After that, the Shogun and Emilia roughly explained the future evacuation plan to the two people before them. Though it was called an explanation, they did not mention Natsuki Subaru's Return by Death. Such a matter could not be casually spoken of. All they said was, "A criminal group is lurking near this forest, and there are quite a lot of them. If we don't evacuate the villagers in advance, once fighting breaks out, innocent people may get caught in the crossfire."
As for transportation for the evacuation, they decided to use the dragon carriages the others had brought.
"We didn't have enough transport vehicles on our side. Just a moment ago we were still worrying about it, and then the next second you show up like help arriving in a snowstorm. You've really saved us a lot of trouble~!"
Emilia smiled happily and clapped her hands together with a light clap.
"W-Wait—are these reports true?"
Felix hurriedly waved his hands and asked again to confirm.
"Absolutely true."
The Shogun replied.
"Oh... well... then there's no choice. We'll have to do it this way. How many villagers are there?"
He asked again.
"Including men, women, and children... probably a few hundred."
Emilia counted on her fingers.
"A few hundred?!"
Felix's expression changed drastically.
That's way too many! Can they even all fit?!
"What's wrong? Are there not enough dragon carriages?"
The Shogun asked with concern.
"It's not that there aren't enough... If we squeeze ten people into each carriage, they should barely fit. That's without luggage, though."
Felix began calculating as well. He wasn't entirely sure whether they had enough carriages. He would need to check later. If he had known, he would have brought more.
"Mm~! Then it's settled. Next, we just need to gather everyone in the village and inform them. I'll handle that."
Emilia finally felt the heavy weight in her heart ease. She let out a genuine sigh of relief. Putting aside whether the carriages were truly enough, at least they had found a workable solution. Just as the saying goes, when the cart reaches the mountain, there will be a road.
"To save time, it would be best if we all help. Wilhelm."
The Shogun looked at the white-haired butler before her and gave a brief instruction.
"Understood. I will gather the villagers together with you and the soldiers."
Wilhelm bowed respectfully.
"Lady Shogun, Ram would like to help as well."
The previously silent Ram stepped forward and volunteered.
"No. You still need to take care of Rem. She is currently suffering from amnesia. Without someone by her side, something could easily happen."
"But..."
Ram pressed her lips together, her expression complicated as her gaze unconsciously drifted toward the mansion gates.
"It's alright, Ram. Leave the evacuation to us."
Emilia gently patted her shoulder and softly reassured her.
"...Very well. Please take care."
After saying that, Ram returned directly to the mansion to find Rem.
"As for Beatrice—"
"Betty says she will stay."
Hummm~
The one who spoke was the spirit cat who had not appeared for quite some time—Puck. He gradually manifested from the gem on Emilia's chest and floated in midair, revealing himself before everyone.
"Great Spirit-sama~ It is our fortune to meet you today, meow~!"
Felix immediately bowed respectfully in a knight's salute. Wilhelm lowered his head as well.
"No need for so much formality~! I'm not that particular. Ahaha."
The cat laughed awkwardly, rubbing his fluffy belly in a tone like a middle-aged man. There was none of the lofty dignity one might expect.
"Puck! What have you been doing lately?!"
Seeing her spirit father finally appear, Emilia frowned helplessly and scolded him.
This unreliable father of hers never seemed to handle proper matters. Worse still, he hadn't shown up at all these past few days, which had truly irritated her.
"Don't be so angry, Lia. I just took a nap."
Puck waved his paw awkwardly.
"What do you mean don't be angry? You were completely silent and made me worry~!"
Emilia refused to let him off so easily and continued to scold him.
"Alright, alright—I'm sorry."
Seeing her like this, Puck immediately surrendered and apologized obediently, his fluffy body drooping.
"..." ×3
The others awkwardly watched the scene, none of them speaking.
"Ahem... So what did you say earlier? Beatrice isn't coming?"
Emilia coughed lightly, her cheeks faintly red, then looked at Puck again.
"Mm..."
Puck nodded with a complicated expression.
[Betty can't leave. She'll wait for Brother to come back. You don't need to worry about me.]
That had been her exact words.
"...That's what she said."
Puck repeated Beatrice's message.
"How can she do that? If she doesn't come, it'll be dangerous."
Emilia said worriedly.
"Don't worry, Lia... Betty is actually safer staying in the Forbidden Library."
Puck shrugged.
"Why?"
The Shogun asked.
"Well, you could say it's part of her ability. Besides, she has a contract that prevents her from leaving the mansion. You understand, right?"
He looked at the Shogun, then swept his gaze over the others.
"Haa... very well. Since she refuses to leave, let her be."
The Shogun relented. Since even Puck, who was close to Beatrice, said so, she, as an outsider, would not meddle further. She knew Beatrice harbored some unspeakable secret, but she no longer cared to pry. Better to focus on what lay before her.
That said—
'Ei? Are you there?'
[I'm here.]
The gentle voice, so similar to her own, responded the very next second.
'Why have you been so quiet?'
She asked.
