Chapter 219 - Chapter Twenty-Three: Departure Ceremony
=== CHAPTER 219 ===
The day of the departure ceremony.
We followed behind the Goddess of the May Festival to the front of the Royal Palace. The participants of the subjugation unit walked down the main street, surrounded by the cheers of the crowd.
Perhaps the beautification movement had paid off, as the lead was taken by knights all in black led by Victor-sama. Unfortunately, it wasn't Eleanor's armor, but Beatrix was happy that the equipment beautification plan had reached even the Royal Guard cavalry of the Royal Capital.
The participants themselves were carefree, walking in groups with their companions, and some were even hitting on the ladies along the road.
It seemed some had come from Finis at the northernmost tip, as there was a group with their faces painted blue. Although it had become quite warm, they wore unique checkered clothes with the shoulders cut out.
Setting aside the ten groups of stalwarts regarded as the main force, the feint and rearguard groups had participated with their fellow countrymen, so they walked without any coordination, waving their hands, and before long, they had turned into clusters for each nation.
"Jeanne-san. It has been a long time."
"Oh? Lowry-san. It's been a long time. Ah, Hanna-san too."
Angus-san, Morgan-san, and Mabel-san were there too. They are skilled hunters and scouts with bows.
"Are you all participating in the feint as well?"
"No. We are the rearguard. We were invited by those gentlemen over there."
I saw the Archbishop of Nakanohara Church and his secretary.
"Are you participating?"
It was a surprise. Both of them were holding staves in their hands. There were also three knights who were attendants to Gladys-sama.
"I have Sense Living, and Kevin can use intermediate Holy and Heal. Furthermore, he can use Mute, so we will be participating in the rearguard along with the scouts."
The fact that they were training so hard every day was apparently for this day.
Capability-wise, they would be suitable, but doesn't a normal Archbishop usually not participate?
"Well, isn't it fine? When I met the Archbishop of the Royal Capital Cathedral earlier, he said regretfully that he would have participated if it weren't for his neuralgia."
Why are elderly priests so aggressive?
"Hey, Jeanne. It's a coincidence to meet you here."
Lewis-san was there. His adjutant was too. He was in bandit style with a sword on his back.
"Are you all participating too?"
"Yeah, as the Archbishop's guards and scouts. We Jaegers are to be added to the rearguard in groups of several people each."
I saw several familiar faces mixed in.
"Light the way for us later, okay? Everyone is waiting."
Before I knew it, the bandits had gathered and completely surrounded me. I could no longer see the Archbishop. Beside me were only Hanna-san and Beatrix, who had grabbed my sleeve in the moment.
The bandits, pretending to talk to me, casually introduced themselves. It seemed they had gathered from all over this time as well. They all said, "I'm counting on you," and before I knew it, they had gone somewhere else.
"I wonder why she's still in eighth place when she's this popular."
Beatrix was smirking.
Even though she knows that bandits from other towns don't count for even a single vote.
"It's okay. I'm sure she'll move up this year."
The Second-place-sama should please stay quiet.
"That aside, we are not accustomed to caves. We might get lost, so even if we encounter you unexpectedly, do not attack us by mistake."
Lewis-san gave a wink.
He knows.
"It would be good if we could all meet safely somewhere."
When Beatrix said that, he returned a nice smile with a "I hope so," and then he went somewhere else.
"I hope they're not just coming to eat Angelica-san's lunch box."
I couldn't help but burst out laughing at Beatrix's words.
Looking around, everyone we came with was gone. It seemed we had lost them before we knew it. It must be because we were surrounded by the bandits.
Since there was no other choice, Beatrix and I walked on and reached the front of the Royal Palace. At the front of the stage in the square before the palace, which we were told was the meeting place in case we got separated, we were looking around for everyone when Henry-sama arrived. Eleanor-sama and the Headmistress were there too. It seemed they had come looking for us.
"Oh, Jeanne, Beatrix, you were here."
"I'm sorry. we got separated."
"Do not worry about it."
He turned his face to the side. At the end of his gaze were a person in priestly vestments and a person in knight's attire. Both were elderly.
The one in priestly vestments was talking to the Headmistress and Jennifer-sensei, and the knight was talking to Paul-san.
When Henry-sama called them, both of them came over here.
"I should introduce them to you two as well. These two were our companions when we did the Demon Lord slaying. The Vice-Bishop of the Medioland Royal Capital Cathedral and the Military Minister of Regnentes."
