After entering the 【Hideout】 with Teresa, I first moved my equipment and the 【Red Sword】 from the storage room to Seriana’s bedroom.

Then, I began preparing my equipment…

“Princess, what should we do about your clothes… Should I prepare something for you to change into?”

Teresa pulled out a thick fabric shirt and pants set from the shelf where my clothes were stored.

“Hmm…”

I hesitated at Teresa’s words.

As for my own armor, it consists of a jacket made from the fur of a wolf demon lord and a belt crafted from the tail of a Cymodoki.

I wrap the belt around my upper body like a bandage over the jacket.

It covers both my abdomen and chest from the front and back.

After that, I add pouches for potions and, just in case, an umbrella, and I’m done.

The problem is what to wear underneath.

Especially for the lower half.

While the upper body is fine, my legs are bare because I wear the Blessed Item, and when facing familiar monsters in a familiar place, that’s fine. However, in cases like this, where the opponent is unpredictable, it’s a little unsettling.

…Should I wear a skirt or shorts?

Or maybe both.

“I think the usual will be fine. The more shadow, the better. I’ll just take the pants.”

“Of course.”

As I said this while removing my nightwear, Teresa, as if anticipating me, immediately brought out her usual maid uniform.

This uniform is easy to move in and the fabric is thick, just the right amount.

I quickly change into it, putting on the jacket as well, and Teresa efficiently wraps the belt around me.

Finally, she secures it around my waist, and I’m ready.

“Is anything uncomfortable?”

“No, it’s fine. Thanks.”

“Good. Then, Princess, please return ahead. I will prepare everything else, including this.”

I raised the 【Red Sword】, which was only wrapped in cloth, and said this.

By the way, I had the scabbard for the 【Red Sword】.

I had put a lot of thought into its design, so I was looking forward to it.

I need to gather materials during today’s raid!

◇

Back in the office, some time passed.

Teresa had already returned and was ready to go at any moment.

Unlike us, Seriana, Elena, and Liesel had not changed their outfits.

While it was understandable for Seriana and the others, Liesel, who had commanded during the bear incident last time, now held the position of lord rather than deputy, as our forces had been upgraded from the city guards to the Knight Order.

The lord probably wouldn’t join us in this minor skirmish.

Instead, the room was now staffed with members of the first squad and female soldiers.

If we deployed, the room’s combat strength would drop.

However… they weren’t specialized in dealing with monsters.

Unlike us, who were relatively relaxed, they were tense, exuding an air of nervousness.

If someone shouted “Hey!” here, I wonder if they would burst from the pressure?

“…You’re not thinking of something foolish, are you?”

Seriana suddenly said this…

“…Of course not?”

I was thinking of something, but… how did she know?

I tilted my head in confusion, and then I heard faint footsteps in the hallway.

The sound of metal clinking, so it was the outside soldiers.

That means…

Looking up, I saw that the skilled individuals besides me had noticed as well.

The newly assigned guards hadn’t noticed and were looking around, wondering what was going on.

…I feel a little uneasy about the security here, but I’ll chalk it up to their nerves.

“You noticed well.”

“Well… yeah!”

I answered proudly, though stumbling, at Seriana’s impressed voice.

It’s likely that Seriana and the others had sensed the presence in the hallway, but for me, it was the sound. My method of perception was a little different from theirs.

Well, I’ll take it as proof that we’re all maintaining a good sense of tension.

Looking around, I saw that Teresa and Zighart had also stood up, ready to go at a moment’s notice.

It seemed like we were about to depart!

“Excuse me! A messenger from Captain August!”

The soldier who ran in shouted loudly.

◇

The message was indeed our deployment request.

It seems that monsters and beasts, not just the ones typically found in shallow parts of the forest, had started appearing, even in areas further within.

This must be for the main force.

For now, I headed directly to the main camp to meet with August.

Flying directly out the window, I also took a look at the city as I headed towards the main camp, but surprisingly, there didn’t seem to be much confusion.

The lights were brighter than usual, and fewer people were walking around, but it was still calm.

Perhaps there were more soldiers on night patrol, or maybe this was just what it felt like now…

I also saw supply wagons lined up, either from the Adventurers’ Guild or the Commercial Guild. The townspeople still seemed to be in good spirits.

However, as I neared the city wall, I could hear the sounds of battle and shouting.

Unlike inside the walls, things outside were heating up.

————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sera: 【Hideout】 +1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Garb】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eyes】【Dragon’s Lungs】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】・15 cards

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

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

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