Chapter 362 - Chapter 5: Request to Engrio
I received a direct request from the King. Moreover, it's apparently top secret.
After bidding farewell to the foxes, who could be called my comrades in spirit, I was able to successfully report my ordination as a Bishop to the King. Since he had attended as a guest, there was no need for a report, but it seems I had to report in the audience chamber as the deputy director of the Medical Research Institute. In short, it was likely a pretext for participating in the banquet.
This time, unusually, Matilda was with me. It's because she was hired as the technical lead for the workshop that makes prosthetic arms and legs. It's probably the first time since the Demon Lord subjugation war; she came wearing her Green Marble. Perhaps because she wears short sleeves even in winter, she was already sweating at the waiting room stage.
"This wine is delicious. The royal palace is different after all."
She's asking for a refill in a loud voice. She's a total country bumpkin.
Matilda is truly herself for not getting nervous, but the only person I know who has asked for a refill in the waiting room is Paul-san.
Before coming to the royal palace, she apparently went around with Mary's guidance to the royal-appointed accessory shops and blacksmiths to look at tools. Of course, unlike me, she had eaten a proper lunch.
"How was the sightseeing in the Royal Capital?"
"It was good. I learned a lot. I should have come sooner."
That's because she refused when I went out of my way to invite her. Well, she probably didn't think she'd be shown the skills of the first-class craftsmen of the Royal Capital.
"Today was a tour of craftsmen. First was the jewelry shop on the main street, then four blacksmith shops in various places that make prosthetic arms and legs."
Mary, acting as the guide, let out a sigh and took a sip of wine. She doesn't gulp it down like Matilda. Mary was the one who made arrangements with the other parties, including time adjustments.
"We were only able to go around to all of them because Miana-sama lent us a carriage; otherwise, it would have been impossible."
"I see. I'll have to say thanks to Miana... the Princess too."
The problem is this foul mouth. Even after turning twenty, it seems her habit of suddenly punching people has decreased, but her bad language hasn't changed.
"I just have to stay quiet, right?"
"No. You're being taken into service, so you have to say thank you."
"Is that so?"
This is how she is. When I look at Mary, she's sighing. She must have explained it many times by now.
"I gratefully accept. It is an honor beyond my station."
"Ah, that one!"
It's not "that one!" Is she going to be okay?
That Matilda stood dazed with her mouth open as soon as the door opened.
And no wonder. As soon as the door opened, music was played with sounds I had never heard before, and at the same time, young men and women in their teens began to sing.
The mysterious sound, which could be said to be like the foot of the Goddess, was being played from a wooden box with many tubes sticking out of it. In front of the box was a single man, shaking his head and moving his hands in a strange way.
While the two of us were frozen by the unexpected event, the music and song finally ended, and the King and Queen, along with the other attendees, applauded. Among the attendees were Henry-sama's group. At this stage, I already had a bad feeling.
"Jeanne. How is this production?"
The King asked.
"I-I was surprised."
"Umu. Has the dignity of our royal palace's audience chamber increased a little?"
He and Magdalena-sama are both delighted.
"Let me introduce him. He is our court musician. He has been dispatched from Northern Gram for one year. He is also a master of the organ."
The King pointed to the right, where the person who had been sitting at the wooden box with tubes... the organ, stood up. He placed his right hand on his chest and gave a bow.
"Matilda. How was it?"
Magdalena-sama asked Matilda.
"I-It's amazing. I've never heard such a beautiful sound..."
She started walking toward the organ step by step.
"W-Wait, Matilda."
I hurriedly grabbed her arm.
"It's fine. Let her see as she likes."
"Is it okay?"
Matilda went straight to the organist and was asking various questions.
In fact, everyone in attendance, starting with the King, was gathered around the organ. When the organist called out, another person came out from behind the box. He's the person behind the scenes; apparently, the sound won't come out without him. Once again, applause was sent to the two of them.
"Today is actually the first time the organ has been played at a ceremony."
Evans-sama said. I see, if it's us, it would be just right for practice.
The ceremony proceeded as if it were a concert, with several pieces being played for everyone to listen to in a daze. Amidst the ringing applause, the court musician withdrew with the backstage staff and the choir.
In a completely relaxed atmosphere, the ceremony proceeded, and Matilda was able to say her thanks for her appointment as technical lead without any problems. She then left the room led by Mary.
It was then that I received the request for a new job from the King.
Remaining in the audience chamber were the King and Queen, Henry-sama's group, Evans-sama, Hughes-sama, and Harris-sama—five people in total.
"Thanks to you, I have been safely ordained as a Bishop."
"Yes. Jeanne. Congratulations on your appointment as Bishop. I heard you've become able to use barriers."
"Yes. Thanks to the consideration of Henry-sama and the others, I was guided by Harris-sama over there."
Technically, I was trapped, but I can't say that.
When I glanced at Harris-sama, he was averting his eyes.
"Jeanne. We put you through a lot of trouble."
It's truly heartening that the King, who could be called a comrade in a sense, is laboring for me.
