Chapter 45
Having rested sufficiently, Claude-sama was once again single-handedly holding the dungeon’s seal.
Kallion and the others were also doing their best, but it had always been an impossible task to seal it with such a small force.
Now, he was conserving his mana and cutting down orcs one after another with his sword.
The dungeon surveillance unit was, of course, impressed by the strength of the knights who had come to their aid, but they also held a sense of awe for Claude-sama’s strength, who continued to seal it single-handedly.
There, the main force of the Prominence Knights, dispatched by Fahrenheit, joined them.
Commander Bannel found Kallion, who was resting, and spoke to him.
“Kallion. What’s the situation?”
“Currently, Claude-sama is single-handedly maintaining the dungeon’s seal.”
“I understand Claude-sama’s strength, but it’s not good for a commander to be putting himself on the line alone. Shunen. Have your unit take over the seal.”
“Sir!”
Captain Shunen led his unit away.
“What is the status of the subjugation?”
“The various feudal lords’ armies that were dispatched have formed an encirclement and begun the mop-up operation. Thanks to you sealing the dungeon, they should be able to complete the subjugation without taking too much time.”
Claude, having been relieved by Shunen’s unit, returned.
“Commander Bannel. I’m glad you came; you’ve been a great help.”
“Not at all. What matters most is that you are safe.”
“Did my elder brother say anything?”
“He ordered us to join Claude-sama and seal the dungeon.”
“Even if we seal it, if we don’t investigate the cause, it won’t be a true resolution, will it?”
“Claude-sama. It may be presumptuous of me, but I believe it would be wise for you to refrain from accumulating any more achievements.”
“May I ask why?”
“The Prominence House has, as a whole, achieved considerable merit in resolving this situation. While this itself is commendable, there are some among the nobility who do not look favorably upon it.”
“So, you’re saying balance is important in all things?”
“Precisely.”
“Understood. With Commander Bannel here, there shouldn’t be any problems, so I think I’ll take a rest.”
“Please rest well.”
The mop-up operation proceeded without issue, and the feudal lords’ armies had completed their assembly in front of the dungeon.
Fahrenheit had gathered the commanders to discuss future plans.
“Thank you all for gathering. Though I am still inexperienced, I will take the lead in explaining our future plans.”
“Your command was splendid. We have no intention of underestimating you for your youth.”
“We are currently maintaining the dungeon’s seal, but we intend to entrust its capture to the Royal Knights.”
“I see. In a dungeon where it’s difficult to leverage large numbers even if a large army is sent in, it’s best to deploy an elite force.”
“In that case, we’ll be free.”
“Simply keeping an army mobilized costs money, and leaving your domains unattended for too long is also problematic. Therefore, we are thinking of having everyone return.”
There were some who wished to participate in the dungeon capture and earn achievements, but none had the courage to say so in front of the Commander of the Royal Knights.
“Understood. In that case, we shall begin preparations to withdraw.”
Before the dungeon capture, the feudal lords’ armies, having fulfilled their roles, were thus disbanded.