𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟖𝟓: 𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭
“I see, so the Demon Lord’s forces are that strong…”
ㅤ
The Automata, having returned to the fort, reported the results of its reconnaissance mission to the commander.
By the way, it’s worth mentioning that it mostly didn’t lie in this report.
In other words, it honestly reported the results of its investigation into the Demon Lord’s army led by the dragon.
Of course, it didn’t mention that it had slaughtered the cat-eared squad.
ㅤ
Given that there are other reconnaissance units, if it lied poorly about the investigation results, it would be exposed quickly.
Moreover, as far as I’m concerned, it’s not like I care if the information slightly disadvantages the Demon Lord’s forces, on the contrary, I want the humans to fight and deplete each other as much as possible.
The ideal is that both the humans and the Demon Lord’s army annihilate each other.
ㅤ
“I understand the situation. We will not waste the information you’ve risked your lives to gather.
Furthermore, reliable reinforcements from the Holy Kingdom of EhrfleIt are currently on their way here.
So, please rest assured and take a good rest.”
ㅤ
With those words, the report to the commander was concluded.
Then, the Automata headed towards its assigned room.
There, it met up with Leif.
ㅤ
“Welcome back, master!”
“I’m back.”
ㅤ
Seeing the Automata, Leif displayed a relieved smile.
It seems like nothing happened while I wasn’t looking.
It’s a relief.
ㅤ
“So, is the thing we discussed ready?”
“Yes! Here it is!”
ㅤ
Prompted, Leif handed me a bundle of papers.
This was the result of the task I had ordered Leif to do before we set off.
It was a plan of the fort.
Well, it’s not official, it’s hand-drawn by Leif.
There are quite a few omissions because of that.
ㅤ
I silently examined the plan.
ㅤ
“I’m… I’m sorry… I could only investigate this much…”
ㅤ
However, during that silence, for some reason, Leif’s face fell.
No, I had no intention of blaming him.
But I see.
Because the Automata doesn’t show emotions (obviously), depending on how it’s interpreted, it could seem angry.
For now, I’ll reassure him.
“There’s no problem. It’s much better than you forcing your way into places you shouldn’t and getting caught.
Actually, I’m surprised at how detailed the plan is.
You’ve done a great job.”
“Y, Yes!”
ㅤ
Upon hearing those words, a smile returned to Leif’s face.
He’s a bit emotionally unstable, but I think it’s within acceptable limits.
ㅤ
Moreover, what I just said was by no means flattery.
Honestly, even though I told him to investigate the interior structure of the fort, I wasn’t really expecting much.
Despite the fact that Leif has mapping skills cultivated through his adventuring career, I told him to hand-draw a plan of the fort, from an adventurer’s perspective, within a few days.
I was aware that I was asking him to do something unreasonable.
Therefore, I was planning to let it slide with just a slight punishment even if he couldn’t do it.
ㅤ
But when I looked at the finished product, it was a plan of higher quality than I expected.
Although it only accurately portrays the spaces where an adventurer can enter, it’s amazing that he’s filled in some of the blank spaces by reverse calculating from the silhouette of the fort, the size of the floors, the locations of the stairs, and so forth.
Even without that, the places I wanted to grasp are properly documented, so it’s sufficient.
ㅤ
Leif is really exceptional.
Next time, I’ll treat him to something delicious again.
ㅤ
“Now then.”
ㅤ
With this, most of the preparations are complete.
All that’s left is to achieve my goal amidst the chaos of battle.
Given that the Demon Lord’s army is closer than anticipated, if the dragon feels like it, the battle could start at any moment.
ㅤ
“The uncertain element might be the reinforcements coming from the Holy Nation of EhrfleIt.
I’m guessing the Twelve Apostles or so will come, but depending on their approach, the plan may not go smoothly.
Well, but, my life isn’t at stake in this battle, so I’ll take it easy.
To be honest, as long as I can at least make an appeal to the Demon Lord that I’m working, that’s good enough.
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“. . .No, I shouldn’t feel like that.”
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After thinking that far, I reflected a little.
Complacency can be fatal at any time.
If I challenge with such feelings, I will just consume resources in vain.
And if I lose irretrievable forces like the zombie-sensei, it could easily affect my life.
ㅤ
“. . .Alright. For the future, let’s try ‘that’ this time.”
ㅤ
I decided to execute a strategy I’ve been thinking about for a while, to motivate myself.
Once I do this, I definitely can’t let my guard down.
With those words, I secretly made up my mind.
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