Chapter 308 - Chapter Nineteen: After the Council of Lords
It became June.
In the southwestern corner of Medioland, the first Council of Lords was apparently held. I didn't pay it any mind since nothing reached the commoners.
More importantly than that, Beowulf was selected for the Central Army. It's because she achieved meritorious deeds against several powerful enemies, starting with the big old man. For now, she's capturing everyone without killing them, and that point was also evaluated. Taking good prisoners makes negotiations with the opponent advantageous.
That said, it seems there's a shortage of personnel in the local garrison due to the influence of the war, so although she's officially part of the Central Army, she'll be in Nakanohara for the time being. We decided to hold a celebration without a farewell party.
There are guests.
"Jeanne! It's been a while!"
Saxburg pounced on me.
To coincide with the Council of Lords, she came to Sertoria for... no, for a meeting on epidemic countermeasures, but since I was contacted that she would be coming to play at our farm, I had her participate in the banquet.
She seems to have heard the story of the dragon child, as she's wearing clothes with a black scale pattern and has grown black wings and a tail. She even has a headpiece with two horns.
To maintain neutrality with the demon race, it's been decided not to let the dragon participate in human banquets. She seemed to understand, but she was disappointed.
But I wonder who told her?
When I look at Henry-sama, he averts his eyes and begins to watch Chururi, who is perched on the roof of the nest box.
The matter of the Black Dragon is supposed to be top secret, yet here we are.
"Since you've come all this way, after all."
Magdalena-sama, for her part, is clad in pitch-black leather armor including gauntlets and greaves with spikes, and on top of that, she's wearing a black cloak with a silver thread embroidery of a dragon that she must have gotten somewhere. Beatrix's equipment beautification plan has reached its extreme.
Since she's royalty, it wouldn't be strange for her to have it, but the story is too well-timed.
"The Chururi couple has also been raising chicks every year, so they've gained some dignity."
"Umu. They are quite imposing."
Eleanor-sama is feigning ignorance along with Henry-sama.
"Well, isn't it fine? Since we're not calling it here."
When I kept watching her from the corner of my eye, Eleanor-sama made an excuse.
It would be a disaster if we called it. Surely the Cait Sith and the demon race would come to attack.
Even though Magdalena-sama and Saxburg came, Aira is nowhere to be seen. When I asked Magdalena-sama, she's apparently gone to the brothel with Mary.
The lady at the brothel is a priestess. She must have gone to pay her respects.
"It seems it's still too early for me."
Saxburg is sulking while wagging her tail.
It would be too stimulating for a young lady who has just become an adult.
"For Saxburg, it'll be after she gets a bit stronger with alcohol."
"That's right. If you're sleeping after two or three glasses, you're losing out on the fun."
"That's a shame. I'll practice with Finis liquor and get a bit stronger."
Bad adults are trying to drag an innocent girl down a bad path. They surely intend to make a fuss together at the brothel eventually.
Immediately, we all celebrate Beowulf's promotion and make a toast. Today, Angelica-san seems to have been busy, so the food is modest, but a hot pot should be fine.
After eating and drinking to some extent, Harris-sama calls me over with a choi-choi.
When I go, he talks about the Council of Lords.
Everyone seems to understand and is pretending not to know.
Saxburg is playing dragon with the spirits, including Little Serena.
Harris-sama entered the venue with the King and Queen and Evans-sama, but Sertorian priests cannot intervene in politics. He said he spoke exclusively with priests who came from various countries.
As a result of exchanging information between priests, he said he found out something.
"There are no records regarding altars in Engrio. And the Fire Spirit is also unknown."
After all, the religion is different. Of course, it's the same for general people, but those with power are different. In the worst case, ruins and such might have been destroyed.
"Maybe the priests of old hid them from the current royal family. At any rate, it's been decided to have the area around that hot spring resort searched."
I'm sure the Fire Spirit is boiling the hot spring. The hot spring resort is famous enough that even I, who have never been to Engrio, know of it, so we might find out soon.
"Also, regarding the Ruined Town, the system has changed significantly."
Apparently, the council that had been controlling the entire town until before the war was to be forcibly dissolved, and it was decided to be placed under the management of the Archbishop of the Engrio capital.
"Morandine was apparently saying to tear it down. It's to the point where the King was forced to abdicate, after all."
I also heard that the King of Septanaquila, who had provided financial aid to those who cursed the Water Dragon, is in exile in Morandine.
