When I Was Reincarnated, All the Heroines Were Stolen by the Fake Hero ~ The Guy Who Dominated With Original Story Knowledge, and Me Who Dominated With Talent. It Seems the World After the Ending Is My One-Man Stage ~ - Episode 19

Episode 19

After finishing her greeting with Kotama, Freyja returned to the wooden crate where she had been sitting earlier and motioned for us to come over as well.

Unlike the secret talks we’d had before, this was already something the soldiers had been informed about.

This time, instead of using a private room in the tavern, she was deliberately choosing to talk in a public setting—likely to maintain transparency.

As we approached at her prompting, Freyja pointed to another empty crate nearby and said:

“Yutaka-dono, Sebas-dono, please sit over here.”

Sebas and I followed her suggestion. While Kotama remained hidden behind Sebas, just like always.

“As for the members heading out on the expedition, the lineup is more or less decided. Including myself, there will be seven. If Yutaka-dono and Kotama-dono join, it will total nine people,”

Freyja said as she began drawing a simple map with a twig she had picked up from somewhere.

“I chose members who are especially used to reconnaissance missions, familiar with the terrain, and have good judgment in critical situations.”

“That’s reassuring. Whether or not experienced people are around makes a huge difference in peace of mind,” 

I said, to which Freyja nodded.

“Yeah. I had the soldiers from earlier go call them. So they should be arriving right about—”

Right as Freyja was about to finish her sentence—

“Excuse us! Freyja-sama, we’ve come as summoned!”

A firm, slightly deep voice rang out.

Turning toward the voice, we saw six men with sturdy builds lined up neatly.

All of them had tanned skin and the air of battle-hardened warriors.

Most wore impressive beards. I see, so these are the elite soldiers Freyja picked.

One of them, likely the leader, stepped forward and declared in a strong voice:

“We’ve been chosen to accompany Yutaka-sama on this expedition! It’s an honor to be entrusted with such an important duty!”

The other five bowed their heads in unison after him.

I stood up and faced them.

“Ah, likewise. I’m counting on everyone’s strength.”

I said this as I shook hands firmly with the leader, then each of the other soldiers.

Their hands were rough and strong—definitely people you could rely on.

Meanwhile, Kotama was completely frightened by the sudden appearance of these burly men.

She clung tightly to Sebas’ back and wouldn’t step out from behind him.

Even from here, I could see her small body trembling.

Seeing this, Freyja gave the soldiers a weary look and said:

“You guys… That’s why I always tell you to take better care of your appearance…”

One of the soldiers scratched his impressive beard awkwardly and replied:

“Yes, but Freyja-sama, this is a sign of a man’s strength, or rather, um…”

Another soldier was likely trying to comfort Kotama. He bent down to her eye level with a friendly smile and said:

“Hey there, little missy. We’re not scary, okay~?”

However, that completely backfired.

Kotama flinched hard, her shoulders jerking. And she clung even tighter to Sebas’ clothes with a face that looked like she might cry.

“Hey, knock it off, you idiot!”

With a sharp *smack!*, Freyja’s fist cracked down on the soldier’s head.

“Owww!?”

The soldier crouched down, holding his head.

The others gave bitter chuckles at the sight.

Freyja let out a sigh. And this time, she softened her tone slightly as she addressed Kotama:

“Kotama-dono… As you can see, they’re a bunch of fools who look like this. But in a pinch, they’re men you can rely on. If anything happens, don’t hesitate to tell them. I’m sure they’ll be there for you.”

Her words carried a clear trust in her subordinates and care for Kotama.

Kotama still looked a little uneasy. But she gave a small nod in response.

With that, the introductions were more or less complete.

Afterward, Freyja explained the preparations for the expedition.

“We’re moving forward with the supplies—weaponry, food, camping gear—but it’ll probably take about three more days for everything to be ready.”

It wouldn’t be good to stay too long and get in their way while they prepared.

So, we thanked Freyja and made our way back to the mansion.

—

On the shaking cart ride back, Sebas looked at Kotama with concern and asked:

“Kotama, how was it? Do you think they’ll be alright?”

Kotama looked down slightly. She replied in a small voice:

“…Yes. They were all big and a bit scary… but, just like Freyja-sama said, I think they’re probably kind people…”

Hearing that, Sebas smiled with relief.

Then Kotama suddenly looked up and stared at Sebas with determined eyes.

“Sebas… I want to protect this town too, like everyone else…!”

Her voice was filled with clear resolve.

“Is that so… Kotama, you really are a strong girl. I’m sure you’ll be just fine. You’ll fulfill your role splendidly.”

His warm voice seemed to gently support Kotama’s small but firm decision.