Chapter 328 - Chapter Twelve: The Island of Wyverns ④
It was near sunset when Eleanor and the others returned.
"Did you find anything?"
Eleanor shook her head at Henry's question.
"It was an empty shell. They had already been transferred. We also analyzed the magic circle for transfer and went there, but it was just a mountain hut and they had already vacated it. Beyond that, the magic circle was completely erased, and Alex confirmed the traces of activation, but the destination is completely unknown..."
"Good work. I also thank everyone who participated."
"No."
She was snatched away before the eyes of the two. If something happened to Jeanne, they wouldn't be able to face Catherine and her daughter Anne.
Henry put his arm around Eleanor's shoulder as she sat next to him.
"I hope she's safe."
"The opponent is a priest. He won't act so lawlessly. Besides, Gwyn-dono's scouts are already watching the Dragon's Altar. They are capturing those in the town who are considered part of the faction one after another. It seems the opponent had prepared thoroughly. If so, don't rush. It's better to give the opponent some leeway so they don't have to hurry."
Henry thought that pushing them too hard was scarier. Despair gives courage even to cowards. There is nothing scarier than a fit of reckless bravery.
"Then, Harris, and Lord. Let's begin the interrogation of the bandits Eleanor captured. Nothing might come out, but let's do what we can."
"I have accepted."
When Gwyn stood up along with Harris, Henry stopped him.
"Gwyn-dono. Could you explain the information gathered by the scouts to the others? If there's a next move, I'd like you to take it."
"Is it alright without Henry-sama?"
"Of course. These things can't wait. Let's do it in shifts."
"I understand. Then, let's do that."
When Henry left with the two, Eleanor, Will, Bonnie, and Alex gathered around Gwyn. A map was spread out on the table.
"This is the range we've found so far, but the facilities the bandits often use are these circled marks. Are the places Eleanor-sama went to included?"
Eleanor confirmed with Alex and pointed to two places. They already had marks.
"Then those two places are confirmed."
Gwyn drew a single line through the marks. Most of the facilities were confirmed, and for the remaining few facilities, scouts had already been dispatched and were awaiting reports.
"As for the other marks, the triangles are the locations of the altars, and my direct scouts are already keeping watch."
"They seem to be in the mountains, but you were quite fast."
"Yes. Since there are two people who can use [Flight Magic] and one who uses [Teleport], once the location is specified, it's easy to head there from this fort."
Eleanor was convinced after hearing Gwyn's explanation. She herself had taught the Finis Royal Family that by using [Camouflage] and [Magic Reflection] together, they would not be detected even by monsters or ultra-high-level mages. For now, only Sertoria, Medioland, and Finis should know.
It would be possible to move and lurk without being found by wyverns or other monsters.
"However, if there's a newly built altar, it'll be troublesome. Do you have any idea?"
At Eleanor's question, even Gwyn shook his head.
"It's a ridge. Do you know where the wyverns' nest is?"
"Here."
At Alex's question, Gwyn pointed to a place where an oval was drawn.
"A place that can be seen from the wyverns' nest, a place where the large-bodied wyverns can land, a place where the wyverns can look around the surroundings, we just have to find such a place. And a place that can't be seen from other altars. Those fellows are quite cautious. They're calculating that we'll search. Naturally, they'll assume the altars will be watched too."
It's logical. However, there are many ridges. Most likely, it's hidden by some method. That said, to search thoroughly, there are not enough bowls or time.
"There are three villages, and three altars, so doesn't that mean there's one altar per village?"
Will asked.
"It seems so. In recent years, the villages have decided on an order and have been offering boar meat and wine barrels in spring, summer, and autumn."
Gwyn replied.
"If managing the altars is the role of the villages, wouldn't there also be a place that is the role of the Church? In other words, a place that is not within the Lord's territory, but Church land. If it's there, it wouldn't be strange for a priest to be there, and conversely, others wouldn't be able to approach."
The construction of an altar could be done in secret. Moreover, if they just set up a hut nearby and connect it with [Teleport], they can enter and exit freely.
Eleanor and Gwyn looked at each other at Will's explanation.
"One more thing. As for the place where we wait, wouldn't one of the village altars be fine? Because..."