"By the way. It's a continuation of the trouble, but I want you to accept a job request. The timing is sudden, but you'll be departing in two or three days. Until then, you'll stay at the royal palace. It's only a few days, so you should be in time for the wedding of Eowyn-dono and Princess Aira."
"Is it monster extermination?"
"No, it's not. The requester is James-dono of Medioland."
"James-sama?"
After that, it became an explanation from Harris-sama.
In short, it's related to the Church.
"Actually, Price-sama is behind this."
I can't refuse a request from the Medioland Royal Family and the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church.
"In other words, is it part of that investigation?"
"That's right. We're going to Engrio. However, we'll be hiding our identities."
E-Engrio...
It's finally come. And the fact that we're hiding our identities means King Seldic is still being excluded.
According to Harris-sama, the reason lies in the complexity of the religious situation in the Kingdom of Engrio.
There is one altar in Engrio. Most likely, a fire spirit is nearby. As a target, there is a famous hot spring resort in Engrio, and everyone thinks the fire spirit is boiling the hot springs there. However, the investigation results from the Engrio Royal Capital Great Church showed that there were no such facilities. However, the royalty and nobility believe in a different religion. A sufficient investigation might not have been possible. A re-investigation had been requested.
"Actually, near the hot spring resort, what looks like ruins or wreckage has been found. So, it was suggested that we actually go to that hot spring resort. However, the royalty and heroes stand out too much. For now, the interaction is only through the Church, and King Seldic shouldn't know anything. We haven't told Morandine, the former ally, the details of the investigation either."
"Then, is it just Harris-sama and me?"
If I recall correctly, Stephens-san is limited to the mountain. Surely Henry-sama's group won't come.
"No, Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama will participate. Wilson and Will too. Also, Hughes and Lewis will participate. And we're checking with the Marcelo Company, but Bonnie is being considered as a candidate."
"It's only Sertoria, then."
"That's right. For the first time, we'll do it with only our country, receiving local support."
Seeing the King glance at Eleanor-sama, those delinquent old people must have plotted something again.
But if it's the "first time," does that mean there's a second time and beyond?
"For the second time and beyond, Sir Stephens's participation has been decided. It will be under the guise of accompanying his wife on a sightseeing trip. Henry-sama and the others won't participate in that. Instead, I will join."
Stephens-san? Even so, having two Bishops accompanying seems like a quite luxurious composition...
"Sir Stephens is a noble representing Medioland. It's not strange for him to have two Bishop-class priests in his service."
"Eh! Is that so!"
I accidentally raised my voice.
"Hey, that's rude to the noble of another house. Besides, you're in the presence of His Majesty."
"I'm sorry."
The King also cleared his throat.
However, since he was coughing a lot afterward as if to hide his laughter, it should be fine.
But such a humble person?
I can only say it's unexpected.
"Think about it. Sir Stephens's territory is at a strategic point near the borders with Engrio and our country, and it includes the foot of the mountain, which can be called a holy land. It's because of his noble lineage."
In the previous war, he had deployed his army around the Eastern Plains. The main force led by James-sama, which was thought to have been wiped out, moved in as if swapping places, and attacked all at once with the declaration of war. Stephens-san then moved west and apparently pursued Margrave Mortimer's army together with Roberts-sama and Gladys-sama. In other countries where nobles exist, it's a feat that can't be done unless the relationship of trust with the royal family is extremely strong.
Not only with Medioland, but he also has deep interactions with the royalty of Sertoria, and his two sons serve as James-sama's staff. Come to think of it, he was a person of appropriate standing.
The other members are a selection suitable for a top-secret mission. Hughes-sama is a hero but also a scout. He'll probably disguise himself as some profession. Lewis-san goes without saying. The problem is Bonnie, but she's usually with Director Paul. She'll probably serve without issue.
"I'm sorry, Jeanne. I'm putting you through trouble. To be honest, I didn't want to send you to Engrio yet."
The King apologized. It's a request from the Medioland Royal Family and the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church. It can't be refused.
"Also, my father and mother might intrude along the way. Even if I tell them not to stand out, they are people who stand out. Basically, it's been agreed that they won't participate, but there's no telling what they'll do."
"Thank you for your hard work. It's tough for you too, Your Majesty."
Seeing him sigh, he must have a lot built up. Tonight's banquet might get wild.
Harris-sama turned his face away to try and suppress his laughter, so I poked him with my elbow.
As for the route, first, Harris-sama, Captain Lewis, and Bonnie will go to Sir Stephens's mansion. There, we'll join up with Hughes-sama, who should have already gone to the site.
The problem is from there; we'll go west of the mountain from Sir Stephens's territory, then head south to cross the border, pass through Engrio territory, and go to the hot spring resort.
"We're not going from Sertoria, then."
"Yeah. There's no reason for Sir Stephens to go out of his way to come to Sertoria when he's going to that hot spring resort."
I understand that, but going from a foreign country to another foreign country makes me feel somewhat uneasy.
"Don't worry. The journey will be in a specially made carriage. After passing the border, it takes three days one way, but except when staying at an inn, we'll be in the carriage the whole time. At the border, Sir Stephens, the great noble of Medioland, will explain everything. We just need to give blessings to the soldiers at the checkpoint."
