Chapter 112 - Chapter 15: Medioland
The castle of the King of Medioland was finally reached on the third day of riding in a carriage from the fortress Sir Stephens guarded.
It was a beautiful castle built on a hill in the middle of a town surrounded by a moat and city walls, and its stone walls and watchtowers could be seen from afar.
"This is it, this is it. This is what a castle should be like."
Mary was excited. She was completely in the mood of a princess invited to a castle.
We were able to get the clothes for the banquet that we were given in the Sertorian Royal Capital. She was dressed up to the nines.
"As expected of Medioland. Sertoria was beautiful too, but it was single-story, so, how should I put it? Gravity? Something's different, isn't it?"
I feel like Beatrix is saying something quite rude.
"Unlike other countries, Medioland is the legitimate royal family of this island. They are, so to speak, the leader of the west coast nations, including Sertoria. They have tradition."
According to Paul-san, they are different from the royal families of the east coast nations, who are mercenary groups from the continent who just call themselves that. I feel like he's implicitly saying Sertoria is also a newcomer, but I suppose I shouldn't mind.
The atmosphere of the Royal Capital also feels traditional.
The city walls with ivy clinging to them here and there, and the gates protecting the bridges over the moat, have carvings of people and animals; they aren't just stone walls.
"I've always longed for this kind of thing."
While Mary was staring enchantedly, the main gate of the royal castle came into view at the end of a road so wide it made me think, "This is what a main street is."
"We will be arriving at the Medioland castle soon, are you ready?"
Gladys-sama kindly asked as she brought her horse close to the carriage. This person is from the highest class of this country.
"It's fine, it's fine! We're wearing the clothes we wore at the banquet, and Jeanne is wearing her vestments, so it's perfect."
"That is good to hear. Um, it's difficult to say, but Medioland still maintains a class system. Paul-sama and probably Jeanne will be able to meet His Majesty the King, but the other three will have to wait in the anteroom of the room I used to use, so please don't take it personally."
"It's fine, it's fine. Just being allowed into the castle is enough."
"If you say so. I will guide you through the castle myself."
It became an uproar inside the carriage. To think we'd have a princess of Medioland guide us through the castle—we never thought we'd experience such a thing in our lives.
"I could die happy after this trip is over."
It wasn't an exaggeration at all. For the dreaming maidens of Sertoria, it will be a lifelong memory.
"Um, since you all are from another country, I cannot show you everything..."
"Can we see the place where Gladys-sama and Roberts-sama first met?"
When Mary thrust her face out the window and asked, Gladys-sama said, "That place is fine," while blushing, and the inside of the carriage became an uproar again.
As long as they could see that place, they didn't seem to care about the rest.
It was when Mary was getting out of the carriage.
She straightened her spine, placed one foot on the step, and with the air of a noble lady, entrusted her left hand to the hand offered by the person welcoming her.
She was graceful, as expected of someone strictly disciplined by her mother and sisters.
"I have heard you are a friend of Gladys-sama. Welcome."
The moment it was said, she looked like she was about to roll her eyes and faint, but she somehow held on.
That scene apparently became a subject for a good sketch by Beatrix and was sold at a high price to Mary's fans. Of course, her eyes weren't rolling in the drawing.
In the end, only Paul-san was able to have an audience with the King of Medioland sitting on the throne.
Thinking about it, it's only natural since I came here to climb the mountain. Instead, while Paul-san was showing off the Flight Magic to the dignitaries, I was able to have Gladys-sama guide me through the castle.
The introduction to the aforementioned place ended quite simply, but I was later told various things secretly by the ladies-in-waiting.
After the castle sightseeing was over, we had drinks prepared by the ladies-in-waiting in Gladys-sama's former room, which looked like something out of a fairy tale.
What a luxurious time.
While listening to gossip about the royal family from Gladys-sama, involving the ladies-in-waiting, Roberts-sama entered with people who had a solemn atmosphere.
The ladies-in-waiting stood up all at once.
"Yo, you lot. Is the sightseeing over?"
"Yeah. Gladys-sama guided us."
"I see, that's good. By the way, let me introduce them."
