91 - Unexpectedness
Ray is sprinting through the mountains at full speed. Surrounding him are Undead Beasts—Murder Wolves—running at a speed that rivals his own. There are four of them.
Something had tripped the detection network he had spread around the garrison. Having been informed of this by an Information Crow, also an Undead Beast, Ray is rushing to the scene.
...What's the intel?
Wait a sec. I'm scouting right now.
Hurry it up.
...Yeah. It's definitely the Laurel Kingdom army. There aren't that many. Maybe a hundred?
Detailed information obtained from the information-gathering personality. Hearing that, Ray made an immediate decision.
Annihilate them. Don't let a single one escape.
Roger that!
The intelligence officer inside Ray's body cannot kill enemies. Her job is to convey Ray's orders to the entire undead legion. Information Crows and Information Rats around the garrison begin to move all at once. The information transmission network has sprung into action. Responding to this, the interception force begins to move. However, their movements are silent for now. They are waiting quietly underground for the enemy to arrive.
The garrison... hm? Isn't something strange?
Ray had intended to put the garrison on interception alert as well, but he felt a sense of incongruity before he could.
There are Demon Race members here.
The skeleton commander personality informed him of the reason for the incongruity.
Not Kai?
It's not just one or two.
Cecil-san!?
There are too many reactions to tell.
...I'm rushing! I'll leave things to you for a while!
Yes, yeees.
Roger that.
Leaving the interception to the respective officers, Ray concentrates on rushing forward. Eventually, the garrison comes into view. As he slows his pace slightly, the Undead Beasts move ahead. A beast leaps high into the air. Using that beast's back, Ray leaps even higher.
...Are they not enemies?
As he leaps over the wall surrounding the garrison, he observes the situation inside. There are Demon Race members, but the skeleton soldiers do not seem to mind their presence.
"Cecil-san!"
As soon as he lands on the ground, he calls out Cecil's name. He prioritized confirming Cecil's safety first. If something were wrong, the Demon Race members would indeed be enemies.
"Ray-sama!?"
A voice answers Ray's call. Knowing that Cecil is safe, he is first relieved.
"Who are they?"
"...It seems Kai-dono has permitted them to stay."
"Kai-kun did? Doing things on his own..."
"It seems the place where they lived was attacked by the Laurel Kingdom army."
"Ah... I see."
Those in the garrison are only women and children. Ray thought that Kai probably couldn't bring himself to abandon them after they lost their place to go.
"...You are Ray-dono, correct?"
The one who approached was Barbari. Having heard the name Cecil called, she realized it was Ray who had appeared and came to greet him.
"And you are?"
"I am Barbari of the Ryan race. Thank you very much for saving us."
Barbari offers her thanks before Ray can say anything. She does this consciously so that she isn't told to leave.
"The Ryan race... if I recall, the former Demon King's..."
Knowing they are the race of the former Demon King, a strong sense of vigilance wells up in Ray's heart.
"Yes... by any chance, do you know the whereabouts of the clan chief?"
"...No, I wasn't at the fort."
Whether it is acting or sincerity. To Ray's senses, it doesn't seem like acting.
"Um, what is happening?"
Barbari knows something happened because of the reaction from the magic tool she borrowed from Kai. However, she doesn't understand the meaning of it.
"...Ah, that's right! The Laurel Kingdom army is approaching."
"What!?"
"Cecil-san, I will contact you in the event of an emergency, so please move to another base."
"I will fight too!"
"It's alright. This is only for a true emergency. Please follow Cecil-san's instructions. Do not be agitated. First of all, it will be fine."
"...Yes."
From Barbari's perspective, Ray doesn't look particularly strong. She feels anxious about whether it's really okay to leave it to him, but she cannot voice her doubts here.
"Well then, I'm off."
Ray heads toward the exit. When he opens the gate, not only Murder Wolves, but various types of Undead Beasts were waiting. Unlike the Information Crows or Information Rats, these are undead of actual magic beasts.
Now, the real battle begins. Though I don't feel like losing at all.
...Don't let your guard down.
I won't. Even if I do, they won't.
...The fact that magic beast corpses are more compatible than human corpses. You really aren't human, are you?
Shut up! A part of me is a magic beast. That's how it is!
