40: The Final Solution
The Human Alliance Against Demons’ roundtable meetings were usually led by Rank Kingdom.
Of the three great nations, they had the longest history, the most fertile land, and the longest shared border with the Demon Kingdom.
While the Empire and the Holy Kingdom weren’t entirely pleased with this arrangement, they all agreed that the demons were their common enemy… So, the usual scenario was for them to placate Rank Kingdom, indulging their desire for leadership while secretly scoffing at them.
Today’s meeting began in the same way.
“We have decided to implement the final solution.”
The Rank Kingdom representative made the solemn declaration. He was a portly man of short stature with a curly mustache. His jovial appearance belied the authority he commanded as a prominent nobleman.
“The final… solution?” The Empire representative frowned. A stark contrast to the Rank Kingdom representative, he was a stern, imposing warrior with a shaved head and brown skin, befitting a military nation that valued strength.
“Hasn’t Rank Kingdom just lost their Dragon Knights?” The Holy Kingdom representative also expressed her doubts, though in a more reserved manner. The only woman among the three representatives, she wore the loose white robes of a priestess, representative of her religious nation.
Rank Kingdom’s position was gradually weakening. As the Holy Kingdom representative had pointed out, their most powerful military unit, the Dragon Knights, had been decimated by the Lord of Disease.
“Precisely. We cannot breach the border with a large army. We have dispatched five of our most elite…”
“What do you expect five people to accomplish?”
“They will eliminate the Lord of Disease. Apparently, even her own allies dislike her. She usually hides away in her mansion on the outskirts of the capital with a small retinue.”
“Is that… reliable information?”
“It is.” The Rank Kingdom representative nodded firmly.
“If we eliminate the Lord of Disease, there’s no reason for us, with our superior numbers, to lose.”
“Such a reckless decision, made unilaterally…”
“Aren’t you being too hasty, just because you’ve lost the Dragon Knights?”
“Say what you will. …We cannot afford to be complacent.” He slowly raised his right fist.
“We will eliminate her! With the best resources at our disposal!!”
He slammed his fist down on the table. The loud bang echoed through the chamber.
No one here would be intimidated by such theatrics. But it was a clear demonstration of Rank Kingdom’s resolve.
“Upon their successful return, we will launch a full-scale attack. Understood?”
“Indeed, if the Lord of Disease is eliminated… the Empire agrees.”
“The Holy Kingdom has no objections. She is an abomination. An evil that must be purged.”
The representatives of the Empire and the Holy Kingdom nodded in agreement.
“Inform your respective nations.” The Rank Kingdom representative addressed the representatives of the smaller states gathered around the table, his tone dismissive, as if to say they had the right to speak, but not to refuse.
“Now, let us pray for their success.”
The Rank Kingdom representative spread his arms, looking around the table.
“May fortune favor our heroes.”
“May the Emperor’s grace be upon those heroes.”
“May God’s blessings be upon us…”
The three representatives offered their respective prayers, and the meeting concluded.
The night’s silence was shattered by a piercing alarm.
I was in bed when my eyes snapped open.
“Master!”
About five seconds after the alarm sounded, the door burst open. It was Liz, impeccably dressed in her maid uniform.
She opened the closet and tossed the complete Lord of Disease, Lord of Disease outfit at me.
“Put on your usual clothes. And the mask. —Samarkand!”
“Here.” Samarkand appeared in the doorway.
“I entrust Master’s protection to you. Her life is your top priority.”
“Needless to say.”
“Liz.”
“No arguments. Almost immediately after the alarm triggered, the magical signatures of the Black Hound Barghests on the grounds vanished. Three intruders confirmed. …Too fast.”
The Barghests?
An explosion echoed from the garden. Offensive magic? …No, Liz’s traps.
Liz groaned, clutching her head.
“They’re forcing their way through the trap zone… I’ll intercept them in the entrance hall.”
“Liz-sama, allow me to accompany you.”
“It seems there are more outside. That’s why we have multiple layers of security. …No, you focus on Master’s safety.”
“Of course. But…”
“There’s no time for discussion. This room is the second most secure in the mansion, after the basement. Closing the door will buy us some time. …If possible, escape with Master. Understood?”
“…Yes.” Samarkand bowed his head. Liz turned to me and smiled.
“Then I shall take my leave, Master.”
“…Be careful, Liz.”
That was all I could say.
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