Having annihilated the Imperial Army detached unit, Lest made his way toward the territorial capital of Margrave Lavender House.
It was the immediate aftermath of a fierce battle. Thanks to his infinite mana, he could employ healing magic without limit, sparing him any physical fatigue.
Nevertheless... the mental strain was real.
No matter how much he steeled his resolve, he could never grow accustomed to taking lives, and the fact that he had just slain a fellow reincarnated person from his own homeland weighed heavily on his heart.
(I’m exhausted... I just want to lie down and sleep...)
He was on close terms with the daughter of Margrave Lavender House, Ulula Lavender. For some reason, she had been attached to him since their first meeting, and he had stayed at her mansion in the past. Surely, she would welcome him back today as well.
(A soft bed... a warm meal... and maybe even a bath, if that’s not asking too much. Am I getting too pampered?)
Rest, rest, rest.
Enduring his mental fatigue, Lest walked along while fixating on the thought of finally taking a break. Had he not been accompanied by the Sky-Demon, he would have simply used magic to fly the rest of the way.
"Ah...?"
However, Lest was still naive about his lot in life. Regardless of his own intentions, trouble seemed to adore him—be it in the form of complicated women or sudden violence.
To put it simply, things were not going to end smoothly enough for him to enjoy a quiet rest in town.
"They're under attack... the town...?"
Lest reached the territorial capital, but the sight that greeted him was a scene of intense combat.
"Charge! Push through!"
"Uraaaaaaaaaah!"
"Defend! Hold the line!"
"Hyaaaaaaaaaah!"
Numerous soldiers shouted, raged, and roared as they clashed.
The primary battlefield was the Great Border Bridge connecting the Aiwood Kingdom and the Geisel Empire. Margrave Lavender House soldiers on the western side were desperately holding back the Geisel Empire soldiers surging from the east.
Shield units stood in formation on the bridge's western end, absorbing charges while arrows and magic rained down from behind them to stymie the Imperial advance. The Imperial soldiers' momentum was fierce, but Margrave Lavender House was not yielding an inch. It was said they harbored a deep-seated hatred for the Geisel Empire, continuing to hone their skills even during times of nominal peace. That tireless preparation was now bearing fruit on the battlefield.
"Haha... Of course. Of course it's not over yet," Lest muttered with a hollow laugh.
He had naively assumed that crushing the detached unit would be enough to break the invasion. He had completely underestimated the situation. The detached unit was exactly that—a detachment. Their destruction hadn't stopped the main force's advance in the slightest.
"My Lord," the Sky-Demon behind him spoke up. "What are your orders? You have already fulfilled your duty. It would be entirely permissible for you to refrain from further combat and rest in the rear."
"Are you testing me? This isn't exactly the time for that," Lest replied with a heavy sigh.
Lest's mission was to stop the Imperial Army and thwart the invasion. That work was unfinished.
"It’s a royal command, after all... I’m horrified by my own corporate-drone instinct, but I can’t exactly slack off alone while this is happening."
Even without the royal command, he was worried about Ulula. Where was she? Should he go join her first, or prioritize the fight against the Imperial Army?
"Go confirm Ulula's safety. As for me... I'm not looking forward to it, but I'm heading to the bridge to assist our allies."
"Understood."
The Sky-Demon vanished, bolting away with such speed it seemed to melt into the air.
Lest kicked off the ground, vaulting high. Manipulating the wind to buoy his body, he took flight and soared toward the Great Border Bridge.