I stretched myself out in the morning sun.
Hitogami is unrelated... probably, I think.
If he's done nothing here, then the possibility of a trap is as low as possible.
After I thought about it like that I slept soundly for the first time in a long while.
And nothing happened while I was sleeping like a log.
So, it's not a trap after all.
With this new refreshed attitude, I decided to go wash my face in the nearby river.
I could also use water magic, but it isn't the same kind of feeling.
At the river the soldiers were washing their faces and brushing their teeth in groups of two and three.
"Oh look, it's Rudeus-sama."
"Thank you for your good work at watch every night!"
"Iya, I thought that doll must surely be part of Zanoba's hobby, but it was a magic tool after all!"
I had quickly become surrounded.
I'm a very popular person.
Being pampered day after day like this, it may be my first time.
At any rate, the soldiers of Shirone wear a light brown pair of shirt and shorts outside of combat.
The uniform is the same for both sexes.
Moreover the women do not seem to wear a bra when they go to bed.
The young archer girl who had hugged me is here; potchi rises up a bit.
I'm seeing something precious, it's a sight for sore eyes.
"I wondered what caused this crowd to gather, it's Shishou."
So Zanoba also comes here.
Also this guy, from head to toe is dressed just like the soldiers.
There is no hint of royalty here.
Because of his skinny limbs and underdeveloped muscles, he gives off the impression of a NEET.
"Zanoba-sama!"
As it is, the soldiers dropped down on one knee for Zanoba.
"Alright, go back to washing your faces."
"B, but..."
"Generally, you don't need to place me on a pedestal. I am the same as you Gentlemen, I'm just sleepily getting up."
While saying so Zanoba makes a deep yawn.
Over the last few days Zanoba has been busy with the cleanup after the battle.
I don't know the details, but after a large scale battle there are a number of troublesome things that have to be dealt with.
By the way, the dead bodies left on the battlefield had been neglected.
During the last few days a bunch of men dressed like bandits appeared out of nowhere, stripping equipment, they slipped away unnoticed.
People who specialize in that kind of thing will be drawn to the battlefield.
Occupation: looter.
I was mulling all this over while kneeling by the riverside with Zanoba.
"... So, how is the truce proceeding? Is it coming along well?"
Initial persuasion: light jab.
If a truce is struck, then there won't be a need for you to be in such a place Zanoba.
The war is at an end.
"Yes, Yesterday we got a reply.
The rules have not been hammered out yet, but it will all be concluded in time.
Now, there will not be another attack for three years at the least."
After hearing Zanoba's words a soldier uttered, "Oh."
This might not have been something that should have been heard in a place like this.
Since it is good news though, it shouldn't be a problem.
Even so, in three years...
In other words, the North Country, despite it's crushing defeat, has not given up completely on their invasion.
If it is assumed that the current commander will be let go because of his complete defeat, who will his successor be?
How do they intend to supplement their diminished troops?
Will they just break the recently agreed upon truce without an honorable justification?
Various factors are entangled over those three years.
At a minimum it would take three years.
So, in reality it will take longer.
"But that's good. In three years time Shirone should be able to rebuild itself."
I see. This could also be seen as stalling.
Certainly if its just buying time, that should be more then enough.
"Can he do it, that King Pax?"
"Even I could do it."
Zanoba answered so proudly.
I don't know about it myself, but perhaps there is already a plan.
In any case, I've seen the end of this war.
The whole thing was unsatisfying.
"Anyway, it should quickly become peaceful."
"Yes, it should."
Zanoba said so happily, but his face was sad.
Well outside of wartime this guy has no role to serve.
Well now, how to convince him?
"Zanoba, now that this battle is over, what will you do?"
Second jab.
Accidentally, it came out like a death flag.
This is like the method you would use to break the ice before you propose to your lover.
It's already far too late to buy the bouquet. Even I don't have that much self confidence.
"I will return to the capital for now and make ready to receive word from His Majesty.
I do not know if I will continue to be assigned to this fort as it is..."
"You intend to remain in this country then?"
"Haha.. Isn't it obvious?"
The magical armor has not been completed.
Research of the automatic doll, also has stopped before completion.
Our plans to sell dolls with Julie was also just able to finally get a foothold.
Won't there be all of those kinds of regrets?
No, there definitely should be.
"Zanoba."
"What?"
"Once the truce is signed don't you intend to come back to the Magic City Sharia with me and continue to make dolls just as always?"
Now I've turned it into some kind of marriage proposal.
I should have bought that bouquet.
But well, I think it's okay if I say that kind of proposal.
We're not getting married.
I'm just asking him to discard his country and pick me instead.
With a wet face Zanoba looks at me.
He's expressionless.
It's hard to believe that until now there was a fun atmosphere.
This is bad.
I'll be turned down.
I've failed.
I confessed right from the start without setting the right mood.
This is regrettable.
This atmosphere says I'm dumped.
Oh ah.
"Shishou, could it be.... ummm..?"
"Ummm?"
Right then noise suddenly rose up from the fort.
The sound of horses running, clip-clap, can also be heard.
We don't have cavalry in this fort.
Who is making that sound then?
As I thought that, I looked around the edge of the fort and spied a person coming at us on horseback.
"Fumu, that's a messenger from the capital."
At those words from Zanoba I also stand up.
"Probably Pax has sent us a statement about the truce."
"What could it be. Maybe it is a message that instructs us to invade and destroy the enemy nation."
"Oh yeah? But I also feel like we could do it if you are there Shishou."
We wait for the approaching horse while joking.
As we watch it approach, we notice that the rider is a familiar person.
It's a person I also know.
"Ginger ~ ?