Chapter 355 - r e u n i o n

I woke up.

[Hnn]

[Piggi?]

[Youve woken up?]

After Pigimarus cry was Seras voice.

I opened my eyes and raised my body.

I squinted my eyes to adjust my vision blurred from sleep.

I can see the army on standby in the distance.

It looks like weve caught up with them as theyre camped out and resting.

[We have already left Urza and entered Neia territory.]

Seras explained our current location.

[A scout just called out to me and went back to report. Im sure they have heard that we have returned by now. Should we continue and meet up with them?]

[Yeah.]

I patted Sleis flank.

[You must be tired too Well done.]

[Burururu]

After we arrived at the camp, the Mad Emperor and some other people greeted us.

They have apparently already cleared out the people and the usual barracks were up.

Only a limited number of people would be standing there.

[Youve returned safely, Touka. From the looks of it, it looks like a fierce battle took place Are you alright?]

[Yes. At the very least, the Human-Faceds that had gathered near the fort were exterminated.]

[Fuuu While you said it like it was handled easily, what you accomplished is equivalent to a great feat. Even so]

As I ride behind Slei, the Mad Emperor looks up to me.

[Somehow, it feels like youve grown a size I guess it might just be my imagination.]

Its not like Ive grown taller or my physique has grown.

I wonder if the effect of the correction values from my level-ups makes it appear that way?

[Youve done well too, Seras, escorting the Fly King.]

Seras responded with a reserved nod.

We got off Slei.

I mean

Thinking about it again, it is disrespectful to talk to an Emperor from horseback, looking down on him, right?

The Mad Emperor doesnt seem to mind though.

At that moment

[Everyone, youre safe]

[Munin-dono.]

Munin rushed over to us.

[Pakyuuun.]

[Slei-san too Thank you for the hard work]

Munin hugged Slei, who has returned to her first form.

[Munin-dono, the factor that could be a threat to the people of the Faraway Country Weve eliminated them.]

Hearing Seras words, Munin looked up.

[Seras-san, thank you Touka-san too.]

[Yeah.]

It seemed like there wasnt anything particular that happened here either, and Munin was safe.

Now then

[Seras, Ill have you sleep with my skill for a while. I was able to sleep all the way here, but youve been up and moving around after all. From the looks of it, youre pretty much at your limit, arent you?]

Looking a little happy, Seras wryly smiles.

[Youve been watching me very carefully Well then, Ill take your word for it.]

[Munin, Ill leave Seras to you. Also, you two rest with her too, Slei, Pigimaru.]

At my words, as if to salute like a n.o.ble lady, Munin lifted both hems of her skirt a bit

[Understood, Your Majesty Fly King.]

Then, I casted

on Seras.

Slei and the others helped Munin carry Seras.

Seras was then carried to the carriage that Munin used for waiting on standby and sleeping.

[Welcome back. Also, thank you for the hard work.]

Seemingly finding that moment right, Hijiri stood beside me.

As we had already entered the curtain-covered barracks, she had already taken off her Fly Knight mask.

[Good work on your side too. Ive left you in charge of a lot of things here How did things go here?]

Hijiri talked about what had happened here.

While I went to deal with the Human-Faceds, it seems that there was a sudden development here as well.

[I see.]

Nyantan succeeded in escaping from the Royal Capital.

Her little sisters who were held hostage were also safely rescued.

Our cla.s.smates who had remained behind were also successfully taken out.

That also includes the homeroom teacher, Zakurogi.

She also properly got the evidence of Vysis wickedness.

I see.

The reason why there was no contact from Erikas familiar

It was because she had devoted her time, including the a.s.sessment of the situation, to attempt making contact with them.

And then, she used her actual voice, unable to communicate with them with something like my letter board, to convey information to Nyantan.

Erika is probably unconscious by now.

The greater the burden she bore, the more days she should be unable to move.

Youve pushed yourself pretty hard, Erika.

Moreover

You even brought us close to the best possible outcome.

Theres also that information worth mentioning

[For her to be bringing along a Deity one hostile to Vysis at that, its quite surprising]

A Deity other than Vysis that I didnt even know existed

[Just as we thought, it seems like there really is an a.s.sessment system for Deities, and it seems that she had triggered that.]

