The Reason the Orcs Moved...! #3
For the next two days, I focused entirely on organizing the dungeon system. Delegating tasks, creating schedules, and setting up work instructions. I did it all with the single-minded determination to properly overhaul the system and run the dungeon efficiently.
It would take more time, of course, but for now, this was enough. Systems aren't built in a day, after all.
Anyway, once I had the basic framework in place, I gave the order.
"Let's go."
We set out on an expedition.
What Buril had reported was nothing more than a suspicion. It was just a simple claim that monsters were heading this way. But for someone living here, that was a matter to be taken very seriously.
In a sense, I am a lord, and this surrounding area is my territory. If something suspicious happens in my territory, I have to go and verify it.
Please, let it not be another angel, for the love of God. I hope it isn't. If an angel has appeared and the monsters are fleeing, it truly means a sealed angel has been unleashed.
—*Crunch, crunch, crunch.*
The subordinates I brought along this time were a fully armed Goblin platoon, a Pixie squad, an Imp squad, plus Sharan, Vanessa, Liliel, and Ruby.
I’d say this was a well-balanced selection.
Vanessa is a capable fighter, and Ruby is a researcher-type mage. I hadn't really seen her abilities since I recruited her, so I figured I’d take this opportunity to check. As for Liliel, I just brought her along in case there really was an angel.
"Shaa."
And Sharan is my reliable bodyguard.
The dungeon is currently being guarded by Serineu, Lumika, Im-sungi, the nuns, the remaining pixies, imps, and kobolds. That’s more than enough. I told them to be as careful as possible, so nothing should go wrong.
There are Hobgoblins too, but even if they tried to revolt, they couldn't handle the remaining forces. Reika is a good fighter, and with Serineu and Lumika there, I have no worries.
"Buril, if you see anything while we're moving, report it immediately."
"Keruk. Understood, My King."
I’ve gotten used to marching now. We continued to advance toward what used to be the Orcs' sweet home.
There was nothing particularly unusual on the way.
"I don't see any monsters. I think you're worrying too much."
Vanessa, standing beside me, said as much.
"Perhaps. But we still have to check. If there is something out there, we need to know about it to prepare countermeasures."
"...You are diligent, at least."
"It's a world where you have to be diligent to survive."
Vanessa stared at me intently.
"It's not just my life on the line, is it? My beloved subordinates, my elite guards, and even your life, Vanessa, are at stake. As a ruler, I must prepare thoroughly to save everyone's lives."
"Ugh."
When I said that, Vanessa blushed and looked away.
"What's the matter?"
"Y-you seem to care about your subordinates properly, at least..."
"Of course I do. Even if they are subordinates, they are my family. Where in the world is there a person who would put their own family in danger?"
"...Family."
Vanessa seemed to have realized something from those words.
"Really... even human commanders wouldn't think of their subordinates to that extent..."
"No. Doesn't everyone do at least as much as I do?"
"..."
Vanessa shook her head.
"You. I only thought of you as a purely evil existence... but the more I see, the more that doesn't seem to be the case. You are a truly unique demon."
"Oh! Have you finally recognized my true worth!"
Even though Vanessa had been ravished by me, she was now completely following my lead!
"Shut up! Even if I've seen you in a new light, the fact that you are a wicked being who rapes women remains unchanged!"
"That is also true."
Actually, that’s a fact.
Still, since Vanessa seemed to be starting to think of me favorably, I explained my thoughts a bit more thoroughly.
"But what can I do? I have to do that to protect my family. It's the fastest way to grow my power."
"You could choose a different path, even if it's a little slower! Honor is inherently such a...!"
"That won't do."
"What do you mean it won't do!"
"If I did something like that, my family would be in danger. That's why it's absolutely out of the question."
"Kuh...!"
"Growing for the sake of my family. That is my honor. If it's to protect my subordinates, I can do such wicked things as much as I want."
"..."
When I said that much, Vanessa closed her mouth. She didn't look convinced, but I could feel the gaze she was sending me, and it wasn't exactly aggressive anymore.
"...I understand. If that is your conviction, I have nothing more to say."
"Thank you for understanding."
Reika had already fallen for me completely, and now it was Vanessa's turn. Since she was living with me and sharing my bed, it was only natural for her to develop feelings.
Besides, whether it's Reika or Vanessa, they are both quite confused by seeing me treat my subordinates like family. Why are they confused? Because they see that point in a positive light.
That’s how they slowly start to see me in a better light.
Anyway, we continued our march in that manner.
"Haa, haa."
As we were walking, Ruby seemed to be lagging behind, so I went over to her side.
"Ruby, are you having a hard time?"
"Yes? Oh, no. It's nothing..."
Ruby, the timid mage as always.
"Ruby."
"Kyaa?!"
When I gently placed my hand on her shoulder, she was startled and blushed. She’s truly cute.
"Your reaction is very cute."
"C-c-c-cute..."
Just throwing a comment like that once makes her visibly embarrassed and her heart rate quicken. She really is an easy woman. Anyway, let's have a conversation.
"Anyway, Ruby. Do you have any guesses? About why the monsters are fleeing. You're a researcher, so I thought you might know a lot."
"W-well... this unexplored territory hasn't been surveyed much... so I can't really say anything for sure..."
"Then could you tell me a little about this unexplored territory?"
"If it's what I know..."
Ruby began her explanation.
Perhaps because she is a mage, she spoke quite clearly when explaining things.
"Hmm."
Rugged mountain ranges and jungle-like terrain. Overflowing with monsters. It seems this unexplored territory is a place where there are things to gain, but it's not a place suitable for full-scale development.
It would cost a fortune to develop such an absurd place, and it's unclear how much return you'd get even if you did. Nevertheless, it's a place where you can occasionally obtain rare materials if you explore it.
That was the perception among the mages living in this region.
"Well, it is a rough land."
It’s a shitty land, indeed.
It’s only okay because I’m a demon.
"It's very rough... so there's a lot to research... I like that part."
"Hehehe, is that so?"
"Yes..."
Ruby seemed very interested in places like this. She loves it when I agree with her.
"Ah, by the way, Ruby. Is there any progress with your dark magic?"
"Ah... yes... I think it's going well."
As a mage, Ruby had already mastered offensive dark magic quite well. Perhaps Ruby has the strongest magic power?
"You can't use the magic you used to use anymore, right?"
"Yes... but I wasn't very good at it to begin with... so this is actually better."
"Hehehe, is it that much better?"
She has actually blossomed her talent for dark magic after accepting my mana. Ah, by the way, the dark grimoire also had things related to the undead.
Should I try teaching her that next time?
"Ruby, do you know anything else about the rumors of the angel?"
"T-that's everything I told you before... I only heard it all as rumors... I-I'm sorry. I don't know anything..."
"It's fine. Ah. But where did you hear those rumors?"
"A-at the Magic Tower..."
The Magic Tower?
Just as I was about to ask, Vanessa intervened.
"If you go west of the Barony, there is a small Magic Tower. She said she was from there."
"Yes..."
"And she came here for research purposes."
"T-that's right..."
Ruby had come here to write a personal thesis on the ecology and efficacy of monsters and plants, and she joined the search party when she heard they were looking for a mage.
Well, let's move on from that.
"Ruby, please tell me about the rumors one more time."
"Yes..."
Ruby nodded and explained again.
"It was a rumor