When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 24

Episode 24

“What? Monsters were digging tunnels?”

Guided by Finn to the headquarters of the 8th Legion base, Jez and Jamil explained the events from their departure from Kohane to the present to the gathered generals.

“Yes. We discovered thousands of orcs led by the Orc King, along with what seemed to be a tunnel entrance, about 10 kilometers southeast of Graysian in the hills. We destroyed this structure yesterday. We wanted to directly contact Graysian to report this matter.”

Upon hearing this report, Finn immediately instructed the reconnaissance units to use underground detection magic. Generally, detection magic only works where the caster consciously intends to detect, within the range of their perception. They cast magical waves like sonar to detect if there’s something there. Therefore, it is meaningless unless you consciously detect underground or underwater. Similarly, it is weak in blind spots such as behind structures.

Of course, while there is some know-how in using detection magic for civil engineering projects such as underground resource excavation or road construction, there haven’t been many cases of using it in battlefields underground.

Just by looking at the fact that monsters were digging tunnels to conquer cities, one could understand the abnormality of the enemy forces this time.

Furthermore, according to Jamil and Jez, the Orc King was also present there. If the Orc King, without appearing on the front lines, was supervising such work, it means there must be an even greater existence, possibly an Emperor-class entity, to consider.

Thus, thanks to the information Jez and Jamil risked their lives to deliver to Graysian, the vigilance against enemy forces within the 8th Legion increased even further.

—

In the evening of that day, after thoroughly searching the underground of Graysian using detection magic, a tunnel-like structure was found, although it hadn’t been opened yet. Emergency measures were being implemented throughout the fortress city in a panic.

If it weren’t for the actions and reports of Jamil and Jez, Graysian might have fallen. Although the members of the 8th Legion Headquarters, led by Finn, had pale faces, they quickly proceeded to establish positions near the tunnel and prepare for the worst-case scenario, such as heating oil in case the tunnel opened.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, the Al-Faz’s unit and Jez and his group, who were ordered to rest, were heading to the officer’s mess for dinner.

“It’s important to rest, I know. But I feel uneasy resting in this kind of atmosphere,” Jamil complained lightly while scratching his head as he walked with Jez.

“I understand how you feel, but if the captain says so, you can’t argue. Rest properly. If you don’t rest, your subordinates won’t be able to relax either,” Jez said sensibly, momentarily surprising Jamil, who nodded with a somewhat relieved expression.

Seeing this, Jez wore a disgruntled expression and went into the officer’s mess, lining up for food.

“Now, where should we sit?” Jez looked around the mess hall, and at that moment,

“Jez-san! Jamil-san! Over here!” Clara Bennett, a magic practitioner who was on the same chariot as Sofia, called out to the two men who were unfamiliar with the mess hall, waving her hand.

Sofia also waved her hand next to Clara, and Jez and Jamil, sitting at the same table as them, engaged in light-hearted conversation while having their meal.

“Jez-san, your choice of food is pretty normal!”

“…What do you think of me?”

“Yes, yes, you’re just a bureaucrat, right?” Clara’s comment, accompanied by an innocent smile, slightly hurt Jez, who was meeting Sofia for the first time today, and he glared at her with a cold stare.

While Jamil laughed, he said, “But I’m really glad both of you are safe.”

“Yeah, thank you again. By the way, Jamil, have you known Jez for a long time?”

“No, actually, this is the first time we’ve been on a mission together. It’s only been about a week since we teamed up. Although we knew each other at the 7th Legion base.”

Sofia and Jamil engaged in ordinary conversation. Clara, on the other hand, looked at Jez with great interest and asked, “What kind of life do you usually lead?”

“I lead a completely normal life, you know?”

And the questions kept coming one after another. Somehow, they didn’t feel like the kind of questions that would make your heart race at all. It’s like I’m being treated like a rare creature. Despite thinking this, Jez let the calm moment of camaraderie pass by.

—

On the night when Jez and the Al-Faz’s unit, including Jamil, finally arrived at Graysian, sleeping soundly in soft beds after a long time without roofs, Graysian was subjected to a large-scale night assault from the monster army.

Although these night assaults were repelled by the efforts of the 1st and 3rd regiments of the 8th Legion, it seems that the Orc King himself has also made an appearance, causing considerable damage.

With the tunnel collapsed, it seems that the enemy has now initiated a full-scale siege. Thus, the final act of the Graysian siege was about to begin.