Chapter 336 - At the Basecamp

After arriving at the encampment, I got off our carriage.

The members of the transport team also disembarked and went straight to make their reports.

I was the only one who got off the carriage.

For the time being, I left Seras and the others behind.

That especially goes for the Takao sisters, Sogou and Kirihara, I wanted to reduce the chances of them being seen.

As for my Fly King mask, Seras has made it in time and finished repairing it.

Although it looks a little misshapen, Im now wearing my Fly King mask.

Soon after-A chamberlain briskly ran up to me.

He asked me to come to the barracks where the Mad Emperor was staying.

After agreeing to the summons, I asked the chamberlain.

[About that matter I mentioned in the magical war pigeon, the place where the carriage can be hidden]

[As his Majesty has ordered In other words, as Fly King-sama had instructed, we have had it prepared.]

[Thank you. Well then, bring that carriage that way.]

[Understood. Now, Fly King-sama, this way please.]

Following the chamberlain, we entered the Mad Emperors barracks.

Although it looked simple from the outside, the perimeter of the building was well protected.

The interior also looked solidly built.

Rather than a barracks br.i.m.m.i.n.g with extravagance fitting for an Emperor it looked more like a barracks that prioritizes practicality.

As soon as I entered, the gazes of everyone inside simultaneously moved toward me.

Sitting on the chair in the back of the barracks is the Mad Emperor.

Around him were his Imperial Guards.

As for the other faces here, they were probably his close aides.

Beside him is also one of the heads of the three Elected Imperial Households, Yoyo Ord.

[Welcome back, Fly King.]

The Mad Emperor exchanged a few words with me.

It was a private exchange between the two of us.

A pa.s.sword of sorts to prove that I am indeed the Fly King.

Hearing our conversation, other than Yoyo, everyone looked confused.

They looked as if they wanted to ask what in the world we were talking about.

After that brief exchange of words

[So, Fly King. How did it go?]

[The threat of the S-Rank Hero Kirihara has been eliminated.]

At my words, the aides exclaimed.

[As you can tell from my mask and robe, he had been quite a formidable foe.]

[However, you were able to subdue him. As expected Your plan had worked huh.]

[Somehow.]

[However, it seems like success isnt always a good thing.]

[What do you mean?]

[When the time comes, I may end up wanting to rely on you. Your presence is quite the fascinating poison to me.]

[Im extremely honored but even though its just a joke, as expected, youre overestimating me. His Majesty is a great and intelligent person, so I think there would be no problem even if you dont rely on me.]

The aides nodded in agreement.

These guys Emperor need to be properly raised after all.

I dont want to be strangely raised up by others, only to get suspected that I had some sort of ulterior motive.

On the other hand, the Mad Emperor, looking bored from all this farce, rested his chin on his hand.

[Yoyo, I want to talk with the Fly King alone.]

Yoyo responded, before clearing out the people.

The others also reacted as they are conditioned to do and left the barracks without any hesitation.

Yoyo also bowed to the Mad Emperor and followed them.

I dont think its a good idea to leave your Emperor on his own though.

I guess thats just how much they trust me huh.

Well, the Mad Emperor isnt really a simply strong warrior anyway.

[When my loyal retainers are lined up, we really cant relax. Now then, I roughly grasped the situation from the message you sent with a magical war pigeon but Id still like to hear some things from your own mouth.]

In response to his inquiry, I gave the information I needed to convey to the Mad Emperor.

[Understood. Lets arrange everything in the direction you desire.]

[You have my grat.i.tude. How is the situation over there of the Mira army?]

What happened to the combined enemy force after Sogou Ayaka left?

That is what I wanted to ask.

The combined enemy force had apparently crossed Miras borders.

However, the combined enemy force had currently halted just beyond the border.

The two armies are in a stalemate.

Its just, theres this lack of movement on the combined enemy forces side, so much so that it looks eerie.

[Ayaka Sogou has told her troops not to march until she returns, and it seems that they had gone deep into Mira territory on their own accord.]

[This information came from Asagi-dono?]

[Umu. There was also a report from Mira that someone who looked like Ayaka Sogou pa.s.sed through them. However, no one seemed to be able to stop her. And so far, Cattleya seems to be following her orders.]

Asagi and her group are now in this encampment.

[It seems that Ayaka Sogou had been the driving force for the combined enemy forces breakneck speed. I heard that Neias Queen is also good at fighting, but we now have his Majesty and Yoyo-dono partic.i.p.ating in the war. Mira also holds superior numbers Furthermore, the deeper they invade Miras territory, the easier it will be for them to wear out their provisions. Our side originally held the advantage in many aspects. However, the battle situation just turned upside down with the partic.i.p.ation of that S-Rank Hero. Ayaka Sogou was, so to speak, the other sides magic. If their magic had been broken the momentum they had before would crash down.]