I was introduced to some amazing people again. Former Seven Heroes. Moreover, the Vice-Bishop of the Medioland Royal Capital Cathedral is the second-in-command of the priests on the island, next to the Grand Archbishop.
I knelt before the Archbishop, and I gave my first-time greetings to the Military Minister.
"Jeanne. I have heard about you from James-sama. I look forward to working with you on the investigation of the mountain."
"Ah, yes. I will do my humble best."
He beckoned me over, and when I wondered what it was, he whispered in my ear.
"That dark history. You did well to expose it. Keep up the good work. But be careful. There are greedy people who think ill. Do not say anything in front of priests whose thoughts you do not know. After that, believe in Bishop Harris and James-sama and leave it to them."
Apparently, he is on our side. I'm sure there is a struggle beneath the surface.
The Military Minister of Regnentes seemed interested in Beatrix.
"Are you the landowner of that land?"
"If you mean the managed land at the border, that's right."
"I have heard from the Lord of your village. It seems you are working hard. I cannot say it loudly, but the King also has expectations. I'm counting on you."
The Military Minister was apparently from a great noble family of Regnentes, but as a child of a concubine, he was treated lightly. He became a hero in one leap and was very active in the war. He said he succeeded the main family at the behest of the King of Regnentes. He said he hates incompetent people who just sit on their lineage.
It seems people in high positions have it hard everywhere.
"It seems they are participating in the rearguard."
"They are in active service, so they didn't have to come."
Henry-sama was smiling, but Eleanor-sama didn't seem particularly happy.
"Do not say such distant things. A country that would collapse just because I alone am gone is no longer a country."
"I will not allow the selfishness of trying to go by yourselves. Had I known you were going as a feint, I would have made it a feint as well."
"The elders are noisy, you see. One needs a breather once in a while."
"Since you are likely being badmouthed by your relatives every day anyway, there are probably many who are happy you are here."
"Is being badmouthed not mutual?"
"As a priest, I cannot say such things myself."
Apparently, it's truly difficult.
"Do you two get along poorly?"
"This is what you call licking each other's wounds. Like-minded people confirming each other's circumstances and encouraging each other."
The Headmistress answered Beatrix. She has no mercy at all. Moreover, neither of them seemed to care or were used to it, as they weren't shaken at all.
"Is Adolf-dono staying behind this time as well?"
"I had him stay to prepare for the south."
"He didn't come even when invited last time. I thought that this time, perhaps, we could be together. After all, last time he saved many people by making full use of Teleport."
I was surprised by the exchange between the Archbishop and Eleanor-sama.
"You invited Adolf-san?"
"Yes. But he refused, saying he would fulfill his duty as a magic soldier in the support unit. He was also a skilled scout, so if he had participated, he would have been the Eighth Hero."
The Archbishop answered Beatrix's question.
As I thought, he was an amazing person.
"Jeanne. There is someone I want to introduce to you, so please come with me."
Beatrix looked like she wanted to ask something, but led by the Archbishop, we left everyone and went behind the scenes of the stage where the King and guests from various countries gathered. Beatrix, who was told to go as well by the Military Minister of Regnentes, came along too. Hughes-sama guided us.
Behind the scenes, we were guided to the blue-painted group from Finis. Perhaps because they spoke a different language, the people from Finis felt somewhat out of place, and because of that, there was a kind of strange tension.
There was another such group. It was Engrio, and they had set up curtains at the edge, and everyone was inside them. There were even guards outside the curtains, and it was enveloped in a solemn atmosphere. By the way, the opposite edge was apparently Regnentes. Although they had formed a non-aggression pact for the Demon Lord subjugation, they are, after all, at war. They must have been considerate.
With the Archbishop's recommendation, the Archbishop of the Sertoria Royal Capital Cathedral also came along.
The person introduced was none other than the King of blue-painted Finis, who had come to see off the Prince who was charging in as the main force. As expected, his attire was appropriate, a luxurious one using plenty of gold and silver thread.
To his left and right, two blue-painted giants stood like guards. My head only reached their solar plexus. I was glared at from above by large eyes and thick eyebrows.
My legs couldn't help but tremble.
It is apparently customary for the main force dispatched from Finis to charge in as the first of the main force. Naturally, there are many retreats and many cases of total annihilation. Even so, they have no intention of yielding the first spot. Apparently, there was once a hero from Finis who charged in first and successfully achieved the subjugation, and it has been a tradition ever since.
