The communication with the Beastmen has significantly recovered. Of course, it’s not like they’re just giving away resources for free, but there’s no denying that more resources are coming in than before.
With the support from the kingdom, the duchy, and the Twelve Tribes added in, things are slowly starting to look up. It’s unfortunate that the support is less than in the heyday compared to the Royal Knights, but it is what it is.
The important thing is that the Royal Knights are regaining their position from the past. With three races starting to offer support again, other races will surely begin to move as well.
Considering it’s only been half a year, the results are not bad at all. Meanwhile, time just keeps flowing. The gentle warmth of spring has faded away, and the sweltering summer has taken its place.
As I sipped the tea that Cluna brought, I fell into thought. As much as I would like to give them a summer vacation, granting leave in a situation like this isn’t a good choice.
Even at this very moment, people are dying due to monster attacks somewhere. We can’t just be laughing and enjoying ourselves, can we? So, I asked Cluna.
“Any requests that have come in today?”
“Yes, but only requests that allow for leisure.”
“I see, then let’s declare a combat holiday today.”
“A combat holiday? What is that?”
Oh no, I inadvertently slipped into military talk. I cleared my throat and gave a brief explanation. To put it simply, a combat holiday is similar to a restricted leave.
We can’t go outside or do other tasks, but it’s not a day off with nothing to do. Since there are no urgent requests right now, and the emergency response team is ready, it didn’t seem like a bad choice.
“I see, it definitely appears to be not a bad option.”
“Recently, there have been many tasks related to training and the introduction of an emergency response team.”
“Understood. I’ll convey the message to everyone.”
“Good work.”
Cluna left the office with a gentle smile. I didn’t feel the need to gather everyone for a roll call. I just hope they’d take a proper break. That’s my little wish.
“But isn’t this quite different from a small business mindset?”
I thought about it for a moment but soon shook my head and dismissed the thought. Business and personal matters should be distinguished. Running things with a small business mentality would lead to me stepping down as the commander, separate from the current situation.
In the midst of a scenario where demons and monsters are swarming, I can’t afford to lower the morale and combat effectiveness of my members. What if the tower that was barely restored collapses again?
That’s when a brilliant idea struck me. I dubbed it the military-style duty officer operation. One of the most annoying things in the military is—what? Duty officers touching base on holidays.
[Did I ask you to complain? Just stick to what you’re supposed to do, and I won’t touch you.]
[Do a little cleaning. The weather’s nice, so take the mats and blankets outside to dry in the sun.]
[This is for your own good. All that dust and dirt is going to end up in your mouths.]
Thinking back to those times, it was beyond anger, almost a level of disgust. Anyway, this approach wouldn’t be too bad. It might slightly impact morale, but not by much.
After all, excluding guard duty, it’s practically a 24-hour rest. Just slightly uncomfortable. Judging that it wasn’t a bad thought, I got up from my seat.
“I’ve conveyed the message to everyone, Commander.”
“Good work.”
“Is there any other message to pass on?”
“I’ll share while I eat.”
Telling Cluna, who just returned, to relay the message again was, in my opinion, overstepping. So I decided I’d deliver it myself during breakfast soon.
This week’s meal duty was Yuren and Ruby. This was quite the revelation, as both Yuren and Ruby are decent cooks. At least, their cooking was better than what Clara used to whip up.
However, the issue was that their tastes leaned too heavily in one direction. Yuren loved super spicy meats and soups. Ruby also favored spicy foods. What would happen when those two collaborated?
“Ugh, it’s super spicy!! Is this even food meant for humans?!”
“I vowed not to run away, but still….”
“…….”
Clara was ready to argue, and Bayard looked like he was about to faint. Cluna’s smile was starting to crack. It was total chaos. That’s when Helia, sitting next to me, said:
“Are you okay, Teacher?”
“I’m fine. It’s not bad to eat something like this after a long time.”
“Ah! Truly the Commander!”
