Chapter 343 - Episode 7: Keira
Living together is fine, but there's still an issue with her appearance.
"Shall I transform?"
As Keira said that, she chanted a spell with the distinct vocalization of the Demon Race.
A yellow light enveloped her body, and her form changed in the blink of an eye.
"Kyah!"
Saxburg and Miana cried out. Everyone's eyes widened.
It was only natural. Since she hadn't been wearing clothes originally, she was now stark naked.
"When I'm seducing human males, I use this form and cast Charm."
How should I put it... she wasn't a beauty like Gladys-sama or Will, but she had a bewitching, strange sexiness about her. She was like Mary II. If she wanted to seduce the men of the world, she probably wouldn't even need Charm.
"Oh? She's cute. She has a great figure too; I kind of want her to work at my shop."
Mary? How can you stay so calm?
Unfortunately, we didn't have a change of clothes. But since we had Clean Up, it wouldn't matter if she got dirty.
"Well then, shall I possess something? If there's some cheese left over from the pot, that'll do."
I had thought possession meant some kind of soul-like thing leaving the main body to enter a target, but it seemed I was wrong. Apparently, her entire body enters a field mouse and merges with it.
In that case, we decided to have her possess a field mouse. If we carried her out in a barrel, no one would find it suspicious.
We moved to the place where we first met Keira and placed a piece of cheese on the floor. While we all hid behind a stone statue, several field mice came out squeaking.
"Jeanne, you can use Repellent, right?"
Keira asked.
"Yeah. Since I found this Black Stone, I should be able to use the advanced version."
"Advanced! That's amazing. Then, I have a request."
"What is it?"
"Field mice are full of things like fleas. I'll give you a signal after I possess one, so could you cast Repellent on me?"
Apparently, the Ancient Priestess used to cast it on her often. It seems it really is itchy.
"Sure. But will you be okay, Keira?"
"I'll be fine once I've fully possessed it."
"I see. Then I'll cast it for you."
"Thank you!"
Mary suggested that we might as well wash her with hot water to get her clean.
Fortunately, we had a barrel. We produced water with magic and warmed it with Fire Ball. I had soap. After all, we were all girls here. We were all good at that sort of thing.
"A bath? Using hot water? How luxurious. This is the first time I'll be washing my body while possessing something."
When we return to Sertoria, I'll let her experience the stone-fired bath at the farm and the bath at the Ghost Mansion.
First, she cast Charm toward the gathered field mice. It was that distinct Demon Race vocalization.
There were five of them, and they all became docile, turning to face us in unison.
"Humans can only manipulate males, but with small creatures like field mice, I can manipulate them regardless of sex."
As she said that and beckoned, they gathered at Keira's feet.
She placed her hand on the head of one of them and chanted something; then, Keira's body was sucked into the field mouse, much like when Fiona enters a stone. The brown field mouse somehow began to look blackish. Its body also grew larger. It didn't quite double in size, but it was clearly bigger compared to the other mice.
That large mouse came over to where I was crouching and, as if greeting me, raised its right front paw and waved it repeatedly as if prompting me.
Immediately, I cast the advanced Repellent on it, including the other four mice Keira was controlling.
While I was watching, thinking nothing was happening, the mice shuddered, and at the same time, a massive amount of tiny black, brown, and white insects fell off.
The three princesses and Mary almost jumped up for a moment.
When I combed through the Keira-mouse's fur with my fingers, even more came out.
"T-They're moving!"
Mary pointed, and looking closely, although they were all flipped over, their legs were twitching.
"Paralysis... perhaps? I'd like to take them back. Is there a container?"
It was Eleanor-sama. She was leaning down close to the floor, observing them.
"Ah! One jumped over that way!"
"Kyaaaaaa!"
The four of them ran away.
"I'm joking. What are you doing getting so flustered over this much?"
While saying that, please stop making a fist-pump with one hand.
Magdalena-sama, you're laughing too much as well.
"Could we take them back to Sertoria as research material?"
The Great Mage is inquisitive to the end.
Just what on earth are you going to research?
"The effect of Jeanne's magic. Whether it's paralysis, fainting, or some other status change. I want to clarify the effect of the insect-repelling magic."