Inside Ray's heart, almost no traces remain, but the consciousness of a magic beast exists. That is influencing him.
That's exactly why you aren't human.
...Whatever. Let's go. To kill the enemy and make allies.
The approximately one hundred soldiers of the Laurel Kingdom army, who had approached the undead legion's garrison while pursuing the Demon Race, were unable to return to their own fort—not a single one.
◇◇◇
After intercepting the Laurel Kingdom army, came the ritual to create skeleton soldiers. With that, thirty new skeleton soldiers were added to the undead legion. For thirty undead from a hundred corpses, the success rate would be low, but in reality, it was because the damage to the corpses was severe. With attacks from Undead Beasts, that inevitably happens.
Future challenges... no, how many skeleton soldiers to increase. First, I should think about the overall organization.
Undead Beasts have been newly added to the New Undead Legion. Their way of fighting will naturally be different from that of the skeleton soldiers. What types of troops to organize, and in what balance. Ray thought he would consider that.
The intelligence unit consists of two units, air and land. Skeleton soldiers are infantry and cavalry—no, as before, I must make it so they can do both types of fighting. The magic beast unit... depends on the type of beast.
In the end, isn't it just skeleton soldiers and horses you're increasing?
Kamui cuts in on Ray, who is thinking about the organization.
Don't jump to conclusions.
But that's how it'll turn out, right?
Gathering various types of magic beasts is difficult. It doesn't go as planned, such as what kind of magic beast—or, though rare, magic beast corpses—one encounters. As for the birds and rats in charge of intelligence, if he gets carried away and increases their numbers, magic power won't be able to reach other areas. His capacity has increased considerably with the power inherited from Sansei, but it doesn't change the fact that there is still a limit.
...Secure the necessary number of skeleton cavalry, and if there's room, others.
As Kamui said, he would first organize the skeleton cavalry. Now, the question is how many skeleton cavalry are needed.
For now, let's finish the work here and return to the garrison. The ones left behind must be worried.
That's right. Then... until the repositioning of the magic tools. I'll do the reinforcement after returning once.
The undead legion isn't the only thing handling the garrison's defense. Magic tools are placed around the perimeter. Various traps are set, such as magic tools that breathe fire when someone who doesn't possess a deactivation tool approaches. Since he didn't know when the Laurel Kingdom army might approach again, he decided to first return them to their original state.
――Having finished the work, Ray returned to the garrison together with the newly added skeleton soldiers.
"You were safe, then?"
Cecil approached with a happy expression.
"Yes. I have no particular injuries."
"I want to tell you to get some rest immediately, but..."
"I know. It's about the Demon Race, right. Um... I can't tell them to leave."
By the time Ray returned, the number of Demon Race members in the garrison had increased. He knew the reason. The Demon Race members he had released from captivity had caught up.
"...Thank you once again. I didn't think I could live in a place like this."
While talking with Cecil, one of the liberated women approached and thanked him. Just to get to Nordende—for the Demon Race members who had followed Ray for that alone, the existence of the garrison was a happy miscalculation. The houses and towns where they lived had been lost.
"Um... please don't be too happy. I repelled the Laurel Kingdom army that approached. But if that becomes known, a larger force will surely come next."
"...You're right."
This place is not safe either. Being told this, the woman became depressed.
"We should look for another place to settle. Of course, you are welcome to stay here until one is found. Also, I will help in the search."
"...Th-thank you. How can I ever repay this kindness?"
A helping hand extended at a truly painful time. She felt that no matter how much she thanked Ray for giving it to her, it would never be enough.
"If you help with the maintenance of the garrison, that's fine. We must prepare for the next battle, so please help with that."
"Yes. With my life."
"No, I'm not asking you to participate in combat. I want to refine and increase the traps around the perimeter, so please help with that."
"...Yes. I will help you."
She still doesn't know who Ray is. Because she doesn't know, Ray's kindness was mysterious. Being treated gently also made her a bit anxious. Though she was prepared to respond even if asked.
"The work is tomorrow. Please rest comfortably today. The bath... I'll be inside the building, so please don't hesitate. Um... I won't peek."
"Y-yes. Thank you."
