Chapter 610 - Game Changer's Melancholy
What?? A declaration of nation-founding!?
Why now?! And wait, it's not my island, right? But the possibility of it being the Southern Island feels terrifying…
"Shou-sama?"
"Ah, um, I'm sorry. I'll be right back."
First, I needed to confirm if Mion had heard the declaration.
I was leaving my guests unattended, but I wanted to ascertain the facts first.
Exiting the reception room, on my way to the kitchen, Mion came running with a large platter piled high with snacks.
"Shou-kun!"
"You heard it?"
"Yes!"
As expected, Mion had also heard the declaration of nation-founding by something called the Chaos Empire (?).
"I wonder where it is. It's not this island, right? And the possibility of it being the Southern Island scares me…"
"Shall I log out and contact Club President?"
"Ugh… sorry. Please do."
If a nation was declared on the Southern Island, it would be no laughing matter.
Bell-senpai or Seth, or someone from [Silver Manor] should be there, so I needed to confirm that much at least.
"You're streaming, right?"
"Yes. Still a Mion-only stream."
"Yes."
I took the platter, watched Mion head to her bedroom to log out, and returned to the reception room.
"Sorry for the wait."
"Shou-sama. We were just about to take our leave."
Argenta-san, showing consideration for our commotion, started to say this, but it was absolutely essential for them to stay until we understood the situation.
"Ah, please wait. News just broke about a new country being formed."
At my words, Argenta-san and El-san looked surprised.
First, I placed the large snack platter on the table and sat back down, explaining that Mion was currently inquiring about detailed information.
"Shou-kun. I've contacted Club President. The place where the declaration of nation-founding took place is Sabana-san's island."
Huh? Why is that happening?
Argenta-san looked worried, unable to ignore my puzzled expression.
"Um, the declaration of nation-founding took place on the island where we just looked up the coordinates for the [Transfer Magic Circle]."
"Is that so."
Argenta-san said, looking a little relieved.
I didn't know the detailed situation, and the nation's name felt off if Sabana-san founded it…
"Arge, what's on that island?"
"It seems there's a port facility called the Seventh Ocean Intermediate Port, capable of accommodating large magic ships."
"Also, there are fairies called Esason. That's about all I heard."
Emeraldia-san twitched at the word "Esason."
Come to think of it, does this mean the Esason are now citizens?
"Esason-chan and the others are currently fleeing deeper into the island with Sabana-san and her fans."
"What?!"
The nation was founded not by Sabana-san, but by players (?) who visited, or rather, forcibly broke into the island.
Sabana-san and a few fans were fleeing with their live stream off to escape these people who had arbitrarily founded a nation.
Well, even if they turned on the live stream, the only ones likely to benefit would be the invaders.
"Currently, Club President and the others are trying to find a way to contact them secretly…"
I shared what I heard from Mion with Argenta-san and the others. As expected, this news shocked them.
"Emera, wait. Where are you going?"
Argenta-san firmly grabbed Emeraldia-san's arm, who had suddenly stood up, and the White Dragon Princess questioned her with a stern gaze.
"Ugh, but…"
"You going alone will only complicate things. Arge, you know the location of that island, don't you?"
"Yes. I was able to ascertain it just now, thanks to Shou-sama."
Hearing Argenta-san's answer, the White Dragon Princess looked at me.
This meant sending Argenta-san and her group for a rescue was also an option, didn't it?
"Hmm…"
I wanted to help Sabana-san and the Esason, but at the same time, I also felt that those who caused the problem should be the ones to solve it. And what was Ice Princess Anshia doing?
"The [Transfer Magic Circle] on the other island is sealed, so currently no one has a solution…"
Of course they'd do that. That means I'm the only one who can go to that island.
It's… just past 8:30 PM.
"Argenta-san. How long would it take to get to that island from here?"
"Well, I'd say about 15 minutes…"
15 minutes is incredibly fast.
In that case, I guess it's okay to wait until around 9 PM.
"Can you still make it in that time even with me on board?"
"Shou-kun?!"
Mion looked incredibly surprised, but I felt it was wrong to leave everything entirely to Argenta-san.
I also wanted to see the situation with my own eyes and act, and above all, as someone who could perform stealth actions, I should be able to find a solution beyond just a rescue.
"I can get there in the same time even with Shou-sama on board, but…"
Ah, is it the same as how you arrive at your destination in a few minutes if you ride a carriage?
The problem is whether my heart can handle flying so high…
"Wait. There's no need for you to go. I will go."
"Um, I appreciate the offer, but…"
I wanted El-san to prioritize guarding the White Dragon Princess. Also, it's not El-san's fault, but there's a slight chance she'd be viewed with suspicion just for being Winged Folk.
Not everyone watches my and Mion's live streams, and I think the image of Winged Folk = arrogant would inevitably remain.
Hearing that, El-san looked incredibly frustrated…
"Woof!"
"Yeah. Lupi, I'll call you once we get there, so wait."
I can summon Lupi, and with [Lurking], she can perform stealth actions with me.
"Alright, I'll go prepare for a bit."
"Understood."
I excused myself again and moved to the bedroom.
While equipping my Kukri Knife and Round Shield, I conveyed what I wanted Mion to confirm.
"Mion. If a nation is declared, it probably becomes a new player spawn point, right? Have you heard anything about that?"
"Ah! I'll go check!"
"Yeah, please."
If it becomes a spawn point, maybe I can crush them with new players?
No, even Level 1 characters would be tough…