Thats why other Deities, people from something like the auditing department on their side, were dispatched

However, they were beaten back by Vysis

[You mentioned she had information that could be useful against Vysis?]

[That Deity has apparently been asleep since they were in the Royal Capital. If she had been awake, we could have gotten the information from the magical war pigeons first.]

[Have they sent out more magical war pigeons?]

Hijiri leisurely shook her head.

[The one who went there was Sogou huh.]

[Just in case her help might be needed, Itsuki also went after Sogou-san. However, she was the best option in order for our side to make it there in time. As long as she makes it there on time, she should be able to escort them here.]

Incidentally, it was apparently impossible for two people to ride on her unique silver horse.

In any case

[The fact that Sogous mental state seems to have recovered is good news.]

In terms of combat, there arent many allies better than her.

[You also did a great job, Hijiri. I couldnt have dealt with matters related to Sogou on my own.]

[Your welcome- is what Id like to say, but Im sure more things were handled because Mimori-kun was here rather than me.]

[When you say it like that, Im kinda feeling embarra.s.sed.]

[Liar.]

As expected of Lie Detected No. 2.

[What about Asagi and the others?]

[They have been quiet. Although they occasionally show up here, theyre usually strengthening their ties with the Emperors elite troops under the orders of the Mad Emperor. Its so that they could work as a separate unit.]

The Asagi group is now treated like a regiment under the Emperors command.

They would be mixed with the finest elite soldiers and deployed alongside them.

According to Hijiri, the Mad Emperor originally planned to challenge Vysis with that line-up.

[Now that you mentioned it, Asagi joined hands with the Mad Emperor before he joined forces with the Faraway Country and our Fly King Squadron]

I guess hes just fitting them into the form he had originally planned huh.

For Kas.h.i.+mas sake, I guess Ill show my face there a little later.

[At present, it seems that everything is going exceptionally well. However, it appears that the main force is currently at a standstill]

At my words, Hijiri throws an inquiring look at the Mad Emperor.

The Mad Emperor, who received her gaze, nodded back.

His nod just now, seemed like an acknowledgment for Hijiri to explain.

[Weve almost caught up with the mixed army. The other side keeps retreating, so its not like weve suffered any casualties though.]

On the contrary, it seems our forces are increasing.

Miras generals and soldiers who had been prisoners of war in Urzas Royal Capital and the enemy forts

Some of them have been released and reinstated to this main army.

It can be said that the fact that Sogou had taken them as prisoners of war without killing as much as possible turned out well for our side.

[For them to not show any sign of counterattacking so far The Queen really is doing a good job.]

The further the Mira army is away from Mira territory, the more disadvantageous it will be in terms of logistics.

Conversely, the closer we get to Alion, Neia and Bakuos, the better off we are in terms of supplies.

Perhaps, that Queen deceived them like that.

[Right now, with the mixed army in front of us we are taking a break and discussing how to attack hereafter. Ostensibly, that is.]

[Ostensibly, you mean]

[If all goes as planned tomorrow, Neias forces will turn on us. I received a letter containing a letter-picking-sealed message from the other side. Seras-san gave me a rough idea of how their secret messages worked.]

[..]

It seems that Takao Hijiri already comprehended that.

Seriously, Elder Takao really feels like a natural-born genius.

[However, its true that were resting here. As expected, we just cant keep on marching. If that Sacrament army is waiting for us, we need to maintain a battle-ready state. Even your Fly King Corps, who returned in haste after fierce battles, will need some time to rest, right?]

[Well, yes.]

I looked in the direction of the mixed army.

[At any rate, Neia army defecting to our side will finally happen tomorrow huh.]

Early the next morning, the leading group from the Faraway Country caught up with us.

Their numbers make up about a quarter of their overall troops.

Only the fastest ones met up with us first.

There are only a limited number of monsters like Giant Wolves that can quickly move.

And among those people

[I have come!]

Her arms folded, acting all arrogant, was the Arachnid Prime Minister.

Lieselotte Ornick.

Were meeting again after a long time.

