At some point, I developed a habit.
I imagine the worst possible scenarios that could happen and think about how to act in order to maximize my survival chances if it comes to that.
Usually, worrying excessively only complicates my thoughts, and those needless worries and thoughts are mostly pointless anyway.
But perhaps it’s because I’ve had many experiences of powerless surrender in the face of overwhelming reality.
I find myself naturally pondering what to do in this situation or that situation, even without consciously being aware of it.
“… Aria, I really debated whether to say this or not. Am I crazy?”
“Shut it.”
When Lavina, with a rare serious face, started off, I paid attention, only for it to return with a useless question that made my tongue spit out harsh words without passing through my brain.
I was serious, and here I am, getting roasted.
When I squinted and shot her a glare, even this chatty elf seemed to realize she’d made a random comment, shrugging her shoulders in an attempt to excuse herself.
“Well, a normal person wouldn’t worry about something like this.”
“That’s not the kind of thing I want to hear from you.”
Though it was a sudden comment, I recalled some writings I had stumbled upon online in my past life.
Things like “Graduate students aren’t human” or “Professors, being the final evolution of a graduate student, lack human emotion.”
Even though I couldn’t graduate and hadn’t finished even my compulsory education, it wasn’t hard for me to grasp the point they were trying to make.
“So basically, it means the more you learn, the weirder you get.”
In that sense, considering that this elf might have gone insane due to nurture rather than nature, I couldn’t help but feel a bit of sympathy. But when she acts so shamelessly, the story changes.
If only it weren’t a dire situation where I had no one else to consult but that elf, I wouldn’t be in this predicament at all.
However, just like during the consultation about dark magic, I was the one trying to suck out the essence, so I had to endure it.
The information was 30 years old and quite fragmentary, so it was more likely to be useless than helpful. But isn’t something better than nothing?
“No, but I’m really worried about this, you know? This thrilling research subject might only come around once or twice in a lifetime for an elf, and for this—”
That girl isn’t even trying to hide her true intentions anymore.
Sure, it’s better than someone sneakily stabbing me in the back, but when she’s so blatant about it, it gets a bit dizzying.
“Sister.”
Just as Lavina’s words started to get long-winded, Plona suddenly chimed in.
Talk about perfect timing. The moment felt like it was right on cue.
Seeing Eleonora follow closely behind with a tense expression made me think that the time had finally come, but I felt the need to confirm the situation.
“How did it go?”
“Yes. I went down to a nearby village, and there are rumors spreading about war breaking out with the vampires again, even here in the outskirts. The forces from three years ago have now been joined by the Armes Kingdom, and it’s happening way sooner than expected. The Luminous Kingdom usually doesn’t deliberate this much, but given my experience, it seems we won’t be able to make it to Sahelrn Duchy before hostilities begin if we head there right now.”
“… Got it. Thanks for your hard work.”
Looks like this is really happening.
This was coming from Plona, who was a former knight. So, the resumption of hostilities between humans and Sahelrn Duchy was practically a certainty.
I gained certainty from this. Sahelrn Duchy had no intention of pulling me into this war.
Whether it was because they didn’t plan to or because the situation was deteriorating so quickly that they didn’t even have time to turn back to this side, I couldn’t say.
However, counting from the day Stella left the Underground City, even if I generously calculated, if she truly intended to call me to the duchy, she would have returned here by now.
“Aria, are you really going?”
Lavina asked with a look that suggested she couldn’t comprehend.
After hearing not long ago that her hometown had fallen into human hands, I guess it would look foolish to her that I wanted to go fight humans.
“I have to go.”
“Is that because of the promise?”
“That’s part of it.”
I resolved to remember the kindness I received from those I recognized as my people.
Martini Sahelrn saved me when I was on the brink of death, and Stella Banteker had been sincerely helping me get stronger until just recently, hoping for a brighter future for the duchy in return.
But that’s secondary.
My first goal was always survival, and that priority has never changed, whether in my previous life or now.
Accepting the vampire’s body and enduring a hellish life on the run, weren’t all of those rooted in the desire to live?
In a way, my will to protect my people doesn’t differ greatly from my survival instinct.
