96 - A Day at the Garrison
In the mountains of Nordende. A reconnaissance squad from the Laurel Kingdom is moving through the dense trees. They advance while remaining vigilant of their surroundings. Their objective is information gathering, but they know that it is a considerably difficult task. Until now, many units—units far larger than their own—had headed toward this area and never returned.
"Eh... u-uwaaaaaah!"
A soldier suddenly let out a scream.
"What happened!?"
Startled, the surrounding soldiers rushed toward where he was.
"...Huh?"
"I-It's a pitfall."
"I mean, it might be a pitfall, but..."
There was no doubt it was a pitfall, but it was shallow, not even reaching the waist. The soldier who fell had screamed in surprise, but he was completely unharmed, only slightly soiled with mud.
"Sorry. I'll be careful from here on."
"Yeah, do that."
Regaining their composure, they moved forward again. But soon, another soldier raised his voice.
"...A rope is stretched across."
"It's a trap."
"It certainly is a trap, but..."
The soldier who got caught merely tripped. Again, he was perfectly fine, only soiled with dirt.
"There's no doubt it's a trap. It means there's an enemy."
"Y-Yeah, I guess so."
Even if they weren't a threat, a trap was a trap. Someone must have set them. Since it certainly wasn't the Laurel Kingdom army, it had to be the enemy. The soldiers remained vigilant. Then, the enemy appeared—not that they had been waiting for it.
"Guah..."
"H-Hey!"
A soldier collapsed with a groan. An arrow was protruding from his chest.
"E-Enemy! Form up! There's an enemy!"
At the appearance of the enemy, the Laurel Kingdom army hurriedly formed a formation. Though called a formation, it was a reconnaissance unit of about fifty men. Rather than something large-scale, they formed a circle to guard their surroundings.
"There! Eh...?"
"...Children!?"
What they saw ahead was a member of the Demon Race wielding a crossbow, but the body was small. No matter how you looked at it, it was a child.
"Do it!"
"Take down the enemy!"
"Fire!"
The voices they heard were also childlike. However, the arrows flying toward them were the real thing. While blocking them with shields, the Laurel Kingdom army closed the distance.
"You brats! Don't get cocky!"
Once they had closed the distance to a certain extent, they sprinted forward with all their might.
"R-Run!"
"Hurry!"
Seeing this, the children hurriedly began to flee. The Laurel Kingdom army had no intention of showing mercy just because they were children. They accelerated their pace further, chasing after the children.
"Uwaaaaaah!"
"Guah!"
Several screams could be heard. They knew that more soldiers had fallen into traps, but for now, chasing the enemy took priority. Without slowing down, they ran at full speed. The more they did so, the more soldiers fell into traps. It was only natural, as they were advancing at full speed without being cautious, thinking the traps were insignificant.
They had not realized that this itself was the trap.
"Eh... w-wait?"
They realized it when the number of soldiers running visibly decreased.
"What's going on?"
There were almost no soldiers chasing behind them. That shouldn't be possible.
"H-Hey! What happened!? Are you injured...?"
A soldier who went back and peered into one of the pitfalls saw the corpse of a comrade pierced through the body by spears. Far from not reaching the waist, the corpse was in a pitfall deeper than a person's height.
"...Y-You brats!"
The first traps were meant to make them let their guard down. The Laurel Kingdom soldiers who realized this were furious.
"Chase them! Don't let those brats get away!"
They wouldn't turn back out of fear of traps. Thinking of it as revenge for their comrades, they began chasing the Demon children again.
"Ah, r-run!"
"Eh... ah, w-wait!"
The children, who had been observing the Laurel Kingdom army, began to flee in panic. However, the momentum of their opponents, who were burning with rage, was tremendous, and combined with the children's carelessness, the gap closed rapidly.
"Ah..."
In their haste to run, one of the children stumbled and fell.
"I've caught you! You bastard! Die!"
"N-No!"
Hearing the voice of the Laurel Kingdom soldier behind them, the child held their head while remaining fallen—
"...Stop holding your head and run."
