I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 86: War

Episode 86: War 

To the south of the Kingdom of Shriden. A military force led by Maria was currently stationed. The army, totaling 50,000 soldiers, had been gathered for the initial invasion. While the opposing nation, Rodgrul, had prepared 40,000 soldiers for defense.

“We have the advantage in numbers, but they hold the terrain. A difference of just 10,000 could easily be overturned.”

“Indeed.”

Despite agreeing with Maria’ assessment during the strategy meeting, the captain leading the army showed no signs of unease on his face.

“However, we do have a trump card.”

“Yes, though I would have preferred to have two major trump cards at our disposal.”

The trump card they referred to was, of course, the presence of the special-class professions. However, as Maria mentioned, they hadn’t been able to bring both trump cards. Gozef and Amanda had ultimately refused until the very end.

“If I’m in command, I would need one of them for my protection. The other one would be the guardian of Shriden… No, that’s not it. I assume Mother and Father want to leave one behind to guard them?”

“Maria-sama, that couldn’t possibly be…”

“…It’s fine. Even if they have the advantage of terrain, we have Kouya-sama, a special class, on our side.”

Accompanying Maria was Kouya, a Hero. Her mind control ability was the strongest. It was derived from her Magic Eyes, making her a significant asset. Considering that, even Gozef had grudgingly agreed to this arrangement.

“Tomorrow, the battle will likely begin. At first, we’ll hold Kouya-sama in reserve and launch the attack with our current forces.”

“Understood. If it’s just a straightforward comparison of strength, we shouldn’t have any issues. We have several otherworlders of advanced class on our side.”

“They may have some too, but we outnumber them.”

Though Kouya was the only special-class fighter they had, to compensate for not bringing Arata, they had brought five advanced-class fighters. Though their power didn’t quite match up to a single special-class fighter, advanced-class fighters were still rare across the land and represented a significant force.

“If the special class is our major trump card, then perhaps the five advanced-class fighters are our minor trump cards.”

“That’s fair. It would be ideal if the first clash decided the outcome. But if it doesn’t, we’ll deploy Kouya-sama to sweep the battlefield. Do your best to avoid that outcome.”

“I understand. I’ll take my leave now.”

Since the Kingdom of Shriden had declared war, other nations had surmised that they must have done the Hero Summoning. However, they didn’t know how many special-classes were involved, if any. Although spies were likely present, Shriden had gone to great lengths to conceal the presence of Kouya.

“—Maria-sama!”

“Ah! Kouya-sama!”

As the captain left Maria’s tent, Kouya entered in his place. Maria, who had been maintaining a composed and serious demeanor, suddenly looked frail and leaned into Kouya as he approached her.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine. As a member of the royal family, I must fulfill my duties.”

“I understand. That’s why I want to be of help to you, Maria-sama.”

“Your words alone are enough to make me happy. But we must keep your power hidden for now.”

“I see… It can’t be helped, I guess.”

As Kouya looked down, Maria took his arm and embraced him tightly. He blushed at the soft sensation pressing against him, but made no move to pull away.

“…Kouya-sama, once this war is over, I want to—”

“Wait, Maria-sama. Please, let me say it first. I want to deliver victory to you, and then, I’ll express my feelings.”

“Kouya-sama! …Alright, we’ll claim victory for sure.”

“Of course! If you need my power, just say the word!”

After embracing Maria, Kouya left the tent. His expression shifted from happiness to a stoic, unreadable gaze as soon as he stepped outside.

“…For the sake of my country, I’ll make sure you work hard, Kouya-sama.”

With a sly smile, Maria’s thoughts turned to the unfolding future.