Volume 6 Chapter 53 The Great Escape Operation
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I think I’ve done everything I could. Still, I’m sure there are things I missed—things that will show up later, one after another. Maybe I’ll never be a perfect superhuman. Hmm, maybe that’s just how I am.
After leaving the Valley of Trials, it’s a race against time. Like a game’s time attack mode.
It hurts more than I expected that Ms. Claire left. Even with what happened with Ms. Joa, maybe my real mistake was relying on them too much as helpers. I should have thanked them better. The human-horse tribes don’t care about money, but I did my best to provide good meals. Maybe my gratitude wasn’t enough. I thought they understood without me saying it, but if they ran away, I was wrong.
The Hover Shield I prepared to travel isn’t useful outside the Valley of Trials. The rocky, uneven terrain looks like the Grand Canyon, so it’s useless here.
In the end, I have to run on foot. I take off at full speed toward Wolf’s Forest.
I might be bragging, but with my trained body, I’m pretty fast. I might even have a chance at the Olympics. Still, compared to the human-horse tribes, I’m slow—like a sports car racing a moped.
I stop just outside the forest and shout to announce myself. No matter how urgent, some things can’t be rushed.
”There’s a tribal war starting near Schulz’s nest in the northern mountains. I have to stop it. Please let me use the teleportation gate.”
I catch my breath while waiting for permission. My lungs burn from running. I’ve used this gate before, so I expect approval soon.
Ms. Uruu appears out of nowhere. Seeing Ms. Claire missing, she turns away and crouches down. Is she offering me a ride? I once secretly wished I could ride her—she’s bigger than a horse. I never thought it would actually happen.
Without a saddle, I cling tightly to her neck. This is harder than riding a bareback horse! She slows down so I don’t fall, but it’s still rough. Like on the Hover Shield, I try to lighten my weight with skill. Maybe it helps because I’m thrown less, but this is a real challenge.
How long must I endure this? Just as I start doubting myself, Ms. Uruu finally stops. When I get down and calm my thoughts, I realize hardly any time passed. Maybe I should have enjoyed this rare experience more.
At the teleportation gate near the sanctuary’s border, the old fox who greeted me before is waiting. I want to rest since I’m dizzy, but I can’t show weakness—I declared an emergency and I’m in a rush. The time attack hasn’t even started yet, so I can’t afford to stop now.
I grit my teeth and stay calm. With my training, pushing myself a little won’t break me.
”Thank you, Ms. Uruu. You really helped me.”
I bow deeply to the giant wolf. Her ride saved me about thirty minutes. In battle, even a few minutes can mean life or death. I must not waste this precious time.
I step lightly on the mossy forest floor and follow the old fox. I’m trained enough to move quietly. He glances at me briefly, probably thinking I’m doing the least I can. This guy’s a cheat in his own way. If he were an enemy, he’d be a mid-boss.
Ms. Fieme and Ms. Mia, the two beast gods, appear, curious about what’s happening. Mr. Escalion is away traveling, so no chance to consult him. I’m not a worthy disciple, but sometimes I wish I could rely on my master.
I bow to the gods, step into the teleportation gate, and head straight to the mines in Duke Mineley Territory.
I had thought about stopping at the Sabroa Dukedom’s gate to tell Shea-Shea and the others the plan. It might save time if Tizzy is in Kasgar. I could arrange a meeting via the Merchant Guild and avoid wasting a trip. It seemed like a smart, careful plan.
But I chose to go straight without preparing. If nobody knows anything, the information won’t leak. Sometimes, not knowing is safer. Guild communication isn’t always reliable anyway. Before money and strength, the guild’s rules come last.
I weighed the risk of wasting time if I can’t meet Tizzy against the risk of information leaking. I decided to surprise her without an appointment.
* * *
From the teleportation gate deep in the mines, I head to the surface by the shortest known path. Time attacking in a monster-free dungeon is easy when you know the map.
There are swarms of rock centipedes, but they don’t move much. I clear them carefully, nervous but focused, and reach the exit without disturbing the bats.