The words of Will that followed this became the deciding factor, and the placement of the searching side was decided as one of the altars that was already known to have no problems.
◆◆◆◆◆
Not only the spirit stones I was wearing, but even the Black Stone and my wallet were taken. Judging from the fact that the apprentice priest who is the older brother put everything in a leather bag and took it away, they'll be sealed in the 'box with a lock' in the basement.
Because the one handling me was a woman, the way I was tied became looser. Until then, it seemed I was tied quite tightly while I was sleeping, to the point that I had them cast [Heal]. On top of that, I used the tricks for being tied that Bonnie taught me, and I had spread my hands wide when I was being tied behind my back, so there's actually a gap. Most likely, the sister has little experience in restraining people. It wasn't found out. If I move my arms when I see a chance, I might be able to get my hands out of the restraints. Once my hands are out, I can get everything else off.
My mouth was also stuffed with something like a ball of cloth, but as a result of opening my mouth wide and biting it hard with my teeth many times, I became able to move my tongue to some extent. If I try hard, I might be able to manage some vocalization.
I was laid on the bed just like that. She placed two pillows side-by-side so they would hit my shoulders so my hands wouldn't hurt. She doesn't seem to be a bad person.
I slowly move my wrists just like that. It'll be fine if I can just pull my wrists out.
While I was shuffling around so as not to be found out, there was a knock on the door, and the older brother returned.
"I've put the items I took in the box with a lock. Since it's heavy, they won't be stolen easily. I'll manage the key. Since it's treated as a seal, most likely they won't be disposed of. They'll probably stay that way forever."
'Stay that way forever' means he's talking on the premise that I'll be eaten by a wyvern.
"Priest Jeanne. I, no, we siblings, wanted to meet you in a different way. I heard you can use magic that saves people in various ways."
Saying that, the older brother began to tell his life story.
The siblings lost their parents early and were raised in a church. That church is one that worships dragons, and the siblings naturally came to worship dragons too. Originally, there is one church in each of the three villages on the island. Because the church in the village where the siblings were raised worships dragons, the people of that village naturally come to worship dragons. Next, there is a Great Church near the Lord's fort, and those who work there are apparently recommendees from the churches of the three villages. If a priest who deeply worships dragons becomes the head of the church, dragon worship will also flourish. The remaining two churches that oppose human sacrifice are desperately sending in church heads to suppress the faction in favor of sacrifice. Judging from his way of speaking, the siblings seem to have some doubts about the actions of the priest, who could be called fanatical.
"Of course. I also worship the wyverns. I saw them when I was a child, and they must be the kings of living things."
He smiled as if he were seeing a good dream. Well, the middle-aged man in Sertoria was similar.
"However, when I went to the Royal Capital, I heard that the Water Dragon in the mainland is friendly to humans and interacts in various ways with the Priestess. Unfortunately, the wyverns are not friendly to humans like the Water Dragon. Is it because they had no involvement with the Ancient Priestess after all?"
The priest is apparently saying it's because the faith and offerings to the wyverns are insufficient.
"Until nearly a hundred years ago, they were offering young girls. He says we should return to that, but will it really return to how it was?"
I think it's impossible. I shook my head.
"Do you know some reason?"
I nodded.
If I can't talk, it's not going to work. First of all, even the Water Dragon recognized the Ancient Priestess as a being higher than itself... Oh, come to think of it, it was a draw with the Black Dragon Child. Being about the same might be fine.
At that time, there was a don, don sound of someone knocking on the door.
The older brother stood up immediately, and the sister, seeing that behavior, went toward the door, held the handle, and opened it.
Eh? Could it be...
"The schedule has been changed, and the Ritual of Purification for this priest will be held tomorrow at noon. I'll be preparing, so help me."
"Yes. Then, I'll leave my sister here."
"Yeah. I'm counting on you."
After saying that, he said "Then," and left.
Changing the schedule means Gwyn-sama's search net might be narrowing. I hope they do their best. Moreover, with this, I'm alone with the sister. It's a chance.
The sister sat in the chair, glanced at me, and began to read the book of doctrine she held in her hand.
I'll try saying fugu-fugu as a test.
