Chapter 294 - Chapter Nine: The Final Mountain Investigation
We gathered at Stephens-san's mansion for the fifth mountain investigation, but the meeting was filled with tension. It was partly because we might find out everything about magic if things went well, but more than that, it was due to the shocking information sent by Eleanor-sama.
I had heard briefly from Will and Beatrix, but in short, it was likely about the post-war settlement.
When the four of us from the Sertoria group went to Stephens-san's mansion, James-sama told us that Price-sama had something to say, and we were gathered in the meeting room.
We had intended to investigate four locations based on the Four Elements, but the number of locations had increased. Though, two of them might be irrelevant. Also, it seemed we had to go to the continent as well.
"Honestly, if you've brought a big shot like Servetus over to our side, you should have just said so."
The usually gentle Price-sama seemed quite angry. Thanks to that, everyone was nervous. Harris-sama was being glared at by Price-sama from time to time, and each time, he would wipe the sweat from his forehead, saying, "I knew nothing about it."
"Um, I heard that it wasn't that he was brought to our side, but rather information obtained as a result of capturing and torturing him."
In fact, that's what I heard. Will had told me that's how it was being presented publicly, though.
"Torture doesn't work on Revenants. It's that Eleanor. She doesn't choose her means. It must have been a sob story. Servetus's weaknesses have already been researched. Despite how he looks, he's weak to a child's tears. Especially slaves... or in this era, serf girls. I'm sure she arranged it so he would be moved by the tears of a pitiful girl."
What a terrible thing to say.
If Eleanor-sama really did something like that, it would be the height of wickedness.
"As revenge, I've secretly told Harold as well. Serves her right."
In short, he seemed angry about being kept in the dark. He's just like a child.
"At any rate, isn't it good that we were able to hear various stories? Regardless of the process, the result is what matters."
James-sama was desperately following up.
Roberts-sama didn't seem to quite get it, as he was tilting his head.
Harris-sama remained looking down.
"I understand why James-sama says that, but the problem is not Servetus. It's what comes after. The apology. Do you understand the meaning of the King of Sertoria, which has our religion as its state religion, officially apologizing to the priest of that island? I hear he even went down on both knees to beg for forgiveness. He was nearly excommunicated by the Great Church in the Medioland Royal Capital."
I didn't know it had become such a big deal. No wonder Harris-sama was terrified.
Looking at him, he was drenched in sweat.
When I offered him a handkerchief, the hand that took it was trembling.
"But thanks to Price-sama's mediation, he avoided excommunication, right?"
Gladys-sama followed up, but she was given a sharp glare. "I'm sorry," she said, shrinking back and hiding behind Roberts-sama. As expected of a former hero, the pressure is different.
In the end, Price-sama spoke with the Grand Archbishop and officially reconciled with the High Priest of the Finis Royal Capital. Thanks to that, it seems the King of Sertoria avoided being excommunicated.
Apparently, Price-sama had been secretly moving forward with such talks behind the scenes. It would have been fine if it was after the reconciliation, but the King apologized to the island's priest before it became public.
"Well, it's all's well that ends well. Thanks to Price-sama, the religious grudge has also vanished. From now on, Finis will be treated the same as other countries. I'm counting on you."
The smooth-headed Gwyn-sama was smirking.
It seems they reconciled safely and didn't have to pay the tribute.
Since it was no longer a secret visit, the wig was unnecessary.
"What? So that's why you aren't wearing the wig."
Roberts-sama, you're the King's brother, so you really should stay informed.
Even so, we have to go to many places. Moreover, two of them are duds. It seems we also have to go to the continent. I'm glad I learned Refresh. We can't fly to the continent in the bowl.
Price-sama's lecture time ended, and Harris-sama looked like he was at his limit, but I had him feel better with the Refresh I just learned, and we headed for the investigation.
The biggest point was the mystery of the First King series. I understood that Holy magic is light-attribute magic. That means the First King series must be magic that benefits the living. Having reached the intermediate level and thanks to using three Black Stones, I've gradually come to understand. What will happen at the advanced level?
I took the book and continued reading the remaining parts.
The first one that appeared was [Sense Living]. Following that were [Hand Over], [Enchant], [Stop], and [Subordination]. All are advanced magic.
It's the end of the 'Other Magic' section. In other words, this sequence is not Holy magic.
"It seems the magic that has appeared so far is the limit of what a normal person can learn naturally."
That's strange. The First King series hasn't appeared.
I'm supposed to be human.
What surprised me was the magic listed next. [Charm], [Doll], [Necromancy], and [Memorize]. They're all Forbidden Magic. I can, well, understand the purpose of their use.
"But it seems these spells cannot be learned easily. They are advanced magic, but it's written that they exceed a human's magic control capacity."
According to Price-sama, they cannot be learned unless one becomes a Revenant.
"It is magic used by monsters with extremely high magic control, such as Vampires. Of course, the Demon Race uses them as well."
Does the Goddess grant magic used by the Demon Race as well? Even Revenants were originally human.
"How do Revenants learn magic?"
