"Looks like things have finally settled down, more or less."
"You're right. I was quite anxious when we first returned, but looking around now, things seem to have finally reached a state of calm."
Beside Reiji Saiki, who was surveying the encampment, Vihera nodded with a joyful smile.
Next to them, Seto was happily devouring a large pile of Riot fruits. These fruits, known for their intense sweetness and high water content, had become one of Seto’s favorite treats.
It had been two days since the Frizion Army and the Rebel Army had joined forces and officially renamed themselves the Mercurio Army.
In the camp of the Mercurio Army, which already boasted over 10,000 Combat Personnel, the wounds from the recent battle were rapidly healing, just as Reiji and Vihera had observed. This recovery wasn't limited to the physical condition of the injured. Fences and tents destroyed by the Subjugation Army's Attack were being mended, and blacksmiths were busy repairing weapons like longswords and spears with chipped blades or broken points.
Those who had arrived with Frizion were training alongside those who had been part of the original Rebel Army, and the organization was beginning to take proper shape as the Mercurio Army. The soldiers accompanying Frizion were the elite of the elite, and their level of training was by no means inferior to those who had originally followed Mercurio. On the contrary, when it came to the White Rose Knight Order, Frizion’s direct subordinates, there were very few in the Mercurio Army who could best them, excluding the Mobile Unit and the Beast Soldiers.
Compared to the former Rebel Army, the most striking difference was undoubtedly the presence of the Beast Soldiers. Just as Frizion commanded the White Rose Knight Order, Theoreme directly commanded the Beast Soldiers. Originally, Theoreme's subordinates had formed the core of the Rebel Army; they had eventually been absorbed into the greater whole, each taking up leadership roles to command Rebel Army Soldiers, volunteer soldiers, adventurers, and mercenaries. In other words, one could say the Rebel Army itself was being spearheaded by Theoreme's subordinates. Of course, this didn't apply to every single unit, as some forces held by various nobles within the army still maintained their own independent command authority.
And just as Frizion and Theoreme had their own elite units, Reiji had his Mobile Unit. Having achieved significant results in the previous engagement, the fame of the Mobile Unit had naturally spread throughout the Mercurio Army.
"...Well, I do think they've sharpened their skills."
Reiji turned his gaze toward the edge of the camp. His Magic Tent was still pitched at the camp’s perimeter, allowing him to observe the Mobile Unit training just outside.
In his line of sight, the members of the unit were engaged in a fierce exchange. However, this was strictly a mock battle. To prevent fatal injuries, they used Mock Battle Weapons, and a mage capable of using Recovery Magic was standing by in case of emergencies. Assigning a dedicated mage—a scarce resource—to the unit was a sign of the special consideration given to an elite unit like the Mobile Unit.
At the same time, it was also a way of currying favor with Reiji. Because he possessed the combat power of an entire army on his own, many were desperate not to offend him. Others hoped to secure future benefits by doing favors for him now, knowing he was held in high regard by both Vihera and Frizion.
Reiji understood their intentions well enough. As long as their efforts provided a benefit rather than a hindrance, he accepted them. However, he had made it clear beforehand that accepting their kindness did not obligate him to do anything special in return.
"Everyone probably senses that the Time of the Decisive Battle is near. You heard the news, right?"
"Yeah. Word is that the two of Cabajid and Schuls have departed from the Imperial Capital leading a massive force."
The intelligence had arrived only that morning. Due to the Subjugation Army's Scout Hunting, many of the scouts assigned to the Mercurio Army had already been captured or killed. Only a few were still capable of performing reconnaissance, and this was the information they had brought back.
(I wish I could handle the scouting myself, but I'm fundamentally not suited for that kind of thing.)
One of Reiji's few drawbacks was that his combat style—relying on Flame Magic and a Great Scythe—was undeniably flashy. He wasn't built for stealth operations. Then again, even if he were a master of stealth, it would be meaningless if the enemy possessed someone capable of sensing Magic Power.
"So, as the Rebel Army... no, as the Mercurio Army, when do they expect the decisive battle to start?"
"In ten days at the latest, or within a few days at the earliest, I'd say. It's difficult to probe their movements when so many of our scouts are gone. The ones remaining aren't exactly what you'd call top-tier."
"What about the Beast Soldiers? They aren't all strictly for front-line combat, are they?"
"It's no use. While a few are suited for scouting, the vast majority are built for direct combat. Besides, Theoreme says the First-class Beast Soldiers were all killed off by certain people."
Reiji understood immediately that the meaningful look Vihera gave him was a reference to the Spring War Incident. In his mind, however, it was a war; as long as they were enemies, it was only natural to kill them.
Beast Soldiers were essentially chimeras of humans and monsters, and they weren't always limited to a single type of monster. Many of those Reiji had encountered were packed with traits from two or three different creatures. If he had naively tried to be humane and merely neutralized them, he might have ended up paying for that mercy with the lives of his own comrades later. To prevent that, he had found it necessary to end their lives on the spot.
"Even those 'certain people' didn't have the luxury of trying for a live capture against hostile enemies."
Reiji muttered with a small shrug, prompting a faint smile from Vihera. She wasn't actually blaming him for the loss of the Beast Soldiers; she had only brought it up as a reason to act spoiled toward him, since they hadn't spent much time together lately.
