Chapter 337 - Fourth Episode: To Primordia
On the day Aira and Saxburg arrived in Sertoria, a welcome ceremony and a send-off ceremony were held at the royal palace.
Incidentally, Aira had brought the barrel sake old man as a guard, and Saxburg brought Duke Hexham.
The meeting on measures for infectious diseases to be held in Primordia is of course not an international conference held at the same time as the Council of Lords. However, unlike the meetings... or rather, banquets... that we usually hold in the three countries under the guise of inspections, the Archbishop of the Primordia Royal Capital will participate.
The attendees from Sertoria, led by Magdalena-sama, include Miana, who is scheduled to make her meeting debut, Harris-sama, Beowulf, and me, in addition to Bonnie and Mary, who will accompany the merchant group.
The participants from each country are in units of several people including ladies-in-waiting and direct guards, and there's a feeling that there are more people in the merchant group whose purpose is trade and who are not participating in the ceremony.
Therefore, the ceremony was a simple one, and at the dinner party, the three princesses just smiled together, which seemed like it would be good practice for Miana.
The barrel sake old man seems to be at his first foreign dinner party, and he's stiff with tension. Knowing that Roberts-sama, whom he relied on, was absent, his blue-painted face is even bluer. He's standing still along with Beowulf, as if guarding the princesses.
Duke Hexham is one of the merchant group, so he's mixed in that crowd along with his steward. Normally the steward would stand diagonally behind the master, but seeing as it's reversed, he likely isn't interfering in the negotiations.
The three princesses and I clustered in one place, together with the King and Queen and Evans-sama. The old men giving greetings likely became afraid of the barrel sake old man and Beowulf, who were standing still with strained faces, as they were quickly attracted by Mary after their greetings were finished.
As usual, we slipped away in the middle, and the real thing began after we moved to the usual place.
The barrel sake old man and Beowulf, who let out a deep sigh as soon as they sat in their chairs, were toasting each other as they sympathized with each other's circumstances.
When I introduced Dune and Mel to Miana, she was surprised, but once she started jumping around with Aira and Saxburg leading her by the hand, the three of them began to frolic together. She should be fine now.
The next day, the three who had hit it off completely also became friends with Beowulf and Will, and were frolicking at the bow of the ship while catching the wind. Saxburg, saying it was for the ship journey, was posing with a mermaid-like fish tail costume attached to her legs. Since it would be inconvenient if she couldn't move, it's made so she can stick her legs out, but her walking figure looks just like a different-colored Black Dragon Child.
I tried to cast Refresh and join in the fun, but I was called by Magdalena-sama and Harris-sama. Apparently there's something they want to talk about beforehand.
Originally, it's said that infectious diseases come across from the continent, and research and measures for them are more advanced on the east coast. Among the former west coast countries, the only one enthusiastic is Sertoria, which has a state church system; even in Medioland, once the Queen or Princess makes a donation in their name, they apparently leave the rest to the church.
However, that must be convenient for the church too. Traditional treatment methods centered on prayer are still influential, and according to Price-sama, thrusting the results in their faces is the best way.
"We will cause a revolution with Jeanne's magic. Prayers to ward off infectious diseases were not bestowed by the Goddess. Humans created them arbitrarily, and they just cast Heal or Purification and give medicinal herbs in between prayers. Certainly there are cases where they were cured, but it's surely due to the effect of the medicinal herbs. In contrast, Jeanne's magic was undoubtedly bestowed by the Goddess. Please show those who are using the church's authority to make money what's what."
He had said so when we met during the rehearsal.
Even the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church is like that. Regnentes is easy to imagine.
Of course, if it came to it, if they closed the borders and blocked the distribution with the east coast, which is separated by forests and mountains, they've managed somehow. No country has an excess of money. Unless there are enough deaths to tilt the nation, it'll likely remain as traditional.
