Chapter 380 - Chapter 15: Stay in the Hot Spring Town
"This is not a suitable place for debate."
Since neither Eleanor-sama nor King Seldic showed any sign of backing down, Henry-sama stepped in. Perhaps he couldn't bear to watch anymore.
As a result of both parties putting away their verbal weapons for the moment, it was decided that we would at least go to the place where the books are. In any case, they can't be read unless I use magic. It wouldn't matter whether Harris-sama was there or not.
King Seldic and the head of the church from the entrance aren't the only ones entering for the first time. Let alone Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama, everyone except Beatrix is experiencing this for the first time. Everyone looked up at the glowing ceiling with their mouths open and tilted their heads at the books on the shelves. When they tried to touch them, sparks flew and their fingertips were repelled.
"It says 'Encyclopedia of Barriers,' doesn't it?"
"Hmm. Do we seal the Demon Lord with a barrier?"
Eleanor-sama and Henry-sama read the spines.
"Ancient language. And quite old at that."
It's King Seldic. Having been taught by the dwarf, I could distinguish between the old and the new. Someone taught by a human shouldn't be able to do that. To be honest, it was a surprise.
"Can you read it?"
Eleanor-sama seemed to have the same impression.
"Of course. As you know, my country has protected the priests of the Ruined Town. Their research results are submitted as reports."
"What kind of research results are they?"
"Hmph. There is no way I would tell a non-allied nation."
"That is true."
When King Seldic said it teasingly, Eleanor-sama shrugged her shoulders.
"How do you read this book?"
"That is a pleasure for you to wait for until you actually experience it."
Now it's Eleanor-sama's turn. After saying it, she looked away with a 'pui,' but the corners of her mouth were smiling. Perhaps they are of the same kind.
King Seldic, having seen the room with the bookshelves and the room with the altar, seemed satisfied and said, "Let's go back."
After bidding farewell to the dwarf, we decided to return riding in the bowls. In Eleanor-sama's bowl, Henry-sama, Stephens-san, Lewis-san, King Seldic, and the head of the church from the entrance rode, while the rest rode in Beatrix's bowl. King Seldic didn't even look back, despite us being behind him. Since he's riding at the very back, his back is wide open. Hughes-sama is riding in this bowl. King Seldic surely knows he is a hero. He should have handed him the Knight's Staff directly.
Beatrix gave a wink with a smirk. Hughes-sama, who nodded, made a motion of drawing a bow with both hands and pretending to fire an arrow at King Seldic, which almost made me burst out laughing.
"If we had this Flight Magic, the subjugation of the Demon Lord's army might have been much easier."
"Yes. It hadn't been developed yet back then."
Whether they knew it or not, the bowl proceeded with an outwardly peaceful conversation.
It's a strange sight to see arch-enemies riding in the same bowl.
"Seldic. How nostalgic. I saw with my own eyes how you fought valiantly in the Demon Lord subjugation war despite not yet being an adult."
"At that time, the Medioland army was stationed in the center, and Sertoria and Engrio formed the wings. Against the battle in the center, we deployed our cavalry to the left and right to encircle them, and taking advantage of the enemy's confusion, we charged together all the way to the enemy's main camp."
"That's right. After dividing the enemy with our wings, we charged the main camp, and the one who struck down the executive of the Demon Lord's army leading the main camp was you."
"Nonsense, it was because Eleanor's ultra-high-level magic opened the path to the main camp."
The two of them are laughing.
"At that time, I intended to crush the main camp with Prominence, but it was blocked. You galloped your horse as if chasing the fireball the moment I released it. Did you know my magic would be blocked?"
Eleanor-sama also joined in while laughing.
"I didn't know. I just knew that beyond that magic lay the enemy's main camp. Whether the magic hit or not, I saw that if someone took the lead, everyone would charge and the enemy would collapse. Striking him down was just a matter of chance."
"I was watching that charge from the main camp. The sight of the Engrio standard-bearer following the Second, King Seldic, is still burned into my eyes. It was a magnificent display of knighthood."
Even Stephens-san joined in. If they fought together that much, why do they go to war?
After a while of blooming old stories, we reached the so-called exit of the church. At King Seldic's suggestion, we were to have the head of the church guide us through the church.
This is my first time in a completely pagan church.
It has a vastness not inferior to the Nakanohara Great Church, and many priests are coming and going. Everyone seems to know about King Seldic, as they stop and greet him when passing by.
At the front of the sanctuary, there is a picture depicted in colored glass, showing an old man who looks like a mage wearing a brown robe and holding a long spear. It feels somewhat mismatched.
"This is our main deity. He is the god who presides over war and wisdom."
I see. Magic and a spear? That's quite dangerous. Isn't that why they frequently start wars?
