Chapter 55: Corrosion

I just heard the Imperial Army had... completely retreated.

Could it be I was given the wrong report?

N-No, ma'am! The Imperial Army definitely disappeared into the forest path.

But... those same retreating soldiers are now returning!

......

Seems our plan's been leaked.

I'm sorry, everyone. I wanted to give you at least a short rest...

It's fine. We already stepped off the battlefield, that counts as resting.

That's right, Merlin. Everyone has looked out for us...

Now it's our turn to return the favor!

...Thank you.

Then I'll leave it to you! I'll head back to the abbey and prepare the defenses, gather information in the meantime!

Leave it to me. That's what we're best at.

Don't worry, Merlin. I'll protect everyone!

Tch... what a bother...

P-Please... please spare us!

W-We were wrong!

We'll throw down all our weapons... just... please, take us as prisoners!

After wreaking havoc like that, now they want to play the pitiful victim?

They're truly a people without shame.

I've heard that some deliberately pose as prisoners just to gather intelligence.

Considering how the Imperial Army has acted until now...

Elizabeth is right. This is most likely a trap.

S-Should we interrogate them first...?

No need. Just burn them all and be done with it.

Hiiiii!!!

I-I know it's hard to believe...

But it's true! We really did... flee just to survive!

Use us as slaves for life if you must... just, please... please spare us!!!

Honestly...! Their whining is unbearable! Out of the way, I'll deal with them.

...No. Wait.

Let's hear them out.

..! Ethan! What are you saying?!

These people are the enemy!

I'm not suggesting we just let them go.

I'm saying... we should get the information we need.

Then tell me.

What is it you're so afraid of?

The monsters just keep coming and coming...!

They're not just charging mindlessly...

Yeah. They're running from something.

Even monsters have some basic instinct to survive.

Which means... what the Imperial soldiers said, it was true.

What kind of creature could shake the entire forest like this...?

......

It doesn't matter if this "monster" is a beast or a person.

We'll hunt it down and take care of it.

In war, it's best to eliminate as many variables as possible.

...You're right. That thing could very well attack the Allied Army too.

Even if it turns out to be a person and not a monster... we can't just sit back and watch.

Let's hurry!

Yes, Princess!

The Scarlet Witch...

T-That woman isn't human... she's a monster...!

Swordbringer... no matter how strong you are...

You'll never win against her head-on...