Chapter 71

Eldred's Red Dragon Knights were defeated, and I met with the brigade commanders of the 7th Legion in the town of Alesta. Everyone, without exception, expressed their gratitude to me.

The old Manticore, Kushana, said, "You're literally a lifesaver. I'll send you some carrion later," offering warm words. Despite his appearance, he is human inside, which is confusing, but I was glad. I'll treat the carrion to my undead subordinates.

On the other hand, the werewolf Bayo, who usually doesn't get along with me, also expressed his gratitude indirectly.

"Thanks to you drawing the enemy's attention, my unit was able to perform well. It's a relief to have you as a supporting actor."

He then added, "Well, your performance wasn't bad either," as usual, not being straightforward.

Recalling my past life, a fitting word to describe him came to mind: "tsundere."

However, I'm not particularly happy to be liked by a rough dog.

After exchanging greetings with my colleagues, the long-awaited commander arrived. She had a mixed expression, neither entirely displeased nor entirely pleased. She might be glad about my performance but also a bit annoyed at being saved.

Crossing her arms and puffing her cheeks, she said, "Your work this time was excellent," while slightly turning her face away.

Sefiro treats me like a child, but it's not clear who is the real child. As I thought this, Sefiro suddenly knelt and bowed. I thought she was showing gratitude to me, but it seemed to be something else.

I heard a sound like a horse's neigh, which I recognized.

There was only one person who could make Sefiro bow. I immediately turned around and knelt as well.

Sure enough, it was the person I had imagined. She looked down from her horse and said, "Is that so?"

The Demon King then dismounted from her prized steed, Kibashiraga, and said, "Raise your face." Upon hearing this, Sefiro and I raised our heads.

The Demon King then offered words of encouragement, first turning to Sefiro.

"Your efforts this time were excellent."

Sefiro responded immediately.

"No, if it weren't for my mistake, this situation wouldn't have occurred."

"However, without your perseverance afterward, the reinforcements wouldn't have arrived in time. Ultimately, it was because you drew the enemy's attention that Ike defeated the Red Dragon Knights."

"That's not true. Please praise the brigade commanders of my subordinates. Without their efforts, we would have been annihilated."

Sefiro then named the werewolf brigade commander Bayo, the tusked beast brigade commander Kushana, and all the other brigade commanders, introducing them to the Demon King.

This was both a technique to win the hearts of her subordinates and a genuine sentiment. Indeed, they fought well.

They had been cut off from supplies, with limited food, arrows, and almost no spirit medicine for magic replenishment. Despite this, they held out in the town of Alesta for nearly a month, fighting the enemy army. They deserved praise. Their hardships were indescribable.

They were surrounded by the elite knights of the Fals Kingdom from the outside and the newly occupied residents from the inside, with the risk of being wiped out.

Avoiding this and being here now is a testament to their strength. In fact, the residents not rebelling was largely due to their wise decisions. According to Kushana, when they were trapped in Alesta by the enemy's trap, Sefiro declared:

"Our remaining food is limited. But the residents here have also had their food taken by the enemy. I intend to give half of our remaining food to them."

At that moment, the brigade commanders were shocked but did not object. They trusted Sefiro and understood her intentions.

They knew that if they didn't win the trust of the residents, it would be disastrous. They were prepared to go hungry and gave half of their limited food to the residents. This wise decision was well-rewarded.

During the Red Dragon Knights' fierce attack, the residents did not rebel. In fact, some even cooperated with the 7th Legion.

The residents said, "The Demon King's army is more trustworthy than the Allied Forces, who took our food," and many offered their cooperation.

This was the path we aimed for, and it would continue to be the goal of the Demon King's army. Indeed, this victory was achieved with the help of humans. The Demon King, unusually, relaxed her expression and praised Sefiro and the other brigade commanders.

"You did well."

Despite her usual short and indifferent words, they were filled with weight and warmth. The Demon King called out to each brigade commander individually, praising their efforts. The brigade commanders, upon hearing her words, expressed their joy in various ways.

Kushana said, "I have no regrets," with tears of emotion, and Bayo cried, "I wish I could have told my mother."

Recently, I've forgotten, but meetings between the Demon King and brigade commanders of her rank are rare. Perhaps only during parades or special events, where they can be seen from a distance.

The Demon King's position is so high that she is far removed from the front lines. It's impossible for a demon not to be happy when praised by such a supreme being. Everyone was moved to tears, but after offering her words of encouragement, the Demon King turned to me and said:

"The 7th Legion's performance in this battle was excellent. Not just the brigade commanders, but even the lowest-ranking soldiers fought well."

However, she added, "Among them, the Undead Brigade stands out as the most meritorious and accomplished."

