Chapter 231 - Chapter Twenty-Seven: Triumphal Return
The Demon Lord had finally fallen.
We followed fearfully behind the three heroes who had gained their titles.
The Demon Lord's head, which had been slashed off, still had its eyes open.
"Jeanne. You send him off."
I was nominated by Roberts-sama again.
"Um, rather than me, wouldn't Bishop Phillips be more appropriate?"
I certainly thought so. It is those who actually fought who are appropriate for the funeral of a warrior.
"That is incorrect, Jeanne."
However, I was told so by Bishop Phillips.
"It is said that the corpses of successive Demon Lords were either left on the spot, buried, or cut into pieces and brought back to the surface. However, those who brought them back apparently all died of curses. And, the only time one turned to dust was when you offered the prayer."
"That's just a coincidence, because I was the first to offer a prayer in front of the corpse..."
"It's different, Jeanne. It didn't turn to dust when it was my turn. It's only when it's yours."
"Heh?"
Was that so? No, but that shouldn't be the case.
"You defeated a Demon Race member back where the spiders were, right? At that time, I offered the funeral prayer first. But nothing happened. That's why, at that time, I had you offer it."
I hadn't confirmed that he was dead...
"I also offered the funeral prayer for the Demon Lord before everyone came. However, the result is as you see. I do not know the reason. It might be because you can use light magic. You have formed friendships with spirits and ghosts, and now you will be able to nurture a good friendship with Arachne as well. The fact that the Demon Lord, upon seeing you for the first time, made you chant light magic might also be related to Henry-sama's words from before."
When I looked at Henry-sama, he was nodding. Indeed, Henry-sama had said to the Demon Lord that I could turn the Demon Race to dust. He seemed to have heard the story from the Headmistress.
No, but. What does this mean?
"Jeanne. You don't have to overthink it. If you investigate various things with me, we might find out something. For now, you should just send off the Demon Lord."
I was also told so by Harris-sama.
That was certainly true. To overthink and leave the corpse alone would be a failure as a priest.
I knelt down just like that, moved the head to where it should be, pressed it with my right hand, and closed the Demon Lord's eyes.
When I offered the funeral prayer and had everyone chant along, the Demon Lord's corpse crumbled like ash and vanished into dust.
'Karan,' a sound occurred.
Wondering what it was, I looked at the floor and saw a black, flat stone fallen where the Demon Lord's corpse had been. It looked like the one I received from King Griffith, but the shape was different. It was crescent-shaped.
"This looks like the stone inherited from King Griffith."
Eleanor-sama was crouching and staring at it.
"Catherine. How is it? Is it cursed?"
The Headmistress held her right hand over it, but nothing happened. She picked it up casually with her fingers.
"It seems to be alright."
She was staring at it intently in front of her eyes.
"Eleanor, I'll leave this with you for now. I think it's probably the same kind as the one Jeanne has, but could you investigate it just in case?"
She handed it over just like that.
"Phillips. If there are no particular problems, would it be alright to say that this is something Jeanne inherited from the Demon Lord?"
Eleanor-sama said something surprising.
Inherited from the Demon Lord? Me? Won't I be put on trial for heresy as a Demon Lord worshiper?
"Of course. It wouldn't have been obtained if Jeanne hadn't been here. What do you think, Bishop Harris?"
This time she directed the conversation to Harris-sama.
"There should be no problem. However, it would be best to get confirmation from the Grand Archbishop in Medioland. Well, he's a reasonable person. He won't suddenly snatch it away."
The Grand Archbishop must be one of the heroes who had gained their titles. In a sense, it might be better if it were snatched... I mean, confiscated. I'd hate to be glared at by the greedy priests of the Medioland Royal Capital Cathedral.
"Then let's do that," Eleanor-sama said as she took out a small leather pouch and put the stone in it. She didn't seem to care at all about my worries.
"Jeanne. I will hold onto this for a while. It would be good if it had some beneficial effect."
Beatrix was smirking at Eleanor-sama's words.
"Isn't that great, Jeanne? With this, you're a Spirit Medium Priest ×× Knight Successor."
I don't even know what's what anymore.
"I'm jealous, Jeanne. Give me a share!"
Lyudmila, you give it a rest too.
Beatrix decided on several compositions and was drawing simple sketches.
In the end, it seemed she would make a series of three paintings of the battle process and distribute one to each of the three locations.
After all, the movements of the Demon Lord and the heroes were so fast that reproducing the fine movements of each moment was difficult. She had Director Paul play the role of the Demon Lord and had Roberts-sama and the others strike poses, and while receiving advice from Henry-sama like 'this way' or 'that way,' she began to finalize the plan.
Eleanor-sama gathered with the Headmistress, Bishop Phillips, Bishop Harris, Harrison-san, and Evans-sama to talk.
Since she told me to come, I went over.