Isn't it all the same? The point is they stop moving. We should just finish them off in the meantime.
"Since the targets are small, they'll definitely escape halfway through."
Mary's voice was trembling. They were originally on the field mouse, but in the worst case, they might stick to humans too.
"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
"Absolutely not!"
In the end, losing to Mary's fierce opposition and the serious gazes of the three nodding princesses, we decided to burn them.
Afterward, we released the other mice and washed Keira in the barrel bath.
On the way back with the now fluffy field mouse on my shoulder, we all discussed how to explain Keira.
Since Keira is mentioned in the Priestess's scrolls, we have to provide an explanation.
However, Eleanor-sama was there.
"There are no ultra-high-level mages in Primordia. In other words, even if we lie, they won't find out. It's fine. I'll talk them around, so don't worry."
That's not a line you should say to a priest.
"I'm joking. Let's tell Cadogan-sama everything later. In any case, we couldn't have obtained the Black Stone without releasing Keira from that place. Besides, the contract won't be fulfilled unless we successfully get her out and take her back. We'll manage within the bounds of the truth."
If that was the case, we decided to leave it to her. Sianya didn't say anything either.
When we exited the shrine door, everyone was overjoyed.
We immediately entered the mansion to report. Since this wasn't a so-called meeting of the ancients but an investigation centered on Prince James for the sealing of the Demon Lord, the King and Queen and Crown Prince Edward also participated. The Cask Wine Old Man was also properly there.
We showed the Black Stone to everyone and had them read the scroll.
At the Priestess's scathing words, everyone's complexion changed.
"These are the secret treasure and scroll left by the Ancient Priestess. According to this scroll, the Priestess bestowed this upon the one who released Keira... in other words, Jeanne, who solved the mystery of this black treasure. This means Jeanne becomes the successor to the treasure. Jeanne is a user of Repellent. This treasure is the trigger to activate the advanced Repellent magic. It is clear that Jeanne is more suited to hold it than anyone else."
Eleanor-sama's speech began.
It was a bit of a stretch. However, she is the Great Mage Eleanor. With her grand and dignified way of speaking, the five lords fell silent. Though, it might not be about Keira specifically, but rather that they disliked the ancient treasure of their people passing into the hands of a foreigner like me. Perhaps anticipating that, Eleanor-sama repeatedly used my name. She likely wanted to divert everyone's attention away from Keira.
Even so, I felt she was being a bit too persistent.
"The Black Stone... this treasure is something the descendants of the ancients of this country have protected dearly. I will surely return it one day. Until then, I shall borrow it."
When I said that, their expressions softened slightly.
"However, please read the Priestess's scroll carefully."
The Priestess wrote: Never give this to a man.
As expected, the five lords looked down. They seemed to have some self-awareness.
"Priest Jeanne. I understand the Priestess's argument well. Currently, our country is in the midst of consulting with Archbishop Cadogan to reform our ancient and venerable systems. Taking this as an opportunity, we shall reflect deeply on the Priestess's reprimand in that scroll and push forward with reforms vigorously."
The King said. If women actively take up professions that use magic, the population of magic users will increase. If they raise each other's awareness, surely even one ultra-high-level mage will emerge.
Though they likely did so reluctantly, the five lords also gave their consent.
Next, we were asked about the effect of the Black Stone, but we had already tested that.
"This little one is that field mouse."
I took Keira out of the barrel and placed her on the table. She was soft and fluffy.
Field mice usually have a dirty image, but thanks to the Queen of Primordia saying, "How cute," it resulted in the magic's effect being highly praised. I think she's misunderstood something, but oh well.
"I'll take this little one back with me as a memento."
Even when I said that, no one objected. Heh heh, success. Since it would be bad if she were found out, I immediately put her back in the barrel and gave her one Highway Cookie. Holding it with both paws, she nibbled on it deliciously.
Seeing that, Sianya stroked Keira's head with her fingertip and chuckled.
Afterward, there was a discussion on how to summarize the report to the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church, and it was decided that Sianya, Cadogan-sama, and Harris-san would jointly finalize the report. Both royal families would likely look it over as well. With that, the meeting adjourned, and we returned to the Royal Capital near the sea.
