It's about time the commanders called for a general announcement. We've been sitting here at Dehlia for days.

Aram gathered with the rest of the heroes present for the Steylian campaign at the foot of a hill near the army camp. Nearly 40000 men had gathered for the crusade, including 200 of The Order's finest heroes. The army was predominantly infantry, but there were 5000 mounted Order Knights present as well. So many had answered Pope Callicstus' call to arms that the commanders started to turn away some of the later arrivals for the sake of keeping the supply situation under control. Nonetheless, it was still one of the largest forces The Order had ever mustered.

Neat lines of tents were laid out on the fields outside of Dehlia, with soldiers milling about as they cooked their meals over fires, sparred with one another, and tended to their horses. The mages present for the campaign practiced their incantations and prepared potions, while Order priests and priestesses milled about and answered all requests for blessings. As he looked back at the assembled force, Aram could not help but feel giddy about the incoming campaign.

With this army, we could march right into the Royal Makai itself! Though I do hope we get moving soon- judging by the faces of the residents of Dehlia, we're starting to overstay our welcome.

The rest of the heroes grew silent- the main leader of the army, General Tyrax, had finally arrived. Tyrax was a famed commander of The Order, a veteran of many battles. Personally though, Aram would have preferred it if the Pope chose someone else for this grand operation- Tyrax was always a little too aggressive in combat, preferring brute force and mass charges over any intricate strategy.

"Heroes of the Chief God!" Tyrax bellowed, his voice echoing over the crowd. The General was a bulky man, so bulky that Aram pitied whatever horse was assigned to him. His bald head was red and furrowed with emotion, and his small black beard only added to this look of passionate ferocity.

"I have terrible news! Our contact within Steylia has gone silent! After a few days of investigation, we can only conclude one fact- the Steylian Emperor has fallen under the sway of the Mamono Lord!"

Murmurs stirred through the crowd of heroes at this news, along with some shouts of indignation. Steylia, under monster control? Those fools, they should have never allowed monsters within their walls!

Tyrax continued. "Now, many of our campaign plans are now disrupted. We'll have to cross the Southern Sand Dunes with our own supplies, without any outside assistance. No doubt a few of you are wondering if we are better off ending this crusade before it has even started."

"But we will not! For too long we've watched as Lescatie, Polove, and other nations have fallen to the forces of the Mamono Lord, while we sit back and only react to each disaster! That time is over! For the glory of our God, we will not allow the same fate to befall Steylia! We shall march into Litanopol, liberate its people from the clutches of monsters, and continue right into Lescatie itself! No more retreating, only forward! For the Chief God!"

The heroes, after silently listening to their general's speech, all stood up and joined in the shouting. "For the Chief God! For the Chief God!" they yelled while waving their swords and staffs in the air. Even Aram could not resist this wave of zealous exaltation and joined in the war cries.

"For the Chief God!" he yelled. Finally, I'll get my chance at redemption.

[]

"My Emperor, we've received word that The Order army is finally breaking camp and preparing to cross into the Southern Sand Dunes. Judging by their numbers, it will take them about fourteen days to cross the desert."

"Excellent intelligence, Commander Psellos. If we send in detachments of light cavalry and harass them, we can delay their advance and gain more time to gather our own forces. They will likely be well-supplied for such a march, but perhaps there is some way we can neutralize those supplies and put them into truly dire straits? Lady Druella, will your, em, forces be able to assist in any way?"

Alex stood in the corner of the war room, silently observing as Emperor Andron and his commanders planned out how to counter The Order's invasion of Steylia. As expected, Phokas' arrest was not enough to cancel their campaign, and they were now marching out of Dehlia and into Steylia territory.

Druella was also present in this war council, standing to the right of the Emperor as she observed the campaign map. Due to her extensive history of campaigns and invasions, the lilim had strong knowledge in military tactics and strategies. The Steylian commanders present in the meeting did not protest her presence, but they were extremely wary of her despite the service she had performed for Steylia. Except for one younger commander, who glanced over at her scantily-clad form a little too often.

Watch it buddy, she's taken. Or, more accurately, she's taken me. I haven't really thought about it much, but I do feel a little pride at being married to an uber-powerful succubus princess. I doubt my parents ever expected me to marry this high up.