I tried asking Price-sama.
"Two methods can be considered. One is being granted it by the Goddess. The other is learning magic used by monsters through [Memorize]. For humans, it can be said to be magic exclusive to those who have voluntarily become Revenants."
It is also written that up to this point, it is magic that does not choose who learns it.
"Price-sama. What does that mean?"
"I do not know. Is there some kind of standard?"
Um, everyone. Please stop looking at me.
"Um, the use of Forbidden Magic is prohibited by the Church, but is it possible to learn it by accident?"
I desperately changed the subject to divert everyone's attention from me.
"It seems so. However, most of it cannot be used by humans. Therefore, at the direction of the royal families or the Church in each country, the Priestess uses her discretion and acts as if the magic was never learned. If they don't, the brains of those who try to learn it forcibly will break."
I see. That makes sense.
"Now, let's move on!"
Here, finally, the First King series appeared.
[Light], [Sight], [Repellent], [Thought Communication], [Anti-Sepsis].
All are basic magic, and what's written isn't much different from what I heard from Eleanor-sama. I had a vague idea of the purpose of use, but in short, the goal is to improve the daily lives of those experiencing inconveniences.
"It says it's originally magic exclusive to... Heal... ers? I suppose that's what you'd call them. Magic for such people."
"That's an old profession. Now priests take on that role. The doctors at the clinics are the same. In the past, it was also the work of the Priestess."
Various other things were written, like 'those who bring harmony' or 'those who are independent'; the more I read, the less I understood. However, there was one expression I liked: 'those who are poor but pure.' Since this is something I strive for daily, it made me feel somewhat at ease.
"It's best not to worry about it too much. In short, the one who learned it is the one who can use it. If you worry about these details, it will narrow Jeanne's future options."
Since he said so, I decided to take Price-sama's word for it. Besides, I wouldn't understand even if they used words I've never heard of, like 'Healer.' In short, it must mean being able to help people in trouble.
And as the final group of magic, spells like [Dark], [Blind], [Attract], [Mold], and [Undead] appeared. From the sound of the words, they must be Forbidden Magic or belong to that category.
As I read the descriptions for each of the five spells, I was speechless at the last one, [Undead].
"What is wrong? You seem quite bewildered?"
Not only Price-sama, who called out to me, but everyone was tilting their heads. My confused thoughts seemed to be getting through.
"S-Sorry. Um, according to the description, [Undead] is magic to turn a woman who is at high risk of dying during childbirth, or a woman who dies leaving behind a newborn baby, into a living corpse to allow her to continue raising the child."
I could feel my own voice cracking.
"Of course, it can be applied to men as well. I-In other words, it's magic to... eliminate orphans."
If this magic weren't forbidden, how many children in the orphanage who cry every night would be saved...
There must be hundreds across the whole island. No, there might be even more who just don't come to light.
Why did it become forbidden...
"Jeanne, let's take a break! A break for now!"
Harris-sama pulled me by the hand and led me out of the room.
"[Undead] was considered magic to use the bodies of the dead for labor and as soldiers. That is why it was loathed."
Since I had become confused, we decided to pass around wine for everyone to drink.
Everyone was keeping a certain distance, likely waiting for me to calm down.
Since it was inconvenient, I asked and temporarily deactivated [Thought Communication], and we sat in a circle.
During that time, Price-sama briefly explained the history of the island again.
I already knew, but the others didn't.
Gwyn-sama and Roberts-sama, who carry the blood of the ancients, remained calm, but Gladys-sama and Stephens-san turned pale.
"Brother! Brother, did you know about this? That the origin of the Medioland Royal Family is the same continental origin as Engrio!"
Gladys-sama was snapping at him; James-sama had been nodding while listening to Price-sama's story.
"Yes, I knew. Of course, Father did as well. That is precisely why the Medioland Royal Family has a responsibility toward those living on this island. That is the reason our Royal Family serves the Goddess and respects the spirits of this island. Do you understand, Gladys? We cannot overturn history. Our Royal Family must be an existence that brings order to this island together with other nations, based on past history."
Gwyn-sama and Roberts-sama looked at Gladys-sama as if to say it was obvious.
"It's a part called the dark history of the Church and has not been made public. The people called serfs, of whom there are many in Medioland, are the ones who carry the true blood of the ancients. In a sense, that is also the reason the people of Finis claim to be the descendants themselves."
"Well, the origin of our Royal Family was nothing more than one of the chieftains of a tribe living at the northern edge of the island. Although we carry the blood of the ancients, apparently we didn't involve ourselves in the affairs of the center."
At Price-sama's words, Gwyn-sama said with a laugh.
Price-sama was also smiling.
"The first King of Sertoria carries both the blood of the ancients and the blood of our Royal Family. Our Royal Family's support for the founding of Sertoria might have been, in a sense, an act of atonement."
"Well, it's a country made by a hunter. That's fine for the public record."
At James-sama's words, Roberts-sama said casually. Gwyn-sama started laughing.
"In other words, was Forbidden Magic decided as a result of conflicts between churches?"