[Afraid of disturbing you... There wasn't really a place for me to speak. It was better to let you handle it.]
Ei sighed softly, sounding faintly regretful.
'Feeling lonely?'
She asked with concern.
[A little. But it's nothing serious. Haa... I just took a nap as well. I feel much better now.]
'I'm sorry... I haven't spoken with you much these past few days.'
Her voice softened, losing its usual cold sharpness.
[Hehe... It's fine. As long as you're happy... I'm alright.]
Hearing her daughter's gentle tone, Ei merely smiled indulgently.
Even if she weren't alright, she wouldn't say it.
'At night... stay with you?'
[...Mm.]
There was no extra adornment, no excessive sentiment—just a simple, heartfelt exchange. One question and one answer were enough to reflect their feelings.
After softly replying "mm," Ei's eyes shimmered faintly with emotion. Her soft lips parted slightly.
[...I'll wait for you.]
She said gently.
'Mm.'
The Shogun also revealed a tender smile and gave a subtle nod. This slight change in expression went unnoticed by the others around her.
"Then let's set off, everyone!"
Emilia cheered for the group.
After that came the evacuation phase. During the process, Natsuki Subaru also came to help. Having experienced failure once, he was very clear about the timing of the enemy's arrival. However, due to his own limited strength, he could only assist with gathering the villagers. Ram also brought the amnesiac Rem to the village, occasionally lending a hand.
After nearly an hour, all the villagers were finally gathered in the center of the spacious square. Seeing the large army before them and the solemn expression on Lady Emilia's face, most of them could guess that something major was about to happen.
"—That's the situation. We hope everyone will cooperate with the evacuation. Please come with us to seek shelter. I beg you!"
After speaking at length, Emilia ended with a solemn bow.
(We understand!) ×N
(If it's Lady Emilia's decision, we won't doubt it!)
(That's right! Lady Emilia has put so much thought into us—if we don't appreciate it, that wouldn't be right!)
(Lady Emilia is the best!!)
The villagers agreed without hesitation. They were filled with trust and confidence in Emilia. That trust made Emilia's nose sting, her violet eyes gradually reddening as she bowed once more.
"Thank you all!"
She shouted her gratitude.
"Haa..."
Seeing this, the Shogun also let out a quiet breath of relief.
Just as she had expected, Emilia's prestige in the village was high. Combined with the Karsten family's support, the evacuation proceeded far more smoothly.
Afterward—
Her eyes gradually turned cold as she looked toward the mountains behind them.
Once this place was empty...
It would be time for her counterattack.
...
Because of the sheer number of villagers, it was impossible to send all of them to the Karsten residence in the royal capital for refuge. Simply put, there wasn't enough space. Even if every room in the Karsten mansion were used, it would only barely accommodate about half of them. Clearly, sending everyone there was unrealistic.
In that case, what should they do?
"What about Sanctuary? Can we seek refuge there?"
Emilia looked at the long line of dragon carriages filled with villagers, all waiting to depart, and turned to Ram and the others.
"It should be possible. After all, Lord Roswaal is there."
Ram nodded.
Moreover, there was a local village near Sanctuary. It would be enough to house the remaining villagers. The distance was not much different from the royal capital either, only in opposite directions.
"That works. Send the remaining people to Sanctuary for refuge. Inform Roswaal afterward—just say it was my decision."
Without further hesitation, Emilia gave the order directly. Time was running out. Every villager had to be evacuated. There was no room to overthink it.
Ram then explained the situation to Wilhelm and the others. They nodded and spoke briefly with the villagers inside the carriages.
"OK, this is the last batch~!"
Felix clapped his hands after watching the final few people board and signaled to the drivers up front.
"Ram, take Rem and get on as well."
The Shogun looked at the pink-haired girl beside her and instructed her.
"Lady Shogun... what about you?"
Ram obediently led Rem onto the final dragon carriage bound for Sanctuary. After settling her sister, she turned back worriedly at the Shogun, who still stood outside.
"The hidden danger at the mansion needs to be dealt with by me. Don't worry. Focus on protecting your sister and the villagers on the way to Sanctuary."
She folded her arms and shrugged, speaking in a calm tone. This group of villagers would rely on Ram for protection.
"...Understood. I will protect them."
Ram pressed her lips together slightly before yielding and nodding firmly.
"Mm. Set off."
The Shogun walked to the side and gestured to the drivers of the front carriages.
"Hyah~!" ×N
At the command, they snapped the reins and started forward.
Rattle! ×N
The dragon carriages began moving in unison, their wheels stirring faint clouds of dust as they formed a long procession heading toward Sanctuary.
"Haa... they've finally departed."
Emilia let out a breath of relief and smiled. After a hectic morning that left her drenched in sweat, at least there was some progress.
"Next is—"
She turned toward the remaining group of carriages on her left, only to be interrupted by a childish voice.
"Please take care of us, big sister~!"
"...Hm?"
Startled, she turned around and saw several children standing there with backpacks on their shoulders. They looked up at her with bright, innocent eyes and cheerful smiles. The one who had spoken was the blonde girl at the front—Petra.