The other brigade commanders nodded in agreement, perhaps because they had just been praised by the Demon King. Even Bayo, who is usually stubborn, nodded sincerely. The Demon King continued:

"I want to offer words of praise to the members of the Undead Brigade, but first, I want to praise their leader, Ike."

The Demon King paused for a moment and then said, "You did well, Ike."

Despite her usual short words, they felt the most heartfelt to me. Perhaps it's just my bias, but I feel that when she is truly happy, her lips slightly relax, even though it's just a feeling.

However, it's clear that the Demon King is genuinely pleased with my performance. As proof, she added something unexpected:

"Given your past achievements and this recent accomplishment, Ike, you are not in a position to remain just a brigade commander."

"I am currently a deputy commander," I wanted to say, but she probably meant something else. I glanced at Sefiro, who, as expected, was in a bad mood, perhaps foreseeing the Demon King's next words.

"If you achieve such results, the other legion commanders won't object. Therefore, I will appoint the Undead Brigade commander, Ike, as the commander of the 8th Legion."

Upon hearing this, the brigade commanders present exclaimed, "Oh!" They seemed to bless and agree with the decision. On the other hand, Sefiro, perhaps making a final stand, asked:

"Does this mean a new legion will be established?"

The Demon King nodded.

"The 3rd Legion was disbanded because it was a traitor legion. It's bad luck. I will seal it for a while."

She added, "The number 8 is lucky."

Sefiro was taken aback by this.

In Japan, the number 8 is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Only the Demon King and I know this, but when our eyes met, we both smiled slightly. Perhaps it's a shared humor from our past lives as Japanese.

However, Sefiro, making a final stand, said, "While I agree with promoting Ike to legion commander, I think establishing a new legion is unwise."

"The Demon King's army is short of personnel. Do we have the resources to allocate more demons or monsters?"

It was a valid point. I was also concerned about this. The Demon King's army has been outnumbered by humans recently. Is there really room to establish a new legion?

The Demon King answered clearly, "Yes."

"Can you explain your answer?"

Sefiro asked. The Demon King replied:

"The new 8th Legion will be a mixed legion, not just composed of demons but also other races."

Upon hearing this, Sefiro and the other brigade commanders were shocked. It was unprecedented for the Demon King's army to create a mixed legion of non-demons and non-monsters. Everyone was speechless. Perhaps only the Demon King and I remained calm.

So, I asked on behalf of Sefiro, "Does this mean the new legion will simply be the current Undead Brigade elevated to legion status?"

The Demon King nodded, "Yes."

I see. Perhaps the Demon King wants to replicate the success of the Undead Brigade, a model of the Demon King's army, on a larger scale.

My Undead Brigade currently has the cooperation of dwarves and humans, which contributed to our victory in this battle. The Demon King must have felt this firsthand and decided to propose it.

This person is indeed a sharp and skilled leader. It's no wonder she once ruled the world in her past life. Being recognized by such a person is an honor.

However, I was still concerned about Sefiro. I've been taken care of by this witch since childhood. She treated me like a real brother from the moment we met. After my grandfather's death, she became my backer and promoted me to brigade commander. It would be a lie to say I'm not reluctant to leave her now.

Even if I become a new legion commander, I would prefer to be sent off "happily."

Perhaps sensing my gaze, Sefiro turned to me, sighed deeply, and said, "I have no choice," before addressing the Demon King:

"I will not oppose Ike's promotion if you insist, but I have two requests."

The Demon King said, "I will listen."

"First, I want to transfer a brigade of elite soldiers from my legion. In return, please allocate an equivalent or greater combat force to my legion."

The Demon King responded, "I will consider it. Your legion suffered significant losses in this battle."

However, she continued, "I can manage the numbers, but I cannot guarantee the quality."

"What do you mean?"

Sefiro asked.

"The strength of a unit is not determined by numbers alone. We cannot provide the officers."

Sefiro, perhaps out of pride, declared, "I will handle that myself!"

The Demon King, seeing this, said, "I expect your leadership," and then asked, "What is your second request?"

Sefiro, unusually serious, said, "Ike is like a brother to me. Please take good care of him."

The Demon King, taken aback, said, "I will."

This means, "I will take care of him." With these words, my promotion was decided. Thus, I became the commander of the 8th Legion, moving from deputy commander of the 7th Legion.

I don't know if it's a happy turn of events, but everyone is blessing me.

When we return to the city of Ivalice, the orc strategist Jiron will be overjoyed, and the succubus Lilith and the dragon person Sigun will also offer their blessings. Most of all, the maid Sati might be the first to bless me. I look forward to the aroma of the tea she will serve in her high spirits.

Thanks to everyone, I was able to write this far. Please look forward to Chapter 3.

Your reviews and bookmarks are a great encouragement. I hope for your continued support.