"Yes." Druella replied, her voice elegant yet commanding. "I have already informed my contacts in the Southern Sand Dunes to target the army's supplies and snatch any individual stragglers. By the time they exit the Sand Dunes, their army will be but a shadow of its former self."

Emperor Andron nodded. "Thank you for your assistance, Lady Druella. As for your own request, I have agreed to distribute the mamono realm silver weapons among the soldiers. No doubt some of them would rather kill the intruders marching into their homeland, but I do admit that I share your desire to keep casualties to a minimum. As for any prisoners, you can keep them. Now, back to planning the eventual confrontation. I suggest we perform a feigned retreat in order to lure…"

The Emperor and his commanders went back to discussing the upcoming battle, with Druella occasionally chipping in. As they continued talking, Alex leaned over and examined the battle map. The scenario of a religiously-motivated host marching through the desert reminded him of several historical campaigns- The First Crusade, the Battle of Hattin, The Third Crusade…

Maybe I could chip in with a few ideas? Hmm, Steylia is committing 15000 cavalry and 8000 infantry into the battle, along with 50 heroes. Since the Steylians have the advantage in cavalry and knowledge of the terrain, maybe they can attempt a double-envelopment! He opened his mouth to speak up, but then stopped himself.

Wait, what are you doing you armchair general? This is a real battle, where people might legitimately get hurt or killed no matter how much the monsters and Steylians try to minimize it! There's a difference between reading about battles and fighting them! It's probably best if I remain silent.

After the reckless actions he took while stopping Phokas' coup, Alex did not want Druella's trust in him to erode any further. So, in spite of his desire to help in any way he could, he kept his mouth shut.

After about another hour, the military planning session came to a close, and the Emperor and his generals all filed out of the room, likely to go check up on their gathering soldiers. Druella also stood up and began walking out, and Alex followed right behind her.

"Alex," Druella suddenly spoke up, turning to face him in the Palace hallway. "Would you like to be present to witness the upcoming battle against The Order?"

This, Alex did not expect. After having to call Druella for help twice, he expected that the Lilim would either drop him off back at Lescatie or have Chamberlain Ionnes and Alia keep an eye on him while she went off with the rest of the army. But Druella did know about his interest in military campaigns, so maybe she was willing to give him another chance?

"Of course, you will be by my side the entire time. I will be observing the battle from a distance, only getting directly involved if things turn for the worst for the Steylian army. Hmmph, I would have gladly assisted the Steylians, but Emperor Andron apparently wants to send a message to The Order regarding the strength of Steylian arms. You may accompany me, but only if you promise to stay near me and not run off. Understood?"

While Alex did feel uneasy about being a mere observer in the upcoming clash, there was little he could contribute to the battle anyway. "Alright, I promise that I will stay by your side the whole time, Druella." He said while affirmatively nodding his head.

Satisfied by his answer, Druella smiled and took him by the hand as they made their way out of the Palace. It would still be at least two weeks before The Order would emerge out of the Southern Sand Dunes, and Alex's pelvis was already starting to preemptively ache. He knew exactly how the lilim would choose to spend that time.

I just hope we can have at least one day to explore the streets of Litanopol like a couple on vacation…

[]

Day 1 of the 14 Day March

Tellack readjusted himself on his saddle as he rode alongside the marching army. The column of marching soldiers appeared to stretch back forever behind him, and the size of the sand dunes made him unable to see the vanguard anymore.

The army had only just entered the Southern Sand Dunes of Steylia, and already the baking heat of the sun was giving him a brand new tan. Fortunately, water mages were always on hand to distribute water rations from the baggage train to any soldier or hero who needed a refill.

This isn't too bad. It's grueling, but manageable. Maybe Aram was right- liberating Steylia will be a quick affair, and then all the humiliations of the past few years will finally be undone.

Tellack looked over at his friend Aram, who rode alongside him in the marching formation. The archer's zealousness still made him feel uneasy on occasion, but he could not help but admire his drive.

He really is determined to make up for letting that lilim escape with the prisoner. It's great that he has such a strong sense of duty, but I still think we were better off just letting him go. Poor guy, who knows what horrible tortures the monsters are inflicting on him.

The sun was starting to get lower in the sky- soon the army will have to stop and make camp. Tellack smiled- perhaps everything will go according to plan?

