The day before deployment.

During the day, a send-off party was held in the hall of the estate, inviting the 30 soldiers who would be participating in the expedition and their families.

Since they were leaving the next morning, no alcohol was served, but receiving a personal greeting from the lord and his wife at the lord’s estate seemed to fill their hearts with pride.

Not only the lord and lady were present, but also famous figures from the territory like August, Alec, Zighart, and recently arrived Luban.

Even putting aside the fact that I regularly associate with Seriana and Liesel, I still can’t quite think of being addressed by those of higher status as anything particularly special.

It must be because my sense of values was fixed in my previous life.

In any case, the soldiers and their families were clearly acknowledged by the lord’s side, and the families remaining in town were able to establish some kind of connection with the upper class. That means that even if any dissatisfaction arises, it probably won’t explode immediately.

It’s a minor thing, but this kind of care is important too.

Yes, yes.

While they’re away from town, I’ll also do my best to help maintain public order, even if only in a small way.

Go with peace of mind!

◇

Now then, with the daytime send-off party over, night has arrived.

After dinner, it’s usually time for everyone to return to their homes or rooms and relax until bedtime—but tonight is a bit different.

Everyone from Seriana’s group has gathered in the first-floor lounge of the South Wing.

As a special guest, Liesel is here too.

Seeing him in this room is a rare sight.

On the way here after dinner, I’d separated from the group to fetch something from Seriana’s room, at her request. Even though I knew he was here, seeing him inside still surprised me a little.

“…Oops. Seria-sama, I brought it.”

I had been unconsciously staring at Liesel, but I need to hand over what I was asked to bring.

“Thank you for your trouble.”

Seriana took it from me and replied curtly.

What I handed over was a wooden box containing Seriana’s Holy Coins and the Holy Statue.

What’s about to take place here is a gacha draw by the three members of Seriana’s group who are participating in the expedition: Alec, Zighart, and Luban.

Naturally, Seriana is covering the cost—it’s basically a deployment allowance.

If they draw a winning item, it’s good luck. If they get a dud, it’s a prepayment of misfortune… it’s like a good luck ritual.

Ten Holy Coins for each of the three is a big expense even for her, but since war isn’t an everyday occurrence, this is probably her own way of giving them encouragement.

“First is Alec. You go.”

Seriana, having placed the Holy Statue on the table and completed the preparations, called Alec’s name.

“Yes.”

Alec stepped forward before Seriana, standing in front of the Holy Statue. He knelt with solemn respect and held out both hands.

Seriana placed ten Holy Coins in his hands, stepped back, and unveiled the Holy Statue.

It felt very ritualistic.

Then, Alec knelt again before the Holy Statue, holding out both hands, closing his eyes as if in prayer.

The Holy Coins on his hands vanished, and a faint light began to shine.

This glow is…

Alec quickly stood up and spread his arms as if to receive something.

What appeared before him… was a large, stick-like object.

“It’s a 【Magic Wood】. Unfortunately, it’s not a winning item, but maybe you’ll pick up some luck on the battlefield instead.”

Saying that, Alec bowed to Seriana and stepped back to stand beside Elena, 【Magic Wood】 in hand.

Maybe he’s just accepted it for what it is, but he didn’t look the least bit dejected after drawing a dud—he stayed calm.

It’s not just him.

Everyone else, too… except for one person who looks really restless.

You okay, Zighart…?

“The goddess is surely watching over you. Next is Luban. It’s your turn.”

Ignoring the anxious Zighart, Seriana offered some sort of standard phrase to Alec and then called Luban’s name.

Seems they’re going in the order in which they got to know her, rather than by rank.

◇

Unfortunately, Luban also drew a dud.

That makes two losses in a row.

Well, it’s more of a charm ritual, so no one seems particularly bothered…

Right now, the lounge is filled with an unusual tension.

The source of that tension is Zighart, kneeling in front of the Holy Statue.

…Intense.

“Hey, Alec. What’s the story with his Holy Coin draws?”

Watching from a distance, Luban whispered quietly to Alec beside him.

Unlike the two who took it casually, the mood around Zighart is clearly different.

He’s also from a noble background, and more than anything, he’s well-informed.

Maybe he’s picked up on something.

“I can’t say anything…”

Alec, who had witnessed Zighart’s previous draw, replied with a wry smile.

It’s laughable now, but… yeah, it was pretty bad.

“Oh?”

As I nodded along, listening to the two of them talk, Zighart’s body finally began to emit light—seems he’d steeled himself.

He’d been kneeling there for about five minutes…

“…Oh?”

Looks like his persistence paid off.

It’s sparkling… and the quality of the light is definitely different from the previous two.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Sera・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind Cloak】・【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】【Red Sword】【Monkey’s Arm】・8 cards

Seriana・【Area Identification】・【】・10 cards

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

Alec・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards