【The Old Man of the Expelled Inn Unwittingly Dominates Today Too】Although I Want to Lead a Slow Life, for Some Reason the Strongest Beauties Who Hold Important Positions in the Country, and Were Once My Disciples, Gather Around Me Asking to Be Hired – Even Though I Only Taught Them a Little～ - Chapter 45: The Old Man Makes an Unreasonable Demand

The communication stone trembles with a buzzing vibration.

I hesitantly press the call button. What could it be?

“Ma-Master Baldo! Is Milene there with you?”

That’s not her usual tone. Princess Mariessia’s voice, coming through the stone, sounds tense and slightly shaky.

“Yes, Milene is with me. She’s currently expanding the ‘Barrier.'”

“That’s good to hear! With this, Natol should be safe… But in Fridania…”

Princess Mariessia pauses, seemingly struggling to find words. Something must have happened.

“My brother has fled!”

What!? Prince Genas fled?

“Calm down, Princess Mariessia.”

“My apologies, I got a bit carried away…”

Princess Mariessia, the First Princess of the Kingdom of Fridania, begins to explain the situation.

“Monsters have also invaded Fridania due to this massive monster stampede.”

The Great Forest, where the monsters are emerging, borders Fridania too. Monsters ravage without regard for national borders.

“But doesn’t Fridania have its own army?”

Fridania is a major power with more troops than Natol. Even with a monster stampede, they shouldn’t easily allow their country to be invaded.

“The main force of my brother’s army suffered great losses in the recent war with North Manea. They are currently reorganizing and not functional.”

Ah, that’s right. They mentioned a defeat in the mountains. So it was a crushing defeat.

“But wait, isn’t there a new saintess in Fridania?”

“That woman fled too!”

What!? How could that be?

“That woman… she was all high and mighty, saying she would expand the ‘Barrier.’ But after just five minutes, she complained, ‘I didn’t sign up to cover the entire kingdom! I can’t do this anymore,’ and just collapsed!”

Princess Mariessia’s anger is palpable through the stone.

“Then both the prince and the saintess disappeared…”

Ah… I see. No soldiers to defend the country, no ‘Barrier’ to protect it. So they fled…

This is outrageous!

What kind of acting king is that prince? What is he doing!?

While I’m feeling indignant, a frantic voice comes through the stone.

“(Your Highness, there are three Wyverns overhead! We’re starting a magical attack!)”

The audio from the communication stone is getting disrupted.

“Master Baldo… I’m a bit busy right now… the sound is…”

Monsters in the stampede aren’t just ground-based; many can fly. Naturally, flying monsters are faster than those on the ground. This means that the leading edge of the monsters has already reached the skies above Fridania’s capital.

“Phew… Thank you for waiting.”

Her voice sounds more tired than usual.

She’s definitely pushing herself too hard.

“Princess Mariessia, are you alright? You should prioritize finding a safe place rather than communicating…”

“Abandoning my people and fleeing is something I cannot do!!”

A loud voice, almost too loud for the communication stone, resonates.

Princess Mariessia… Yes, that’s the kind of person she is. She would never run away. My words were thoughtless compared to her determination, especially when contrasted with that prince.

“Currently, my Royal Guard is holding their ground in various places. The former guardsmen under Alesia are also fighting bravely. But…”

Ah, Alesia’s former subordinates. They’re doing their best.

“We cannot hold on like this! So, I must swallow my pride and ask… please lend us your strength!”

Both Princess Mariessia’s Royal Guard and Alesia’s former guardsmen are limited in number. Eventually, the defense lines will be breached, especially with the airborne monsters they can’t completely fend off.

This means…

To protect Fridania, a “Barrier” is needed.

But Milene is already pushing her limits. Covering the entire territory of Natol and now Fridania…

“I know it’s extremely audacious to ask this! Still, if you can ensure the kingdom’s safety, I will offer anything, even my life! Please…”

From the other side of the stone, I hear Princess Mariessia’s voice falter and the sound of her sniffling.

She’s crying…

“(Princess, another five wyverns! They’re close! Dangerous!) Don’t worry about me, just attack…”

The communication abruptly cuts off.

Prince Genas…

I clutch the communication stone tightly in my hand.

Exiling me would have been one thing.

I could turn a blind eye to a little selfishness.

But to make…

His beloved sister cry!

I turn my gaze to Milene.

She, having heard the conversation, is already preparing to expand the “Barrier.”

Clearly, I’m asking too much of her.

Just recently, I arrogantly told the king to let her do as she pleases…

This is my selfishness.

“Milene! I’m sorry, but extend the ‘Barrier’ to Fridania! I’ll assist as much as I can!”

“Hehe, only Master Baldo would say something like helping ‘a little.'”

Milene murmurs something and nods.

“Well then… If my disciple is working this hard.

I will give it my all too!”