The presentation was a success.

The Carbanera Knight Order will be deploying for a search and destroy mission of the anki nest.

The majority of the decisions were decided the same day, but the Order does not have all its members in the castle at all times, so the sortie was set for two days later in order for them to get all their forces in order. Incidentally, Sedam has become hired as a solo adventurer, and Claura will be coming along as an overseer on behalf of the Magician Guild.

“...... I don’t really mind either way, but you’ve been made into the Order’s ‘ally,’ huh. That Grand Cross is quite shrewd.” (Sedam)

“Ah, so it’s like that……” (Gio)

Sedam is taking advantage of the buzz after the meeting to come talk to me. Indeed, now that I’m an ally, I’m honor-bound to be an ally in the future. In other words, the Order has just gained me as a backer, and I have just gained a duty to support them. If the Grand Cross said what he said with all these considerations in mind, then there is nothing else I can do but to be impressed.

“...... Becoming allies with people left and right will bind you up until you cannot move, dear Great Wizard-dono.” (Claura)

As I am chewing over the sarcastic advice offered by Claura,

“May I have a bit of your time?”

I get stopped by the Grand Cross.

…… I can’t think of a good reason with which I can turn him down.

♥♦♣♠

The Grand Cross and I moved to his own office, He is currently making s.h.i.+l tea for me.

“For the Grand Cross to brew it himself, what an honor this is.” (Gio)

I fear that talking to this person too long will make me reveal my true colors, so I really didn’t want to talk with him at all. But now, all I can do is sh.o.r.e up my nerves and turn a sharp gaze towards him.

“So, what is it that you wish to talk about?” (Gio)

“As we had just decided, the command of the subjugation force will be entrusted to Arnogia. However, as can be seen, he is still young.” (Armand)

“......” (Gio)

Opting to speak as little as possible to decrease the chances of me tripping myself up, I continue sipping my s.h.i.+l tea without saying anything.

“I was blessed with him quite late, so I cannot help but to be fond of him. You might think me a doting parent, but…… I wish to ask you to support him.” (Amrand)

“...... Hmm.” (Gio)

Oi oi. Well, I’ve already been made out to be an ‘ally,’ but if someone who could drop meteors on whoever he dislikes arrives on your doorstep, the smart thing to do would indeed be to try to draw him to your side. But still. 

“To be evaluated so highly is an honor. However…… is he not already being supported by the other knights?” (Gio)

“Largely, yes. However, there are those who have expressed discontent. As you may already know, the Order used to belong to the Carbanera family.” (Amrand)

He explains to me that according to the Order’s current regulations, the position of Grand Cross is determined by all the knights casting votes. In other words, there is candidate rivalry. 

“So Gillion-dono is also aiming for the Grand Cross seat.” (Gio)

“From his perspective, he is but exerting a claim to what he believes to be rightfully his…… but yes.” (Amrand)

“...... Rather than ‘support my son,’ ‘I don’t want you to support Gillion’ is what I seem to be hearing……” (Gio)

Now that I’ve become an official ally of the Order, a declaration from me in support of either side would probably be of quite some weight. If I take Gillion’s side, then things could get troublesome for the Sadishu father and son.

“..... Gillion has only inherited the bad aspects of his father.” (Amrand)

“Fuumu……” (Gio)

If I am to weigh the pros and cons, supporting Arnogia would earn me trust from the Grand Cross and knights. On the other hand, Gillion and those in his faction (if he actually has one) would resent me for it. Another thing that I need to consider is that the more involved I get with the Order, the higher the possibility that it will limit the actions I can take from here on.

“The alliance between the Order and myself is secure and unshakeable. I believe the knights themselves will elect the most appropriate person for the seat of the Grand Cross.” (Gio)

“...... Those words alone are enough to give me relief. Wizard-dono, let us continue to build a mutually beneficial relations.h.i.+p.” (Amrand)

Be it either Arnogia or Gillion who becomes the next Grand Cross, I will get along with the Order without showing any discrimination or favoritism. Spinning that on its head, it means that I will not support either of them, but neither will I sabotage either of them. It appears that what I meant to say was indeed properly conveyed.

