Book 5: Volume 1 Chapter S2, A Victory Dedicated to the Lord (Part 2)

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

Some time after the battle commenced, something shifted.

 

The mid level monsters, previously abundant, suddenly decreased dramatically.

 

“What happened?” As she wielded the sword bestowed upon her by Lord Kousuke, Sol wondered inwardly.

 

Naturally, she did not reveal these thoughts openly, as it would affect her subordinates’ morale.

 

However, Daelle, fighting nearby, seemed to share her concern, as her expression subtly indicated it.

 

Even more obvious were the goblins they had brought along for training purposes. They were clearly beginning to lose focus facing these weakened opponents.

 

Perhaps recognizing this, Daelle started reprimanding them.

 

Even against low level monsters, the goblins were not maintaining high vigilance.

 

As Sol was issuing orders to the goblins, who would grow careless if she relaxed her attention even slightly, a fox approached her.

 

Sol’s subordinates quickly surrounded her protectively but soon relaxed their stance.

 

They must have recognized the fox as one of Lord Kousuke’s dependents.

 

Satisfied with their reaction, Sol addressed the fox.

 

“Lord Silver Fox, is something the matter?” The fox, with its beautiful silver fur, was the same fox who, alongside her, had been receiving orders directly from Lord Kousuke.

 

The fox approached and released a bark.

 

Then, a silver fox in Human Form stood before her.

 

Though its appearance had changed, she could discern from its scent and aura that this was the same being.

 

She could not determine where it came from, but it wore some manner of cloth covering.

 

The fox continued approaching and spoke. “Has the situation changed on this flank as well?”

 

With that single statement, she understood why Silver Fox had come. They must have come to verify the sudden decrease in mid level monsters.

 

“Yes. The number of mid level monsters has clearly dropped.”

 

“I thought as much.”

 

Silver Fox nodded slightly in response to her answer.

 

“Is it the same on your side?”

 

“Yes. My companions reported observing the mid level monsters retreating.”

 

Those words made her eyes widen.

 

She had confirmed mid level monster numbers had decreased, but she had not witnessed them retreating.

 

If that was accurate, it suggested their numbers had not simply decreased but that they had received some form of order.

 

From her understanding, that might indeed be the case, though it was also possible they were simply withdrawn before engaging in another round of combat.

 

“I wasn’t able to confirm it myself, but…I see. If that’s the case, there’s a possibility they might be attempting something.”

 

“Indeed. We need to exercise caution.”

 

“I understand. Thank you for the warning.”

 

“No, it’s fine. We’re comrades, after all.”

 

Sol smiled at Silver Fox’s words.

 

They normally had no contact, but perhaps it was fate that they would meet like this as Lord Kousuke’s servants.

 

“I see.”

 

Silver Fox nodded slightly in response to her brief reply.

 

With that, Silver Fox swiftly transformed back into Fox Form and ran back toward the other foxes.

 

The cloth they had worn disappeared along the way. Perhaps, it was some form of Magic.

 

She did not know the specifics, and she lacked opportunity to ask.

 

After seeing Silver Fox off, she heeded the helpful advice and resumed issuing orders to those around her.

 

It seemed the unevolved goblins inevitably lowered their guard unless facing formidable enemies.

 

She continued issuing orders, knowing that if circumstances remained unchanged, something sudden might catch them unprepared.

 

Ultimately, Silver Fox’s warnings proved unnecessary, and the day’s battle concluded within half a day.

 

There were no traps or ambushes they’d been vigilant against, and in the end, they simply defeated surrounding monsters with assistance from monsters sent by Lord Kousuke and secured control of the floor.

 

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After instructing Dotto and Daelle to escort their companions back to their usual floors, she proceeded to the Management Floor where Lord Kousuke had summoned her.

 

At Lord Kousuke’s request, she reported casualty numbers from the battle.

 

However, upon seeing Lord Kousuke’s expression darken upon hearing the figures, she spoke without thinking.

 

“Please don’t concern yourself with the casualties. They entered battle understanding what might occur.”

 

Hearing her words, Lord Kousuke offered a wry smile and said, “Yes, I guess that’s true.”

 

But Sol could perceive that his smile was forced.

 

The expressions on the faces of the other women surrounding Lord Kousuke made this unmistakable.

 

Only then did she truly comprehend how deeply Lord Kousuke detested the notion of his subordinates being sacrificed.

 

To her, she simply viewed this as a valuable opportunity to encourage goblin growth and considered some sacrifices natural, but Lord Kousuke clearly disagreed with this.

 

Afterward, Lord Kousuke did not mention casualties particularly and instead continued discussing the next battle.

 

She felt grateful to Lord Kousuke for providing another opportunity, but she made a private resolution to limit casualties this time without being excessive about it.

 

Returning to the floor she was responsible for managing, she received more detailed reports from Dotto and Daelle.

 

Ultimately, casualties were fewer than originally anticipated, and even more encouragingly, the number of goblins evolving exceeded expectations.

 

Dotto and Daelle were pleased, but having witnessed Lord Kousuke’s expression personally, she could no longer describe her feelings as purely joyful.

 

Perhaps noticing her mood shift, Dotto and Daelle gave her questioning glances.

 

“…We’re pleased that so many evolved, but Lord Kousuke was even more troubled by the casualty count being high.”

 

They appeared quite surprised by her words and remained speechless for a moment.

 

“That’s…”

 

“Even though only goblins were the ones that suffered casualties…?”

 

The two finally spoke, and she nodded in response.

 

“Yes.”

 

“That’s… how kind of him… no… maybe it is excessively idealistic… Ah,  sorry for that slip of tongue.”

 

Sol glared at him, and Dotto immediately bowed his head apologetically.

 

To them, Lord Kousuke represented, somewhat dramatically stated, an absolute presence. Unless absolutely necessary, they would never contradict his Will.

 

Naturally, this battle proceeded under Lord Kousuke’s orders.

 

Of course, Lord Kousuke had stated he did not want casualties, so they were simply adhering to his instructions.

 

“…Regardless, he has issued his next order. This time, we must absolutely minimize the casualties.”

 

“Next time? There’s another battle?”

 

Daelle’s expression turned to that of great interest as Sol spoke.

 

“Yes. The next one will occur in two days. This time, we must minimize casualties, as he Wills it to be.”

 

Today, they had aimed to facilitate goblin evolution and had fought more aggressively.

 

Next time, rather than prioritizing that, they would aim to fight in ways that minimized casualties.

 

“That… sounds challenging.”

 

Inwardly, she agreed with Daelle.

 

Fighting efficiently while accepting some casualties was an instinct inherited from her goblin days.

 

Fighting without that approach would prove difficult.

 

“…Maybe. But these are his orders. We must overcome this challenge.”

 

Dotto and Daelle both nodded vigorously as she spoke.

 

Ultimately, they succeeded in reducing casualties during the subsequent battle.

 

Still, their casualty numbers remained higher compared to the foxes and wolves.

 

Learning these results, she felt even more determined to continue improving.

 

Perhaps thanks to that commitment, several days later, Lord Kousuke informed her that she had evolved into a new species: <Ogre Princess>.