After that, there were explanations about the various stone statues of gods lined up on the left and right of the sanctuary. In the head of the church's office, we were given drinks by the secretary and given a rough explanation about the main deity.
"Sir Stephens' wife, the Bishop, and the other girl who were traveling with you are currently on their way to this town under the escort of the Royal Guard. They should arrive in about two days using the stations. Let us join up and finish the first investigation. Submit a report to me as the Lord each time. From the second time onward, you may give it to the Archbishop."
"Will you not participate in the investigation from the second time onward?"
"It is a literature search regarding the barrier, right? I do not have the time to go that far. As long as the objective and results are understood, it is fine, but be sure to submit the reports. Archbishop, I leave it to you."
At King Seldic's words, the Archbishop lowered his head as if to say, "Understood." In Engrio, the status of a priest is clearly below that of the King.
"Until the investigation is finished, you will stay at my Royal Family's villa."
We decided to go outside the town once to stay and wait for the arrival of Stephens-san's wife and Bonnie, who are with Harris-sama, along with the head of the church from the entrance.
The inn we arrived at by carriage from the back entrance of the church was the Engrio Royal Family's rest house.
It was a honey-colored building standing near the forest. I expected the inside to be gaudy and magnificent, but it had a calm atmosphere with honey-colored, warm, and sophisticated wall colors similar to the exterior, and pale red carpets with gold trim.
When guided to the reception room, there was a marble fireplace and heavy dark brown furniture, and the sense of luxury increased all at once. The drink poured by the elderly waiter was a red wine from the continent; its color was beautiful like a red jewel, and it had a fruit-like aroma and a moderate acidity with a mellow mouthfeel that went down the throat smoothly.
While I was dazed by the sheer deliciousness, one man and two women entered as if guided by the waiter.
"Those people will..." King Seldic sent his gaze toward the four men and women standing near the door. One elderly waiter with white hair... perhaps he is the butler who manages this rest house... one fat person who is clearly in charge of cooking, one thin man who looks gentle and kind, and the last one is a young woman. The woman seems to be an attendant, wearing a light brown tunic with a white apron and a white kerchief on her head.
"Those people will take care of you. If there is anything you need, just say so. All four were born and raised in this land. If you ask about the local specialties or souvenirs of this place, they will tell you."
The men placed their right hands on their chests and bowed, and the woman lifted her tunic slightly, lowered her left leg, bent her knees, and lowered her posture.
After the introductions were over, it was time for the meeting.
After the room was cleared of others, we proceeded while drinking wine.
"Seldic. It is fine for your country to participate in the investigation of that cave, but there are conditions that must be observed."
First, Henry-sama spoke up.
The conditions Henry-sama spoke of were two points: first, not to disclose it to others, and second, that the investigation results be used for the sake of the entire island.
King Seldic readily agreed and promised to vow to the main deity, the mage with the spear, that only the head of the church from the entrance and King Seldic would be involved and would not disclose it. I wondered how it differed from the Vow of Silence, but he likely used it as a bargaining chip.
Next, when we said the investigation would basically be once a month and would take nearly several months in total, he showed some reluctance, but after explaining the circumstances, he was convinced. King Seldic cannot come every time. He said he would come only for the first time and leave the rest to the head of the church from the entrance. Of course, the report would be made in the presence of the head of the church from the entrance who participates in the investigation, and King Seldic would be the first to look through it.
After the meeting, we were guided to the rooms for staying. Beatrix, Will, and I are in the same room as Bonnie, who is scheduled to arrive. It was a luxurious room with a canopy bed, and a young woman was assigned as the room attendant.
It seems they have their own spring source, and I soaked in the bubbly 'beauty water' together with Eleanor-sama. We even received well-chilled beer in the water.
"Are you from this land?"
Since the room attendant wouldn't drink even when I recommended we drink together, I decided to just have her talk.
"Yes. I am employed by His Majesty Seldic to work at this rest house."
"Are you from a free farmer background?"
"No, I am an orphan of serfs, so I do not have such a status."
Orphan... I heard that orphans of serfs in countries with a nobility system are sold to the continent.
"Lord Seldic is a very kind person. The orphanages in this town and the Royal Family's direct territories are operated by the Royal Family, and all jobs are introduced through the orphanages. The wages are good, and it is even said that it is better to enter an orphanage than to be born as a child of a free farmer."
"Could it be that everyone else is also from an orphanage?"
"No. The head servant and the head chef are from the commoner class."
Including the hired hunters and gardeners of the forest, there are apparently more than thirty people.
There are various restrictions due to status, such as not being allowed to leave the town. However, because the original wages are good, most people apparently marry at the workplace and live in houses on the grounds. Of course, since the children are given sufficient education, nobles and great merchants want them as apprentice butlers or apprentice maids, and they are in high demand. Furthermore, if they buy commoner status with money, they can also become independent. Although few in number, there are even those who caught King Seldic's eye, became knights, and were selected for the Royal Guard. Even if only for one generation, they can become nobles.
