One year after the Great Reclamation, the territory of Gaderia had expanded rapidly.
During the reclamation process, the pioneering teams encountered quite a few hiding Demons. However, these Demons all succumbed under Aura's Magic of Obedience.
Gaderia's Demon army suddenly expanded to over five hundred members.
Most of these Demons lacked their own opinions, blindly obeying orders from their superiors. With dead-fish eyes and devoid of expression, they were essentially emotionless robots.
Only a very small fraction of Demons possessed any consciousness for independent thought. For such Demons, after being vetted by Lugner and Linie, they could be absorbed into the New Demon Association of Mutual Love.
Among the five hundred plus Demons, there were only fifty such individuals.
Of those, aside from five Demons who held some interest in Humans, the rest were solely focused on researching magic.
Inside the office of the Gaderia Lord's Manor.
The unlocked window was pushed open by pale fingertips. A figure in a black dress flashed inside, and a cascade of white hair came into view.
"Why have you come?"
Aaron, who had been buried in work at his desk, looked up, somewhat surprised to see Nanoda climbing in through the window.
With the situation of Human-Demon coexistence in Gaderia stabilizing, and at Yuna's strong request, Nanoda no longer wrapped herself in a black robe but had switched to relatively relaxed and free attire.
"Linie is cooking at home today."
Nanoda's answer was very simple.
"I see. Would you like to sit down and have a drink?"
Aaron nodded, realizing that Nanoda was here to mooch a meal.
"You really do like coffee, huh? No need."
As soon as she climbed in, Nanoda smelled the room full of coffee.
On the office desk sat a jar filled with dark brown powder, and to the side was a glass cabinet displaying many different styles of cups and fine wines.
"Coffee makes my mood pleasant and my mind clear," Aaron said with a straight face.
"Then why don't you drink coffee when you're in a bad mood, but drink alcohol instead? To be honest, your face when drunk looks just like a bare monkey's butt."
That remark carried a bit too much damage, rendering Aaron speechless. Right, why do I drink alcohol?
"Ahem, that is a man's romance." Aaron tried to mask his embarrassment.
"Can we change the topic? I actually have something quite interesting recently. I intended to call you over to consult on it, but you happened to arrive early."
Aaron utilized the technique of 'Rapid Subject Change'.
"Something interesting?"
Nanoda pulled over a chair and sat down.
"Some news recently came from the Central Lands. They discovered a gathering place for a remnant party of Demons located within an ancient ruin. Under a joint decision by the nations, they are preparing to send troops to crusade against it. Honestly, it doesn't matter whether we get involved or not."
"However, what is interesting is that Glück of the Fortified City contacted me secretly to inform me of this matter. He has a relative's son named Denken, a Mage who is setting out with the army."
Hearing this, Nanoda recalled. This was the period where Denken established his merit in the army before becoming an Imperial Court Mage.
"So, what does he want you to do?" Aaron continued speaking.
"He wants us, Gaderia, to also send someone along to take a look and secretly look after Denken, as this trip might be somewhat dangerous. Of course, it doesn't matter if we go or not; it's entirely up to our own volition."
"Is there no payment?"
Aaron was somewhat surprised by Nanoda's point of focus.
"Payment? The Central Lands will provide military funding."
"I see."
"The above is actually irrelevant. The most critical point is that this remnant party of Demons is related to that member of the Seven Sages of Destruction—the Undying Böse. Their hideout has a barrier set by Böse. Rumor has it that those Demons are not just taking refuge inside, but are also there to guard something within the ruins."
Aaron spoke with an air of mystery.
"Are you sure this news is authentic?"
In Nanoda's memory, the Undying Böse, one of the Seven Sages of Destruction, had died at the hands of the Hero's Party. At that time, with Heiter's support, the Hero's group had stayed inside a vacuum barrier for two months. If Frieren hadn't analyzed and dispelled Böse's barrier, allowing the Hero to backstab Böse after breaking free, everyone would have been wiped out inside.
"Fifty-fifty, I guess. I said it was a rumor."
"I feel like the water is a bit deep here. Moreover, those going are all Human armies. How am I supposed to blend in?"
Nanoda became somewhat interested, but was also hindered by her identity.
"Actually, I already have a candidate in mind. I just wanted to ask if you agreed. Of course, if you refuse, we in Gaderia won't wade into this muddy water."
"Let me guess... Yuna?"
Among those with the strength for military service, Nanoda could only think of Yuna, who was already a Second-Class Mage at such a young age.
"Uh, that's right. The child wants to go out and gain some experience recently. She plans to take the exam for First-Class Mage in a few years. I think Yuna already has the strength for this."
"I'm a bit uneasy about it. I'm going too."
Since it involved Demons, Nanoda didn't want any accidents to befall her little apprentice.
"To be honest, I was hoping you would refuse. This incident might very well evolve into a small-scale Human-Demon war." Aaron shook his head.
"Don't worry. As long as I cover my broken horn and don't release mana, I'm not much different from a Human. I can follow along to protect them. However, does Yuna know about this?"
"Yes, I've chatted with her. She really wants to try. The child has grown up, after all."
About a week later, Aaron had managed the relationships on that end, and Nanoda had arranged everything for her absence. She set off together with Yuna, their destination: the Central Lands.
"Clack, clack."
Driven by a coachman, two fine horses pulled an open-topped carriage with four wooden wheels, moving slowly. As the carriage advanced, the somewhat old wheels and the carriage body creaked.
"It's been a long time since I went on a long trip with Lady Nanoda."
Sitting in the carriage, Yuna tilted her head and leaned on Nanoda's shoulder. Her two braids slanted to the side, and her already somewhat full bosom pressed against Nanoda's arm.
Only Yuna and Nanoda were on this trip.
"Yuna, you've gotten fat. So heavy."
Nanoda extended her other hand to pat Yuna's head.
This child had loved clinging to her since she was small.
"?! Really?"
Yuna immediately straightened her body, looking somewhat dejected.
"I'm joking. It's normal for humans to grow up. I'm just a bit nostalgic; back then, you were only this tall."
As she spoke, Nanoda held out her hand to gesture a height.
"Honestly. I am no longer a child, Lady Nanoda."
As if in a huff, Yuna pouted.
"I hope this will be a nice journey."
The carriage leisurely moved slowly forward.
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