We went to the Royal Capital Great Church and were given the opportunity to speak with Cadogan-sama, where Harris-san, Sianya, and I—the three of us—talked about Keira. Since Keira herself couldn't enter the Great Church, which is protected by a powerful barrier, we had the three princesses look after her.
"In other words, that mouse was the familiar of the Ancient Priestess."
"A familiar?"
"Yes. It is something known only to the successive Archbishops of the Western Church, but there are records that the Ancient Priestess employed low-level demons possessed in animals as familiars."
He knew...
When I looked at Sianya, she shook her head. She didn't seem to know.
"I recall the Ancient Priestess's familiar was a rabbit, but it seems they could possess field mice as well."
"You knew about this?"
"Yes. But please keep what I knew a secret. If the Great Northern Church finds out, it might lead to troublesome matters."
He said that and laughed.
It seems the priests of the temple or prayer house that was the predecessor of the Western Church had heard from the Ancient Priestess that low-level demons possess animals and knew about it. And they were also told to keep quiet about the fact that there were low-level demons in the forest. They were told to leave them alone as they caused no particular harm. Apparently, it was passed down as a legend just like that.
Between the Forbidden Magic and the demons... I mean, the familiars, the Ancient Priestess who was in Primordia seemed to be of a slightly different breed.
"You two probably know. That there is magic called Dark Magic."
The two of them nodded.
"It is the opposite of the Light Magic that Priest Jeanne uses. Nowadays, it is considered Forbidden Magic. However, the Testament that we must decipher originally requires both."
Both? In other words, the Forbidden Magic must be unsealed?
"That is correct. Likely, the Ancient Priestess who was in Primordia was a user of Dark Magic."
I knew it. It's not that the five of them used the same magic. Most likely, the magic used by the Ancient Priestess in Primordia was the five spells listed alongside the First King series among the Forbidden Magic. Unlike Charm or Memorize, they don't choose their user, but they also don't fall under things that exceed a person's magic control. Undead was classified among them.
"Bishop Harris. I am thinking of including that fact in the report to the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church."
"In other words, you are laying the groundwork for the restoration of Forbidden Magic."
At Harris-san's words, Cadogan-sama nodded.
"Considering the future battle against the plague, not only Jeanne's magic, but at least Undead and Memorize are absolutely necessary."
"I think so too."
Harris-san nodded with serious eyes.
Just eliminating orphans might have left the hope for the restoration of Forbidden Magic slim. However, if Anti-Sepsis becomes the trump card for plague countermeasures, the possibility increases. Plague patients are isolated. If we can use Memorize and designate those who use Anti-Sepsis as the mothers of the orphans...
"I have connections with the priests of Sertogne on the opposite shore. We are currently in the middle of considering a method to transport patients of Just a Disease."
"With the continent? That is encouraging."
"Since you will eventually be heading to the continent in this investigation, I am sure I can be of assistance."
"We look forward to it. After all, this island is an island inhabited by pagans to the nations of the continent. It could be said that Sertogne is the only place where we priests can set foot."
Is it that dangerous?
"Apparently, there are frequent pagan hunts. Fanatics are everywhere. Moreover, if they can take the land where they conducted the pagan hunt for themselves, even the non-believers participate."
Come to think of it, I was almost killed by fanatics who worship Wyverns. Because there was a conscientious priest inside the ball, a ritual was performed, and as a result, I was saved. Originally, it was immediate execution upon kidnapping. It doesn't matter if it's the island or the continent.
"It's not a difference in doctrine. Every religion is fundamentally overflowing with the spirit of coexistence and co-prosperity. The problem is the humans who interpret it as they please. Even I, who am saying this, originally thought of annihilating the Demon Race and monsters. I can't talk about others. I can't face the Ancient Priestess who lived together with dragons and low-level demons."
"Realizing that is the result of your training."
The 'training' Cadogan-sama spoke of probably meant continuing to be in the priesthood.
"I am grateful for your words."
After saying that, Harris-san met my eyes and smiled shyly.
Afterward, we did half a day of sightseeing in the Royal Capital. Mary also picked out clothes for Keira.
In the evening, there was a banquet. Since it was official, unfortunately, Bonnie and Keira, who lacked the qualifications, did not participate.