Compared to the first time here, it took me less than half the time. Experience really matters in a time attack.
For the Hover Shield path through the mountain to Kasgar, I follow the same route as before. There are shortcuts, but I avoid them. Saving a little time isn’t worth the risk of something going wrong. That’s my rule.
I weigh risk and reward, but my gut tells me to be cautious. I know I’m too careful, and it might cost me chances.
But trying something new and bold probably wouldn’t end well anyway. If I fail sticking to my style, at least I’ll know I did my best.
Following the same course let me cut the time down a lot. The Slow-in-First-out method works, even on a Hover Shield.
Kasgar Capital is so heavily guarded sneaking in seems impossible. Still, there’s always a way. I take the route Castor and the others used to escape.
Because of that incident, I learned the city’s weak points. I have to assume the enemy knows them too. We can’t hold a siege here.
I climb the cliff beside the side gate. It looks steep, but it’s not that bad. Full armor might make it tough, but someone lighter could climb with a running start. Every watchtower has a blind spot, perfect for intruders. It feels like someone planned it that way. The fortress uses natural terrain to its fullest—very different from Hollowvale’s design.
Tizzy wanted to fix these problems, but nothing’s changed. Probably no budget.
I’m her fiancé and ally, but I’m risking my life sneaking in. If I get caught, I could be killed. Still, I take that risk. The main gate would take too long and alert enemies. Many guards are spies from other countries. Is this a spy den?
Right now, the two are probably in the castle office. I sense their presence. The first step of the plan is working.
I move through the familiar castle interior without meeting anyone. Knowing the layout makes it easy. I don’t even need stealth skills.
The problem is the locked door. A guard stands outside the lord’s office.
I crawl up the wall and tap the window gently. The large glass pane is scratched, so I can’t see clearly. Will they notice me?
Ms. Shirakaba opens it. Even if attacked, she could handle most fights.
”I knew it was you,” she says without surprise. Maybe she can sense things like that.
Inside, the pile of documents has grown. They’re still working hard as always.
Perfectionism is admirable, but they could skip some things. Most original documents are careless anyway. Shea-Shea and Miss Floria are careful women, though. Sorry to bother you after all this work, but if I take civilians with me, most of these papers will be useless. The family register ledger is what I really need. It shouldn’t be that detailed. If the family register is correct, you can avoid taxes. That’s why taking it causes trouble.
”Both of you, pretend I’m not here and listen.”
The door is thick, so unless I shout, guards won’t hear. Tizzy is probably handling eavesdropping protection.
”Welcome. Coming secretly in the daytime is quite a style,” Ms. Shirakaba says.
”I’m risking my life here, so no jokes. Have you heard anything about the war?”
”I don’t want to hear about the war. Honestly, I can’t keep being a lord. Gorigan’s ransom isn’t enough. At this rate, I’ll go bankrupt!” Tizzy’s voice is full of frustration, but the guard outside doesn’t move. Shouting to relieve stress has become normal. I wonder how much is real.
Even the neutral subordinates who expected rewards after Gorigan’s victory are demanding honors from Tizzy. They gathered soldiers at their mansions but didn’t act until paid. Of course, they haven’t done much, but without Tizzy’s rewards, they can’t pay their troops. Soldiers usually supply their own gear. Could this cause a chain bankruptcy?
It’s a headache. But rewarding lazy subordinates makes them disrespect you. The real problem is that only a few worked hard this time. They could fake achievements, but they’d still be looked down on.
”It’s tough finishing post-war tasks, but now the Hero group from Larse Empire is coming to attack.”
Tizzy and Ms. Shirakaba exchange looks. Had they not gathered intel yet? Instead of despair, they look relieved—like a weight lifted.
”I’m quitting as lord. Quitting nobility. I’ll just be Tizzy. Please accept the commoners I bring.”
Things are going mostly as planned. That makes this easier and faster. With the current situation, moving troops is impossible. A siege would be pointless.
”If they find out about this, anyone thinking of betraying the invaders will be next,” I said.
