Legend

Ray heard from soldiers in the preaching to come to the magic tent as soon as possible, and was riding Seto to the magic tent.

At that time too, those in the position were turned to awe, or those who were not directly involved in the battle, such as merchants and whores, feed Seto and recommend food to Ray.

Still, sometimes they call me Merclio now, and as usual, I hurry to the magic tent while I gently exchange words instead of moving slowly.

That's how I come to the front of the magic tent, and I notice the knight guarding the entrance and exit, as usual, being subtly nervous.

"I came here because you called me... are we through with this?

"Yes, as soon as Lord Ray arrives, he tells me to let you through."

Even as a knight of escorts, I have to have some respect for Ray.

Without Ray, this position would already have been dominated by the Crusaders, so it wouldn't be impossible either.

Being hostile to Ray in this situation also means... or putting it on the table if you're hiding it, it's not something you can see with all of the Merclio Army.

That's why even if some people still had something to think about Ray, they never imitated it to put it on the table.

Most of all, I pledge my deep loyalty to Merclio if I try to be a knight in this room.

For Ray, who has saved this Merclio Army crisis more than ever, led by that Merclio, even with gratitude, there are no shards of repellence.

That's why we go through the magic tent without wasting any questions.

Seto slowly lays down a little further away, as usual, when he drops off such a partner's hindsight.

The sun that floats in the autumnal sunshine that continues these days was not the aggressive sunlight of summer against such a ceto, but rather the soft sunlight that surrounds it.

The autumn and deepening winds were getting colder, but its sunlight had greatly soothed the cold in the Merclio army.

It was Ray inside the magic tent, but I notice the air in it is strange.

It's like I can't believe it. But I'm telling you, that's the air.

While questioning that, Ray turns his gaze to the Widere, which was nearby.

It should also be noted that Whidere was chosen because other acquaintances were key figures in the scene and at the same time were close to those key figures.

By comparison, Widere is certainly a person who belongs to the White Rose Knights of Frizione, but it still doesn't make him in the position of Knights Commander, like Angela, but only in the position of Captain of Unit III.

Compared to the others, he was still an easy person to talk to on this occasion.

"What happened to this air?

"Oh, Lord Ray. That was late.... Have you heard that His Highness Kabazid has sent a negotiating envoy?

"That asked the soldiers of the decree. From what I've seen, it's him, isn't it?... including the staff, dressed strangely flashy."

"Mm-hmm. So that's what the negotiations are about..."

Merclio opens his mouth, watching Frederick in silence until now, when Widare tells him that much.

"Haha. Also, a great deal. Negotiating, so I thought Brother Kabazid would negotiate to surrender... I didn't know you'd recommend surrendering over here."

To that word, Ray finally understands why the air was drifting in the magic tent.

(I see. Were you the envoy of the surrender recommendation? But... the Merclio Army, which is now on the wave after defeating the position control operation that would have absorbed the Frizione Army and rallied the entire crusade force, can't accept it)

The Merclio army today has a high morale and a high level of soldier training.

Also, most importantly, the fact that Ray and Seto are there was a great deal of confidence.

Naturally, it has shown so much fighting power so many times before, but I'm also worried that it won't be a kind of dependence for Ray.

"Is that so strange? Does His Highness Merclio know how much the difference in power is between us? Indeed, the Crusaders were repelled for their offensive around this position, which took place a few days ago. But the number of personnel reduced in that battle is now higher than before Ning Lok, thanks to the rendezvous of His Highness Kabazid and His Highness Schuls."

"Heh? How much, exactly?

"Well, unfortunately I haven't taught that area in detail, so whatever..."

"I don't even know what your power is, but do you honestly think it's a surrender recommendation?

"I don't know the exact number, but still this rebel...... no, was it the Merclio Army now? It is clear that there are many times more than that Merclio army. As you already know, there's no better chance of winning than that?

Turn your gaze to Frederick, who tells you with a big gesture, and to Ray, speaking of Merclio.

"Isn't that what you're forgetting? That even in the absence of this main force, the battle before us ended up losing. Ray's there... by the power of deep red. That's what happened in a situation where we didn't have enough power. When that's all there is to it... Well, what happens?

If it was meant to be, it would taste all kinds of unpleasant that the Merclio army is just hanging on the lay of hired adventurers, not that it's just one person... nor that it's Merclio's subordinate.

But it is also true that Ray is a person who has shown strength just to mask its unsavoriness, and was no more in the sense of plausibility.

The fact is, it is true that the Crusaders were devastated by Ray.

That's why the Merclio army executives on this occasion thought they would pull back beyond Ray's name came out.

But...

"Indeed, Lord Deep Red is an adventurer with great power. Let's admit that. Now we're talking about Rank B Adventurers, but if it's pure strength, Rank A is guaranteed. In some cases it may even reach Rank S. But...... do you seriously think that I didn't think about it when I brought this kind of story?

Even when I hear Ray's name, I return the words without looking particularly surprised.

Furthermore, many of those on the spot lean their necks inside to Frederick, who shows enough room to praise Ray.

There must be so many ways to deal with Ray.... Or even there were those who thought there was no one else who could seriously beat Ray against them.

"... Ray, do you have a minute? Do you think there's any basis for him to just say this?

Merclio strays from Frederick's gaze and asks toward Ray, who was watching the talks go.

"Even if they say so abruptly..."

