The Dark Elves #2
We reinforced our perimeter, conducted combat drills, and organized our military supplies, all while stockpiling food. It was a massive relief that we hadn't properly established our farmlands yet. If we had, it would have been incredibly dangerous to be attacked while they were vulnerable.
It was fortunate that we were only in the preparation stage; if those bastards had appeared a little later, we could have been caught in a truly disastrous situation. In any case, it was a blessing in disguise.
Crush the Dark Elves and absorb their forces? If we could do that, we could use them to strengthen not just our farmlands, but everything else as well.
From what I could see, the Dark Elves were a race similar to humans. That meant the scope of how we could utilize them was even broader. We might even be able to kick off an Iron Age in earnest.
So, for four days, we waited for the scouts while making our preparations.
—Rustle.
The scouts had returned!
"Oh! Julia! Serineu! You’re back!"
A shout of joy!
"Any casualties?"
"None!"
"There are none."
"Holy shit, thank god!"
I had been deeply worried about potential casualties, but the returning Pixies and Lamias, while looking exhausted and covered in grime, didn't seem to have a single injury on them.
"Wow! You all did a great job, Julia! And Serineu, you worked hard too! Everyone, thanks for your hard work over the last four days! First, go inside, wash up, and get some rest!"
I immediately cleared the path and brought the scouts inside. I would let the soldiers rest right away, but the squad leaders would need to wash up before giving their reports.
"Ah, I’m so tired!"
"So many Dark Elves!"
"Kahaa. Village. Was there."
The Pixies and Lamias tossed a few words my way as they entered the dungeon.
"I'll hear everything later. For now, go wash up and rest. You all worked hard."
I’d hear the details from Julia and Serineu anyway. I nodded, praised the soldiers, and finally spoke to the officers.
"Julia. And Serineu, once you've washed up, organize the basics and come to my office."
"Ah! What! I want to rest too!"
"I'll let you rest once we're done. Go wash up first."
"You leave me no choice!"
Serineu voiced her complaints, but Julia bowed her head politely.
"Understood. I will report after I have washed up."
"Yes. Julia."
As soon as the words were out, the two officers headed toward the underground levels. This was the sorrow of being an officer. While the soldiers get to rest, they have to finish the remaining work. I felt bad, so I’d have to reward them later.
"Everyone! Get ready to gather! The scouts are back! Let's listen to what they have to say!"
After spreading the word, I cleared the area. Judging by their attitudes, it didn't seem like anything catastrophic had happened. If the situation had gone to hell, Serineu would have been singing about it from the moment she arrived.
"Alright, Serineu, start the report."
"Okay!"
Serineu nodded immediately and spoke with pride.
"First off, there isn't a single casualty. That's all because our Pixies scouted thoroughly. We flew stealthily to identify the—what do you call it? The risk factors? We identified those risk factors and used the Lamias' speed to maneuver quickly. Without being caught."
Seeing her speak so articulately was truly adorable.
"That's called maintaining operational security."
"Yeah! Operational security! We maintained it well!"
"Good job!"
I understood perfectly why there were no casualties. Pixies are naturally timid. They must have scouted thoroughly, just as I had taught them.
"And, we found a Dark Elf village too. But when we peeked, it wasn't finished yet. It looked like they were in the middle of building it."
"Building it?"
I looked straight at Julia.
"Yes. That is correct. The Dark Elves were constructing a village. They are likely ones who came here from another region. It seemed they intended to build a new settlement here."
"Hmm."
Things keep coming down from above, don't they?
"Did something happen up there?"
"That is the only logical conclusion."
"Julia, do you have any more detailed information?"
Julia nodded and provided a more detailed report. Simply put, there was a possibility that the Dark Elves were building new villages in various places to expand their influence.
"Expansion of influence. Are they the same as me? Julia, was it always like this?"
"Of course, it has always been like this. Whether it's Dark Elves or Lamias, they have always fought to claim larger territories. However, for them to come down this far..."
According to what I heard from Julia last time, this land overlaps with human territory, so they rarely come this far down.
"Even so, the fact that they keep coming down here... is it really that?"
There was a lot to think about. It could be that an ambitious Dark Elf is trying to recklessly increase their power to completely wipe out the Lamias.
"Please, continue."
"Yes."
"I want to talk too!"
That was how I heard the report.
Using the Pixies' stealth to observe the village under construction, it didn't seem like a particularly militant atmosphere. It felt more like they had moved from a larger city.
"Usually, Dark Elf villages are operated around two large buildings."
"What kind of buildings are they?"
"Buildings where the men and women live. They use separate buildings based on gender."
"Is that so?"
So they operate separate male and female dormitories.
"Yes. And the leader of the village is usually a woman. A matriarchal society, I suppose you could call it. As far as we know, the unmarried female Dark Elf with the most seniority becomes the leader."
