“Well then, I’ll be counting on you.”

“Yeah, yeah. Alright, I’m heading out.”

The squad leader saw me off at the back entrance of the Adventurers’ Guild, and I departed.

Looking up at the sky, it was a needless, clear blue.

My armor had high cold resistance, and with the wind, it wasn’t an issue, but it was probably quite chilly…

With those idle thoughts in mind, I gradually increased the altitude of 【Floating Orb】 and set my course outside the city.

When I glanced back at the Adventurers’ Guild, I noticed the staff raising their voices in front of the entrance.

They were likely recruiting adventurers from the city in preparation for the attack.

Back in the meeting room, a question had crossed my mind—why wasn’t the Knight Order taking action?

The answer was… to let the adventurers earn money.

In Mesaria Kingdom, there were no specific regulations on how to deal with monsters.

Of course, if a city were to fall, the local lord would face some form of punishment. However, as long as they could protect their domain with their own forces, the methods used were not questioned.

As for Riana, this time, they were choosing to handle it primarily with adventurers.

If the capital of the domain were to fall, it would mean the very survival of Riana Territory was at stake. However, they had been preparing for such situations, and right now, Riana had plenty of skilled adventurers.

That being said, if the Knight Order were to step in, they would undoubtedly take the lead.

After all, their equipment was different, and they had horses.

Adventurers had come from outside the territory specifically to earn money here, so if the Knight Order swooped in and stole their profitable opportunity, it wouldn’t sit well with them.

Not to mention, the costs of battle potions and post-battle treatment were covered by the lord’s side.

From the lord’s perspective, acquiring a large number of materials from the Magic Land was also advantageous.

The Knight Order’s 2nd Unit was expected to participate as well, but only in small numbers, mainly as support for the adventurers, according to the squad leader.

I wasn’t sure how large this invasion would be, but considering that a horde of monsters from the Magic Land was about to attack, everyone seemed quite relaxed.

Of course, that didn’t mean they were being careless, and I had no intention of letting my guard down either. The Adventurers’ Guild staff were working busily, but it felt different from the time with the Bear incident.

As I continued my journey, reflecting on how much the domain capital had grown, I soon found myself near the lord’s mansion.

“…Oh?”

Just as I was about to pass in front of the mansion, I noticed a light flickering at the edge of my vision.

Turning to look, I saw that Liesel’s room window was open.

…Did they notice my approach and signal me with magic?

If that was the case, I should at least say hello.

◇

“Vice Captain Sera, please come inside.”

As I approached the window, the man who had opened it gestured for me to enter.

However…

“Nah, if I go in, I won’t want to come back out, so I’ll pass. Is Lady Seriana or the Lord inside?”

If he had noticed me flying outside, then Seriana must be here as well.

The Adventurers’ Guild would send a report, but since I was already here, I might as well deliver it directly.

“Understood. Please wait a moment…!? My Lady…”

Just as he turned to call for her, his voice rose in surprise.

Even though the floor was covered in soft carpeting, Seriana had approached without making a single sound.

No wonder he was startled.

“Sera.”

“Hey, Lady Seriana. I’m just heading over to Arios City for a bit.”

“Are you sure you’re okay without resting?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine. I’ll be right back after I hand this over. Then I’ll rest.”

I pulled out an official order from my pouch, and after glancing at it, Seriana nodded and spoke.

“Very well. There’s no need to push yourself… but I suppose you’ll be fine.”

“Yep, yep. Alright then, I’ll be off.”

I waved my hand in farewell and resumed my journey.

Since I was already at the outskirts of the city, there was no need to hold back my speed.

I did say I’d be back soon—might as well fly at full speed!

◇

Less than twenty minutes later, I arrived.

After passing through the checkpoint without issue, I went straight to the magistrate’s office.

Handing over the official order to the magistrate, I now waited for him to finish reading it.

I had been here several times before on similar errands, but usually, I had more time. I’d often pass the time by casting 【Mira’s Blessing】 on the magistrate’s wife, but today, I didn’t have that luxury.

The contents of the order were simple.

A monster attack from the Magic Land was imminent.

Any monsters that slipped past and reached the domain capital needed to be dealt with, and cooperation in defending the city after the battle was requested.

…Or rather, it was a command.

What we needed from this city was manpower.

Potions and other medicinal supplies were plentiful thanks to the dungeon, so the domain capital had enough of what was needed.

The frontline battle strength was also sufficient, with adventurers gathered in the capital.

The issue lay in what came after.

It was impossible to defeat every single invading monster, and the 1st and 2nd Units of the Knight Order would be spread across the domain to prevent the remaining monsters from running rampant.

As a result, the domain capital’s defenses would be thinner.

Even though Seriana had approved the balance between adventurers and knights, it still wasn’t ideal for that balance to be disrupted.

That said, this time, the situation wasn’t as dire as before.

Once the magistrate finished reading the document, he immediately signed off on his copy and handed it back to me.

“Alright, confirmed. Then, I’ll take my leave.”

I took the document, activated 【Floating Orb】, and prepared to depart.

However, the magistrate spoke up.

“You haven’t taken much of a break. Are you sure? I can prepare a room for you anytime.”

“Thank you, but I already told them I’d be heading back today.”

I appreciated his concern, but with my speed, I’d be back in no time.

If it were a journey that took several days, it’d be different, but if I could return in mere minutes, I’d recover better in a familiar place.

“I see… Well then, I won’t force you. Take care on your way back.”

With that, he instructed a waiting servant to open the door.

Alright—time to fly at full speed and get back in no time!

——————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Sera・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Robe】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】・25 cards

Seriana・【Range Identification】・【】・33 cards

Elena・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・9 cards