♥♦♣♠

“...... It tires me out so much though……” (Gio)

While I am lying dead tired in the extravagant guest room that I had been a.s.signed, this time it is Arnogia who calls me out. I leave my room only after firmly deciding that if he is also going to talk to me about supporting him, I will run away, even if I have to use a spell or two.

“I am terribly sorry for calling you here, Wizard-dono.” (Arnogia)

I make my way to the castle's courtyard, where Arnogia is waiting for me. For some reason, he is in full armor, and there are knights all lined up behind him. There are about 20 people in the whole group.

“I don’t mind, but…… What is your business?” (Gio)

“Actually, we wish to ask for help with our training.” (Amrand)

“Training?” (Gio)

“We heard that Wizard-dono can create monsters similar to anki, so……” (Arnogia)

Oh, he’s referring to [Create Ogre Platoon]. I’ve never showed it to him, but Mora → Sedam → Arnogia is probably how he ended up hearing about it, I expect.

Actually, this is a good opportunity for me as well. How well would these knights, who are supposed to fight against anki and undead as their job, fare against level 6 ogres? It would serve as a yardstick against which I can estimate this world’s power balance.

“I myself have never fought against a real anki. Half of the knights are also the same. Those present here are only a part of my company, but would you grant us an opportunity to conduct training against something similar to anki?” (Arnogia)

His request ended up being something much more decent and proper than I had expected. His eyes are s.h.i.+ning with a clear sense of duty. Almost too brightly so for this dirty adult. 

“If you require remuneration, we have it prepared here.” (Arnogia)

After Arnogia lowers his head, a young knight respectfully offers me a leather bag. It appears to be filled with gold coins. This young man really is diligent.

“No, I cannot accept remuneration for such an easy request. Use that money wisely for the Order’s sake.” (Gio)

“Th-, thank you very much!” (Arnogia)

Arnogia lowers his head in perfect sync with all of the knights behind him. The young knight that is holding the gold coins looks visibly relieved. If the Order is tight on money, then Arnogia my boy, you shouldn’t hand out money so freely…… Your father is worried about you, you know?

“Well then…… By means of this spell, may a platoon of 6 ogres be created from naught and be under my control for 3 full days. [Create Ogre Platoon].”

“Uoohhh……” (Knight)

“They really are anki……” (Knight)

“But the color is different.” (Knight) 

“To even be able to do something like this……” (Knight)

Since this is training, I summoned the ogres without weapons. However, they are almost 3m tall, and their rock-like fists are more than capable of beating any normal human to death. In comparison to my impression of real large demons, I think their combat power is about the same.

The knights are raising a great commotion. Arnogia also has his eyes wide open. While large demons have pitch black skin, these ogres are reddish-brown, and they are also not emanating searing hatred. Some of the knights are calmly pointing out the differences, but I personally would have wanted them to be a bit more calm.

“Well then, let’s split into two groups and get started. I’m asking just in case, but would it be a problem if we kill them……?” (Arnogia)

“Ahh. Feel free.” (Gio)

“Waaaait a second!!” (!)

An angry voice cuts in. Even without looking, I can tell it’s Gillion. Lioria and his own subordinates are also with him.

“Aru! What, did you think you could steal a march on me?” (Gillion)

“Uu please stop~” (Arnogia)

“Nii-san. That’s rude!” (Lioria)

Gillion is shaking Arnogia with a superior att.i.tude, for which Lioria reproaches him. Arnogia is smiling, albeit a troubled-looking smile, but the subordinates on both sides are glaring at each other with quite threatening expressions. I gather from the faces of people of the people looking down at the courtyard from the windows above that the only people who respect Gillion are those under him.

Grand Cross, I don’t think you have much to worry about, you know?

“Wizard-dono. Let me have a go first! It’s fine, isn’t it?!” (Gillion)

“Bu-, but we were here first……” (Arnogia)

Arnogia is apparently bad at handling Gillion (well, I think most people wouldn’t use the word ‘easy’ to describe talking to Gillion though), judging from the timid att.i.tude that he is taking. But the fact that he raised a reb.u.t.tal instead of stepping aside means that he’s not completely overwhelmed.

