When Duanmu Huai returned to the camp, he saw Princess Norn, Princess Freyja, and Princess Melty waiting to welcome him.
Melty was shrinking back and didn't dare approach Duanmu Huai, while Norn wore an excited expression, as if she had just watched an exhilarating blockbuster.
Behind them stood the fully equipped Allied Forces, ready to depart.
"Welcome back victorious, Inquisitor Lord."
Norn lifted her skirt and curtsied to Duanmu Huai.
"Now that the Demon King has been destroyed and the Demon Race's army has been completely annihilated beneath your hammer, humanity has achieved its first glorious victory in the war against the Demon Race. In theory, we should hold a grand banquet to celebrate the Demon King's destruction, then press our advantage and plant the Allied Forces' flag atop the Demon King's Castle, announcing the complete defeat of the Demon Race..."
"However?"
Duanmu Huai didn't need to guess to know that something had gone wrong, so he skipped straight ahead.
"Just now, my informant sent an urgent report."
Princess Norn took out a sheet of paper.
"At one o'clock this afternoon, the Country of Protection formally declared war on our country and the Country of Summoning. The army led by the new Hero has already launched attacks against both countries."
Princess Norn was remarkably calm, completely unlike someone whose country had just come under attack. Freyja and Melty, however, had grim expressions.
"What's the reason?"
"Um... According to the Hero leading the army... destroying the Demon King is the glorious mission bestowed upon Heroes by the gods. Any attempt to destroy the Demon King before the Hero does so is disrespectful and blasphemous toward the gods..."
"What?! Are you kidding me? We're Heroes too!"
Freyja finally couldn't hold it in any longer.
"If it's a Hero's duty to destroy the