Chapter 344 - Episode 8: Golem
The next morning, it was decided that an explanation on how to use the bowls would be held at the garrison of the Primordia Royal Army Magic Corps. Originally, I wasn't supposed to participate, but since they said they would do an experiment with the Puppet found in the ruins, I decided to go see it. In the experiment, they would move a Stone Golem made of stone without using Forbidden Magic.
The magic circle had been analyzed by Eleanor-sama yesterday afternoon, and it seems she reached the point where it could be reproduced.
The Primordia army already has a prototype, but the goal is practical application. The magic used is a combination of high-level and mid-level, but it seems it cannot practically be activated without an ultra-high-level mage, so it would be the first time in decades that a golem would be moved.
"Originally, it is a secret art of our country and not to be shown outside. But since it has become known to the great mage Eleanor, there is no point in hiding it. Besides, if we can be taught Flight Magic in exchange for a secret art we cannot currently use, it is a small price to pay."
Crown Prince Edward, who holds all military power, says with a pale face. He's unsteady due to a hangover, but he's doing his best using the silver spear in his hand as a cane. At the end of his gaze, Eleanor-sama is giving a lecture on the bowls to four soldiers together with Wilson-san.
"Edward. Are you okay?"
Sianya is worried. To her, Crown Prince Edward is a cousin.
"I'm fine, Sianya. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Army, entrusted with command by my uncle, I cannot be resting due to something like a hangover during a training session with guests from another country."
"You may return it anytime. I will have you succeed the throne instead, though."
The King is also quite something.
"Not a chance."
He shakes his head with a face that looks like he's about to vomit. I couldn't bear to watch, so I cast a full-power Refresh on him. The headache will remain, but the nausea should subside.
"My apologies. Priestess Jeanne. Thanks to you, I feel much better."
He had been doing his best to win against Dune and Fiona, who drink slowly so the opponent can hold out. It's strange that he's even standing and walking.
As proof, Beowulf and the Barrel Wine Old Man, who were dragged along, are resting. The three princesses are playing in the palace garden with Keira, who is possessing a wild rat.
"I never imagined they were a water spirit and a ghost. I hear even that Lord Roberts lost."
Indeed, he's currently on a three-match losing streak against Dune.
"In other words, after Lord Roberts lost, he challenged her two more times?"
Well, that's how it goes. However, the third time was with support and handicaps from the Barrel Wine Old Man and the others.
"After passing out more than twenty men with handicaps, she was eating a whole roasted calf?"
He's shaking his head, saying he's no match.
"There's always someone better. Your father and grandfather were quite strong drinkers, but neither could ever win against that Catherine-sama no matter how many times they challenged her."
As expected of the Apostate Catherine. She's being talked about even in a place like this.
"Come to think of it, Priestess Jeanne, I heard you received guidance from Catherine-sama."
Perhaps having grown tired of the bloodthirsty talk, Sianya changed the subject.
"Yes. Since I am from the orphanage."
"That's right," she replied.
Sianya will apparently be in charge of orphan measures soon.
"In Magdalena-sama's story, that orphanage provides education that encourages the independence of orphans."
"Yes. From a young age, they experience various occupations. If they find an occupation they like, they work as apprentices, so they can find employment without having to look for a job after graduation."
"Our country has also liberated the serfs. Such measures will likely be necessary for us as well."
It's the King. Until now, orphans of serfs were apparently sold as slaves to the continent. Now they are all free farmers. Even if their status is liberated, it's meaningless if their poverty or treatment doesn't change. They plan to operate orphanages as a national policy in cooperation with the Church.
"Your Majesty. In that case, how about not only teaching the orphans reading, writing, and arithmetic, but also educating them to learn magic? Let's have Sertoria share their textbooks. If we devise educational methods so that even children who can learn basic magic emerge, it will be easier for them to choose a path to establish themselves."
It's Sianya. This time the focus is on plague measures, but orphan measures were also discussed at the meeting. Regarding the textbooks, Magdalena-sama and Harris-sama had proposed it to Cadogan-sama.
"Hmm. You may do as you wish, Sianya. If funds are needed, it will be after consulting with everyone, but I will do as much as possible."
"Thank you very much."
Sianya looked this way and smiled.
The four selected soldiers all became able to fly, including high-speed flight.
On the spot, they were awarded medals by the recovered Crown Prince Edward, and the granting of new territory and transfer to the Royal Guard were conveyed. The soldiers were all joyful and renewed their vows of loyalty to the Royal Family.
The golem activation experiment also went well. Of course, it wasn't a Flesh Golem using Forbidden Magic, but a Stone Golem using stone.
Eleanor-sama placed several stones in a way that piled up like a stone doll with a head, arms, and legs on top of a magic circle drawn on a large board. She stuffed a Magic Stone, which would become the core, into a hole opened in the torso.
