Mackerin Bardner fulfills his mission
"Report! A giant earth dragon-like monster has appeared in the northwest of the Forest of Seals! Its estimated size is about thirty meters in height and forty meters in length! Its height far exceeds the barriers of Graniph Fortress!"
"Report! The temporarily named 'Evil Dragon' is gouging the ground and seems to be devouring the earth with single-minded ferocity. Its purpose is unknown!"
"Report! The Evil Dragon appears to be heading straight toward Graniph Fortress! It is making its way toward the fortress, disregarding obstacles like the trees of the forest!"
"Report! The appearance of the Evil Dragon has caused the monsters in the Forest of Seals to become active. They are now flocking toward Graniph Fortress in a stream, seemingly fleeing from the Evil Dragon!"
The knights delivering these urgent reports to the command room spoke rapidly, out of breath.
As I offered words of encouragement to the exhausted knights, my mind raced with concern.
The entire upheaval began with a thunderous roar that echoed through the Forest of Seals.
...There had been a sense of foreboding.
However, I never imagined it would escalate to this extent... my predictions were too lenient.
"Are the princess and the guests safe...?"
Damn it... I should have opposed the princess’s decision to head into the depths of the forest yesterday.
Though it’s too late now, I can’t shake my regret.
But there is much to be done.
Above all, I am here to protect Graniph Fortress and the surrounding towns and cities from the monsters of the Forest of Seals, as decreed by His Majesty the Emperor.
...It is difficult not being able to act freely, as I would rush to the princess’s side immediately if I could.
The princess... she can be a tomboy, but she is also a delicate and kind-hearted person.
Some at Graniph Fortress still mistakenly believe she is a rough and reckless individual. However, the real princess possesses a gentle and considerate side as well.
I am not overly concerned about her combat abilities, but my concern for her safety remains.
The knights assigned to protect the princess are elite warriors from Graniph Fortress.
...For now, all I can do is trust them.
Princess... please stay safe.
"...Cafell, how are we managing the monsters pouring into the fortress? Can we handle them?"
Forcing myself to shake off my doubts, I directed a question to one of the knights assisting with command at Graniph Fortress, Cafell, who is my right-hand man.
I trust that the knights stationed at Graniph Fortress can hold their ground, but I need details.
"Yes, so far there have been no major issues. Although there was some confusion initially, our knights at Graniph Fortress are well-trained through rigorous daily drills. Additionally, the monsters attacking us now are mostly from the surface layer of the Forest of Seals. As of now, I believe there are no problems with the fortress’s defense."
"Well... How about the messenger to the nearest town, Zammur? Have they arrived safely?"
"Yes, we have already received a report that the messenger arrived safely. I expect that the evacuation of the townspeople has begun by now."
"…Then the remaining issues are the movements of the powerful deep-layer monsters and… the Evil Dragon."
"…Yes. The deep-layer monsters are incredibly powerful. We are holding them off for now, but... it is expected to become a severe battle from here on. There may be instances where we fail to eliminate them. And the Evil Dragon..."
I never imagined it would really exist.
I did not expect the Evil Dragon to be such a gigantic earth dragon-like creature. Its size is so immense that it seems incomparable to even Graniph Fortress.
"…The reason is unclear, but the Evil Dragon is heading toward Graniph Fortress. Fortunately, its progress is slow, but… it is clear that it will eventually reach the fortress."
Cafell, who is usually calm and composed, twisted his serious expression.
It must be a crisis of that magnitude.
I feel the same way.
It seems that ordinary strength will not be effective against that Evil Dragon.
I became certain of this after witnessing it through the long-range telescope from the fortress’s observation tower.
Fighting that creature with just the strength of Graniph Fortress seems... rather disadvantageous.
"…But if this fortress falls, a massive number of monsters will surge into the nearby towns and cities. Including the Evil Dragon. It is unimaginable how much damage it would cause."
"……"
"We have no choice but to stop them here. The deep-layer monsters... and that earth-devouring Evil Dragon."
A quiet moment passes.
In the command room of Graniph Fortress, several knights, including Cafell, were present, but no one spoke.
It is only natural.
Everyone is probably thinking in the back of their minds.
That we are likely to die here.
I am prepared.
For the people of the Empire, for His Majesty the Emperor, we are already ready to face death.
The struggle with monsters is always a matter of life and death.
Graniph Fortress, which monitors the Forest of Seals teeming with powerful monsters, has seen many casualties each year.
Each time, the knights drink toasts and offer prayers to their fallen comrades.
Death is close at hand.
However, I understand the hesitation when faced with such a crisis. It's only natural for the young and those with a future.
That’s why, as the commander here, entrusted with the fortress, I must encourage them.
No matter how cruel and heartless it may be...
"Everyone, listen to me."
"………"
"———We are likely to die here."
"What!?","Is that!?"
The knights become suddenly agitated.
But I cut through their dismay.
"However, I do not intend to die easily. I will not accept death without a fight."
"………"
"How formidable the Evil Dragon is remains unknown. But... remember this. Behind us are those we must protect. We have the power to save them. ———Knights."
"………"
"———Give me your lives. Let us defeat the enemy threatening the Empire together. Do not fear. You have the 'Stormcrest Knight' by your side. We are the sword and shield of the Empire. Protecting the Empire is our mission, one we have imposed upon ourselves..."
"Yes!","Lord Bardner..."
"Now, rise, knights! From here on, it is an all-out battle!"
As I look at the resolute gazes of the knights, I think.
We are prepared to become the foundation of the Empire.
Even so... Princess, please, just please...
Do not come to this fortress to offer help.
Kind-hearted princess.
Please, please.
As the roar of the Evil Dragon shakes the fortress, I, accompanied by the knights, head to the front lines of the battle against the monsters, thinking such thoughts.