Ray speaks with a slightly embarrassed look. His attitude makes her bewildered again. Could it be that he really intends to ask for nothing? She wondered if it was okay to think that. While the woman was thinking such things in her head, Ray headed toward the building. There are mountains of things he has to think about. He wants to think about them calmly and thoroughly.
"Is that alright?"
"Eh?"
But there was no way Cecil would leave Ray's side. It was a reunion after a long time.
"Those women. If they feel that much gratitude, I think they will listen to anything Ray-sama says."
"Eeeh?"
"...Ah, no. Not as women, but as subordinates."
"Ah... that's what you mean. I had a strange misunderstanding."
Realizing he had made an embarrassing mistake, Ray's face turned bright red.
"Ray-sama was seeking comrades who would not betray him. If it's them, wouldn't that be the case?"
"...Not necessarily. But that's not what I mean."
"There is some reason, isn't there? Please tell me."
Cecil wants to know Ray's thoughts, whatever they may be. Knowing that he wouldn't tell her if she were reserved, Cecil decided to ask honestly.
"...I don't want to make someone pay a price because of my actions. Of course, enemies are different, but for anyone else..."
"A price... does repaying a kindness become a price?"
He told her, but Cecil could not understand Ray's thinking.
"I don't intend to refuse everything. I intend to have them help tomorrow. But I don't intend to ask for things like risking their lives."
"...But, if you intend to keep fighting in the future..."
Allies who fight risking their lives are necessary. There is no way Ray would give up on his revenge. Cecil thinks that if he does it without allies, he will die before achieving his goal.
"To put it simply, I'm thinking that others shouldn't die for my revenge. Though I've already killed some."
"...Is that how it is?"
The destruction of the undead legion. Cecil understood that it influenced Ray's thinking.
"Cecil-san too. Please don't die for me."
"...I will not die. Even if I devote everything for Ray-sama's sake, I will not do the one thing that is dying."
"That's not what I meant."
Cecil's words were just words. There was no guarantee she wouldn't die, and she probably wouldn't avoid death. That's not what Ray was seeking.
"It's alright. I have prepared a perfect servant for Ray-sama. I'll show you, so please follow me."
"...A servant?"
"Hurry."
Cecil walks ahead happily. Not knowing exactly what it's about, Ray decided to follow. He knows that even if he says he won't go, Cecil won't allow it. From Cecil, who walks in front of him, he can feel madness for the first time in a while.
◇◇◇
The place Cecil brought him to was the building Ray uses. That was the place he had intended to go to from the start. What is there? Even after entering the building, Ray doesn't know. There is only the room he had been using as an office.
"It's further in."
Cecil proceeds further in. At this point, a bad premonition spreads in Ray's heart. Beyond the office is the bedroom.
"It's next door."
But what Cecil wants to show him is even further beyond the bedroom. A room used as a warehouse that Ray hardly ever uses. Following Cecil, he passes through the entrance door. There, an unbelievable sight awaited.
"T-Tsukitani-kun!"
"............"
The one who let out a cry of surprise upon seeing Ray was Hinata. Seeing her appearance, Ray was speechless. Ropes extending from the ceiling are suspending Hinata's both arms. Chains are crawling on the floor. By them, Hinata's both ankles are connected to the floor. He thinks she is restrained so she won't escape. But what surprised Ray was that Hinata wasn't wearing a single piece of cloth.
Well-shaped breasts. Nipples of a pink slightly darker than the skin dyed pink with shame. A constricted waist. The black thicket below that, and the slender long legs extending beyond.
"...D-don't look. I beg you."
With these words from Hinata, Ray realized he had been staring intently at her naked body from top to bottom.
"Cecil-san?"
Averting his gaze from Hinata's naked body, he asks Cecil for the circumstances.
"This woman will not betray you, no, she cannot disobey. Moreover, even if she dies, Ray-sama needs to feel nothing. Don't you think she's perfect for Ray-sama's requirements?"
Cecil begins to explain proudly. She is completely the Cecil that Ray fears. Only this time, it's not just about fearing Cecil.
"...Did you kidnap her?"
"No, she came along of her own accord."
"That's a lie, right?"
"It's the truth. I simply told her to follow me. Following that was her choice."
"Really?"
Thinking that he couldn't know the facts from Cecil's words alone, Ray asked the person herself.