"Eh?"
Turning around at the voice, there was a corpse lying on the ground, and beside it stood a familiar face.
"This is what happens when you let your guard down! I taught you how to fight, I didn't intend to teach you how to play!"
"I-I'm sorry."
"You can apologize later. Leave this to me and run."
"Okay."
The child stood up and fled toward the garrison. But after running a short distance, they stopped, unable to resist the temptation.
"...S-So amazing."
The place where they had been. There, Ray was cutting down the attacking Laurel Kingdom soldiers, almost all in a single stroke. Even for a member of the Demon Race, the movements were too fast for a child to follow. This was the first time they had witnessed Ray's strength firsthand. Despite knowing they had to flee, they forgot and became captivated by Ray's battle.
◇◇◇
After finishing the battle with the Laurel Kingdom reconnaissance squad, Ray returned to the garrison. The first thing he did was not scold the children, but their parents.
"Why did you let the children go outside the garrison alone?"
His words were polite, but anger was evident on Ray's face.
"...I'm sorry. I let my guard down a little."
Barbari spoke words of apology on behalf of the parents.
"How could you let your guard down?"
Ray had no intention of letting it end with just the words "I'm sorry." He didn't want something like this to happen a second time.
"Because the enemy hadn't appeared for a while."
"Yes. I know that. That's why I went to scout the situation."
"...I see."
Ray had been away from the garrison for a while. It was to investigate the movements of the Laurel Kingdom army, which had stopped approaching the garrison recently.
"Just because they haven't come for a while doesn't mean the enemy has withdrawn. Precisely because they haven't come, shouldn't you increase your vigilance, thinking they might be plotting something?"
"...You're right."
"Do you really understand? The children could have been killed."
It was a coincidence that Ray was able to save the children. He had simply happened upon the scene on his way back to the garrison.
"...I'm sorry. I really am reflecting on it. But no matter how much I reflect, I can't erase what has already happened."
"Yes. That's why I'm speaking strictly, so that this never happens again. Please tell the children as well. That wasn't a game, it was a killing match. If they let their guard down, they'll die."
"Yes. I understand."
"...I may leave this place again in the future. That's why I intended to teach them how to fight."
Ray reflected that perhaps he shouldn't have taught them. At the very least, he shouldn't have involved the children.
"I know. It's not your responsibility. It's our responsibility for being selfish and wanting to let them outside the garrison."
They had been living only inside the garrison for several months. Frustration had built up not only in the children but also in the parents. They had appealed to Ray, obtained permission to go out, and were even taught how to respond in the event they encountered the enemy. Even if the children executed this on their own and ended up in danger, it was their own responsibility.
"...Shall I expand this place? Like connecting it to the neighboring garrison."
If they went outside, similar things might happen again. However, he also understood the feeling of being unable to bear being trapped in the garrison. The number of people living here had increased considerably. Many people had fled here after hearing rumors. To the point where the garrison, which had accommodated a thousand soldiers, was becoming cramped.
"The distance to the neighboring garrison is quite... ah, is it because there is distance?"
Connecting garrisons that were far apart. It would be a massive construction project, but if it were completed, they might no longer feel a sense of confinement. Even if the children were surrounded by walls, they might not feel bored due to the sheer size.
"The adults are also bored because they have nothing to do, right? If that's the case, they can just work."
A large-scale construction project would also serve to distract the adults from their boredom. Frustration builds up because they spend every day doing nothing.
"...I understand. Let's do that."
"Ah, that's right. Please help with the construction of the underground tunnel as well. It seems the hole has been dug quite far, but reinforcement is necessary. That task."
"Underground, you say?"
It was the first time he had heard that construction of an underground tunnel was taking place.
"Yes. Oh? You hadn't noticed yet? We've been constructing it this whole time."
It was the first time he had mentioned it. However, since it was construction within the garrison, Ray thought it had been noticed.
"...I didn't notice."
"The work was being done inside that building, so it's not strange that you didn't know, but we were carrying out a considerable amount of soil."
