Chapter 76
If Yuurai used the Marionette magic, she could even force-feed Gilka. Though unconscious, her body was functioning normally, so as long as she ate, she wouldn't die.
However, since she couldn't move on her own, Yuurai also had to assist with things like using the bathroom. At first, she thought it would be difficult since they didn't share sensations, but as she trained with the Marionette magic, she became able to do it.
It was a strange feeling, but in any case, as long as Yuurai was there, Gilka wouldn't die.
However, since the effects of that unpleasant haze were still unknown, leaving her unattended for too long might not be good for Gilka. The situation needed to be improved quickly.
For that reason, Yuurai decided to depart for the Holy Capital.
Accompanying Yuurai were Claire, Lipia, Fia, Deena, and Gilka. Since Gilka was unconscious, it was more like transporting her than accompanying.
Since it was expected to be a dangerous journey, Deena could have stayed in Grimoire, but she insisted on coming along. She said it was to observe the Demon King's actions directly and report them to the guild.
They would try to protect her from enemies as much as possible, but she wouldn't be the top priority, so there was danger. Yuurai told her that, but she was fine with it.
Ceres also said it "sounded kind of fun" and wanted to come along, but Yuurai asked her to stay behind.
"If something unexpected happens again, I want you to protect the town with Ragvela and the others."
At Yuurai's words, Ceres let out a sigh.
"I have no obligation to listen to the Demon King's requests. ...But at the very least, protecting those two—I'll do that without you having to ask."
Yuurai felt like she was watching a tsundere girl and smiled softly. Ceres seemed to have softened a bit compared to when they first met. She was human too, after all—living together probably made her feel some attachment.
To head for the Holy Capital, Yuurai and the others quickly prepared, including their gear.
Yuurai wore her usual high-defense robe and, just in case, strapped a sword to her waist. She rarely used a sword, but it was for insurance.
Claire also wore her standard gear: Holy Knight's armor and helmet, and the Sword of Gaen.
Fia wore a gothic lolita-style dress and had a ring on each hand, which enhanced her magic power.
The Holy Capital was practically enemy headquarters for Yuurai, but she didn't make any special preparations. Partly because with her power, she was unlikely to lose, and partly because there wasn't anything better than her usual equipment.
Once they were ready, they set off for the Holy Capital.
The Holy Capital was quite far from Grimoire. Normally, it would take over ten days to reach. Although not exact, it was likely over five or six hundred kilometers away.
Since this wasn't a leisurely trip, Yuurai summoned two ten-meter-class Fiends as transport. By hurrying, they reached the vicinity of the Holy Capital by the night of their departure.
That was extremely fast by normal standards, but no one was surprised anymore. They were already used to it.
"So that's the Holy Capital... Looks like a beautiful city. The buildings themselves have a nice feel, and the orderly layout is pleasing to the eye."
They were still more than two kilometers away from the Holy Capital. Even so, since Yuurai was riding on the Fiend's shoulder, she could see its appearance. The castle and what seemed to be church facilities had a more refined design than usual. To Yuurai, it looked like something out of a fairytale.
"...Should we conquer the Holy Capital too?"
Claire said it like she was suggesting a casual stroll.
Yuurai was on the Fiend's left shoulder, while Claire was on the right. In the Fiend's hand was Gilka, bundled up in thick clothing.
"I didn't come to conquer. I just want them to heal Gilka. Also, the ones involved in the Angel Summoning... I think it's time they suffered a little."
"...Yuurai? Are you conscious?"
"Ah, y-yeah. I'm fine. No problem."
"Good. Just don't go overboard—keep it moderate."
"...Yeah. I know. Then let's go as planned. We'll use Concealment magic to infiltrate. Once inside the city, we'll use Concealment Dispel and crush them head-on."
"...For Yuurai, I think that's fine. But still, it's kind of crazy."
"Yeah. I'd like to come up with a good plan and go about it smartly. But we'll just smash them directly. That way, they'll understand not to mess with the Demon King."
"True. That's not a bad idea."
"Right. Okay then... Lipia, Deena, Fia! We're charging into enemy territory, so do your best to stay safe!"
Yuurai called out to the three riding the other Fiend. She had told the Fiend and Fia to protect Lipia and Deena, so they should be relatively safe. Also, that side didn't plan to break Concealment for a while, so the ones being targeted would be Yuurai and Claire.
Yuurai commanded the Fiends to move even closer to the Holy Capital. Since they were suppressing their presence and walking stealthily to avoid causing tremors, the people in the Holy Capital likely hadn't noticed their approach.
Yuurai and the others safely reached a spot right near the city walls. The wall was about as tall as the Fiend's shoulder, so Yuurai could see the entire town.
The townscape, illuminated here and there by magical lights, was beautiful. The population was said to be around seventy thousand, but since few people moved around at midnight in this world, the streets were sparsely populated.
"...I wonder if no one's noticed us yet? I don't sense that angel either."
Yuurai and Claire jumped down from the Fiend's shoulders onto the city wall. There were guards about ten meters away, but they hadn't noticed them at all. Concealment magic was impressive.
"...Okay, shall we begin the battle? Claire and I will use Concealment Dispel. ...I'm also fully lifting my magic concealment now."
Upon lifting the concealment, several guards stationed on the wall noticed Yuurai and Claire.
"E-enemy! Enemies suddenly appeared!"
"Is that... the Demon King?!"
"Alarm! Sound the alarm!"
The soldiers fled down the wall. It seemed they had no intention of fighting. Apparently, they weren't foolish enough to charge at someone even Holy Knights couldn't defeat.
"Good. We don't have to fight unnecessarily."
"...Yuurai. The real enemy is coming."
"Yeah. I know."
Because Yuurai was releasing her overflowing magic power without restraint, some people had already sensed her presence. From near the church in the center of the town, unpleasant magical energy began to spill out.
The number of enemies was five.
Most likely, it was the presence of those angels.
"...This feels bad. And they seem pretty strong too."
"Be careful."
"Yeah. ...Also, just in case, I'll use Marionette magic to stop the movements of the small fry. I want to focus on the fight with the angels."
She cast a spell over the entire town to stop human movement. Some of the stronger ones escaped her control, but she didn't care.
"...Yuurai, there are about seventy thousand people here. Did you cast magic over the whole town again?"
"Ah, yeah."
"...Yuurai, how many people can you stop at once?"
"Hmm... I think I can manage a hundred thousand. Ah, of course, it's a light restraint that doesn't affect Claire or the others."
"...I see."
Claire seemed exasperated. Yuurai scratched her cheek.
"Umm, anyway, are we ready? Let's deal with those angels."
Five angels flew toward Yuurai's group. Wearing silver-white armor and sprouting wings, they radiated an intensely unpleasant light.