The next day, we departed from the capital city.
In the end, we couldn't find the supreme sword master Nidorg. We decided to give up as we thought there was no end to the search, and we headed for our next destination.
The next destination was the Ritzken Empire, a neighboring country to the Rastarna Kingdom.
The Ritzken Empire had a smaller territory than the Rastarna Kingdom, but its military strength was roughly equal. Furthermore, Nyau emphasized that it was a country that put a lot of effort into magical research.
And apparently, someone with the title of 9th-ranked Grand Sage was in the Ritzken Empire.
We concluded that the Demon Lord's army, likely led by dragons, might be highly likely to attack the Ritzken Empire next.
The reason was simple: the largest city near the Rastarna Kingdom's capital was the Ritzken Empire. So, we decided to go to the Ritzken Empire ahead of the Demon Lord's army and join forces with the Empire's army to confront the Demon Lord's forces.
Having made preparations for the journey, we rode on horses and relentlessly advanced along the road leading to the Ritzken Empire.
"It seems like this village hasn't been attacked yet."
Observing a village we stopped at along the way, Nyau commented.
"It might be a good idea to stay here for the night since it's getting late."
"Understood."
While we were eager to reach the Ritzken Empire quickly, it was getting close to sunset, and further travel would be risky. So, we decided to head to a tavern to have dinner.
"It's quite noisy in here."
The moment we entered, I noticed that the tavern was bustling with activity. Everyone seemed to be engaged in some serious discussions.
"Maybe we should listen to what they're saying."
"Yeah, that's a good idea."
So, we decided to inquire about the situation from the people nearby.
"Is something going on?"
"Are you two adventurers?"
"Yeah, that's right."
Given that we were equipped with swords and staves, it was natural to assume we were adventurers.
"In that case, do you know anything about the Demon Lord's army?"
"We know that the Demon Lord's army has captured the capital city."
"So, it's true after all!"
As expected, the cause of the commotion was related to the Demon Lord's army.
"Is it true that the Hero has died?"
"Yeah, that's true too."
"Damn it, if there's no Hero, who's going to stop the Demon Lord?"
A villager said this and slammed their fist on the table.
After that, we listened to various stories from the villagers.
It seems that there was someone who managed to escape from the capital city, and they spread a story that the Demon Lord's army had captured the city and killed the Hero.
At first, nobody believed the person's story, but because they told it with such desperation, it gradually started to sound credible.
What made it even more convincing was another person who entered the tavern, claiming to have seen the Demon Lord's army advancing. This, along with the testimonies of these two individuals, established that the information about the Demon Lord's army's advance was indeed true. Consequently, the villagers were discussing what to do next.
"For now, maybe we should talk to the person who escaped from the capital and the one who witnessed the Demon Lord's army's advance."
"I think that's a good idea."
With Nyau's agreement, we promptly approached the individuals.
"Hey, are you the one who escaped from the capital city?"
"Yeah, that's me."
The person was dressed as a soldier but was covered in dirt and wounds. This indicated the desperate escape they made from the capital city.
"We're gathering information about the Demon Lord, and we'd like to hear your story if you're willing."
"What good will gathering information about the Demon Lord do at this point?"
"To defeat our enemy, we need to start by gathering information, right?"
After I said that, the soldier began to observe us with a skeptical look.
"You two seem to have rare equipment. In other words, you're skilled individuals, from the looks of it."
Nyau may appear to be nothing more than a young girl to an outsider, but by examining her equipment, one could gauge her true abilities.
"In that case, let's talk about what happened in the capital city."
The soldier then began recounting the Demon Lord's army attack on the capital city. However, I had already witnessed the shock of it in a different timeline, so there were no particularly new revelations for me.
"Do you happen to know anything about the supreme sword master Nidorg?"
"Yeah, that person is probably already dead. I saw it with my own eyes. Lord Nidorg bravely confronting the demons."
"I see…"
It seemed highly likely that the supreme sword master Nidorg, who held the Master rank, had already perished.
"Also, have you heard of a girl named Agetha?"
"…No, sorry, I haven't heard of her."
"I see. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate it."
"I'm the one who's happy if I could be of help to you."
"Oh, and one more thing. It's not a form of thanks, but would you allow me to heal your injuries?"
Saying this, Nyau used healing magic to treat the soldier's injuries.
"If you stay still, they should heal."
"Ah, thank you, miss."
After expressing his gratitude, we moved away from the scene.
The information we obtained was rather disappointing; it confirmed that the supreme sword master Nidorg's death was almost certain.
For now, we decided to try listening to the person who claimed to have seen the Demon Lord's army advancing.