It was an informal audience. Since the object of faith is different, I didn't know how to greet him, but since the two Archbishops put their hands together in front and bowed their heads, I imitated them. Beatrix gave a normal first-time greeting.
"Is your name Jeanne? Are you the one who holds the black stone?"
The blue-painted group had been speaking a different language, but it seems that even a King studies the languages of other countries properly.
"Ah, yes."
When I took it off my arm and showed it to him, he took it in his hand and looked at it intently.
"I heard you received it from King Griffith."
"Yes. I was involved in the investigation of the tomb chamber."
"What kind of person was he?"
It's hard to explain. There's no doubt he was a kind person...
"Please wait a moment," I said, and went into the shade to have Fiona come out. I explained the circumstances and had her explain in my stead.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," I said, bringing Fiona along and briefly explaining the circumstances. When I had her speak in my stead, she even talked about how he had pretended to be a slave and grumbled.
I thought he would say something, but surprisingly, he listened while laughing heartily.
"King Griffith's country worshipped the same god as we do. He was a prince born from a princess our country gave in marriage, and he also maintained friendship with our country. Unfortunately, we could not correct history, but it is passed down that he showed us a magnificent way of life befitting a man of our country. It is a stone inherited from that King Griffith. Do not treat it carelessly."
It has helped me quite a bit.
There are many things I want to ask, but after all, the opponent is a King. I just said, "I understand."
"You. After this subjugation is over, come visit our country once. I must thank you for protecting King Griffith's tomb. Besides, there is one such stone in our country as well. You probably have things you want to know about that stone too."
"That person should come too," he said to Beatrix, after Fiona exposed that she had entered the tomb chamber and slept there. Beatrix looked carefree, saying, "Is it okay?"
Even so, we can't go easily.
Since Finis has a different object of faith, I heard that the churches are also distant. When I looked at the two Archbishops, the Archbishop of the Sertoria Cathedral came to the rescue.
"Your Majesty. Sertoria has a state church system, so the King's approval is necessary. Furthermore, the approval of the Archbishop of Nakanohara Church is also necessary. Once this matter is over and the procedures are completed, we will arrange to contact you from here, so could you please wait until then?"
"Very well. I leave it to you."
With that, the audience ended.
"This has become quite a thing."
When the Archbishop of Sertoria said that, the Archbishop of Medioland answered simply, "It should be fine."
"Since I am in charge of diplomatic negotiations, I will submit the documents over there. Jeanne is a stray priest, so there is no problem as a church. After that, let's leave it to the King of Sertoria."
With that, I was also taken to the King.
"I do not mind. Once Roberts successfully slays the Demon Lord, he will likely be invited to various countries, so it would be good to go together. If necessary, I will organize a diplomatic mission. Also, please be sure to have Bishop Harris accompany you. It might be found that it has some connection to that investigation."
Just like that, the trip to Finis was decided.
"Jeanne. I'm putting you through a lot of trouble, but I'm counting on you. What, do not worry. Leave the difficult things to Harris. Jeanne and Beatrix should go as if on a sightseeing trip and eat some delicious food."
Before I could answer, the King had also requested it before I knew it, so I had no choice but to go.
"If Jeanne is going, it means various things will follow, but is that okay?"
"I do not mind. That would be more reassuring. If those various things give their consent, go and enjoy yourselves together."
When Beatrix asked, he gave his consent easily, but if I talk to those various things, they will definitely want to go, so now I really have no choice but to go.
When it was over safely and Hughes-sama took us to everyone, they were hanging out at the very back. Moreover, they had taken up positions in front of a stall expecting a crowd and were all drinking beer. No matter how you look at it, they only look like spectators.
"If we were in the front, we'd have to behave ourselves. It's safe here."
What is the former King saying with a beer in one hand?
"Priest Jeanne. The beer is cold."
Even Evans-sama, the favorite, was there. Looking around, the favorites like Roberts-sama and Gladys-sama were all there.
"Is it okay for you to be in a place like this?"
"Do not worry. My brother and James are in the front. We are the ones being sent off, so it is fine if we are around here."
James-sama was also supposed to be on the side being sent off, but since he is the representative of the King of Medioland, it seems he was sent out as a human sacrifice for the greeting duty.