She doesn't take her eyes off the book of doctrine.
I try making a slightly louder groaning sound.
She doesn't take her eyes off the book of doctrine.
It's confirmed. The sister must be hard of hearing.
Aira also said she hadn't come to this island yet. It must have been in the future plans. If she had come a little earlier, she wouldn't have been used by a strange priest, and the lives of the two might have changed.
Alright, I'll change it.
The distance is close. If I can vocalize the mid-level [Thought Communication] while gagged with the cloth ball, I can manage something.
I point my right palm toward myself and try to vocalize.
"Ho-ho, ho-hyu-hi-he-hyon!"
It's no good. She hasn't noticed, but it hasn't become vocalization.
I tried several times, but it didn't work.
Mainly, the first 'So' is not good. It's difficult in a state where I can't close my mouth. 'To' is the same. 'Shi' is also the same.
This is high difficulty.
When I tried pointing my palm downward and chanting [Holy] as a test, there was a reaction. As I thought, sounds that have an element of closing the mouth seem to be difficult.
Eh? Wait a minute. It's originally ancient language. Why am I vocalizing in current language? Or does the Goddess not care about the difference in language?
A doubt arose just now.
I might be able to activate it in ancient language.
[Thought Communication] is, in ancient language, um, Kyaphasumeburu Meduru... There's no 'Ko', 'So', or 'Shi'. 'Me' and 'Du' are subtle, but if I vocalize slowly and bite the cloth ball hard just there, it might be okay.
I rehearsed it in my head several times, took a deep breath, and vocalized slowly.
"Kyaphasumeburu Meduru!"
It came! There was a reaction!
At the same time, the content of the book of doctrine the sister was reading was transmitted. It's a success!
From here on is the real battle. I have to win her over somehow.
First, I decided to talk to her normally.
(What are you reading?)
Good. She's looking around.
(What? Who? A ghost?)
No good. I was misunderstood.
(I'm not a ghost. I'm talking to you.)
No good. The confusion has increased. she thinks her own head has gone strange.
She opened her eyes wide, held her head with both hands, and her breathing became ragged.
(I'm sorry for surprising you. It's magic called Thought Communication. It's me. Jeanne.)
She looks at me.
(Good evening.)
When I smiled for her, she suddenly stood up and tried to head for the door.
(Please wait a moment!)
Good. She stopped. She timidly looked back for me.
(Let's talk a little. It's okay. No one else can hear.)
Most likely, the sister had been told about [Thought Communication] and the workshop by her older brother who had been to the Royal Capital. Perhaps she realized, as she suddenly knelt down and clung to me.
After crying for a while, she regained her composure.
(Shall we talk a little?)
(Yes. Please, I beg of you. I-I can talk! I can talk! I can chatter too. What my brother taught me was true. I can talk too!)
It's leaking out, but well, she's a beginner. It can't be helped.
(Um, it won't do if someone finds us, so please sit in the chair as before and pretend to read the book of doctrine.)
(Ah, yes. I'm sorry.)
She sat in the chair and opened the book of doctrine. She lowered the book a little and met my eyes.
(If someone comes, I'll deactivate it unilaterally from here. But don't be surprised.)
(Yes!)
When I asked the time, it seemed to be past noon. Since I'll be made an offering to the wyverns tomorrow, there's still time.
Good. Now we can talk slowly.
The sister said that the older brother is being made to follow against his will. Originally, he can't go against the church because he has the debt of being raised there. He's pretending to be obedient in front of the priest, but his true intention is that he wants to let me escape. This is good news.
(My brother was expected as an excellent apprentice priest. Since we belonged to the Finis Royal Family, he has been dispatched to the Royal Capital many times and has fulfilled the role of a messenger.)
That excellent older brother apparently accepted the management of this hut on the condition that he wouldn't be separated from his hard-of-hearing sister. The hut is right next to the altar the priest newly made, and it's connected to other facilities by [Teleport]. The priest is in that facility, and the 'box with a lock' is also there. When I asked where it was, I was told it's not on this island. In other words, he has a base on the 'mainland', as the people of this island call the White Island. Gwyn-sama and the others are searching, but tracking might be difficult.
(I heard Jeanne-sama is on good terms with the Water Dragon in the mainland.)
