Volume 14 Chapter 41 The Betrayer King
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
※Kondrad’s Perspective
Upon joining the main force as the rear guard, I learned that Sir Kent had already entered the other world, and the Rootless Weed (Deracine) I left in command had been wiped out, leaving only Iska behind. I couldn’t help but look up at the sky, feeling a mix of frustration and concern.
While each individual in the Rootless Weed was less skilled than the Top Three Hunting Groups, they were tightly united under Rosalinda, the Hunting Group Leader. Their strength lay in group hunting, and their annihilation suggested a formidable enemy in this realm. This made me deeply worried about Sir Kent’s safety in the other world.
”Garvey… Can the army provide support?”
”The General strictly ordered us to hold this Abyss Gate. The Ane sisters’ Cavalry team is assisting with support quests from Black Bullet and the Top Three Hunting Groups to clear out the ruins.”
Sir Kent had ordered Garvey to defend this position before entering the other world, and I couldn’t retract that decision. Ignoring it would set a dangerous precedent for disregarding orders, which could cause trouble in the future. Sir Kent expected the army to secure the area to prevent another world monsters from overflowing again. However, it was extremely risky for the king to enter with only a few companions, including the queen and concubines.
I believe Sir Kent is capable, but such crises should be led by the army.
Yet, as his subordinate, I couldn’t defy his instructions. After ordering a thorough purge of the area around the Abyss Gate, I set up my headquarters near the entrance and waited anxiously for news of the battle’s progress. Soon, an officer from the detection unit rushed back in a panic.
”General Kondrad! It’s terrible! Yaalan… The True Demon Dukedom army is advancing towards us!”
”Nonsense! They should be on rear-guard duty at the Nirei fortress. There’s no reason for them to be here.”
”No, there’s no mistake. The flags of the True Demon Dukedom army and the True Demon Kingdom army, including His Majesty Shifa’s, are lined up. It seems Yaalan has come to rescue His Majesty from a divided threat.”
”Foolish… Why are they moving? What are they planning?”
The report of the True Demon Kingdom’s flags lined up gave me a sense of foreboding.
They had explicitly said they wouldn’t move, so why were they here now? It smelled fishy, especially since Lord of Arbalest, who disliked Yaalan, had agreed to send reinforcements.
”What do you think, Garvey?”
”It smells fishy. Considering Yaalan’s reluctance to move, they might be targeting us. If they defeat the exhausted Margrave South District army and trap us in another dimension, they can do whatever they want afterward. I don’t think I’m wrong about this.”
Garvey shared my suspicions, and we both felt Yaalan’s presence was not coincidental.
”Then, what will you do? Fight a battle?”
”We’ll watch their movements, but I’ll prepare. I’ll lead one squad to the ruined factory and hide. If they show suspicious activity, we’ll flank them from behind.”
”Understood. I’ll prepare signals so we can coordinate.”
”Got it. Hey, guys, we’re hiding in the ruined factory!”
Garvey ordered, taking about 2,000 soldiers with him.
I also ordered the units scouring the area to gather. After a while, the soldiers returned, and a scout brought more information.
”The True Demon Dukedom army ignored the three stop signals we sent. General Mild led the vanguard and started deploying troops. They’re sending troops one after another. It looks like they’re attacking us. To repeat: the True Demon Dukedom army ignored the three stop signals!”
The True Demon Dukedom army was fully encircling us, intent on wiping us out. With Sir Kent’s orders to defend the Abyss Gate, I recognized the True Demon Dukedom army as hostile and prepared for defense.
”From now on, the True Demon Dukedom army will be considered hostile. Immediately prepare for counterattack. We’ll draw them into the ruins of the factory and defeat them one by one.”
””Yes, sir!”” the officers replied, running off to give orders.
Watching them, I thought about the new casualties the upcoming battle would bring. When Sir Kent returns through the closed spatial door, I recalled his exhausted face.
Sir Kent… I’m sorry. If we don’t hold this place, you might not return. If you don’t come back, Yaalan’s followers will take this continent, claiming to be Demon Lords. As your subordinate, I must prevent that at all costs.
”We must hold this position or we won’t be able to wait for Sir Kent’s return. Everyone, let’s sacrifice the filthy scoundrels of the True Demon Dukedom in a bloodbath! We must not forgive those who betrayed us in the middle of a battle for humanity’s survival!!”
”Lord Kondrad!! We, Red Valkyrie, will also join the fight. We were left behind, and we’ve been seething with anger. We’ll show the True Demon Dukedom’s forces the power of our Hunting Group,” declared a voice from the Red Valkyrie.
”Ms. Giuliana and my Astral Valkyrie will also join the battle. Our mission is to protect the place where Sir Kent will return!” added another.
”We will also protect the place where King Kent will return!” others echoed.
The smaller Hunting Groups that hadn’t entered the other world all declared their willingness to fight alongside us. This was a clear sign of the gratitude many felt toward Sir Kent’s domestic policies and his efforts to ensure Monster Hunters didn’t suffer hardships.
Even Monster Hunters, who typically prioritize self-interest, were willing to risk their lives for him. As expected, the king I serve will be remembered in history as a rare and holy king.
”Understood. Each Hunting Group will fall under my command. Ms. Giuliana will lead the Hunting Groups and launch a pincer attack from the south.”
”Understood. The Monster Hunters will head south!” Giuliana replied, leading her group swiftly.
Meanwhile, from the front, we could see the army of the True Demon Dukedom and the True Demon Kingdom, their banners raised high, advancing toward us through the rising dust.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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