Naturally, digging a hole produces soil. Since it was an amount that couldn't fit inside the building alone, they had been carrying it outside.
"I thought it was construction for the moat."
Other construction was also being carried out. To increase the defensive power of the garrison, they were digging a moat around the perimeter and flowing water into it.
"That's construction outside the garrison... well, whatever."
"Somehow, I'm sorry."
Not noticing the construction was proof that she wasn't paying attention to her surroundings. Thinking that was the case, Barbari felt ashamed.
"No. But, you're right. It would be better to have people who can take combat command. Perhaps you could do that as well."
"...By all means."
Until now, Ray had done everything himself and with the Undead Legion, except for cooperation in creating traps. He thought the expansion of the garrison was an extension of this, but it was unexpected that he wanted to let them actively participate in combat. Of course, this was a happy thing for Barbari and the others. They felt it was a sign of trust.
"Since the number of people has increased this much, I can't tell you to leave. I'll hand this place over to you."
"Hand it over?"
"Yes. I and the Undead Legion don't need such a large base. I could revive the base that was outside Nordende."
"...Does that mean you're leaving this place?"
A stir spread through the surroundings. The fact that they had remained safe until now was undoubtedly thanks to Ray. At the mention of Ray leaving, everyone couldn't help but feel anxious.
"I can't stay holed up in this place forever. I have things to do."
"...You're not leaving immediately, right?"
"Well. I intend to stay until the construction has reached a certain point. I think there are parts where it would be problematic without the Undead Legion."
"That's true. It would be problematic."
In truth, she wanted to say it would be problematic if Ray were gone, but she knew that saying it now wouldn't change Ray's mind, Ray had no obligation to do anything for their sake.
"Then, I'll think about how to do the construction."
"Yes, think about it carefully."
"Huh? It's fine. I won't do anything half-hearted."
I want you to take your time with the construction and stay here longer. Without Barbari's intention being conveyed, Ray tried to head toward his office. The one who obstructed Ray was...
"I'm sorry."
A child ran up. The child Ray had saved.
"Ah, that's right. If you're reflecting on it, that's fine. Be careful next time."
Ray patted the child's head while saying this. Narrowing their eyes happily, the child spoke again.
"Hey."
"What?"
"How can I become strong like Ray?"
To this child, Ray was more than a lifesaver, he was a hero. He had become an object of admiration. They wanted to be like Ray.
"You want to become strong?"
"Yeah."
"I see... but I'm not strong."
"That's not true. Ray is strong."
"...If you think so, then, as I thought, I'm not strong."
"Eh?"
"I think of myself as weak. In reality, I am weak. That's why I train my body, polish my techniques, and use my head to think of ways to win. No matter how hard I try, I'm still weak, so I think I have to try even harder."
Ray did not spare any effort. He was prepared for death. But even if he were to die, he wanted to do as much as possible. He wanted to realize as much of his revenge as possible. That's why, even while prepared for death, he cherished his life.
"...So you try hard because you're weak?"
"Yes. Regardless of whether you're strong or weak, if you become satisfied, that's where it ends. You're still a child now, but I'm sure you'll become strong. But you must not become arrogant in that strength."
"Arrogant?"
"It means you mustn't look down on your opponent or spoil yourself just because you're strong. Doing things that waste your life is also forbidden. If you die, you can't become strong, right?"
"...Yeah."
"That's why things like earlier are forbidden. If you want to become strong, you have to be desperate to survive. Understand?"
"Yeah."
Ray didn't intend to teach them how to become strong. He wanted them to understand the importance of cherishing their life so that they would never do something like today again. That was conveyed to the child. However, for the adults, it did more than that, Ray's words gave them something to think about. The Demon Race is strong. But have they become arrogant in that strength? Did that arrogance of the Demon Race lead to the current situation? If so, what should they do? What does it mean to be desperate to survive? They began to think about that.