"Jeanne. Regarding the box left by the First King, it opened when you used light magic. And, the barrier of the altar that Harris is currently investigating was also deactivated by your magic, right?"
I was asked by Eleanor-sama.
"Yes. That's right."
"Then, Jeanne. What do you think of the Demon Lord's Temple that still remains? Even though the Demon Lord has turned to dust, the temple has not disappeared."
Come to think of it, that was true. Normal magic loses its effect if the caster dies.
"Um, how was it last time?"
"It was the same last time. Even after the Demon Lord died, it remained like this. We couldn't even destroy it. If the principle is the same as the seal made by the First King, then the First King used the same magic as the magic used by the Demon Lord. And that is probably the same as the magic of that barrier."
As I thought. It's magic that can be deactivated with Light. However, I haven't learned such magic, and I haven't heard that the First King used it. Even the dwarves didn't say who made that barrier. They only said that it was humans who made that cave. Even the dwarves didn't know about the mechanism of the barrier. This was because the gatekeepers were placed after the gate was made. A place made by humans that received the special protection of the Goddess... If it's not something only the Goddess can do, but magic that the First King and the Demon Lord can also use. What on earth does that mean?
"It seems we have no choice but to look forward to future investigations, so please keep this in mind."
When Eleanor-sama said so, Harris-sama and James-sama nodded.
Beatrix's sketches were completed, and it was decided to disband for now.
This was because the new heroes had to pretend to stay for the purpose of investigating and fly over the Dryad's Forest together with us to Northern Nakanohara. The first diversionary group and the rearguard were to go up to report. By the way, Marcelo-san and Angelica-san, who were on a commuting basis, were staying overnight from the start tonight.
We went to the third floor and met Arachne. When we told her of the Demon Lord's death, she said, "I see," and offered a silent prayer.
When I told her that when I asked the Demon Lord about coexistence and co-prosperity with other monsters, he had laughed and said, "Do as you wish," she hugged me and stroked my head.
"If there's anyone who seems like they can live together, I'll talk to them for you."
She said so and was happy for me.
In the end, the fortress in Northern Nakanohara was empty.
It must have been the result of sensing our movements in advance. It was something that could be expected to some extent, and as a result of exploring the surroundings and capturing and interrogating an Orc wearing armor that was wandering around, we found out that the fortress commander was of the Demon Race and had been sending demon beasts, starting with spiders, somewhere. Almost certainly, it's the Ruined Town. The spiders were apparently quite numerous, but the exact number was unknown.
It felt like it had ended in vain, but if the spiders were transported somewhere, it was convenient. If it goes well, the ones sent so far will also die.
After that, we burned down the fortress, dug it up thoroughly, and turned it into a vacant lot. We planted the acorns given by the Dryad and sprinkled water. When Flora chanted the spell taught by the Dryad, sprouts came out and grew into about one-year-old trees in no time. According to the Dryad, they will become part of the forest in about twenty years. It's a grand plan, but it must be the difference between the senses of a tree spirit and those of a human.
We told the Dryad of the circumstances and decided to return to the starting point's lookout post by Teleport to make a triumphal return.
When we reached the lookout post of the intrusion base, the new heroes who had arrived earlier were surrounded by everyone.
It was a huge commotion.
Due to the time lag with the report of the subjugation, wine barrels had been prepared, and it had become a festival of drinking and singing. Mages were launching magic one after another, warriors were sharing cups, and priests were also frolicking. Nationality didn't matter. Where did the usual hostile international situation go?
This was happening at the front lines. In the Royal Capital, it seems everyone has turned out onto the main street and is making a huge fuss.
It had taken four years. It was no wonder.
The Royal Army was guarding firmly. Deciding to indulge in this, we toasted with everyone from the diversionary group.
The next morning. We went to the special stage in front of the Royal Palace to receive our medals.
After the greetings from the representatives of each country, it was finally time for the decoration.
Those who participated in the diversionary or rearguard groups lined up by group at the side of the stage and ascended the stage in order, where they were awarded by His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. Among the participants from each country lined up, thirty groups, from the first group of the first diversionary group to the last group of the tenth rearguard group, lined up at the side of the stage and had the medals pinned to their chests. Among them, we received three, so we received a grand round of applause from the crowd of spectators.
For the units that had casualties or seriously injured members, the representatives of each country received them on trays on behalf of those who participated; cheers didn't break out, but they received warm applause. Most of the diversionary groups from the second and third days were absent.
Today, there were no jeers toward Engrio at all. Everyone was uniformly treated as heroes who had challenged the Demon Lord's Cave.
Next was the main force. Since Roberts-sama's group, the last one, had subjugated him this time, they were also decorated in order starting from the first group. The difference from the diversionary and rearguard groups was that the home country and name of each participant were read out. Cheers and applause occurred for each person, and words of appreciation were given by the two who awarded the medals.
