"Going out with Charles like this feels like a picnic." Misayano, who was riding a horse next to me, said this nonchalantly. "Well, it's certainly nice weather, so a picnic wouldn't be so bad." "Yeah." "However, don't forget we're not going out for fun." "Yeah, of course." Misayano nodded obediently.
Today she's accompanying me on a pioneer mission, which is different from my main job. The reason is that we can't have a large number of casualties every time we face off against a Keystone beast.
Misayano has been called along with me to give her some combat experience. Actually, Misayano is the main focus this time. Misayano will be the one doing the actual work, and I'm here merely as insurance in case of an emergency.
It means that it’s a two-tiered formation with Misayano and me.
It's not that I'm worried about Misayano's abilities, but she is one of the few heroes we have currently. We can't afford to lose her. That's why I've come here just in case, but I probably won't be needed this time.
Since I'm here as insurance, it's better if I don't get to act. Of course, we also have the pioneer squad accompanying us. They're mainly there to clear the way for us to reach the Keystone Beast.
To Misayano and I, who are heroes, the hordes of monsters in the Braidea territory are nothing to us, even though they are said to be formidable, but we want to conserve our strength as much as possible. The quality of Braidea's soldiers is high. This is because fighting monsters is a daily occurrence, they have a lot of combat experience. I wouldn't say it out loud, but I think that the pioneer squad and the soldiers guarding the outer walls are, on average, stronger than the knights in the castle.
Some of the knights just seem to be resting on their laurels, like the ones who challenged me to a fight. Aside from the top ranks like Iona and Makishia, the knights who don't get many opportunities for combat don't seem all that skilled to me. It's a bad custom, but family background is given a lot of importance for knights, so it's hard to say that they necessarily have the skills to back it up.
On the other hand, while they have an average family background, Iona’s family, the Cucorose, are respected as a martial family, even though they are a matriarchal lineage.
Looking back on it now, it seems only natural that she would have been the first candidate to become the mother of the future hero. Except for one thing: she hated men. ...I'm getting off track. I'll say it again, the soldiers of the Kingdom of Braidea are of high quality.
They are more than enough to wipe out the weaklings, but that doesn't mean they can do the same with the Keystone Beasts. There is a high chance that there will be casualties, or even that they will be wiped out. That was proven by the incident with the Giant Magic Iron Golem earlier.
For that reason, I decided to have them wait in a place that is unlikely to become a battlefield. They aren't necessary for this battle, but we might need manpower to bring back the loot, like we did last time. In this case, it is better to rely on the strength of numbers rather than the strength of a single hero.
The location of the monument is already known, and the immediate task is to eliminate and destroy the monsters on the way there. I will have the soldiers eliminate the monsters, but anything beyond that will be our job. Though I thought it was unnecessary worry, I followed behind, making sure I was ready to fight at any time.
The soldiers, trained in actual combat, guided us smoothly to the location of the monument, without a single casualty or even serious injuries. "Thank you for your hard work. This is my first time accompanying you, but Braidea's pioneer team is very capable." After getting off my horse, I called out to the captain, whom I knew from the incident with the Giant Magical Iron Golem.
"Thank you. I'm very honored to receive praise from Lord Eucharlouch." "With so many talented people, the future of Braidea looks bright."
Although they were no match for monsters with extraordinary strength like the Keystone Beast, they were all powerful enough to be no match for ordinary monsters.
They are not even using particularly good equipment, so it is truly impressive that they are so strong. "Sorry to steal the credit, but please leave the rest to us. That said, I think Misaya will be the only one working." I said, looking at Misayano.
"No, that was decided from the beginning, and we realized from the last battle that we would only be a hindrance. I'm sorry, but we'll leave the rest to you." "Yes, leave it to me. In the name of the hero, I will definitely win!" Misayano responds with determination.
Misayano's expression showed no sign of nervousness.
"In the unlikely event that it’s tough even for Misaya, I’m here too. Think of it as being on a large ship and leave it to me. Besides, no matter how bad it gets, we’ll make it back alive, so there’s no need to worry."
"Yes, not only Lady Misayano, but also Lord Eucharlouch is with us. We are confident of absolute victory."
"Lady Misayano, Lord Eucharlouch." The soldiers all spoke in unison. "Good luck!" With those words, they left the place. Now, our work begins now.
After confirming that the pioneer forces had evacuated, we turned back to the monument. "So, this is a monument... This is the first time I've seen one, but if I destroy it, a Keystone Beast will appear, right?" "That's right. With Misaya's abilities, I don't think it will be a problem, but be careful." "What if there is a problem?" "In that case, I will immediately come to your aid, so don't worry."
"Yeah, it is reassuring to have Charles with me." "As I told the commander earlier." "Hmm." "No matter how bad the situation is, we will come back alive. As long as we are alive, everything will be fine." "Yeah!"
"I'll repeat myself." "Hmm." "From my experience, even if it's a Keystone Beast, Misaya shouldn't have any problems. Just do what you normally do." "Yeah. Then I'll destroy it."
"Any time. Just don't let your guard down." "Yes!" Having made up her mind, Misayano destroyed the monument, and a giant monster appeared before our eyes.
Chapter length 2607 characters.
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