By the time they had distanced themselves from the ravine where the monsters had appeared, the creatures had ceased their pursuit. As a result, after eliminating the visible threats, Elias and Mishena took a moment to catch their breath.
“Looks like we’ve left their territory.”
“…I was just thinking,”
Mishena said, turning her gaze toward the direction of the ravine.
“Those monsters… it felt like they were appearing endlessly.”
“There must be a limit. But if we assume that these creatures traveled here from deeper in the mountains, it would mean their pack is significantly large.”
“If they decide to form a subjugation force, it’s going to be a sizable one.”
Mishena remarked as she turned to face Elias.
“If they decide to go through with the subjugation, will you be joining them?”
“Hard to say. Frien and I were only investigating the monsters that appeared near the fort. Whether or not I get included in the subjugation force depends on those in charge, so I have no idea.”
“You don’t have any say in the matter?”
“I’ve been here in the north for only two days. No one’s going to entrust me with personnel decisions just because I’m a Holy Knight.”
At Elias’s response, Mishena nodded in agreement.
“That’s true… But if their numbers are overwhelming, it’s going to be a tough fight. I’d feel a lot more reassured having you there, considering you can take them down in a single blow.”
“I appreciate the compliment… And you? Are you planning to join?”
“If they ask me to. Well, that’s up to the higher-ups, so I don’t know how it’ll turn out.”
Mishena then glanced back and forth between Elias and Frien.
“Hey, can I go to your fort?”
“…I don’t mind, but I plan to just lay low there, so I doubt you’ll find anything exciting. Besides, weren’t you hired by the knights you were traveling with?”
“I’ll let them know. The request has been fulfilled anyway.”
She turned to her companions and asked, “That okay with you guys?” The group nodded, though one of the warriors gave a wry smile, showing a hint of exasperation at her sudden decision.
(…Well, as long as it doesn’t cause a falling-out among them, it should be fine.)
Elias had been carefully observing their behavior throughout the conversation, gathering insight into the dynamics within Mishena’s group. He also focused a trace amount of magic into his eyes to gauge their presence.
He could sense no discord in their magical aura—the energy surrounding them was calm. That confirmed that the bonds between Mishena and her companions were solid. With that reassurance, he judged that she wouldn’t cause any trouble back at the fort.
“Just so you know, your accommodations will be handled by the Holy Knight in charge of the fort, not me. If the treatment isn’t to your liking, don’t complain.”
“Yeah, yeah, I got it.”
Mishena replied nonchalantly.
Elias gave a small shrug before speaking.
“All right, let’s head back. There’s still a chance those same monsters will show up again… The kingdom will need to step up and handle it properly.”
Following Elias and Mishena’s investigation, the kingdom officially designated the leader of the Aka no Ōkami—the Red Wolf—as a Threat Level 3 monster. Declaring it a significant danger, they formally announced the formation of a subjugation force.
The fort where the knights accompanying Mishena were stationed was assigned as the operation’s core command. While it wasn’t the frontmost defensive line, the size of the monster pack was still undetermined, and the individual creatures within the horde had already been classified as Threat Level 2. Because of this, even knights and warriors from the northernmost strongholds were mobilized.
“…The kingdom seems to consider this a serious threat,”
Frien remarked.
She was in Elias’s quarters, having just finished compiling the latest reports. Three days had passed since their investigation. Elias himself was mildly surprised at how quickly the kingdom had reached a decision.
(Perhaps, given that this is the northern front, they tend to act swiftly?)
“I’ve also gathered information on the knights and warriors participating in the subjugation. Do you want to take a look?”
“Sure, though I doubt I’ll recognize any of the names.”
Despite his words, Elias skimmed through the document handed to him. His gaze moved down the list.
“…That’s quite a few people.”
“The total number of the subjugation force is around thirty. Since the monster pack includes creatures of Threat Level 2, they’re primarily deploying elite warriors from the frontlines.”
“Given how many unknowns were present during our investigation, I suppose they decided to err on the side of caution… Oh, Mishena’s name is listed here too.”
“She was directly involved in the initial investigation. Plus, she’s proven her combat abilities against those creatures. It makes sense she’d be chosen.”
Elias scanned the list once more, but his own name was absent.
That, however, was to be expected.
“I suppose I’ll just leave it to them.”
“…If you speak directly with Lord Nork, you could probably get yourself added to the force.”
“That sounds like more trouble than it’s worth… Though,” Elias glanced outside the window.
From his quarters, he could see the fort’s courtyard. Mishena was down there, training alongside the knights and soldiers.
“If I tell her about this, she might not take it well.”
“…Are you suggesting she might interfere?”
Frien asked.
“It’s possible.”
Since the investigation, Mishena had been welcomed at the fort, spending her days sparring with its knights and soldiers.
At the same time, however, she had been noticeably displeased whenever Elias’s status was mentioned.
While it was unclear exactly what she was dissatisfied with, her reactions made it apparent that she wouldn’t be happy learning that Elias had not been included in the subjugation force.
“Elias, just to confirm—unless you receive an official request, you have no intention of joining the subjugation force?”
“Yeah, that’s the plan.”
“…But there’s a possibility that Mishena might get involved.”
“I should probably have a talk with her. I’ll gauge her reaction first.”
“Let’s just hope this doesn’t turn into a whole incident.”
“I’ll handle it.”
Elias stood up.
“That being said, I’ll go deal with this now.”
“Please try to keep things civil.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Frien muttered under her breath,
“…Why is she so intent on taking Elias’s side?”
Hearing that, Elias turned back and answered.
“She probably took a liking to my fighting style. It’s natural to feel a sense of camaraderie with someone you’ve fought alongside, more so than with knights or warriors you only know by name.”
With that, he left his quarters.