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Decisive Battle Briefing
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Lindsay said that the devastating scene in Soltaire was caused by a huge black monster. The one controlling the monster was a boy with black hair and black clothes. His eyes were described as an unsettlingly blue color.
…It’s Reingard. Reingard is a member of the music orchestra. That means he’s connected to the paradise Cyans. His motive is clear.
In my deduction, it goes like this. The Light Droplet Orchestra aims for a peaceful world without war. They probably thought that if they eliminated all warriors, the fighting would stop. It’s impossible to kill every warrior. So, they devised a plan to abduct children. They would brainwash children who might one day become warriors, severing that possibility and gradually reducing the number of warriors through generations.
That was the plan. They used Dali Amor as a base and involved the Melpeque Church and the Dali Amor Royal Guard. On the surface, they gained popularity as a music troupe, while secretly abducting and imprisoning children. They were brainwashing them.
That’s about it.
“Now, let us begin the meeting.” (Martin)
Martin Stride-san opened his mouth while looking around the room. This was the Stride Household’s guest room, which we also used for the first briefing. One day had passed since witnessing the current state of Soltaire. We had returned to Barwitch. We came by carriage, with Lindsay and Dwayne accompanying us. We no longer had a house there. The house where we had all lived for six months was gone… no amount of regret could undo that.
Nancy-san and Philip-san from the Conran Inn were safe. There were only a few casualties in Soltaire, but even a few lost lives are precious. Moreover, several people sustained injuries. We can never forgive Reingard and those involved in taking them.
“Nancy-san… Nancy-san…” (Dwayne)
Dwayne muttered to himself. He insisted on staying in Soltaire to help Nancy-san, but that seemed like it would only cause more trouble, so I forced him to come with us. Alfred had also encouraged him to fight to protect Nancy-san, which worked, and he came along.
“Fred is still not here, it seems?” (Tristan)
Tristan spoke up.
“This is an important time. You should cherish your time with your spouse.” (Martin)
Lindsay was several months pregnant.
The strain of protecting Soltaire had taken its toll, and she had been bedridden more than usual. In the end, the people gathered here from the Stride Household were Martin-san and Parcine-san, from the former Liberta members, Tristan and Dwayne, and me. There was undeniably a shortage of manpower.
“First, let’s start by confirming the current situation… Parcy.” (Martin)
Parcine-san was called over.
“Yes, Father. Currently, there are no noticeable movements from Cyans. They are still maintaining their impregnable fortress. As for the relief efforts for Soltaire, Barwitch’s city hall leadership has already intervened. However, due to the scale, it seems like the reconstruction will take time.” (Parcine)
“I see. Is it a financial issue?” (Martine Stride)
“Yes, that seems to be the main problem… but there also seems to be an issue with their priorities.” (Parcine)
Parcine-san spoke hesitantly. Having regained his vitality after rescuing Irene, he now looked much younger than before. His hair was neatly styled in a seven-to-three part, and his once hollow cheeks were now full.
“Hmm. From Barwitch’s perspective, Soltaire is just a small village. Given the various issues this city faces, it’s not surprising that it’s lower on their priority list.” (Martin)
Martin-san spoke openly, without any concern. Parcine-san was hesitant because we had been residents of Soltaire, but we didn’t need to worry about that. It was refreshing for him to speak as clearly as this older man did.
“Then, shall we contact Aldridge?” (Martine)
I tensed up. Every time Aldridge’s name was mentioned, I felt uneasy. Perhaps it was like a trauma, reminding me of the past, and I couldn’t shake it.
“With our donation and Aldridge’s, we should be able to rebuild a town quickly. First, make sure to secure evacuation tents for the residents. We should provide at least one for each household.” (Martin)
“Understood, Father. I’ll send a letter regarding that.” (Parcine)
What a generous old man he is. He must have understood how badly we want to see Soltaire rebuilt.
“Now, let’s move on to the main topic.” (Martin)
The main topic. How to bring down Cyans.
“Many children are still being held captive. We should prioritize rescuing them.” (Tristan)
Tristan answered first.
“That’s right. However, if we bring an army, those desperate people might self-destruct along with the children.” (Martin)
“…Master, should we then infiltrate again?” (??)
