It's terrible.
It's terrible.

　When he explained to Mixu and the others that he had gotten the information from Jastet and the others, they looked at him accusingly. I know how you feel. I've seen it myself. Except for the Purple Demon Lord, who's always the same. I'm sure the others who aren't here, such as Ekduk and Harkdok, will be quite impressed.

I've done a relatively good job of that. ......
I don't think you should take advantage of a maiden's heart, my friend.
No, it doesn't work for Morali in the first place, and in Jastet's case it's because of other emotions. I would argue that in a way it's safe.

　I have to say that he did a great job. It's not easy to get information from someone without torturing them or causing them physical pain.

We can discuss this later, but for now we should decide what to do next. What are you going to do?
"I don't want to just barge in on Serende. We've got a lot of information, but not enough to make a decision. Besides, it's about time Pope Eupharo intervened.
Pope Euphro?
Yeah. Now that Serraes has escaped, the Yugra cult's first priority is to capture him. I'm sure he's talking to Marito and the others right now, preparing to add a new guard.
I'm reporting to you as a monitor, .......
"As far as Pope Eupharo is concerned, Lacla is good enough. But for other bishops and authorities, Lakra's credibility is still low. There will be one more priest class and one more holy knight.

　That would be a lot of people around him. I don't think he intends to do any harm, and it's nice to have more people to protect him. However, there is a concern that his actions will be restricted.

So you're saying that you'll only take full-scale action after you've assessed the extent of this new surveillance?
Yes. If they're easy to win over, there's no problem.
Nostalgia. ....... By the way, I've been wondering about the method you used to set up Jastet and the others. ......

　This time, I felt that he took a very roundabout way. It seems to be somewhat different from the methods I have seen in the past.

It's time to explain about that, too. There are several stages in the act of "understanding". Let's call them depths. The first stage is something that you may well experience. Have you ever been in a battle and thought, 'This opponent will act like this?
Yes, I have. You can predict a certain move based on the weapon, the fighting style, and the opponent's reaction at the time.
This is a kind of entrance. The second step is to predict your opponent's movements based on your understanding of his thoughts and feelings.
How is this different from the first step?
It's very different. In the first stage, you make a decision based on the information you have in front of you, but in the second stage, you study the other person's information and decipher their thoughts. In the second stage, you can read the other person's thinking after studying their information. You can also read their movements in a situation, thinking, "That person would move like this at this moment.

　I see. It is true that when you are dealing with a person you know well, you can imagine how he will act even if he is not in front of you. This is probably the case, except that the accuracy is abnormal.

So you usually study your opponent in order to reach the second level of understanding.
Yeah. That's what I did with Jastet and the others. You need to ask a lot of questions in order to get information about the person, and the more you do this, the more accurate you will be. Now for the third step...

　He closes his eyes slowly and then opens them. Yes, those are the eyes that make you think he's different. They are a deep black that if you look into them, you can see right through them. There's no magical change. But there is an eeriness that makes everyone feel that way.

Of course, it is easy to read their thoughts and actions when you are them. You recreate them in yourself. If you want to understand the other person, you should just become the other person. ...... is the third step.

　He shakes his head lightly and returns to his normal eyes. This is the only thing that has eased the tension around me.

I've made a promise to the Iliad not to use this area as much as possible.
"As much as possible. Really.
I feel bad about breaking my promise. I feel bad about breaking my promise, but that was just a case of when. ......

　I suppose you are referring to the time of the Scarlet Witch King and the time you were captured by Serraes. I can't blame him too much for that, since it was my fault. But I'm glad he cares.

I'm glad that he cares. I'm glad you understand everything, though.
"It's up to me to decide whether I understand you or not. Don't be so sarcastic, purple.
I don't mean to be sarcastic, you know. I like that kind of attitude. By the way, I was also wondering, how well do you understand the people here?
"To be honest, they're all on the third level of depth. Harkdock and Masetta, who aren't here now, are on the second level.



　I was the first person he had a relationship with when he came into this world. He was lonely, so it was essential for him to know my true intentions. In the first place, until he made a promise to me, he had been doing everything up to the third stage as usual. However, it was quite embarrassing to think that he understood every detail.

