Published: August 15, 2025
Today, three chapters are posted simultaneously.
This story is the second chapter.
The news arrived the next morning.
“A break?”
“Yes. Arrests in the city and the suppression of enemy bases have progressed, and since last night, no new fires or attacks have occurred. At this point, the problem lies more with some of the residents than with the enemy.”
“Ah, I’ve heard a bit about that. They say some have turned into rioters, right?”
Lilian, the maid who came to report, explained the situation in the city.
“They claim they are vigilante groups who took up arms for the sake of the city and their families... but in reality, what they’re doing is just brutally beating those they consider ‘enemies’ using their numbers and momentum. There are even those who loot food and valuables from shops and houses in the city—almost like opportunistic thieves during a fire.”
“Injuries related to that are increasing at the hospital too. Adventurers who were helping with evacuation and firefighting got attacked because they were suspected of siding with the assailants... The possibility of riots was expected, but what’s the cause behind this?”
“We haven’t gotten around to interrogating those arrested yet. However, it’s highly likely that some of the detainees, especially those who took the lead in fighting, were affected by suggestion magic. It’s almost certain there’s someone behind the scenes inciting the mobs and providing supplies.”
“So, it’s definitely man-made…”
Ryoma sighed with a weary expression, simultaneously understanding the situation.
“They left us a troublesome legacy... Can we consider the main enemy almost wiped out?”
“That would be a reasonable assumption. Although there’s a high possibility that remnants are still hiding, so caution is necessary. The higher-ups also want to ask Lord Ryoma for cooperation in ‘aftermath processing’ rather than dealing with the current problems. Tasks like clearing the burned-down houses and setting up temporary housing for evacuees.
For that reason, please take a good rest now.”
Ryoma realized this was why he had been summoned to a quiet warehouse with no one around.
However, Lilian probably sensed his reluctance. She looked him in the eye with firm determination and continued.
“Relying too much on individual strength is questionable, but there are many places that would benefit from your and the slimes’ power. To ensure you can demonstrate your full strength when needed, please rest now.
Since the night before last, you’ve barely rested or slept due to firefighting and treatment, right? And continuous use of Mana Recovery Medicine as well. Although there’s no immediate problem, it’s not good for your body. Whether in battle or healing, the principle for mages is to recover mana through rest.”
“I understand. In that case, I’ll take a rest.”
“Eh?”
When Ryoma agreed to take a break so easily, she looked somewhat taken aback.
“What’s wrong? You look surprised.”
“No, it’s just unexpected. I thought you’d resist more.”
“How much of a workaholic do you think I am among everyone?”
“As for Lord Ryoma’s abilities and personality, that’s another matter, but regarding ‘taking a break,’ trust is low.”
“The aftermath will be a long process. When I have a chance to rest, I do intend to rest properly.”
“In that case, before your mind changes, I’ll prepare your room.”
“Ah, then I’ll go back to the abandoned mine shaft house once. I can rest more comfortably at home anyway, and it’s not like anyone is using a room or manpower just for me.”
“Rest is not a waste. Also, remnants will still be around. Considering what happened with Lord Eudam, and knowing you’re strong, it’s still dangerous for you to be alone outside the city.”
Ryoma smiled and began to persuade the unwilling Lilian.
“It’s okay. Traffic restrictions in and out of the city are tight, and I’ll teleport directly using spatial magic. Even if the remnants come, slimes are deployed at the mine shaft for defense, and the monitoring network set up ahead will catch them. If enemies break into my home, I can escape back to the city with spatial magic.”