They seem to have forgotten that they were the ones who were instigated and felt like doing it. How nice for them.
"At the call of the Grand Archbishop, the Church will take responsibility for its management. Not only the Revenants, but even those who are alive will be interrogated, and those who can use Forbidden Magic will all be given Magic-Sealing Rings. Apparently, even the priestess who was granting Forbidden Magic through oracles was hauled away."
Will the dark history be repeated again...
"No, they won't do such a barbaric thing. The times are different. The Medioland Royal Capital Great Church will take them in. The basis of the doctrine is the same. From now on, they'll just spend their time quietly offering prayers."
The Grand Archbishop apparently said that the history of killing and being killed should be brought to an end. No participant from any country apparently objected.
With this, the users of Forbidden Magic will no longer be destroyed. The possibility of restoration remains.
"However, there are rumors that dozens of them escaped and that King Seldic is sheltering them."
Well, that would be so. In the worst case, they might have been destroyed.
"His Majesty the King is very worried that such people might target Jeanne."
Is it that dangerous? Even if I look like this, I can use high-level Holy magic, and I can probably easily purify the Revenants around here.
"Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama seem to be thinking of something."
"That seems more dangerous, on the contrary..."
They must be thinking of nothing but making me fight something powerful to train me.
Harris-sama is also laughing loudly.
"Well, if it comes to it, Dune and Mel are here. There's no need to be so hypersensitive, but it's better to be cautious."
He laughed brightly.
At any rate, it seems I won't have to go to the Ruined Town for a while. It'll apparently take two or three years for restoration. To be honest, I didn't really want to go to Engrio. I'm curious about the first King's clockwise arrow, but there's also the search for the Black Stones. If I'm going anyway, somewhere else would be better.
"The remaining ones are Morandine, Septanaquila, Regnentes, the cave where the Demon Lord was, and the continent. Even if we say we'll deal with them in order, it'll take quite a bit of time."
That's right. There are two more places left just for the Black Stones... wait, eh! I haven't heard about the Demon Lord's cave?
"Hadn't you heard? Well, it seems it was added just recently. There was a palace in the Demon Lord's cave, right? Until now, it couldn't be destroyed. But it's been found that it can be deactivated with Jeanne's magic, right?"
"Nothing happened even when I deactivated it, right?"
"Nothing happened, but the ground appeared."
"The ground..."
"We'll dig. Something might come out."
They've thought of something truly reckless again.
What if we dig and something strange comes out?
If it becomes a reproduction of the Northeastern Forest, the country will perish.
"Whether the Demon Lord appears or magical energy wells up. Well, for now, it's unrelated to the Demon Lord's army. We might be able to get Alex's cooperation. Though, otherwise, we wouldn't dig. Besides, before that, we have to hear what those living in the Northeastern Forest have to say."
I see! If we ask the demon race... is that okay? With just that? Won't we just be told nothing but lies and be deceived?
"The negotiations will likely be handled by Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama."
I see. So they'll pit the same kind against each other.
In the end, where are we going next?
I tried asking Harris-sama, but he said it hasn't been decided yet.
"It's not clear yet. However, His Majesty's policy is that Jeanne's safety comes first. So, Morandine, the Demon Lord's cave, and the continent will likely be postponed."
"I have to say thank you to the King."
"That's right, I'll tell him from my side too."
The remaining ones are Regnentes and Primordia. Both are allied nations, and we have connections in Regnentes.
In Harris-sama's estimation, the first candidate is apparently Primordia.
"The Archbishop of the Primordia Royal Capital Great Church apparently wants to meet Jeanne. That person is also famous as a researcher of epidemic countermeasures on this island. He also knows about Jeanne's Anti-Sepsis. As you know, epidemic countermeasures, starting with countermeasures for Just a Disease, are one of the roles the Church undertakes. It'll likely start from there."
Last time, I entered illegally. This time, I'll likely be able to go in a proper way. It's a place where there might be information on the Black Stones. It'll be easy if the Archbishop becomes an ally.
Mary's trading partners might also increase.
"The import of that magic water has already begun through Mary. Primordia is the same as Finis in a different sense. It's also close to the continent, so they might cooperate with us on future matters."
The nobles of Primordia apparently draw the blood of ancient people. It's a rare case. However, the royal family is the same as other countries and apparently came from the continent.
"There was such a country too."
"What can I say, they hate war. They fight when they have to fight, but before that, they're a country skilled in survival negotiations. Even in this war, it was said they might surrender to the Engrio navy to preserve the royal lineage."