[Yo, Liese.]

Liese almost fell off her seat.

[Oi, isnt your reaction much weaker than expected!? Isnt this an emotional reunion!?]

[Whats with you, Liese? Are you that moved by this?]

[Kuh I- Is that bad!? I was looking forward to this!]

Thereupon, a black Leopardkin stands next to Liese.

[She really must have been looking forward to this, our Prime Minister-sama was.]

[Youre so noisy, Gio!]

[Isnt your voice louder than mine?]

Looking at said Leopardkin, Gio, who was being insulted by Liese

[Gio.]

[Ou, Fly King.]

[Im glad you came.]

[This matter is also related to the future of our country too after all.]

Meanwhile, a few distance away from us

[Heyya, Seras-kun, you doing well here!? Munin-kun too~~! Youve been fine, right~~!?]

The blue-skinned centaur Qir Meiru cheerfully asked Seras and Munin for a high-five.

[Im glad youre here too, Gratora.]

[Its been a while.]

The Captain of King Zects Royal Guards.

The Harpy, Gratora.

[As expected, your tone of voice has become more natural and less unpleasant huh.]

[Thats harsh.]

Shes still the same stern, expressionless character.

[Were you not attacked by Human-Faced on your way here?]

[Yes, we were fine.]

[Thats good to hear.]

[I learned about it from the magical war pigeon. It seems you got a little reckless for our sake.]

[Its also for our own sake. Theres no need for unnecessary consideration.]

[No. I dont have the right to stop you, but I would like you to stop doing that if possible.]

The always unconcerned Gratoras lips had turned into a slight frown.

[If Fly King Belzegia dies, there will be many people in our country who will be saddened.]

She too had somewhat changed huh.

[Wait, Gratora!?]

[What is it, Liese?]

[I was supposed to be the one saying such thoughtful words! Whats the meaning of this!?]

[Huh. Im sorry for being thoughtless.]

[As usual, even when youre apologizing, I cant feel any good faith from it at all! Im the Prime Minister, you know!? The Prime Minister!]

Liese sure is like Duke Zuan when the situation is at a disadvantage

At that moment.

Behind the barracks curtain, a familiar face appeared.

[That is]

It was Rohm who entered the barracks, giving me a bow.

I just raised my hand and nodded in response.

Im glad to see that he has joined up with Liese and the others.

He then went straight to the Mad Emperor to make his report.

Incidentally

I heard from Liese that the slow-moving army, led by Armia, would be following after.

[-Hmm?]

When my gaze happened to move her way

I suddenly saw her, from behind the curtain.

A familiar girls face

[Nyaki.]

[Master-san!]

Nyaki rushes over to me.

Taking off my mask, I knelt down to meet her gaze

[You came too huh.]

[Nyaki had come too nya!]

Thereupon, seemingly realizing something, Nyaki anxiously looks at me with upturned eyes.

Pressing the tips of her index fingers together

[N- Nyaki also wants to be of some help to Master-san and the others Ummm Is it alright for me to come?]

[This time is up to what you want. If you decided to come, then that is fine.]

At my words, Nyakis expression brightened up.

[Nyaki is very happy to meet you again, Master-san!]

As Nyaki embraced me Two shadows approached from the side.

[Piggi!]

[Pakyuuun!]

[Nya?]

Nyaki turns her body towards the two shadows

[Nyanyaaa Pigimaru-san! Slei-san!]

Slei jumps to Nyaki.

Pigimaru, who was riding on Slei

[Poyoriiin!]

-leaped off her back and towards Nyaki.

[Nyahahaha! Nyakis so happy to see you two again nya~~! Nyaki is too nyappy! Nyakis really glad that Nyakis come!]

From the weight of the twos bodies, Nyaki fell to the ground on her back.

Incidentally, the back of her head and her back were protected by Pigimaru, acting as her cus.h.i.+on.

[Pinyui~~]

[Pampiiii~~]

Pigimaru and Slei really like Nyaki.

[Nyaki-dono.]

[-! Seras-san!]

Nyaki picks herself up and hugs Seras.

[Seras-san, we we meet again nya! Im so happy to see you again nya!]

