- Shari -

So we're further heading north-west, in the direction of the road. I'm thoroughly worried if we'll make it in time, but have no other option but to press on.

At one point, I believe the forest gets less dense, which is also accompanied by a decrease of this intoxicating feeling of security it provided. Honestly, I feel at the same time relieved to be free from that effect, but also a little irritable, because I'm currently coming down from that drug. Seriously, I'm starting to have issues with that forest.

When the last trees start to lift for greater and greater clearings, the trail gets stronger again. However, mixed with the one we're following are also new additions. Human ones!

At this, I remember. The Lord of Ekoras said he was waiting for reinforcements. And I'm rather sure there was something about the Marquis of Siras being a leading member of the pact. So it would only make sense that this would be the direction from where the enemy troops would head from. This means...

Oh shit! There's an army waiting for us! No, for real! I see the soldiers through the bushes!

"Captain. There are enemies in front of us. Many!" (Shari)

"Unfortunate. I was hoping we could confront them under more favorable circumstances." (Peras)

Did Peras know? Did he deliberately bring me here, knowing a slime would be able to run havoc among the enemy? Well, just in case, I should check if my stock of poison is still deadly enough and within reach.

While I'm at it, I of course pull my hood again over my face. I don't need to make it too easy for the enemy to identify me. Thankfully, there's at least some of my supplies remaining. Enough for one or two slime clouds to apply. However, I'm not sure how effective they'd be here out in the open, in this humid terrain.

Nonetheless, Peras chooses to engage this group. That man isn't someone for surprise attacks. He even has us take formation on the road, right in front of the other group.

"Count Gespart Hovari! You are hereby under arrest under the assumption of collaborating against country and crown! Surrender now, or bear the consequences!" (Peras)

A single man approaches. I recognize him as the one who was with Baron Moreaux that day.

"Captain Peras, if I'm right. I fear that won't be possible. We have little to expect from the crown and don't trust in your judgment. So why don't you just go the other way, while I await the escort that is already approaching?" (Count Gespart Hovari)

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This man is still so eerily calm. It's a different kind of haughty from Moreau. A self-confidence that comes from his status, rather than wildly throwing it around as a bludgeon. Right now, he may even have reason to, as his army slightly exceeds our troops. Just where did those come from? Professionally crafted armor, partial plates, even a backline of archers. Certainly not the kind of troop I'm comfortable facing.

At this moment, I hear Peras whisper back to us.

"Jacob, was it? If we can occupy the frontline, will your troop be able to take out those archers? I saw what you're capable of." (Peras)

I remember as well how Myra just jumped through their lines. Though I'm probably the last to call out their extreme leaps of improvement.

"Difficult, but not impossible. But you'd truly have to engage them." (Jacob)

"That's a given." (Peras)

"Ehm. What about me?" (Shari)

"No way in hell will I allow you to fight at the frontline. You notice the voidstone weaponry carried by some of them? I won't be responsible for what the green one does if you come to harm." (Peras)

"What if I send a proxy?" (Shari)

"Sigh. Slimes. Do as you please." (Peras)

Meanwhile, the enemy has already assembled. For all I see, this could become quite a difficult fight.

What concerns me in particular is how the count occasionally glances at the road. This, combined with the fact that he doesn't seem to be in a hurry to engage us, means he expects aid to come for him at any moment. This would turn the tide severely in favor of their side.

"So, as you see, you don't stand a chance at capturing me. However, I don't think we need to fight this out. You lot can just take the road in the other direction, and we call it a day. How about this? Or are you seriously going to fight our superior forces? I may have been caught off guard by the very... unique way you overcame the fortifications to my estate, but I can assure you, this time I have countermeasures put into place against your... pets." (Hovari)

Did I mention that I don't particularly like him? Peras doesn't seem all that impressed by his little speech and gives some last orders to prepare for battle.

"Doooooooohhh"

Suddenly, a deep booming sound is to be heard, that shakes my whole liquid body with its intensity. A signal. An army signal. One that can only mean one thing.

A suspicion confirmed by the army that I now see come marching down the road.

"Hah! Seems like this waiting game ended in our favor. If I were you, I'd start running back into that wretched forest you came from! You may actually escape!" (Hovari)

Even now, he seems to be more concerned for his own safety than for securing a win. Well, can't say I wouldn't make it through to him to at least get a good blow on this asshole. But why isn't Peras giving new orders? The situation clearly has changed.

"Sir, if we attack now, we still have a chance." (Lorel)

"No, we wait." (Peras)

"But Sir! If we wait any longer, their forces will combine! Now we at least have time to properly deal with those in front of us." (Lorel)

"Hold position!" (Peras)

What is he playing? From all the possible orders, attacking or dispatching, or whatever else, this one must be the worst possible. However, despite absolutely everyone else here questioning the captain's sanity, nobody seems inclined to make a move. Therefore, this army eventually arrives without us having moved a centimeter.

The count, obviously in high spirits, moves to welcome the new arrivals. A professional army, clad in similar armor to the one we stand up against here. Nonetheless, he doesn't seem to want to let the officer at the front of the troop have anything of his elation.

"What took you so long? We've been here in dire circumstances!" (Hovari)

"I apologize. There are good reasons for this."

Huh? This voice... It's... familiar?

Before I can complete this thought process, the officer buries his fist right in the count's stomach.

"We've been busy dealing with traitor scum!" (Soma)

What the hell is Captain Soma doing here!?!

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