Ms. Shirakaba shook her head. “You’re still too naive. The Larse Empire already has many spies inside.”
I smirked. “None of that matters once my great escape plan is in motion. I’ll only teleport those who truly respect Tizzy. Both of you, list the civilians you want to save. No need for details, just rough numbers.”
I didn’t bother making a list. They decide by villages anyway. The real problem was Tizzy’s plan to personally convince the commoners. It would work, but if the lord escapes first, it would raise suspicion immediately.
”It’s a classic move, but hiding under the futon and pretending to sleep? That’s too obvious. I wish I could disguise myself as Tizzy,” Ms. Shirakaba muttered.
”That’s a good idea,” I said. “No one would believe you in disguise, but a transformation expert might pull it off.”
I summoned Ms. Lime and asked her to take Tizzy’s form.
”What’s this? Slime?” Ms. Shirakaba frowned.
”Look closely. The clothes are sloppy, no skin pores, and the hair texture is off,” she added.
”Just borrow Tizzy’s clothes and use a wig,” I suggested. “With makeup, the lack of pores probably won’t matter.”
Ms. Lime seemed rejected but her obsession was just ignited.
She took Tizzy’s hand, and they mirrored twin idols perfectly.
”Um… please don’t eat me,” Tizzy said, a little scared.
Ms. Shirakaba watched closely, her gaze sharp as Ms. Lime released Tizzy’s hand.
”Wow. Not just pores, but fingerprints too.”
By direct contact, Ms. Lime copied every detail.
They layered their faces… wait, even kissed? A deep kiss, tongues intertwined.
Tizzy looked pleased. I felt uneasy. Was this what people called NTR feelings?
Ms. Shirakaba watched, breathing heavy. Such a beautiful girl being copied like this.
Even as Ms. Lime’s slime form slipped inside Tizzy’s clothes, Tizzy remained enchanted.
Though it wasn’t a romantic scene, it somehow felt strangely intimate.
”Amada, don’t look! Face that way!” Tizzy warned.
I turned away, glaring at the wall but recorded everything with Editor skill. Then I replayed it instantly, amazed to have unlimited views. Necessity breeds invention.
Tizzy was completely covered in slime, every detail copied.
So erotic. Too erotic! Was this really the time for such things when war was coming? No, it was necessary.
”Two Tizzys! I can’t tell which is real. What a sinful alchemy.”
Ms. Lime’s transformation finally won Ms. Shirakaba’s approval. There was almost no chance of being discovered now. Relief washed over me.
”Don’t look this way yet,” Ms. Shirakaba said.
While the women enjoyed their dress-up, I peeked again with Editor skill, also scanning the surroundings for anyone suspicious.
They seemed too relaxed. I had to stay sharp.
Some suspicious people lurked in the castle. Spies from the Larse Empire looked like amateurs. We were clearly being targeted by many countries. Was the copper mine really that valuable?
If you want cash, improving the roads would bring more money than mining. I had to protect my territory. I hoped no nation would dare challenge the Grand Temple and Merchant Guild.
”You can look now. So, can you tell which one’s real?”
Ms. Shirakaba smiled proudly. Tizzy seemed to have coordinated the outfits.
Ms. Lime wore the formal casual clothes Tizzy had on earlier. The real Tizzy looked like a shrine maiden in a Japanese-style white hakama.
”It’s a shame it’s not a scarlet hakama,” Ms. Shirakaba added.
I agreed, but the pale pink cord added a modern touch that suited her well.
”This outfit is the legendary saint’s, passed down in my family,” Tizzy said. “For Saburou-Your Majesty, this is what you’ll wear.”
Tizzy looked graceful in the outfit. Somehow, I was about to cosplay too.
I was handed a worn dark green robe and a rustic wooden staff. The staff was large but looked fragile—probably would break in battle.
”A six-winged chameleon?” I asked.
”No, an . The legendary one,” Ms. Shirakaba corrected.
It did look like an owl. Chameleons don’t have wings, and owls only have two.
”Also this.” She showed me a mask—a masquerade mask covering only the eyes.
