Chapter 70

Even if we take measures, there are various things to do. First, it is most important to grasp how many followers of the evil god are heading towards the capital.

My headache is severe, but I can't complain for Luna's sake and for the sake of the country.

...About 50 people riding dragons, 30 flying wyverns with about 5 people riding each, so it seems that around 200 enemies are attacking.

When I informed the king of this, it seems he believed me and will plan the strategy based on this assumption. We are a guerrilla unit, so we were given permission to act on our own judgment and take action as needed.

The king says this, but I don't think the person actually in charge will be happy... Well, we'll do our best.

After leaving the royal castle, I returned home for the time being. I need to prepare various things and also think about the guerrilla strategy.

"Master, how should we move?"

"Hmm... I was thinking of contacting Luna, but it would be bad if the academy is attacked. What should we do?"

"If that's the case, Yomi and I will go see Luna. It might be easier to talk as women."

...Mirei has a point, doesn't she? I want to go too, but we also need to deal with the followers of the evil god.

"Alright. I'll leave Luna to the two of you. If anything happens, launch a fire spell into the sky. I'll come as quickly as possible."

I want to go and pick her up, but I need to vent my frustration on the followers of the evil god who deceived Luna. ...There's a magic I read about in the library. I'll capture them all and bring them to the king.

...I'm a bit hesitant to use it on people, but in this situation, there's no choice. Hmm? Or, if I put that book in my storage, the followers of the evil god won't be able to get it, right?

Am I a genius?!

Still, the followers of the evil god probably don't know where the book is. But if they're looking for the book, they'll probably search places where books are kept.

...

I suddenly feel like going to the academy.

"I'm going to the academy for a bit, so please prepare as well, both of you!"

"Understood. Please be careful."

"I'll do my best too!"

I don't know what Mirei will do, but it's good that she's motivated. Even if something happens, with the ring, there shouldn't be any problems.

When I arrived at the academy, I headed straight to the library, but it was already heavily guarded by multiple knights. ...Why is the preparation so quick?

Since there was no way to avoid being seen, I left the academy and stopped by Lebrant's place before returning home to share information.

Lebrant also said he would talk to various people. I told him that the information was not yet confirmed, but he would also inform the commercial guild and others as a precaution. If this can reduce the damage even a little, it would be good.

When I got home, I couldn't see the two of them. After searching, I found a note on the table saying they were going to the labyrinth to level up Mirei. Quin, who was in the room, also seemed to have gone with them.

I'm still uneasy with just the preparations I made for risk management, so I'll prepare one more strategy. ...If the enemy brings dragons, no one will complain if we also use dragons, right?

"So, Granzar, it seems that the possessed dragons will attack tomorrow morning. Can you lend a hand?"

"…Huh?"

As soon as I said this, Granzar's tone and atmosphere changed, and I could feel a level of energy I've never felt before. Even when he was under a curse, he was quite dangerous, but this is incomparable.

"Probably the ones who cursed you, Granzar?"

"This is perfect... I was just about to finish my convalescence. I'll help exterminate them as part of my rehabilitation."

However, it would be troublesome if he gets cursed again, can it be avoided?

"I won't be cursed again. Besides, I'm not stupid. During my year of convalescence, I developed anti-curse magic. It's dragon magic, which can't be used by humans, though."

I've never heard of dragon magic, but I can imagine it's incredibly powerful. It would be troublesome if he became an enemy, but as an ally, he's incredibly reliable.

The problem is how to bring him along. We can't bring him as a dragon, so it's probably better to have him humanize.

"Probably they'll attack tomorrow morning, so can you come with me? I'd prefer it if you humanized."

"Understood."

As Granzar began to humanize, his form gradually shrank, and he transformed into a tall, slender, muscular handsome man with golden hair.

...If I didn't know, he would look like a regular human. The only noticeable thing is the dragon tail.

From what I heard, it's possible to make the tail invisible with magic.

Moreover, he's properly dressed. Is it created with magic?

"Hmm... Being human is inconvenient in many ways."

"...Your human form is incredibly handsome."