Gladys-sama still didn't seem convinced, but James-sama said that wasn't it.
"Forbidden Magic was decided based on petitions from believers sent to churches in various regions. In other words, it was done after taking into account the feelings of the common people who hated being used for labor or war even after death. Those petitions are kept at the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church. I have read them as well, having been told about them by Eleanor-sama."
Gladys-sama simply said, "I see."
"Magic depends on how it's used. [Undead] might be the prime example of that. Records show that when we invaded the Lost Capital, there were unexpectedly many young female Revenants. There were likely small children there. I hear they were all destroyed."
Everyone listened in silence to Price-sama's words. The children were surely either killed or enslaved.
I didn't feel like opening my mouth.
What exactly is coexistence and co-prosperity?
Gladys-sama held my shoulder.
"I believe Bishop Harris already knows, but I have heard the original usage of Forbidden Magic from Eleanor. She heard it from the Chairman of the Council of that Ruined Town."
Harris-sama took over Price-sama's words.
"In Sertoria, the use of Forbidden Magic does not violate the law. The reason is that there is a last wish from the first King to investigate the original usage of Forbidden Magic and, depending on the content, consider the restoration of Forbidden Magic."
The first King did...
Seeing that only Gwyn-sama and Stephens-san were surprised, it seems I and those two were the only ones who didn't know.
"Price-sama, what are your thoughts?"
Gladys-sama asked what I wanted to know.
"I cannot agree with it."
"Why is that?"
I asked involuntarily. It was obvious that I was in favor of using [Undead].
"It is natural for those who live to die. The issue is when, how one lives, and then dies. However, that is not something humans should manipulate. And if death were to vanish, people would stop making the effort to live."
That is true. However, for a mother facing death or the newborn left behind, there are times when the reality in front of them is more important than such idealism.
"As the Church, no, as a single priest, I cannot accept it. However..."
However?
"As a single human being, I would like to recognize it with some kind of restriction. Eleanor said she would make the restoration of Forbidden Magic, including its restoration, a task for the Sertorian Royal Family. I do not know when it will be, but it is fine to wait."
Restrictions...
"For example, Just a Disease. As you know, currently, patients are isolated in dedicated facilities. One could consider a method of operating such places, isolated from the world, for those who inevitably had to become Revenants, under the management of the Church. If they wear Magic-Sealing Rings, the rampage of Revenants can be prevented. What if an orphanage were established alongside such a place?"
I see. If it's under national management, it would immediately be used as a tool for war. If the Church, which advocates anti-war, operates it, at least its use as a weapon can be prevented.
Though, it's said that the priests of the Ruined Town were deeply involved in the recent war. Just because it's the Church doesn't mean it's necessarily trustworthy.
Humans are also the cause of why coexistence and co-prosperity with spirits became impossible. What is the difference between those who can and those who cannot? Even among Church priests, there are those who interfere in politics, dabble in trade, and try to enrich themselves. In the end, such people become a hindrance, and magic is used for purposes different from its original intent. Mainly military. How can we exclude greedy people? Or is it that humans cannot escape such ways of thinking? If there were a place that could be managed well and used by trustworthy people... At least in Sertoria and Engrio, it's not illegal. Wilson-san is holding an important position, although he has sealed his Forbidden Magic with a Magic-Sealing Ring. He just doesn't go to church; his existence itself isn't denied. He just happens to have no children.
Depending on negotiations, maybe at least [Undead] could be recognized. The issue would be the price. Unless it's a country with substantial orphan measures, it won't be considered. Even more so for countries that maintain a status system. Is there no good way...
"Jeanne. I'm sorry, but thanks to [Thought Communication], I've understood your feelings. However, for now, you must not touch Forbidden Magic. If you do, the Church will excommunicate you and remove you from the priesthood. You might even be treated as an apostate. Even I won't be able to protect you. If that happens, the precious magic you use might become unusable. Your magic saves many people. Please, do not act rashly."
Price-sama gently admonished me. Gladys-sama squeezed my hand.
"...I will keep that in mind."
That was all I could manage to say.
After regaining my composure, I returned to the investigation. I felt like calling it off, but there was only a little left. Everyone is busy.
The magic following the First King series, including [Undead], has an effect that is the exact opposite of healing for the living, and can be said to be magic for Revenants. It was concluded that it is likely dark magic. For example, [Mold] is the restoration of decayed things, and can also restore the bodies of the dead. In other words, it's [Heal] for Revenants.
On the final page was [Testament], and no explanation was written about that magic.
In the end, I didn't find out how to create a barrier that can be deactivated with [Light].
However, in the first place, there is no mention of the explanation of the barrier itself. Strictly speaking, it might be something that should be classified separately from magic.
According to information from Eleanor-sama, there are three more investigation locations. I might find out eventually.
"Where the next investigation location will be might depend on information from Eleanor. In any case, Jeanne will be going to Northern Gram to train. First, please focus on that."
Following Price-sama's words, James-sama declared the end.
And so, the mountain investigation concluded.