"Oh, of course, that's fine."
When I asked, the villager began talking enthusiastically about the Demon Lord's army. According to what we heard, the person had observed the Demon Lord's army marching further south on the road, and had hurriedly fled to this village to avoid detection.
Incidentally, the Demon Lord's army was reported to consist of over a thousand dragons and tens of thousands of demons.
"Thank you for sharing your story."
"Yeah, it's not a big deal!"
"There's one more thing I'd like to ask: have you ever heard of a girl named Agetha?"
"Hmm…? No, I've never heard of her. Sorry I can't be of help."
As expected, this person didn't know anything about Agetha either.
After that, we had our meal at the tavern and then headed to the inn.
"Nyau, what should we do about the room? Separate rooms, or…"
"I, I'd like to share a room!"
Nyau's preference for sharing a room resulted in us sleeping in the same room.
"It looks like there's only one bed in the room."
Observing the room, I made that comment. I should have confirmed the number of beds earlier.
"We'll have to share the same bed again."
Nyau said this somewhat shyly.
Nyau and I had already shared the same bed the previous night, so I didn't have any reservations about it.
"Instead of that, let's discuss our plans for tomorrow."
"Y-Yes!"
With that, we sat on the bed and started discussing our plans for the next day.
"The fact that the Demon Lord's army was sighted to the south of here suggests that they'll likely pass through the town of Natos before heading to the Ritzken Empire."
The town of Natos is one of the towns that make up the Rastarna Kingdom and is second in prosperity only to the capital city. The Demon Lord's army probably intends to attack Natos to secure necessary supplies before heading to Ritzken.
"At this rate, if we leave in the morning, we should be able to reach Ritzken before the Demon Lord's army."
Considering the large size of the Demon Lord's army and the likelihood of passing through Natos, it seemed like we would arrive in Ritzken before them.
"Uhm… Do we really not need to go and help the people living in Natos?"
It was only when Nyau mentioned it that I realized I hadn't questioned my decision to abandon the residents of Natos. I had simply chosen to let them fend for themselves.
While there were reasons for my choice, such as the higher chance of success by heading to Ritzken and the likelihood that helping Natos at this point might be too late, I should have at least considered whether we should go and help the town of Natos.
"I'm sorry! Nyau shouldn't have said that, right?"
Nyau instantly lowered her head and apologized.
"No, it's just that…"
I didn't know what to say and found myself at a loss for words. Nyau had no need to apologize; if anything, it was my mistake.
"Sorry, it's my fault. I should have thought more about the people in Natos."
"You're not at fault, Kiska."
"No, it's entirely my fault. I believe Nyau's feelings are the most important. If Nyau wants to help the people of Natos, I support that and will do everything I can."
In the upcoming battle against the Demon Lord's army, it would be Nyau fighting, not me. I could only assist her to the best of my ability. Therefore, prioritizing Nyau's feelings was crucial, and it was my duty to create the most favorable conditions for her.
"I want to follow Kiska's words."
"No, that wouldn't make sense. I want to respect Nyau's feelings."
"But there's a reason to go to Ritzken Empire instead of Natos."
"Yes, that's true…"
I nodded and began to explain why I thought we should go to Ritzken Empire instead of Natos. There was a strategic reason for it.
In Natos, there wasn't a large force, and if we went there, it would likely fall quickly, posing a high risk. It made more sense to go to Ritzken Empire, join Ritzken and their forces, and prepare for a united defense. Additionally, even if we rushed to Natos now, it might already be too late.
"I understand now. Tomorrow, so… I'm sorry, but I don't want to go to Natos, and Nyau thinks she wants to go to Ritzken Empire."
After listening to the explanation, Nyau seemed to accept it and made her plea. However, behind that expression, I could see a deep sense of sadness.
Oh, what have I done? I realized that I had allowed Nyau to make the choice to abandon Natos, which caused her great distress. I had done it with the intention of doing what was best for Nyau, but it had ultimately resulted in her suffering even more.
In hindsight, I should have insisted on going to Ritzken Empire from the beginning. I should have borne the choice of abandoning Natos myself, not leaving it to Nyau.
"I'm sorry, Nyau."
Feeling apologetic, I couldn't help but say those words.
"W-why are you apologizing, Kiska?"
As she spoke, tears welled up in Nyau's eyes.
"Huh… This is strange. Why are there tears…"
While saying this, Nyau desperately rubbed her eyes, trying to hold back her tears. I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Unconsciously, I found myself tightly embracing Nyau, wanting to comfort her in any way I could.
From then on, Nyau began to cry in my arms. She had a pure and kind heart that was so endearing to me.
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