Chapter 84: “The Rubble of La Colline”
“I’m grateful that you’ve come. Please, have a seat.”
After introducing himself at the lord’s mansion, the commander was brought to a reception room. While he had at least removed his helmet, he was offered a sofa while he still wore his armor. He wasn’t even asked to hand over his sword. This would normally be a severe breach of protocol.
“Please leave us. If I need anything, I shall ring the bell. Otherwise, no one is to come near this room.”
The lord cleared the room, then had a knight stand guard outside the door. He may have been the army commander, but it was unheard of for a noble to speak alone with a military man who had no noble blood.
“You’ve seen them, haven’t you, commander? Those insects hovering in the eastern skies. Do you believe they have something to do with the catastrophe? Ah, there’s no need to be on guard with me. I’ve heard the news from the capital about its birth.”
The commander let out a sigh of relief. It would have been difficult to discuss the handling of those monsters without being able to touch on the topic of the catastrophe. Based on the prime minister’s response, he may have to abandon this city in order to focus on defeating the catastrophe first. He didn’t know whether the lord would agree with that decision, but being able to share information freely was a huge boon.
“If they are unrelated to the catastrophe, then your forces will have to prioritize the catastrophe over my city. Am I wrong?”
“…I can’t say anything for certain yet. At present, I have relayed the situation here at La Colline to the prime minister, and now I am waiting for his orders.”
“I see… Regardless, I am thankful. Given your position, I’m sure you would like nothing more than to pass right through here and get to Erfahren even one second faster.”