◇◇◇
Ray's return after a long time. The one who was happier than anyone else was Cecil. In truth, she had wanted to accompany him, but when it came to stealth operations for information gathering, Cecil was nothing but a hindrance. It was frustrating, but she had no choice but to give up. Cecil had spent her days enduring. In that state, when welcoming Ray, she naturally couldn't remain ordinary.
"Now, please show me an example quickly."
"............"
Even when prompted by Cecil, Hinata couldn't move immediately.
"What is it? Can you not follow my orders?"
"N-No... but..."
She couldn't defy Cecil. It wasn't just fear, a complex emotion she didn't quite understand herself was binding Hinata. However, regarding this order, she couldn't obey easily.
"...Um, Cecil-san. Just what are you trying to make me do?"
Ray was made to stand in front of Hinata. In front of Hinata, who was kneeling on the floor.
"I heard from her that in the other world, there are times when men are made happy with the mouth."
"Huh?"
At Cecil's explanation, Ray began to doubt his own ears.
"But since I don't quite understand it even when explained in words, I thought I'd have you show me an example first."
"...Um, that's what you're asking her to do now?"
"Yes."
That was why Hinata was kneeling in front of Ray with a bright red face. It was obvious even without asking.
"In other words, to make me happy, that... that?"
Even so, Ray pressed further.
"Of course. I intend to make Ray-sama happy."
"...How did the conversation turn to this?"
The Hinata Ray knew was not a woman who would bring up such things on her own. He wondered if he had misunderstood, but it was certain that the current situation was not something Hinata desired.
"That is, of course, because I want Ray-sama to be happy. I wondered if I could utilize knowledge from the other world, so I asked about it."
"I see... but, forget it."
"Eh? Why?"
"Even if this person does that to me, I won't be happy. On the contrary, I'd hate it."
"Eh...?"
The one who let out a sound was Hinata. While she didn't desire to be made to do it, she hadn't expected to be rejected by Ray in such a manner.
"I don't mind if someone else does it, not myself. I think it wouldn't be bad to see this woman, who acts so serious, be completely messed up. But I would absolutely never do it myself."
"Why is that?"
Hinata is also a target of revenge. If so, Cecil thought he might want to do it with his own hands.
"How should I put it. I can't explain it well, but I don't want my revenge and my desires to get mixed up. Besides... revenge is about hurting people. Satisfying my desires with that is wrong."
That was what Princess Ekaterina had done. He didn't want to become the same. He didn't want a situation where his desire for revenge against Hinata was diluted by satisfying sexual desires. Such a thing probably wouldn't happen. Princess Ekaterina and Hinata were different, but Ray didn't understand that, even though it concerned himself. And Kamui, who understood that, remained silent. In Kamui's case, he hated the idea of it no longer being revenge for Hinata.
"...I understand. Then I'll do it without an example, so please tell me if there are any strange points."
"Huh?"
Cecil's reactions were often unexpected for Ray. This time was no different.
"Um... I heard about taking it in the mouth. But... how that... makes one feel good..."
While deeply embarrassed, Cecil pushed Hinata aside, knelt before Ray, and reached for his lower body. Whether she was innocent or bold. Ray thought the latter, but he also felt that her embarrassment was genuine.
"C-Cecil-san."
"...I-Is it like this?"
Cecil timidly took it into her mouth. But that was all. She remained still without moving.
"Ah, no. Not like that."
"...Was it wrong?"
Releasing her mouth, Cecil looked up at Ray. That expression was cute and also sensual, stimulating Ray's heart.
"Ah, I didn't mean it like that. Ah, um."
Though he seemed to be rejecting it, he couldn't fully do so. Against Cecil, who held no desire for revenge, his will to restrain himself was weak, and he was pushed by desire. Even if Cecil did nothing, Ray's body had already reacted.
"Ah..."
Unable to endure his feelings any longer, he pushed Cecil down onto the floor. Ray and Cecil became immersed in the act. Before they knew it, they had moved to the next room, never remembering the existence of Hinata, who was staring at them resentfully from the shadow of the door.