After that, I informed him that Kuuza would accompany Sylvie. Bosuro agreed to this, and the discussion was largely concluded.

“Oh, that’s right.”

I said, “Please wait a moment” and summoned my Storage Box with Summoning Magic. Bosuro then spoke up.

“Summoning Magic…? You seem to be storing devices and such using it… what is it?”

“If a Commander is lost, the situation becomes disadvantageous for the King’s Nation’s side as well… here’s a preparation for that.”

Saying that, I took out an Emergency Evasion Bracelet, the same kind I had given to Sofia and others.

“This is a bracelet that constructs a barrier in a critical situation. There are enough for the Commanders guarding the gate, so please hand them out.”

“Hmm…”

Bosuro made a sound. He seemed to acknowledge that my intentions were good, but there was an atmosphere of reluctance to accept it readily.

However, it wasn’t an emotional reason like pride. This was–

“I’m the same, but basically, a Knight’s equipment is adjusted to match their respective Magic Power. If it proves to be without issue, I will make use of it.”

Bosuro said that, then smiled at me.

“I understand that you are concerned about us. My apologies.”

“No, it’s fine.”

This aspect, unlike the game, might be an inflexible part. In the game, increasing defense simply meant changing equipment, but now that it’s the real world, it’s necessary to utilize a Magic Barrier, so it requires careful consideration.

Basic materials from the early part of the scenario are generally fine, but powerful materials found later on can sometimes cause the Magic Barrier itself to malfunction depending on the user’s skill, so it’s not as simple as in the game. Although Sofia and the others have grown enough to handle Magic Barriers, so they don’t need it yet… I may need to consider various things in the future.

And in the case of Knights – especially those promoted to Commander – their equipment is meticulously adjusted, just as Bosuro said. In this case, it means wearing bracelets like the ones I offered might be problematic.

“Once again, Lord Ruon. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Bosuro said. I nodded at his words,

“Yes…then, please excuse me.”

I bowed and left—returning to the inn with Lefin, thinking that the time had finally come.

From then on, I prepared while watching the town become bustling with the impending monster attack. And on the morning when the enemy’s shadow was finally approaching the capital city, we were called by a knight.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes, Lord Ruon.”

“Kuuza and I are on the east side, right?”

“Let’s do our best.”

Sofia and the others spoke in unison. I answered Sylvie’s question with “That’s right” and left the inn.

“I’m on the west side, and Sofia is on the north… Sofia, you’ll be accompanying the General, are you alright with that?”

“Yes.”

She nodded. She seemed nervous about the battle that was about to begin, but—

“I am prepared. Lord Ruon, Sylvie, Sir Kuuza… good fortune in battle.”

“You too, Sofia, be careful.”

With those words, we began to move. The four of us started to disperse, and once my comrades were out of sight, I summoned a familiar.

I instructed them to observe my comrades. In addition, I created familiars to assess the situation at the four gates.

This is my first time fighting in such a large-scale army battle, so I can’t predict how it will turn out. This experience should be useful in preparing for the Southern Invasion that will eventually come. I need to focus.

I walked down the street and soon reached the West Gate. When I called out to a knight and stated my name, they seemed to have already been informed, as I was led to where Atire was.

“…Hello.”

I called out to Atire, who was on horseback. He looked back at me and said,

“I have heard the reports. The General has been of great help.”

“…How much of the situation did General Bosro explain?”

“He saw potential in you all and instructed me to have you act with me… Since the General spoke with absolute confidence, we will trust you all as well.”

The General’s words seemed to carry considerable weight. I replied, “I understand,” and gazed out from the West Gate.

Since the surroundings are plains, I can see mountains quite far in the distance. However, there are no enemy shadows visible from here yet.

“Eventually, monsters will appear. Since they are infantry, mainly kobolds, we can sufficiently counter them.”

Atire said, gripping the spear in his hand tightly.

“This is a battle for our survival. We, too, will risk our lives… and execute the General’s strategy.”

The goal is to target the enemy commander. Shelk, who is likely on the opposite side, probably feels the same way as Atire.

If they fight with the intention of making the strategy succeed, the likelihood of them taking reckless actions will increase. In the game, one of the knights who didn’t cooperate with the protagonists died in battle. That was undoubtedly due to their actions to execute the strategy.

I won’t let that happen… After muttering to myself, I was about to open my mouth to Atire—just then,

“What’s the situation?”

From behind, a voice spoke. It wasn’t an adult’s voice, but rather like a boy’s—

Immediately after, Atire turned around with surprising speed,

“—Your Majesty!”

“Stay mounted. What is the situation?”

—Kanan, the King of this nation. He was also mounted, surrounded by what appeared to be royal guards, and stood before me.

The first thing that caught my eye was his glossy white armor. It was adorned with gold-edged decorations, making it visually splendid.

With golden hair and blue eyes, and a handsome face, he was beautiful as if painted. Within that beauty, his gaze held a dignified and strong presence that unconsciously straightened one’s back just by meeting his eyes.

I suddenly looked at the longsword at the King’s waist. The scabbard was decorated, and I could feel a slight magical power—it was undoubtedly a sacred sword.

“I see. Then—”

Kanan, who had heard the situation from Atire, suddenly raised her voice here.

“Everyone! This battle is certainly our greatest crisis!”

A clear voice echoed through the sky. Immediately, the soldiers and Knights stopped moving to listen to the King’s words.

“I ask for your strength to protect our people and this Nation! Let us end this battle in victory and make it known to that Demon King! That the Army of Alastin Kingdom is the greatest threat!”

In response to the King’s words, the people around her raised their voices. The King’s appearance boosted morale, further increasing their fighting spirit.

“…Knight Atire. Is the person next to you the one the General spoke of?”

Then, the conversation turned to me. When Atire replied, “Yes,” the King spoke to me.

“I’ve heard about you from the General. Some frowned upon it, but the General insisted so strongly that it would be fine. I’ve decided to ask for your cooperation as well.”

General Bosro, it seems he really pushed for it. Well, this much can’t be helped… but it seems the General’s persistence eventually won out.

“I sincerely thank you for coming to Alastin Kingdom. I pray for your success in battle.”

“Yes.”

As I replied, the King swiftly departed with the Royal Guard. She is probably making rounds to see the people at the four gates.

Since I haven’t heard reports from the Familiars yet, the West Gate must have been first… Here, I directed one of the Familiars observing the surroundings towards the King. It would be good to observe her movements as well.

Atire gave instructions to the surrounding soldiers. Soon, formations were being assembled outside the gate, and preparations were being completed.

There wouldn’t be much time until the battle began… At this point, Atire spoke.

“Lord Ruon. Please rest until the enemy’s figures can be confirmed.”

“Understood.”

I nodded to the instruction and looked around. Then, a report came from a Familiar that everyone had reached the gate.

Finally, preparations for battle were complete.

“It’s about to begin, isn’t it?”

I looked up at the sky. The weather was clear. There were some clouds, but it probably wouldn’t rain.

Sylvie and Sofia had joined with Shelk and Bosuro respectively, and our side was completely ready.

“Lord Ruon.”

At that moment, Garuku called out.

“The presence of Monsters has also grown stronger. It won’t be long before it begins.”

“Ah, I know. By the way, how are things going on your end?”

“No problems so far. You don’t need to worry about us. As Lord Ruon intended, I pray the General doesn’t die.”

“Thank you.”

The moment I replied—a voice came from outside the gate. A warning.

I immediately headed to where Atire was. He gripped his spear and gazed at the Plains beyond the gate.

Immediately after, I saw dark enemy figures. A considerable number… Immediately, Atire gave the command, and the Soldiers began to move.