Come to think of it, when the mountain fortress and the highway were crushed, they surrendered easily to the Engrio navy. For a time, the town of Nakanohara was in an uproar, but in the end, it ended with them just handing over part of the port, and they didn't fight even once. Maybe other countries should follow their example.
"However, we might go to Northern Gram first."
He didn't tell me the reason.
Mary brought Aira.
Unlike the other two, she's not in disguise or, rather, costume. She has blonde hair, but her clothes are marble-dyed. Finally, a decent royal has come.
(Jeanne. It's been a while. This time it's the Black Dragon? I heard you've been taken a liking to by a black dragon child. I don't know what'll happen if the Water Dragon sulks.)
She knew after all. How is this country's security being maintained...
"More importantly, it seems we'll be going to Northern Gram again. Have you heard anything?"
Harris-sama is making a fuss along with Henry-sama and the others.
(Eh, yeah. That's right.)
She's looking down and turning red.
Did something happen?
"Er, everyone. I have an announcement here."
Mary made a loud voice while clapping her hands.
Everyone turned this way all at once.
Aira hid behind me.
"The engagement of Eowyn-sama, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Northern Gram and successor to the Kingdom of Gram, and Princess Aira of the Kingdom of Finis has been officially announced!"
I'm surprised. Knowing Eowyn-sama, he must have fallen in love at first sight and then pushed through with a persistent approach.
The members of the royal family who are applauding with full smiles must have known, of course.
If everything goes as planned, the wedding will be in time for next year's May Festival.
"Through support activities including countermeasures for patients of Just a Disease and employment for those with disabilities in their eyes, ears, or parts of their bodies, the two of them have come to share their hearts."
Mary pulls out Aira, who is behind me.
We all have to say congratulations.
"Aira, congratulations!"
"This is truly a royal wedding."
"Please invite me even if it's just for the banquet!"
Everyone voices their words of celebration one after another. The women hug in turn, and the men give formal greetings.
Aira, with a bright red face, is teary-eyed. Mary is hugging her gently.
"I have an announcement too."
Saxburg, dressed as the Black Dragon, jumped up and down with her hands raised, saying, "Listen, listen."
"Those of you here who are available will be invited by me to the engagement ceremony to be held at our country's royal palace in the near future. It's not a formal dinner party where royalty from various countries gather, but will be held at the royal family's villa. Just like here, status, origin, and race don't matter. Please do come."
This made the Class of 175 erupt. Dune and Mel also came to my side.
When I looked at Harris-sama, he winked. Going to Northern Gram before Primordia meant that.
When Henry-sama shot up a fire arrow, three floating ships emerged from the forest and landed, and the mountain bandits came out in droves. Captain Lewis and his adjutant are also there. Everyone is carrying wine barrels and baskets filled with food.
Immediately, they started bonfires and began roasting chicken skewers and salted river fish.
They seem to have brought pre-made soup, and a good smell wafted as they put it on the fire.
The mountain bandits are stretching their necks looking at Angelica-san, who stood up to help. It seems today's meal being modest was for this reason.
Even Beowulf, who should be on duty, is mixed in. Henry-sama must have made arrangements.
Eleanor-sama stood up.
"Everyone, today is the announcement of Aira's engagement, and the celebration of Beowulf's selection for the Central Army. It's on Henry and me, so please make a grand fuss!"
We make a toast with the large group, including the mountain bandits.
Beowulf is thanking them while being stiff with tension.
"This wouldn't happen in other countries."
Paul-san laughed loudly.
I had everyone gather and cast high-level Thought Communication. It should be enough for a greeting.
(Everyone. Thank you very much. Until I met Jeanne's magic, appearing in front of people like this was nothing but pain. I truly cannot thank Jeanne and everyone in Sertoria enough for saving the poor of our country and bringing bright smiles back to those with disabilities. My father the King and my mother the Queen also say so. To the people of Sertoria, please, for the eternal friendship between our country and its people.)
"Don't worry. We're already friends. It won't change, just like this."
The Mad Dog, who has recently been drinking nothing but Finis liquor, suddenly stood up. Only Matilda would interrupt a princess's greeting.
"Here, I'll give you this. It's a celebration."
She brought out a handmade accessory.
