Lin says "That is very mature and totally not like you. What's going on?"

"I promised no more adventures. I will wait until something comes up that only I can handle. The empire is huge, there is bound to be someplace that our troops can't reach."

Lin says "The promise was no adventures until we reached the peninsula. You are free of that promise."

Myria says "Are you sure you want to tell him that?"

Lin says "Yes. The reckless Ash, while he frustrates me, is the one that I fell in love with! While some growth is okay, I am not trying to change who he is, just keep him alive."

Myria smiles and says "I can agree with that!"

"Does that mean I can go on an adventure?"

Lin says "Not alone! And not until after the wedding!"

"So, moving against the empire doesn't count as an adventure, right?"

Lin says "No, it doesn't."

Myria laughs and says "Look at him! He's going to run out the door any second now!"

"I am not!"

Lin laughs and says "Maybe not, but you want to."

"Of course I do. I haven't done anything but research and make items lately. Still, I meant what I said, the army needs to do this."

Myria says "What do you mean?"

"The army needs to act to save the beastmen. Not only will that make the saved slaves loyal to us, but it will also help unify the army itself."

Lin says "That makes sense, but from what I have seen they are already pretty unified."

"The ones I have saved from slavery are, but this will help those who joined later to feel like they belong. It is also important for those who weren't slaves to see how the slaves have suffered. That will help them understand their comrades."

Myria says "You sound like you have put a lot of thought into this."

"Yes, I have. Not just for the army, but also for the tribes. I've spent a lot of time thinking about things I can do to get the tribes to work together and sort out their past grievances."

Myria says "That's a tall order!"

"I know and I know I won't be able to accomplish it. All I can do is lay the groundwork and get things started. It will be up to the two of you to continue it once I am gone. I plan to do everything I can to make things easier on you when I am gone."

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

Lin says "We will do our best to follow your wishes and try to keep things from falling apart when you die. Although, if you die too soon, then we probably won't have a chance."

"I know and I plan to stay alive as long as I possibly can."

Lin says "You had better! If not, I will get Krenocia to let me into the underworld to beat you!"

"She probably would, knowing her."

Myria says "So, are we just going to sit here until something happens?"

"Yeah, pretty much. Unless you have an idea of what we can do?"

Myria says "No, not really. Well, not that has to do with the empire."

Lin says "Isn't this the kind of situation where you would make a speech to encourage the troops?"

"That's not happening!"

Lin says "Why not?"

"Well, do you know how to write a speech?"

Lin says "No, I don't."

"Neither do I. So, unless we find someone who does, I won't be making any speeches. I would just embarrass myself and that isn't good for morale."

Myria says "No, but it would probably be entertaining!"

"Although, going around and talking with some of the troops is probably a good idea. I think I will do that."

Lin says "Alright, we will wait here for you. Come back when you get hungry and we will eat together."

"Okay, sounds good."

As I leave the room I am really tempted to leave a spy spell behind so I can hear what they say. However, I know that would be a horrible idea and I don't want to be like that. Besides, Lin is still a better mage than me and would most likely catch me.

So, as usual my curiosity is just going to be left unsatisfied and I put the thought out of my mind. As I wander around I quickly realize that the fort is mainly for the commanders. Most of the troops are camped around the fort, so that is where I head.

I do talk to some of the officers, but I mainly want to talk to the normal troops. They have been told in detail what is going to happen and why, which pleases me. They also are excited about saving their fellow beastmen from slavery.

When I ask, none of them seem to care what tribe the slaves might be from. That is a good sign, if I can get the military to stop caring about tribal conflicts, it will eventually spread. It still won't be easy, but this looks like it is going to be a good start.

I have been wandering for a few hours when a soldier finds me and tells me that Leonarr is looking for me. I talk to a few more soldiers as I make my way back to the fort, then head for the room. I find Leonarr there waiting with Lin and Myria, so I ask what is going on.

Leonarr says "There has been a development. The Imperial Princess has publicly declared that her father is in league with demons and called for the church to take action."

"That's unexpected. Has the church made a move?"

Leonarr says "Not as of yet, but the common people are expecting them to soon."

"Yeah. I would be surprised if they didn't move at this point. This is too good of a chance for them to pass it up."

Lin says "What do you mean?"

"They can back the princess and make her the empress, then they will practically control the empire. Not only that, but the people will love them for taking care of the demons."

Myria says "Aren't they going to be hostile to us though?"

"Yeah, most likely. Holos is hostile to the goddesses as far as I know. If nothing else, he will be hostile to me for killing his angels."

Lin says "Holos? Why do I know that name?"

"Well, as far as I know he is a god from the main continent. It would make sense if you had heard his name before."

Lin says "If he is from the continent, why are you worried about him?"

"Because, somehow he has spread his church to the empire."

Lin says "Considering that the peninsula is unknown on the main continent, I wonder how he managed it."

"I have no idea. I would love to find out, but that isn't a priority right now. What we have to worry about is if he is from a pantheon and if so, how powerful they are."

Lin says "I can't remember where I heard the name, but information about him should be in some of the books we stole."

"Good point. By now Yui should have cataloged all the books so we should be able to just ask her."