“It’s exactly what it sounds like—a nation formed by the alliance of different races.”
The orc soldier spoke while rummaging through her belongings.
“Various demon races operate together under the leadership of the orc race. After the war 400 years ago, demons learned to unite. Where we’re going is the heart of the Alliance. The homeland of the orc race.”
“I-I see.”
Egru couldn’t control his pounding heart. To think he’d see the orcs’ homeland with his own eyes. Just days ago, he wouldn’t have believed such words even if he’d heard them.
“In reality, most races except orcs stay in their own territories. For example, lizardmen live in swamps, dwarves in caves. But any race belonging to the Alliance is permitted to stay in orc territory. As we orcs are the backbone of the Alliance, we remain open to other races.”
“A-amazing…!”
“Thank you for saying so. Here, eat while you wait.”
The orc soldier said, handing over military crackers with the packaging already half-opened.
“Eat it all yourself.”
“P-pardon?”
“Shh, don’t speak loudly.”
The orc soldier nodded toward the twins who were already nodding off.
“I mean don’t give it to the children this time. You look like you haven’t eaten in a while.”
“A-ah no, that’s not…”
Egru lowered his head with slightly reddened cheeks.
“Thank you…”
Rustle. Egru carefully accepted the military crackers.
“?”
Strange. Taking a bite of the rounded edge brought back memories of tasting this somewhere.
But I can’t quite place it…
Egru focused on chewing the dry crackers. The taste grew more familiar with each bite.
Have I eaten these before?
He examined the crumpled cracker wrapper from different angles while smoothing it out. But it still looked unfamiliar no matter how he looked at it.
“Please prepare to disembark.”
When the coachman announced their arrival, the orc soldier rose as if she’d been waiting.
“Sorry, but we’ll need to cover your eyes during the transfer.”
The orc soldier held white cloth to be used as a blindfold while calmly asking for understanding.
“Given recent signs of war, it’s unavoidable for security reasons.”
“It’s fine! I don’t mind at all!”
“Thank you for understanding. Don’t worry, we’ll carry the twins.”
“Ah…”
Egru gently lowered his hands that had been about to lift the sleeping Kam and Kum. Vroom—the carriage stopped with a jolt along with the horses’ breathing.
“I’ll tie it slowly, so don’t be startled.”
Very soft white cloth covered Egru’s eyes.
“Hold onto me. Don’t rush and hurt yourself.”
“Y-yes…!”
With the orc soldier’s support, Egru was able to exit the carriage.
Is this the heart of the Alliance? The orcs’ homeland?
Though his vision was dark, his heartbeat couldn’t be faster.
The sound of horses drinking after their day’s labor grew distant behind him. With each step, pleasantly cool air brushed his cheeks.
“Good work. You can remove the cloth now.”
The orc soldier spoke while gradually releasing Egru’s hand.
“Thank you.”
After offering thanks first, Egru brought his hands to the back of his head. The white cloth was very loosely tied. He felt both pleased and embarrassed at this show of trust.
Slowly removing the blindfold, Egru looked around the room.
A prison?
Though it appeared so due to the iron bars replacing the door, the facility itself was incomparable to a prison. So much so that it inspired overwhelming anticipation.
The spacious room was furnished with a fine cot.
That wasn’t all. There was a shower, toilet, and even a table with a couple of books!
“If you need anything, tell the soldiers nearby.”
The orc soldier spoke while locking the door from outside the bars.
“Though it may not look it, this is inside the royal palace, so security is strict. It’s best not to act carelessly. Though I believe you’ll behave wisely.”
The orc soldier let the last sentence fade away. Egru, who had been staring intently at the cot, belatedly came to his senses and asked:
“Um, excuse me! Can I stay with the children?”
“Of course. We’ll bring them right away. Usually, Her Majesty the Queen would come to check first…”
The orc soldier suddenly sighed.
“She’s not in a condition to do so right now, so just wait for now. By the way, what’s your name? Things were too hectic to properly ask.”