The ones he brought were His Majesty the King of Medioland and the Crown Prince.
We hurriedly stood up and gave our first greetings.
"Now then, you were Priest Jeanne, correct?"
On the opposite side of the table sat the King, the Crown Prince, and Roberts-sama, and the ladies-in-waiting who had been in the room withdrew.
"There is something I want the Priest to see."
When the King signaled to the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince took out a small box. Inside was a ring set with a pale green stone. The center of the stone had a blue-green swirl. Perhaps out of bias, the ring I received from Dune looked more brilliant.
"This is what has been passed down in our royal family as the Ring of the Wind Spirit. The original owner was the King five generations ago, and he has already passed away. Only this ring remains."
Gladys-sama nodded when I looked at her.
I see, that's why she recognized it immediately when she saw my ring.
"I heard the Priest also possesses a spirit ring. How about it?"
I replied "Yes" and showed the Ring of the Water Spirit.
"Ah, you don't have to take it off. That's fine."
He took my hand with the ring on it and looked at it closely. Thinking that I was being watched by the King and Crown Prince of a neighboring country made me nervous, and I started to sweat.
"Father, the color is different, but it is indeed similar."
"Umu. So the legend was true."
They seemed to be convinced.
"This ring seems to choose its owner. If anyone else puts it on, a gale blows and causes terrible damage, so it is usually sealed."
"I was also warned that if anyone else puts on this ring of mine, a flood will occur. I believe only the person who received the ring from a spirit can use it."
"As I thought."
It seems they were troubled by how to handle the ring. It would be fine to keep it as a family treasure, but it would just be something they have. It seems they only brought it out during the festival for the Goddess of May and the spirits to offer it at the altar.
"Priest. If you were in my position, what would you do with this ring?"
It was a sudden question, but the answer was simple.
"I think you should return it to the spirit."
"Hmm."
"With all due respect, I believe this ring was not a gift to the Medioland Royal Family, but a personal gift to the King five generations ago. Therefore, wouldn't it be proper to return it to the spirit? And if you can become friends with the Wind Spirit, wouldn't it be fine for Your Majesty or the Crown Prince to receive a new ring?"
"What, you say we should obtain a spirit ring anew?"
"I do not know if you can actually receive one. However, I think there is a possibility. The Wind Spirit will also want to know about the King five generations ago who gave this ring, and you can just tell them about that person when you return it."
The Crown Prince agreed, and the King also seemed convinced. I want people in such positions to interact with spirits and deepen their understanding of the creatures on the island.
"It is as the Priest says. Actually, the King who owned the ring died suddenly of illness and left no will regarding the ring. Every generation has been troubled by what to do, but I have finally made up my mind. I thank you."
To my awe, I was thanked.
However, there is something I must say.
"However, I must tell you that even if you receive a spirit ring, it shouldn't be usable as a weapon in war or the like. Spirits are neutral regarding such matters. It is strictly for interaction with the individual who received it."
"I believe I understand. I have heard that the King who received this ring also did not use it on the battlefield."
Then, it's a relief.
When I explained about when I actually used it, they listened with interest.
By the way, I have one question.
The First King of Sertoria was four generations ago. The King of the Medioland ring was five generations ago. The eras are close, if anything.
Is there some connection?
"Did you notice? Actually, when the First King of Sertoria was young, our house led reinforcements and rushed to Sertoria. They apparently fought together against mercenary groups from the continent who had advanced from the south. That connection apparently led our house to support Sertoria when it became a kingdom."
I see. The two countries have been associated since then. Moreover, the fact that the enemy was also a mercenary group from the south means it's probably Engrio. So they've been associated since then too.
"The King at that time is the owner of this ring."
Which means, perhaps the one who mediated with the Wind Spirit was the First King.
"Priest. There is something I would definitely like to ask of you. You are to climb the mountain with Paul-dono. If so, could you take my son along?"
The Crown Prince looked me straight in the eye.
He's too handsome and a bit dazzling.
"Originally, I should be the one to go, but there are some political circumstances. I cannot leave this castle for the time being. My son is the one who will eventually inherit the throne of this country. I believe he has the qualifications of a proxy."
