Lunch time translation NoDC (7-2)

“It cannot be……are you thinking they will not only withhold their support but also interfere with our plans? Would a King of the realm really go so far as to do something like this?”

“….who knows. We are simply considering the possibilities, after all,” Duke Crimson stated ambiguously.

Though he held some convicton, it was not yet the time to reveal them.

As Ecquria had reached this conclusion, she changed the course of the conversation to their main concern.

“How long will the city be able to withstand the assault?”

“In the worst situation, it will be a few days at best. At the most, it could last a few months. We are still not able to calculate the true numbers of the enemies as yet. We can only hope that the previous charge has decimated their numbers substantially.

Ecquria had asked her question in hope that the situation had taken a turn for the better while she was gone. Unfortunately, the situation had worsened even more than she had anticipated.

“It seems a behemoth sized monster ravaged the Alhaste province in the north.”

“Wha..!”

“According to the rumors, there was also either a herd of orges or wyverns that appeared. We have yet to hear the details but it would be best not to expect any support from them. Most of the other provinces also lack the reserves to provide any help. I’ve also submitted a request for help to the Adventurer’s guild as well but – their available manpower tends to fluctuate so…..”

In other words, they were on their own.

If they fought defensively and relied on the outer wall of the city, they could withstand an attack against several thousands of orcs. However, they would not be able to exterminate the enemy this way.

Time would be on the side of the orcs to build their numbers given their vigorous reproductive capabilities.

“I wish I did not have to welcome you back to this situation. However, I know of no joy greater than having you safely back with us, Ecquria.”

“No, Father. It is I, who must apologize for being of so little use to you,” said Ecquria as she grinded her teeth in frustration. She glared at the floor, trying to think of a way save them from the immediate threat.

For a moment, the image of Speer flashed through her mind but she quickly shook her head to disperse the thought.

　◇　◇　◇

The small hand squeezed the pillow. Gathering it close to hug tightly, the owner burrowed further into the pillow to hide. Rolling over, the black hair gleamed as it spread like a wave, fanning out across the sheets.

“uMmmmm…”

“Black” eyes peered out from under the slowly lifting eyelids.

Speer’s body relaxed, still in the grip of slumber as she slowly awakened.

With her sleepy eyes, she turned her head to look about the room.

“….Where am I?”

It wasn’t any place she knew. But the bed certainly was soft and comfortable.

They were treating her well, so it wasn’t as if she’d been kidnapped. And just as she reached this conclusion, her stomach growled.

“Hmmm, morning already? Afternoon?” she said as a round shadow formed by her hand.

There was still some apples she could eat immediately in the ‘storage’. But she removed her hand from the shadow without taking anything out.

“Oh, that’s right. I’ve already been kidnapped before coming here.”

It's summer cleaning time, kitchen's closed and the shedule's erratic for a while yet.