Chapter 181

Grand Chamberlain Morris brought some very detailed maps of the surrounding area.

They were maps that the water dragons had made.

Serulis thanked him politely.

“Thank you. Now it will be easier to explain it.”

“No, please tell me if you require anything else.”

And then Shia and Serulis explained to us what they currently knew.

The vampires that attacked the water dragon settlement came and left from the west.

“We investigated with this in mind, and have a reason to believe that their base is in this area.”

“This wasn’t just our discovery. The warriors of the beastkin tribes worked hard as well.”

“You did a lot too, Serulis.”

“She did!”

Shia and Nia said. Serulis looked a little bashful.

The beastkin wolves had narrowed it down quite a bit.

“I am sure the report will reach Your Majesty by the official routes.”

“Indeed. But that may take some time.”

“Yes, that is why we were sent on ahead.”

Eric was also receiving information from the beastkin wolves.

However, there was a bit of a time-lag that could not be helped.

And so Shia and the others made up for that.

Eric looked at the map and then said,

“So they narrowed it down… It might be a good idea to attack it in full force then.”

“Please wait. There is a possibility that this information itself is just a feint.”

Shia said with a troubled expression.

“It is almost unthinkable that the beastkin tribes could be deceived, especially by vampires.

Vampire illusions and Charm didn’t work on them.

That was why Kathe doubted it.

“Kathe. Thank you. However, it is not the case.”

“Hmm?”

“I think the main base must be somewhere around here.”

“I see. So they are waiting for us to move away from the water dragon settlement then.”

“Yes, I think you are right, Mister Locke.”

Their position had been exposed.

It would be difficult to move or it would take too much time.

In that case, it would make sense for them to just use it as part of their strategy.

If we did go and attack the base of the dark ones, that would mean there would be fewer of us to defend the settlement.

They would be able to do a lot more damage then.

“We cannot allow the defense of the settlement to be weakened.”

After all, their purpose was to make the water dragons a living sacrifice to gather curses.

Destroying their base wouldn’t mean much if they were able to summon their Evil God.

“…That is true.”

Dorgo thought for a while.

“We could bring some teleportation circles with us?”

“Is that possible?”

“Yes. You just need to carve it into something that is portable.”

Serulis questioned him.

“Now that I think of it, they once used a plate as a means of teleporting into the royal palace.”

It had happened when we went to the palace in order to protect Lord Gerberga.

A maid had brought the plate into the room, and the princesses were almost attacked.

“But plates break easily, so it should be something different.”

“A shield should be good. However, neither I nor Goran use shields.”

“That’s true. But I think a shield would suit you, Eric. I use a greatsword, after all.”

“Hmm. You may be right.”

The most important thing was that the enemy did not use it.

And so it was best for someone that was strong to hold and protect it.

That meant Eric or Goran.

“Let’s just assume Eric will carry it for now. How will we split up into defense and attack teams?”

“Indeed… Locke, don’t you think you should be on the attacking team?”

“I intend to.”

This was also important.

They needed a strong enough force to defend the settlement until the other team returned.

It should center around the water dragons.

The issue was with the strike team.

If they all used the magic circle to return, then the shield would be left behind at the end.

And that shield had to be protected at all costs.

So they needed people to protect the shield once most of the team had returned.

“I, Goran, Eric and… If Dorgo could with us?”

“Groof.”

“Grulf…”

I thought about it. Grulf was pretty strong.

“Groof-groof!’

“Well, I guess you could come too.”

“Groof!”

Grulf wagged his tail energetically.

“I think that I shall go too. I can be a bridge between you and the beastfolk.”

“Me too…”

“No, you have to stay home, Nia.”

“Fine.”

Nia said dejectedly.

But she was still a child, so it could not be helped.

“You’re a brilliant and talented Adventurer, but still a newcomer. You’ll have to stay with the others this time.”

“Yes. I will help at the water dragon palace.”

I had wanted her to stay in the royal palace in the city, but perhaps this wasn’t so bad either.

Just then, Serulis said in a strong voice,

“Um, please let me go with you!”

“…”

I looked at Goran without saying anything.

It was better that he decided.

Goran folded his arms and closed his eyes with a grim expression.