Since the descendant of the person who received the ring is going to return it, the choice of person is appropriate. However, since it's originally a mountain within Medioland territory, he should be able to go whenever he wants as long as he's willing. Isn't it not something to be adjusted to our convenience?
"That is true. Actually, this ring... its light has become weaker compared to before. The connection with the spirit may have weakened. For my son's journey, I would like you to lend the assistance of the Priest chosen by a spirit."
I don't have such power, but hearing such a story, there are circumstances I can't refuse.
"Your Majesty. The other day, when I was with Sir Stephens, I heard a story. He said the foot of the mountain had collapsed. According to my friend, the Water Spirit, if it's a mountain protected by a wind barrier, a landslide shouldn't occur. If the mountain is the home of the Wind Spirit, something might be happening to the spirit."
"What, is that true!"
He'd be surprised. I was surprised too. However, Dune had told me to keep quiet until we knew if the mountain was the home of the Wind Spirit.
"Your Majesty, Crown Prince. There is someone I want you two to meet. However, that person loves delicious food and sake. If you would be so kind as to provide a simple welcome, I believe she will tell you a bit more about the story I just mentioned."
Saying that, after glancing at the water ring and looking at their faces, they seemed to understand.
"I understand. Let us change rooms and prepare a seat."
When I said "Thank you," Beatrix pulled my sleeve.
"When did you become so good at negotiating?"
I pretended not to hear her whispering in my ear.
According to Dune, the reason the ring's light is weakening is that the spirit's power is weakening.
"Did you get that ring from the spirit living on that mountain?"
Dune, who was in a good mood in front of the food and high-quality sake served to her, asked the King of Medioland.
"That is how it has been passed down."
"But there's no interaction now, right?"
"Yes, that is so."
"As far as I can see, there's no powerful spirit like a Wind Spirit on that mountain. If there is, it's quite weak, or its power is sealed by some powerful barrier."
"For such a thing to be happening... can nothing be done?"
"I am Water. I can't do anything about Wind. You humans do something about it. First, investigate the site of the landslide. Presumably, something happened there. However, if you go there, be very careful."
The King and Crown Prince looked at me.
Um, there are much more incredible people...
"Your Majesty. Actually, regarding the mountain, I have a request."
"What is it, Roberts?"
Actually... Roberts-sama conveyed the circumstances. To my surprise, he told them everything.
"...That is why my father and mother want to climb the mountain with these people. Although it's a turn of events, I also intend to take Gladys and try climbing it. If you would be so kind as to permit us parents and children to climb the mountain with Crown Prince James, I would be grateful."
"Henry-dono and Eleanor-dono?"
"I am sorry for the delay in telling you. Given their personalities, they won't listen once they've said something."
"However, if those two are joined by you and my son, won't other countries be wary?"
When I asked Gladys-sama secretly, the Crown Prince is an incredibly powerful mage, and Eleanor-sama apparently gave him her seal of approval as the strongest of the current generation.
Roberts-sama was laughing, saying, "Let's sneak out of this castle secretly in the middle of the night."
It seems bloodlines can't be denied.
"They say they are incognito. They probably want to see the Wind Spirit with their own eyes. To meet the Water Spirit, it seems impossible without Priest Jeanne. They probably felt like accompanying Priest Jeanne and her companions as they climb the mountain, thinking it would be the same for the Wind Spirit. My brother also knows about this."
"My brother tried to stop them, but they wouldn't listen," he was saying as an excuse for the time being.
"Then, Priest Jeanne. It seems you have quite powerful helpers. Would you please climb the mountain?"
In the end, the talk comes to me.
However, I've already received the money.
"Yes. Regarding the mountain climbing, as Roberts-sama just mentioned, I have already received a request from the King of Sertoria. If it's alright, as Dune says, I intend to investigate the landslide first."
The strongest warrior and mage of the previous generation, plus the strongest warrior and mage of the current generation, were going to climb the mountain together. It should be fine no matter what happens.
In addition, I was told that the investigation into the landslide and the spirit would be requested from their side. It seems ten gold coins will be added for me personally.
I don't know what it is, but my financial luck has also risen.
I'm grateful.