Do you mean your brother as well?
"Yes. For your information, I have explained the depth to Marito. He's been listening with curious eyes.
I'm sure. ......
It's not magic, it's a technique of conscious conjecture. You can never completely mimic the knowledge that your opponent has. You can't completely mimic the knowledge your opponent has. Tactics are only as strong as the knowledge you have. If there is knowledge or skill that "I" cannot know, there will naturally be a discrepancy. But I can sense those gaps, so I can deal with them to some extent.

　You say this so casually, but I wonder if you are aware that you are saying something outrageous. To be able to understand that there is a secret that only the other person can know is a great information in itself. It means that no matter what the situation is, you will be on your guard until the end.
　If he hadn't sealed this method, he might have been able to foresee even the Scarlet Witch King's solo suicide attack. When I think about it, I feel guilty.

......
I'm not going to let it get to me. Even if you could read the Scarlet Witch King's thoughts, you couldn't read the Scarlet Witch King's strength. I'm not sure what to do. You can be sure that Serraes will negotiate with Raheit, but you can't question him without proof.
You read people's thoughts without hesitation. ......
You can read most people's thoughts once you understand them, as long as you can see their face. Once you understand someone, it's easy to read their facial expressions and see how they've grown.
I can assure you it's not easy.

　Everyone nodded in agreement with my words. It's easy to read behavior when you understand it, you say, but understanding it is the hard part. Just as I continued to hone my sword, he continued to hone his skills. That's why he can do what he does.

There's another reason why I'm telling you this. "There's another reason why I'm telling you this," he said. "You should think of Lytial's observation skills as being equal to mine. If you think that you can see their abilities and talents just by observing them, then you're up there with them. ...... Well, I'm talking about the part about understanding.
Is that ...... true?
Yeah, that's what I was feeling when I confronted Ritual in Quama. I had a strong intuition that this guy was one of us. It's safe to assume that at least those who have come into contact with Ritual have reached the second level of understanding.

　I've only had one cut with him, Lytal-Zentry. He easily flustered me and created an opening for me to escape. I know he's a dangerous opponent if you include psychological warfare, but ...... he's that dangerous.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. I'm sure you're not the only one who's going to have to deal with this.
That's right. If he was aware of the negotiations with the Blue Demon King, it would be dangerous to immediately enter Serende. There is a possibility that a trap has been set. Litiar has years on him, and he's probably better at understanding than me.

　I wondered if I was as good as him, if I could beat him. But there is no hint of that in his expression.

"Isn't that insurmountable?
"I told you, there are limits to understanding. I said there's a limit to understanding. Then it's not a matter of understanding, it's a matter of deception. In other words, the one with the worst personality wins.
Suddenly you're feeling okay.
You'll remember that later. Besides, this is not a fair game of equals. The cards are different, the people beside you are different. The odds are much better if you want them to be. So lend me your strength. And let me win.

　He looked at us with serious eyes and bowed deeply. It was not unusual for him to ask for something. But I've never seen him plead like this. That's how dangerous Ritual and the others must be to him.

"You don't have to bow to me like that, I'll help you with whatever your friend asks! It's rather creepy!
It's tempting to think there's more to it than that, isn't it?
Isn't that what I've been thinking?
You guys. ....... I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm doing this. ......

　He regretted that he had gone ahead with it alone, without relying on the others. This is why he thinks that they will give up on him like they did on me. ...... Well, I guess I'm starting to understand him better now.

"Don't worry about it. You are more popular than you think. You're more popular than you think, though you're known for your cruelty.
The Iliad: ....... Well, thank you. Now that we have that out of the way, let's get ready to take on Trinh!
That's what I'm talking about!

　I wonder if I can't fix this character of proceeding without explaining things. I wish you would understand the position of those of us who have to tilt our heads every time, not to mention Her Majesty, who has a good head on her shoulders.



　I've been informed that Raheit and Nektokhar are hiding out in Selende.

　I've gotten information that Raheit and Nektokhar are hiding out in Serende. However, considering Ritual's situation, it would be risky to take any chances. One thing to keep in mind is the means by which Serraes and the others escaped to Serende. According to the information I received from Jastet and the others, there is a bastard among their ranks who has a great talent as a spies.

