Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 16: The Demon Nation’s Army
Near the border between the Weimar Kingdom and the Demon Nation, in a demon military camp, a group of battlefield commanders was gathered for a meeting in one of the largest tents.
“Hey, doesn’t it seem like Weimar’s army has gotten bigger?”
Said a large man with two horns protruding from his forehead.
“Yeah. Those guys might be weak with magic, but they’re strong. When they gather in numbers, they’re a real nuisance.”
A shorter man replied, his ears and nose pointed, sighing as he spoke.
“Their numbers have definitely increased. From what I’ve seen, their new recruits’ equipment is all mismatched. I’d guess they’ve started conscripting from the civilian population.”
Added a voluptuous woman with small wings on her back, sharing her observations.
“Conscripts or volunteers… If the humans are that fired up, it’s going to be trouble.”
Muttered the largest man in the group, his skin a shade of blue, folding his arms as he spoke.
“What’s our move? This battle was supposed to be a test. Should we call a temporary retreat and pull back?”
Asked the short man, revealing himself as the field commander of this operation.
“Yes… Let’s prepare for a possible retreat. However, I want to know why Weimar suddenly has so many civilians in their ranks. Mona.”
“Yes.”
The winged woman, Mona, replied promptly.
“Could you use your squad to infiltrate the Weimar capital and find out?”
“Understood. Give me a few days.”
She answered and left the tent, ending the meeting for that day.
—
A few days later, Mona returned and gathered the same group.
“I’m back.”
“Ah, well done. So, did you find anything out?”
When the commander asked, Mona looked at her notes and began to report.
“Yes, I’ve learned a few things. First, it appears the reason so many civilians joined is due to a recent explosion at the royal castle. They seem to believe that we demons were responsible for the attack, which has spurred a rise in volunteer soldiers.”
“What!?”
The entire group let out a collective gasp.
“Hold on. Did any of us actually do such a thing?”
Asked the commander, to which Mona gave a small nod.
“I checked with everyone on this battlefield, and none of our people did anything of the sort.”
Everyone looked satisfied with that answer.
“That makes sense. If someone could blow up the castle without anyone noticing, they’d have taken out the entire royal family while they were at it.”
“Since they didn’t do that, it’s safe to say that the attack wasn’t by us.”
“…Which means we’re being falsely accused, then?”
“Exactly,”
Mona affirmed, her words igniting anger among those gathered.
“Who the hell did this and dragged us into it?!”
“No kidding. It’s a pain in the neck.”
Muttered the smaller man, his tone simmering with quiet anger.
The commander, however, managed to stay relatively calm and prompted Mona to continue.
“So, do you have any suspects?”
After a moment’s hesitation, Mona spoke quietly.
“I can only guess, but…”
“That’s fine. Tell us.”
Upon the commander’s prompt, Mona pulled out a wanted poster. Everyone’s expressions soured at the sight of it.
“Tch! Still as annoying as ever.”
“Indeed. And I hear he’s wanted across all human nations. Serves him right.”
“…His wanted status was lifted only in Weimar.”
“What!?”
Once again, the group reacted in unison.
“The bounty was lifted right after the explosion at the royal castle. My guess is that Weimar did something to tick him off, which led him to blow up the castle. Scared, they lifted the bounty to appease him. But that’s just speculation; there’s no proof.”
Though she stated it was only a theory, the others couldn’t shake the feeling that it was true.
“So… it seems we’re once again caught up in his mess.”
“Just a theory.”
She reminded them.
“Understood, but still…”
The commander closed his eyes, folding his arms in thought. After a few moments, he opened them and turned to Mona.
“Do you know where this guy—Kenta Maya—is located?”
“Yes, it’s an open secret.”
“Good. Then… could you go and confirm the situation?”
At this, Mona’s face twisted, and she clenched her teeth.
“You want me to go?”
The commander nodded calmly at Mona’s words.
“That’s right. Kenta Maya is our sworn enemy, hated even to look upon… but we’ve been falsely accused. We can’t ignore his connection to Weimar. We need to find out the truth.”
After a moment’s silence, Mona spoke.
“…If an opportunity arises, would it be acceptable to eliminate him?”
The commander was momentarily stunned by her words, but quickly regained his composure.
“You’re talking about a man powerful enough to bring down their king.”
At this, Mona bit her lip hard, drawing blood.
“You’re right. I’d be clearly outmatched if I faced him alone…”
The commander, though not showing it, breathed a quiet sigh of relief at her admission.
“Good. You’re one of our nation’s most vital assets. It’s best not to sacrifice valuable lives if it can be avoided.”
“…Understood.”
Though Mona agreed reluctantly, two other men immediately raised their voices.
“If Mona won’t do it, I’ll go after him!”
“Count me in as well!”
Their eyes filled with hatred, both men looked ready to go after Kenta right away. The commander, however, responded firmly.
“No.”
“Wha—?! Why not?!”
“Give us a reason!”
The two men protested the commander’s refusal, clearly frustrated.
The commander sighed as he looked at the eager men.
“Do you understand the purpose of this mission? We’re here to investigate Kenta Maya’s relationship with Weimar. You two would likely abandon the investigation and rush to eliminate him instead.”
“Of course we would!”
“…I wouldn’t be able to just stick to gathering information either.”
“It’s clear that you two aren’t suited for this mission. Mona, I’m counting on you.”
“…Yes, sir.”
Though grateful for the commander’s trust, Mona wasn’t sure if she could remain calm herself in front of her sworn enemy.
Yet, since this mission was entrusted to her, she knew she had to meet his expectations.
“Alright, since this is a test of human forces’ intentions, I want to avoid further escalation. Let’s call a temporary retreat. Relay the orders to all troops!”
“Yes, sir!”
With the commander’s order, the three left the tent.
As he watched Mona’s back, the commander muttered to himself, almost as if reaffirming his own resolve.
“Kenta Maya… the one who wronged our king… Someday, I’ll get you with my own hands…”
A trickle of blood dripped from his clenched fist.
The demons’ hatred for Kenta ran very, very deep.