I couldn't help but use polite language because he looked so cool... He exudes a charm that draws people in, which is fitting for a dragon.

This must be what charisma is.

"Don't be silly. I'm always cool. I think Owl is also quite handsome, though."

I'm being complimented by a dragon. No, I plan to grow and acquire adult charm, so it's not a problem!

I brought Granzar back home, but Yomi and Mirei still weren't there.

It seems they are still leveling up.

Calling Granzar every time is a bit troublesome. How about calling him 'Gra-san' for familiarity?

"Can I call you 'Gra-san' from now on?"

"Gra-san... Sure, no problem."

It seems like a casual response, but his tail is wagging happily.

...He's the type whose emotions show in his tail.

I want to make dinner before it gets too late, but do dragons eat regular food?

"Does Gra-san eat regular human food?"

"Yes, I'll have it. Owl will make it, right?"

"Of course! Is there anything you want to eat? Any dislikes?"

"No, I eat anything. So, leave it to Owl."

Leave it to me... It's good that he trusts me, but it would be easier if I had a theme.

Since there's still time, I'll make a slightly more elaborate dish.

This time, I'm preparing kushikatsu and a dish similar to motsu-ni (offal stew).

I don't have red miso, so it's more accurate to call it a miso stew with offal.

First, for the kushikatsu, I'll prepare shrimp, squid, clams, and other seafood, as well as vegetables like eggplant and scallions, and meat on skewers.

I'll prepare the coating materials and skewers in advance.

Then, I'll set up the oil on the table so that we can eat freshly made kushikatsu on the spot.

For the motsu-ni, I'll use the offal that Luna and Yomi provided from their previous hunting.

By boiling it twice, the distinctive smell of the offal can be significantly reduced. Removing the scum is important here.

Next, I'll make small cuts and cook it with root vegetables.

I won't season it from the beginning to avoid burning, so I'll cook it in water first, and then add miso and other seasonings to taste once it's partially cooked.

As it cooks, the water will reduce, so making it slightly less salty at first is just right.

If it's too bland, I can always add more seasoning.

While making the motsu-ni, I also prepared a potato salad as another dish.

Today's menu is kushikatsu, motsu-ni, potato salad, and bread.

Just as the food was ready, Yomi and Mirei returned.

"Oh, perfect timing. Both of you, welcome... back?!"

When I saw them, they returned in a state that was more bloodied and tattered than ever before.

I immediately cast Extra Heal on them, but the blood on their clothes seemed to be from the monsters.

"Um, I'm sure there's a lot to talk about, but could you change your clothes first...?"

"Yes, I will... change."

"Okay, I'll change too..."

Both of their expressions were quite dark. I wonder what happened?

While they were changing, I prepared to eat and talked with Gra-san. They returned in 15 minutes, having only used the 'Purify' spell.

Yomi suddenly came close and whispered in my ear.

"...Sorry, I didn't notice earlier, but are you a guest?"

"Yes, we'll talk about it while eating."

Let's eat first. Gra-san seems hungry, as he's drooling a lot.

"Let's eat!"

"Sure!"

While demonstrating how to eat kushikatsu and explaining it briefly, they all started eating quickly.

Freshly fried kushikatsu is delicious...!

I prepared a sauce, but it didn't turn out as I hoped.

This time, I used a fruit and soy sauce base as a substitute.

The motsu-ni and potato salad were also well-received and quickly finished.

Yomi liked the motsu-ni the most, Gra-san liked everything, and Mirei liked the kushikatsu.

While eating, I introduced Gra-san, and both of them were surprised. Mirei, in particular, was cute in her confusion at seeing a dragon for the first time.

"Everyone, let's go to bed a bit early today. I just confirmed the position of the followers of the evil god, and it seems they are resting because it's night. However, if they start moving in the morning, they should arrive by noon. So, we need to wake up early tomorrow and prepare for the defense at the academy!"

"Okay!"

"Got it!"

"Understood."

As a precaution, I'll cast a spell to always know their position and sleep, so I'll know as soon as they start moving.

Despite the tension, I was able to sleep soundly that night, more so than I expected.