Ch.428Chapter 428 – Under the Flag (3)

While the Count was speaking and Lumen was quietly listening, the Count continued his words.

“While our enemies are slowly trampling our future, it’s difficult to stop them immediately. They are stronger than we thought. Moreover, we don’t know what cards they’re hiding. We can’t predict what tricks they might pull. We cannot know what malice might be concealed.”

[…..]

Seeing that Lumen was quietly listening to his words, the Count continued.

“To defeat them, to eliminate variables, we need as many people as possible, as many powerful individuals as possible to unite. For that purpose….”

[Even if they are demons, you mean to bring them in. That would be your argument.]

His voice had softened somewhat compared to before.

But Lumen continued speaking.

[I understand why they are dangerous. I appreciate learning about aspects I either suspected but was too busy with other matters to consider, or simply didn’t know about.]

“It’s nothing.”

[However, I still feel uneasy about bringing them in.]

Lumen said quietly.

[Even without their power, the elves here are strong enough. If they join us, wouldn’t that be sufficient power to defeat those creatures?]

“If it were the original Albheim, that might be possible.”

Even though he couldn’t actually know for sure, it would be better to give them some credit here.

While saying this, the Count decided to quietly press on a painful point.

“But can you say that today’s Albheim possesses the same combat strength as before?”

[…That would be difficult.]

At Lumen’s honest admission, the Count nodded.

“Indeed, it would be difficult. I’ve heard that many experienced warriors died due to the demon attack. Most of your forces now must be new recruits. …I won’t deny that even new recruits are incredibly strong, considering elves’ physical abilities….”

Still, Albheim’s overall military strength had been greatly reduced.

The Count didn’t mention what he didn’t know, but because various weapons were also destroyed in that battle, the elves’ military power was significantly weaker compared to ten years ago, which was practically like yesterday by their standards.

Seeing Pine slightly bow her head, perhaps because a painful point had been touched, the Count continued speaking.

“…The monsters created by those creatures, the Black Knights, are monsters with powerful strength gained at the cost of their lifespan, created to catch up with elves. According to the testimony of knights who witnessed them, ordinary forces are no match for them. I’m not sure if even elves could easily handle them.”

[They can’t easily create such monsters, though.]

“It seems they need humans. The problem is that they’re creating them by kidnapping and modifying their own citizens or foreigners, and judging by the considerable numbers they had at the time, they likely have facilities capable of mass production.”

The Count spoke quietly.

“As I mentioned earlier, this is just the power that has barely been revealed. Given that they’ve even cloned a hero and there’s evidence they’ve created artificial beings, it wouldn’t be strange if even greater powers emerged.”

“Plus, they’ve been misusing technology to attract monsters, trying to turn Mikea Kingdom’s cemetery and Metis County into wastelands.”

Lumen nodded at Kara’s words.

He knew about one of those incidents because he had witnessed it directly.

Sensing an advantage in the softened tone and slightly more relaxed atmosphere compared to earlier, the Count continued.

“If you remain trapped in past grudges and let them do as they please, this continent that you and your comrades protected will be defiled by the Order’s grasp.”

[…..]

“To prevent more innocent sacrifices, to ensure victory against them. Please make a wise decision.”

He had said everything he had prepared.

Things had gone somewhat well, but what remained was Lumen’s heart.

After thinking for a moment, Lumen soon looked at Pine and said.

[What do you think?]

“I…”

[Daughter of Abies, speak honestly.]

So he wants to hear the elf’s opinion.

While the Count tensed slightly, Pine sighed once.

“I acknowledge the necessity of bringing in demon forces to fight.”

“Is that so.”

“But I can’t simply trust demons who suddenly attacked our Albheim.”

Pine looked at the Count and said.

“Tell me, Count Metis. How are we supposed to trust these demons? How are we supposed to understand and believe in the perpetrators who suddenly attacked us by surprise?”

Even if reason recognizes the necessity, emotions bring forth discontent.

That must be what Pine wanted to express.

Addressing Pine, the Count quietly opened his mouth.

“First, according to our investigation, the demons are currently divided into two factions. One is the coexistence faction, the other is the war faction.”

Raising his hand, the Count spoke quietly.

“Among them, the coexistence faction has already worked alongside Kei’s group, forming a united front. Several people, including our Saint, have testified that communication with them was relatively good. They are individuals with whom dialogue and negotiation are quite possible.”

“…Kei.”

Hearing Pine murmur softly, the Count immediately continued.

“That friend would not fight alongside someone who cannot be trusted. And the places that received their help are now working together with them on reconstruction efforts.”

At least that was the situation when the investigator left Florence and the Kingdom.

They’re probably still maintaining their cooperative system now.

“At least I believe the coexistence faction is worth trusting. In fact, they’re the ones I wanted to bring in.”

“I think it would be foolish to trust them based on just one example.”

Pine said quietly.

The Count nodded.

“We can’t trust them completely.”

“Yes.”

No matter what he said, Pine would likely find it difficult to trust them.

It was an understandable position.

‘How should I persuade her?’