Next, she entered the incantation. The magic circle on the wooden board and the magic circle on the core emitted light, and the golem began to tremble.
"Hardened Stone! Clump Stone! Stone Pillar!"
She released three different types of magic—mid-level, mid-level, and high-level—in rapid succession without chanting. Indeed, it's something only an ultra-high-level mage can do.
"Awaken! Stone Golem!"
When Eleanor-sama spoke, the light emitted from the two magic circles enveloped the golem, and the golem made a sound like a groan.
It activated!
It's raising both hands and groaning.
"Stand by! Eliminate anyone who approaches within a distance of ten steps in front!"
The golem groaned again, then lowered its hands and stopped moving.
"In this state, as long as the magic circle doesn't collapse, it should stay on standby even if left forever. If someone approaches the instructed distance of ten steps, it will launch an attack."
The unit commander of the magic soldiers is explaining to Eleanor-sama. He seems to know how to use it himself.
"The true worth of that thing is a Sand Golem plastered with soil on a cliff. It suddenly attacks from the side when an enemy on the march approaches to close range."
That's scary. Those being attacked wouldn't be able to bear it.
"If our country had an ultra-high-level mage who uses earth magic, we could stay on standby in the sky using the flight magic that hides one's appearance taught by Eleanor-sama, and attack an enemy on the march with several golems at once. Well, for now, it's like a pie floating in the sky, and not of much use."
So that's why the highway at the border was surrounded by cliffs that were just cut through the ridges. In an emergency, it might be good to just apply for the volunteer army.
Lunch was a move in a medium-sized bowl that hid its appearance, and after a sightseeing flight around the Royal Capital together with the Royal Family who were unexpectedly making a great fuss over their first flight experience, we returned to the Royal Palace.
Lunch was prepared even for Keira. There was also cheese in a barrel as a souvenir. To that extent, the Royal Family except for the three princesses and Cadogan-sama did not attend.
"Since you have come as attendants to the Princesses, it is said that you may join us."
The one managing the place is Sianya. Ostensibly, she's acting on behalf of Cadogan-sama, but she surely proposed to provide this place.
Keira, who had been timid at the appearance of the great spirits last night, seemed to be hungry after playing for half a day in the form of a wild rat. After taking a bite of the tail of a large shrimp that had turned bright red after being boiled in a soup with herbs and closing her eyes for a while to savor it, she was munching on the things served, saying, "Delicious, delicious."
"I wonder, is it okay? For me to receive this kind of treatment."
Keira said while drinking wine, having finished eating and being satisfied.
"This is also part of the contract. Since you have entered into a contract with Priestess Jeanne, our country will guarantee your life during your stay in our country."
"Hehe. Thank you."
When Sianya replied, Keira, with a full stomach, said thank you with a brilliant smile.
"Hah," a servant let out a sigh, then after being glared at by Sianya, bowed awkwardly and took a step back. As expected of Mary II.
After the plates were cleared and we were having drinks, Crown Prince Edward entered.
Everyone stood up. Sianya also looked at everyone and stood up in a hurry.
He gestured with his hand that we could stay as we were. Since he himself sat down, everyone sat down.
"Edward. What's wrong?"
Sianya asks.
"No, I have a bit of a consultation for everyone."
"A consultation?"
Is there anything we can do to consult for the Crown Prince of a nation?
"I have heard that everyone participated in the Demon Lord subjugation war and the previous campaign."
The three princesses are different, but well, that's true.
"However, I was before my coming-of-age, and our country somehow won without fighting. I do not know my own ability as a military commander."
I see. Even for a Crown Prince, being a Commander-in-Chief must carry a corresponding weight. His grandfather was a hero, and his father drove away the Engrio army with a skill equal to the hero Henry. His physique is amazing, but he's only fifteen. Moreover, he has no actual combat experience.
"B-but, I think you are splendid. You are behaving as a Crown Prince."
It's Miana. In a sense, she's in the position that can empathize the most. Moreover, despite having the first right of succession to the throne, she aims to be a shopkeeper of a girls' shop.
"I heard that everyone has a lot of experience in monster extermination. If possible, I would like to participate in the subjugation of a suitable opponent at least once."
Hmm. It wouldn't be bad.
"What kind of suitable opponent?"
Mary asked. It's better to leave the negotiation to her.
"I heard Priestess Jeanne is a Dragon Killer. For example, how about the subjugation of a dragon?"
"Impossible."
I'm sorry, but it's an immediate answer. It's presumptuous of me to claim that title. Besides, a dragon is not an opponent to be subjugated.
"Are you a Dragon Killer?"
Keira, you don't have to be afraid.
"You are having quite an interesting conversation."
This time Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama entered. Magdalena-sama is also there.
Since everyone stood up, I stood up in a hurry. Usually, I don't treat the two of them that way, so I forgot that this was the Royal Palace. Keira, who stood up quickly, is grinning.
