place yesterday…”
Rapirie and Ariya, who would be with us today, departed first, leaving me and the hero alongside Serelin.
And just like yesterday, there seemed to be an intriguing tension between the hero and Serelin.
“Aswel, work hard today.”
“Y-yeah. Got it, Serelin. You too… be careful.”
‘Oooh.’
It was clear that there was progress.
Serelin even winked at me, indicating some sort of success.
But she couldn’t hide her blushing face, quickly mounting her horse and disappearing.
Finally, it was just me and the hero left.
“Rui.”
As I waited for Knight Lux to mount, the hero suddenly called for me.
“Yes, hero.”
“Did you learn the technique you wanted yesterday?”
Oh, I realized we hadn’t spoken since our goodbye yesterday.
We only exchanged a quick greeting before breakfast.
“Yes. Thanks to you, I managed to learn it without issue.”
“…… Oh, good to hear.”
“Did the hero return safely yesterday? I mean, did you run into any bad guys?”
I already knew, but I wanted to ask anyway.
Then the hero reacted strangely.
“Ah, yeah. I met Serelin. We ate together and returned to the mansion.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. … But that’s all. Yep, really.”
“……? I see.”
For some reason, the hero was insisting on his innocence.
Not that I thought he had crossed any lines with Serelin.
‘Serelin is just too shy.’
Then it was time for me, Knight Lux, and the hero Tempest to part ways.
“Then, hero.”
“Huh?”
“Good luck today.”
“…… Yeah, you too. Be careful.”
“Of course. And you too, hero.”
With nothing left to say, we moved in opposite directions.
This might be the last peaceful morning I experience.
‘Is it today?’
Today, when twilight descends, the Dusky Fortress will appear.
There are about eight hours left.
Soon, countless magical creatures will pour out from the Dusky Fortress.
But conversely, there is only one type of demon race.
In other words, the Dusky Fortress signifies a unique space controlled by one specific demon race.
[What appeared, casting shadows over the Western Gate, was a colossal black fortress as it crumbled beneath the sunset.]
If destiny unfolds as it should, the Western Gate will be destroyed by the demon race’s attack from the Dusky Fortress.
As a result, not only the hero party but also military forces like the district guards will find it challenging to approach initially.
‘Not this time.’
Having completed reinforcement work through Mithril like before, it won’t easily break through regular attacks.
Having conducted numerous prototype tests, I’m confident in its quality.
[Mercenaries and adventurers attempted to approach the Dusky Fortress. But each time, countless casualties occurred due to the magical creatures leaping from the ground.]
To that end, I’ve buried several magical tools inscribed with detection and observation spells nearby.
When the magical creatures prepare to ambush, my tools will detect it and visually display the vibrations to minimize damage.
[Determining they couldn’t afford any more casualties, the hero party finally entered the Dusky Fortress. However, they were scattered due to the fortress’s magic.]
The Dusky Fortress has a sort of maze-like structure.
Ultimately, in order to eliminate the demon race who rules the fortress, they must enter it.
‘There’s no way to dispel the magic itself.’
If I had time, I could unravel it, but crucial time is lacking.
Therefore, I need an alternative way to meet quickly even when separated.
Learning gemstone crafting will help somewhat.
And lastly,
‘The biggest loss from the death of the fortress’s master.’
The one who cannot accept death will thrash around, leading to numerous casualties.
The way to prevent this is…
“…… I’d rather not use you if possible.”
I looked up at the eastern sky. Something sparkled high in the vast bright sky.
Even if I used that, I doubt it would lead to the end of that one’s life… yet I might have to use it if the situation becomes dire.
“There’s really not much time left.”
I need to clear my mind.
So that I can save as many people as possible.
“Let’s go, Lux.”
Until then, I should prepare whatever I can.
Soon, the war will begin.
*
“Serelin! We’ve reclaimed all the farmland in the northeastern area!”
“That’s thanks to all of you. We won because of everyone’s efforts.”
The Northern Gate.
This location had a higher ratio of guards than adventurers or mercenaries.
This was due to the rough environment and also because of Serelin’s presence in this area.
“Serelin.”
“Isn’t that the captain of the Northern Gate guards? Glad you survived.”
“It’s thanks to your protection, Serelin. But at the same time… it seems the number of magical creatures has decreased significantly.”
“The number of magical creatures has decreased, huh? I feel the same way.”
Just yesterday, a group of around a hundred magical creatures attacked at every opportunity.
But today, even considering the total number we’ve eliminated, it won’t exceed five hundred.
Soon, this strange phenomenon will come to an end, perhaps.
Everyone was thinking like that.
Just then, a soldier rushed over, shouting urgently.
“E-Emergency!”
“What’s going on?”
“A mysterious black fortress has appeared at the Western Gate! The Western Gate is under attack by numerous magical creatures!”
“What?! What about the guards who can move immediately… Serelin?”
“Our mage is in danger. I must go ahead.”
With a grave face, Serelin quickly mounted her horse and cut through the city.
They needed to hurry as much as possible.
*
“Ariya! This hurts…”
“Hey, enough! You’re making Lady Ariya uncomfortable!”
“Ah, haha…”
Ariya wore a troubled expression amidst the mercenaries, and Rapirie quickly chased them away with swift kicks.
“Ugh… But thanks to you, today’s battle ended quickly.”
“It’s because the mercenaries are all so skilled and Lady Rapirie leads well.”
“No, it’s your healing and support that gave those muscles more strength.”
Though I said it lightly, I truly admired Ariya’s skill repeatedly.
Zero injuries. Even before a mercenary was injured by a magical creature, Ariya’s barrier protected him, so no one was injured severely.
Rapirie could now understand why Ariya was chosen as a saint.
“Using holy power is one thing, but her quick judgment and instincts rival seasoned mercenaries.”
“Is that so? Hehe, thank you.”
“That’s right! Lady Ariya is worthy of being my bride…” Cough!
“Shut up!”
At that moment, a mercenary rode up quickly.
“What’s going on that you’re in such a hurry?”
“The Western Gate is under attack.”
“……What?”
“They say a black fortress appeared out of nowhere. We need to move for support immediately.”
At the mercenary’s words, even those who had worn smiles froze and began gathering their gear to rush out.
Rapirie and Ariya looked at each other and shouted one name.
“……Rui!!”
“Lady Rui!!”
*
“Huh… huh… Hero! The Western Gate is under attack!”
“The hero has already set out with a serious expression on his face! He must have sensed the vibrations caused by the emergence of that fortress in the west!!”
“What? That can’t be true?”
“Isn’t that what a hero would do! Get on quick! We also received a request for support! Other adventurers are on the move too!”
“I never thought something would happen in the West, where there were hardly any attacks… But does the hero’s party have anyone there?”
“Well, you know, that new mage who just joined went there.”
“So that’s why he left so quickly? Because someone in his party is in danger.”
“Hmm… it seems more than just a comrade…”
“What, what’s strange?”
“Never mind. He just looked really angry and worried; I involuntarily thought they were lovers. Anyway, let’s hurry!”