Chapter 24. The Second Witch Countermeasure Meeting (Part 2)
"Wait, if Kiritaka and Lilianna both stay here…"
"Then this place will most likely become the enemy's highest priority target, so I must excuse myself first. I will manage the evacuation work and, at the same time, prepare the best stage for my Diva."
Kiritaka looked at everyone. Those who sensed his resolve could only nod silently. He smiled, then left the room. Lilianna hesitated for a moment and then chased after him.
"Alright, then let's hurry up and discuss the battle plan. Mr. Otto, Mr. Wilhelm, and Subaru, what are your thoughts?"
"In this old man's humble opinion, we should not pin our hopes on the enemy's actions."
"I apologize, but I also think the same way. The 'Wrath' Authority is an indiscriminate, wide-range attack. If the 'Greed' Authority is truly as Reinhild judged, then we basically have no effective means of resistance. If Lilianna stops singing midway and the 'Meteor' is destroyed, then fear could instantly erupt in all the shelters. There's also the misleading nature of the Witch of Vainglory, an ability that is also very troublesome when there are many people…"
"I agree with both of your opinions. They are the Witch Cult, after all—a bunch of lunatics, to put it plainly. It's entirely possible for them to open the water gates again."
"I see… thank you for your valuable opinions. I generally share the same thoughts. Analyzing the current situation, if we allow the opponent to continue acting, our options will become increasingly limited. But the problem is the enemy's location."
"If it's about that, our Ram has a way, you know~~"
Everyone looked at Ram next to Roswaal. Ram, who had been keeping her eyes closed, finally opened them and stood up, looking a little fatigued.
Subaru was stunned for a moment before realizing that Ram had likely been using her Clairvoyance the whole time.
"That's truly a great help. Please."
Ram respectfully took the pen offered by Anastasia, then pointed the pen at the map, drawing three large circles. She wrote 'Gluttony' in the circle in the Second District, 'Theresia' in the Third District, and 'Wrath' in the Fourth District.
"The whereabouts of the Witch of Vainglory, Pandora, are currently unknown. The locations of the remaining enemies are as shown. Please look. The Archbishop of Sin 'Greed' is currently on standby here. The remaining three are in motion, so their locations can only be roughly confirmed to be in these areas."
"That's sufficient. I will handle the rest. However, before that, we need to confirm the method of attack."
After a fierce discussion, the final decision was made: a simultaneous attack on the three Archbishops of Sin whose locations were confirmed and the previous Sword Saint, forcing the Witch of Vainglory, Pandora, to reveal herself at the main base.
.
.
.
—Wilhelm's Room—
"Heinkel? Come in."
Wilhelm continued to diligently organize his equipment. Heinkel hesitated, watching Wilhelm's serious movements.
"Dad, are you really planning to go alone? That's Mom!"
"My wife died fifteen years ago participating in the Great Subjugation. That fact will not change. There are those who won't let the dead rest, who subject the deceased to humiliation even after their passing."
Wilhelm said through gritted teeth.
"I will definitely make them pay the price, but now I must first go and let her rest, and only I can do it."
Wilhelm turned around and looked seriously at Heinkel.
"Dad…"
But Heinkel did not back down as he had in the past. Seeing this, and recalling Heinkel voluntarily taking on the task of subjugating Gluttony, Wilhelm's expression softened slightly.
"You don't need to worry about me. You just need to do your job and, at the same time, protect Lord Subaru's safety."
Wilhelm buckled the last sharp sword to his waist, then surveyed his son from top to bottom.
"Once your matter is resolved, come and see Theresia for the last time."
Without waiting for the surprised Heinkel to respond, Wilhelm patted his shoulder and walked past him, leaving the room.
.
.
.
—Subaru's Room—
"Dead brat, how long are you going to make me wait? I have urgent business later, you know?"
Heinkel shouted while kicking the door open, then looked confusedly at the two people in the room, separated by the bed and blushing.
"Reinhild, you're here too. Never mind, it works out. Here, take this."
"Ah~~ What is this?"
The blushing Reinhild clumsily caught the bundle Heinkel tossed over. A familiar feeling surprised her, and she unwrapped the bundle to look at the Dragon Sword—Reid—inside.
"Why?"
"No reason. Were you planning to fight Regulus with that scrap metal? Or perhaps go bare-handed? The Dragon Sword's nature allows it to function even in its sheath. This thing cannot be broken by something strengthened by a mere Archbishop of Sin's Authority. This way, you can do your job of keeping him occupied, right? I don't want to face two Archbishops of Sin at once.
However, since you've taken the Dragon Sword, don't embarrass yourself. Solve it cleanly."
"I understand, Lord Heinkel."
"I'm taking this dead brat with me."
.
.
.
—Water Plumage Inn Main Entrance—
"Lord Heinkel."
Julius, standing at the doorway, watched the two before slowly walking over. Although he also wanted to go and subdue the Archbishop of Sin Gluttony, Julius understood that he had indeed been defeated by his opponent. On the other hand, a knight's loyalty made him choose to protect Anastasia, who was staying at the main base, over handling his personal vendetta. Thus, he ultimately became one of the members remaining on guard duty.
"Tch, a failure like you should just roll out of the way. Don't be a bother. To put it plainly, my subjugation of 'Gluttony' is only for Louanna; it has nothing to do with you all."
"Speaking of which, are you all going to be alright? Your opponent is Pandora."
"Ara ara, has Subaru-kun forgotten that I am here too?"
Roswaal, wearing a mage's robe, said this while setting down Beatrice. Unlike usual, Beatrice was holding a staff like a gun, and six purple stones were hanging from her waist.
"Betty is going too."
"Beatrice, but?"
Subaru was a bit hesitant, as he was generally aware of Beatrice's remaining mana.
"Betty is Subaru's spirit, and without Betty, it wouldn't be strange for Subaru to act recklessly. Also, Betty is not without combat power. This is a staff Mother made that can cause harm to dragons. The power is great enough to make Reinhild feel pain when hit head-on, right? And these are the magic crystals I just acquired from Kiritaka. Although there are only six, aren't these enough?"
Beatrice brandished the staff in her hand, and Roswaal nodded, confirming Beatrice's claim.
"Just don't be a drag on my heels."
Read ahead (60 chapters) by supporting me on buymeacoffee com/varietl or ko-fi edwriting