Old man Hansel appeared on the scene. He is now dressed like a general, having abandoned the barbarian-style clothing in favor of wearing armor.

"Come on."

"Don't push yourself too hard, old man."

"This is nothing. Don't you know that a dwarf's body is stronger than a human's?"

"Even so, you shouldn't exert yourself too much or else your wounds will reopen."

"I asked the beast girl, and she said it was fine."

He had a bandage around his abdomen. Kaede's healing skills were able to stop the bleeding, but he's still not completely healed, and still has severe damage. I admit he's a tough guy, but I think he needs to rest for now.

"Sitting still for too long makes me think of unnecessary things, so please drop it."

"Okay."

I can only nod at the old man's serious eyes.

After the last battle, we suffered many casualties. The location of this settlement is now known, and we cannot afford to relax.

The king has ordered the launch of a campaign to retake the country, so this is our last chance to end this.

Right now, they're transporting supplies near the capital in preparation for the invasion.

"Hey, young man. I did exactly what you asked."

"Thank you."

The owner of the gun store brings it in his cart. I headed to the back to check the contents of the box.

"I made about three hundred iron balls as ordered. But are they really useful?"

"Yes, they are, thank you."

I replied to the store owner as I checked the iron balls. The quality is below average, the construction is crappy, but that's okay.

"Hey everyone~, the food is ready~."

Kaede called out to us, and the fifty soldiers rested their gaze on her and smiled. As always, my lovely slave draws the attention of all those nearby wherever she goes.

"...I would like the Manyu Brigade to serve as a decoy."

"What's your plan?"

I responded to Hansel's words as I broke my loaf of bread in half.

There are two types of troops that will attack the capital: The first unit will attack the actual capital from the front, and the second unit will secretly attack the interior. We will only be there as an insurance policy. Hansel's troops are the ones who will attack the city.

"Are you sure you can defeat the Demon Lord by yourselves?"

"That is why I have traveled to Galbaran in search of these relics."

The old man turns the bag he's holding over, spilling the relics inside all over the table. I have no idea what they are, or what they do. Kaede, who was wearing an apron, stood in front of the table, and assessed each of the relics.

"Magic Shield Scroll, Magic Sealing Chain, Sticky Sphere, Flash Sphere, Physical Enhancement Potion, Magic Enhancement Potion, and an Ability Blocking Scroll."

A magic shield scroll creates a membrane that prevents magic for a set amount of time.

A magical sealing chain can contain the magic of the person it binds.

A sticky sphere releases a very strong mucus that renders anyone filled with it immobile, and a flash sphere emits a strong, blinding light that activates once it bursts.

As the name suggests, Physical and Magic Enhancement Potions temporarily increase muscle strength and magical power, but as a side effect, they put a considerable strain on the user's body.

If you use both at the same time, your body will give out completely. The last item is something I already know, so there's no need to explain it.

"How did you get all this? You didn't have much money."

"I sold some of my personal items. I even sold my wedding ring, so I have to make sure this mission is a success."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, and that's all I'll say."

I guess it's time to make my contribution. I emptied my storage and placed the few items I had collected so far on the table.

These are things that don't have much value on the market, and aren't of much use to me, but I hope they can help the dwarves. They need all the help they can get, and the more items they have that can help make a difference, the higher the odds of victory will be.

"Are you sure you want to give us all this...?"

"I don't want you to die. I'm giving you these so that you can survive, and so that tomorrow we can enjoy some good sake and food together."

"Thank you... I owe you a great debt."

"Just make sure you know your limits. If things get too difficult, remember to use the smoke ball."

If Hansel's troops are defeated, they are to signal us with a red smoke ball. After that, they will retreat, and the task of defeating Rudra will be transferred to us on the surface.

Well, by the time the old man and the others reach the palace, we may have destroyed the enemy army. Unless there are some strong opponents.

"By the way... Where are Frau and Panda?"

"That's odd, they were nearby not long ago."

"Kiii."

The husky rat walked up, both it's cheeks puffed out.

…..No way.

However, this is the same rat that's always after Frau and Panda, so maybe...

"Have you seen Frau and Panda?"

"Here! Frau is here, my Lord!"

"Kyu!"

"Kii?"

The rat's cheeks twitched around and voices could be heard from within. The rats then spat out two familiar figures.

"I saved your life, and this is how you repay me!?"

"Kyu, kyui kyui kyui kyui!"

"Kiii~?"

The rat shoots me a blatantly ridiculous look and walks up to me before rubbing his face against mine. This guy is so fluffy and nice. He has a face similar to a fat squirrel than a rat.

"He's very charming."

"That's right."

"Kiii."

I rubbed his head while Kaede rubbed his back. The rat combed his face with his paws as he received so much cuddles.

"Don't be fooled, my lord! That rat is pure evil!"

"Kyui, kyui!"

Frau and Panda were complaining, but I paid no attention and went back to eating my dinner.

We stopped dead in our tracks.

Before us lay our destination, the royal city of Big-Gear. However, Rudra's soldiers were deployed at the sides, blocking our path.

The number of soldiers is approximately three thousand. This is not a number that's usually deployed against three people.

The situation at the waiting point has become complicated. Did they predict our movements?

"They seem to be very cautious."

"It's crazy that they want to face my Master. They should kneel down and beg for mercy before his power."

"You are right. Let them surrender, and then they can live."

"What are you talking about, Frau-san? It is a foolish act worthy of death when you try to confront the Master. Even if they pretend to surrender, their fate should still be death."

"You know, Kaede, you can be scary sometimes."

Both Frau and Kaede don't seem the least bit nervous about the battle. In fact, they are very relaxed. Well, it's probably because it's not the first time they are about to fight a Demon Lord.

"Kyui!"

"Hey, come back here."

"Kyui! Kyui!"

Panda shakes around noisily and calls for a fight. I appreciate the sentiment, but we all have our weaknesses. Especially when it comes to an animal as fluffy as you who was created for the purpose of being a helper, Panda. Sorry, you're not ready for combat, you'll just get in the way.

I stroked his head and forced him back into the seal; "Please understand."

"Rosuke, Chupi, Kuratan, come out."

"Shaa!"

"Chupi!"

"Kura~"

The three beasts appeared and immediately got into position for combat. There is still some distance between us and the enemy, but I'm sure they are already aware of us.

The wyverns fly out of the capital one after another. That means they are alert.

"Well, it's time to begin.

"Yes!"

"I'm ready!"

I took out a wooden box containing the iron balls from my storage, then held one in each hand.

There are three hundred balls in total. With this amount, we can reduce the number of soldiers.

"Here I go..."

I lightly threw a ball towards the enemy.

Poof!

A large cloud of smoke appeared in the center of their ranks.

TN: Sorry for the few updates regarding the chapters, we still haven't had any luck finding a proofreader, so working between the Light Novel and the chapters of the Web Novels is a very heavy load...