Chapter 79: The Elf’s Smile

◇ [Arthur’s Perspective]

—- May 6th, around 4 p.m., at the headquarters of the Alliance forces.

We rode our horses tirelessly from the Melkid Kingdom to here, utilizing Mary’s skill “Blessing of the Magic Sheath” to speed up the travel—a secret technique only we can use.

After joining the Alliance forces, we headed straight to the headquarters. It seemed they were in the middle of a strategy meeting, which was just the right time for us to share our information.

As I opened the door to the meeting room, I found General Gibson of the Melkid Kingdom Army, the Grandmaster of the Adventurer’s Guild, Legolas, and the Elven Ambassador and General of the Elven Army, Eldor.

　Only three people? What about the other officers and officials?

“Oh my, General Arthur, you’re late. If you had arrived a little earlier, the number of casualties in the kingdom’s army might have been lower,” Eldor said.

Eldor, you were the one who ordered me to pursue Takumi and the others. But something seems strange… as though I was not supposed to come here. Their reaction suggests that it was unexpected that I would come to this battlefield.

“Well then… General Arthur, would you mind sitting next to General Gibson?” Eldor asked politely.

　Eldor. I guess you ordered me to go after Takumi and the others.

　Even so, it’s strange… I should have come here unexpectedly.

It was　as if the reaction was based on the premise of coming to this battlefield .

“Then… General Arthur, I would like you to sit next to General Gibson. Is that okay?”

“No, there is something I must report first. I have received an imperial order from His Majesty to take command of the Melkid Kingdom Army in place of General Gibson. Therefore, from now on, I will assume the position of the supreme commander of the Melkid Kingdom Army,” I said, showing the imperial order to General Gibson.

After reading it, General Gibson showed no surprise or resistance and simply vacated his seat, allowing me to take it.

“Now, I have a proposal as the supreme commander of the Melkid Kingdom Army. In this war… I suggest that the Melkid Kingdom should withdraw its troops. And in that process, I would like to negotiate a ceasefire with the demon army,” I stated.

　….huh, What’s wrong? The reaction around me is surprisingly calm. I thought Eldor would strongly oppose this.

Did I state it too directly?

If the Elven Army and the Adventurer’s Guild continue to fight as they are now, the Melkid Kingdom’s forces are planning to withdraw to a location a little further away, reorganize there, and then coordinate with the demon army.

After looking at everyone’s faces, Eldor spoke up.

“I will accept General Arthur’s proposal.”

—- Wait, what did she just say?

Did she just accept my ceasefire proposal…

“What’s wrong? General Arthur, it was your idea after all. I’m surprised you find it so shocking. Before you arrived, General Gibson also proposed a ceasefire, and we were just discussing it,” Eldor explained.

So, they were discussing a ceasefire… That’s why it was a private conversation with just the three of them.

Moreover, Gibson proposed a ceasefire?

Wasn’t it him who pushed the public opinion in the kingdom towards war?

“However, in order to negotiate a ceasefire, we need to establish a negotiation platform. There was a disagreement about who would represent us. I offered to go, but General Gibson opposed it, as it would only add fuel to the fire,” Eldor continued.

There’s no way this woman would go to the negotiation table without any ulterior motive. It’s not advantageous to let her go, as I can’t use this opportunity to confront Eldor. There’s no merit in sending her.

“In that case, how about I go as the representative? General Gibson, you can feel more at ease with that, can’t you?” I suggested.

Everyone in the room immidiately agreed. Eldor had always opposed my opinions since becoming an ambassador to the Melkid Kingdom, but in this meeting, she readily supported everything I said.

…Things are progressing smoothly according to the plan, but I can’t shake off this unsettling feeling that we’re gradually deviating from the plan.

While this sense of discomfort lingered, the discussion continued on the conditions and the date for the negotiations. I had already coordinated these details in advance with Princess Karla, and my proposals were adopted without much opposition.

The ceasefire meeting came to an end.

　As Eldor and Legolas were leaving the room, I couldn’t miss the smug smiles on their faces.

Their smiles were devoid of regret or disappointment, instead exuding arrogance, as if they were looking down on everyone.

They should have been caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events, so why do they have such expressions…

My anxiety grew stronger.

Now, there were only Gibson and me left in the conference room.

This was a chance to confirm the true intentions behind Gibson’s actions, betraying his Majesty. If I wanted to know, I had to ask now.

“I have something to discuss. Do you have the time?” I asked.

“I’m sorry. Before you came, Legolas asked me to help persuade the adventurers to agree to a ceasefire,” Gibson replied.

“I’m aware of the events leading up to your involvement in this war. Why did you take actions that would betray his Majesty?”

I asked him directly.

“There’s a reason for it, but I can’t reveal it now. I’ll explain it properly tomorrow. I want you to trust me…” he said.

I saw the face of the man who is not only my benefactor but also my friend and family.

Isn’t it unfair to phrase it that way…

Gibson took a moment before speaking again.

“After persuading the adventurers, I will continue to monitor them. I will leave the kingdom’s army to you, Arthur. Don’t let your guard down,” Gibson said as he walked towards the conference room’s door. However, he stopped as if he had thought of something.

“During tomorrow’s ceasefire negotiations, while Arthur is absent, I will protect Mary. If there’s an area attack, her skill ‘Magic Sheath’s Blessing’ could pose a danger of injury to either of you. Please inform Mary about this,” he added before leaving the conference room.

　Gibson knows about my and Mary’s skills. It’s natural for him to be worried, given that he doesn’t know about my secret connection with the demon army. Well, if anything happens, Mary can protect herself with her blessing, so there shouldn’t be a problem.

After parting ways with Gibson, I gathered the commanders and higher-ups of the kingdom’s army. These are people I have had prior interactions with and can trust. I explained the circumstances that led the elves to kidnap the demon princess and escalate the war between humans and demons, as well as the delicate situation with the Elf army and the Adventurers Guild. They accepted the information with more understanding than surprise. It seems they all had their doubts about this war.

Afterward, Mary and I connected our minds with the demon camp and shared information to prepare for tomorrow.

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