"Since that King Seldic chose them, they must be magnificent knights."
When Eleanor-sama, to whom lies do not work, said it with a gentle smile, the attendant silently lowered her head.
After the bath was dinner.
On the large table, luxurious food was lined up, starting with a large block of beef.
The fat waiter thinly sliced the meat with a knife and placed it on the plates. Watching the meat juices copiously oozing from the cut surface, saliva pooled in my mouth. The garnish was boiled carrots, and thinly sliced garlic and onions.
When I tasted it immediately, the surface was crispy and fragrant, while the inside had a moist and soft texture. The flavor of the dark soup made from the drizzled meat juices was irresistible. It went well with the fine red wine, and I found myself eating only meat.
"What is this? This is the most delicious thing I've ever eaten."
I ate intently along with Beatrix. With every bite, meat juices overflowed, and after two bites, the back of my cheeks began to tingle. I continued to eat while slowly chewing and savoring, and drank wine. If we lived such a luxurious life for even a week, we would never be able to return to our usual lives.
"Does it please you?"
When I nodded vigorously, the fat waiter poured a refill of wine with a full smile.
In the end, until we joined up with Harris-sama and the others, the first investigation was finished, and King Seldic looked through the report, we were able to enjoy a life of sheer luxury at the Engrio Royal Family's rest house.
I also became friends with the girl assigned to the room. Since King Seldic's permission was also given, she guided me through the town, and I bought souvenirs at the shops she told me about.
The town was filled with people who looked like they were very wealthy. There were also many people who seemed to have come from the continent, whose speech I couldn't understand at all. Despite the crowds, people like Sertoria's vigilantes were frequently patrolling, and the public order seemed good.
"Our country has strict penalties for criminals such as pickpockets and shoplifters, not to mention murder and robbery. Depending on the case, same-day execution is not out of the question. Thanks to that, public order is very good."
Could one call it 'drastic'? Whether the opponent is a noble or whatever, they apparently take a resolute attitude.
"I hear rumors that in other countries, he is called a cold-blooded person who loves war, but Lord Seldic is truly a kind person who thinks of the people first."
She said it while looking straight into my eyes.
After a five-day stay, the luxurious life came to an end.
Whether he was told something by Henry-sama or he gave up, King Seldic did not challenge Eleanor-sama to a debate, and we spent a peaceful life without any inconveniences, sticking to harmless topics.
As for the investigation, King Seldic, Eleanor-sama, Harris-sama, the head of the church, and I participated.
The content, according to Harris-sama, was all explanations of things that could be called the basics of barriers, and the Displeasure I had learned appeared first.
"Out of the four books, we didn't even get through one."
It was about three-quarters of the way.
King Seldic took a sip of wine from his canteen and stretched.
"Since it involves transcribing the contents read aloud, it takes time."
No matter how fast I read, it's meaningless.
"Thought Communication, was it? You use a mysterious magic."
Even though it was his first time, I couldn't read his heart at all. Of course, I told him what kind of magic it was before using it. People I've used it on before would transmit voices of surprise until they got used to it. Even Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama were like that. He always has an expression like he's smiling, and he skillfully hides his heart. What kind of person is he?
"According to what I hear, it is magic that brings conversation to those who are hard of hearing. I believe there is also magic that can cure Karmic Disease. There are those in my country who need it. Sell me the scrolls."
I received a direct request from the King. However, it's a non-allied nation. Furthermore, if high taxes are applied, they will only reach the wealthy.
"I will issue a special permit. It will be under the direct control of the Royal Family, so no taxes are needed. I will also make the transport costs within my territory free. Jeanne. I shall appoint you as a knight of my country and permit the use of an emblem within my territory. If you do not have an emblem, create one. I grant you the right of free passage and free trade, and I guarantee the safety of passage within my territory for you and the cargo where the flag embroidered with your emblem stands. I will not let anyone touch the cargo until it reaches the warehouse managed by the Royal Family within my territory."
In other words, I can have direct dealings with the Engrio Royal Family.
When I looked at Henry-sama, he looked at Eleanor-sama while nodding.
"There is no connection between the Royal Families, but we do not obstruct private trade. You just have to submit a notification of import and export items to His Majesty, just like with other countries."
Eleanor-sama, who had been eating and drinking together with King Seldic many times, said.
"Hey, hey. Jeanne's magic is handed over in scrolls, but is it okay to load other things too?"
The pushy mage spoke up. She also talked about the Class of 175 Shop.
"Hmm. In other words, you are telling me to trade with the Class of 175 Shop?"