"Even if it works, it'll be a hassle if he escapes and runs towards Torin. First, we must destroy Torin's base in order to completely block his escape route. Now that he knows where we are, the only thing Ritual has to do is to protect the main castle. Even if you were to attack Trinh, he would not be able to respond with all his might. In addition, the strength you have allocated to Trinh's side can be used to estimate the size of the main force that will be waiting for you in Serende.
"That's right Marito. Thank you for saving me the trouble of explaining.
"Explaining is an important task, you know. Sir Ratzel and the others will be very angry if we neglect that.
Marito. You know exactly what I'm talking about.
They're angry?

　He returns to Taze and discusses the future with Marito and the others. I had to explain the progress to Neil Ryates, who I had left at Taze, and it would have been easier to talk about it here, but I accidentally slipped up.

But I accidentally slipped up. I'd like you to get the Nektokhar as soon as possible, wouldn't you?
"You could say that, Neillertes. It's faster than letting him escape in Serendipity and catching him in Trine. If you let him go halfway, the Blue Demon King will be very unhappy.
"That's true. And I'd be crushed as well!
Well, we know for sure that Nektohar is involved. That's progress, right?
Yes, sir! I can't wait to deliver that traitor's head to my king!
Didn't you say you wanted him alive if possible?

　Nektohar is currently conducting some kind of research in Selende. Only a few people know the details, Rahite and Ritual would know. He said that Arcreal is also in a similar position, but that he is too stupid to get any information even if he were to catch him.

I'll take custody of Morari and Jastet in Taze until we invade Serende.
"Thank you. I'm a little nervous about King Zenotta. Make sure they get some exercise so they don't slow down.

　Morari and Jastet, I threw into Duvraioli's belly and escorted them back to Tarz. It took a few minutes for them to find out what I'd done, and they gave me a hell of a glare, but the result was the same, and once their anger subsided, they would do as they'd negotiated. In any case, I'm going to make it so that the two of them have no other choice.

What about the people we're sending to Trinh?
That's the point. I'd like to do some preliminary research first, and I'd like to go with a small group.
Then we should leave Lord Ratzel and Wolfe out of it.
"I see.

　Both of them reacted to this conversation, but Marito stopped them before they could say anything.

The two greatest assets to our friend will be Lord Ratzel and Wolfe. But we must assume that the strength of the man called Arcreal surpasses both of them at present. Then they must strengthen their strength in preparation for the coming time. They have learned the art of fighting, and in the realm of strength, they are as strong as anyone in this country. But the reality is not so simple that it can be determined by simple strength alone.
"That's true, but ......
"You have a short time, but in that time you must be able to stand up to opponents who can match Yugra's swordsmanship. Consider this no time for sentimentality.

　Neither of them seemed to argue. If you're the one with the superior specs, you'll be able to continue to dominate as before, but you know that you won't be able to accomplish anything if a non-standard entity like the Scarlet Witch King appears again.

"Well, I'm not going to do anything rash. I'll call you when I need you, and until then, good luck.
"...... Okay!
Good answer. Is Ilias okay?
...... Yeah, I'll make sure he's strong enough to protect you this time.
Please. The more powerful you get, the more reckless you'll be.
I don't want you to be reckless, though.

　The members to be sent to Trinh will be Ecdysius, Lakra, Mikus, Harkdok, Ao, and two new watchers prepared by Pope Eupharo.

"That's eight people. Isn't that a lot?
"Lakra and the two watchers are to respect the will of the Mejis. For Taze, it's just the mix. The Tarzians only have the Mix, and I'd like to add another if I could.
"Ah, ...... you're right. Can I take Kale with me then?
"I see. I'm sure he'll be able to help with the preliminary research. I'll make the arrangements.

Like Ilias and the others, Purple and Duvraeus were also asked to make preparations for the main battle of Serende. They all agreed that the gold should go back to Garnets for good.

"Aren't you treating your mistress badly?
"How many complaints have you received from Mr. Ludfeuin?

　I'll tell you what.

　The capture of Morari and Jastet is not a good thing. They don't have all of our information, but they know most of our bases because they are Ritual's men. However, it is difficult to say whether he can retake them. The bastards, who are highly capable as individuals, are strong in local battles, but they are not well adapted to large-scale group battles where numbers are the key to victory or defeat. But despite such concerns, Nektohar doesn't seem to be too concerned about it.