"............"
Hinata only fidgets with both legs bashfully. She's trying to hide at least her lower body, but there's no way she can hide it all.
"I apologize. It seems the training is still insufficient."
"Training...?"
"This woman desires it in her true heart, yet she refuses to admit it with her mouth."
"Desires...?"
Ray cannot understand the meaning of Cecil's words. He has no idea what it means to train Hinata.
"Answer Ray-sama's question. That you desire it of your own accord."
"...Nn... nnn..."
Cecil toys with Hinata as usual. The reason she is suppressing her moans is because Ray is in front of her. Even so, Ray can tell that Hinata's body is reacting.
"Um, Cecil-san. Is this... does she really desire it of her own accord?"
Isn't Cecil's action the same as the treatment the Laurel Kingdom gives to the Demon Race? If so, Ray thinks he must stop Cecil.
"She desires it. Look, just like this."
"...Nn... ah... aaah..."
Cecil's caresses increase in intensity. Unable to bear it, Hinata lets out a moan.
"...If that's the case, then it's fine."
The emotions Ray feels from Hinata are shame and pleasure. He sees no fear or disgust. It's unbelievable, but if the person herself accepts it, Ray has no intention of complaining.
"I will train her more properly. I will make her Ray-sama's loyal servant."
Ray now understands what Cecil's training is. Cecil's hand is stimulating Hinata's lower body and breasts. In front of Ray, Hinata is desperately enduring the reaction to it, but she shows no sign of truly resisting.
"Um... I'll leave it to you."
"Yes. Please leave it to me."
It's not that he sympathizes with Hinata, but he thinks he shouldn't be in this place. Leaving the rest to Cecil, Ray decided to leave the room. Passing through the bedroom, he returns to the office.
...I can't get my head around this.
Me neither. That woman is being dominated by Cecil. Is that the right understanding?
...Something like that. That Katsura-san... I can hardly believe it.
Hinata being toyed with by Cecil, a member of the same sex. Hinata is accepting it. For Ray, who knows the Hinata of the original world, it is a surprise.
What do you intend to do?
If you mean how to treat her as a woman, I won't do anything. If I do anything other than that, it'll be killing her.
I see.
Hinata was a woman Ray liked. But Ray has no intention of showing her mercy. That is a reassuring factor for Kamui.
But, Cecil-san...
I thought she was an M, but she's an S.
Cecil, who admits herself to be Ray's possession. Kamui had thought she was an M by nature.
She is proactive, after all. However...
What?
...Nothing.
Cecil tormenting Hinata. It was an atmosphere dominated by madness, but the Cecil from a moment ago didn't evoke the usual fear, but rather a shivering sex appeal. It was a Cecil Ray didn't know. Hinata was captivated? Ray's heart was also moved.
◇◇◇
――After a while, that Cecil came out of the room. Still carrying the afterglow of her actions with Hinata. Something was emanating from her body. Ray thought it was almost like Charm.
"Please give me a little time. I will surely fashion her into Ray-sama's loyal servant... eh?"
Cecil is surprised to be suddenly hugged from behind by Ray. This is the first time such a thing has happened.
"...R-Ray-sama."
Not just hugging, Ray's hands extend to Cecil's breasts, and then to her lower body.
"L-let's go to the bedroom... eh... ah... nnn..."
Her breasts are kneaded so strongly it almost hurts. Her face is forcibly turned backward, and in a posture as if arching back, her mouth is kissed intensely. It is a rough caress different from usual, but Cecil feels pleasure in it.
"Nn... nnah..."
Her back is pushed lightly, and she is put in a posture with both hands on the table in front of her. Her robe is pushed up, and her hips are pulled close. She immediately feels Ray against her exposed lower body.
"Ah... ah... R-Ray..."
Without sufficient foreplay, Cecil is tormented from behind while standing. This is the first time she has been held in such a way. Finally, she is wanted by Ray. Cecil feels it vividly.
...So there's this way to use that woman too.
While her body and heart tremble with pleasure, Cecil thinks calmly. Perhaps by tormenting Hinata, she can stimulate Ray's desires. If used well, he might continue to want her in the future.
Whether this is unfortunate for Hinata... is unknown at this point.