CH 114

“Everyone is here. I will get straight to the point.”

Kalin says, as she looks around at everyone gathered here in this small conference room next to her office.

“I am the lord of this Admiral dominion, and it is my responsibility to protect everyone here, but I have also offered my sword to the king as a knight of this country. I can’t stay an uninvolved observer in this matter. I will reclaim the royal capital.”

Everyone listens to Kalin with a serious expression and processes her thoughts. They will be our guide as we deal with this issue.

I know Kalin has a strong sense of duty, so I knew she would say this.

But the problems start now. I get the feeling she might say something like she’s going to take the lead in assaulting the capital with only me following her.

But thankfully, those fears are unfounded, and I’m relieved to hear what she actually says is much more sensible.

“With that in mind, I want to hear what department chiefs and the more experienced people have to say.”

She says while looking at everyone present, one by one.

“In that case, excuse me.”

Says Litna, who has been promoted to chief of food supply management.

“First of all, about the current state of our food supply. We have a lot stored, since we were preparing to build our new town. Add this to the fact that we can hunt around here, and Habbafulton can be self-sustained for a long time without fear of starvation even if all trade is cut off.”

“But what about food for a marching army when that becomes necessary?”

Litna starts speaking with vigor like he was anxious to start. All this sudden technical speech is making me drowsy.

“Hm. So a large-scale dispatch of troops doesn’t seem possible.”

Is the conclusion Kalin reaches after listening to Litna.

After this, all department chiefs offer their opinions and suggestions.

“Next are Ahri and Roa. Do you see anything?”

Both silently shake their heads.

“I’m sorry Lady Kalin, but I see nothing, and the same goes for Roa. But I think we should take it as a sign that there won’t be fighting in Habbafulton for a while.”

“I see. That in itself is very valuable information. Protecting Habbafulton is vital.”

Says Kalin while nodding.

I don’t like where this is going.

I’m getting the feeling that she’s about to say she’s going to charge in with a few elite troops, and wants me to go too. Good grief, she’s really itching to put her skills to use.

“Next, Miss Taula. I want to hear what you have to say. What do you think of the current situation?”

“There is at most one demon, and according to the soldiers that were healed, my arch-enemy, that shaman, has been spotted there. The enemy’s main base is in the royal capital, most likely underground.”

Taula stops, before resolutely beginning to speak again.

“I would most definitely like to accompany you when you go to the capital. I owe a debt to Master Rust, and I want to repay it now. I will be the sword that cuts through this disaster that befell you.”

Declares Taula while looking this way.

Now that it feels like the groundwork has been laid, Kalin finally turns the conversation over to me.