”If it’s a mask, I have this one.” I pulled out my favorite skull mask.
They both shook their heads firmly. Girls just don’t get how cool a skull mask is.
”The legendary Green Guide Master leads the chosen to the promised land. A skull mask won’t do.”
Apparently, my role was saint-like, and the green color marked me as low-ranked, probably someone who plants trees.
”What’s the promised land?”
”It’s said to be a fertile green land where elephants and wild oxen gather in herds.”
African savanna? Even in another world, elephants? Were they for food? I wasn’t sure, but people ate mammoths back in the Stone Age, so maybe.
Well, it was a legend—an ideal place dreamed up by those who just wanted plenty of meat.
No elephants here, but I could invite them to the quail kingdom.
”So, which Tizzy should I go with?”
”I’m the only one who can convince the people,” the real Tizzy said.
”Then I’ll stay with this Tizzy. Leave it to me.”
The conversation moved too fast. Was it decisiveness or recklessness? Maybe I was too cautious, but caution was wise.
”The problem is, how do we get Tizzy out?”
”You can teleport, right?”
Had they found out about the magic bag? Maybe I didn’t need to hide it—they were my wives, after all.
But sometimes it’s safer not to know. I insisted it was just teleportation.
”Then I’ll go through teleport. Three, two, one, teleport!”
I took Tizzy’s hand and stored her in the magic bag. She trusted me.
”Aren’t you coming too?” Ms. Shirakaba eyed me suspiciously.
”I have somewhere to stop by,” I said.
”That’s not good! She’ll worry!”
Probably true. I wouldn’t leave Tizzy alone. Without explaining, I slipped out through the window.
Surely, this would lower Ms. Shirakaba’s favorability. Once it’s maxed, it only goes down. I could raise it again later.
Notes:
• Ms. Claire – 22-year-old centaur attendant to Joa, with a chestnut horse body and wavy hair. Level 18 mounted archer. Recently enslaved, retains her own will. Her bow skills are sealed due to subservience. Bought by the protagonist as a companion, alongside Joa
• Ms. Joa – 18-year-old noble centaur with a white horse body and silver hair. Level 15 junior knight. Recently enslaved, retains her own will. Her lance charge skill is sealed due to subservience. Bought by the protagonist as a companion, alongside Claire
• Schulz – A male dragon who collects human women and holds the rank of Duke within the Anti-Magic Alliance.
• Uruu – The wolf.
• Escalion – Male. An old swordsman who claims to be the ‘true Hero.’ He is Mia’s lover and appears to be a human from the same world. Despite his shabby appearance, he is incredibly strong and has a frightening presence. He dislikes humans and has a complicated history with them, including an experiment involving a fox.
• Fieme – The ‘Beast God’ who was abducted by Schulz long ago. She is a member of a clan with no fixed lifespan, making it possible for her to reunite with her family. She is described as a fox-like beastkin with kemomimi (animal ears) and a tail, and is a captive in Saburou’s magical bag.
• Mia – She is Fieme’s younger sister and initially unsure how to treat the narrator, but her attitude changes after he is recognized as a benefactor.
• Shea-Shea – Mauro’s daughter. Hurt by Alexander. Became an eager fiancée after advice from protagonist.
• Kasgar – The capital of Duke Mineley Territory. Located in a mining region, it is known for its acetylene lamps and mica windows. The city is bustling, with taverns and merchants, but it lacks the exotic charm of the royal capital.
• Tizzy – Claims to be Duke’s daughter, a noble with advanced magic skills. MC and Ms. Shirakaba lover.
• Shirakaba – A paladin who seems to be a skilled fighter. He’s introduced as someone with a strong defense and healing abilities.
• Miss Floria – Elegant, silver-haired noblewoman in her 40s, referred to as an ‘older sister’. Judge of the Supreme Court and Baroness. Former tutor of Princess Auroora. Initially stern but warms up, showing a playful side. Close with Ms. Nina (Princess Auroora’s doll copy), treating her like a sister. Trustworthy and explains legal matters clearly.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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