Chapter 100

The peace treaty signing ceremony with Rosaria was scheduled to take place the following week on a plain in the center of Aresta, one of the front-line cities of the Demon King's army, in front of the royal capital, Lezas.

Both armies were allowed up to 1,000 attendants.

Of course, the attendants could be civil servants, but it was customary for them to be mainly military officers, i.e., soldiers.

Lilith, the succubus, said cheerfully,

"Our army is just about 1,000 strong, so it's like a ship coming just when we need it."

"Yeah, that's true."

It would be a bit embarrassing to borrow soldiers from other units just because we were short of numbers.

"Thanks to Lady Aneome's elf unit joining us, our army has just exceeded 1,000."

Looking at the humans, dwarves, and elves preparing for battle, I sighed thoughtfully.

"When I was first given command of the brigade, it was only about 300 strong."

"Considering that, it has certainly become lively," Lilith remarked.

Indeed.

I nodded in agreement but then noticed something.

I spotted a girl who, despite being a 'brigade commander,' was slacking off and not preparing for battle.

Of course, that girl was Lilith, the succubus standing in front of me. When I glared at her, she stuck out her tongue and said, "Hehe," before returning to her unit.

"Truly, she is a problem," Jiron, the orc, commented. Jiron was wearing a shiny silk robe, presumably brand new.

He said, "We can't let the humans look down on us."

It might be a bit petty or vain, but I couldn't blame him.

Indeed, our army lacks uniformity.

The demons, of course, but also humans, elves, and dwarves, all have different armaments.

Some demons don't even wear armor, while humans and dwarves have chainmail and plate armor, lacking uniformity. Some elves only have clothes and bows.

"They're like a militia or volunteer army."

On the other hand, Rosaria's army is likely fully equipped with heavy armor, swords, and spears forged by master craftsmen.

In terms of appearance, we are overwhelmingly inferior.

However, I have no intention of losing in terms of strength.

With that thought, I was about to give the order to advance.

—But I stopped halfway.

Jiron had pulled on the hem of my clothes.

Wondering what he wanted, I looked down from my horse, and saw Sati running over.

In her hands, of course, were flint stones.

She was probably here to perform a good luck ritual before the battle.

Sati, out of breath, said, "Please wait a moment," and struck the flint stones together, *click click*.

I replied, "Thank you," as usual.

This had become a pre-battle ritual, but I didn't mind it.

I don't know if this would help us win the battle or, in this case, achieve peace, but at least this ritual had never led to a bad outcome.

Thinking this, I sent a grateful thought to Sati as she turned away.

She must have sensed it, for she turned back and bowed, *peko*.

After confirming that she was out of sight, I turned to the royal capital and said,

"Forward, march!"

And—

The 1,000 heroes shouted, "Oh!" and began their march.

It would take a week to travel from Ivalice to Aresta, and another week to reach the plain in the middle of the royal capital.

If we could form a cavalry unit like the humans, the journey would be shorter, but an army must calculate its marching speed based on the slowest member.

The Demon King's army has many creatures that cannot ride horses, so naturally, the marching speed was slow.

For example, the giant tree race, though large and with a wide stride, moves slower than humans.

These races are not suited for mobile warfare and are sometimes not brought to battle, but this time, we decided to bring all the slow-moving creatures, including the giant tree race, giant race, trolls, and skeletons.

Jiron, who usually emphasizes mobility, was surprised.

"Quite unusual for a man who always says that mobility is the life of battle."

But there is a good reason for this.

I explained to Jiron clearly.

"The reason is simple. This is not a rescue mission or a surprise attack. We have time. Any slow-moving creature will do."

In fact, slow-moving creatures might have a more intimidating effect on the enemy.

If the enemy fears the Demon King's army and does not interfere with the peace treaty signing, it will have served its purpose.

I would much rather avoid a surprise attack during the signing.

—Of course, if the mastermind behind the enemy, Rosaria Kingdom's Chancellor Eichs Uwberk, intends to disrupt the peace, no amount of intimidation will matter.

However, even in the worst-case scenario, leaving behind any combat-capable creatures would be unwise.

We must be prepared for a full-scale battle.

After all, the plain where the signing will take place is close to the royal capital.

For the demons, it feels far, but for the humans, who have a large number of knights, it is within easy reach.

Horses are ideal for efficiently transporting people and goods.

Knights, who can ride and control these horses, are a formidable presence.

In this sense, Chancellor Eichs Uwberk of the kingdom might be quite clever. He has thoroughly investigated the Demon King's army's weaknesses and persuaded the king to hold the signing ceremony in a location advantageous to them.

For the Demon King's army, there is no reason to refuse a location in the middle of the Demon King's territory and human territory.

"If the enemy launches a surprise attack, they can reach the capital in three days."

I calculated this in my head and muttered.

On the other hand, if Sefiro comes to our aid, it will take at least a week.

"Actually, it might take longer."

Optimistic estimates could lead to disastrous results.

"Perhaps we should assume it will take two weeks."

As I said this, Lilith, the succubus, approached me.

"Excuse me, a simple question, but does Lord Ike want this peace treaty to succeed or fail?"

"Of course, I want it to succeed."

"Then why are you so worried? Why not just go to the designated plain and sign the treaty?"

"If it were that easy, it wouldn't be a problem."

My memories from my previous life make me always prepare for the worst.

Of course, I intend to ensure the success of this peace treaty, but I must consider all possibilities: the enemy might interfere, or the King of Rosaria might never have intended peace from the beginning.

I believe this is the minimum duty of a commander responsible for many soldiers.

However, it seems that Lilith doesn't quite understand my feelings.

"It's okay. Even if the treaty fails or we are surrounded by 10,000 soldiers, Lord Ike will be fine."

Looking at the carefree Lilith, I sighed and asked,

"And what about your heart?"

Lilith smiled, showing her white fangs, and said firmly,

"The reason is simple: Lord Ike is the strongest magician in the Demon King's army!"

Her confident and flattering words were so reassuring that I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence.

However, while I appreciated her smile, her overly optimistic nature needed to be corrected.

I am now the commander of the Demon King's army.

Lilith is my deputy and brigade commander.

One day, she will have to lead an army on her own.

While her optimistic nature often helps me mentally, it is concerning when viewed from the perspective of a commander.

"...If I were to put these feelings into words, they would probably be called parental or maternal concern."

I muttered this to myself, making sure she couldn't hear, and returned my gaze to the front.

The plain stretched out ahead.

I couldn't see Rosaria's camp yet, but I wondered what the King of Rosaria was thinking as he waited.

At least, he probably doesn't have a carefree girl like Lilith among his advisors.

Whether this is a blessing or a curse, I don't know, but at least he must be bored.

Thinking this, I led the army toward the negotiation site.

At this marching speed, we should reach the designated location in a few days.

"Whether we will sign a peace treaty or engage in a bloody conflict, something will surely begin from there."

I gazed into the horizon—into the future—and whispered this to myself.