The Evil Noble Desires A Beautiful Demise - Could It Be That You're Stuck In A Loop? - Episode 28

“Charge!!!!!!!”

I’m back.

I managed to come back.

At one point, I even wished for this mysterious phenomenon to end, but now I feel so grateful for it.

“Stoppppppppppppppp!!!!!!!!!!”

From here on, I won’t let anyone die anymore.

“Gather around meeeeeee!!!”

I have no intention of giving up on anything.

For that purpose…

“We will now retreat!!!”

Leaving this place is the best option.

Even if we fight on that magic circle, we have no chance of winning.

The black ogres are just watching us for some reason.

“R-Retreat…?”

The soldiers are agitated.

It’s not surprising. I had steeled myself to enter the forest, and I was just about to launch an attack.

“The enemy is stronger than expected. Fighting here would result in massive damage. My estimates were too optimistic. I’m sorry.”

“Well, it’s not something that His Highness should be apologizing for…!!”

Even though I entered the forest according to my own decision, I had to turn back immediately. I should at least apologize.

“This is not just a retreat. We will lure that ogre to our main base while retreating!”

There was a time long ago when I considered retreating during an attempt.

At that time, I thought that even if I backed down, there was no chance of winning, but the situation has changed.

“Once we leave the forest, we will defeat the enemy!”

Salifa is heading this way.

Then, there is meaning in retreating.

“I will take on the rear guard! Form up and fall back without straying too far!”

“Huh!!”

Alright, here we go.

Let’s raise the signal for counterattack.

“Fire Lance!!”

I cast a greeting spell towards the black ogre.

That became the signal to start the war.

The black ogre, who had dispelled the magic, is looking at us with eyes full of rage.

“GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!”

With a roar, the ogre approaches.

If we can reduce the number of ogres while retreating, that would be great.

“Alright, let’s begin the retreat!”

There are two concerns.

One is a giant snake.

However, based on past experience, the giant serpent appears after the ogres have been defeated. Regardless of the length of the battle, the giant serpent has never intervened when there are still ogres present. In other words, if we can lure the ogres without defeating them, the likelihood of the giant serpent appearing is low.

Another thing is that ridiculous green outfit.

There are many things we don’t know about him, but he didn’t show himself until he managed to hinder our movements. Given that he is currently far from the location of the magic circle, I believe he won’t show himself. However, this is merely an optimistic assumption, so we need to remain vigilant.

“Keil! Don’t go any further away!”

“Yes!”

“Mark! Hold the right flank! There are too many ogres!”

“Understood!”

While restraining the movements of the black ogre, he commanded the retreat. The withdrawal while fending off the pursuing ogres was extremely intense.

However, whether it’s because of the calmness in his heart or the increased concentration, he can clearly understand the battlefield situation. He can even give instructions to each of the soldiers.

Just a little more, just a little more, and we’ll be out of the forest.

“I won’t allow anyone to drop out! Got it? If we get through this, victory is within reach!”

I remember Salifa’s fighting stance.

Once again, I’ll have to rely on you.

The exit of the forest is coming into view.

At the same time, the sight of a reliable man running towards us.

If there’s a next time, I’ll help you.

So, just this once…

“Help me!! Salifa…!!”

“……Yeah, leave it to me.”

Salifa flew over our heads.

Flying right above the ogres,

“……Secret Technique: Meteor Light Bottom”

I cleaved the black ogre in two.

“Carry the injured! Don’t let anyone die!”

Even after arriving at the main camp, I was moving around busily.

The soldiers need to be allowed to rest and prepare for what comes next. Salifa is pursuing the ogres we missed, but even after that, the threat of the giant serpent remains.

For now, I’ve finished giving the instructions.

There are still things to do, but I can finally take a breather.

“Your Highness, why not take a rest as well?”

Mark is looking worried, but that’s not how it can be.

Salifa still hasn’t returned yet.

There are so many things I want to convey.

“Don’t worry about me. Mark, you take a break.”

“Understood. Please don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”

Saying that, Mark walked towards the tent.

On the contrary, I head towards the forest.

And so, I waited for a while at the entrance of the forest.

“…I’m home. The ogre has been defeated.”

Looking not particularly tired, Salifa returned.

For now, I feel relieved about that.

“Sorry for calling you over right away…”

“……No, it’s fine.”

Salifa, as usual, had an expressionless face, but it seemed like she faintly smiled.

“Um, well, you know…”

There must have been a mountain of things I wanted to say.

I haven’t been able to convey my apologies or my gratitude. To begin with, Salifa doesn’t remember anything right now. Still, it’s wrong to remain silent like this.

However, there’s something welling up in my chest, and I can’t put it into words.

Looking at Salifa.

The man who protected me and encouraged me many times.

The man I admired and wanted to catch up to.

“Salifa…!!”

Naturally, tears overflowed.

I had never cried until now.

“Thanks to you, I was saved…!!”

I will become a man worth protecting for you.

And this time, I’ll protect you.

“Thank you…!!!”

With all my feelings, I say this.

The man who despaired at his own powerlessness and overcame it in solitude is no longer here.

Instead of walking as if to atone while carrying a heavy burden, I began to move forward, trying to catch up with the man I admired.