The tragic ones were the second day, the third day, and the ninth group of the fifth day, which had fought a fierce battle with the Demon Race member on the second floor; they each participated with less than half their numbers. The home countries of the participants spanned five nations: Medioland, Septanaquila, Gram, Northern Gram, and Morandine, and several heroes, including powerful ultra-high-level mages, though not to the extent of James-sama, had been struck down. From the crowd, voices like "You did well!" or "It's thanks to you!" were heard, and some of the recipients were overcome with emotion and burst into tears.
And finally, when Roberts-sama and the others, who were the main force and had successfully subjugated the Demon Lord in the first rotation and made a safe return, ascended the stage, the crowd's excitement reached its climax.
The crowd pushed forward to see even a little closer, and the heavy infantry, who were arranged in many rows as if putting partitions between the crowd, were desperately supporting them with their shields to avoid being broken through.
Women scattered flowers they had picked in baskets all at once, and men swung the national flag of Sertoria; it was a huge commotion.
Those who could use magic were all launching it as they pleased. A large number of light infantry were mixed in and were supposed to be immediately restrained and taken away, but they didn't care. Those who were apprehended shouted, "We love you heroes!" as they were led away. Most of the women watching were shouting Gladys-sama's name, and the men were shouting the names of Roberts-sama and James-sama.
"It's become a huge commotion."
Beatrix was peeking from the side of the stage.
"Even though they're the same heroes, it's unfair that only three names are called."
Because Mary said so...
Beatrix ended up calling out to the people from each country at the side of the stage, and it was decided to send calls in order.
"First, the scout!"
From the side of the stage, a call for Hughes-sama arose.
"Hughes! Hughes! Hughes! Hughes!"
As we shouted loudly, the people who were at the side of the stage all gathered.
In the meantime, even the crowd joined in, bellowing the Hughes call.
The King and Roberts-sama and the others, far from suppressing it, were inciting the crowd with calls while clapping their hands.
Hughes-sama looked down with a bright red face.
"Oh? He's unexpectedly cute."
Really, Mary is quite the little devil.
After Hughes-sama came Evans-sama, Harrison-san, Bishop Phillips, Gladys-sama, James-sama, and finally Roberts-sama, or so I thought... After the Roberts call, Mary started calling the names of the countries starting from the north and continued all the way to Primordia, finishing with a Sertoria call. The heroes of each country had challenged it at the risk of their lives. There must be a strong sense of solidarity. Everyone at the side of the stage followed Mary and called the country names, and the crowd also called them all.
This performance seemed to have impressed the participants from each country, and heroes who had participated in the subjugation came to Mary one after another to shake hands, and while the Class of 175 was out in full force doing traffic control, the decoration ceremony ended.
"Look, see? Isn't it amazing?"
Before I knew it, Mary was showing off her spoils—rings and necklaces she had been presented with as mementos.
On top of being strictly trained in etiquette by her mother, she had been practicing frequently with Fiona as her teacher. It felt like she had been misunderstood in some way, but her manners were those of a full-fledged princess.
After all, she was wearing the Green Marble with the crest. The heroes of each country must have thought she was some well-bred young lady who had considered all the participants at the time of the day's greatest excitement.
"You, what are you going to do with those? Sell them?"
"Oh? Sell them? These are mementos of this day. I'll put them all in a jewelry box and make them my treasures."
When Beatrix asked, she gave back a lady-like answer.
Then, the new heroes arrived.
Hughes-sama knelt before Mary and spoke words of thanks.
This time it was Mary's turn to turn red.
After that, the heroes thanked Mary one after another, and when Gladys-sama finally hugged her, as expected, she fainted.
"Ah, Jeanne. Is Mary here?"
This time the King and Queen appeared.
"She's fainted right there."
She was unconscious while being held by Gladys-sama, who was flustered.
"I see. Then, when she recovers, please tell her. I want Mary to attend tonight's banquet. The ambassadors and representatives of each country seem to have taken quite a liking to that call from earlier. Especially the King of Finis said he definitely wants to meet Mary and thank her. Oh, we will prepare the outfit here, so don't worry."
Finis is said to be excluded because they are always doing nothing but war contrary to the Goddess's teachings, and they are the only country on the whole island painted blue. Even though it was from the northern tip, she called Finis first and triggered the crowd's call. Their own country's name had been called by a large crowd of other nations. He was apparently deeply moved.
Since Mary would probably faint again anyway if she heard it, I cast a Calm spell on her beforehand.
Beatrix and I were also invited to the banquet. It seemed to be at the invitation of the King of Finis.
Since Harris-sama also came along, it was decided that we would go together with Roberts-sama and the others, who were invited to each country as a celebration of the Demon Lord's subjugation. Mary was also invited.