On the other hand, Primordia, which is at the closest distance to the continent, has a history of suffering terribly from infectious diseases. From what I hear, the Archbishop is from a noble family, but his family is a very ordinary minor noble. To put it plainly, he was buried in the shadow of the great nobles, and without the protection of the church or his family, he has apparently carried out a battle against infectious diseases on his own. Most of them were likely losing battles. As a descendant of the ancients, he apparently has great expectations for Anti-Sepsis, which was considered a lost magic.
And just by hearing Harris-sama's explanation this far, I felt dizzy.
It was originally a magic for removing mold from fields. That became a medicine for athlete's foot, then a medicine effective for Just a Disease, and now it's expected to be a magical liquid medicine effective for various infectious diseases. No, no, no results have been produced at all except for Just a Disease and diseases caught on the battlefield, yet it's being expected too much.
It's definitely strange.
"It's being expected that much. By a very small portion of people."
"A very small portion?"
I hope that's true. Otherwise I'll be in trouble.
"Yeah. Currently, most countries that are purchasing the magical water are using it for the treatment of Just a Disease and to prevent the disease from spreading to those involved. Therefore, they are only using it in isolation facilities. This is true even in Medioland."
"But the Archbishop of Primordia..."
"That man is a descendant of the ancients. You should think of Primordia as a country like Finis."
Come to think of it, I heard something like that.
"The fact that the Archbishop is expecting it that much means, do you understand?"
"Ah, maybe he's well-versed in the magic of the first King series..."
"That's what it means."
That was careless. Being a descendant of the ancients means he might be deeply knowledgeable about the Ancient Priestess and other magics.
We stopped by Regnentes on the way and participated in a dinner party. Since Bonnie couldn't participate, we were called to Harold-sama's mansion the next day and made a grand fuss.
The three princesses, as if practicing, were all wearing the third shop's uniforms and were surrounded by young knights, but the clerk Miana was handling it, albeit awkwardly, which pleased Magdalena-sama.
During the three-day stay, we were shown isolation facilities for Just a Disease and places for measures against infectious diseases, but the Regnentes side, with the Queen and Princess being more enthusiastic about dinner parties and chatting in the palace gardens, ended up being just a discussion between priests. In a sense, I could feel the truth of Harris-sama's words.
With the effect of Refresh magic, the ship journey proceeded smoothly, and from around the time we could see the mountain pass on the border of Primordia and Regnentes in the distance, the coast had very few sandy beaches and cliffs began to continue. The land scenery was also nothing but mountains.
One-third of Primordia's land is mountainous, and the mountains on the border are especially high and steep. Because there are few flatlands, the population is also small, only about one-fifth of Sertoria's. In that sense, it's like a smaller version of Finis at the northern tip. With trade with the continent being active, it apparently became a country skilled in diplomacy.
The standing army is also only about two thousand. However, a political change occurred during the previous war, and currently, with the liberated serfs being taxed with military service as free farmers, they can calculate a military strength of three to five times the traditional amount in times of emergency. Moreover, they pushed forward military reforms, and as a result of asking nobles for a burden of defense costs in money instead of military service and hiring the knights kept by nobles as mercenaries, the concept of a standing army has disappeared except for the direct army.
In the future, in terms of simple military strength, they might surpass Sertoria, it seems.
The ship proceeded while looking at the desolate scenery of nothing but cliffs, and arrived at the port of the Primordia capital one week after leaving Sertoria.
The royal palace is very close to the port, but because it's on high ground, one has to climb a road that bends many times. Perhaps because the speed doesn't increase, it took time despite looking very close.
The capital was created around the port town in the inlet, and perhaps because the population is small compared to other capitals, it's compact. The royal palace on the cliff at the end of the inlet is built on a huge rock that looks as if a cliff jutting into the sea was cut off in the middle, and the cliff was connected only by a suspension bridge. There is a residential area on this side of the bridge, but it's built in a rugged way that makes one think it would be an impregnable fortress if the suspension bridge were dropped during a siege.