“Hmm, that might be the best option.” (Martin)
Fanatical believers whose goal is not money or resources are troublesome. If their faith is their sole purpose, no material reward will move them. They might all shout about achieving reincarnation and enlightenment or something and end up committing suicide. The fact that the children themselves aren’t trying to escape makes things even more difficult.
“Let’s ask Jack, who has seen the situation firsthand.” (Tristan)
“—Yes.” (Jack)
I wasn’t just a spectator in this meeting. I was here to help figure out the best course of action.
“All 200 children are brainwashed. They probably won’t try to escape on their own.” (Jack)
I stated my opinion as I sorted through my thoughts.
“This brainwashing is magical in nature, so I think the fastest way to break it is to deal with the caster.” (Jack)
I chose the word “deal with” on purpose. It was to encourage myself. It was to remind myself that Medna-san, the caster, was a stranger.
“Jack, how did you break Irene’s brainwashing when you rescued her?” (Tristan)
Tristan suddenly asked.
Oh, she had my blood in his mouth.
“Irene returned to normal after she sucked the blood from my knee.” (Jack)
“…Jack has special mana due to the Goddess’ blessing. If this is a magic-nullifying ritual, then if we make everyone drink it, they should return to normal.” (Tristan)
“If you make 200 people drink your blood all at once, Jack will wither away, won’t he?” (Martin)
Martin-san said this seriously, not as a joke, and it sent a chill down my spine. 200 people drinking it at once… Wait a minute.
“There is one way to make them drink my blood all at once.” (Jack)
“Hmm, what is it?” (Martin)
“In that facility, the children’s meals were managed and distributed all at once. They were served hors d’oeuvres-style, and the children took as much as they wanted.” (Jack)
The meals they ate regularly were perfect for a large group of children. If I mixed some of my blood into the soup or something, I could break the brainwashing all at once.
“I see… So, we just need to mix Jack’s blood into the food ingredients or in the cooked food beforehand.” (Martin)
“Yes.” (Jack)
“However, what concerns me is the Goddess’ existence…” (Tristan)
The situation had become even more complicated because of the goddess.
“According to reports, if the Goddess gave Jack his unusual powers and the magic-nullifying ability, it would be troublesome if the enemy has control of her.” (Tristan)
“…” (Jack)
Lindsay said that Kea was particularly defenseless when she was abducted.
If the Goddess’ power exists, it might be able to suppress even the Guards, so why was she taken so easily? Could there be some intention behind that?
“Jack, can the Goddess be rescued?” (Tristan)
“…I don’t know.” (Jack)
That was still a mystery. Tristan probably asked because he thought I was closest to the Goddess, but I still didn’t understand what she was thinking.
“………The Goddess… her rescue…” (Dwayne)
Dwayne, who had been silent, began murmuring again. He was no longer capable of thinking clearly.
“I saw it. I saw the Goddess being captured…” (Dwayne)
However, Dwayne began speaking quietly. Everyone else reacted and urged him to continue speaking, quietly encouraging him to share. Dwayne was a valuable witness at the scene.
“If you can, please tell us about it.” (Tristan)
Tristan spoke to Dwayne, in the same manner as before. This approach was probably the most effective for Dwayne’s treatment.
“The Goddess… said, ‘I won’t fight here,’… ‘The role of salvation is for the Chevaliers (Knights),’…” (Dwayne)
It was clear she was referring to us.
“I see. Thank you, Dwayne. I believe the Goddess Kea is waiting for salvation. What do you think?” (Tristan)
Tristan asked me, looking me in the eyes. Everyone probably had the same thought.
“Yeah. Let’s go save her.” (Jack)
“Alright, it’s decided.” (Tristan)
The rescue of the Goddess.
The members of Liberta were entrusted with an unprecedented important task.
—
After that, the meeting dragged on for quite a while. We had gathered in the morning, but before we knew it, the sun had set. As a result, it was decided how each of us would act.
First, we would break the children’s brainwashing. This would be an infiltration mission, and Tristan, who was most skilled at this, was chosen to go. He would secretly mix my blood into the food in the dining hall. In addition, I had asked Tristan to rescue Goddess Kea. The plan was to ensure the safety of both the children and the goddess, then launch a full attack with the members of Liberta.
However, our combat strength was insufficient. Since Lindsay couldn’t fight, there was no rear guard. We didn’t know where Lizbeth was right now.