It's a brass-work brooch, with the Star of the Class of 175 modeled on a curved flat plate. It's just right for pinning a shawl or something in front when it's chilly. Silver-work would be cooler, but Fiona, Wilson-san, and Arachne are here. Since we can't hurt them, we decided to unify with brass.
Actually, everyone who participated in the banquet here and was certified as a friend by Matilda has one. Spirits, monsters, and ghosts all have them. For the numerous Alraunes, Flora is the representative, and for the Goblins, the Elder is the representative. For the Chururi couple, it's pasted on their nest box. Although they aren't here, the disciples in Regnentes and the staff of the third shop also have them. It's like a mark of a member of the Class of 175.
I have mine on my bag. Wearing accessories is extravagant for a priest. Harris-sama is the same. Other companions wear them on their chests when they stand in the shop. The hired staff wear them when they are in their uniforms in the shop. Mary designed the uniforms. They wear a blue-based checkered skirt wrapped around the waist over a white tunic, and they wear it when they pin that skirt at the waist. In cold weather, they wear dark blue coats, and they apparently wear it on their chests then.
The members of the Marcelo Company wear them when they have a banquet here.
Everyone is different, but they can wear it as they like.
"I made it, so it's a cheap thing. It should be of some use, so please wear it once in a while."
Saying so, she pinned it on her collar. Everyone applauded grandly.
"Oh? I haven't received one."
Saxburg wagged her tail and complained.
"I haven't received one either. Father and Mother..."
Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama showed us that they were pinning the hand towels wrapped around their necks while smirking.
"We wear them when we go out peddling."
Recently, they've started calling slipping out of the royal palace 'peddling.' The products are Highway Cookies bought at the main shop. Will says they're claiming they're products even though they're eating them themselves. Their nature is getting worse and worse.
"It's not just us."
At the end of Henry-sama's gaze, Captain Lewis is on one knee, thrusting up his right hand in a grand guts pose. Since we are indebted to the Boar Club and others in various ways, we decided to have him wear it as a representative. Since he's in front of royalty, he's being reserved, but he usually wears it on the clothes he wears under his leather armor.
"Oh? Then we are the outcasts."
Saxburg and I crossed our arms together. We puffed out our cheeks deliberately and looked away.
"It's in order, in order. We're already making them, but today is Aira's celebration, so it's only Aira."
Matilda said in a hurry. In the first place, she only just found out about Aira's engagement, so it can't be helped.
Originally, Matilda had been thinking of an award ceremony for the three of them together.
"I'm relieved to hear that."
"We are!"
Once the punchline was delivered, we made another celebratory toast.
Chapter 12 End
Class of 175 Management Scale (excluding personal assets like cash and gems)
・Shops: Main Shop (Nakanohara, Kingdom of Sertoria), Second Shop (Village near the Sertoria border in eastern Regnentes), Third Shop (Sertoria Royal Capital)
・Fields: 8 fields (including one for the residential area with farm-functioning buildings)
・Livestock: Goats, sheep, pigs, a few
・Contracted Animals: 4 swarms of honeybees
Chapter 12 has ended.
Thank you very much for reading this far.
I have also received bookmarks and evaluation points. I would like to express my gratitude once again.
From this chapter, Part 4 begins, a part that could be called the growth period arc. The protagonist moves her field of activity to the entire White Island, and there were some changes in the people who frequently appear in one chapter. You might think, "There are too many characters, I don't know who's who!" but the necessary people should appear according to where the protagonist is. Also, the rule of giving names to major characters (rather than 'old man' or 'owner of XX shop') is secretly in place and ongoing, so please read through.
The next chapter, 13, is a spoiler, but it's a set with Chapter 12. In other words, Chapters 12 and 13 depict the progress of a story spanning two chapters (that is, the time that much story flows) in chronological order. There might be criticisms like "summarize it into one chapter," but there is a reason (it's not a big deal, so I might not write the reason), so please understand.
Now, for the next chapter, I have already finished writing it. Therefore, I can maintain the posting pace. There will be one interlude on Friday, and then the posting of Chapter 13 will start from Monday of the following week. Please look forward to it.
Also, without learning my lesson, I added the tag '10th Web Novel Award Impressions.' I changed 9 to 10. The aim is, of course, impressions.
Not only from the management. Even those who have read it, even if it's just an impression partway through, or even just a single word is of course fine, so please send them. Even questions about parts you found strange or couldn't understand are fine. I will answer with all my heart.
Along with that, please also consider bookmarks and evaluations.
Well then, please continue to watch over the future of the stray priest.