“Gillion.” (Gio)

“Yea, Wizard-dono?” (Gillion)

The me back in j.a.pan was also bad with Gillion’s type, and I might have been quite irritated if someone like Arnogia was my subordinate. However, a different position brings with it a different perspective. Completely unrelated to the talk about the new Grand Cross, I myself have grown to like him quite a bit.

“This time, Arnogia was here earlier. Don’t worry, I can always make more ogre. Can you be patient and wait until they are done first?” (Gio)

(T/N: Lmao is this a kindergarten?!)

“U-...... Understood……” (Gio)

“I’m so sorry. And thank you truly for your generosity.” (Lioria)

Even Gillion has become less quick to flare up against me after seeing [Meteor]. Rather, I seem to feel even a bit of awe from him. Lioria is also looking at me with trust-filled eyes. All because of my personal virtue——or not, and I feel pathetic admitting that.

“Without further ado, have your men get into position.” (Gio)

“Acknowledged.” (Arnogia)

As a fresh start, I make an exaggerated announcement, then raise my staff aloft. 

“All hands! Battle readiness! 1st and 2nd platoons, defensive ranks! 3rd platoon, attack readiness at the flank! 4th platoon, reserve ranks!” (Arnogia)

“YES, SIR!” (Knights)

Arnogia is shouting instructions in a surprisingly sharp voice. The 20 or so knights form ranks in no time at all. 

10 are standing shoulder to shoulder as a wall, 5 are on the right side, and 5 are lined up at the back. Arnogia himself is mixed in with the back line. 

“Ogres, attack the knights. But under no circ.u.mstances are any of them to die.”

“GuruaaaAA!” (Ogre)

“GAAAA!” (Ogre)

I’m surprised at how easily a commanding tone came out. Well, irrelevant to what tone I used, the ogres obey my orders, rus.h.i.+ng at the knight ranks while raising fierce roars. 

“s.h.i.+elds, brace!” (Arnogia)

At Arnogia’s command, the whole front line of s.h.i.+elds decorated with crests goes up. The knights’ perfect movements and perfect stances give the s.h.i.+elds an air of immutability akin to that of a solid steel wall…… But. 

“Garuu!” (Ogre)

“Guwah!?” (Knight)

The wall built of plate armor and s.h.i.+elds and the knights’ own bodies sways severely. As can be expected, none of the knights were blown away by the first hit, but now the line has fallen into total disarray, what with some still reeling from the impact, some dazedly tottering in place, and some staggering to regain balance. 

“Kuh…… Just hold on!” (Knight)

“Guruuuh! Gaaaah!” (Ogre)

The knights near the middle of the line try to help their allies by shouting encouragement, but in the face of the 6 ogres’ violent barrage of punches, there was very little effect. 

“......!” (Arnogia)

Unsure of what order to give next, Arnogia has fallen silent. 

“Guwah!” (Knight)

In the meantime, the punches that fall like rain never slowed. Eventually, a knight failed to catch a punch properly, and is sent flying together with his s.h.i.+eld. In succession, two, then three more crumple to the ground, unable to withstand anymore. Then more follow suit. 

“......?! 4th platoon, to the front! 3rd platoon, circle around!” (Arnogia)

“Gyah!?” (Knight)

“Uwah uwahhhh?!” (Knight)

Despite having stiffened up, Arnogia refuses to give up and issues more commands. However, the combat difference is just too great. Even while the hole in the defensive line is being plugged up by the reserves, knights are sent flying one after the other. 

“Take this!” (Knight)

“Gahh!” (Ogre)

The 5 knights who had circled around swing down their swords on the ogres’ flanks and backs. Several of their attacks successfully tear through ogre flesh and deal damage, but the counterattack punches sink them one by one. 

