If this were still back on earth Neilos would have been carried away on a stretcher, allowed to wallow about his loss in private. Unfortunately, time is of the essence and all of the duke's knights are already assembled, they need to begin talks about the duchy's defense. David ordered Neilos' spellcaster to revive him on the spot. He was forced to sit in the corner and participate while minimizing his presence as much as possible.
Arie's heart goes out to the young elf, misguided by testosterone and an overinflated ego. If it had been anyone else, he might have had a chance to come out on top, but he just had to go and mouth off to the protagonist. Even if he has a higher level, based on the laws that govern this world he'd have no choice but to act as a steppingstone for the author's anointed one. She didn't think it would happen so fast, but the end result was well within her expectations.
Back at breakfast she'd tested out her new [Appraiser] skill to gauge their levels. At her current level she can't see their stats or skills, but Neilos' name appeared in yellow while Rei's was glaring red. That alone was enough to know who the bigger threat is. It's unknown what he's been doing with Jasper while she was gone but whatever it is certainly raised his level. The current Rei isn't a pushover.
"I have called this meeting to discuss our preparation for the coming monster wave. Sir Emiya, tell us in detail what you discovered." It's unusual to see David with his smoke pipe. He only resorts to smoking when he's highly stressed. Beings of the elder race seldom show their true age, their appearance frozen in time upon reaching maturity. It pains Ariellia to see the dark circles beneath his eyes.
"Yes, my lord. I was out on patrol when I encountered a pack of Mesmeirs. I am ashamed to say it, but I was outnumbered and gravely injured. It was the young Lord that purified the curse and healed my wounds at the old church." The big knight offered a deep bow in thanks to Rei, his fellow knights following suit as well.
"Just this?" David frowned, also happy to hear of his son-in-law's kind actions.
"No, while I was recovering the young wolf girl Anya ran into the forest. I accompanied the young fox Riell to bring her back. Unfortunately, we've been unable to find her, but we did discover a strange gathering of monsters. In the witch's forest a large horde of monsters appear to be getting ready to march on the city. Judging by the way monsters of opposing races were working together in the group, I would say they are following the orders of a higher level being. They were too densely packed in the forest, so we didn't dare to venture any further for fear of discovery."
"You've done well Sir Emiya." David nods his head.
"This is highly unusual, Rahnoff hasn't seen a monster wave since the defeat of the last demon Lord. Why would they suddenly band together like this!"
'Because the crappy developers needed an excuse to boot Rei out of the beginner village.' Ariellia bites her bottom lip, wanting to say something but knowing she can't. Lets not factor in if they'd believe her, disclosing what she knows will be the same as confessing that she's an imposter.
"We need to evacuate the citizens, non-combatants can't remain here." Clad advises the duke.
"You are right, we need a team to evacuate the city's denizens." To this point, David's gaze lands on her. Their eyes meet and she's struck dumb on the spot.
It's understandable that he would give this role to her. Evacuating citizens is a lot safer than heading to the frontlines, even now he is thinking of her wellbeing. His care and love leave her feeling even guiltier. This entire time she's only been concerned about her own survival in this world, not placing any importance on the lives of others, yet the duke still cares for her. For the past four weeks she's been trying to downplay her interactions with others precisely because of this moment.
'I'm so selfish, I don't want to make it real.'
Miranda, Clad, David, Jasper, Rei, Sena, even Neilos, she doesn't want to get too attached only to lose them. Before this was just a game event to move the plotline of the story, now it's her life and she doesn't want to see this beautiful city in ruins.
"I'll do it, I promise to get all the citizens out father."
David sighs, looking both relieved and conflicted at the same time. In this dangerous situation he doesn't want her far from his sight, but his place is on the frontlines, he can't possibly take her with him.
"Don't worry father, I'm much stronger now. I can do this much at least." She offers him a smile to ease his worries. She knows this isn't an easy decision for him to make, but it's one he has to as the duke of the territory.
"I will protect her with my life!" Clad beats his fist to his chest with this solemn promise.
David nods, "I trust you will. The rest of your will split up into three groups, guarding the East, North, and West gates. We must prevent even one monster from sneaking in!"
"Yes, my Lord!" The sound of the knight's resounding roar was like a crash of thunder, deeply moving and exhilarating.
With her assignment in mind, Ariellia looks to Rei. She parts her lips to say something but finds she has no words to describe her feelings. She's done so much just to change the outcome of this very moment. She doesn't want their last conversation to remain unresolved, but at the same time she doesn't have the courage to confront the sudden change in their relationship. If she survives this maybe she'll be willing to have that conversation, for now she just wants to live.
"Don't worry, I'll rush back to you as soon as my part is done. Don't cry." Rei's words came unexpected, she wasn't even aware that she'd been tearing up.
"Who's crying, you better stick close to Uncle Jasper and my father. None of you are allowed to get hurt." She roughly wipes at her eyes, refusing to meet his red eyes. She doesn't even resist when he pulls her into a warm hug. Her racing heart begins to calm down, matching his as her fears lessen with his reassurance.
"Stay put, I promise I'll be back soon."
She watches him leave with the knights of the duchy with a heavy heart. She's not a follower of Selene but she desperately prays for their safe return.