The reality is too high of a wall to claim my right to survive by my own power, and to achieve things that are impossible alone, I had to rely on someone else’s help.
However, since the world was mostly hostile toward me, the few relationships I could trust with my back were incredibly precious.
So, depending on trusted allies and exchanging help was ultimately an act that contributed to my survival rate.
But if I explained it in this way, it might also mean it would be wise to avoid sinking into dangerously risky situations where even my life couldn’t be guaranteed.
From that perspective, Lavina’s point was valid.
Three years ago, the duchy triumphed with a verdict, but now the situation is worse, and another country has joined the allied forces.
Clearly, the odds are against us, and even if I brought Eleonora and Plona along, we wouldn’t have enough influence to decide the outcome of the war.
Unless there was a direct request from the duchy, going in as I am could potentially lead me to recklessly dive into danger without meaning.
“I’m not heading to Sahelrn Duchy right away because I’m thinking about my chances.”
“Wait, sister? Weren’t we going to help Sahelrn Duchy?”
Plona asked cautiously, seemingly hearing it for the first time. Eleonora, too, didn’t say anything but wagged her tail rapidly and nodded vigorously.
“First, I have a place to stop by.”
For some reason, I developed the habit of imagining the worst possible scenarios that could happen.
After Stella returned to the duchy, I kept contemplating, as always.
What actions would lead to the best possible outcome?
One thing was certain: my strength alone wouldn’t be enough to sway the course of a war, even if it was just a single fight.
Ignoring reality and relying solely on vague loyalties would be pointless if I ended up dead, rendering everything pointless.
But I also can’t just stand idle. The kindness I received was kindness, and even ignoring personal feelings, Sahelrn Duchy is the strongest and most numerous of my supporters.
This upcoming war is much more unfavorable to the duchy compared to three years ago, and if I sit back and the duchy suddenly gets obliterated by the allied forces while I’m doing nothing, I would be in deep trouble myself.
Once the humans take down Sahelrn Duchy, they will surely come looking for me next.
According to Lavina’s testimony, the vampires from Helraig Duchy came to Iron Grave about 30 years ago.
I had heard it was a relationship that had persisted since the early days of the Underground City’s construction.
They were said to have been trailed unnoticed while lingering near the duchy in search of necessary materials.
Since then, they haven’t visited often, but they drop by every few decades with requests, and although the dwarves don’t particularly relish it, they have no choice but to comply to avoid more troublesome situations.
Humans shouldn’t have trouble finding a place that even vampires know of.
The geographical location is a bit distant from the influence of both the Empire and the Luminous Kingdom, but once the humans wipe out the Sahelrn Duchy, the next target will be Helraig Duchy, and the underground city beneath it won’t remain a safe haven forever.
In fact, without needing to go that far, even Plona, who just came back from outside today, mentioned that security near the village had been visibly tight.
The entire continent is keeping an eye out for where I might be hiding. Simply managing to survive for three years in the underground city has already surpassed expectations.
In such circumstances, after losing Martini and Stella, how many more years would I have to run until I could confront all the humans by myself?
Five years? Ten years?
It’s a given that without any backing forces, I wouldn’t have the luxury of buying such time.
To survive, I have to act now.
The fact that humans are scrambling to prepare for war with the duchy as soon as they catch wind of my whereabouts is evidence that they fear the combination of my and the duchy’s powers.
Fortunately, there weren’t many variables to consider. Whether Martini and Stella asked for help or not, I was determined to go help them.
Thus, I only needed to think of a concrete method.
I assumed the worst-case scenario where Sahelrn Duchy was incapable of handling the allied forces on their own and constantly pondered how to break this situation.
A powerful enemy is one that can’t simply be dealt with by contributing just my own strength.
And realistically, in a situation where it’s impossible to shift the balance without external help.
After much thought, I reached my conclusion.
Right next door is the only force capable of siding with the vampires and standing against the powerful human coalition.
“I’m going to Helraig Duchy first. I’ll subdue the Grand Duke of Helraig and then lead reinforcements to Sahelrn. That’s the plan.”
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.
