Chapter 339 - Sixth Episode: The Wall That Repels All
The arrival of Henry-sama's group was like the resumption of the meeting. The time for the Vow of Silence also ended. As a result of the entry restrictions being lifted, the barrel sake old man was also allowed to participate and was standing against the wall behind Aira as a guard.
Henry-sama and the others, after finishing a round of greetings, sat in the empty space on our side. Eleanor-sama immediately began to speak.
"I will speak about what we investigated near the border with Engrio with everyone's cooperation. It's about the fortress rumored to have been destroyed by the Demon Lord after being attacked by monsters... Gargoyles, several years ago. That fortress, four years ago, when the subjugation of the Demon Lord had not yet finished..."
She seems to intend to stick to playing dumb until the end, only talking about stories based on rumors. The people of Primordia also seemed to believe the rumors, as they listened with solemn faces.
To summarize Eleanor-sama's story, currently, no curses from the Demon Lord or Demon Race have been confirmed, and there is no harm in digging up the highway.
Well, that would be so. Originally, the Demon Lord wasn't involved at all. Beatrix and Bonnie just blew it up with gunpowder along with the bandits. There's no way there's a curse or magic.
"I believe the King of Primordia has already spoken to you all, but there is a possibility that there were ancient ruins around that highway. I believe we should start the highway restoration work early and confirm the safety of the ruins, but what do you think?"
The fact that she specifically explained it here might mean the permission of the Western Church is necessary.
"Eleanor-sama's thinking is fully understood. When His Majesty spoke to us, we were about to conclude that we should definitely cooperate. However, there are also dissenting opinions."
When Cadogan-sama looked at one of the Primordia nobles, that person stood up.
"I fought with the previous King at the border against the Engrio army, and my mission was the garrison captain of that fortress. As you know, at that time, we secured the cliff top with our forces using the fortress as a base and repelled the Engrio army. Accordingly, I believe we conducted sufficient reconnaissance and observation of the terrain. However, no ruins such as those Eleanor-sama mentioned were found. Originally, the fact that they are not in our legends is strange; did they not exist in the first place?"
"In other words, you guarantee that no ruins exist in that area?"
"I-I cannot go so far as to guarantee it, but the possibility is low..."
The noble, stared at by Eleanor-sama, answered while pulling back slightly.
"Then, there is no need to dig it up in a hurry?"
"Th-that is so. As a result of your efforts, it was found that there is no curse from the Demon Lord. Currently, our country has liberated the serfs and is in the middle of reforms using the new farming methods brought from your country. I believe it is appropriate to aim for restoration within a range that does not become a great burden, while watching for the right time."
Perhaps trying not to lose to the pressure of the former hero, he was looking at Eleanor-sama with a slightly downward gaze.
"However, this mansion is the villa of the previous National Minister. In the stories I heard, all those who participated in the meetings held irregularly at this mansion were executed for treason. Is it not necessary to re-investigate the legends and such?"
"Y-your concern is reasonable. However, the meetings of us who follow the Western Church are always recorded and managed by the successive Archbishops of the Primordia Royal Capital. We five are certainly lower in family status than those who were the previous managers, but we have received the handover from Cadogan-sama, and above all, Cadogan-sama is here now. I do not think there would be any oversight regarding the ruins left by our ancestors."
Intertwining gazes... both remained silent, looking into each other's eyes.
"Is that so! That's right. I was worrying that it might become a burden for you all. I am relieved to hear your story. Yes, since the local people do not know of it, there probably are none. There must be none."
Eleanor-sama broke into a smile. She was likely relieved because it seemed the entrance to the ruins hadn't been buried because of her.
"Thank you for your understanding."
The noble also seemed happy that his opinion was heard, as he let out a sigh of relief and showed a smile, giving a slightly exaggerated knightly bow.
After that, the reconnaissance results of the other side of the buried highway, namely the Engrio side, were discussed. It seems there is no movement for now, but hunters are coming and going as far as the buried part. Secret exchanges might have already begun. Since it had already been reported to the Primordia royal family, everyone was just listening with 'fun-fun' nods.
"By the way, there is a reason why we specifically had people as famous as Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama come all the way here."
It was Cadogan-sama.
Certainly, for the previous exchange alone, the royal palace would have been enough.
"Is there something?"
Eleanor-sama also remained composed, so she likely expected to some extent that there was something. Henry-sama also wasn't shaken at all.
"Did you see the old shrine next to this mansion?"
"Yes. I saw it. Since it's a land with history, I thought it was a shrine with atmosphere."
"That shrine has an underground passage, but that underground passage has a wall that repels all people."
"My, all people?"
"Yes. I have already spoken to Magdalena-sama and Aira-sama. What lies beyond that wall has not been passed down. However, in our estimation, it can be deactivated by Priest Jeanne's magic, and we might be able to explore it."
Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama exchanged looks. For some reason, both of them looked happy.
"And there is one legend."
Now, the curious old couple were leaning forward.
"It is limited to women."
Eleanor-sama stood up with a fist pump, and Henry-sama, who made a grimace, hung his head.
