If we're talking about "double happiness," then when Princess Saori dramatically kicked open the gilded lion-adorned banquet doors, Captain Ace already sensed this "joy" was anything but simple.

Bang~

Guests froze mid-toast, wide-eyed as armored maidens filed in.

"Miss! How could you kick the door? We should knock politely!"

"Xier, it's urgent. Forgive me."

Princess Saori remained as bold as ever.

"Saori, such recklessness! Can't you see I'm hosting honored guests?" Lord Mommi remarked calmly, his wine glass tapping rhythmically against glassware.

"Father, forgive me. Emergency. SSS-class situation!"

"What! Explain!" Lord Mommi shot up, disbelief in his eyes, though he had a faint suspicion.

"Two hours ago, scouts spotted monsters led by the Iceflower Evil God Dragon marching from Frostbound Dragon Valley toward Istan City!" Princess Saori replied expressionlessly.

Clang~

The wine glass slipped from Lord Mommi's limp hand, rolling slowly before shattering into two pieces.

"Impossible! Impossible!" Old Mommi roared, jabbing a finger at Captain Ace of the Crimson Mercenary Corps. "You fought that old dragon to a standstill! How could it leave the valley so soon? Captain Ace, explain!"

Captain Ace cleared his throat lightly, face flushed red—clearly drunk.

"The Iceflower Evil God Dragon lives up to its strongest title. Severely injured, it can't be fully healed! Its recklessness is our chance! We strike now and crush that wretched dragon! Though the Crimson Mercenary Corps suffered heavy losses and can't lead the charge, we'll support fully to end this northern threat on Reno Continent!"

Lord Mommi pondered briefly, then clapped his hands. "Captain Ace's analysis is perfect! I'm old! You're all Reno Continent's future elites! Victory is certain! Slay the dragon! Fame awaits!"

The leaders exchanged uneasy glances, cursing the two old foxes inwardly. But with the city lord's order, refusal meant facing endless accusations—better to avoid eternal shame.

"This isn't simple."

The speaker was Xier, Princess Saori's maid.

"The Evil God Dragon attacks with monsters. Likely, it struck a deal with Demon King Lucifer. Scouts confirm: the Iceflower Evil God Dragon is unharmed, at peak strength."

No one cared about a maid's status now.

"Can we trust the scouts?"

"Absolutely!"

"Captain Ace... this..." Old Mommi sounded drained.

Captain Ace paused, then spoke slowly. "Demon King Lucifer probably lured it with healing promises, urging revenge. Istan City is in peril!"

Peril! Peril! Peril! Peril! Peril! Peril! Peril! Peril!

Those two words hammered Lord Mommi's heart. He slumped limply into the wolf-fur chair.

Tired. Truly tired. Young, he volunteered to build this frontier for his nation. After half a lifetime, Istan City was his son. Only his daughter remained—thankfully capable, earning the hollow "Ten-Star Generation" title. He'd planned peaceful retirement, yet now faced joint invasion by Demon King and Evil God. Blame the damned Crimson Mercenary Corps? Useless—they followed royal orders. Tired. So tired...

"I announce: from now, Istan City's lordship passes to Hilfa Saori Xandermore. That is all..."

Old Mommi finished weakly, gave a bitter smile, and shuffled out, stumbling every few steps. No one stopped him. Sorrow rose in all hearts. Their war-profit dreams now seemed pathetic jokes—what good was wealth without life?

The armored maiden saluted the empty main seat: kneeling on one knee, right hand on left shoulder, head slightly bowed, light blue bangs framing her face.

"Saori accepts the command."

She rose, radiating battle intent, and strode out. Her blood-red cape fluttered without wind.

Battle aura filled the air.

"Emergency! Willing followers, join this city lord to meet the enemy!"

The leaders sighed inwardly. Refusal meant exile from Istan City. Might as well go.

"Move out! Follow the new lord! I, Ace, lead the Crimson Mercenary Corps in support!"

Old fox! The leaders cursed silently but pledged loyalty.

Saori glanced faintly at Captain Ace, then marched on.

As for our protagonist, misery continued...

"Damn it! How many times must I say it? I have urgent business with your city lord!"

"Sorry, palace grounds. Unauthorized entry forbidden!"

"I—"

Ryosuke was speechless. No forcing entry—he avoided trouble. Stay low-key, act boldly. Without magic training, even invisibility would help! Luckily, he'd sent Fan Qiandai in first.

Someone impersonating me? A death wish?

"Sir!"

A delicate hand slapped Ryosuke's back.

"Ah!"

He jumped, turned, and sighed seeing Fan Qiandai.

"Damn! Announce yourself! You'll scare someone dead!"

"Huh? Didn't I just call you, sir?"

"Enough. Report."

Ryosuke hated wasting time on trivialities with a stuttering loli.

Fan Qiandai cleared her throat, detailing the banquet events. When mentioning the despicable Crimson Mercenary Corps, she waved tiny fists angrily—nearly hitting Ryosuke's groin, startling him cold.

"They've marched out?"

"Yes! As I left, they departed!"

"Damn! Why not say sooner? I saw no one!"

"S-sir, Istan City has two gates. We used the South Gate. The North Gate is behind this palace. Lord Saori likely left from there."

Ryosuke stared at Fan Qiandai, disappointed. Blame was pointless. His hand scratched his chin, eyes narrowing with a lecherous glint.

He scoured memories of his past-life game. Attacking Istan City? No such event. Its fall came during the Demon King Lucifer battle. Had his transmigration altered history?

A secret passage out? Wait! As a newbie, he'd done a water-delivery quest to an old woman at Dragon Fang Mountain Pass—using a secret tunnel straight to her home. Dragon Fang Mountain's flat terrain sloped downward north-south, perfect for cavalry charges. Horses were key here; using slopes amplified impact. Basic tactics!

Dragon Fang Mountain must be the battlefield! No time!

Ryosuke grabbed Fan Qiandai—who'd been lost in thought under his stare—and sprinted, ignoring stares. He kicked open a door to an ordinary house.

Inside, a little girl embroidering gaped at fierce-looking Ryosuke, too scared to speak.

"Hello. Water delivery quest. Your grandmother toils at Dragon Fang Mountain Pass, surely thirsty. I'm delivering now. Pay thirty copper coins advance."

The girl stared blankly. Even Fan Qiandai, tucked under his arm, looked bewildered.

"Hurry!" Ryosuke urged impatiently.