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After traveling through the mountains for some time, we finally crossed the last ridge.

“Oh, the sea.”

The moment we crested the ridge, a vast blue horizon filled my vision. It was the first time I’d seen the ocean since my reincarnation.
It was a familiar sight for Mao and his traders—but for the werewolf squad and Rasie, it was the first time they ever saw this scenery.
Everyone stood gazing down at the horizon, faces unguarded as they stared at the sea.

“So that’s the ocean, huh… it’s not quite what I imagined.”
“It’s huge. I can’t even see the shore on the other side…”
“This isn’t an illusion or anything, right?”

One of them was a little off with her comment, but I decided to ignore it.

“Come on. It’s even better up close.”

When I said that and urged them forward, Mao tilted his head.

“Lord Veit, isn’t this also your first time seeing the sea?”

Ah, damn. I slipped again.

“Ah, well… I saw a lot during my sorcery training.”
“I see.”

Good thing I’m the Great Sage’s apprentice.
Or so I thought—until a voice came from another direction.

“Oh? Our teacher taught you even that? Lucky you. I didn’t know much about the se—”

I clamped Parker’s skull shut before he could finish and turned back to the group.

“Anyway, let’s move. We don’t have all day.”
“R-right…”

The pirate city of Belrüsa was built around a crescent-shaped bay.
It had walls, but the landward side was guarded by sheer cliffs. Humans aside, a werewolf could descend into town from there, so infiltration would be easy.

The city sprawled across the southern slopes—it was surprisingly elegant, and seemed dazzling under the sun. The harbor was bustling with life.
Then again, that’s a lot of ships…
Is that what Aylia meant?

We rode down toward Belrüsa and arrived soon after.
I left the minor formalities to Mao and immediately requested an audience with the city’s governor.

“I am Veit, vice commander under the Demon Lord Gomoviroa. I wish to speak with the governor of Belrüsa.”

It took less than two seconds for the surrounding air to freeze solid.

“I think you should stop dropping your name like that, Lord Veit.”

Mao sighed, glancing around the now-empty plaza.

Moments later, fully armed guards poured in from every direction.
Thanks to Mao’s mediation, we were escorted—more like surrounded—to the governor’s mansion.
The beautiful Mediterranean-like scenery was completely ruined by all the sweaty, tense soldiers.
Of course, I could hear every whisper among them.

“S-so that’s Veit, the Slayer of Four Thousand…”
“No, the Wall-Breaking Wolf.”
“I heard he’s also the Hero Slayer…he’s taken down several of them already.”
“L-listen, no matter what happens, protect the governor with your life.”
“Yeah. See you at the Gate of Reincarnation, buddy.”

Honestly, I’ve been on my best behavior in the south—how did my reputation get this bad?

The governor’s mansion sat atop Belrüsa’s highest hill, overlooking the sea.
I was led to a terrace facing the ocean, accompanied by Mao, Rasie, Parker, and the werewolves.
There, under the soft sunlight and the sound of waves, awaited a rugged, sharp-eyed man.

“I’m Garsche, governor of Belrüsa. What business does the Demon Lord’s Army have here?”

As expected of a pirate city’s ruler—he looked more like a pirate captain than an officer. Definitely someone who’s killed a man or two.
Behind him stood about twenty burly, scarred men radiating menace. It felt more like a mafia meeting than a diplomatic talk.
Of course, if I gave the order, my eight werewolves could wipe them all out instantly…

Suppressing my discomfort, I began the negotiation. I took a sip of tea and a deep breath.
After all the blunders I made in Aram, this time I’d try a calm and natural approach.

“Lord Garsche, I’ll be direct. Would you consider forming an alliance with the Demon Lord’s Army?”
“Hm.”

Garsche crossed his arms and stroked his beard.

“If I side with the Demon Lord’s Army, Miraldia becomes my enemy. Which side benefits Belrüsa more, would you say?”