"Those two are being trained by Ritual. You're not worried about them leaking information, are you?
Well, they won't be able to confess through conventional torture or magic. But there is a concern.
"Yuggra's people. You speak very highly of them, but they are in a serious condition, aren't they?
Yes, but ...... you've done a very good job with this one. I'm sure it's not just the Wise King of the Targs.

　Among the enemies, there was also information of Exoik and the Purple Demon King's men. It's obvious that the man's forces are working with him. That's why I'm worried. As I pondered how to express this, Ritual appeared.

"Rahite, Cellaes and the others are finished moving. Do you have a plan?
"Are you Ritual? No, I'm just wondering if the people of Yggra are moving or not.
I see. According to Ceraes, he's unconscious and won't live much longer. If they can't be cured by magic, then I'm afraid we can't intervene.
There is no magic cure. ...... Hmm. But that doesn't mean it's not possible. If you're in league with the Demon Lord, you might be able to get the help of my Blue Demon Lord in some way.
"Nektohar, may I ask you a few details about that?

　Nektohar explains the power of the Blue Demon King. The power of prosperity, after all, the Demon Lord is a very unique being. But if what he says is true, it means that there is a chance that the man will recover. The expression on Ritual's face has changed from his usual mild mannered one to his true face. I don't like this Ritual. I feel as if I'm standing beside the people of the planet Yugra.

I didn't mean to keep it a secret, but I had no intention of getting involved with the Blue Demon King.
I suppose I should be reminded that I didn't ask for this information until now. It's very likely that they will rely on the Blue Demon King, based on the information Rahite gave me about the Purple Demon King. They have a white subhuman bastard as a bargaining chip.
"...... I see. That might tug at the heartstrings of the Blue Demon King.
If they were able to quickly get the Blue Demon King's cooperation, it's safe to assume that the people of Yuggra's planet have already been revived. If that happens, it will only be a matter of time before information leaks out from Morari and Jastet.

　As a bastard, Lytiar has excellent observation skills. With a glance at a person, he can instantly determine what kind of talent that person has and how good it is. The resurrection of the people of Yugra, whom Ritual has no choice but to be wary of, is nothing short of bad news.

"Ritual, do you think it's impossible even for the people you trained?
"That man is as good as me. And that I can get information out of Morali and the others. The fact that he is so skilled at understanding people at such a young age is nothing short of a threat.
So you think they'll show up here in Serende?
"...... I'd say 50/50. I'm sure the people of the planet Juglar have the same opinion of me. If they're going to be thorough and safe, they might as well set up their base in Torin first.

　Oh, so he's trying to cut off our path of retreat. That certainly sounds like something that guy would think. But we can't say that he won't make us think that and then attack us first.

Should we split up the defense?
"I think we'll have to send our main force to Serende. Even if he does attack Trinh, it's more likely that the rest of the world will go after Selende.
"So it's the Yggra cult trying to get Cellaes back. If that's the case, should we leave Arkreal on our side?
I think that would be best. I'll go to Thorin. I'll go to Trinh. If I go there, I'll be able to fight reasonably well with my current strength.
But, Mr. Littoral. If that man shows up, won't you be the one at a disadvantage to Trinh?
"That's hard to say. But I'm sure he won't throw everything he's got at us. If he does, there's a chance that we'll throw our main force at him. I'm sure he doesn't want an all-out battle in Trine when he's trying to find out what we've got before he invades Serende.

　Lytiar didn't doubt his words for a second. He said this with the certainty that the people of Yugra would always act in this manner. After all, this man must also be a tricky person.

What are the odds?
"I think he knows me well enough. Then it will be a game of deception, and the one with the worse character will win.
...... I think it's a bit of a toss-up between the two.
Trine has Solide. I'll be able to handle him.

　Oh, by the way, Trine has Solide. A bastard found by Lytal as well as Arreal. A lazy man who is favored by Nektokhar but doesn't agree with his goals and is enjoying his days of corruption in Trinh's base.

"How can you be with that type? I don't.
"Well, Solide never gets bored. I don't want to be with him all the time, either.



　Although he has no direct combat power, Solide's fearsomeness is unparalleled among the bastards. Even the good-natured Arcreal tries to keep his distance. In that sense, he may put up a good fight, but it's going to be more horrible than ...... bloodshed.