I Became the Burden of a Conscienceless Party

123 – Victory Conditions (6)

Victory Conditions (6)

It is truly a painful experience to deal with a wizard with full potential.

Didn’t Esmeralda actually experience how powerful that ripple effect was?

Even in the fight against Legion Commander Twelve right now, if it weren’t for the support of Millia and Irina from the rear, I wouldn’t have been able to stand a chance.

And at the same time, if Twelve had a strong vanguard, the warrior party would not have stood a chance.

In such a situation, you have to deal with a combination of two legion commanders.

If it is something that cannot be avoided and must happen at some point anyway.

‘The victory conditions here are… … .’

None other than Felheim Senova.

It depends on the old man who has guarded this fortress city for nearly 50 years.

“Sir Felheim Senova. May I speak with you for a moment?”

“Aha, you are the hero. Welcome. I was just getting off the car.”

Frankly, Esmeralda didn’t want to talk to Felheim Senova for too long. That was because she had blatantly harassed her party, and when Esmeralda pointed that out, she quickly backed away.

The important thing here is not that he touched the party, but that he walked away.

She, who had tried to throw off the burden to the point of staging a play, backed down too easily.

I can’t guess the reason.

Of course, Irina was involved in the incident, but Esmeralda was unable to figure it out.

‘But she’s a saint, so there’s no way she would threaten her family.’

Esmeralda, who had recently regained some of her impression of Irina, could not even imagine that Irina would do such a thing.

“I guess you can guess why I came here?”

“I guess it’s about Legion Commander Six. Unlike other Legion Commanders, he doesn’t fight alone but rather uses his troops, so we’ll have to cooperate with him.”

“It’s good that you understand quickly.”

This battle must be fought with an army, not a party of warriors.

Because the opponent is not using the special attacks unique to the Demon Race, but rather tactics that humans would use.

“I know what you’re worried about. I guess I’m just not good enough.”

“… … .”

Yes, Esmeralda cannot trust Felheim Senova.

Who knows, maybe they’ll try to talk behind my back again this time.

“But, you don’t have to worry. I just want to protect this place. So I can’t mess with the warrior party at a time like this. Even if I’m selfish, I don’t intend to be an incompetent commander.”

“… … Well then, that’s fortunate.”

Esmeralda used the Emerald Tablet to glimpse Felheim Senova’s inner thoughts, but she showed no sign of lying.

Well, if there wasn’t that level of distinction, there’s no way they would be on the front lines.

Because there will be many places that are safer and easier to major in.

At least Felheim Senova’s pride in protecting the front lines of humanity is real.

“Then shall we discuss what to do going forward?”

Esmeralda spoke to Felheim Senova in a slightly more relaxed manner.

What is the current situation on the front lines, and what information do we have about the enemy?

Esmeralda, who had no knowledge of this area, could not understand most of the story, but they were still able to find common ground.

“Then it would be right for us to move as a separate unit?”

“In fact, it makes no sense to move a force the size of a warrior party together with regular troops. Even if it were possible, how could I take command when there was no time to coordinate with each other?”

It was a rational choice. And at the same time, it was an obvious choice.

Felheim Senova shrugged and outlined the operation.

The important thing is for the warrior party to defeat Legion Commander Six.

For that reason, the fortress city values ​​tying down the opposing forces.

Of course, this was only a rough outline and did not mean the extreme choice of entrusting an entire legion commander to a warrior party.

“The important thing is to hold out. Our troops will have to hold out until the warrior party can approach Six, and after that, if the warrior party somehow disrupts Six’s concentration.”

The fortress city’s troops can crush the demon soldiers.

In other words, if the fortress city holds out against the soldiers and the warrior party holds out by biting the six, victory on the front line is certain.

It meant that it didn’t matter if Six wasn’t taken down.

It’s a burdensome operation for both sides.

Esmeralda looked at Felheim Senova again.

This operation was one in which both sides shared the burden equally, but it required one precondition.

‘Can I trust you?’

It’s trust.

If you’re not careful, a party of warriors who were breaking through enemy lines could end up isolated.

‘No, it’s the same for any operation anyway.’

Without trust, cooperation would be impossible in the first place.

If that’s the case, it would be better not to cooperate and move separately.

And when that happens, both sides may do all sorts of dirty things to take advantage of the other.

“Okay, fine. Let’s do that.”

That is why Esmeralda first accepted Felheim Senova’s proposal.

Of course, she doesn’t completely trust Felheim Senova.

The reason I accepted this plan in the first place was to see how she would react.

