Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody

This is not from Satou’s perspective.

Typo corrected on 1/13.

“Lirio! We found survivors! Go call the laborers!”

“Okay!”

Despite her tired body, Lirio whipped herself into action and ran off.

Without seeing her off, I hurriedly began casting the next spell.

“Ms. Zena, you’ve been using too much magic. Please take a short break.”

Iona’s kind concern was appreciated, but I shook my head to refuse.

Right now, informing those buried alive that help is coming takes priority.

After so many chants, my jaw even started hurting. I had to be careful not to mess up the incantation for the “Whispering Wind” spell.

“Iona, the rescue on that side seems to be going smoothly, so I left it to them.”

“When Ms. Zena’s magic activates, I will be the one to speak to the people in need of rescue. Is that alright?”

“Yes, yes. That’s fine.”

Luu’s voice became rough and low from shouting so much, sounding like a man’s, but she gladly accepted. Luu is like a dependable older sister, and people waiting for help feel reassured by her presence.

After confirming the spell activation, I entrusted things to Luu and shifted into meditation. To use the magic to find the next survivor, I needed to recover some magical power.

I heard the sound of horses’ hooves. Iona, who was standing guard nearby, told me while I was meditating and couldn’t open my eyes, “The next Count has arrived.”

I wished I could recover more magic, but continuing to meditate in front of a high noble would be extremely rude, so I gave up and stood up.

“So you are Lord Marienthal. I have heard of your deeds.”

“Ah, I am honored.”

Did the next Count really come all the way to a mere soldier to pay respects?

“I heard your younger brother will inherit the family estate. If you are interested, I will make you one of my retainers. At first, only an honorary noble title will be granted, but depending on your work, I promise to elevate you to hereditary noble status.”

“That is an offer beyond my station, but I have already sworn loyalty to Count Seryu. Please forgive me.”

Such an extraordinary invitation, yet as a member of the Marienthal family who have served the Count of Seryu for generations, I have no intention of serving another house.

The young next Count looked displeased, his expression showing anger as if he hadn’t expected to be refused. Still, he wisely held back from showing his feelings openly.

“I see. If you change your mind, come to me anytime. Your place will always be waiting.”

With that, he took his accompanying knights and departed.

“Zena, are you sure that was okay? Next year, when your younger brother inherits the estate, your status will drop to that of a quasi-noble, right?”

“It doesn’t matter. While I’m in the military, nobles and commoners are treated the same.”

“That’s right~ Zena-chan has that boy waiting for her, after all.”

Oh, Lirio!

Satou-san has nothing to do with this — well, maybe just a little.

“Besides, we don’t even know if he will inherit the Count title.”

“Is that so?”

“The damage was too severe, and they even had to enlist the hero of the Saga Empire to help defeat the demon race.”

“I see. Not only a failure, but no credit gained. On top of that, reckless field battles caused many capable people to die, so the young lord’s reputation has hit rock bottom.”

“Hey, Luu.”

That’s a bit too blunt, isn’t it? What if someone from the Lesseu Count’s family heard that!

◇

It has already been ten days since the battle against the demon race ended.

Of the Labyrinth City Seryu’s selected squad, half the knights who fought on the front lines died in battle. Our squad and Norina’s team are miraculously unscathed, but the Rodril magic squad and the mixed unit are nearly annihilated.

The day after the battle with the demon race, Captain Delio, who lost an arm, and one knight commander returned to Seryu City to report to the Count.

A carrier pigeon was used to send the report simultaneously, so a reply from Seryu City should arrive soon. If no reply is received, we plan to return to Seryu City after confirming survivors and casualties of the selected squad.