<h4>Chapter 1194: Resolve to Fight</h4>
We returned to the vige of Horna from our reconnaissance mission, and Fran exined the situation to the vigers.
The vigers believed us very quickly thanks to the words of the capturedmander.
However, they could not agree on a future course of action. None of them knew what to do when faced with such a dire situation.
「Evacuate? But where can we go?」
「Uh, maybe the neighboring vige to the west…?」
「No way! That’s the next ce they’ll be attacking!」
「Then do we take the risk and head north?」
「You think women and children can pass through that monster infestednd? Impossible!」
The discussions were heated, but no one coulde up with a good solution. In fact, there might not be any good solutions. No matter what they do, the drawbacks outweighed the benefits.
And so, the East Conquest Duke’s forces continued closing on the vige while we had no clear n of action.
「Watch out! The enemy ising!」
「A-Already?」
「That’s way too fast!」
We were just as surprised as everyone else.
They must be a different unit than the one we bumped into at the neighboring vige, since they came in a different direction. I’m sure they have units other than the one led directly by Windwolf.
More importantly, the enemy wasing in from the west, which means the mountain pass we came through was now blocked off. The few viges in that direction must already be lost.
So we’re stuck between Windwolf’s unit approaching from the east, and this new force from the west. Making uspletely surrounded without any escape route.
Given that they had expected a day or two of respite, the vigers were inplete shock. Some of them had already given into despair.
There was nothing more they could do, and they all knew it.
Evacuation had already been rendered impossible. No matter where they tried to run, the children wouldn’t be able to keep up.
What about surrender? Also out of the question. After all, one of the enemy’s leaders had stated their intention to sacrifice the vigers. Surrendering would be equivalent to epting death.
In the end, the only remaining option was to barricade themselves in the vige and fight off the invaders. Holding out without reinforcements was only a pipe dream, and everyone knew it. But they had no other choice.
「Fran-san, you should run.」
「This is a problem for us in Raydoss.」
「The bug guys and you should still be able to escape, right?」
That’s unexpected.
Rather than asking for help, they told us to flee. The vigers were more concerned about Fran’s safety than their approaching deaths.
I wasn’t the only one who was deeply moved by this.
「…I won’t run.」
「What are you saying?! It’s too dangerous to fight!」
「I can’t leave Mimi and the others behind.」
「I see you’ve really been getting along with our kids, haven’t you? Thank you.」
「You don’t need to worry about us though.」
「I do!」
Fran shook her head vigorously, and the vigers gave her gentle looks. It’s as if they were watching a child throwing a tantrum.
Perhaps the vigers prepared themselves for such an oue the moment they decided to shelter foreign rebels. Well, not like this was a legal punishment for betraying the country or anything. Still, I think they resolved themselves for the possibility of getting attacked or killed.
Without any loss ofposure, they continued urging for Fran and Quint to escape on their own.
「I don’t want to be saddened by the thought of visitors dying for our vige.」
「Don’t mark us dead just yet. The Red Knights will surelye save us.」
「Oh, of course! You’re absolutely right! The Cardinal g Knights will rescue us!」
I doubt they seriously believe the Red Knights wille. If the Cardinal g Knights were going to act, they would have done something before the other vigers got ravaged.
Perhaps they thought it was because of the war with Kranzel, or maybe some secret connection with the duke. The vigers understood that there must be some reason why the Cardinal g Knights couldn’t mobilize.
Even so, they mentioned the Cardinal g Knights to try and reassure Fran a little. However, this had the exact opposite effect.
The Cardinal g Knights. Fran slew their captain and dealt them significant casualties. There’s no way they have enough manpower toe to this vige’s aid.
In other words, Fran had murdered the region’s protectors with her own hands. Even if her actions could be justified because of the war, her personality would not let her ignore this oue.
Especially if it would result in harm befalling those she had grown close to.
（Master. Urushi.）
『…I know. I won’t tell you to run.』
（Woof woof!）
We can save at least the children by having them ride Urushi, but that’s not enough to cate Fran. Running away is ast resort. Besides, I share her desire to protect the vige.
『We’ll protect the vige from the soldiers, and strike down the enemy leader. They must be one of the four legionmanders.』
（Nn!）
ughtering over ten thousand superhuman soldiers isn’t a feasible n. We have a clear goal in themanders capable of controlling the soldiers with their whistles.
『Take out the western legion before Windwolf’s legion arrives. Then we might be able evacuate the vigers to the west if we work fast enough.』
（I’ll do my best.）
（Woof!）
Despite their short stay, Fran and Urushi had bothe to love the vigers. They were burning with determination.
「I’ll fight.」
「…Man, you aren’t alright in head.」
「You can say that again.」
The vigers gave gentle smiles once they understood Fran’s determination. Then, the half-insectkin Quint rushed over.
「We’ll help Fran-san deal with the western forces! I ask the vigers to man the walls!」
The vigers burst intoughter once they realized Quint also showed not a single shred of desire to flee.
「Hahaha! I guess the same applies to you guys too!」
「Hahaha! Indeed!」
Quint was left looking bewildered by the vigers’ suddenughter.
「W-What’s wrong?」
「Nah, nothing at all!」
「Yeah! Alright everyone, let’s go!」
「Quint, we go too.」
「Eh? Huh?」