Day 3 of the 14 Day March

Today was the first occasion The Order encountered their Steylian opponents. There were only about 100 light cavalrymen, but they were able to harass the infantry with arrows before Tyrax could finally muster the cavalry and drive them off. Unfortunately, while the Steylians suffered a few casualties, the army had lost several hours of daytime.

Maybe we'd be better off marching at night? I just hope these raids don't become a regular occurence.

Before Tellack could ponder their situation any further, screams from the baggage train caught his attention. Turning around, he could only look on in horror at what was going on.

A massive, segmented worm had emerged just underneath their food and water carts, destroying several of them. The creature's massive head hovered in the air for several seconds before it came crashing back down, snatching a screaming soldier before any heroes could arrive in time to stop it.

A sandworm! Poor bloke, I just hope the rumors are false and worms don't digest their prey alive. But those destroyed carts… that could be an issue. Hopefully we can get out of this desert soon.

Day 6 of the 14 Day March

Okay, things are starting to get really concerning.

General Tyrax had called for a halt to the march, along with orders to assemble in battle lines. The Steylians had returned, with 500 light cavalry waiting for their approach along one of the larger sand dunes.

After assembling the army, Tyrax ordered a general charge towards what he believed was the front of a large Steylian army. He was wrong- the 500 cavalrymen were the only Steylians present, and they retreated before the army could make contact. When the army looked over the crest of the dune, they could see nothing but more sand dunes stretching towards the horizon.

They had wasted more hours that could have been used marching, along with the time it would take to get back to their route. The exhaustion of a general charge had also taken a hit on their supply of water, and already the water mages made fewer and fewer rounds among the men.

Good thing I don't need as much water as normal people, my mana can keep me going for a good while. But I really don't like the feeling of a dry throat.

Day 12 of the 14 Day March

Tellack shivered in his tent as the army made camp for nightfall. The past six days had been nothing short of a nightmare.

The Steylian cavalry continued to harass their marching columns, pelting the men with arrows and then retreating before the Order cavalry and heroes could counter them. Meanwhile, a second sandworm attack destroyed another large portion of their baggage train, and the mage guarding the carts was now reported missing.

The sandworms weren't the only monsters harassing the army- at night, Tellack could sometimes see shapes that resembled women riding atop what appeared to be scorpions. Any soldier foolish enough to wander too far out of the camp was caught and never heard from again.

Tellack nervously held onto his most valuable possession, an amulet with a glowing blue crystal attached to it. Teleportation spells were some of the most difficult and expensive spells to perform- even skilled heroes had trouble performing them. Even more expensive was applying that spell onto magical items.

The amulet Tellack held was a gift from his mentor after learning the arcane arts- a one-time teleportation spell he could use in an emergency.

He had a bad feeling he would need it soon.

Day 17 of the 14 Day March

Damn it all! Why are we even here? Maybe the reason Steylia abandoned neutrality was because of us! We should be making friends to counter the Mamono Lord, not enemies!

The army was in a desperate state. Water was now being severely rationed, with each man desperately trying to savor every last drop. While Tellack always made sure to save part of his ration to give to his horse, not every equine was that lucky. Many of the knights were losing their mounts to dehydration and were thus forced to walk on foot with the rest of the infantry. A few desperate individuals even began to harvest the horses for meat.

The Steylian raiding parties continued their assaults, though at least General Tyrax had changed his response to them. Instead of wasting time sending their dwindling cavalry after them, the General stationed small units of heroes throughout the marching columns to counter any attacks. For the moment, it was effective, but even the heroes were starting to get tired.

The strongest ones capable of teleporting could theoretically travel back to Dehlia and bring over new supplies. But they could carry only so much, and their talents were mostly being utilized to evacuate the wounded and sick. Many soldiers were now dropping to the ground through sheer exhaustion, unable to handle the heat and exertion of the march. The army just continued marching along, leaving them in the sand. No doubt the monsters following them just out of sight enjoyed the free meals.

Morale was plummeting- although the most zealous of soldiers remained firm in their convictions, there were rumors swirling about that the Chief God had abandoned them. Aram was mostly silent these days, occasionally trying to boost Tellack's spirits but otherwise showing equal concern to the army's plight.

Damn it Aram, we should have just stayed at that Ashuran fort! We could be sipping warm wine by a fire now!

Although Tellack could never hate his zealous friend, he was still somewhat bitter about being dragged into this mess.

Day 21 of the 14 Day March

After a grueling, brutal march through the desert, Tellack could finally see a sliver of green in the distance.