The lords who had protected the legend of the Ancient Priestess seemed to have heard that I had become the successor of the Black Stone, and they all knelt at once to plead for a blessing.
"Jeanne-sama. We too are descendants of those who follow the Light. Please, we ask for your blessing."
Even the King was being ignored. They must be mistaking me for the second coming of the Ancient Priestess or something. This is bad. I'm the one who'll get scolded later.
"Um, everyone. I have only temporarily borrowed the treasure that you all were protecting. I will come to return it once my duty is finished. Until then, I will continue to need the assistance of people like you who follow the Light. Please, stand up. As fellow believers in the great Goddess, let us work hard together."
I didn't even know myself what we were going to work hard at, but first, I had to make them realize we were equals.
I pulled Cadogan-sama and the five lords who had participated in the meeting over to persuade them, and somehow I managed to give a blessing as an ordinary priest.
"Priest Jeanne. We were chagrined that the Priestess's treasure was being taken from this land. However, hearing your words just now, we have learned how that came from a petty spirit. Please, continue to lead us well hereafter."
I don't know if I can lead them, but since the five lords who protect the Priestess's ruins were satisfied, I suppose it's fine.
I slipped out along with the three princesses when they left the room. I was being treated like the guest of honor and couldn't relax. I left the rest to Magdalena-sama and Mary and escaped to a separate room.
Good grief, as we were all toasting together, Sianya arrived.
"We're having a private party in the other room. Why don't you join us?"
If it's private, it should be fine. When the four of us followed her, there were mountains of food. Likely invited by Sianya, the unfamiliar Bonnie and Keira were drinking modestly. Just then, Crown Prince Edward started a drinking contest, inviting Beowulf and the Cask Wine Old Man. The judge was none other than Cadogan-sama.
"Ah, Priest Jeanne. Will the priest participate as well?"
Crown Prince Edward invited me casually.
As if I'd participate.
"If you need someone who is strong with alcohol, I can introduce two people to you."
"Oh, that sounds like fun. I'd love to meet them."
Beowulf and the Cask Wine Old Man, who sensed what was coming, told him to stop because he'd definitely lose, but he wouldn't listen. Lately, Dune and Fiona have learned to drink at their opponent's pace. If they don't, people escape from them. It's a good opportunity; I'll have them crush him.
Beside the Cask Wine Old Man, who was sprawled on the floor snoring, Beowulf and Crown Prince Edward were sleeping soundly with their faces down on the table.
The three princesses and Sianya were playing with Dune's fluffiness.
"A demon this time?"
"But she's a low-level demon, so she doesn't seem to have anything to do with the Demon Lord's army."
"Then, I guess we can maintain neutrality."
When Mel said that, Dune also gave her approval, saying, "Isn't it fine?"
The problem was Keira. She had been in a good mood wearing the clothes Mary had picked out, but her attitude changed when she saw the two of them.
"W-Water and, w-wind spirits? Was it the Five Great? No, four? Six? Anyway, you're the pinnacle of spirits, right?"
She was completely terrified.
"Whatever is fine. It's just something humans say on their own anyway."
Mel said.
Is that so?
"That's right. Originally, the number wasn't even decided. For example, how do you explain lightning?"
Dune pressed her, but I didn't know.
"Lightning is tentatively included in the fire attribute."
Eleanor-sama came to the rescue.
"Hmm, lightning as fire, huh. It's fundamentally different."
"Is that so?"
"Well, it doesn't matter. You'll understand the difference eventually."
By 'eventually,' does she mean hundreds of years in the future? There's never an explanation, but Eleanor-sama doesn't press them either. Even if she asked, she wouldn't understand anyway.
"But saying Five Great is better than Four Great. Right, Dune?"
"That's true. There's no doubt there's one more thing of equal rank."
"Is the fifth one lightning?"
"No. The fifth one is... what was it called in human language?"
"I don't know. What attribute do you call the Light and such that Jeanne uses?"
"Is it Light?"
If there's Light, there must be Dark too. In that case, the number increases to six.
"Then, it's the Jeanne attribute."
They were cackling.
Mel, what on earth is that?
In the end, it ended as a joke.
Well, since Keira was accepted by Dune and Mel, I'll count it as a win.