The designated inn was quite high-class, and indeed, when I mentioned Bosuro’s name, the accommodation fee was easily waived.

Whether that was good or bad… With the question of when the General would arrive, we split into male and female rooms.

“For now, we just wait for the General, right?”

Kuuza asked. I nodded, thinking there was no other choice… In any case, I decided I should check the situation in the town, so I told Kuuza and left the inn.

The situation was undoubtedly one where anxiety enveloped the entire town. But perhaps it wasn’t as dark as I had imagined. Since there were monster attacks in the surrounding areas, the Capital City seemed to be serving as a refuge, but for now, there didn’t seem to be any chaos.

For the invading Demon Race, the established strategy in every nation is to devastate the surrounding area with monsters before launching an attack. It seems like they could launch a surprise attack, but perhaps they don’t because their goal is to annihilate humans, not just conquer them.

“Lord Ruon”

As I walk, looking at the Town, I suddenly hear Garuku’s voice.

“I don’t know what the General will say, but various things might come to light.”

“The General was perceptive even though we had just met. He probably has some idea about me, having fought me directly.”

I’ll just be prepared. But the problem is how to explain it to Sofia and the others.

Sylvie, for example, has fought me directly, so she knows a part of my power but says nothing… Does this mean it’s time to talk?

The reason I haven’t talked about it until now is partly because there hasn’t been an opportunity, but also because Lefin said, “You shouldn’t tell Sofia yet.” It’s been a while since I last asked, so is it okay now?

As I consider what to do, I walk around the Town once and return to the inn. I rested in the inn for about an hour… then, suddenly, a summons.

“The General has arrived.”

Thinking, “Here he comes,” I leave the room. Kuuza follows, and Sofia and Sylvie are also there.

“It’s just me that’s needed.”

I vaguely mentioned, but Sylvie shook her head.

“This might be an important discussion about the future, right? Besides, if he called all four of us, he probably has something to say to all of us.”

Well, that’s probably it… but,

“Is Sofia okay with this? If she makes a sound during the discussion, there’s a chance she’ll be found out.”

“I’ll manage that. Please let us hear what the General has to say.”

It seems he has some plan… but since the Book Person said it, I guess there’s no reason to deny it.

When we arrived at the Dining Hall, a General in armor that didn’t suit the inn was waiting. He waved us over when he saw us, urging us to take a seat.

Had he cleared the room? There were no other guests besides us. Furthermore, four seats were arranged opposite the General at a larger table, making it seem like everything was perfectly prepared.

“It seems like this is an important discussion.”

Sylvie opened her mouth unhurriedly. Bosuro, who was seated, gave a small smile and said,

“There’s a reason I cleared the room. I’d like you to sit down so I can explain the details.”

As he said that, we sat down. Sofia was on the far right, followed by me, Sylvie, and Kuuza. Bosuro then began to speak.

“First, I thank you for accepting my proposal… And, as a result of seeing your skills–“

“Um, I apologize, but–“

Before he could finish, I spoke, and Bosuro replied, “I know.”

“I didn’t come here to talk about an officer position. I’ll explain, including the reason I cleared the room.”

With that, Bosuro leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and began to speak.

“You may have heard talk of monsters appearing nearby… That is undoubtedly proof that the Demon Race is invading.”

“So, the upper echelons of the Nation believe they are entering a war?”

Bosuro nodded in response to Kuuza’s question.

“From the battle earlier, I’ve seen your abilities… I believe the other two are also capable. Therefore, I’d like you to participate in the front lines.”

—This was quite different from what I had expected. No, if he is certain that war is imminent, then this is a perfectly natural request.

“Regarding compensation, it will be subject to discussion… but given your abilities, I’d like you to fight in a somewhat important position.”

“So, we can assume we’ve been chosen, then?”

Bosuro immediately nodded at Sylvie’s words.

“You can certainly think so… Is that alright?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

I replied. As a result, Bosuro nodded strongly and said,

“Then I’d like to ask for your cooperation… We’ll discuss your deployment and other details at the upcoming War Council, but I won’t let you down. I’m counting on you.”

—A War Council, huh. I gave it some thought.

If, for example, the General’s orders were to attack from three directions, and we were told to “defend the north side,” we would all be deployed there. In that case, Atire and Shelk would lead the remaining east and west, respectively, but their defenses would be compromised.

That would undoubtedly lead to their certain deaths in battle… I wonder if it would be possible to cleverly deceive and escape once the fighting starts.

I’ll have to check on that a bit.

“…General, a question.”

“What is it?”

“Will the four of us be fighting together as a unit?”

“Most likely, yes.”

Bosuro answers my question… Hmm, this isn’t a very good development.

However, saying “Please let us act separately” here… As I was thinking, Bosuro stood up.

“For now, that’s all the talk. Since I’ve arranged this meeting, please understand that you will be treated differently from other warriors. And please keep the demon race’s invasion confidential for now.”

“Understood.”

When I answered on behalf of the group, Bosuro walked away without further ado.

“That was a bit anticlimactic, wasn’t it?”

Sylvie expresses her thoughts. She probably thought he would elaborate on us. I thought so too, so I agree with her.

Suddenly, a question came to my mind… so I stood up.

“Something just occurred to me.”

“Something occurred to you?”

“It’s about our treatment in the army. Given this conversation, I assume something special will happen, but I’m curious how the General will explain it. I think it will depend on the extent of the demon race’s invasion, but… I’ll just confirm it.”

Saying that, I followed Bosuro. There was no sign of my companions following, and I managed to catch the General in front of the inn’s door.

“General Bosuro, could you wait a moment?”

“…Hmm? What is it?”

He turned and responded. There was no one around. The door hadn’t opened yet, so unless someone came, our conversation wouldn’t be overheard.

“I have something to discuss about the battle.”

“Indeed… Before that, may I ask you something?”

“Something? Of course—”

“You were holding back in the battle earlier, weren’t you?”

Those words were enough to silence me.

“No, I apologize. Besides the proposal earlier, I was going to talk about that point, but I sensed from your companions’ demeanor that you were also hiding that.”

“…You see through everything, don’t you?”

I exhaled and let out a sigh. By answering that way, it was as good as admitting it, but I felt it was impossible to hide it any longer.

“Shall we change locations?”

Bosuro said.

“I have a regular tavern elsewhere. It’s not open yet, but if I ask, they’ll let us in.”

“…Could you, please?”

“Yes.”

Nodding, the General and I left the inn… I wasn’t sure if this conversation was heading in a good or bad direction as we began to move.