「They might even be pleased. Those guys, they’re the ones who ran away, thinking they’d only take care of their safety when zombies appeared. If they can sweep away those unpleasant cockroach-like creatures, they might rush over like hungry wolves. I’m just saying I could add a spoonful.」

Zero, who listened to Michael’s words with interest, unexpectedly joined the conversation.

“Hey. I asked other regional lords for information, but they also didn’t know. How could they know about the capital unless they’re on the culprit’s side…”

“Well, I think so too.”

Slightly bitter, Michael looked at the gate, emitting a sacred light, and said, “I hope they come back so that I can personally execute them.”

‘Oh……’

I had forgotten. Michael was not only the commander of the Holy Knights but also a judgment officer who dealt with various incidents among the priests.
‘Having thrown away such a human because our intentions didn’t align, tsk tsk.’

“If caught, it could be a real mess. It might be amusing to watch.”

Zero, who was diligently enjoying honey-soaked walnuts and lightly roasted peanuts, chuckled.

This guy was undoubtedly a deity, albeit a petty one. It was worrying to think that such a nasty fellow could become a god and look after the world.

“I envy you, Zero. You just laugh without a care, enjoying the spectacle.”

“What are you talking about! Your worries and concerns are my concerns too. So, what can I do about it?”

Sighing, I looked at Zero, who had stuffed his cheek pockets full of snacks.

“I don’t know.”

As soon as I woke up, I communicated the news to the local lords with communication devices.

Thanks to the support from the divine realm, a special warp gate was constructed at the north gate of the capital. The first connected gate was engraved on the vast grassy field of Kitten Duke.

Moreover, if precise coordinates for the installation of gate magic arrays in other desired locations were provided, installation in those locations was also possible.

Upon hearing this, the local lords gathered their praises, expressing gratitude for the blessing of the gods.

If it’s this, soldiers can also be supported, right! After evacuating all the survivors to a safe place, we can concentrate our attacks on the capital!

Even if the magical barrier covering the capital is activated, we can easily dispel it if our magic towers are activated.

Restoring the capital or moving to a new place will undoubtedly be costly and time-consuming… But it’s better than having those monstrous zombies spread across the entire continent. I believe Duke Kitten has already made the same decision.

I also wanted to escape from the tiresome capital and quickly bring the story to an end.

However…

“What is disturbing the Duke?”

Aston tapped his forehead with his finger and asked. When I wondered what he was doing, he added, “It looks like a valley will be engraved on your forehead at this rate.”

“…Ugh.”

As he pressed firmly on his forehead, Aston faintly smiled.

“Things are already going well, aren’t they? I want to hear what the Duke is most worried about.”

“…Are you offering to help?”

“If it’s something I can do.”

This guy… He’s been too kind to me since the last time. It seemed like it had been a long time since he transformed into a loyal big dog, casting away all the barriers of caution.

‘…I don’t dislike it.’

Seeing those red eyes filled with leisure, I thought it might be good for him to expose my vulnerable side.

With all the experiences he had been through, Aston might provide some answers, so I opened my mouth.

“Blowing up the capital is the easiest option. If there wasn’t someone controlling it from behind.”

“Were you worried about the user of forbidden magic?”
“There’s a saying that a person who has nothing to lose is scarier, isn’t there, Second Prince? If he gets wind of this news through any channel, I fear what worst he might unleash.”

For a moment, a red and intricately engraved spell circle triggered a mutation among the zombies.

Because of it, the zombies briefly behaved as if they had intelligence, and their bodies exhibited strength that surpassed their limits, whether they were shattered or intact.

‘If such mutations were to occur all at once…’

The zombies that had been unable to climb the high walls of the capital so far might scatter throughout the Empire, or even across the entire continent.

That had to be prevented.

At my words, Michael’s expression darkened.

“…Because of Siena.”

While we kept an eye on Siena as if she were a watchdog, Siena faithfully reported to the culprit, her master. My party members were well aware of this.

Michael lifted his head and looked towards the mansion. It was the direction of Siena’s room.

There, Siena was looking at us. When the green-eyed beauty with blonde hair met our gaze, she waved her hand in a friendly manner, but it sent shivers down my spine.

Since when had she been watching us with that affectionate look?

“Don’t worry. I’ve cast a light barrier so that no sound can be heard.”

“…Thank you, Zero.”

I considered it fortunate, but I knew it was only a temporary solution.

“You can be sure they are considering what you are thinking over there. The capital Agatha has already become a giant time bomb. It’s just a matter of when it will explode.”

“…I see.”

It was the beginning of an unwanted mind game.

A few days later, less welcoming news arrived.

“The priests who had fled without knowing have… They’re requesting to come back?”