"Hmm."
That's a bit unique.
The oldest spinster Dark Elf takes on the role of leader.
"Why not a man?"
"Pardon?"
"Ah, I phrased the question poorly."
Since Lamias are a race consisting only of women, she would naturally think a matriarchal society is a given.
"Is it strictly women who become leaders? What about the men?"
"Well. I'm not sure about that. I've never heard of it..."
So it's a given that a spinster does it.
It seems this is a race where women have more power.
Could it be?
"Ah, and what about their physique? Are female Dark Elves larger than the males?"
"No. That's not the case. Unless they are young, I believe the physique is similar for both men and women."
"I thought so."
The captured male Dark Elf warriors. They were all quite slender. To the point where I thought they had bodies like women. Was it because there isn't a significant physical difference between the sexes?
"Well, I think I understand the culture well enough."
Next was the scale.
"What about the scale?"
"We tried our best to figure it out, but it seems there are about 50 of them!"
"Wow. That's two platoon-sized units."
For 50 of them to come down from a larger city for expansion. That's a very significant number. Looking at the numbers alone, it was definitely intimidating.
"Julia. And Serineu. Based on the scouting results, what are the chances of winning if we attack?"
At that, Julia smiled like a snake.
"The enemy does not appear to think they will be attacked. If that is the case, now, while they are constructing the village, would be the perfect time."
"That's right! If we go and attack first, they won't be able to respond! They were so distracted by building the village!"
Serineu also shouted confidently.
"Like, in the evening, when they finish work and try to rest! If we attack then, they'll be so tired they won't even be able to counterattack!"
"Wow. Serineu. You're smart."
"This much is basic!"
I knew she was a warmonger.
Anyway.
If the two women I sent to scout were saying this much, it had to be certain.
"Good! Let's launch a surprise attack! It'll be troublesome if the Dark Elves invade us like last time! While they don't know about us yet! We'll attack first and take the initiative! Do you understand! Officers of the Kulls Demon King's Army!"
As I declared it vigorously.
"Keruuuuk!"
"Krrruk!"
"Waaaaaaah!"
The officers in the conference room let out a roar. The royal guards just nodded.
"Then let's start preparing for war!"
It was going to be a full-scale war.
After the meeting ended.
Reika called for Kulls.
"Hey. Wait. Look at me."
"Yes? No. Reika. Are you asking me for a secret meeting now? Let's see. My shift schedule today is..."
"It's not that. Just come here for a second."
"Yes. Understood."
Watching Kulls follow me with his usual greasy grin made me feel uncomfortable. He's this kind of guy usually... but when it matters, he really is like a demon. I couldn't tell if I liked that about him or hated it.
—Stomp, stomp.
I dragged Kulls out of the dungeon. I could hear whispers from behind about how outdoor play might be fun, but I ignored them.
When we were a fair distance from the entrance, Reika turned to look at Kulls and said,
"So, you're going to strike the Dark Elves."
"Yes. I intend to handle it with a surprise attack. And I plan to take all the female Dark Elves there as prisoners, hehehe."
"Tsk."
Is he saying that kind of thing in front of me? Reika thought to herself. Every time he talked about increasing the number of female prisoners, my stomach turned. I didn't want to admit that this was a manifestation of my heart wanting him to pay more attention to me, but I couldn't explain it otherwise. But it couldn't be helped. He grew stronger through that.
Anyway.
Erasing the useless thoughts, Reika spoke again.
"This is just me saying this because I'm a former nun."
"Please, speak."
"Can't you solve this through dialogue? To unnecessarily slaughter an innocent Dark Elf village and take prisoners. Don't you think that's an evil act?"
"Reika... I know what you're saying."
He probably thinks I'm a naive pacifist.
"Of course, just because a few Dark Elf warriors came out to scout, it doesn't mean the entire village is guilty. It's true that I, the invader, am the bad guy."
"If so."
"But that doesn't matter. I can't share this territory—no, this habitat—with the Dark Elves anyway. We will inevitably fight someday. So, a surprise attack now is the best option."
"..."
"Regardless of good or evil, I always say that the members of this dungeon are the most important to me."
It's always this.
That what's important isn't others, but his own people.
But I still couldn't refute that statement.
"I understand. Reika, you are a former nun. It's natural for a good human to think that way. Still, Reika. If we don't move now, everyone will be in danger. So, will you lend me your strength?"
The devil's whisper.
Reika thought that it would have been better if we had met elsewhere for a different reason.
"No, well. Did I say I wouldn't lend you my strength? I just said that because I'm a nun. Just tell me when it's time to fight."
"As expected of Reika. Ah, but I'm a bit thirsty."
"What?"
At that moment, Kulls lunged forward and pulled at the bra I was wearing.
"Hey, hey! Wait! Stop!"