Stein Rays's Move (7): Laying the Bait

The Tenth and Second Knight Orders assembled at the designated rendezvous point around noon on the third day after the Roa Squad arrived.

The temporary encampment we'd built stood a little way down the slope, on the Reflea side of the plateau that was once the royal capital of Badajel, an ancient city.

It was now overflowing with soldiers.

With the entire army gathered, the camp was cramped. As I wondered whether we'd need to expand it a bit, someone spoke to me from behind.

"It's been a while, Roa-chan."

"You look well, Hock-san."

The commander of the Second Knight Order was Needzhock, known as the Ice.

Needzhock had probably betrayed Rudek along with the First Knight Order. I didn't dislike Needzhock personally. Needzhock had helped us at Zetta, and didn't seem like a bad person... but I couldn't let my guard down.

Whatever our private thoughts, we were exchanging pleasantries about our reunion when Keevan-san, the messenger, came over.

"Lord Rays has called a council of war. He asks that you gather."...