Chapter 86

And after parting ways with Koumei, I headed towards my father.

"I kept you waiting."

When I descended into the courtyard of the castle, about a thousand elite soldiers directly under Orion's command were lined up. There were some familiar faces, but there was no trace of a peaceful atmosphere.

My father called out to me.

"Rain... you're late."

"Various things happened, so I'm late. I apologize, Marshal Orion."

I said this and bowed my head. This was the way a general of the Orion family addressed the marshal during wartime.

"No, it's fine. More importantly, have you finished your goodbyes?"

"Yes."

I answered briefly, knowing that my father had seen through the reason for my lateness.

There are a few people I haven't said goodbye to yet.

"Then let's go!"

Ignoring my lingering thoughts, my father gave the command.

"Oooohh!"

With a roar that shook the ground, we set off.

We passed through the castle gates and onto the main street. It seemed that the news had already spread, and the people on the main street had already parted to make way for the army.

As expected of a noble who is popular among the people, cheers rose from all around.

I was riding a horse, wearing a luxurious white cloak with a mask. However, my father was so prominent that the people paid no attention to me, and I could see them pointing at him from all directions.

Of course. I was riding slightly behind my father, so I wasn't being pointed at, but the atmosphere was a bit uncomfortable.

Then we passed through the city walls and emerged outside. There, a breathtaking scene unfolded.

"Wow!"

An army of nearly 30,000, ready for battle, was lined up.

Some held spears, others swords, staffs, or axes. Their attire varied, from ordinary plate mail to robes that anyone would think of as a mage's from my previous life.

What they had in common was that they all looked up at my father with serious expressions.

"Then let's go."

Without a loud voice or a formal command, the march began.

Other generals gave commands, which were relayed down the ranks, and the entire army slowly began to move.

I went to my father's side and asked why it was so casual.

"You started the march normally.

I thought there would be more to it."

"Huh? No, I already did. Can you give a pep talk every time we start moving?"

"I see."

Well, that makes sense.

I wanted to see it...

As I was feeling dejected,

"Hey, Rain. Look behind you."

"What? What is it?"

Suddenly?

"Just look."

What is it?

I looked behind me. At first, I didn't understand, but then I saw that Sukuna and Aina were waving at me.

I waved back.

To express my gratitude for their decision to wait.

Then we passed through the gate of Fort Kano, through Kano Valley, and through the territory of the Hadley Marquis, heading for the border.

After marching for a few days at a brisk pace, we arrived at the fortified city of Dronade, near the border between the Kingdom of Pornezia and the Kingdom of Lymion. The sun was still high, and we could have continued, but we decided to spend the night on our side rather than in enemy territory.

It was my first time at the border, so I went for a walk.

No, I really can't go on without a walk.

Riding in a carriage at a steady pace made me feel a bit uncomfortable.

Even though I had no strong connection to him, I felt an urge to rush to the neighboring country's crisis and wanted to hurry on a fast horse.

The march was quite brisk, but since the infantry outnumbered the cavalry, we could only move at a brisk walking pace, and I was getting impatient on my horse.

Of course, I knew there was nothing I could do.

Rushing wouldn't help.

We couldn't arrive at the Kingdom of Lymion in a state of exhaustion and fight.

If we arrived too late and Lymion fell, it would be inevitable.

If the capital had fallen, there would be nothing we could do.

We didn't have the forces to retake the country that had conquered Lymion.

But I kept thinking meaningless things like, "If we don't rest now, we might just make it in time," and I couldn't sit still in my room.

"Please wait a moment, Lord Rain."

Huh? Oh.

I had been walking briskly while lost in thought, and I had forgotten about my godspeed.

"I'm sorry. I was just thinking."

"No, it's fine. But walking too quickly will draw attention, so please be careful."

"Yes, I understand."

As usual, Lisa was scolding me.

"Hey! Lisa! W-Why are you here!"

When did you get here!

You weren't here yesterday!

"I arrived two days ago."

Lisa explained calmly to my surprise.

"I thought you would stay behind without saying anything."

I was being completely honest.

"There's no way I would stay behind. I'm also your bodyguard, you know?"

I know, but...

"Sukuna and the others endured it."

"They are on a different level from me."

Ah, right.

I know that.

"Um, if something happens to you, Lisa, I..."

I appealed to her emotions. The timing was a bit off, but it was genuine.

"It would be a hundred times better if something happened to you, Lord Rain."

Oh...

I really wish you wouldn't say things like that. I'm still not used to the way people around me praise me.

Before I could say anything else,

"Besides, I have the master's permission."

Checkmate.

"You have my father's permission...?"

That's impossible.

I gave up quickly.

Unlike last time, if she didn't come to this ground battle where I would be in danger, the reason my father hired her would be nullified. My father is kind and a good noble, but he is not a philanthropist.

Personally, I don't mind if she doesn't come...

To me, Lisa, who has been by my side since childhood, is like family, but to my father, who rarely sees me except when we meet, she is one of his trusted subordinates.

And the most important reason is,

[Lisa Apricot / Level 42 (Early Bloomer)]

[Gender / A / 6511 / 12 / 9]

[Race / Orion Duke Family]

[HP 482 / 482

MP 489 / 489

STR 149

VIT 146

AGI 135]

[Magic]

Wind Magic LV.5

[Skills]

Rare 5 - Swordsmanship

Rare 6 - Increased Experience Gain

Rare 6 - Increased Magic Experience Gain

She is strong.