“By the way, what does Goddess Kea look like?” (Tristan)
“Ah…” (Jack)
I had only realized it now, but Tristan had never seen Kea. It might be difficult to find her if he had never seen her before.
“Her appearance? She’s just a child, like any other of her age.” (Alfred)
Alfred, who had joined the meeting later, answered.
“But there are a lot of children there.” (Tristan)
“Well, yeah…” (Jack)
“It’s troubling. Tristan is the best for infiltration, but we can’t recognize the Goddess appearance.” (Alfred)
Anyway, there was no one other than Tristan who seemed capable of carrying out this mission.
“Her hair is a light purple, long, and wavy. It has a fluffy impression.” (Jack)
“Hmm, I wonder if that alone will be enough to identify her…” (Tristan)
“Also, her clothes might be different from the other children. She’s wearing a white and black habit.” (Jack)
There were concerns, but her outfit was distinctive enough. It shouldn’t be difficult to recognize her.
—
Later, we ate the dinner prepared by the Stride Household and dispersed to our rooms. I had already become accustomed to life in this house. The operation would begin tomorrow evening.
I was inspecting my weapons and armor in my room. I had a custom-made light crocodile leather sneaking suit. Boots. A hidden knife and a hammer. Lining them up, it felt more like the gear of an assassin than an adventurer. It was mostly influenced by Tristan. I could use a sword as my main weapon.
—At that moment, a dry knock echoed.
“Yes?” (Jack)
“Jack, are you there?” (Irene)
The door opened with a click, and Irene peeked her head inside.
“Irene… what’s up?” (Jack)
“Just a little thing. Is it okay if I come in?” (Irene)
“Sure.” (Jack)
I remembered our conversation just before we escaped from Cyans. It felt a bit awkward. Irene, however, didn’t seem to care at all. She walked straight in and took a seat next to me on the bed. As usual, she was very close. Her feelings were clear, but she acted more mature than a girl her age, or maybe it was something else.
By the way, how old is Irene?
“By the way, Jack, how old are you now?” (Irene)
Irene suddenly asked, as if she had the same question.
“I…” (Jack)
I glanced at my Managram.
10 years and 11 months… so about 11 years old.
“11 years old.” (Jack)
“What?!” (Irene)
Upon hearing my age, Irene’s eyes went wide, and she gasped in surprise.
“…Come to think of it, how old are you, Irene?” (Jack)
“W-Well, I’m… 12 years old.” (Irene)
She was older than me. I thought she was still in her early teens. Irene seemed quite shocked.
“That’s… I’m older than you…” (Irene)
“No, it’s only by about one year.” (Jack)
“That’s the important part!” (Irene)
She got upset and started raising her voice.
I suppose, given how I look now, others might find it hard to guess my real age. Some even mistake me for a Demon. If I were a Demon, I might be 100 years old while still looking like a child.
“…” (Jack)
I couldn’t think of anything clever to say.
I guess it’s beyond me to understand what a girl my age is thinking.
“…Jack, you’re strong, right?” (Irene)
“Ah, well…” (Jack)
Irene murmured that, and I reflexively answered.
“I’m not strong myself. The power I have comes from the Goddess… it’s not normal power, so don’t worry about it.” (Jack)
“That’s not what I mean. Even though you’re younger than me, you’re already involved in such important discussions with the adults.” (Irene)
“Were you listening?” (Jack)
“…Well, I was interested.” (Irene)
I understood what Irene was trying to say.
Whether treated like a child or as an equal, it’s how children grow closer to adults.
“I feel like I’m not a good match…” (Irene)
She sighed dramatically.
I was just a kid until recently.
“I’m just a kid. I’m a little strong, and a little cheeky… but I’m nothing special.” (Jack)
“That’s the part that’s not childish!” (Irene)
I didn’t know how to respond. Everything I said just seemed to make things worse.
“I want to get stronger, too.” (Irene)
“…You’re already strong enough.” (Jack)
You blocked my attack and threw me around. With that much power, you could probably beat most adults.
“Jeez! Jack, you’re such a blockhead! Idiot!” (Irene)
Irene jumped off the bed in a huff. She stormed out of the room. The door slammed shut with a bang, almost as if it might break.
I wonder what she had come for. In the end, I just managed to make her angry. Maybe I should go apologize tomorrow morning. For what? I don’t even understand what went wrong, so apologizing might be disrespectful.
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