Chapter 86: The Interrogation (1)

Chapter 86: The Interrogation (1)

Following Marcellus and Decius, we turned back towards the fortress. The first thing we saw was an impressive fortress, already completed. Unlike the invaders’ fortifications, this once was made entirely of stones, and it gave off a sense of grandeur and solidity. However, it was understandable that it felt less reliable compared to the walls of the invading army.

The walls extended significantly outward, probably as a countermeasure against the same war chariots as the four-legged, fire breathing war chariot we had brought back. With that shape, it would not be easy to breach... as long as it remained intact.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed large ballistae and catapults on top of the walls, as well as cylindrical weapons that were likely confiscated from the invading army. It created an intimidating atmosphere. Even if we were attacked before launching our counterattack operation, it seemed that we could hold our ground to a certain extent.

Marcellus took the lead as we approached the fortress, carefully observing its details. It seemed that we were also granted permission to enter. I couldn’t help but wonder if the children and the two beast demons were present within these walls as well. Sharpening my senses, I searched for any signs of their presence.

(...There they are, over there.)

The presence of the children and the two beast demons was indeed within the confines of the fortress. Surrounding them were not human beings but numerous horses and similar creatures. That was likely the stable. It seemed that we would spend our time near the stable until the counterattack operation.

Marcellus and the others completed the formalities and proceeded toward the central part of the fortress, separating from us, the demons. As expected, we were brought to the stable by different imperial soldiers. The soldiers simply instructed us to wait here until further orders and quickly returned to their posts.

“Welcome back, Father! Mother!”

“Welcome home!”

Once the imperial soldiers departed, the children, who had been hiding in the wagon, emerged and rushed towards us. The children seemed accustomed to enduring hardships, but loneliness is still loneliness. They clung to the adults, seeking comfort.

After rejoicing our safe return for a while, we began to organize our living space. The interior of the stable was meant for horses used in carriages, which we couldn’t utilize. We set up our tents in a nearby area that wouldn’t obstruct the imperial army and sought shelter there from rain and wind.

We swiftly set up the tents, having grown accustomed to using them during our monitoring mission. I, too, had grown familiar with the process. Before we knew it, the tents were all in place.

“It’s a bit smelly, isn’t it? But that’s probably because the imperial soldiers don’t come around here much,”

“We don’t know when the order to march will come again. Once you’ve eaten the supplied rations, make sure to rest properly while you can,”

After setting up the tents, Tigar and Zald issued instructions to their respective subordinates. Then, Mika served the food he had prepared with a few other demons. Everyone, including myself, savored the meal, and the demons retreated into their tents to rest.

Following the meal, the demons gradually settled into their own tents to sleep. I sat beside the familiar wagon, which had become my designated spot. Mika stood beside me, motionless. I let out a soft sigh and glanced in Mika’s direction.

“Please don’t be so dismissive. It was you who gave me the determination to live. As a follower of the “God of Shadows” I need a guiding light to serve. So it is only natural that you assume responsibility, isn’t that right, my Lord?” Mika said.

After our return from the brink of death, Mika expressed his desire to serve me. I initially told him that I didn’t need any attendants, but Mika insisted on me taking responsibility. I reluctantly relented, telling him to do as he pleased, and he began to constantly stay by my side. Thê source of this content n/o/v/(el)bi((n))

Mika acknowledged that his role could be likened to that of a butler, but I found no particular need for such a position. Nevertheless, I held no objections, allowing Mika do as he pleased.

Moreover, Mika’s change from seeking death to no longer desiring it had a positive impact on the entire demon squad. He became more proactive in conversations and developed good relationships with many other demons. His closest bond was with Rinne, followed by those who learned various skills from Mika.

“■■■■!■■■■■■!” (Wait, wait! Don’t take it off!)

“?!”

“Oh, I see. It’s a translation device. It automatically converts the thoughts of the one who attached it into a language that can be understood... Theoretically, it was said to be possible, according to Master Orvo. But I had no idea it had reached the practical stage.” Mika said.

Marcellus’s voice, filled with urgency, sounded like a dual echo in my ears. One side was in Ditto, the common language used on the continent by everyone, while the other side was in the mysterious language used by the invading forces. It was a translation device that made such communication possible... Truly, a convenient tool had been created.

The captive woman, perhaps noticing the change, ceased her attempts to remove the device and released her grip from it. Witnessing this, Marcellus visibly exhaled in relief.

“■■■■■■■■.■■...” (Let’s introduce ourselves first, I am...)

“■■■■■■■■,■■■■■■■■■■■■■■.” (Before that, tell him to lower his tail down.)

“■■■■, ■■■■■■■■” (Understood. Mr. Scorpion, please lower your tail.)

Following Marcellus’ request, I complied by lowering my tail. At that moment, the woman displayed a blatant sense of relief. It seemed that her trauma had been quite intense... I felt a slight twinge of guilt.

Perhaps emboldened by my gesture of lowering the tail, the woman sat on the bed and crossed her arms and legs. Despite being a captive, she assumed an air of self-importance. I briefly considered wagging my tail at her again, but such an act might be perceived as disrespect towards Marcellus. So, I remained composed and watched her closely.

“■■■■,■■■■■■■■■■■■. ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■.” (Okay, let’s talk. Are you curious about me? I’m Marcellus, by the way, and I’ll be asking you several questions. It would be helpful if you could answer them as honestly as possible.)

“......■■■■■.,” (I have some conditions.)

“■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■.” (What are they? I’m willing to accommodate your requests as much as possible.)

“■■■■■” (Increase the amount of food.)

“......Huh?”

“■■■■■■.■■■■■■■, ■■■■■■■■” (Include dessert as well. If you do that, I’ll share some information.)

“■■■■■■■■■; ■■■■■■■■■.” (Alright, I’ll try to negotiate with the higher-ups.)

“■■■■■■. ■■■■■■■, ■■■■■■■?” (Negotiations have been successful then. So, what do you want to ask?)

Upon hearing that the condition for negotiation was an increase in food, not only Marcellus but also Mika and I were taken aback. We wondered if such a trivial matter would suffice.

However, the woman’s expression showed that she was dead serious. In response, Marcellus adopted a tone as if he were about to fulfill a difficult task. And so, with all of us present, the interrogation of the captive began.