"Oh, the Deep Red Palace. Apart from the words of His Highness Merclio, I immediately knew that you were Lord Deep Red."

Merclio leans his neck and squeals before Ray to Frederick, who talks with his hands wide open in his daze.

"What's wrong with Ray's appearance?

(figure?)

But that Ray, speaking, has no choice but to lean his neck against Frederick's words.

That would be natural, too.

What I look like now is I'm wearing a dragon robe and my hood is lowered.

And beyond the cover-up effect on dragon robes, others should only see them as plain robes.

In other words, Ray's appearance right now is just that the man with the little tall woman face is wearing a plain robe, which is not very much, but can't be judged as deep red.

"Yes, I can understand that the great robe is a pretty expensive magic item just by looking at it"

"... what?

Ray squeaks unintentionally at the words coming out of Frederick's mouth.

That's what he told me when he saw the effect of the cover-up.

You must have noticed how Ray was doing. Frederick opens his mouth with a happy grin.

"Actually, I had the ability to see through the effects of that hand.... Well, that's why I'm getting into this kind of work"

"I see."

I don't know if that word is true.

Actually, there was also the possibility that I just had the magic item of that hand, but that's what Ray squeals about anyway.

"It's Ray. Regards."

"Yeah, nice to meet you. And you're really surprised. I didn't know you could see this magic item…"

"Is it such an awesome magic item?

I guess I was wondering what Frederick said. Merclio asks.

Others wait for Frederick's words in an intriguing way.

Few of you on this occasion know Ray has such a magic item... on the contrary, it's just Vihera.

Beyond that, I still wonder how much of a magic item that is.

"Yep. Definitely a magic item made with tremendously advanced technology. Even the technology of the Bestian Empire is impossible to make…"

"I hope you don't say too much extra."

As for Ray, I naturally know how valuable his magic items are.

That is to the extent that I think that if I knew the value of the magic items I had, there would be people out there who would take strange action.

"Oh, excuse me.... Whatever, it's an honor to meet the Deep Red Hall. This is how I would have liked to see you in the same faction, not on the enemy's side if I could... what do you think? Why don't you serve His Highness Kabazid? If it's Deep Red, you'll definitely accept it, won't you?

"No, I'll stop it."

Ray refuses without a moment of hesitation.

If you hesitate at all, there could have been a seed of discord within the Merclio army, and most importantly, because you don't really think about that.

"There 'll be a lot of guys over there resenting me. Besides... I don't want to fight dead under the guy who did that to Rodos I know"

Rodos? and Vihera and Theorem, who were listening near Merclio, lean their necks and immediately sharpen their gaze by remembering what Ray told them.

But Frederick didn't seem to notice either of those two, and unfortunately he shook his head sideways.

"Really, I'm sorry. But if that's what Lord Deep Red says, I can't help it."

That alone ends the solicitation against Ray, and once again Frederick turns his gaze toward Merclio.

"I'll keep talking then...... no, don't you need to go on either. I will not surrender. Can this be considered a matter of decision?

"Right, I'm not thinking of surrendering from this one at all. Whatever means Brother Kabazid or Brother Schulz may use, he's not going to lose."

"I just want to hear the rationale for that confidence... but you can't answer me if I ask, can you?

Of course.

It was Merclio, who even laughs and tells him, but Frederick doesn't even look particularly discouraged about it, and turns his gaze toward his entourage.

I guess that's all you found out what you're asking for. One of them reaches for his hip pouch.

For a moment, those who were in the magic tent tried to seize its entourage, but stopped moving when they saw what had been removed from the porch.

It was a beautifully decorated jewellery box in its hands.

Those on the spot quickly understood why such a large object was in the pouch.

A pouch that should also be called a simplified version of an item box.

It is a very expensive substitute, but if it were also the first prince of the Bestian Empire, that much would be readily available.

Frederick, who receives the jewellery box from his entourage, gently lists the jewellery box.

"Go ahead, Your Highness Merclio. His Highness Kabazid has told me to give this to you if the negotiations for surrender did not come to an end."

"... hmm. That sounds interesting. Theoreme."

"Yes."

Theorem signals one of the knights who was on the spot to open the jewellery box.

I didn't think it would last this long, but I also thought it might be a magic item to assassinate Merclio.

Therefore, as soon as something happens, we will be able to shelter Merclio, and Angela will be out in front of Frizione as well.

But... there was no reason for the knight to open the jewelry box.

I thought assassination was the most effective way for us to have Ray.

Teolame relieves himself while still handing Merclio the jewellery box he received despite his doubts.

Inside the jewelry box is a single letter.

It was obvious from whom, if you look at the wax.

"Is that a letter from Brother Kabazid?... Well, what does it say?

Whimpering, I open the envelope and glance at the letter inside.

Once you see it through to the end, then you see it through the letter again from the beginning.

"Ha, ha. I didn't expect you to come by such means. But it's not bad. They say we can avoid wasting more of our warfare than we need each other, and there are suspicious moves in neighbouring countries.... I know it's definitely a thoughtful way, but I just can't get an instant answer. I need some time."

"Yeah, I get it. I've been told to be sure to get back to me."

"Nevertheless... specify the time and place. What is the battle between the two armies... think of Brother Kabazid as insane too. No, is this possible that Brother Schulz is also involved?

Merclio's voice, laughing funny, echoed the magic tent, and the others who heard it gave a startling look.