■ Solo Mission □
The season was rapidly approaching the end of autumn.
This meant that Old Man Winter was fast approaching the Vulcan Mountain Range.
The flow of time is truly impermanent.
It has been nearly three weeks since I was dispatched to the Eastern Front by His Demon Majesty.
As the cool breeze gradually turned colder, the trees here in the Vulcan Mountains began to reveal their barren branches one by one.
Are humans really creatures of adaptation?
What once felt so unfamiliar and uncomfortable now somehow feels bearable.
Except for the first week when we engaged in night battles to assault the Hamburg fortress, most of my time here has been spent on leisurely tasks.
Apparently, due to the lingering effects of the previous battle, there were many sections of the castle walls with large and small magic circles that required repair. Since Commander Dorothea couldn’t supervise everything daily, I, known as the second most capable mage after her, was tasked with leading the mage division.
There were quite a number of mages from the imp tribe among the demon race. Imps, who inherently know how to resonate with mana, possessed high average magical skills and were of great help in repairing the fortress.
Occasionally, communication issues arose because of their unique speech patterns, but Camilla always helped by translating into standard language, allowing us to resolve such problems.
“I’m thinking of sending back all troops except for the minimal force needed to guard the fortress two weeks from now. After all, it’s been quite a while since they left home, and their families must be worried.”
Dorothea, as usual, summoned me today and said this while sipping whiskey from an ice-filled glass.
Sitting across from her, I picked up some fruit snacks from the table and asked,
“Looks like the fortress is finally stabilizing?”
Dorothea, perhaps tipsy from the alcohol, smiled with a slightly flushed face and replied,
“We’ve both been working nonstop these past few weeks. If we couldn’t handle even this much, I’d have to step down as commander.”
After saying this, she placed her glass on the table and asked seriously,
“I plan to assign you the role of leading the troops back. Can you do it?”
Without much thought, I nodded in agreement.
“They’ll follow willingly if they want to go home.”
After all, despite the reputation of being fierce, I’ve served in the military twice and fully understand legal methods to discipline unruly soldiers.
“Anyway, that means I only have two weeks left before I return to the Demon King’s Castle.”
“That’s right.”
“When will you return to the Demon King’s Castle?”
At this question, whether misunderstanding my intent or not, Dorothea grinned mischievously and teased,
“Do you not want to part ways with me?”
“No, it’s not that. I was just wondering if the commander doesn’t get vacations like the soldiers.”
In reality, winter usually marks a temporary ceasefire between humans and demons. Armies consume vast amounts of resources even at rest, especially during winters requiring extensive supplies, so often soldiers are sent home to save costs. They are then conscripted again in spring.
“Did you have a good rest over the winter?” goes the routine.
Upon hearing my explanation, Dorothea pouted slightly, as if losing steam, but knowing it wasn’t meant negatively, she answered sincerely:
“My term as commander lasts for a year. It’s October now, so I have about two more months before I’m relieved of duty. Then I’ll probably return to the Demon King’s Castle and wait for further orders.”
“Is the position of commander here typically rotated often?”
“Not particularly. I applied for a short-term assignment here because I figured it would be better to gain experience at the front lines than keep getting beaten by you.”
In other words, my actions had something to do with why Dorothea was assigned as commander of the Eastern Front.
“Hmm. Did I push you that hard?”
While reflecting on my past behavior, I confirmed with Dorothea,
“So, capturing the Hamburg fortress will reflect well on your record?”
“It should. I haven’t achieved anything significant since taking this post.”
“Then, I have a good suggestion for you. Would you like to hear it?”
“What is it?”
I casually pulled out an envelope from within my robes.
“In fact, I have something that might benefit you.”
When I said this, Dorothea reached out curiously with an intrigued expression.
“What is it?”
With a smirk, I handed her the letter I held.
“It’s a copy of a handwritten letter by Rachel von Hamburg, daughter of the Lord of Hamburg.”
Although the original was destroyed by fire, this was a perfect replica down to the smallest habit.
Dorothea quickly scanned through the content of the letter with an almost voracious intensity.
She seemed to share my thoughts and smiled faintly.
“Indeed, this could work.”
“But, in exchange for handing this over, I have one condition.”
“…What is it?”
Dorothea looked worried, fearing I might demand something unreasonable, but unfortunately, I had no such intention.
“To acknowledge me when I return to the Demon King’s Castle – that’s my condition.”
“Just that? That’s all?”
“Isn’t that enough? If word gets out that I’m close with one of the Four Heavenly Kings, won’t people stop suspecting me?”
I defected to the Demon King’s Army shortly before assassinating the Demon King, betraying the Hero Party.
Even though Demon King Nero guarantees my status, this fact will likely follow me like a shadow. Some will undoubtedly suspect that I might betray again.
Being friendly with Dorothea, one of the Four Heavenly Kings, would serve as a safeguard against unnecessary suspicion.
It wouldn’t be easy to criticize someone whose identity is vouched for by not only the Demon King but also one of the Four Heavenly Kings.
After hearing my explanation, Dorothea finally understood but hesitantly asked with concern,
“But according to the contents of this letter, you’ll have to deliver it directly to the Lord of Hamburg yourself. Are you sure it’s safe? If they discover you defected to the Demon King’s Army, they will surely try to k*ll you.”
I shrugged nonchalantly.
“Do I look like someone who would obediently d*e if they wanted to k*ll me?”
“…If that’s the case, then it’s fortunate.”
“Are you… worried about me?”
“N-no, nothing like that!”
Dorothea shouted and blushed furiously.
What a predictable person.
Despite her prickly demeanor like a cat normally, she tends to treat people warmly once they become friends.
I chuckled teasingly but then grew serious.
“Anyway, I plan to deliver the letter as soon as possible, maybe tomorrow. I originally intended to take it slower, but with only two weeks left before returning to the Demon King’s Castle, I think I need to hurry.”
Knowing she can’t stop me, Dorothea gave a bitter smile and nodded reluctantly.
“If you need anything, just let me know. I’ll have Eva prepare it for you.”
I decided to accept her kindness.
“Then, I’d appreciate having a horse to reach the Count’s territory, three days’ worth of preserved food, and a few magic stones.”
“Will that be enough?”
“If I run out halfway, I can buy more in the Count’s territory. No one knows I was the Grand Mage Caldlasth of the Hero Party.”
Unless someone writes my name on my face and walks around, there’s no way for strangers in this world, where information media is underdeveloped, to recognize me based solely on rumors.
Besides, the Hero has Excalibur as a trademark, but without my staff, no ordinary person would guess that I, an ordinary-looking blonde troublemaker, am actually the Grand Mage Caldlasth.
Once the matter of the letter was settled, Dorothea sighed deeply with a reluctant expression and warned,
“I’ll say it again: don’t overdo it. If the mission seems to fail, run away immediately. I won’t blame you for anything.”
Her overt concern made her seem almost unrecognizable compared to the Dorothea I knew.
During these nearly three weeks, our relationship has softened significantly compared to the beginning. She herself seems aware of this and refrains from making awkward comments.
Silently observing her concerned face, I eventually spoke calmly,
“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”
As I said this, I gently stroked her softly swaying red hair.