(Yes. By chance, I was able to cooperate in healing the Water Dragon's disease.)
(Anti-Sepsis, right!)
She knew. She also knew about [Light].
(I know. That you treated the karmic disease. And that you're also like this with Princess Aira, who is hard of hearing like me...)
Perhaps it welled up, as she shed tears.
(I'm sorry. I'm so happy...)
(Don't worry about it. Aira was like that at first too.)
(My! Without even using a title! You must be on good terms.)
The two of us laughed while meeting each other's eyes.
After that, we talked about various things, but she finally hit the core.
(A-Ah. Why did Jeanne-sama come to this island? Did you really come to kill the wyverns?)
As I thought, she's being forced with the priest's selfish assumptions.
(No. I came to hear the story from the wyverns.)
(To talk to the wyverns... If you use Thought Communication, do you become able to talk to the wyverns?)
(No, that's not it. Thought Communication is basically only for humans.)
Exceptionally, it's possible with a Revenant. I don't know why it's not possible with ghosts. It might be because there's a physical reality as a person.
(Then, how?)
This is the point.
(Can you keep it a secret between just us?)
(A secret?)
(Yes. Make a Vow of Silence to the Goddess. If you do, I'll tell you everything.)
There are too many strictly confidential matters. Unless she vows not to leak it to others, including in writing, I can't talk.
(A secret between just the two of us, right?)
(Yes. That's right. Only a very few people know the content I'm about to tell you. Even my telling you here is absolutely a secret from other people. If there's a need for me to talk to someone, you just keep quiet. Ah, no, it's fine if you talk to just your brother.)
(I understand. I won't let anyone but my brother know.)
She must have thought that she and her brother were trusted. She replied with a smile. And she made a [Vow of Silence] toward the picture of the Goddess.
Now I can finally get to the main subject.
I told her everything. Because if I told her halfway, the meaning wouldn't be understood. Besides, if I don't reveal everything, it means I don't trust the Goddess's vow.
(My, so there are black dragons.)
(Yes. The spirits say they became black because of the dense magic power that overflowed onto the surface.)
(And you came to this island to investigate the mother dragon's last words.)
(Yes. The wyverns here might have lived in Sertoria before. There's also eyewitness information from the Water Dragon that a flock of wyverns was flying from the south toward this island.)
(My! Eyewitness information from the Water Dragon!)
She's laughing amusingly.
The surroundings began to be dyed red, perhaps because of the sunset. It seems nightfall is near.
By the time it got dark and we lit the lantern, the sister had completely become an ally, and we even talked about an escape plan. We even talked about drawing in the older brother somehow. That older brother is currently with the priest. And there are three guards at the exit of the hut. First, we decided to wait for the older brother to return. It's easier to escape under the cover of the night.
Suddenly, I hear the sound of a knock on the door. Judging from the gentlemanly manner, it might be the older brother.
(Someone's come. Read the book of doctrine.)
(Ah, yes.)
I deactivated [Thought Communication], and when the sister lowered her eyes to the book of doctrine, the older brother, the apprentice priest, entered.
"Yeah. There doesn't seem to be a problem."
After confirming the state of the room, he closed the door. He leaned against the table just like that.
"Priest Jeanne. Unfortunately, it has been decided to offer the priest as an offering tomorrow at noon."
He's not calling it 'purification' likely because he's not treating me as a criminal.
"If you'd like, I will offer prayers to the Goddess tonight. If I am insufficient, I will ask the priest to come, but..."
I shook my head.
"I understand. Then I will take charge. To be honest, I'm relieved. The priest seems to be busy with various things."
Hmm. It might be a countermeasure against the search party. If so, now is the chance.
I look into the sister's eyes. When we met eyes for an instant, she nodded slightly.
"Kyaphasumeburu Meduru!"
It activated!
"Wha! What's the meaning of this! You're talking, aren't you!"
(I'm sorry, brother. Jeanne didn't come to kill the wyverns!)
"?"
(I'm sorry. I used Thought Communication. The voice just now was your sister.)
(That's right, I've become able to talk too.)
The stunned apprentice priest fell onto his backside on the spot, as if his strength had left him.