"Is this a barrier?"

Rupert asked, observing the allied forces moving swiftly along the boundary of the Somerset estate.

“Yes, the enemies we face are adept at night raids, so constant preparation is crucial.”

“Seeing not only a magical barrier but also those of the Order and the elves—this is truly remarkable.”

Though Rupert was familiar with magical barriers from those surrounding the Empire Academy, witnessing the Order’s and elves’ barriers was entirely new to him, sparking his fascination.

The mages established their barriers using magical circles and mana stones, but the methods of the elves and the Order differed.

The elves crafted barriers by inscribing symbols with special dyes on natural materials like trees or massive stones they had brought.

The holy knights of the Order placed an item, a so-called sacred relic, at the center of the estate, creating a barrier powered by its sacred energy.

"With this level of protection, the creatures of the night won’t just fail to launch a raid; they won’t even breach the barrier before collapsing."

“I’d advise against complacency, but, in truth, Sir Rupert, you are quite right.”

Alexander, who had just finished the process of setting up the sacred relic and imbuing it with holy power, responded.

“Most enemies won’t be able to break through even one of the triple barriers. No matter how cursed these creatures are, penetrating them is impossible.” Alexander, despite his lingering dissatisfaction with the Crimson Warden and the mages from the Tower, acknowledged that this alliance formed a remarkably powerful force.

The Zion Order knights, who could heal themselves, held back the enemy’s attacks in close combat.

The addition of mages to provide long-range attacks and support was immensely valuable.

And the Crimson Warden, who had long fought against dark elves, were specialists in tracking and countering such foes.

This collaboration created the pinnacle of defensive strategy—the triple barrier.

Even one of these barriers alone would have been formidable, but they had three. Thanks to this, even in the darkest hours of the night, the time when the night’s creatures were at their peak strength, everyone in the allied forces could rest with minimal guards posted.

“For them to break through, their leader, someone like Satanail, would have to come in person.”

"Even just hearing that is reassuring."

Initially, the allied forces had only planned to set up barriers around the Somerset manor, their main base.

However,

"Accepting you is my duty as a noble of the Empire. Yet, as the lord, I cannot ignore even the slightest risk to my people and must take measures accordingly."

While it wasn’t difficult to offer up the manor as a forward base, it was obvious the night’s creatures would target the allied forces.

Thus, when the Earl requested that the barrier be extended over the entire estate instead of just the manor, the allied forces were initially hesitant.

Establishing a barrier over the manor’s area was manageable, but covering the whole of Somerset’s estate would require frequent maintenance and substantial resources.

“My lord, the creatures are in retreat due to recent defeats and act cautiously to avoid angering the Empire.”

“You, as experts, surely understand this, but I was entrusted with the protection of Somerset by His Majesty.”

They had tried to persuade the Earl, but the affable man was steadfast in refusing to compromise his people’s safety.

In the end, the allied forces agreed to set up a barrier across the entire estate, and watching the setup, Rupert initially thought Earl Bradley might have been overreacting.

Yet, for some reason, witnessing the barriers being erected brought him a sense of calm.

Though Bradley Earl often seemed unrefined, there was a reason his vassals and people supported him unconditionally.

If he had to weigh his life against the safety of his people, the Earl would unhesitatingly choose the latter.

Rupert didn’t mind Earl Bradley for that.

Even if he did get frustrated when the Earl would sometimes spend extravagantly.

"But truly, Sir Rupert, you must be remarkable to convey the goddess’ visions through your illustrations."

"Not at all. I merely feel fortunate to share her message."

“My mother, Gaia, said each person has a purpose, and yours is to fulfill that role as the goddess intended. Take pride in it, Sir Rupert.”

Rupert had been warned by his brother, Richard, to be cautious around Alexander, yet from their conversations so far, Alexander had only seemed reasonable and courteous.

“But I’d be interested in seeing these picture books of yours, Sir Rupert.”

“Oh, I have extra copies at the manor. If you’d like, I’ll prepare them for you to take.”

"Thank you greatly. I’ve been eager to see the goddess’ message in such a form—how wonderful!"

Alexander laughed heartily at Rupert’s offer, and Rupert returned a warm smile.

The members of the Zion Order nearby, however, flinched, watching this exchange.

"What? The Commander wants to see them?!"

They had always tried to avoid situations where Alexander would see Rupert’s work, diverting his attention whenever possible.

"I sense heresy in the air."

To ordinary people, Alexander was merciful and virtuous, but he held a deep-seated hatred for heretics and those tainted by evil.

Of those whose heads he had smashed in his lifetime, some would be questioned by others as to whether they even qualified as heretics.

