The Neighborhood High School Girl, Miss Isezaki, Is the Great Saintess Returned from Another World~ And I, Suddenly Awakened as Her Exclusive Mana Supply Uncle, Travel Between Earth and Another World with Time-Space Magic~ - 147. Decision 2

147. 147. 147. 147. 147. 147. 147. 147. Decision 2

“Retreat…?”

“Yes, retreat.”

Lady Levia affirmed, looking straight into my eyes.

“Um, may I ask for the reason?”

“Given the recent events, it’s likely that even the Digram army is planning some sort of military operation near the magic stone mine.”

“Probably.”

The fact that the Digram army is withdrawing soldiers indicates they are up to something. 

“According to our assessment, with your abilities, Mr. Matsunaga, it would have been relatively easy to fortify the magic stone mine. However, if the Digram army is planning a military operation simultaneously, it changes the situation. The success of the operation would depend on the circumstances, and it would certainly increase the danger. We cannot afford to send Mr. Matsunaga and my sister to assist in such an operation, even though you’ve been kind enough to help us.”

Lady Levia stated this matter-of-factly. It seems she decided to retreat for our safety.

“After the retreat, we’ll assess the enemy’s strategy and plan our next move accordingly. Although we’ll be on the defensive, we have the advantage. It will also depend on how many soldiers we can hire with the town’s resources, but of course, we don’t intend to lose.”

“I see…”

While I nodded in agreement with Lady Levia’s words, I felt something uneasy in my chest. Perhaps I wasn’t entirely convinced by this decision.

In other words, I had assumed that Lady Levia would decide to continue the operation. And if she had given the order, I would have obediently headed to the magic stone mine.

After all, I was just a passive office worker. I’d grumble about the tasks assigned to me but still carry them out during office hours.

But now, Lady Levia is interrupting the operation for our sake.

Now, should I obediently retreat according to Lady Levia’s command, forget about this world for now, return to Japan, and drown my dissatisfaction with alcohol? That would be rather uncool too.

Man, I’m really uncool. And what would Isezaki-san think if she saw me like this? Even she might be disappointed in me.

…Yeah, that wouldn’t be good. I want to be a cool gentleman.

I gulped down the tea in one go. The tea was hotter than I expected, but it felt like it injected a surge of determination into my heart and body. Well, it just felt that way. But with that momentum, I raised my voice.

“No, there’s no need to retreat. I’ll figure something out.”

I said it. Now I have to follow through. But this is a task that only I can do. So why not give it a shot?

“Mr. Matsunaga, did you hear that? The situation has changed. It’s not just about setting up a fortress!”

Lady Levia looked surprised at my words but gave me a compassionate look. To reassure her, I spoke in a relaxed tone.

“Don’t worry. And if worse comes to worst, I’ll run. I doubt anyone in this world is better at running away than I am. So please rest assured.”

“But why…”

Lady Levia seemed not entirely convinced. But I can’t tell her that I don’t want to look uncool in front of Isezaki-san. Let’s just deflect for now.

“I just thought it would be a waste to retreat without seeing how things unfold on the other side. Besides, there’s a chance that if trouble arises over there and someone flees from their base, we might mistakenly think it’s part of their plan. Wouldn’t that make us look foolish? At least let’s see the situation on the ground before making any decisions.”

That’s just wishful thinking on my part. I’m not actually considering running away. But Lady Levia’s tense expression softened slightly at my words.

“Hehe, that would be preferable, wouldn’t it? But are you sure it’s alright to continue the operation?”

“Of course. In exchange for the added danger, can we expect a higher reward?”

“Yes. In any case, if this operation fails, we’re doomed. Whatever Mr. Matsunaga desires, we’ll provide.”

“Oh, you said it, didn’t you? Then I’ll make sure to give it my all, so be prepared. …Well then, here I go.”

“Yes, I wish you the best of luck.”

Lady Levia chuckled and bowed slightly, followed by Holly, who quietly lowered her head.

With their send-off, I teleported back to the wilderness where Isezaki-san awaited – 

Oh, right. Only Isezaki-san needs to return to Japan.

– I thought to myself as I activated the Dimensional Teleportation.