Being our enemy sounds a lot more dangerous, I thought.
However, it’s possible he’d take that as a threat if I said that to his face.
A man like him wouldn’t be cowed by intimidation anyway. Standing proudly before a pack of werewolves meant he had guts.

I chose my words carefully.

“Besides Lüenheit, both Bernehainen and Tübahn are under our control. We’re also on friendly terms with Schaldir.”
“Yeah, I know. That Aram kid’s gotten cozy with you. I appreciate that, actually.”

So this pirate captain keeps himself well informed.

“In fact, I’ve heard from Aram himself. Says the Demon Lord’s Army can be trusted.”

Oh? Good job, Aram. Working on diplomacy behind the scenes, are we?

“But Aylia and Aram are both still young, inexperienced as governors. So I’ll decide for myself how to deal with your army.”

That’s perfectly reasonable for a city lord.
Then let’s sell him on the benefits.

“Allow me to point something out first, Lord Garsche. Should all of southern Miraldia side with the Demon Lord’s Army in the future, then Belrüsa—the southernmost city—will be entirely cut off from the north.”

So far, it sounded like a threat—but I wasn’t done yet.

“In which case, the Demon Lord’s Army will not cut off your trade route with northern Miraldia. We have no desire to inflict suffering on the common people.”
“What?”

Garsche blinked in surprise.
Understandable. No one expects an enemy to promise safe trade.

As expected, Parker immediately butted in.

“Are you sure it’s okay to promise that?”
“Yes. Both Her Majesty and Lady Aylia have approved it.”

Belrüsa had the sea—so even if we blocked land routes, they could still trade through Lotzo.
Even if Lotzo defected to us, Belrüsa could keep trading with cities outside Miraldia.
Without a naval blockade, cutting off their trade completely was impossible.
So why not look generous while we’re at it?
Besides, monitoring trade routes and taxing merchants could benefit us.
And if necessary, we could disguise the werewolf squad as bandits and raid Belrüsa’s caravans to cripple their economy.
Not that I’d actually do that, probably. But it’s good to keep options open.

Even so, Garsche still looked baffled.

“I don’t get it. What are you really here for?”
“What do you mean? To form an alliance, obviously.”

The more shocked he looked, the more confused I became.
He groaned, arms still crossed. Then asked:

“…Then why are you enforcing a naval blockade?”
“But we’re not?”

Now I was the one surprised.

Finding no point trying to hide it, I decided to reveal to him a secret.

“Unfortunately, our Demon Lord Army has no naval power. It would be impossible for us to form a naval blockade.”

This time, Garsche frowned.

“Then the merfolk aren’t part of your army?”

They are not.
This chatterbox of a skeleton next to me failed to convince them otherwise.
I shot Parker a glare, and he quickly looked away.

“Parker. Explain.”
“Just like I reported before—the merfolk hate conflict. They won’t join the Demon Lord’s Army.”

Parker, currently disguised as a handsome young man, said this smoothly. Garsche, however, only looked more puzzled.

“So the merfolk don’t wanna fight us? Then why are our ships disappearing? Is the Demon Lord’s Army trying to isolate Belrüsa or not?”

Seems like there’s trouble brewing.
We can use this to out advantage.

“Veit, You’re making a really evil face right now. Are you aware of that?”
“Just quiet.”

I silenced him and turned to Garsche.

“Seems you’re in some trouble. We’ll help if we can.”
“…You sound shady as hell.”

Despite my generous offer, Garsche’s eyes were full of suspicion.
Come on now, I’m not the one pulling strings this time.
Not this time, anyway.

Garsche looked around at our faces, then sighed heavily.

“Guess I don’t have much choice. Fine. I’ll consider an alliance with the Demon Lord’s Army—but only after this merfolk issue’s settled.”
“Very well.”

I wouldn’t dare say it, but you’d do well not to owe the Demon Lord’s Army.
Then again, I wish for your continued patron and dig yourself deeper into our debt.
Now then, let’s get this started and help solve their problem.