This was just a rearranged version of Seras a.n.a.lysis.

The Mad Emperor agreed to my words

[The other sides magic, Ayaka Sogou, is now on our hands, Kirihara is rendered incapable to fight, and Hijiri Takao is an ally. With this, the threat of the S-Rank Heroes has disappeared.]

[The A-Rank Heroes too are now almost not an issue anymore.]

[Asagi Ikusaba is also on our side. We can count on her as an ally.]

[Yes, I think so too.]

Yes If its as an ally

The Mad Emperor gave his thoughts on Miras future actions.

As long as Sogou Ayaka doesnt return to their side, it should be difficult for the combined enemy forces to go on the offensive.

From the movements of the combined enemy forces, the absence of Sogou Ayaka in their ranks appears to be quite significant.

[In addition, we have now joined up with the Fly King Squadron, who had defeated Kirihara.]

In terms of combat strength, we are currently superior.

[But if its possible, I would like to avoid a head-on collision with Neias Queen.]

If we can pull Neia off the G.o.ddess side, we will have one less hostile force.

Mira must also continue to be wary of the two camps in the north that were on the G.o.ddess side, Jonato and Magnar.

Meanwhile, the forces advancing from the east

Urza, Bakuos and Alions main force.

We must defeat them to reach Vysis.

[Ill try talking with Seras about Neia again. If we let them know that we have the means to defeat the G.o.ddess, we may be able to draw the entire Neia army to our side.]

[Umu.]

[Ayaka Sogous partic.i.p.ation in the war may have caused some distortions in our a.s.sumptions but is the plan to march to Alions capital on schedule?]

[Yeah, we are planning to go up to Alion as planned. Although I still have some concerns about our strengths.]

[Those that are unaccounted for In other words Its possible that they could deploy forces like the White Army they used to attack the Imperial Capital?]

Crossing his legs, the Mad Emperor placed his index finger on his white cheek.

[There is strength in numbers and in a war, just relying on clever schemes is no different from walking on a tightrope.]

The Emperors gaze drifted to the side.

[Just sending out the Reserve Corps may not be enough.]

Thereupon, he turned his gaze back to me and spoke.

[Ayaka Sogou, who could apparently generate an army of silver Can we rely on her as an ally?]

[At the moment, I cant give you a definite answer to that. I think it would be better to talk to Hijiri Takao about this.]

[I suppose so I would also like to meet with Hijiri in person at least once.]

[Well then Would you like to meet her now?]

Hearing my words, the Mad Emperor thought about this for a moment

[Mhmm, Ill do that.]

He stood up from his seat.

Just now, for a few seconds

It was just a little bit, but I didnt expect hed be nervous meeting Hijiri in person.

No.

Perhaps, I may have overdone it with the explanations regarding information related to Hijiri earlier.

The s.p.a.ce right next to the barracks where the Takao sisters are located is surrounded by a curtain, with even its ceiling covered just like its walls.

Its as if theres another tent next to their barracks.

A carriage fits inside this s.p.a.ce.

This way, the people getting in and out of the carriage cant be seen from the outside.

It seems like they imitated the entrance method of the so-called popular talents.

[From this point on, I will go in on my own.]

The Mad Emperor told his guards and stepped into the barracks by himself.

Of course, I followed him.

The people sitting inside the barracks sat up.

[Geh, so thats the real deal?]

Itsuki softly murmured.

Perhaps, shes talking about the Mad Emperor, being more beautiful than his portraits-

Or perhaps, she feels like he lives up to his reputation.

In this world, its said that portraits are often embellished.

Well, in my former world, there were softwares and apps that could treat and enhance portraits

[I am Falkendotzine Mira Diasordseat, Emperor of Mira Empire. I am here to see Hijiri Takao.]

In a stern, Emperor-like tone, the Mad Emperor glanced around the barracks.

Hijiri kneels down on one knee and bows.

[Its a pleasure to meet you. Im Hijiri Takao.]

[I see So youre Hijiri. Raise your head. Make yourself comfortable.]

Hijiri looks up.

Thereupon, the Emperor smiles.

[Im so glad to have finally met you Hijiri. Im so glad that you have come to me. You may stand.]

Hijiri stands up.

The Mad Emperors voice softened.

[S-Rank Hero It seems that calling out to you had been the right decision. Looks like the subordinates I had slipped into Alion have discerning eyes. The one over there is your little sister Itsuki, I presume?]

[Yeah, Im Itsuki Takao.]

Keeping herself standing, Itsuki discreetly bows.

Right after that, Itsuki looked at her sister with a startled look on her face, seemingly remembering something.