“However, if the cooking was unsatisfactory… that’s unfortunate…”
Unlike Ruby, who puffed her chest with confidence, Yuren was fidgeting with her fingers, mumbling. I had no idea what she was disappointed about, but I decided not to pry. For the sake of my mental health.
Personally, I liked spicy food, so it wasn’t bad, but preparing such spicy meals all the time might dampen the spirits of the other members.
So, I gave Yuren and Ruby a warning. They showed slight discontent, but they chose to follow my advice willingly. They evidently recognized they had gone overboard.
“Oh damn, I totally forgot.”
And because of that, I even forgot about the sunlight drying! I sighed. I decided to inform everyone about that during lunch.
For now, let’s focus on work. After finishing the meal, I returned to my office to resume the tasks I hadn’t completed. How to utilize the resources received from all the races?
Also, how to use the resources efficiently? There were so many other things to do that I was drowning in tasks. Maybe because I was so focused on work, I didn’t even notice Cluna coming in.
“Commander, I’ll help too.”
“You should go and rest.”
“Huh? But…”
“Today is a combat holiday. Everyone is taking a day off, including you.”
“……Is that so? Then, excuse me….”
A surprised look crossed Cluna’s face, but soon she smiled gently, bowing her head before leaving the office. Left alone again, I started to focus on work.
Then, I suddenly spotted an unfamiliar letter on my desk. I suspected it might be made of human skin, like the one Comprachico sent before, but thankfully it wasn’t.
I pulled the letter out and began to read it. Before long, I realized I couldn’t read the writing on the letter. It was written in a language that wasn’t the common tongue of the continent.
“I have a memory of seeing this somewhere.”
After thinking it over, I recalled that it closely resembled the notes Cluna normally writes. Thanks to frequently seeing Cluna’s notes, I finally recalled it.
Scratching my head for a moment, I got up from my seat, knowing where Cluna’s room is. I thought it would be simple to go and deliver it.
Until I directly witnessed Cluna’s expression twist into something greatly alarming upon receiving the letter. It was rare to see Cluna losing her smile, let alone frowning.
In other words, this letter must contain something more serious than I expected. Not long after, Cluna regained her composure and wore a smile that sent chills down my spine.
“Cluna, what is that letter about?”
“I’m sorry, Commander. It’s a personal matter.”
“I see. Then there’s nothing I can do.”
“Commander.”
“Yes?”
“Would it be alright if I stepped away for a moment?”
Her lips wore a smile.
A smile so chilling it was akin to ice on a winter’s day.
*
Cluna greeted me and swiftly packed her belongings before leaving the fortress. I didn’t have the courage to detain her. The way she looked, it felt like she’d slice my wrist if I said anything.
But I couldn’t just stand by. Something must have happened in the Elven Forest. Is it another meddling by the Demons? No, there would still be residual damage from that.
Moreover, the Elven Forest is one place where the barrier’s power remains the strongest, making it hard for the Demons to pull any tricks. In other words, there shouldn’t be any spies hidden there, like Yana from the duchy or the Twelve Tribes.
“My mother left on her own… without me?”
“This is…!”
However, the problem didn’t stop there. Clara had noticed that Cluna had left alone. And for some reason, she also sensed that Cluna was in an unusual mood.
“Clara, do you happen to know anything?”
“…Sorry, discussing my mother’s matters without permission is…”
“I see. Then don’t force yourself to speak.”
Clara looked conflicted, but thanks to that, I could piece together a rough idea of the situation. Something was happening in the Elven Forest that Clara was aware of. Thus, Cluna reacted and left for the Elven Forest alone.
Moreover, the fact that she left her daughter Clara behind meant that either the Elven Forest was in danger or Clara could be in peril.
So, I need to stay calm….
“Commander, I have a favor to ask.”
“Huh?”
“Please go with me to the Elven Forest.”
Just like her mother, Clara’s determination radiated strongly, matching Cluna’s intensity.
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