"I understand. Let's go right now!"
Eleanor-sama, you're too fast!
Why is it limited to women?
When I asked, the answer came back that they didn't really know.
"It is certain that one of the Priestesses lived and ended her life in this land. Perhaps that Priestess disliked men."
Is it okay to place restrictions on the exploration of later generations for such an ambiguous reason?
The influence of this mysterious constraint is large. If a monster is waiting beyond the wall...
From the altar investigation team centered on the former heroes and heroes led by James-sama, the only ones who can participate are Gladys-sama and me. Moreover, Gladys-sama's pregnancy was recently discovered. Since she's at the stage where she'll give birth next spring, she can't move.
By the way, will Primordia not participate?
In exploring the ruins of the ancients, it's a bit strange that the local people, who take pride in being descendants of the ancients, do not participate, isn't it?
"Who will participate from your country?"
Harris-sama also seemed to be concerned, as he asked head-on.
"One priest will participate from our country."
According to Cadogan-sama, she's a high-level priest.
"Our country has a small population, and there is not a single ultra-high-level mage."
Besides that, only nobles can become priests, and especially the pre-war system had old ways of thinking, such as it being good for girls to marry early and devote themselves to child-rearing; there are apparently various constraints in terms of training women who can fight monsters.
However, under the current new system, reforms led by the King and Cadogan-sama, starting with the liberation of serfs, are currently in progress. But it's not a problem that can be solved in a year or two. The female priest participating this time is a special one, he said.
"It's okay. In terms of attack, our members currently in Primordia are more than sufficient. Priest Jeanne was the only priest at the center of recovery and support, so if you can reinforce that part, it will be enough."
Eleanor-sama showed confidence along with her consideration.
The vanguard is Beowulf and Will. The scouts and light infantry are Magdalena-sama and Bonnie, and the trump card Fiona. The mages are Eleanor-sama and Mary, who is in the capital, and the recovery priest is me. All are veterans of war or the Demon Lord subjugation battle. There are eight people. If there is a problem, it's that I'm the only recovery priest, and having one more person added there will increase the sense of stability. The successive heroes were always in a two-person system. Cave exploration is not that easy.
The five nobles who had been looking down also seemed to be saved by Eleanor-sama's words, as they were exchanging smiles with each other.
(May I also participate?)
It was Aira. She certainly has unarmed combat skills. She might also have swordsmanship at a certain level.
(I too am a woman of Finis. I have a little confidence in unarmed combat. As one who follows the War God, I cannot return to my country without participating. Besides, I cannot speak in detail, but I can use ultra-high-level Heal and Holy using a secret technique passed down in the north. Of course, it is not a scroll.)
The orbs. She had brought them. This is encouraging.
When I looked at Aira, she smiled at me.
"Then, we also request Aira-sama's participation."
(Thank you very much.)
Aira, whose participation was decided, lowered her head.
"Hey, did you bring the orbs?"
I tried asking secretly.
(Yeah. My father and mother told me to take them. I also obtained the Priestess's permission.)
Apparently it's four orbs: Holy, Heal, Increase Defense, and the basic Light I handed over, all containing magic from an ultra-high-level mage. Since they were contained as orbs specifically for Aira, the ghost inside is also female. In other words, a fragment of Fiona is also inside. The barrel sake old man standing behind her is apparently carrying them on his back. No wonder he's carrying a huge load. To prevent them from breaking, he likely came with them wrapped in fur and packed in a barrel. After all, she has unarmed combat skills. If she double-casts ultra-high-level Increase Defense, and combines it with the double-cast Defend and Shield from Beowulf or me for a six-fold cast, she might be peerless.
After a short while, the female priest participating from Primordia was guided in.
"I am Priest Sianya. It is a great honor to participate in such a place. And I hear I can assist those who have come from Sertoria and Finis. I look forward to working with you."
I recognize her. She was attending the dinner party.
"As you already know, she is the eldest daughter of the current King. To have Crown Prince Edward, the son of his older brother, succeed him from the time of his accession, the current King made all three of his children into the priesthood. Of course, they hold the right of succession if they return to secular life, but as long as they are in the priesthood, they are nothing more than a single priest."
I hear she has an older brother and a younger brother, but both are priests.
However, while they talk about being descendants of the ancients, seeing a daughter of the royal family who came from the continent come out at a time like this, they must be very short-handed.
"You may think of it as part of an effort to break down the walls of status in the future, but her skill is guaranteed. After all, she participated in the Demon Lord subjugation unit as a rear guard."
That's encouraging. I'm sure Primordia participated as a joint unit with Regnentes. She should be the owner of a combat record of rescuing the main force, which was struggling after being attacked by Revenants, along with Harold-sama.
"Then, may I also request several reinforcements from our side? If the individuals themselves agree, that is."
It was Eleanor-sama. The Vow of Silence was lifted. The capture of the wall, which involves people from other countries, will be shared by the entire island.
"Who would those people be?"