And then, seeing Itsuki about to hurriedly get down on one knee. the Mad Emperor calmly raised his hand.

[Its alright, you need not be so formal. Miras subjects arent present at this place. As for Ayaka Sogou]

[Shes in the carriage.]

[I see. I have a general idea of what happened. After Ayaka Sogou wakes up, I shall leave her to you, Hijiri.]

[I cant completely promise that shell cooperate but]

[It needs to be said. Fly King advised me to leave her to you. In that case, I will do as the Fly King says.]

Hearing his words, Itsuki whistled.

[Fuuu~~ Someones quite trusted.]

[That aside Theres something I want to talk about with you. This also includes the members of the Fly King Squadron. I would like to set a certain policy on how to incorporate the powerful Heroes from Another World into the battle against the G.o.ddess, as well as the coordination of detailed information.]

A long desk is set up in the center of the barracks.

Lamps are provided, so theres no problem with the brightness inside.

Hijiri and Mad Emperor stood at either end of the table, facing each other across the table.

The conversation progressed with the two of them at the center.

Itsuki is sitting by Hijiris side.

It seems like the Mad Emperor immediately noticed how quick-witted Hijiri is.

In the midst of their conversation, he looked impressed several times.

While they were facing each other, I was sitting by the side, placed in the middle position between Hijiri and the Mad Emperor.

Hijiri sitting at the end of my right-hand side, while the Mad Emperor sits at the end of my left.

Meanwhile, Seras and Munin were standing to my left and right.

I responded as needed and expressed my opinions.

However, for the time being, it seems that the main interaction will be between Hijiri and the Mad Emperor.

I hear birds chirping.

I was watching them and listening to their conversation.

[-How about we go with this direction?]

Hijiri puts a pause in the conversation.

[Thats fine. For the time being, Mira would also follow this policy.]

The policy was almost the same as what I talked with Hijiri after the battle with Kirihara.

Hijiri stares at the map spread out on the table and the written summary of their earlier conversation.

[Considering what Sogou-san is like, I would really want to keep in touch with Nyantan. Even if its just in the sense of increasing the number of allies on this continent. Of course, it would also be great to get a grasp of the G.o.ddess movements and the situation over there.]

The Mad Emperor nodded in response.

[Lets make use of what we could. We could get as much information as possible about Vysis movements through the combined efforts of those familiars and our spies.]

The existence of the familiars was revealed to the Mad Emperor.

However, I havent talked about how theyre connected with Erika- the Witch of Taboos.

As for me

[Seras.]

[Yes.]

[Princess No, shes a Queen now huh. Queen Cattleya. Can you handle the situation over there?]

[The Prin- Her Majesty and I had thought ahead of time how to avoid fighting in the event of us clas.h.i.+ng. However. With the situation like this, I feel that if we can explain to her the situation properly, she will become an ally. Even though her priority would be protecting the country, she doesnt like Vysis way of doing things either.]

[I hope that when Cattleya gets swayed, Bakuos would also be pulled along with her.]

Hearing the Mad Emperor say that, I spoke.

[Is Vysis now in Alion?]

[According to the last report I received, shes still in Alion. If thats the case, then we should just continue our attack on Alion.]

Saying this, the Mad Emperor suddenly began silently contemplating.

The look on his face- Its as if he has some concerns that he cant shake off.

[You have concerns in mind?

I asked, urging him to talk.

Hearing my question, with his gaze fixed on the table

[That White Army from before I really just cant help feeling concerned about those. From what I heard Vysis obtained the Heart of the Great Demon Emperor and if that was the driving force behind the creation of that White Army the False Sacrament The enemys main force may not just be centered on Alions human forces. Wouldnt it be more likely that such a thing would occur?]

Would the unaccounted enemies only consist of that White Army?

The Heart of the Great Demon Emperor- the Prime Origin.

The existence of that black orb that Hijiri mentioned

If Vysis increases her power with that Prime Origin

It may be difficult to win just by going up with the offensive.

No Her purpose itself was still not yet clear.

If we know her clear objective, we can make corresponding moves

[Whats most concerning is the real strength of her forces huh.]

[Ill put it simply. In other words In order to increase our winning rate, we want to increase our strength as much as possible. We want to make sure there are no oversights on this matter. Failure is not an option after all.]

Thats something I can also understand.

If the White Army comes out again, we will certainly need numbers.

Allies with strong combat capabilities too.

The Mad Emperor and Takao Hijiri.

Their gazes turned toward me.

I took a moment to pause and understand what they were trying to say before putting it into words.

[The Faraway Country huh.]

If possible, I hope to be able to update the next chapter in the near future (Im thinking about posting it on Friday as my goal at the moment).