There were dark elf soldiers imprisoned in the fort.
Most of them are wounded and are in no condition to move.
I gave them some potions to help them recover.
"Thank you so much for saving us...."
"Don't mention it. The superficial wounds have healed, but there is still damage. We'll prepare some food so everyone can regain their strength, so rest for now."
The dark elf then lies down.
Is this everyone?
Fortunately, no one died.
After they rest and eat, they should have enough strength to return to their respective homes.
"My lord, I found a room with a bed."
"Thank you. Kaede, let's take him there."
"Yes."
Following Frau's directions, we made our way to a place where the soldiers could rest.
Five days have passed since we arrived at the fort.
Thanks to the warm bed, the food and Kaede's healing waves, the soldiers' strength was recovering quickly.
Some of them have now fully recovered and are helping with the maintenance of the fort.
"It's snowing again."
As I stand guard at the outer wall, a fluffy snowflake flutters down onto my head.
Panda, who had peeked his head through the opening in my cloak, looked at the snow curiously.
He's been hiding in my cape a lot lately.
Well, it's warm, so I don't mind.
However, Frau, who was always by my side, doesn't seem too happy about it.
"Toru-Sama, I brought you some tea."
"No need to attach the [Sama]."
"Are you kidding? I owe you my life. I can't call to you in a disrespectful manner."
"Well, that's fine. You can call me whatever you want, and thank you for the tea."
I took a sip of the tea.
The man who appears to be the unit commander sits next to me.
"Will you leave here when we recover?"
"Well, I've already sent word to the general. I'm sure reinforcements will be here soon."
"Would you consider my proposal again? Please. I'm sure they'll welcome you with open arms. And if that doesn't turn out to be the case, I'll do something about it."
Yesterday the guards were talking about whether I should become their country's hero. They may be trying to repay me for rescuing them, but it's an idea I'm not thrilled about.
As I said before, I don't like to stand out at all. I'm not the kind of person who can carry the burden of being a hero or a heroic figure.
I want to live a simple and free life without being tied down by anything. So I can't accept his proposal.
"My answer is the same as yesterday. I appreciate the offer, but I can't accept it."
"...I see. I'm sorry to hear that."
"Oh, she's back already."
I could see Chupi in the sky approaching us.
The little bird found me and landed on the outside wall. Chupi then relayed the words she had received.
"Greetings, I am General Gio. Thank you very much for saving our soldiers. I shall send a division to your location immediately to provide assistance. Oh, wait, this animal is going to record the message? What a fascinating creature, and it's very cute--.... Ahem. Anyway, Her Majesty wishes to reward you for your deeds. She would like you to come to the palace."
That was the end of the message.
I ordered Chupi to go to the capital of the dark elves and relay a message for me to General Gio asking for support for the soldiers. The mission was a success.
Chupi was too smart to deliver this message. Even though I showed her where to go on the map, she still doesn't know these lands.
I patted her on the head and she turned to face me.
I could have used the message scrolls, but I wanted to save them because their number was limited. Besides, it's great that I was able to test Chupi's skills here.
"Kyu~"
"Chupi, Chupi!"
Panda looks a bit frustrated, but Chupi just spares him a glance before ignoring him.
Apparently, he didn't like what Chupi just did, so I put her back in the seal and stood up.
"What can I do for you, Toru-Sama?"
"The general said that a group of soldiers are on their way to pick you up. And here, you have food, shelter and weapons. You'll be able to hold out here until they arrive."
"So, you'll be leaving already?"
"Yes. Oh come on, don't look at me like that, I'll leave you with a trusted companion just in case."
The soldier bowed his head.
"We wish you safety on your journey."
"You too."
The soldiers who came to say goodbye knelt down.
"You have saved us from terrible danger. We will never forget this kindness. We will surely repay you one day."
"It's all good, that won't be necessary."
I waved my hand and walked out of the fort.
I left Chupi and Rosuke as guards in case something happens. Since I have a contract with them, they will know where we are and can meet us later.
"Up ahead is the white wolf village. I hope it's safe."
"I'm certainly worried, especially considering Rudra's objective."
"War..."
We received information about the demons thanks to the dark elves held captive in the fort.
Rudra's goal is to expand his war arsenal.
He wants to incorporate elves and dark elves into his ranks to destroy the existence of nations on this continent that take pride in their power.
This seems to be part of the reason why the Spirit Queen was neutralized.
The soldiers also speculated that the reason the demons occupied the fort was to invade Jornen.
"It seems that the White Wolf tribe's settlement is in a hard-to-find place, but not necessarily out of Rudra's reach."
"That's true. We should hurry up a bit."
The Celestial Beasts are a powerful race.
If the demons were to come face to face with them, they would be taken down with ease.
But there's always a chance that this might not be the case.
They may still end up fighting against the demon race in a drawn out battle.
"My Lord, I have found a village over there!"
Frau returns after doing some reconnaissance.
Panda peeks through my cape and flies toward Frau.