"Saxburg-dono of Northern Gram and our country's Princess Miana. And the people called Mary and Bonnie who are participating as part of the merchant group. Mary and Bonnie participated in the Demon Lord subjugation unit. As for the two princesses, Aira-dono's technique will require assistants. In that regard, those two are perfect."
No, I've never heard of those two using orbs.
However, it's not a lie. Eleanor-sama didn't say how the two are perfect.
When I looked at Magdalena-sama, she was smiling, but it's a matter of whether Miana will come or not.
As expected, when we returned to the capital and I spoke to Miana, she turned pale. On the other hand, Saxburg is overjoyed.
"Miana. You decide for yourself. Magdalena and I will support you no matter what decision you make."
The two said that, but with the other princesses she finally became friends with participating, staying behind alone would be too lonely.
Aira, Saxburg, and Mary began a strategy meeting surrounding her.
Observing the situation, it seems Saxburg is actively inviting her, Aira is encouraging her, and Mary is waiting for Miana's decision.
Eleanor-sama and Magdalena-sama are making small talk while intentionally averting their gazes in a distant place.
The two had told me. Miana is the first in the line of succession, but if something were to happen to the current King, she doesn't have to immediately ascend as Queen. Because there is Roberts-sama, the second in line. And in two more years the eldest son will become an adult, and in four years the second son will also become an adult. Four years from now, the right of succession will be Miana first, the eldest son second, the second son third, and Roberts-sama fourth. The order is just an order, and whoever is suited to be King should become it. It's not a problem if the person with the first right of succession aims to be a shopkeeper of a girls' shop instead of a Queen.
In the case of the current King, the eldest daughter Anne-sama... Jennifer-sensei... became a priest, and as soon as Roberts-sama became an adult, he declared he wouldn't take the throne and went to the Eastern Plains. The current King apparently reluctantly took it over. It wouldn't be a problem even if the same thing were repeated.
This is not something that applies only to Miana, but they apparently haven't told her.
Mary called me. She seems to want my opinion. A conclusion won't come out.
It can't be helped.
"Wait a second."
I went to Eleanor-sama and Magdalena-sama.
"How did it go?"
"It hasn't been decided yet."
"I see. Then, let's wait."
"Um, there's something I want to get your approval for."
The two tilted their heads and looked at each other.
"You said the order of succession is not absolute."
"That's right. It's just that the person born earlier has the right to decide first. Of course, they must fulfill their duties as a royal no matter what their position is."
"May I tell that story to Miana? I think the decision will be faster that way."
"If Miana refuses..."
"No, it's the opposite. I'll tell her she won't ever become the fourth shop manager unless she follows the example of Manager Mary."
The two, who had been tilting their heads, said they'd leave it to me.
I left that spot, called Miana, and talked with just the two of us.
Mary and the others were watching us, but Eleanor-sama and Magdalena-sama were pretending not to know and resumed their small talk.
"Decided?"
"Everyone seems to be going, but if I, who can only use mid-level magic, go..."
She's completely shrunk and huddled up. Just as I thought. Her true feeling is likely that she wants to be with everyone.
I made a promise of a secret and told her the story of the right of succession.
"The right to decide first..."
"It seems so. That's why Princess Anne, who is your aunt, became a priest, I hear."
"I see. It wasn't an obligation."
She seemed relieved and became a little more energetic.
"You know Mary is a high-level mage, right?"
"Yeah."
"Do you know why she rose to high-level?"
"Participating in the Demon Lord subjugation unit..."
"Not that, the motivation."
"Motivation... no, I don't know."
"It's because she wanted to repay a favor."
Mary became motivated to learn magic because she admired Gladys-sama, but after that, her motivation became repaying a favor to the sisters at the brothel. She's usually in the Royal Capital, but she negotiates with Beatrix and provides Ice Cube magic for the icehouse in the summer. Now she's putting magic into the Ice Cube, Shower, and Mist magic circles Beatrix made. Since they aren't for sale, the thanks is using the agricultural magic in the Regnentes village for free. There are disciples and it's just in name, but in short, Beatrix likely wanted to make it free too.
"She's a pacifist who hates war, but she's a girl who will fight to protect the shop or the shop girls if something happens. You can't become a manager unless you become strong, you know."
"Do I have to become strong to be a manager?"
"Hmm. In short, it's the feeling. The reason we can leave the shop in the Royal Capital to her is because she's a girl who has the feeling of trying to protect those she should protect. After that, she just works hard at what she can do in any situation. That's all. Because even a hero can't do more than what they can do. Leave the difficult things to others and just help everyone. Did you know? Mary's first battle. She was a luggage carrier."
When she participated in practice, she didn't do anything.
In the rat extermination at the fortress, which was her first real battle, she accidentally threw gunpowder thinking it was oil and blew the rats 'bara-bara'.
It was good that Stephens-san was a kind person; otherwise the reward for sixty rats would have been wasted. Miana secretly stole a glance at Mary and smiled.
"Why not just go as a luggage carrier while observing? It would be a great help if you came."
When I said that, she nodded with her lips pressed together.