"Please take care of us, big sister!" ×N
The other children greeted her together.
"Eh? What's going on? Was there a mistake?"
Emilia took a step back, flustered. She glanced at the already packed carriages, then instinctively looked at Felix and Wilhelm.
"Why are there so many children left?"
She asked.
"Yes. Considering both the number of carriages and the number of people, Lady Emilia will have to ride together with these children. It is the only option left."
Wilhelm stepped forward to explain.
"..."
Emilia fell silent for a moment. She lowered her gaze to the children before her, gently pressing her lips together, her expression somewhat complicated.
"...Can't they ride in the other carriages?"
She asked again.
"My apologies... We truly don't have enough carriages left. Only this last small one remains. It can hold about eight people. Including Lady Emilia and these children, it should be just enough."
Wilhelm bowed apologetically.
"I see... then there's no helping it. Alright, I understand."
She smiled and accepted.
Her earlier hesitation hadn't been because she disliked the children. Rather, because of her status, she was often ridiculed by outsiders. She feared the children might hold prejudice against her—or even dislike her.
"Please take care of us, Sister Emilia~"
Petra tugged at her hand like a little angel and smiled.
"Mm... the same goes for me, Petra~"
Emilia felt warmth bloom in her chest. She crouched down and gently patted Petra's head.
"..."
Meanwhile, the Shogun's attention was not on Emilia and the children, but on the somewhat unusual small carriage they were about to board. Her eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion.
"Is this your carriage?"
She looked at Felix and asked.
"Eh? No, meow... Ours are all full. This one was specially provided to us by this kind merchant."
Felix introduced the tall brown-haired man standing behind him. The man awkwardly scratched his head and smiled at her.
"...Thank you for your support. But... you seem unfamiliar. Are you from this village?"
Emilia stood and walked over, asking in confusion.
"Yes. I'm originally a merchant from the village. I often travel out to trade, so I don't show my face much. It's normal that Lady Emilia doesn't recognize me."
The tall man explained. Yet there was something indescribable in his expression, making the Shogun's suspicion deepen.
"Trade?"
She questioned in a cool voice.
"Y-Yes."
He flinched slightly and nodded quickly.
"Where do you trade?"
She continued.
"...The royal capital."
He answered, a faint sheen of sweat appearing on his forehead.
"...When did you return?"
"Last night."
"..." ×N
After that answer, an odd silence fell over the group.
Emilia frowned slightly. Felix and Wilhelm exchanged glances. The Shogun's gaze grew increasingly dangerous.
"Um... is something wrong?"
The self-proclaimed merchant grew uneasy.
"Nothing..."
The Shogun replied casually before stepping closer to Felix and lowering her voice.
"(Did you check inside the carriage?)"
"(Mm. We checked. It's empty. He said he unloaded all the goods beforehand.)"
Felix nodded.
"..."
The Shogun gave the man a long look, then personally stepped into the carriage. Because of its low height, she had to bend slightly as she moved inside. She first sat down in one of the seats and casually scanned the interior. Just as Felix had said, it appeared completely empty.
"(Shogun, how is it?)"
Emilia followed her up and asked quietly.
"I found nothing."
She replied.
"Hey, what is the meaning of this? I kindly offered my help, and this is how I'm treated?!"
The so-called merchant clicked his tongue and shouted at them in dissatisfaction.
"Um—"
Felix tried to smooth things over.
"Tch... forget it. It seems Lady Emilia is the type to treat people differently after all. I'm leaving!"
With that, the man turned as if to board a nearby dragon carriage, clearly intending to blend into the crowd.
"Shogun..."
Emilia looked at the Shogun worriedly, then at the merchant who was about to leave.
Hummm~
In an instant, the Shogun activated her Elemental Sight. Pale violet light flooded the interior of the carriage. Like a sonar pulse, invisible ripples swept through the structure—
—And found something.
"...?"
It was hidden between the carriage floor and the lower frame. A block-shaped object, not small in size, radiating faint heat.
...A bomb?
"Stop."
"!!"
The single command, cold to the extreme, made the merchant tremble instinctively. Sweat beaded on his forehead once more. His steps halted—not out of obedience, but as if forced by something unseen. He himself did not understand why he had stopped.
"...?"
The others looked at the Shogun in confusion.
Crack!
She rose to her feet and precisely applied force with the heel of her high-heeled shoe, stomping down onto the carriage floor. With a crisp sound of splintering wood, the plank shattered—revealing the suspicious object concealed beneath.
She reached into the gap and pulled out a leather pouch stuffed with stone-like fragments that emitted intense heat.
Tap... tap...
Stepping out of the carriage and back onto the ground, she casually tossed the pouch onto the dirt.
"What is this?"
Her voice was ice-cold.
"!!"
The "merchant's" face drained of color. His pupils shrank. The hand hidden within his sleeve began to tremble uncontrollably.
How did she find it?!
It was hidden where no one would ever look. Why... why?!