We took a carriage from the port and climbed the slope toward the royal palace 'ecchira-occhira'. After passing through the main gate, we arrived at the entrance. We were guided directly to the audience chamber waiting room.
We were welcomed by the Archbishop who participated in the meeting held at the same time as the Council of Lords, and who should be the person responsible for infectious disease measures in Primordia.
"Magdalena-sama, Aira-sama, Saxburg-sama, and Bishop Harris. Welcome. Thank you for your help at the spring meeting."
"No, Archbishop. We are the ones who should thank you. We look forward to working with you this time."
"And Aira-sama. I heard you have become engaged. Allow me to offer my congratulations."
(Thank you very much.)
"Archbishop, you are meeting these two for the first time. First, my daughter, Miana. Miana, this is Archbishop Cadogan of the Primordia Royal Capital Great Church. Greet him."
She was giving a "Nice to meet you" greeting.
"And then, this is..."
"Priest Jeanne, isn't it? I certainly wanted to meet you."
Suddenly, my hand was taken.
"I heard you can use the magic that the Ancient Priestess used. And a high-level mage at that. Please teach me many things."
He lowered his head to me first.
He's a very humble person.
"I am the one who should ask for your guidance."
I hurriedly knelt and kissed the ring representing the rank of Archbishop.
The audience ended very simply.
It's not that we were being slighted; it's because the King makes all official events informal.
"I am sorry that it has become informal. I am scheduled to abdicate soon, but everyone will not allow it. As a small resistance, I am making official events informal like this."
"Your Majesty. What are you saying? If Your Majesty, who is called the Liberator King, were to abdicate at that age, the people would lament, grieve, and eventually become angry, and fire might catch at our feet. Please, do not say such things. I will take on the rough business, so please continue to remain on the throne for the peace of this country."
The one who complained was the young Crown Prince. He's very tall. Not just one head, but from the solar plexus up he's sticking out. On top of that, he has broad shoulders, and several people behind him are completely hidden. Because he has a huge, toned physique, his voice is also loud. I feel like his face is also large.
The nobles behind him, when asked "How about it?" by the Crown Prince, were nodding grandly. No matter how you look at it, they only seem to be intimidated by the giant Crown Prince.
"Crown Prince Edward of Primordia is the son of the current King's older brother... in other words, the eldest son of the previous King."
Magdalena-sama whispered to me.
"The previous King... I heard he repelled the Engrio army without reinforcements from other countries during the previous war..."
His fighting prowess has reached even Sertoria. Even I know at least the result.
"That's right. He succeeded his father, the former hero, and was a warrior said to be the only one who could go toe-to-toe with my father-in-law. Unfortunately, he passed away from illness."
No wonder his build is too large. He's much more King-like than the current King. The current King might have been compared to his monster-like father and his older brother who inherited those abilities until now. With his son also being a monster, he likely can't stand it. It's understandable that he wants to abdicate.
Magdalena-sama nudged me with her elbow. Come to think of it, Sertoria was also similar.
Once the audience was over, we immediately went to the meeting room for the meeting. To my surprise, the King attended. The main meeting participants, excluding ladies-in-waiting, assistants, and guards, were the King and Cadogan-sama for Primordia, Aira for Finis, Saxburg for Northern Gram, and for Sertoria, Magdalena-sama and Miana, plus me.
"I am not good at military affairs. I have entrusted all military power to Crown Prince Edward, and instead, I am doing only domestic affairs. I am the one who, with the cooperation of the farmers, is doing the method of dividing fields into four that we learned from Sertoria."
Is he doing farm work? He's a rare King.
"That is not it. I am doing the calculations for each farmland, such as the allocation of land and planting plans, the placement of necessary mages and farmers, the expected harvest, and the population that can be supported. Magdalena-dono should know, but it is also scheduled to be made public at next year's Council of Lords."
"That is a wonderful thing. In our country, there is a person called Duke Hexham who is researching agricultural reform. He is also collaborating with me on infectious disease measures, and since he is also part of this mission, if possible, could we not exchange information on that side as well?"
