Chapter 236
“Okay, I understand.”
Seere was receiving a report from a messenger in her office. The report was nothing less than the victory announcement from Citri and Gremony, who had successfully conquered the 31st floor.
Seere felt good about their victory. Her feelings towards Citri and Gremony were close to fondness. Of course, there was a time when she felt jealousy toward Citri, but ever since Nahun had completely become hers, only positive emotions remained.
“I need to work hard as well.”
Seere muttered to herself, picking up some documents from the side. It was the performance report of the legions’ war preparedness training currently underway.
“The 3rd Legion is doing better than expected…”
Perhaps because they were already accustomed to honing their martial skills, their combat proficiency was exceptional, and they participated in training with a good attitude, strictly following the chief’s orders.
On the other hand, the problem lay with…
“…the 5th Legion.”
It was exactly the 5th Legion, led by Epsilon and Zeta. The 5th Legion had been reinforced with troops sourced from Citri, making them more like a supporting unit within Citri’s army rather than a primary force.
Of course, the 5th Legion’s strength had grown to match other legions since Seere’s arrival, but there was a downside—its officers’ abilities were lacking compared to those of other legions. This was not just in terms of brute force, but also in command capability.
Perhaps for that reason, during joint training evaluations between the legions, they showed worse results than the relatively new 2nd Legion.
For Seere, who emphasized the military strength of the legions, it was indeed irritating. However, immediately accepting new officers to replace Epsilon and Zeta would likely lead to resistance and further chaos.
“…I should give them a chance.”
They were also those who had fought hard for Seere. Of course, it was a result stemming from their loyalty to Citri, but there was no denying that they had fought alongside her to get this far. So it would be right to give them more than one or two chances.
“Cecili.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“The 5th Legion is probably taking a break from training right now. Go fetch Chief Epsilon and Deputy Chief Zeta.”
“Yes.”
Cecili wagged her tail and departed to carry out the orders. While she was temporarily out to call Epsilon, a new guest visited Seere’s office.
“Seere.”
That voice sounded sweeter to Seere than any melodious music. Without realizing it, Seere raised the corners of her lips and responded reflexively.
“Come in, Teacher!”
Seere was a bit startled that her voice had become so enthusiastic without her noticing. She coughed awkwardly, but Nahun seemed wholly unconcerned and showed no sign of finding it strange.
“Seere, I heard a report came in regarding the war on the 31st floor.”
“Yes, that’s right. They said it was a complete victory!”
“Oh, is that so?”
“It seems that based on the plan proposed by Gremony, Citri really made a difference.”
Nahun nodded at Seere’s words and asked.
“Please show me the battle report if it has come in.”
“Ah, yes. Here it is.”
Seere handed Nahun the battle report she had received from the messenger. Nahun read the report slowly, nodding as he spoke.
“Indeed, it seems they used the reinforcements effectively.”
“It seems Citri’s power, unleashed from its seal, was utilized properly.”
“That’s right.”
Though only one sealing stone was broken, Citri had regained powers befitting a high-ranking Demon King, and that effect was clearly evident in this war. It was also proof that Citri’s original strength was formidable.
After reading through the battle report, Nahun eventually smiled with satisfaction. The two Demon Kings had certainly proven their worth. He folded the report with a satisfied expression and returned it to Seere.
“Did you come to see the report?”
“That, along with something else. I have a message for you.”
Nahun pulled out a letter from his sleeve. The envelope was quite ornately decorated, and the wax seal on it bore a symbol Seere recognized.
“Is this from Phynox?”
“Yes. It seems he’s inviting us to a level.”
“…But can we really go? It’s only been a short while since we joined Nobilis.”
“It’s fine. We’ll go secretly, just the two of us. That’s why the letter came to me.”
“Ah.”
Seere nodded, as if realizing something, and smiled brightly, thinking it might be an interesting adventure. Going somewhere ‘just the two of them’ with Nahun felt like a secret date.
‘…Maybe it’s not just a feeling, but could really be that?’
Seere’s eyes widened as she contemplated, then she smiled brightly, as if recalling something good, and looked at Nahun.
“Teacher, then you promised to go on a date last time, remember?”
“…Oh? Ah, yes.”
This was something she’d said when she was sulking about Nahun being injured.
“But for now, we should respond to Phynox’s invitation…”
“Exactly. Since it will be just the two of us moving, there should be time for a date either before or after meeting Phynox, right?”
Nahun looked slightly flustered at Seere’s words. She had a hopeful expression, making it seem like refusing would be out of the question. However, he didn’t have a particular reason to refuse.
It was a promise, and as Seere said, finding time during their trip to meet Phynox wouldn’t be difficult. It would also be an opportunity to browse around the 9th floor.
“Let’s do that.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“When should we go?”
“A week from now. Before that…”
Nahun continued.
“I will be implementing the public recruitment I mentioned earlier. It’s scheduled for four days from now.”
“Oh, so preparations are in order.”
“Yes. The issue is that I did a temporary review, and there were no problems. Still, I brought it to show you.”
Nahun placed a stack of papers he held in his right hand on Seere’s desk. The thickness of the stack suggested it contained a significant number of exam questions.
“Please read through it once.”
