December 30.
　Larsil Fort, a border fort in the Lanwalker Frontier Province
Wow, that's quite something to see in a line up.

What are you talking about, sir? You are the commander in chief, so get it together.

　When I express my thoughts on the view I can see from the fort, Melia-dono, who has come as my second in command, complains to me. Well, Melia-dono is right," he says.

You are right. You can't afford to let them get too close to you. It's not just a matter of time before you get a little bit of pressure on your shoulders, you know?

''Well that's true. Are you glad you didn't let all of your people get away with it?

　Lord Melia says, turning his gaze to the city on the opposite side of the border. There are still people left in the city. They all have weapons and stand in the rear as a reserve army, while the women provide logistical support for the soldiers, such as feeding them.

We tried to get them out. But none of them wanted to leave the city. The next day after I told my people about it, they gathered in front of the mansion and offered to help me too. I guess they got used to the demon land being too close to them.

　I say that with a laugh. The people here are probably more used to fighting than the people of other territories. After all, they've been at war with demons once every 10 years or so.

''........I'm somewhat convinced. But, is it okay with your family too?

'They won't listen to me when I tell them they're there too, Marco came home a couple of weeks ago, and just the day before yesterday Eileen came home too. Totally stupid family.

　Marco's back for the first time in about two years and says he's going to help me out. But you look different; four years ago you were so chubby. Now he's a rugged man.

"Master Zeke.

Gil. What's wrong?

　While I was talking with Lord Melia like that, Gilbert comes in. Marco, who I was just thinking about, is also accompanying me next to him.

''Yes, the deployment of the troops is complete. 60,000 men in the fort. We have 20,000 in the city.

　Well, I guess that's about it. That's about the limit of what we can get into this fort. However, it's quite strong, having prevented the invasion from the Regalia Empire for many years.

　It's nearly twenty meters high and its width leads from near the cliffs where few demons of the Demon Land live to the mountains on the Nanor side.

　Rather than that, it's more accurate to say that the part of the demon land where few demons existed was cut down. There are many mountains in this area, just because of the frontier. The ancestors cut down one part of it and built a fort.

　It seems that in the past, thanks to that, they used to trade with the countries beyond the Demon Land, but all of those countries have been absorbed by the Regalia Empire.

''Are the squads ready?''

Yes, sir, our units are ready to go. We're ready to attack at any time.

'I see. Well, it's going to be a magical shootout at first. Are you ready for the magic barrier?

Yes, without delay.

　It's been two hours since they showed up. It's about time for them to form up and attack us. The soldiers around them are also looking nervous.

　And

'Master Zeke. Horses are coming in from the Regalia army.

　Gilbert reports to me. A soldier on horseback with a flag comes running from the other side. And he will stop when he is within earshot of us.

"Attention, Army of Nanor!　Open this gate now and surrender to the Empire of Regalia!　Then I promise to let you live without causing any damage!

　I wait for the other side to finish speaking and for us to speak. People look at me. Well, I'll have to say it, won't I? I move to a position where I can see the man on the regalia side. And

'Listen to what you just said and state your answer!　The answer is no!　These invaders who would raid our country with their own feet have no choice but to pass!　Tell him to get out of here!　If you don't want to split your neck and your body, then wrap your tail around it and run!　And.

　As I give my answer, the soldiers around me scream. Morale is pretty high. It's a good feeling. The messenger on the Regalia side returns to his own army with a bitter look on his face when he sees this scene.

'Gilbert, Lord Melia, prepare for war. They will be coming for us soon.

"Yes!

　An hour later. In front of me, the soldiers of the Regalia Empire, who can't see the ground, are advancing towards the fort. Thud thud!　And the sound of soldiers' footsteps could be heard all the way to the fort.

'Mage troops, ready to attack.'

Mages, prepare to attack!

　However, I can't just watch the enemy walk in as it is. Gilbert recites my instructions, and the instructions go around like a wave. And then, as I get closer to the distance that the magic hits.

Shoot!

　Unleash your magic. The mage force here will be about 10,000. Normally it would be quite a large number, but the regalia would be no different.

　The Regalia side also has the mages put up a barrier to defend themselves. ........There's a large barrier at one point. It doesn't let our magic come close to it. Could it be a hero?　The moment I thought that, a significant amount of magic power appeared.

''Tch!　Put up the barriers!

　The moment I give the order and the magicians put up the barrier, a pretty powerful spell is released from the Regalia side. Why the power right from the start!

　I managed to prevent them, but they took the magic power of the magicians who put up the barrier and took it to the roots. That's nine more of them. And following that, the wizards on the other side begin to unleash their magic as well.

　Thud thud!

　and the sound of massive amounts of magic hitting the magic barrier; day one would probably end in a magical shootout. The real battle will start tomorrow.

'You guys!　I will not let the invaders tread on their own soil, even if they die!

""Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!"

　I'll never let you through!

　◇ ◇ ◇.

It's starting.

　Your mother murmurs vaguely. So the war has started. As I recall, we're about ten kilometres from the fort, but the sound echoes up here.

'Doctor Merlin, is your father okay?'

　I was too anxious to ask Dr. Merlin, who was with me, and Dr. Merlin smiled and said

'You know best, Fee, that Master Zeke is fine, don't you?　We need to trust your father.

　And then he pats me on the head. You're right. I have to believe him.　Your father is the best of them all!

　Krona and the others nod as I look around. This is the mansion of the frontier county estate. The people here are me, my mother, Eileen's mother, Aunt Chloe, Krona, Dr. Merlin, Dorothea, Milmi, Dry, and Gummin-kun.

　The others who live in this territory have not escaped and remain behind. They all believe in their father's victory.

　I can only pray here, but I'll be waiting for your father to return!