“First, regarding the forces for the Southern Invasion.”

At Kanan’s words, everyone in the room, including me, focused their gaze on him.

“We have gathered more than enough people on this Continent. Furthermore, with the Dragons’ cooperation, the Demon Race in the north will not invade. This is extremely significant.”

“Is there coordination?”

When I asked, Kanan nodded, but still looked troubled.

There are two problems, and that’s the first. We are an army that has crossed national borders… in the position of Allied Forces, but of course, there are also complications.

So, there are people who are already making moves, thinking about what will happen after the Demon King is defeated, right?

That’s right. For now, they are still quiet, and I will do my best to handle it, but–Lord Ruon.

Yes?

I will make sure that you, your companions, including Lady Sofia, and the adventurers are all right. However, there is a possibility that someone might interfere after this war. The final battle with the Demon King is still ahead. I don’t want the human side’s actions to hinder that battle.

So, you think we should discuss such matters?

Please do.

Understood… Are you alright?

Kanan slowly nodded at my question.

He’s definitely pushing himself. But political matters are not something I can do anything about. I guess I’ll have to leave it to him.

At this point, I looked at Sylvie. This might be a good time to ask about her and the others.

King Kanan, I have a question.

What is it?

Regarding our companions… how will they fight in this Southern Invasion?

…There’s no doubt they’ll participate, but I won’t have them on the front lines from the start. The same goes for the other Sage’s Bloodline members currently staying in this fortress and their companions.

You can’t let them die?

That’s part of it… My opinion is that war is something the army conducts, and I want to deal with it without borrowing the power of adventurers.

…I see. From Kanan’s perspective, war is something that soldiers and knights do, and he believes that others should not participate.

However, I also recognize that this time is a situation where we can’t say that, so I will ask for your cooperation… Since the army is taking the lead, there will probably be some adventurers, including Lord Ruon, who are dissatisfied. But this time, please let us handle it.

…Understood.

After I replied, Kanan then turned to Sofia.

And the same goes for Lady Sofia.

Kanan…

You have an important battle ahead.

The War with the Demon Lord–is he saying that I shouldn’t be on the front lines here, just in case?

With Lady Sofia and the Barcus Kingdom still strong, the morale of the troops is high. I will stand on the front lines, and Lady Sofia and the others will boost morale from the rear. This is truly an unshakeable formation.

I also agree with Your Majesty’s words.

Bosuro said. Then Sofia looked at me.

I also nodded–as a result, Sofia responded, “Understood.”

If you say so… but if there is an emergency—

“We’ll have to assess the situation and decide. Please don’t overexert yourself.”

Kanan emphasized this. Sofia had no choice but to nod.

For Phili and Alto, this might be a dissatisfying outcome. However, if Kanan, who is in overall command, has such an intention, then they should follow it.

“Now, let’s get back to the topic. Until the Southern Invasion ends, those who are working behind the scenes should also follow my instructions. There’s no talk of the Army itself becoming dysfunctional, and I’m working with all my might to prevent that.”

“Is there a possibility of traitors?”

This time, the question came from Sylvie. Kanan looked back at her, then paused for a moment before beginning to speak.

“That’s a concern, but at least there are no traitors at the Commander level. With the cooperation of Lady Lefin, with whom Lady Sofia contracted, we are fine.”

It seems they confirmed that beforehand. Well, if there were traitors in the Army, a war would be impossible, so that’s only natural.

“At the Knight level, I couldn’t confirm everything, but I explained it to the people commanding the Army. I’ve prepared them to deal with traitors if there are any. Nothing that would overturn the course of the war should happen.”

He couldn’t be absolutely certain, but he had confirmed as much as possible. Sylvie also expressed her understanding.

“So, what’s the second problem?”

I asked. Kanan returned to the topic, showing a somewhat heavy expression.

“Actually, I’ve sent spies among the Demon Race. The information I’ve gained from them is–“

“W-wait a minute. Is that really okay?”

When I hastily spoke, Kanan nodded slightly.

They are trusted individuals. For now, their presence hasn’t been revealed.

I wondered if they had some kind of special skill, but I decided to wait for them to speak.

Among them, there’s someone infiltrating the Barx Kingdom. As you all know, the Demon Race still occupies it, but it seems they’re planning to make a move there in conjunction with the Southern Invasion. We had considered this, but their military strength far exceeds our estimations.

“Perhaps their quietness until now was to prevent their forces from being revealed.”

Sofia said, and Kanan let out a deep sigh.

“It seems we need to divert forces there as well… But considering the number of monsters pouring in from the Southern Region, our surplus forces are very few and it’s a difficult situation… Lord Ruon, was this development present in the story?”

“In the story, the Barx Kingdom was almost always liberated by the time of the Southern Invasion.”

“Then, can we say this is an unexpected event?”

“Yes.”

“I see…”

“If we divert forces, how much would that be?”

“Well… to stop the enemies from the Western Region, we would need to allocate a considerable amount of troops. Considering the currently estimated strength of the Demon Race—”

The King’s expression grew stern. That’s when I spoke.

“It’s certain that there will be a significant decrease in our military strength.”

“Yes.”

I nodded, acknowledging Kanan’s words.

“Understood… Garuku.”

With my words, Garuku appeared on the desk. Kanan and the others stared at me, surprised by my sudden action.

“Just to confirm, the Demon King’s Magic versus Strategy is almost complete, correct?”

“Some adjustments are needed, but it can be activated.”

“If the magic is blocked in the current situation, will there be any problems?”

“There’s some risk, but it should be fine.”

Is there anything I need when activating Counter Magic?

Anything I need?

“For example, I have to be nearby.”

“That’s not true. We, the Spirit Gods, can counter it.”

“Got it. It seems there won’t be a problem even if the Demon King starts to act once my identity is revealed… In that case, do the Spirits have any other forces besides the Dragons?”

Garuku fell silent at my question. He seemed unable to grasp the intent of my query.

“There are some, but… not many. Whether they can hold them back like the Dragons depends on the enemy’s scale… Lord Ruon, what are you planning to do?”

“The very survival of the Demon Race in the Barx Kingdom is outside the story. The Human Side’s forces need to focus on the Southern Invasion, and if they leave King Kanan’s command, control will become even more difficult. Therefore, I think this method is best.”

After saying that, I looked at Kanan and said—

“I will go.”

One word. Kanan furrowed his brow, unable to grasp the meaning of my words. Sofia and Bosuro were the same—so I elaborated further.

“With the beings the Spirits have brought to our side… and myself, we will meet the Western Demons and defeat them.”