According to the story, the turn for Roberts-sama and the others to charge in is the last. Since the first of the main force, Finis, departs tomorrow before noon, it's the evening of the fifth day. Normally it wouldn't be strange for them to be in an earlier turn, but they must have matched it to our plot on this side.
"By the way, who's speaking now?"
The Headmistress asked. It seemed they were too far away to even know who was giving the speech. I heard that the guests from each country would give greetings starting from the north, and the last would be Sertoria, where the Demon Lord emerged.
"The Grand Archbishop."
"What. Still only halfway?"
When Hughes-sama answered, she gave a response unbecoming of a church priest.
Apparently, it was her third glass. We are to depart for the south as soon as the departure ceremony is over; I wonder if it'll be okay.
"Hey, they're selling something delicious at that stall over there."
Beatrix pulled my hand while pointing at a grilled bird skewer shop.
"Behave yourself. You'll get lost again."
I rebuked her like a priest, but...
"We will be here, so you can go. If you're going, buy some for everyone. Roberts, could you give them some money?"
Since Henry-sama said that, I ended up buying twenty grilled bird skewers.
As usual, he only had gold coins, so I had Gladys-sama, who let out a sigh, change them for me and went to buy them.
While waiting for them to be ready, Beatrix started talking to an old man she didn't know.
As expected of an old-man-charmer. Whether it's the Royal Capital or a departure ceremony, she activates her skill without regard.
Suddenly, the venue began to buzz; shouts and heckling could even be heard.
"Did something happen?"
When I asked the young man at the stall, it seemed it was a common occurrence.
"Probably the ambassador of Engrio went up on the stage. After all, they were at war until a few years ago. Everyone is heckling as much as they can. Apparently, the King of Engrio is absent no matter which country calls him, and the greeting is only by the proxy ambassador. Since the opponent is an ambassador, it doesn't count as lèse-majesté, and they probably say whatever they want."
Everyone should at least be quiet during the Demon Lord subjugation, but the ambassador has it hard too.
When Beatrix, who had finished talking, came alone, I asked if it was someone she knew, and as expected, the answer was "I don't know."
The skewers were ready, but there were so many I couldn't possibly carry them.
While I was struggling, Hughes-sama suddenly appeared and helped me.
"That person earlier, he's from a foreign country and wanted to see Roberts-sama. I couldn't exactly say he's slacking off and drinking beer. Since he's the favorite, I said he'd normally be at the very front, and he gave up and went away."
I see, that's clever. It's not a lie.
"He was quite well-dressed, wasn't he?"
"Isn't he some noble or knight?"
"He didn't even have a sword."
"Is he someone from an allied country? But he had a kind of... dignity? He was smiling, but when I looked into his eyes, it was amazing."
That's how it felt. He didn't seem to be arrogant, but something like that could be felt even from his back.
"Ah, earlier, Beatrix was being talked to by someone from a foreign country."
When I told Hughes-sama, it seemed he had seen it.
"Someone you know?"
"King Seldic of Engrio."
Beatrix and I both gasped.
"If you met him, you could have brought him here."
When we talked about meeting King Seldic while eating skewers, Henry-sama said that. Roberts-sama was laughing as if it were amusing.
"But I never thought he'd be in a place like that."
Beatrix pouted.
Even if she had known, I don't think she could have brought him...
I'm sure many guards were mixed in. If she had done something careless, she might have been killed on the spot.
"It's okay. Because Hughes-sama was there. Weren't allies close by too?"
"The skewer shop was."
"What!"
At the words of Henry-sama, who was stuffing his cheeks with skewers, Beatrix and I both raised our voices. I hadn't noticed at all.
Looking at the stall, they were handing skewers to customers.
No matter how you look at it, it's a skewer shop. They were practiced at it too...
Beatrix was also straining her eyes, but she was tilting her head.
"That fellow has improved his skill. I might as well give him a raise."
Wait? Hold on a minute.
"Could it be the Jaegers?"
It seemed so. The Jaegers are self-sufficient. Grilled skewers would be easy for them. Their daily training was being put to use.
"Please, by all means, give them a raise."
"Umu. These skewers are quite delicious. What do you think, Eleanor?"
That part? Aren't you getting the criteria for judgment wrong?
"That's right. Catherine ate them all in an instant, so they must have been exceptionally delicious."
"Wasn't it just right as a snack for alcohol? Ah, ouch!"
Matilda, who said something unnecessary, was smacked on the head, but it seemed the wages would successfully go up.