The party of Tiana and the other four, now with Percival, was conducting a strategic meeting. Tiana, of course, was by his side.
“The Demon King’s Kingdom is protected by a formidable barrier. Therefore, it would normally be impossible for us to attack directly from here,” Percival said. His elegant profile captivated Tiana.
“During the decisive battle with the previous Demon King, we managed to break through the barrier in the southern area with the hero’s sacred sword and infiltrate. However, it seems that the barrier is being repaired. If we delay, the barrier will be restored and it will be impossible to infiltrate again.”
“I guess if we miss this opportunity, we won’t be able to act for a while… right, Percival?” ❤
“That’s right,” Percival nodded in response to Tiana’s words.
“And, oh, about that… At this moment, I am not a prince, but a comrade of yours. That’s why I would be happy if you could call me ‘Percival’.”
“Oh, that’s too respectful…”
“But I said we were comrades.” Percival looked at her. Truly charming… Tiana was smitten.
“Well, back to the main topic… Can we defeat the Demon King without the hero?” Percival asked.
“The attack that dealt a great blow to the Demon King was the hero’s final technique. If we can’t defeat an opponent even after that, is there any strategy we can use?”
“There is… no strategy,” Tiana said.
After containing the excitement of being enchanted by Percival’s profile a moment ago, Tiana shifted her mental focus to the strategic meeting.
“However, during the previous decisive battle, the Demon King was in perfect condition. The situation is completely different now.”
“We should be able to defeat him with conventional attacks, Percival,” Ingrid said. It was a more informal way of speaking, not using a formal tone. She seemed to have decided to treat him as a companion rather than a prince, following his words.
“With my arrows, Tiana’s sword, Efemia’s magic, and Katrea supporting everyone… we just have to keep fighting as usual.”
“I think we can overcome him with our current skills, Percival,” Katrea asserted.
“We… are strong. The party of heroes didn’t fight alone with the power of hero Sion against the demons…” Efemia also spoke.
“In other words, unleashing all our potential… that’s our strategy, Percival… I mean, Percival,” Tiana said as she looked at him. Although she still felt some shyness, she had managed to address him as a normal companion. She wanted to keep closing the distance this way. First as comrades. And eventually, as man and woman…
“I understand. I will also do my best,” Percival nodded.
The departure was scheduled for two days later. This time, they would defeat the Demon King once and for all…