The army was finally making its way out of the Southern Sand Dunes and into Steylia proper. Or at least, what was left of the army. Only the commanders knew the true extent of their losses, but Tellack estimated that they had lost about a third of their men and nearly all their horses through their dwindling supplies along with Steylian and monster raids. And the soldiers that remained were in a weakened condition.

Nonetheless, morale was starting to rise again now that the worst appeared to be finally over. Just one more night of camping, and then they could finally replenish their water supplies at a nearby river.

This better all be worth it. We've lost too much for everything to fall apart here. May the Chief God protect us.

[]

It was midmorning when they finally encountered the Steylian army.

After breaking camp and assembling into marching formation, the army of The Order had barely marched for two hours when they caught sight of the Steylian banners after crossing one of the many grassy hills in the region. Below them was the Steylian cavalry, both light horseman and heavy cataphracts, ready to charge at them despite their advantage in elevation.

About half a mile behind them was the Steylian infantry, armed with spears and large oval shields. They had clearly lagged behind while following their cavalry, leaving the Steylian force split in two. Further behind them was a thin blue line- a river.

Finally some good news! Tellack thought to himself. We still have the advantage in numbers! We just need to resist the Steylian cavalry and then take on their infantry later! Shame that our own cavalry is nearly nonexistent, but hopefully we can capture some horses! And then, finally, we can replenish ourselves for the assault on Litanopol.

The Order's forces lined up in a single line, with heroes scattered throughout the troops to deter any determined Steylian charges. General Tyrax, always the showoff, positioned himself in the center.

After a few tense minutes where both sides stared each other down, the Steylian cavalry sounded a warhorn and began trotting up the slope.

They're actually charging us, I don't believe it! Is the Steylian Emperor an amateur or something?

As the Steylians charged up the hill, arrows and magical balls and bolts shot out to meet them. Some were deflected by a few Steylian heroes scattered within the cavalry, but the rest caused some horses to fall over. One particularly strong ice spell froze an entire line of light horsemen.

When the cavalry made contact, the scuffle lasted barely a minute. The Order infantry held the advantage as their numbers absorbed the charge, and their spearmen made quick work of the riders.

Tellack raised his staff and took aim at one of the cataphracts. With one swift stun spell, the warrior fell off his mount, and his horse ran away in panic.

After obtaining some not-so-light casualties, the Steylian cavalry suddenly disengaged from combat and began going back down the hill. Judging by their disorganized formation, they appeared to be retreating.

We have them, we have them! The Chief God is blessing us today! The rest of the army apparently shared Tellack's jubilation, as General Tyrax ordered everyone to begin chasing after the fleeing Steylian cavalry. Maybe their grueling journey was a test of faith, and now the Chief God was rewarding them for their perseverance?

The soldiers and heroes of the Order raced down the slope, each man focusing on catching up to the horsemen ahead of them. There was a chance that the Steylian Emperor was with his cavalry, and any soldier who took him dead or alive would immediately become a legend. As Tellack raced ahead with the men who still possessed horses, he could not help but notice that the army was starting to lose its formation in this dash for victory.

Wow, we sure are chasing them far. If only our cavalry was still intact, we could have had them by now!

A second battlehorn interrupted his thoughts. He looked to his right. The Steylian infantry, forgotten in the thrill of triumph, was marching at an even pace towards them. In their bid to catch up with the Steylian cavalry, The Order had reached their position.

General Tyrax noticed this sudden danger and called for a rapid reformation of their battle lines, with the infantry wheeling to the right to confront the Steylians. As Tellack raced back to rejoin the army, he noticed another concern- the Steylian cavalry had suddenly wheeled around from their retreat and were circling around to charge their lines from the side and rear. And now they were too overextended to properly counter them.

Oh, oh no. It now all made sense to Tellack. The reason why the Steylian infantry had lagged behind was not out of tardiness- it was because they were meant to wait for the cavalry to lure The Order out of their high ground and onto the open field. They were the anvil, the cavalry, the approaching hammer. And now the brave crusading army of The Order was the metal about to be smashed into pieces.

Tyrax, you idiot!

The Steylian cataphracts crashed into their lines, soldiers screaming as horses rode them down. The excitement of an easy victory had temporarily dulled the aches and pains of their long march- now it was evident just how weakened the army truly was. Some soldiers barely had time to lift their swords before being overwhelmed. While The Order's remaining cavalry attempted to smash an opening for their companions, they were simply not enough.

