Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 70: Battle for the Plains Part 3

"All hail his Imperial Greatness, Daniel, and her Imperial Greatness, Hekate, for leading us to victory against the invasion!" calls out Balamae's voice as Shek and Skloe are preparing ingredients for the first batch of baked treats they intend to make. They listen happily, cheering as Balamae continues over the strange, faceless voice that fills the whole Citadel. "With his superior intellect and strength, our beloved Emperor Daniel drove back the hostile invaders! Please join us in celebrating His Grace's victory and to welcome him home at the eastern gate!"

Suddenly, the golem woman appears before Shek and Skloe, surprising them a little, but they're mostly used to it. Balamae doesn't have a face to smile with, but Shek can tell by her voice that she's pleased. "Ladies Shek and Skloe, I have a favor to ask."

"Shek and Skloe go to east gate!" says Shek happily. Skloe nods in agreement. "Skloe and Shek celebrate with Ma-Daniel! Make treats later!"

"Actually, the favor I need is to help Daniel. He's not really coming back yet."

They both gasp, and Shek asks quickly, "Daniel safe?"

"He's alright. For now, he's fighting in the central camp. But, to lure out the intruders, I want them to believe he's returning to the Citadel."

"What Skloe and Shek have do?" asks Skloe nervously.

"I'll protect you with strong magic barriers, but I want you to excitedly greet the fake Daniel and fake Hekate like they're the real ones. Ideally, while you're hugging Daniel, it'll make it easy for them to identify him. Then, you'll lure him to your private quarters in town."

"But, not real Daniel."

"You won't have to do anything with the fake Daniel. It'll just be an illusion anyways. We're trying to trick the intruders so they don't kidnap anyone like last time."

Shek hugs her belly gently, which is large and heavy.

She nods. "Shek want help Daniel. Shek love Daniel."

Balamae nods. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you or Daniel's precious children. I just want you to act like you're separating Daniel from the crowd."

Shek and Skloe nod in understanding.

Balamae teleports them to the entrance of the castle, and they both make their way quickly through the crowds that have gathered. The golems keep the path to the castle clear, so Shek and Skloe are able to walk down the middle. Ahead, entering through the Citadel's perimeter wall, is what appears to be Daniel and Hekate, but Shek feels strange. She doesn't feel her usual happiness at seeing Daniel. She feels nothing gazing upon his lookalike, even though it looks exactly like him with his helmet off as he walks in, waving to the many people gathered to see him.

Shek glances at Skloe, who is unsure as well.

Regardless, they agreed to do this to help Daniel, even if it isn't really Daniel.

They both nod confidently, and they fall into character. "Daniel! Daniel!" They both cheer his name as they jog towards him, and he spots them, hopping down from a buckrokh. "Shek! Skloe! Did you miss me?" The lookalike is convincing, but he isn't quite the same. Shek still feels nothing for him, but she continues her role.

She hugs him alongside Skloe, and he wraps his arms around her. He kisses both of their cheeks, petting their bellies. It doesn't feel right, but Shek agreed to allow it. She says as excitedly as she can, "Daniel! Shek and Skloe miss you. We celebrate victory?"

'Daniel' smiles warmly. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He looks at Hekate, saying, "My beautiful Lady, I'll meet up with you later."

The Hekate lookalike replies haughtily, "Fine, but you have to spend the rest of the night with me afterwards!"