The Allied Army held a grand entrance ceremony in Bright Cross Star City.
Two thousand Demon Tribe soldiers were at the forefront.
Duo Luo and Gumu had the honor of being the first to enter, each leading their own troops into the city.
More than a thousand Elves followed closely behind, their diverse troop formations making a unique sight.
The Human Race and the armies led by two other Generals formed the rear.
There wasn’t much to say about them—they themselves felt like they had .
The residents of the city were not afraid.
Instead, they watched with great interest.
As those who enjoyed morning tea would say, whether it’s a military coup or a peaceful coup, it’s still a coup.
It just means the leader at the top has changed.
But then again, Bright Cross Star City rarely saw so many troops enter, whether in the brief Bright Era or the long-ago Dark Era.
“Look at that cavalry squad—so impressive.”
“Are all Demon Tribe soldiers this tall and burly? The Blood Demon Tribe from the south looks different to me.”
“Now that’s what you call elite soldiers. Those Burning Blood idiots are nothing.”
After the army entered the city, they split into small units, weaving through the streets to maintain order, and to give people a look and spark discussion.
Meanwhile, the various Generals and the remaining officials in the city gathered atop the Tower.
Ayla sat beside a broken windowsill and addressed everyone present:
“Some official ordinances, including the alliance agreement and names, will be drafted at the formal meeting the day after tomorrow. For today, I’ll announce some temporary measures. Regarding stationing troops, given the current situation, I propose all three sides garrison together, just like now. But this isn’t a mandatory measure—it can be adjusted as needed.”
She looked at the Generals present.
“Does anyone need adjustments?”
General Glengo of the Human Race spoke:
“I may need to let my men go back first. They’re not suited for long-term deployments.”
These were soldiers pulled from the Northern Frontier Line.
If they stayed out for too long, the Kingdom would notice sooner or later.
Ayla understood his meaning and nodded.
“Very well, General Glengo, please do as needed. As for our alliance, please appoint a representative to stay—”
“Hey, what’s the point of leaving a representative?” Glengo waved his hand.
“It’s fine, you know how it is.”
We’re all family—no need for representatives or not.
Ayla thought he was talking about Celes and didn’t see a problem.
Some present looked over, sizing him up.
He seemed unfamiliar—where did the Demon King find him?
“City affairs will continue as usual, but this is only temporary. We’ll revise things based on practical experience later.”
Ayla tapped the table lightly.
“That’s all for today. Any other additions?”
Of course not.
Everyone indicated they had no objections.
“Then the meeting is adjourned!”
It was getting late.
Ending the meeting earlier meant more time to rest.
As for the army, they’d wait for the formal meeting the day after tomorrow, set the regulations, then make adjustments as needed.
For now, the Allied Army’s Northern Expedition had been a complete success.
Everything was proceeding smoothly according to plan.
As the Generals left, their moods were relaxed.
The original officials of Bright Cross Star City also finally breathed a sigh of relief as they left the Tower.
Walking home, they discussed:
“This Lady Ayla is really something. She’s truly a lady—I mean, in the grand sense. No other meaning.”
“She’s a million times better than that coward who ran off in secret.”
“That’s right!”
Amidst the praise, someone suddenly raised a question.
“I have a small question—what race is our Lady Ayla?”
The others froze.
Good question.
What race indeed?
Because Generals like Duo Luo and Gumu looked nothing like humans, and with Yanpo and Bouer, the Demon Tribe Generals obeyed her completely, so they never suspected otherwise.
“First, Lady Ayla’s appearance is very human-like, which eliminates a lot of races.”
“Did you notice? She’s extremely beautiful, with an amazing figure.”
“We’re not blind. Anyone with eyes can see that.”
“Hey, do you think it’s possible…”
***
Atop the Tower, the Hero Squad easily found some luxurious rooms—beds and all were ready, clean, and new, apparently meant for hosting important guests.
Now, as spoils of war, everyone could enjoy them.
Ayla pressed her hands to her cheeks and spoke softly:
“Thank you all for your hard work today. You did great. Rest well tonight~”
Providing emotional value was a must.
It was a small trick to maintain strong friendships.
Did anyone really think the Demon King won over the Hero Squad just by acting cute?
…At least, not entirely.
“We’re not the ones who worked hard—you did. You fought all the way into the city, then came back to help us.”
Said Saintess.
Leah felt bad for Ayla.
Vina yawned.
“You two can keep up the sentimental act. I’m going to sleep.”
Leah clenched her little fists.
“We’re not!”
Luckily, Celes was truly tired from battle today and too sleepy to notice the blush on her face.
Zero saw it but, being a good sister, of course didn’t expose it.
“Let’s sleep. Good night~”
Zzzz
***
The next day was a peaceful one for Bright Cross Star City.
Because the guards on the walls surrendered too quickly, there was no siege, meaning no casualties.
Life continued as usual for residents.
They still came out for breakfast as always.
The only difference was that everyone was discussing yesterday’s .
“Yes, the army entered the city and marched around several times yesterday evening. Didn’t you see? Did you only arrive today?”
“N-No… I didn’t dare leave the house yesterday, so I stayed in.”
“Then you missed a lot. The whole spectacle was amazing. By the way, do you know who the new lady is?”
The man who’d claimed he hadn’t left home yesterday quickly asked,
“Who?”
“You might not believe it—a Succubus!”
The morning tea lover gestured.
“She looks like a young woman, pink hair, big chest, especially beautiful, and an amazing figure.”
A chorus of astonishment arose.
“How do you know she’s a Succubus?” The man asked anxiously. “Is your information reliable?”
“My third uncle’s nephew’s wife’s cousin is a clerk in the city, working in the Tower. He saw her in person yesterday evening. They all know. How could it be fake?”
Feeling doubted, the morning tea lover got indignant.
“Why do you ask so many questions? Are you an outsider’s spy?”
“O-Of course not! I was just curious…”