[Yes Im also happy to see you again.]

Im not sure if emotions welled up in her heart upon seeing Nyaki again

However, Seras had some tears in her eyes.

Well, not like Im sure how she feels though.

..

Rather, Liese

Why the heck do you also look like youre slightly tearing up too?

[Nyaki-san.]

[Nyaa~~ Munin-san! Nyaki brought it with me the Fly Knight mask Munin-san made for Nyaki!]

[Fufufu. Its the same as mine, isnt it?]

[Yes nya!]

[Nyaki is also an important member of the Fly King Squadron after all.]

[Thats right nya!]

At that moment

[Your Majesty!]

[ ? ]

Rus.h.i.+ng past the barracks curtains is Yoyo Ord.

[Whats the matter, Yoyo? Have the mixed troops already made their move?]

[No.]

Another person also comes in from behind the barracks curtains.

Yoyo turns around

[Theyre back-]

[]

In that instant

Nyaki, who was nostalgically reminiscing after her reunion with the members of the Fly King Squadron-

She broke into a run.

As if unconsciously muttering Nee-nya, Nee-nya to herself repeatedly

Nyaki ran frantically.

On the other hand

The person who just entered our barracks, another person with cat ears on her head

She also ran with her eyes set on Nyaki.

The distance between the two of them became narrower.

The person with the cat ears opened her eyes wide.

Yes, as if she was preparing to embrace her

And then

The two hugged each other.

[NEE-NYAAAAAAAAA UWWAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHNN!]

[Nyaki Nyakiii- Im sorry For being so late. coming to get you! Im sorry Im sorry!]

Ahh

I see.

Thats Nyakis Nee-nya.

Nyantan Kikeepat.

She managed to get here safely.

Nyaki is crying in Nyantans chest.

As if the emotions that had been stored in her heart exploded, she cried out.

Meanwhile, Seras

Covering her mouth with both hands seemingly trying to keep herself from speaking, she was crying.

Ahh.

That certainly is the case.

We knew it.

About how much Nyaki

About how much- Nyaki wanted to see her Nee-nya

[Eh? Nyaki? Nyaki is here! Nyono, Chelsea! Its Nyaki! Sniff Nyaki is here!]

[Its really Nyaki~~!? Waaaahhnnnn Nyagiii]

[Nyaki! Nyaki, Nyaki, Nyakiiiii]

Following Nyantan

Three small children, similar in appearance, appeared from behind the barracks curtain.

[Sniff Eh? What? Ah- Is that Raia, Nyono Chelsea? Its really you nya!? Waaaaahhhhhhn, Raia! Nyono! Chelseeeeeaa!]

Those are

Nyantans little sisters huh.

The five sisters hugged each other and wept at the reunion.

Nyantan gathered her four little sisters together and embraced them.

As her little sisters cried like kittens

As if they were incredibly precious to her, she embraced them tightly.

[..Good for you, Nyaki.]

I look up at the clear early morning sky.

Truly

[Its really great.]

-That we were able to save Nyaki.

After that, more people came into the barracks

[Im back. All of them brought back safely.]

Sogou Ayaka.

[Since were inside the barracks, I can take off the mask already, right?]

Takao Itsuki.

And those are-

The Hero cla.s.smates huh.

At that moment, Banewolf, who was leaning against the barracks, gave a slow clap.

[You really are a Hero, Sogou-chan. Also Im glad youre safe Suou-chan, Nihei everyone.]

[Ahh!? Its Bane-san!]

The cla.s.smates who noticed Banewolf gathered around.

Meanwhile though, I saw Sogou approaching my way.

From her expression and the atmosphere around her

Shes here to apologize again huh.

However

Before Sogou could come closer, I motioned with my chin, indicating a different direction, urging her to go there.

It seemed that Sogou also noticed my intention.

Although she looked somewhat hesitant

In the end, she meekly started walking in the direction I urged her to go.

At the direction she was walking to

[Hijiri-san, I was-]

[Allow me to say this. Well done.]

With a smile that seemed to say I take my hat off to you, Hijiri spoke.

[It seems like I- have to thank you for this once again, Sogou-san.]