It was at this moment that the Steylian heroes revealed themselves as the Steylian infantry methodically pushed into the wavering lines of The Order. Unlike The Order, the Steylians had chosen to concentrate their numerically inferior heroes into one unit. As a result, while the individual heroes of the Chief God scattered within the army could hold their own against the Steylians, the Steylian heroes overwhelmed them piecemeal.

One swordsman bravely held off five Steylian cavalrymen, his blade gleaming as he called for the Chief God's protection. Clearly the god didn't listen- an arrow hit him right in the forehead, and he fell over. Though Tellack did notice that he was still breathing on the ground…

Tellack blasted fire spells at several charging Steylian soldiers, then bashed a light cavalryman over the head with his staff. He was tiring, however, and desperately hoped that Tyrax could still find a way to salvage the situation.

He finally caught sight of their bald commander, his face red as he clutched the arm of another mage within the army. A bright light emanated around them, and suddenly they were both gone.

Tellack could not believe what he just witnessed. Y-you coward! You bastard! You brought us into this mess, and now you're leaving us behind to save your own skin? May the Chief God deny you her light, you craven pig!

Tellack looked around him- the battle was clearly lost. All semblance of an army formation was now gone, with only scattered clumps desperately resisting. A few were already dropping their arms in surrender.

T-this wasn't some grand campaign! We're invaders, and these people are just defending their homeland! No, I am not dying here today, sacrificing myself for a campaign we never should have undertaken in the first place! Time to put my mentor's gift to good use! Now where is Aram, I'm not leaving without him!

Tellack wheeled his horse around desperately. He could not see his archer friend anywhere.

[]

No, no, no! This was supposed to be my chance to redeem myself! Why, why did all have to go all wrong? Why did the Chief God forsake us?

Aram had spent the start of the battle sniping Steylian cavalrymen right off of their saddles. When General Tyrax ordered the charge downward, he eagerly followed the man to secure their victory for the Chief God.

That feeling of victory was now all but gone. As he continued to snipe any soldier that came too close to him, Aram realized he had but minutes until he was overwhelmed.

Damn it all! If I'm dying today, I'm at least going to take as many of them with me as I can! If only I could have died facing monsters!

As Aram got another arrow ready, he noticed something in the corner of his eye. There were two figures standing atop a hill, observing the battle from afar.

Hawk Eye, Activate! The enhancement spell boosted the clarity and distance of his vision, and Aram could now finally see the two lone figures.

One was a familiar-looking young adult with brown hair and an otherwise nondescript appearance. The other…was a very familiar Lilim.

It-it's them! But why are they here? Ugh, who cares about that! I cannot waste this opportunity!

Aram pulled out a special arrow from his quiver- this time, he was not taking chances. Perhaps he could finally get his redemption after all?

[]

Alex and Druella silently observed as Emperon Andron's army slowly took down the remaining patches of Order resistance. The ones that surrendered were being led away under guard, while the few that continued fighting could not hope to last for long.

It's impressive what Emperor Andron pulled off, a classic feigned retreat to lure the enemy out of position and strike him while he's still disorganized. It's a testament to the Steylians' discipline that he was able to pull it off without it turning into a genuine retreat. The Seljuks would be proud.

Despite the unique experience of witnessing a medieval battle, Alex still had a foul taste in his mouth at the sight of the carnage. True, casualties were probably lighter than they looked given that Andron accepted Druella's request to use mamono realm silver. But horses weren't made out of silver, and plenty of men were trampled by the cavalry down below.

Maybe I should have asked Druella to bring forces from Lescatie anyway, against Andron's wishes? No, that would just undo the delicate diplomatic work we were able to achieve. I just hope next time we can settle manners elsewhere more peacefully.

As Druella leaned in a little to watch an Order mage desperately release spells in all directions, some movement caught Alex's attention. Looking to his side, he saw a lone archer several hundred yards from their position, his glowing bow already strung.

Oh you have got to be kidding me. What is that guy, Aram, doing here? This is almost too familiar. Is my luck really that bad?

Aram pointed the bow up in the air, and then released.

"Get down!" he screamed at a startled Druella while pushing her. As he looked up in the sky, he wondered if he'll be hit in the left shoulder this time.