"Can the post stations be used in Engrio too?"
"Engrio is the only place where foreigners can use the post stations. King Seldic is quite something. With the laborization of magic and all, he's quite advanced. Though, it depends on the money."
There shouldn't be a problem with money. After all, the client is Medioland.
"Anyway, the destination is a famous tourist spot. Tourists are coming from various countries. Of course, they're nobles and rich people. The plan is to blend in with them."
"It sounds somewhat luxurious."
"Yeah, an investigation is an investigation. Hot springs are hot springs. Both the inn and the food are luxurious. You should enjoy it."
Is that okay? Priests are originally supposed to be poor and pure.
"Jeanne. Foreign nobles have priests in their service. And most of them are from noble backgrounds. It's also a social study to experience firsthand what kind of luxury those people are enjoying."
The King told me.
In other words, go and see the greedy side. Well, it's probably necessary to have such an experience once in a lifetime. It's only by standing on the side of people in various positions that one can understand their feelings. Since the King is saying so, I'll enjoy the luxury... I mean, the experience.
At the banquet, I was able to meet Stephens-san for the first time in a while. He came for the preliminary meeting, but it's been since the mountain investigation.
When Stephens-san arrived, we were drinking beverages in the waiting room.
In the waiting room were Henry-sama, Eleanor-sama, Miana, Evans-sama, Wilson-san, as well as Beowulf, Will, Mary, Matilda, and me—all five members of the Class of 175 were present.
While I was telling the story of the sea snake extermination as requested by Evans-sama, Stephens-san popped his head in.
"Hey, Stephens! It's been a long time."
"Stephens. It's been a while. Is there any change?"
The carefree old couple called out, and Evans-sama hurriedly ran over.
"Sir Stephens, I apologize for not providing a guide."
"Not at all, Lord State Chancellor, don't worry about it. This Stephens has received word from Henry-sama that I have free access to the Sertoria Royal Palace, so I have come alone many times."
Free access to the royal palace? A foreigner? What kind of treatment is that?
"Is that so?" Evans-sama was asking Henry-sama. Even the State Chancellor didn't seem to know.
"It was during the previous war. During the truce period, I called him frequently for the awarding of medals, so it became a hassle to go through the procedures every time."
"Evans. Don't worry. His Majesty also knows."
"Is that so? Then there's no problem."
"But you were able to come this far without getting lost."
"No, no, I asked for the whereabouts of Henry-sama and the others at the front entrance."
The people working at the royal palace apparently explained it to Stephens-san as he asked.
"No, excuse me. From now on, I'll make sure to tell them to guide you."
"Don't worry about it. I was the one who refused. Besides, I've gotten lost many times before. That's why I've made a map for conquest like this. Now, I know every nook and cranny of this royal palace."
"That's wonderful. Ashamedly, there are still places I don't quite understand. Would you guide me next time?"
"Leave it to me."
The three of them were laughing together, saying "As expected of Sir Stephens."
Is this okay?
When I looked at Hughes-sama, he mouthed "It's okay" without making a sound. Seeing that, Mary was laughing. Apparently, Hughes-sama was the one who told the palace staff about Stephens-san. Or maybe it was Henry-sama and the others.
"Hey, the royal palace is like the last fortress, right? Even if he's from an allied country, is it okay for a person from another country to have a map for conquest?"
I decided to pretend I didn't hear Matilda's whisper.
At the banquet, we also called Dune and Mel as usual. Mel seemed surprised that Stephens-san was there and was chatting happily with Wilson-san.
It was Matilda's first time participating in a royal palace banquet. At first, her eyes were wide, but she's used to banquets with royalty at the farm. She started eating and drinking without hesitation.
That Matilda was praised quite a bit by Stephens-san for the prosthetic legs. The soldiers who used the prosthetic legs and arms Matilda made are mainly in the territory that became Medioland due to the war. In other words, it's near Stephens-san's territory. The reputation must have spread quickly. Fortunately, in the recent war, there were no people under Stephens-san's command who needed prosthetic legs, but in the territory as a whole, there are apparently several people, starting with hunters, who are using wooden sticks.
As a result of negotiations including Evans-sama, it was decided that technicians from Medioland would be dispatched among the engineers gathered as a measure for the needy—the group Matilda was hired as the lead for.
"The Sertoria Royal Family seems to want to inform each country at the next meeting that our country is leading the way. They think that if they do so, each country will also actively dispatch technicians."
Stephens-san's request was a request from the Medioland Royal Family. In other words, Matilda will be teaching the craftsmen who make prosthetic arms and legs from each country.
"I-I'm going to teach technicians from each country? I'm just a blacksmith."
"That's why it's good. Isn't it a good opportunity to see the skills of blacksmiths from each country? If craftsmen from various countries gather in our country, it's a good opportunity to hone your skills."
"I-If that's okay..."
In the end, I feel like she was skillfully talked into it by Eleanor-sama, but a request fee will also come from the Medioland Royal Family. Matilda had the least connection with the Royal Capital and foreign countries until now. It will be just right.