“But isn’t the preparation time too short? Those taking the exam will need a preparation period…”
“We’re looking to select talents who can be deployed immediately, so a long preparation period isn’t necessary.”
“Oh, I see.”
Seere nodded and temporarily set aside the papers that contained the exam questions.
“Are you not going to look at it now?”
“Ah, no. There are people I summoned before you arrived, you see.”
“Really?”
“Your Majesty.”
At that moment, Cecili’s lovely voice was heard from outside the office.
“I’ve brought Chief Epsilon and Deputy Chief Zeta.”
“Alright, let them in.”
Nahun tilted his head, puzzled. He had no idea why Seere had called the officers from the 5th Legion separately. As he looked at Seere with an inquisitive expression, she gestured for him to come over here.
Following her lead, Nahun moved to stand next to Seere, who smiled contentedly. Then, she welcomed the two officers who entered the office.
“Welcome. Chief Epsilon, Deputy Chief Zeta.”
“5th Legion Commander Epsilon, I greet Your Majesty.”
“5th Legion Deputy Commander Zeta, I greet Your Majesty.”
The two officers greeted respectfully and also bowed courteously to Nahun standing beside them. Nahun nodded briefly in acknowledgment, and Seere spoke to them.
“The reason I called you two here isn’t particularly a good one.”
Seere began candidly.
“You know that the performance of the 5th Legion in the mock training has been the worst, right? Your win rate is lower even than that of the relatively new 2nd Legion or the recently joined 3rd Legion.”
Initially, Epsilon and Zeta didn’t appear too nervous, but upon hearing Seere’s words, their expressions stiffened slightly. It was understandable since what she said was indeed true.
Epsilon spoke with an apologetic tone.
“…I feel ashamed.”
“Then I’m glad. It means both of you have the will to improve.”
Seere considered her words for a moment before addressing them.
“Chief Epsilon, why are we conducting mock training?”
“That is… to wage war against Astharoth von Hoda on the 23rd floor and conquer that tier.”
“You know that well. Then you understand how important the role of vanguard is during war, don’t you?”
“Of course.”
The role of the vanguard is always crucial in any battle. Not only from a tactical standpoint, but the outcome at the forefront significantly affects the morale of the soldiers. That’s why, as always, the leading positions in the war led by Seere had been assumed by the outstanding 4th and 7th legions.
However, this time was different.
“This time, I will leave the vanguard to you.”
“…What?”
“Yes!?”
Both Epsilon and Zeta were taken aback, and Nahun felt similarly surprised.
Astharoth von Hoda was not an easy Demon King. He was certainly not an inexperienced opponent that could be tested with experimental deployments. Thus, Seere’s decision to choose the most dangerous option when there were much more stable alternatives seemed questionable.
Epsilon, who was still in shock, quickly composed himself and spoke.
“I apologize for saying this, but we have many shortcomings to take the vanguard.”
“If we were to fail and tarnish the honor of other legions and Your Majesty, I could not bear that guilt! Please reconsider!”
Zeta joined in with the appeal. However, Seere calmed the stunned officers and responded.
“Chief Epsilon, Deputy Chief Zeta. While you started following me by Citri’s order, I know well that you have fought and worked hard for me. That’s why I’m giving you this chance.”
Seere’s lips moved gently. Her voice flowed smoothly, yet it held a coldness that felt somewhat detached.
“It’s time for you to prove your abilities. As our ranks have risen, our influence has become vast. To maintain this power, my army must be strong.”
“!”
“You must demonstrate in this war that you and the legion you lead do not fall behind other legions.”
Seere added.
“I ask this of you.”
It didn’t feel like she was forcing her subordinates into a dangerous situation. The tone of Seere’s words was more like a plea to perform well enough that she could keep them in their positions. Epsilon and Zeta felt the essence of that and found themselves unable to argue back.
“…Understood.”
“I will do my best.”
Responding that way was the best course of action. Seere nodded slightly and said.
“I look forward to it.”
#
Seere’s decision also surprised Nahun a bit. It was undeniably a choice with high risks. Placing the weakest legion at the forefront implied that she was willing to accept the possibility of their defeat.
‘How Demon King-like.’
It felt somewhat cruelly cold-hearted. Now that she had climbed to rank 25, Seere no longer needed a weak legion. If there were legions or officers that did not meet the standards, it was indeed necessary to eliminate them.
Of course, that was not easy. They had fought together for so long, bonds had formed, and loyalty and trust had built up over time. Especially the latter was something that could only be cultivated through long experience together.
Yet, she made her decision. She was ready to discard what was unnecessary. It showed that she had grown significantly in her mindset as a ruler.
“Seere.”
“Yes.”
“It was the right choice.”
Nahun gave her straightforward support with simple words while simultaneously offering comfort. It was meant to prevent her from feeling guilt over her choice.
If Seere had been more ruthless like other Demon Kings, perhaps that wouldn’t be a concern, but she was relatively gentle among the Demon Kings. She was a ruler who regarded her legion as comrades, just like her father did.
“…Yes.”
Receiving some consolation from Nahun’s words, Seere smiled brightly. Nahun also smiled in return and gently ruffled the head of his now-grown disciple.