As they both crashed onto the ground, he watched in dismay as the arrow suddenly exploded in a small pop, and now dozens of arrows were about to fall onto their position. Well great, I won't even get to act heroic this time, Alex thought to himself as he closed his eyes and raised an arm as he braced for death.

A second passed, then another. And then another. Far too many seconds- the arrows should have hit him by now. He opened his eyes.

A shimmering, glowing, transparent curved sheet of yellow light was hovering above both him and Druella. The arrows, hovering as if frozen above the shield, suddenly fell to the sides and onto the ground, their momentum all but gone.

Alex turned to his companion. "Wow, good timing Druella! We could have both been goners there!" Then he noticed that the lilim was staring at him in surprise.

Alex looked back at his outstretched arm- he could barely feel it, but there was some kind of force emanating from it. He dropped his arm- the shield flickered for a few moments before disappearing.

Did…I do that?

Druella stared at him for a few seconds longer, her lips pursed in thought. Then she looked at the very confused archer in the distance, and her surprised face turned to one of fury.

Druella jumped up onto her feet, a glowing ball of red light forming in her outstretched hands. Even Alex could feel the heat emanating from the energy ball she was about to unleash- Aram was about to find out the consequences of messing with a lilim's husband.

Just as Druella unleashed her spell, an auburn-haired mage rode in on a horse and grabbed Aram by the collar, pulling him out of the way just as Druella's energy ball exploded and left a smoldering crater where the archer was standing moments prior. Before Druella could launch a second strike, a blue light emanated around the two figures and their equine companion, and they both disappeared.

"That archer…you will pay for this." Druella clenched her teeth in anger. Then she finally looked back at her husband, and her fury was replaced with concern.

"Alex, husband, are you unhurt?" The lilim dropped to one knee and began checking him all over.

"I'm fine, Druella! I'm unhurt, somehow..." Alex was unsure what he did that stopped the rain of arrows. It wasn't anything voluntary- he had just raised his hand in fear of death.

Do I have hardcore isekai powers after all?

The clopping of horse hooves caught their attention. Emperor Andron and a few of his guards had arrived, the battle below finally over.

The Emperor gave him an approving stare. "That was an impressive use of shield magic, young man. Why didn't you mention that you have magical affinity?"

Alex stood up. "I, um, didn't know, your majesty. It was entirely in the heat of the moment."

The Emperor raised an eyebrow. "Hmm," he mused. "Then you haven't been trained yet. Magic requires the direct will of the user to properly operate, with the exception of near-death scenarios. You have some potential talent, Alex, but you'll have to train if you ever want to properly wield it."

Huh, so I can use magic? That's great- another avenue I can use to strengthen myself to keep up with Druella! Though, why did I not have this ability the first time I got shot?

He looked over at Druella. The lilim noticed her husband's look of confusion, and she provided him with his answer.

"The mamono energy I'm constantly pouring into you when we make love must finally be taking effect." She replied. "You're not yet a true incubus, but your overall mana is beginning to increase, and awaken new abilities."

Her voice had an edge of pride in it. I guess she's happy that I might be able to take care of myself after all. Eventually.

He then looked back at the Emperor and noticed that Andron did not get out of battle entirely unscathed. His armor looked dented in several places, and his left arm hung limply due to a long gash on his forearm.

"You're wounded, your majesty." Alex said while pointing to the injury.

"Ah, this? A particularly aggressive Order Knight managed to scrape me while I charged him down. Rest assured Alex, I have suffered far worse injuries than-"

A green glowing light suddenly emanated over the wound, causing the Emperor to recoil in shock, and his guards rushed closer to see what was the matter. When it faded, however, the wound was completely healed.

Alex then noticed that his own hand was also glowing slightly, before it too faded. Without even intending to do so, he had healed the Steylian Emperor.

Andron looked rather impressed by him. "Thank you for that, Alex. It appears that you have potential in pharmacomancy as well. Lady Druella, I now see why you chose him as your husband."

Druella, who had stared in shock at Alex's second unintentional act of magic, blushed at the Emperor's words.

"Well, I always knew there was something special about him. My special little human." Druella smiled at him, her face beaming with pride.

Shields and healing, huh? I wonder what else I'm capable of? If I combine magic with some sword-fighting with Wilmarina, I'll be so strong that Druella will have to keep me around as her constant companion! Then I can continue leading her down a better path!

wow, I feel really tired all of a sudden.