“Ah! I’m Egru! Please take care of me…!”
“Understood. I’ll note that for reporting to superiors.”
The orc soldier hesitated for some reason.
“My name is Lin. Stay healthy. I’ll come check on you occasionally.”
“Yes! I’ll be waiting!”
“Ahem!”
The orc soldier named Lin departed. Egru waved his left arm vigorously to bid farewell.
“Hey, you! You’re from the slave market too, right?”
A mysterious call came just then. Egru pressed against the iron bars and rolled his eyes around.
“Is, is someone there?”
“Yes! I’m here, though you probably can’t see me. I’m in the room right next to yours. I’m waving my arm through the bars—can you see it?”
“Ah! Just a moment!”
Egru pressed his face against the iron bars with a grunt.
“No, no need to try that hard.”
The demon in the next room chuckled. Egru slowly backed away. The iron bars left long marks on his cream-colored cheeks.
“I just called to chat a bit. I’ve been lonely being the last one here.”
“The last one?”
“Among those rescued from the slave market last time. Demons kidnapped as slaves can either return home on their own or follow guides from their race who visit regularly. You can also stay in the Alliance permanently, but I’m not sure about that now with the Empire provoking the Alliance.”
The demon in the next room let out a contemplative hum.
“I heard that’s why we’re staying behind bars for now too. But still…”
An excited tone crept into the voice from next door.
“I’m leaving tonight. It’s the day the beastfolk guide comes. I hope you can return home quickly too.”
“Thank you for the kind words!”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
After chatting about various things briefly, the twins were brought to Egru. The voice from next door stayed silent while soldiers came and went.
“You can look forward to it. Though it looks somewhat like a prison!”
As soon as the soldiers left, the demon next door spoke up lightning-quick.
“Sometimes an angel comes to comfort us. They give us lots of delicious things too. Though for some reason we haven’t seen them lately…”
“An angel…”
Egru deliberately suppressed his rising spirits.
Who could the angel be? Will they come to us too?
Egru carefully pressed down on the cot. It was soft and cozy as expected. After laying the twins down on the cot, he spread a spare blanket on the floor.
“What are you doing? You keep rustling around.”
“I-I’m going to lie on the floor.”
“Huh? Why the floor specifically?”
“The floor is comfortable for me.”
Settling in the middle of the square blanket, Egru folded the remaining portion in half and wrapped himself tightly.
“Going to sleep already? Let’s talk more!”
“I’m sorry. I’m just too tired…”
“Ah well, can’t be helped then. Sleep well. You must have had a long day, coming straight from the slave market.”
“Thank you. Thank you…”
Egru tried to sleep while looking at the rough stone ceiling. His gradually closing eyelids felt warm.
It was truly a peaceful sleep he hadn’t experienced in a very long time.
***
King Röwugor headed to the bedroom. In his sturdy hands was a report that had just come in. It was a list of demons rescued from the slave market today.
King Röwugor paused briefly before the bedroom door to gather himself. Then, composing a calm expression, he entered the royal bedchamber.
“Are you feeling any better?”
Queen Röwugor, exhausted from crying all night, was receiving care from her ladies-in-waiting. At the king’s appearance, the maids bowed deeply before leaving the room. Seeing his queen’s weakened state when she usually showed such strength made the king’s heart ache.
“Dear.”
King Röwugor approached, calling his wife’s former name.
“My wife, Mayfield.”
“You’re here?”
Queen Röwugor answered in a slightly hoarse voice. The king spoke while carefully sitting on the bed:
“The demons rescued from the slave market have arrived. Unusually, there’s an elf among them this time.”
“I see…”
The queen responded with a forced bright expression. The king stroked his wife’s cheek while continuing his explanation.
“I plan to send a messenger to the elven forest tomorrow. Though given how reclusive they are, it’s uncertain if they’ll even listen, let alone respond.”
“Is that so?”
“…Will you not be able to go down today either?”
At the king’s gentle inquiry, the queen slowly nodded.