Yeah, right now.

“Come to think of it, our informant said that Six might not be the only legion commander attacking this place?”

“What is that… … ?!”

Esmeralda revealed information that she should have revealed long ago, only now that they had reached an agreement.

Felheim Senova was so shocked by that shocking statement that she dropped the teacup she was holding in her hand.

but.

[Note: I already know this.]

You can’t hide your true feelings.

Esmeralda could be certain that Felheim Senova had intentionally hidden information from them.

Something she had suspected from the beginning. A collaboration that had to happen out of necessity when they were not on good terms with each other.

The first thing to check in that situation is… … .

[Note: I plan to ask Legion Commander Six what happened.]

Whether or not the allies have betrayed him.

Esmeralda shrugged, quietly putting down her teacup.

Acting to hide her feelings. However, it was awkward. She couldn’t completely hide her shock. Fortunately, however, Esmeralda was able to hide her expression as if she was surprised by the teacup that Felheim Senova dropped.

“… … Should we talk about this later? We might have to re-plan the operation.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Esmeralda turned around, trying her best to remain calm.

Her expression as she turned around was filled with fear.

***

Esmeralda, who was walking down the hallway after leaving Felheim Senova’s office, suddenly collapsed.

‘what……?’

I thought it couldn’t be true. I thought it couldn’t be true even as I was floating around.

Because through the previous conversation, we were able to confirm that Felheim Senova at least has pride in protecting the fortress city.

That’s why she didn’t think much of it when she spoke about Legion Commander Six. But she hid it.

About the intervention of other legion commanders.

Of course, you can make excuses. Since the opponent did not directly show up on the front lines, you could only say it was a suspicion.

However, Felheim Senova failed to hide the most important part.

‘What’s this.’

Collusion between the commander in charge of humanity’s front line and the commander of the Demon King’s army.

Esmeralda’s heart was filled with indescribable fear as she realized the truth without even being prepared for it.

‘What? What? What? What? What? What the heck is this… … .’

The walls of the fortress city that protected her began to feel like bowstrings pointed at her.

The room that was supposed to be cozy now feels eerie, like you’ve entered the mouth of a monster.

And above all… … .

‘What happened?’

If the fortress city and Legion Commander Six really joined hands.

She was caught in a trap.

And it’s a trap more terrible than ever.

“Hero?”

Esmeralda flinched at the mention of her name.

Now, everything in this space feels like an enemy.

Even though I knew I shouldn’t, I couldn’t help but overreact.

“Are you okay?”

Esmeralda cringed and checked the other person’s face.

Fortunately, he was not a soldier from the fortress city, but a member of a warrior party.

“Mr. Jim… … .”

“Yes, warrior. I will. If you have difficulty walking, should I carry you?”

“… … .”

Esmeralda sighed deeply at Jim’s blatant attitude.

“Is it okay?”

Her fear was slightly alleviated by the sight of Jim, who always looked the same.

“Rather than that, gather the kids together. I have something to tell you.”

“Okay, but where should I call you?”

“To my room.”

“Okay. Then… … .”

Jim nodded and helped Esmeralda up from her slumped position. Fortunately, his actions were polite, unlike his usual behavior.

“Then I will first take you to your room, sir.”

“… … .”

Esmeralda pursed her lips.

Even though he pretended not to know, Jim knew that she had been scared just a moment ago.

‘You are really… … .’

I felt so excited.

Esmeralda leaned her shoulder against Jim’s, trying hard not to notice the relief blossoming inside her.

He is clearly a sinister, stupid, and utterly untrustworthy person.

‘I’m talking about someone I don’t know.’

At least for that moment, it was sturdy enough to lean on.

***

Felheim Senova stood up from her seat immediately after the warrior, Esmeralda, left her office.

Then, he seemed to be wandering around the room for a while, then he placed his hands on the desk in his office and closed his eyes tightly.

“Humans are truly selfish and foolish creatures.”

Felheim Senova, who had been keeping her eyes closed for a while as if she was thinking about something, opened them. The hand that had been resting on the desk was now lifting a small picture frame that had been covered.

“Sometimes I wonder what I have been protecting.”

A family photo adorns her desk. Her son, her daughter-in-law, and her beloved grandchild.

The happy faces of precious families.

They were precious. So much so that he was willing to sacrifice his own pride.

I have fought for them. I have sacrificed my life on the front lines so that they can continue to live happy lives.

So she asked herself.

“What do you think I should do?”

Felheim Senova carefully stroked the frame, drawing the images of those who had recently passed away.