“Kuh…… circle up! Form a ring! Victory to the White Sword!” (Arnogia)

“Ohhh, they sure are working hard.” (Gio)

“...... Ar! Don’t give up! Aim for the eyes!” (Lioria)

Watching Arnogia calling to the few knights still standing and standing back to back with each other in an outward facing circle, I involuntarily muttered to myself. Lioria is shouting encouragement. Gillion is…… 

“Tsk. What is he doing. If it was me……” (Gillion)

…… getting irritated. However, these two who are verbally expressing their feelings are still on the better side. The other knights and castle residents that are looking on can’t even speak up. I suppose there’s no helping it, with how similar the ogres are to actual anki. Actually wait a second, isn’t this kind of bad? 

“...... Stop right there!” (Gio)

Arnogia had been doing not too badly, dodging several punches and sliding several more off his s.h.i.+eld, but his sword strikes were merely bouncing off the ogres’ muscles. An instant before an outstretched ogre arm was about to grab his head, I called out. The loyal ogres stop all motion at exactly that moment. 

“...... Uuuu……” (Arnogia)

Arnogia is groaning with an ashen face. 

“...... Everyone, you have done well! Take the rest of today off to rest up. Up to the day of the sortie, let us continue polis.h.i.+ng our fighting techniques! Don’t worry, today was merely training. Real achievements are earned on the real battlefield!” (Arnogia)

Him saying such things while going around and waking and helping up the fallen knights seriously impresses me. Even more so due to the expression on his own face betraying the fact that he himself cannot accept such plat.i.tudes. 

“I, I’m so sorry……” (Knight)

“The next time, for sure……” (Knight)

“Hah, what a miserable display! I’ll show you all how to do things. Just  watch!” (Gillion)

At the voice of Gillion, who is incapable of reading the atmosphere, the troop morale that had recovered slightly dropped back down to rock bottom. 

♥♦♣♠

“Doryahh! How’s this?!” (Gillion)

The way that Gillion, the 2nd Company Commander, fights is the complete opposite of Arnogia. 

At the start of the fight, the first thing he did was leave his subordinates behind and charge straight in, all by himself. 

Turns out his enormous amount of self-confidence is not entirely unfounded. Squarely catching a punch with his s.h.i.+eld, he then deflects the force back to the ogre. His follow-up attacks are aimed accurately at weak points. For someone with such a large body, he fights in a surprisingly clever way. With his precise movements, he is able to skillfully handle the concentrated attacks. 

“Hah! Sei!” (Lioria)

As for Lioria, she is faring even better than Gillion. 

Running around at a speed almost unbelievable for someone wearing armor, she is actively throwing the ogres into disarray and sinking her sword into heels and knees and any other exposed weak points. 

“Ohhh!” (Spectators)

The spectators that are watching with bated breath are all astir. One ogre that has been receiving Lioria’s attacks finally falls to its knees. 

Despite being fellow humans, how can there be such a large difference? Actually, no, this is this world’s reality. Be it experience or talent or some other cause, differences the size of the gap between the heavens and the earth can and do exist. This is truly a world of heroes. 

“Good going, Lio! Ugoh!?” (Gillion)

“Tsk! Let go!” (Lioria)

Sadly, it appears that they, too, have reached their limits.

Gillion, who stopped moving for a split second, got kicked square in the back, and has fallen over. Lioria, who was growing out of breath, had her arm grabbed and her sword taken away. 

And I don’t know if I should say ‘as expected,’ but every other member of the 2nd company had already been beaten to the ground ages ago. 

“Stop right there, stop right there!” (Gio)

I hurriedly command the ogres to stop moving. 

“s.h.i.+t! Let me go one more round, Wizard-dono!” (Gillion)

“Eat this! Let go!!” (Lioria)

Gillion is still shouting energetically, while Lioria is still attacking the ogre that froze with her arm still in its grasp. I am impressed, in a different way than I was by Arnogia. However…… 

“Why are you dragging morale down even before the sortie?!” (Claura)

I would prefer it if you thanked me instead for learning ‘this’ before the sortie. 

After all, it is something that I have a right to know. As an ‘ally.’ Yep.