"We need to talk." His words silenced the entire group.
Even Loris didn't expect Theo to come to have a serious talk.
"I won't beat around the bush. I want you to inform the church to bring reinforcement. If possible, there should be a few people at your level here along with a few more squads. While we're waiting for reinforcement, I suggest we're clearing all the settlements except the main one."
"Huh? Isn't that going to make us wait for at least six days?" Loris looked down, contemplating Theo's choice.
Suddenly, the same young man, who greeted him when he first arrived at the camp, stood up and shouted in displeasure. "We're here to help people. Are you trying to kill those people?!"
"I am trying to prevent an idiot like you from dying," said Theo with a calm tone.
However, his words were clearly an insult, and the young man didn't take it well. He rushed to Theo and grabbed his collar, screaming, "Who do you think you are? Do you think just because you are from the War God Family, you can easily insult us?"
"This is why I'm calling you an idiot… Why is foolishness not included in seven deadly sins…" Theo shook his head in disappointment.
"You bas—"
He wanted to punch him, but Theo stopped him while saying, "You should know that the moment you punch me, that means you forfeit your life."
Suddenly, he felt killing intent from his shoulder. When he turned his head, he saw Ava standing on top of his shoulder, staring at him. Her eyes were red and filled with bloodlust. The moment he did something to Theo, Ava didn't mind destroying his neck.
The tension rose even higher as Agata couldn't help but come and shout, "Please stop! I think Theo's suggestion is worth consideration. For me, it's better for fifty people to survive and destroy all the goblin settlement than the whole group being wiped out."
"However, there is still the fact that we can destroy them, survive, and save the hostages. Isn't this his job?" The young man was still not convinced and denied Agata's claim.
"He's clearly doing his job and telling you the result." Agata shook her head.
Before the situation escalated even further, Loris stopped them. "I am thankful for your thoughts, but I can't accept your suggestion. There is a time you need to continue even with such a harsh situation. Besides, haven't you given the current plan on how to rescue them?
"As I already said yesterday, my priority is to rescue the hostages because this is our job. Just think about firefighters suppressing fire and rescuing trapped people in a building… They are risking their lives because it's necessary. Or maybe you can think of us as a soldier that needs to go to war to help people even though we know that we can die at any moment.
"That's why… I am grateful for your consideration, but we still need to continue." Loris calmly explained that even though he understood the risk, he couldn't accept Theo's suggestion.
Theo clicked his tongue and said, "You're dragging me into this…"
"I am, but it's also your fault for accepting the mission." Loris raised his hands in defeat. "Besides, you chose to take the job because you were confident, right? And due to the War God Family's credibility and your reputation are on the line, you will need to see this through."
Theo furrowed his eyebrows. "Just to make you aware that I won't hesitate to abandon you all, especially because I have given you the warning."
"I understand that. In fact, I can make you a written statement that you have done your duty and it's my choice that screws you over. That written statement will be effective if we're defeated." Loris offered a solution for Theo. "However, if you receive this written statement, I would like to ask for your full cooperation."
Theo gritted his teeth, not liking this situation. He was cursing inwardly, 'I am trying to save your lives from a powerful goblin king. Should I just give them the information? No, even if I can deal with the situation now, the record will follow and my future will be in danger. On the other hand, if they're buried here, I will be safe because they only know this is my speculation after looking at all these hobgoblins.
'To be honest, I prefer the second one or…' Theo suddenly came up with a brilliant idea, and he didn't need to rely on all these people.
After contemplating a few things, Theo turned around and said, "This is your decision. I hope you don't regret it. I will need that written statement tomorrow."
"Okay." Loris nodded with a serious expression. "Is there any change in our plan?"
"No." The moment he answered that question, Theo returned to his position.
Agata was worried about Theo, so she followed him and asked, "Theo… Is there something wrong with this mission?"
Without no one noticing, Ava was already standing on top of Theo's shoulder, listening to Theo's worry.
"I am afraid there will be big trouble." Theo sighed. "To be honest, I have one piece of advice for you. Leave this place."
"This… I am afraid I can't do that. I was the one suggesting this mission to Enrica and she took care of the process and handed it to the pope. If we both left, there would be a huge consequence."
"Why are you even doing this for me… I mean, I can understand that, but there is a limit to doing things like this. And it's not like our relationship is that close." Theo shook his head helplessly.
"I have thought about it as well, especially after those words you told me in Thersland. I just want to believe that my choice is not wrong." Agata looked up with a sad smile. "With my appearance, I have experienced some bad things. And after listening to you, I feel like I have an answer.
"I… don't plan on becoming an accessory to make a man shine. Even if this is a path filled with regret, at the very least, this is the path I have chosen myself." She raised her hand and clutched it as if trying to reach the sky.
Theo glanced at her for a moment and opened his mouth. "Do you…"
Theo paused, making Agata curious. "What is it?"
"Nah, it's not the time to say that." Theo shook his head. "Just want to say this one thing… Trust me in this mission… Please."