Just as the Count was considering his next move,

Pine spoke again.

“So, I would like to hear that person’s opinion directly.”

“That person?”

“The one who made us decide to fight together.”

Pine looked at the Count and said.

“The White Dragon, Kei.”

As the Count quietly looked at Pine, she continued.

“He is one of Albheim’s benefactors, and he even fought directly against the Demon Lord and repelled him.”

“You’re entrusting the judgment to that friend?”

[Is that alright?]

“Yes.”

Pine continued with a resolute voice.

“If he, who is also a benefactor of the elves, says we can trust the demons. And if he asks us to fight alongside the demons. Albheim will gladly listen to his opinion.”

[You trust him.]

“Although I’m not with them now.”

Pine smiled slightly and said softly.

“I too am their comrade.”

After smiling briefly, Pine looked back at the Count.

“I may not know about demons, but I intend to trust my comrade’s words.”

“I understand.”

The Count nodded.

Pine also nodded and said.

“But your words have merit too. So until I seek my comrade Kei’s opinion, I will propose to the elders that Albheim refrain from discussing the demons’ alliance membership or commenting on them.”

“…Thank you.”

He would have preferred to resolve this before involving Kei.

The Count thought that perhaps his words alone weren’t enough.

‘Will this burden my daughter and son-in-law?’

But he felt he had achieved the minimum goal.

And when Pine extended her hand for a handshake, the Count grasped it.

‘I’ve overcome a major hurdle.’

Thinking that he could now safely bring in powerful demons, the Count felt relieved.

And watching the Count and Pine, Lumen nodded.

[If Pine says so, I will follow that opinion as well.]

“Thank you.”

[Strike while the iron is hot. I’ll seek his judgment.]

With those words, Lumen rose from his seat.

Immediately, Kara asked.

“Where are you going?”

[I plan to fly to where they are now.]

Looking toward the northern part of the continent, Lumen spoke quietly.

[I don’t know why, but I feel uneasy. I feel like something might happen to that friend. I’m worried about his life. Now that the Einherjar’s seal has stabilized, I was about to visit them. I was just about to depart when Metis’s descendant arrived here, so I hadn’t flown off yet.]

“So you’ll be away for a while.”

The Count spoke quietly, but he also thought it had been a close call.

If he had arrived a little later or if Lumen had changed his mind, the future he had seen might not have come to pass.

He had arrived just before Lumen was about to depart, allowing them to have this conversation.

[Metis once said that what the stars see is just one of many futures, never something absolutely determined. He even said that in battle, it becomes too much of a hindrance, so he seals it away and fights.]

As if reading his thoughts, Lumen’s sudden remark startled the Count.

Looking at him with a somewhat satisfied voice, Lumen continued.

[Even one who knows the future can make a surprised face.]

“I apologize for my rudeness.”

[I’m just teasing you. Well then, I should quickly go to them.]

“Excuse me, can you easily fly to where they are?”

At Eina’s question, Lumen nodded.

[Fortunately, it seems the item I gave them before is in their carriage. I can track its location.]

So, Lumen looked at the others and said.

[I’ll check if those you’re worried about are safe, and convey your regards.]

“Please do.”

[Well then, I’ll be off.]

Lumen waved his hand.

Immediately, with the sound of breaking glass, a shattered space appeared in the air.

Activating warp magic, Lumen entered it and raised his hand.

[I’ll look forward to seeing you again under the White Dragon’s banner.]

With those words,

Lumen disappeared through the warp.

+

“He’s gone.”

Looking in the direction where Lumen had disappeared, the Count spoke quietly.

Feeling the cold air dissipate with Lumen’s departure, the Count heaved a deep sigh.

Despite everything, conversing with Lumen had been difficult even for the Count.

“You’re more strong-hearted than I expected, Count.”

“Not at all. Honestly, if Saint Kara hadn’t helped me, I might have had a heart attack.”

Kara, who had been standing behind them during Lumen’s speech, could be seen grinning.

Then Eina quietly asked.

“According to what Lumen said, it sounds like Kei might be in some danger. Will he be alright?”

That was a concern for the Count as well.

If Kei was in danger, it could mean his daughter was in danger too.

Looking at the two who were worried about Kei’s group, Kara and Pine smiled and said.

“He’ll be fine. That guy is surprisingly tough.”

“He’s someone who managed to repel the Demon Lord in the end. I believe he’ll overcome whatever danger approaches.”

The Count smiled slightly at the sight of the two trusting them.

Then, as if remembering something, Pine looked at them and said.

“Since it’s awkward to keep standing, why don’t you all rest a bit before going to the meeting with the elders? It would be good to inform them about what we discussed here, but you should rest first.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

At the Count’s words, Pine smiled and said it was nothing.

“However, I have something I’d like to ask you personally. I’d appreciate an answer.”

“I’ll answer sincerely. What’s your question?”

The Count felt slightly anxious, thinking she might ask something unexpected.

And then, Pine smiled and asked.

“What do human men think about concubines?”

“Ask my son-in-law.”

Immediately understanding the meaning of the question, the Count deflected it to Kei.