It seems invitations have already reached Roberts-sama and the others, who subjugated the Demon Lord, saying they want to appoint them as knights from each country. After celebrating in Sertoria, they will go to Medioland and Regnentes, and after that, they will apparently go around starting from the north. In every country, there will be a parade to the royal palace, an appointment ceremony, and then banquets lasting for successive nights, so he said it would take about three months to go around the whole island, including returning home for breaks in between. The investigation of the mountain was also suspended until then. James-sama told me to just enjoy the present for now.
If I'm to enjoy it... secretly, I also invited spirits and ghosts, and had them eat and drink sufficiently on the condition that they remain in human form without magic. Mel, who looks like a child, took light steps with James-sama as her partner and received everyone's applause.
When we returned to Nakanohara, it was a huge commotion in its own way.
Those who didn't participate in the banquet had already finished their reports. With the help of Will and Hanna-san, we secretly entered from the back and finished the report to Adolf-san. The customary commemorative plate became a picture of when we defeated the Demon Race member in the spider cave.
They also held a victory celebration in Regnentes. As usual, the Lord and the bandits also participated. Here, in addition to the Class of 175—excluding Beowulf and Matilda, who belong to the guard, and Will, who works at the town hall—and Paul-san, spirits, and ghosts, Harrison-san also came.
After all, they had seen the scene of the Demon Lord's subjugation. Everyone kept pestering us for stories.
Based on Paul-san's narration, we did a reenactment play with the addition of two bandits, and it was a great success. Since there was no one who could use a staff, it was a bit of a joke that Harrison-san, who was on the side that subjugated him, played the role of the Demon Lord.
It ended with a round of applause, and on the spot, Harrison-san said he would make this village his future base. He will apparently move here as soon as the pilgrimage of knight appointments is over.
"Seventy percent of the Demon Lord subjugation reward has already been decided for donation. If I donate the remaining thirty percent to the Landlord-dono, could you not start some industry that will benefit the people of this land?"
The Lord gasped, and the bandits whistled.
Thirty percent would be three hundred gold coins. It's not an amount that can be easily obtained.
"Is it alright?"
Beatrix's eyes, wide and round, were turning red. When Harrison-san nodded, she stayed jumped onto him and didn't raise her face for a while.
Her tear ducts have become quite weak.
As a result of Beatrix saying that it would be meaningless to use it only in this village, so let's use it to encourage industry including the surrounding villages, we decided to think about what to use it for together with the Lord. In the end, no good ideas came to mind, and it was decided to think about it until Harrison-san moves here.
The Demon Lord was subjugated. There's a lot to do. I finally became a mid-level priest. For about a month until going to Finis, first, let's pull myself together with rat extermination. Money is still not enough.
Subjugation rewards earned by the protagonist (34 months): 124 gold coins
Chapter 9: End
Chapter 9 is concluded. Following the Introduction Arc (Chapters 1-4) and the Dawn Arc (Chapters 5-8), this is the Class of 175 Transition Arc (planned for three chapters), and for now, the first episode has ended. Unfortunately, the protagonist lacked the strength to participate directly in the Demon Lord battle. To those who felt a sense of anticlimax with only support, I am sorry. Also, thank you so much for reading this far. Anyway, the word count is high and there are many setting explanations. I have nothing but gratitude for the fact that you are spending your precious time reading this novel. Also, it seems you all like battle scenes. Unlike Chapter 8, which was a series of old stories, Chapter 9 seems to have been well-received, and the PV and unique numbers have also increased. I also received bookmark registrations and evaluations. Thank you very much. Also, I even received impressions. I'm happy. Thank you very much. Under these circumstances, it's a bit much to make this kind of announcement, but in the following Chapters 10 and 11, there are almost no stories of monster subjugation. I have already finished writing Chapter 10, and Chapter 11 is about seventy percent finished. In other words, even if bookmarks start peeling off one after another, I can't back down, but please don't abandon me. Now, for the future posting schedule, I'll post one interlude on Monday after the weekend. Then, I'll post the first episode of Chapter 10 from Wednesday. In the future, I will continue to maintain three times a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I fixed the time to 7:00 starting from Chapter 9. The reason was, on a personal note, I had a move and was preparing for a period when I wouldn't be able to use the internet, but I believe there were no particular problems. So, I plan to continue posting at 7:00 in the same way. By the way, unlike the long Chapter 9, Chapter 10 will return to its previous length. Note that in Chapter 10, several scenes modeled after world-famous real places will appear. As I've written in the afterwords so far, it can't be helped if it's called a rip-off. On that point, I apologize in advance. I am truly sorry. However, the entire background is based on the history of a certain famous island nation, so it might feel a bit late for that... Even the afterword has a high word count, so I'll stop here. There's still a long way to go until the final episode, but I want to somehow finish writing until the end. Please continue to support the Stray Priest. If you like, please register a bookmark and give an evaluation. Also, please send your impressions.