10. Petting a Barghest’s Belly Fur
The basic plan was set.
However, due to the recent losses suffered by the field operatives, we were short-handed. Well, we’d been chronically short-handed for a while now.
So, Liz and I were discussing the matter in the garden.
“What about the additional personnel I requested from the undead army?”
“Yes, about fifty. You specifically requested wraiths skilled in assassination, so it took some time to gather them. Their skills pale in comparison to mine, but they are quite capable.”
Her casual self-promotion is adorable.
“The problem is, we recently lost twenty-eight wraiths, so even with the reinforcements, we’re still short… Um, Master. While I’d like to believe you’re listening attentively, could you please adopt a slightly more serious demeanor?”
“Huh?”
I’d been petting a Barghest’s belly fur as it lay on its back, enjoying a good scratch.
“…It’s a little distracting.”
“Oh, right. Sorry.”
I apologized to Liz and turned to the Barghests.
“We’ll play after we’re done talking. Wait just a bit longer, okay?”
As I stopped petting them, the Barghests formed a line behind me.
Were they waiting their turn?
“Therefore, please consider counting me among the troops deployable to the field.”
“Liz? …I trust you, but… well, because I trust you…”
I hesitated.
Liz was undoubtedly a skilled assassin. She would likely solve our personnel shortage, at least temporarily.
But the problem was, she was a skilled assassin and a skilled bodyguard, well-versed in assassination techniques.
Wouldn’t I be vulnerable?
“That’s the dilemma…” Liz sighed.
“I’m hesitant to reduce His Majesty’s security detail, but if I leave, Master is likely to be assassinated…”
The Virus King, Lord of Disease was a supreme commander, a hero. However, my identity was unknown, and my methods were ruthless. My authority and budget kept increasing, often at the expense of other departments. So, I was a potential target for both enemies and allies.
Showing vulnerability was not advisable.
“That’s a tough one.”
“Indeed. Simply increasing the number of personnel isn’t a solution. Our primary objective is covert operations, so…?”
Liz trailed off.
“Something wrong?”
“One moment, Master.”
“What?”
“Just need to double-check something.”
Liz pointed at each of the Barghests lined up behind me, counting them one by one. For some reason, she repeated the process. And then again.
“I must be miscounting…” she muttered, her face pale.
“There are eleven here,” I said, having also counted.
“Why are there eleven?”
“What do you mean?”
“There are only ten Barghests stationed at the mansion.”
I tilted my head at Liz’s words.
“…There are more?”
“Huh?”
“There are more. I know they’re part of the mansion’s security, so I haven’t tried to gather them all. I was just playing with the ones who came up to me, and a few more joined in… and at most, I think there were about twenty at one point.”
“…Twenty?” Liz pressed a hand to her forehead.
“No way… huh? No way?” She sounded distressed, as if she didn’t want to believe it. She shook her head slightly.
“Master. I’d like to get an accurate count. Could you gather as many as possible?”
“Alright. —You guys got that, right? Bring your friends. All of them.”
As I spoke, the Barghests, who’d been patiently waiting in line for their turn to be petted, started gathering. Another Barghest suddenly appeared from behind the mansion, running to join the group around me.
“You said their pack coordination was ‘magical,’ right?” I asked.
“Yes… It seems they understand your instructions, Master.”
One of them rolled onto its back, inviting me to pet its belly.
“Can I pet this one while we wait for the others? I have to reward it.”
“…Sure.” Liz nodded.
“Thanks.” Having received permission, I reached out and began scratching the Barghest’s belly.
“But… normally, you can’t give Black Hound Barghests these kinds of commands…”
“Liz. The reality before our eyes is all that matters.”
“I suppose you’re right, but…”
A little while later, Liz surveyed the assembled Barghests and sighed.
“…Master, I have never been more convinced that you are not entirely human.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“It’s complicated.” Liz glanced at the lined-up Barghests.
“…Why are there forty-eight?”
“I can only answer with, ‘I don’t know.’”
“For your information, Master, ten is the maximum number a single person can safely control. Twenty is the absolute limit… Forty-eight? Absurd.”
“I didn’t feel like I was in any danger, though.”
“Indeed, for some reason, they seem to consider you their master… so it is safe. For now, at least.”
“Liz, can Barghests handle long-distance travel?”
“Handle it? They’re known for their wide range. Part of their threat assessment comes from their ability to appear and disappear at will.”
“So, does this solve our manpower problem?”
Liz hesitated, then nodded.
“…If these creatures obey your commands, then yes, it does.”
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