"Hey, if the Commander sees Iron-Blooded Alchemist or Van Helsing, things could get ugly."

"I know, right? And he never even cared before; why now all of a sudden…?”

“If he decides to bash in Sir Rupert’s head, could we stop him?”

Having read Rupert’s manga frequently, they’d noticed occasional elements that could be deemed heretical.

Especially in Iron-Blooded Alchemist, with its flasks of imprisoned fairies and celestial gatekeepers, as well as the Van Helsing series, which featured a character named Father Erikson, who bore a worrying resemblance to Alexander.

"Well then, as night deepens, shall we return to the manor?"

“Yes, and thank you for your efforts with the barrier.”

As they were about to head back, unaware of the knights’ silent worry,

Clip-clop, clip-clop!

The sound of galloping hooves echoed from somewhere.

"Is anyone there?! Please, someone take me to Lord Somerset!!!"

A man’s urgent voice called out alongside the sound of approaching hooves.

 

Thud!

"Ahhh!!! Save me!!!"

Under the pale moonlight, desperate screams and the metallic tang of blood drifted on the wind in the southern reaches of the Empire, in the territory of Baron Sleepy.

"My lord! You must flee immediately!"

"What on earth are these creatures?!”

Baron Sleepy, roused from sleep by the commotion, could hardly believe the chaos unfolding.

Creatures with dark skin, pointed ears, beastly fangs, and claws were invading his estate.

Though his soldiers and knights tried to hold them back, the enemy’s numbers were overwhelming, and their individual strength was incomparable.

“Guh!”

Even as a soldier drove his spear into one of them, the effort was useless.

The creature simply yanked the spear out of its stomach and charged forward again, seemingly unkillable.

Their sharp claws shredded the soldiers’ weapons, and their fangs tore into throats.

“Feeble humans! Know that the great Satanail has returned!”

Having swiftly overtaken the outer wall, the creatures pressed toward Baron Sleepy’s manor, the final line of defense.

“My lord, you must flee.”

"Where would I even flee to?!"

“…Somerset estate is the closest. You could find refuge there…."

Baron Sleepy frowned at his knight’s suggestion.

He had often ridiculed Earl Somerset as a pauper in his mind.

However, with Somerset’s recent formidable growth and bolstered forces, it was indeed a viable escape option.

"I entrust half the remaining soldiers to you. Lead my family and the townspeople to Somerset at once."

"And you, my lord?”

“I will stay.”

“My lord!!”

"Silence!"

Though Baron Sleepy’s face quivered with fear, his resolve was unshaken.

"Even in retreat, someone must buy time."

"Then we knights shall stay in your stead!"

“Rubbish! How dare you assume the role of the lord of this land!”

The knight bowed his head instinctively under Baron Sleepy’s fierce gaze.

"This estate was bequeathed to our family by His Majesty himself, a sacred trust."

Though he wished to flee, to gather his family and escape without looking back, his pride would not allow it.

Sleepy Estate was his domain.

He had collected taxes and adjudicated disputes in his land.

Running away, leaving only his soldiers and knights behind, went against his sense of duty.

This was his responsibility.

"So long as time is all that matters, there is no need to keep half our forces here. Leave with only a minimal guard and escape at once!"

“Yes, my lord! I will return with reinforcements, I promise!”

Thus, the survivors of Sleepy Estate made a desperate escape through the rear gate, accompanied by knights and guards.

Left behind were a few longtime estate soldiers and two knights to lead them.

“Why did you not leave?”

“It is my duty, my lord.”

In the manor, they prepared for their final stand around their lord.

The outer wall had long been breached, and the remaining soldiers could only hold out for a short while.

They could already see the enemy approaching, illuminated by the burning village beyond.

"It has been an honor to serve, my lord."

"And you, you are worth as much as an Imperial Knight to me."

Clang!

Baron Sleepy drew a ceremonial sword he hadn’t wielded since his youth.

With a similar resolve, the remaining soldiers readied their weapons once more.

"We must delay them as long as we can for those fleeing."

As lord of the land, I give my final command. All of you, die alongside me.

The Baron addressed his soldiers.

“Loyalty!”

With one voice, they responded.

The Baron gazed at the sword in his hand.

He regretted that he had not kept its blade sharp, as he had thought he’d never need it again.

He wished he could at least take a few of these marauding beasts with him to the afterlife.

"Come forth, you monstrous fiends! This is the land of Baron Sleepy! I will yield not a single inch!"

With Baron Sleepy’s defiant shout, the gates of the manor broke open, and the battle with the creatures of the night began.