Alex's legs buckled, and he fell backward. Fortunately, Druella was there to catch him.

"Don't be scared, my dear husband." Druella's voice took on a gentle tone. "You used magic for the first time, involuntarily, without any prior training. Your mana must be expended. Just go ahead and rest- when you wake up we'll be back in Lescatie. Then we can discover your new talents together."

Alex nodded, and Druella smiled and lifted him up in her arms. As his eyes closed and his consciousness faded, he could hear the lilim hum a little lullaby for him.

If I just put in everything I've got, I'll be able to stand tall alongside you.

[]

Druella gently carried her husband as he drifted off to sleep, humming a sweet tune her father used to sing to her back at the fortress at the Royal Makai. When she was certain he had fallen completely unconscious, she finally turned to face the Emperor.

"Congratulations on your victory, Emperor Andron. After suffering such a heavy blow here, The Order will think twice about contending with Steylia."

Druella's praise was genuine- although she believed in the supremacy of monsters, she always gave credit to humans who achieved great deeds.

The Emperor gave her a friendly nod. "I could not have done it without your assistance. If The Order had arrived here intact, my cavalry could have gotten too shredded to pull off the retreat."

He then looked back at the field, where all the prisoners were being rounded up. "As agreed, all captives will be taken to the border with Lescatie. No doubt they'll prefer their treatment in your hands over a Steylian cell."

Druella nodded. "I will have one of my lieutenants waiting for them."

The Emperor gave her one last nod before riding off to return to his men. Druella still felt weird about seeing the Emperor leave without some monster wife holding onto his arm, but she supposed that could always change in the future.

Unless he is concerned about maintaining his family bloodline. Humans and your silly dynasties…

She then looked down at her sleeping husband, and remembered the events of the past few minutes.

Fufu, so my dear Alex has some affinity for magic! This is something that will have to be cultivated! I knew he was special the moment I tasted his mana, but this goes beyond my wildest expectations!

Of course, there were still many questions to answer. Why is it taking so long for Alex to become an incubus? And why did his mana make Druella feel stronger, more capable of great feats?

I'll have to ask Kuroferuru and the rest of the Black Goat Sabbath to help me investigate.

Her head then turned to where the Order archer made his second attempt to take her husband's life, the crater still smoldering. The memory of it made her grit her teeth in anger.

To think I let my guard down a second time, and Alex nearly suffered as a result! What if he didn't have magic? Would Hel hear my pleas and grant him a second chance?

archer. I pray for your sake that you and I never encounter each other ever again. If we do…

there will be retribution.

[]

Author's Note: And thus ends the Steylian mini-arc! Next is an interlude chapter back at Lescatie, and then will begin the next arc!

I had a lot of fun writing this one, and hope that it turned out well. While Druella and Alex were a bit sidelined for the main event, they definitely won't stay that way!

InsaneMakaioshin- 1. No. and 2. I do plan on bringing some old characters back in the future, at the very least to show where they are now. But some may still have roles to play in the future!

Timur Beg- I'm going off the lore for MGE (mostly), so from what I can gather, monster-friendly states under the Mamono Lord's overlordship operate under a very loose form of vassalage, sort of like the HRE in the Early Modern Era. They have their own independent governments and policy, and as long as that policy doesn't go completely against the Mamono Lord's wishes she leaves them be. She'd probably be extremely displeased if one of her vassals attacked another, but if some particularly devoted king/queen decides to expand the mamono realm on their own volition, she'd be fine with it so long as mamono realm silver weapons are used to prevent casualties and they don't go too wild.

As for tribute, the Mamono Lord probably considered allowing monsters to reside in their kingdoms, marry, and increase the general amount of mamono energy in the world to be enough payment. Though various nations and cultures might throw in their own quirky ways of demonstrating loyalty. Finally, as for military affairs, the Mamono Lord lets the kingdoms exist peacefully while leaving their defense to her own army and those of her daughters. She probably wouldn't call for their direct assistance unless something truly dangerous was going on, something directly threatening the future of monsters. …hmm, I wonder if that'll ever happen?

Ikegaki Yunsei89- Ooo, where is the Mamono Lord's reaction to the Fall of Lescatie mentioned? That is definitely something I'd want to incorporate in the future!