Chapter 728 – Conquer Ploy

Chapter 728 - Conquer Ploy

After hearing what happened and punishing Hermes, we shouldn’t think that this is the end of it.

First, what happened to the dangerous circles in the city?

「All have been destroyed」

According to Beton-san.

I don’t think she would dare lie to Dors so it’s safe to believe her.

The question that remains is the cause of Beton-san’s desire for power.

Assassins dispatched by a human country.

They are likely to target Beton-san and her friends so we need to deal with this issue as soon as possible.

………

Ehto, what should we do?

Talk to the police?

Is there a police force or similar organization in Shashaato City?

I don’t remember hearing about it.

And if there were such an organization, it would have been in action when Count Pugyaru went missing.

I didn’t see any sign of such an organization.

In other words, there’s no such organization.

I’m sure of that but let’s ask Bron to make sure.

「Ehto, the regular army of the kingdom is in charge of things like that.」

I see.

As expected of Bron.

It’s good that they taught you well in the academy…no?

You didn’t learn that from the academy since you started teaching soon after you enrolled.

Okay.

「However, the regular army stationed in Shashaato City were all dispatched to stand as guards during the event this morning so it is impossible for them to move right now. By the way, there are around 500 of them.」

I don’t know if 500 is a lot or too little for an army but…considering the size of this city, it should be too little.

What would they do if monsters or demon beasts attack the city?

「The city’s defense doesn’t only rely on the army but also on the city’s merchant guild and adventurers guild. With their help, there should be around 5000 defenders.」

I see.

And if the enemy comes from the sea?

「Since it’s a commercial area with humans, it is unlikely to be directly attacked…In the event of an invasion from another country, most of the city would be vacated and most would be holed up at the edge of the port. In an event like that, the city’s merchant guild and adventurers guild won’t get involved but the seakins will cooperate. Then, we will wait for the reinforcements that will come from the royal capital…since the teleportation gates have been built, that plan should be undergoing a revision. I will look into it.」

No, it’s just a small question. You don’t have to look into it.

However, I didn’t know that there was a fort in the City of Shashaato.

「It’s part of the harbor but it’s at the place furthest from the center of the city.」

Why build in such a place?

「If it were closer to the city, civilians might get involved in the battle.」

Ah, so you mean it’s a place far from any dangerous facility.

That’s good.

But I digress.

Let’s get back to the topic.

-0-

Even if the army can’t move immediately, we should consult them.

Fortunately, I have connection with Governor Ifrus of Shashaato City.

Thanks to Miyo.

「Ano, there’s something fast coming that way.」

Hnn?

Bron says as he points in the direction of the city.

I looked in the direction Bron was looking.

It was night so we could only see light from the city in the distance.

Is there something there?

Oh, the city light is flashing on and off.

Or not.

The city light is not flashing but something crossed in front of the city lights.

What was it?

It’s getting closer to us…

Something entered the range of Dors’ magic light and I finally saw what it was.

It was the demon king’s group riding a flying carpet.

I was surprised as to why the demon king has come here but I have to confirm something first.

That flying carpet belongs to our village, right?

After it dropped off the demon king’s group, it tackled and curled up to me.

Well, even if it did not, I could tell given the pattern of the carpet.

What, are you mad at me?

No, it’s true that I left you behind.

However, you were working as a rocking carpet for the little kids.

I can’t ask you to throw them out and come with me.

Besides, you couldn’t throw them out either, could you?

Yeah, you understand?

Good.

Alright, let’s make up.

-0-

Now then, the demon king’s group…

Riding the flying carpet were the demon king, Beezel, Glatts, and Hou.

The demon king and the four heavenly kings all came together.

「No, hahaha. The information we got is kind of complicated so we judged that it would be faster if we come to the place ourselves.」

According to the demon king, Glatts, who was in the village, found out what I did and rushed to report to the demon king.

I wonder why he went to report. Perhaps the disappearance of Count Pugyaru was a bigger deal for the kingdom than I expected.

To think that it must be reported to the demon king as soon as he heard it.

Well, it is certainly so.

It’s a missing person after all.

It can’t be helped.

After receiving the report, the demon king tried to confirm the situation but the information was so mixed up that he decided to go himself.

He brought the four heavenly kings with him and came here.

So that’s how it was.

As you probably know, Count Pugyaru has already been found.

The butler said he was safe and sound but…you better check later just to make sure.

「Yeah, of course.」

And you came at a good time.

Actually, there’s something I wanted to discuss with you.

Oh, you don’t have to be so defensive.

In fact, there are people who are being targeted by assassins from human kingdoms here.

I think it would be better if Beton-san explained this to you rather than me.

Would you please listen to what she has to say?

Yeah, her.

Not the one on seiza while holding a stone but the one near Dors.

So…Beezel, you got a minute?

Yeah.

No, I just wanted to ask you something that’s been bothering me personally so please refrain from getting down on your knees.

And why are you even acting like that?

There’s no need to.

Stand up, stand up.

Um, I was wondering about something you guys have.

Everyone who came with the demon king on the flying carpet was carrying banners.

Those are the flags of Big Tree Village, right?

The ones we used during the parade.

Why do you have those?

「To be identified as allies.」

Identified?

「We were told you led a pack of inferno wolves.」

So, it was for the kuros and the spiderlings?

You don’t need to bring those since I’m sure everyone recognizes you.

「Hahaha, just in case.」

I see.

This cautiousness must be a quality of those who stand at the top.

I must learn from them.

Hnn?

Following the demon king’s group, another group seems to have arrived.

Who could they be?

……

It’s Alfred!

Ah, it’s been a while.

How are you?

Ursa too.

Good good.

Sil’s here too.

It’s already midnight.

Asa and Earth too.

Metora stayed at the royal capital’s house?

Well, you don’t even need to all go here.

If I say a word, you can move right away?

No, no, no, Count Pugyaru has already been found.

Ah…

By the way, why is Tiselle wrapped with a rope?

「Ehto, she kind of lost control.」

Lost control?

When I had them explain what was going on, Ursa and Alfred discussed it first. In the end, Alfred agreed to imitate Tiselle.

「Father finally stood up! Now is the time to conquer the Demon King’s Kingdom! Everyone, rally your armies and take action for the Big Tree Village!」

Ah, that resemblance.

You are truly siblings.

So, what happened?

Did Alfred admonish her?

It was Ursa who answered.

「Metora managed to restrain her before she could issue orders so everything was contained within the house. However, her voice was very loud so there was a bit of commotion in the school. I don’t think it will become a big problem.」

So, it’s a small problem?

Well, I don’t think we should joke around about conquering the kingdom within the Demon King’s Kingdom.

I’ll scold her.

Also, I should apologize to the demon king and the principal.

I don’t want Tiselle to be bullied because of this.

Yeah?

Tiselle, is there something you want to say?

「I was working with the conquer ploy with Uncle Beezel, Uncle Glatts, Uncle Randan, and Hou-oneesan. We even had the approval of Uncle Demon King… Metora told me to never make a move until I had a direct order from you.」

………

I’ll tell the demon king that if they’re going to play along with children’s games, they should make sure that they’ll notice that it’s only a joke.

Yeah.

Let’s give Metora something.

Sorry for the trouble.