"Well, the Beast Soldiers were mostly made from criminals, so their aggression was naturally high. In that sense, the lack of Beast Soldiers suited for scouting probably isn't entirely your fault, Reiji."
"I appreciate you saying that. ...Now, as someone who's just taking it easy like this, I shouldn't really be talking, but don't you have work to do, Vihera?"
"I have training scheduled for the afternoon."
"So, you're free for now."
"That's right. I was free, but..."
Vihera's voice trailed off as she looked away and spotted a figure approaching them. It was Angela, who is also the Commander of the White Rose Knight Order.
"Lady Vihera, so this is where you were. Her Highness Frizion is calling for you."
"No. It’s just going to be another lecture, isn't it?"
"...Well, I cannot deny that."
Angela nodded, her gaze lingering on Vihera’s clothing—a sheer, provocative outfit that looked more like something a dancer or a prostitute would wear.
Initially, Frizion had been overjoyed at the safety of Vihera and Mercurio, but as time passed, she had begun to eye Vihera’s attire with an indescribable expression. From Frizion's perspective, such clothes were utterly unbecoming of a member of the Imperial Family. Vihera, however, considered herself someone who had already abandoned the Bestia Empire. This clash of perspectives had led to a heated argument—or at least a sharp exchange of words—the previous night. Reiji, who had been sound asleep due to the exhaustion of using the Overlord's Armor for an extended period, knew nothing of it.
"If Frizion is calling, you should probably go. I don't have anything specific planned for today anyway... at most, I’ll just watch the Mobile Unit's training."
"Guruuuu!"
Seto let out a cry from its throat as if to say, Then play with me! Reiji smiled and reached out a hand. Serving as Reiji's sofa, Seto happily wagged its tail and purred.
"I think you could stand to pay a little more attention to me, too... How about a mock battle for the first time in a while? You haven't fought properly for a bit, have you?"
"No, why is that your first thought? We’re going to have a massive fight with the Subjugation Army soon. Shouldn't we save our energy for that?"
"How cruel! You're abandoning me!?"
Vihera muttered sadly, tears actually beginning to stream from her eyes. However, Reiji didn't seem the least bit concerned as he spoke.
"Give me a break. Do you really think I'm going to fall for those crocodile tears? As if something like this could actually make you cry."
"Oh? I'm a woman too, you know. It's only natural to be sad when the person I like rejects me, isn't it?"
As she retorted, Vihera was perfectly composed—in fact, a small smile even played on her lips—causing Reiji to sigh. She had definitely been crying a second ago, yet there were no tear tracks left on her face.
"Lady Vihera, please, just come with me."
Angela, who had been watching this play out like a lover's spat, spoke with a slightly displeased expression. From Angela's perspective, while her feelings for Reiji hadn't reached a defined romantic stage, he was still someone she felt affection for. Seeing him acting so intimately with her lord’s sister was anything but pleasant.
"Fine, I get it. I'll surrender quietly."
"No one is arresting you."
"Is that so? To someone about to be lectured, it doesn't feel much different. ...Well, I suppose I should be a good sister for once. It sounds like I caused her a lot of worry."
Having heard from Angela about her sister’s state after she had originally fled, Vihera knew she couldn't ignore the summons, even if a lecture awaited her.
"See you later, Reiji. I'm off to have a little 'discussion' with Big Sister."
"...So it's a discussion, not a lecture. Well, good luck. I'm going to take a proper rest today, so come find me when you're free again."
Vihera looked slightly surprised by his words.
"Oh, is that okay? Then I really will come back, you know?"
"Guruuuu."
As if answering in Reiji's stead, Seto purred. Vihera couldn't understand exactly what Seto was saying, but she could feel the happy atmosphere. Realizing that they truly didn't mind her return, she smiled.
"Thanks. See you later then. I'll bring some food as a present, so wait for me."
"Guruuuuuu!"
Reiji stroked Seto, who was purring even more joyfully than before, and spoke up.
"It sounds like you're bringing Seto a present, but is there nothing for me?"
"Oh? Is there any present better than me?"
"Right, yeah. I'll be waiting for that present, then."
"Lady Vihera, let's go."
Reiji watched as Vihera was led away by a slightly grumpy Angela. Once they were out of sight, he clenched his fist.
"My Magic Power has mostly recovered. ...The Overlord's Armor is a versatile skill for both offense and defense, but that heavy consumption of Magic Power is a real pain."
"Guruuu?"
Seto tilted its head as if asking if he was okay. Reiji stroked its head reassuringly.
"It's a nuisance to recover since my capacity is so high, but I should be back to full strength by sometime today or tomorrow, so don't worry."
"Guruu."
Seto didn't seem to entirely trust him, but it purred with a sense of relief at Reiji's reassurance. To reward Seto for its concern, Reiji took a Grilled Skewer from the Misty Ring and offered it.
The appetizing scent of charred Sauce filled the air. Stimulated by the aroma, Seto purred happily and rubbed its face against Reiji.
Can I eat it? Can I eat it? Seto's eager gaze and attitude made it hard to believe it had just been eating Riot fruit moments ago. Reiji nodded and handed over the skewer.
"Yeah, you worked hard this time, Seto. This is a token of my gratitude. I have plenty of skewers, so eat as much as you like. The next battle will probably be a massive one—the one that will finally end this Civil Strife. I'm going to need you at your best."
"Guruuu!"
Under the mild autumn sunlight, the man and his beast spent their time building up their strength for the battle to come.