When the girls’ dragon eagles landed and they followed the guide to the backstage, they heard the Elven Elder talking with Ayla.
That Elven Elder, who looked older and had a somewhat classical and traditional aura, said:
“Miss Ayla, letting the dead return for mobilization is one thing, but using that kind of rhetoric… isn’t it a bit too extreme?”
Sofia, the little assistant, nodded vigorously.
She was familiar with Human culture, knowing that this kind of talk was called ‘unable to rest in peace,’ or ‘if you don’t XXX me, I won’t rest even as a ghost.’
Then, a Human girl with pink hair, looking young yet with an impressive chest, and a hard-to-describe but undeniably beautiful presence, spoke:
“Elder, I think that’s a bit off. War is the fiercest of all games—it should use every possible means. Judging it by whether it’s extreme or not is just being too conservative.”
Ayla spoke with spirit, but when her gaze shifted and she saw the girls of the Hero Squad arriving, her heart gave a thump, and she quickly softened her voice.
“Actually, I don’t want to use such methods either. I don’t want to resort to any means necessary. But every bit of effort we make now might mean fewer sacrifices on the battlefield.”
For everyone’s safety, let Lala do the dirty work and bear the blame—how can Lala not be considered a good girl?
Sofia looked at her, a bit puzzled, remembering that in the final battle, Pink-Haired Darei had stabbed Silitya in the heart with a single swift and ruthless strike…
So, does she really not want to?
Then Ayla continued, saying something about necessary sacrifices, and that as long as it’s not life, everything else is worth it.
She said that if they achieved peace, her biggest dream was to find a beautiful, peaceful place and live a good life with her friends.
To be honest, these words seemed to move the two Elven Elders, who showed approving expressions and occasionally added, “Yes, yes,” or, “We feel the same.”
Vina seemed to catch on to something.
“Is she pretending…”
Pretending not to see us—
Before she could finish, Zero spoke up first.
“Ayla, we’re here.”
The pink-haired Darei finally turned around, showing a surprised expression.
“Liraleah, Zero, Vina! When did you get here? Why didn’t you say something earlier?”
“We’ve been here for a while.”
Liraleah’s gaze was a bit skeptical.
“Didn’t you hear us?”
“No, I was talking with our Elven friends just now.”
Ayla looked completely serious.
You all saw and heard it, right?
She really was talking the whole time.
“That makes sense.”
The Saintess nodded.
A bit suspicious, but not too much.
As long as Lala can come up with a decent reason, it’s fine.
The Elves arranged for the girls to stay in the same treehouse as before, telling them to rest and that lunch would be delivered soon.
Vina looked left and right, finally noticing that something was missing from the team.
“Where’s Celes? Didn’t she come with you?”
“She’s still at the Northern Frontier Line. Maybe she wanted to spend a few more days with her parents.”
The explanation was reasonable, and no one doubted it.
While everyone was together, Ayla laid out the battle plan, just for the Hero Squad.
She explained that the Blood Demon Tribe and Wolfhead Tribe had already suffered devastating blows—they were now mere remnants, nothing to fear.
There was no need for the girls to fight together; splitting up would be most efficient.
Of these, the eastern path needed more manpower, because the Wolfhead Tribe had only lost one leader and a few hundred soldiers.
It was a serious blow, but much less than the Blood Demon Tribe.
So this route needed more support: Celes, Vina, and Liraleah all had to go.
As for the west, no need to mention it—less resistance, stronger allies, and she herself was a Sky Knight, while Zero was a Death Knight.
Both were renowned among the Elves, making it easier to cooperate with allies.
“Do I have to go east too?”
The Saintess bit her lip.
“But I want…”
To go with you.
“The eastern route has Demon Army forces modified by Light, as well as Human Tribe Army soldiers. All of them can benefit from Blessing Buffs. You’ll be able to contribute more there.”
Ayla reassured her.
“And splitting up is only temporary. After breaking through the tribal lands, we’ll regroup at Bright Cross Star City. It’ll only take a few days.”
The Demon King had already changed the city’s name in advance.
“All right… But you have to hurry.”
“No problem~”
Actually, the arrangement didn’t matter—three-party coalition army versus two defeated tribes, victory was certain.
Ayla just wanted to try out her enhanced True Undead Calamity.
So she had to send three of the Hero Squad’s girls down another path.
After eating, the girls each returned to their treehouses for a nap.
Having spent half the morning flying, they needed rest.
“Zero, aren’t you napping?”
Ayla looked at her visitor in the room.
“Did you come to discuss battle details?”
After all, they were on the same route.
“We can talk about that. But first, I want to give you something.”
Zero took something out of a small bag.
“I carved this from coral I found on the beach.”
Ayla opened it and found a crown.
So beautiful—is it a Princess Diadem?
“No, it’s the Emperor’s Crown.”
“…………..”
It was obvious that at least half the Hero Squad had already seen through her true nature.
Ayla wondered if there was any point in pretending anymore.
The answer was yes.
As long as even one person believed in her, she had to keep up the act!
Far away at the Northern Frontier Line, Celes suddenly sneezed.
“I told you to keep warm. It’s cold here, and winter gets even colder.”
Selina hurried to find clothes to cover her daughter.
General Glengo sighed.
“I told you your top priority was to build your strength. When did you ever fear the cold before?”
“…………..”
The girl was speechless, even starting to doubt herself.
Back in the Middle Great Forest, in the Elves’ treehouse, Zero brought up another topic.
“Ayla, do you remember what you promised me last time?”
It was about sleeping together naked.
“I remember, but right now…”
“I know, there’s other business. I just wanted to ask—when did you and Miss Leah get that close?”
Ayla was slightly taken aback.
“Not these past few days.”
She wondered about the purpose of Zero’s question.
Was it a subtle reminder not to show favoritism, or just a way of tracking the ‘joining the faith’ progress?
Then the assassin girl spoke.
“Next time you two sleep together naked, can I join?”
Ayla’s mind froze.
“What?”
“I can use my Undead form. She won’t notice.”
Zero said seriously.