The three of them sat in chairs as they were and encouraged everyone to sit down.
"This is, everyone. As the military commander, I have shown an embarrassing side by consulting a priest about monster extermination."
"There is no need to worry. Whether the opponent is a priest or even a child, you should listen to them if necessary. There is nothing to be ashamed of."
Eleanor of Tactics follows up.
"I am grateful for your concern."
"By the way, you said earlier that you wanted to subjugate a dragon. Do you have any leads?"
This is bad. If there really is one in Primordia, I plan to go see it.
"I don't know what to say... It's a large snake that lives in the sea. Some say it's a type of dragon."
"It must be the Orpheushchi. However, that is usually in deep parts of the sea... on the north side of the island. It shouldn't show itself around here where it's close to the continent and the water is shallow."
"That is, since three or four years ago, sightings have been frequent in the southern waters of our country by merchant ships, and fishing boats have been attacked, with several death reports and damage reports coming in. We are currently in the middle of gathering information to confirm the truth."
"Does His Majesty the King know about this?"
"He has left it entirely to me."
"Henry, what shall we do?"
"Let's certainly cooperate."
Henry-sama brought out a scroll for full authority in foreign negotiations and decided it easily.
What is the Orpheushchi?
According to Crown Prince Edward, it's a large snake that lives in the sea, but...
"It's said that it can be driven away with Holy. It's likely a monster."
If it's monster extermination, I don't mind doing it. I may not look it, but it's my profession.
I catch Mary's eye. It's better to leave the negotiation to her.
"What would be the subjugation rank?"
"It's said to use magic. And since it will be a battle at sea, C-rank would be appropriate."
It's Eleanor-sama.
Equivalent to the flying snake Wyrm. We should have defeated it with more than ten people before. Now that I've become stronger than then, it might be a bit better.
"Regarding the profit, how much would it be worth?"
When Mary asked Crown Prince Edward, the reply was that he didn't know. Apparently, there are no records of it being defeated. It seems that when it sees it's at a disadvantage, it immediately dives into the sea and escapes.
"Splitting it half and half would be fine. If it's a snake, the skin and fangs will sell for a good price. Even more so if it's a rare item."
"No, I will give all of it to you. Instead, I would like you to handle everything from the planning of the operation to the subjugation. Of course, I will be present, so please give me any instructions if a warrior is needed."
This word became the deciding factor, and the Class of 175 also decided to take it on.
Even though we say we'll take it on, we can't stay forever when we don't know if it's really there. I also want to hear information from the spirits. Especially Alex. Besides, it's already close to the middle of November. Henry-sama and the others must be in the Royal Palace for the year-end and New Year holidays. From December to February, sightings seem to be non-existent, perhaps because the sea snake hibernates. It was decided to come again in March.
We received a grand send-off and set sail. As soon as we were offshore, we switched to the medium-sized bowl and returned to the farm in Nakanohara while taking breaks along the way.
When I introduced Keira to everyone, Violet was quite happy. Keira also seemed to know the kindness of the Arachne, and the two were hugging each other.
Serena, Renata, Little Serena, the Alraunes including Flora, and the goblins also knew that low-level demons live in the forest. Just as Bonnie was talking about the master of the mountain, they are gradually appearing in Sertoria as well.
"Basically, they aren't folks who live in groups, so you can just leave them alone. They look it, but they're quite fierce about territorial disputes."
When Violet said that, Keira played dumb. When I stared at her, she stuck out her tongue.
Next, I introduced Miana. The bandits seemed to know everyone, and stood up as soon as Magdalena-sama and Miana stood for self-introductions.
"You may sit. In this farm, status in human society shouldn't matter."
At Magdalena-sama's words, applause broke out.
After a toast and eating and drinking for a while, it was a strategy meeting.
"It's the same as the training from before. Since it will be an official subjugation request, please participate as much as possible from the Class of 175."
During the winter, Beatrix will be away from the village of Regnentes. In addition, if we exclude the year-end and New Year's banquet season, Mary will also be able to participate.
"Miana, how about you? Priestess Aira and Princess Saxburg won't be here, but how about even just observing?"
Miana, asked by Magdalena-sama, nodded, and Beowulf's participation was also decided.
Those who expressed non-participation were Lyudmila and Matilda.
"I could go, but it's on the sea, right? I'll pass on a battle where I can't punch while stepping firmly on the ground. Besides, there are many orders for prosthetic arms and legs."
As usual, but that's also like Matilda. There's also the shop, so I decided to have them stay behind.
Lyudmila is of course impossible. She has to look around the entire Flatlands and take care of the fourth shop of the farm.
In the end, six people became able to participate.
"It's March at the earliest. Please take care of the hunting and rat extermination during the winter."
Marcelo-san smiled and accepted, and the next trip to Primordia was decided.