It was Saxburg. Her boyfriend... no, I wonder if I can say that yet? ...should be doing it in his own territory.
"Ho-ho. That is a welcome offer. We are also exchanging information with Sertoria regarding agriculture. By all means, please participate. Of course, Finis as well if possible. However, I heard the House of Hexham was a family whose duties were military and trials."
"The generation has changed. The contemporary is my childhood friend, but he seems to be interested in research on agriculture, trade, and also infectious disease measures and measures for people in poverty, rather than fighting."
"The same as me. That is encouraging. Then I wish to hand a personal letter to the King of Northern Gram. Saxburg-dono, can I entrust it to you?"
"Of course."
One matter was settled quickly. The King of Sertoria is also a person who makes decisions briskly, but I wonder if all Kings make decisions quickly.
"King of Primordia, the person leading the agricultural research in our country is a comrade of this Priest Jeanne."
It was Magdalena-sama.
"What! By any chance, are you using lost magic?"
"No, the magic being used is only normal attribute magic."
"I see, then I am relieved. If lost magic were essential for agricultural reform, a template for each country could not be made."
A template for each country! What a wonderful way of thinking! It's truly coexistence and mutual prosperity!
"Indeed. It is only by devising a way for the entire island to prosper. Even now, together with the Archbishop, I am encouraging the nobles to make the magic for agriculture into a corvée, as started in Engrio, so as to follow the Goddess's teachings. Once our country completes the template, we should be able to change the thinking of those in each country who are stuck in their old ways."
I want to agree with both hands raised, but the church is also included in those in each country who are stuck in their old ways. Everyone is nodding without saying anything.
"Anything is based on results, after all."
Cadogan-sama was also nodding with a smile. He's the same as Price-sama. In other words, he's the same kind as us.
After that, the inspection schedule was shown by the King along with reports on the actual situation in each country.
"Let us end today's meeting here and have you rest until the dinner party. Tomorrow, you will inspect the Great Church and then the facilities. And then, the second meeting. At the second meeting, I wish to discuss future matters."
No one had any objections. Since they are holding two meetings, there's no mistake they are dealing with it enthusiastically.
By the way, the King brought something up.
"By the way, I hear Priest Jeanne is using lost magic and at the same time is conducting various investigations regarding this island... especially the prevention of the Demon Lord's resurrection."
"Yes. Since there is a Vow of Silence, what I can talk about is limited, but I am certainly involved in investigations with such intent."
"Umu," the King nodded.
"Your Majesty, as you know, the investigation Jeanne is involved in is one being led by Crown Prince James of Medioland. I am also participating. I believe I heard that a request for cooperation was also made to Primordia."
Harris-sama reached out a helping hand. Even if I were asked, I wouldn't know how to answer.
"I do not know if it relates to that investigation, but it seems the Archbishop, as a descendant of the ancients, wishes to speak with you all, as representatives of the Finis and Sertorian royal families who also draw from the ancient bloodline, and Priest Jeanne. It will likely be on or after the fourth day; please accept it. Saxburg-dono. I am sorry, but please be absent from that session. Our royal family has also not participated in meetings of the ancients since the founding. Do not be offended."
"With all due respect, my brother Eowyn has officially decided to participate in the investigation. I do not mind being absent, but please be aware of that."
"Your Majesty, what Saxburg-sama just said is a fact."
Saxburg replied pleasantly, and when Harris-sama guaranteed it, the King looked at Cadogan-sama.
"I understand. If Saxburg-sama feels she wishes to attend our meeting, she may participate. However, she must inquire with her home country. The condition will be obtaining the approval of the King of Northern Gram, the Northern Gram Royal Capital Great Church, and the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church."
Cadogan-sama's eyes were not smiling. The atmosphere of the person who had been consistently gentle changed completely.
"I-I understand. I did not think the talk would become that large. In that case, I will refrain."
At Saxburg's words, given with a strained face, Cadogan-sama nodded.
I wonder what's going on?