"Hmm. Can't we call it a transaction with Jeanne? Jeanne is a person from our shop, after all. Well, we handle various things. The emblem flag? I just have to put it on, right?"
"I do not mind. Then, you do have an emblem."
"This is it, this."
She shows the Class of 175 membership card attached to my storage bag.
"Hmm. A good design. However, be sure to include a certain number of scrolls. If the number is insufficient, it will be considered a breach of contract and everything will be confiscated. In other words, it's pay later."
"One barrel of twenty scrolls each for Thought Communication and Anti-Sepsis is the basic, so one barrel a month is fine, right? If you make a magic circle over there and put magic into the scrolls, they should be perfectly usable. Can you load something of equal value in return? I want to import."
"Very well. You should stop by the Royal Palace on your way back. I will introduce you to the bursar."
If it's someone from the Royal Palace, they must be a noble. They surely handle only high-end goods. Our products' selling point is their low price. They will surely look down on us.
"Um, I heard that King Seldic introduces jobs to orphans. If it's alright, I would like to trade with such people."
"The person acting as the bursar at the Royal Palace is from an orphanage. Is that unsatisfactory?"
It seems he hires those who are sharp-witted as servants, and after thoroughly assessing them, makes them commoners, and then knights.
I was surprised. It's not just soldiers that he promotes.
Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama are also looking at each other.
"T-Then that is fine. I spoke out of turn."
I couldn't believe he was the same person who was trying to slaughter everyone town by town in Regnentes and Sertoria.
On the way back, we jumped to the Engrio Royal Palace with Teleport.
I spoke with the bursar and was able to reach an agreement on the broad strokes.
That night, he rented out an entire expensive-looking inn and I received a private but warm welcome.
"What kind of person did you think King Seldic was?"
At night, Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama visited our room.
"I feel like I can understand why he is called a hero of his generation."
The first to speak was Will. She usually acts in a set with Henry-sama and the others. That Will said it.
"He's an amazing person. It was the same when I first met him, but the pressure is incredible. As expected of a King of a great nation."
Beatrix has met royalty other than those of Morandine. Even so, she seemed overwhelmed.
"Hmm. He's a person where you don't know what he's thinking. He was always just smiling, and his expression didn't change."
The scout Bonnie is also unable to judge.
"What did Jeanne think?"
I...
"He is a very magnificent person. But I thought he is someone who cannot help but fight."
The face of the attendant girl who guided me in the hot spring town flickers in my mind. She undoubtedly admired and respected King Seldic.
"Why do you think so?"
Eleanor-sama is staring intently into my eyes.
Looking at King Seldic, I was reminded of the Demon Lord.
"King Seldic is positioned on the opposite side of the Goddess's teachings. In other words, he is someone who must be fought. But he is also someone who puts a lot of effort into improving the lives of poor people. If he were an ally, how reassuring he would be..."
Eleanor-sama's face became serious.
"I think so too. Ever since we fought the Demon Lord's army together, I have thought so all along."
Eleanor-sama, who looked away, said with a sigh, and Henry-sama nodded in agreement.
"Um, could it be that involving King Seldic in this investigation was something you had considered from the beginning?"
Otherwise, they wouldn't have gone out of their way to do something that would catch the eyes of the scouts.
"Not from the beginning. It was from the time information came in from internal intelligence on the day before the infiltration plan that the timing and location of this investigation target had been leaked."
As proof of that, they surrounded the inn where Henry-sama and the others stayed.
"Until that time, we intended to stay inconspicuous until the last moment."
That policy was reversed.
They apparently thought that if they stood out, King Seldic would definitely come out.
"Did you want to meet him directly?"
"Yes. King Seldic fought valiantly in the battle against the Demon Lord's army without regard for his own safety. Those feelings back then haven't changed. Surely, the objective is the same. It's just that the methodology is different. I understood that."
So saying, she smiled sadly.
Class of 175 Management Scale Latest (Excluding personal assets such as cash and jewels)
・Shops: Main Shop (Nakanohara, Kingdom of Sertoria), Second Shop (Village near the Sertoria border in eastern Regnentes), Third Shop (Sertoria Royal Capital), Fourth Shop (the Flatlands), Temporary Shop (Primordia)
・Right of Free Passage and Free Trade: Medioland, Regnentes, Finis, Northern Gram, Primordia, Engrio
・Fields: 8 fields (including buildings with farm functions)
・Livestock: Goats, sheep, pigs, a few
・Contract Animals: 8 honeybee swarms
Chapter 15: End
This concludes Chapter 15.
Thank you very much for reading this far.
And thank you very much for the new bookmark registrations, ratings, and for maintaining your bookmarks.
At the time of writing this afterword, I was able to record my personal best. Thanks to you, I can work hard on updates.
This time, it became an Engrio infiltration arc, including a great monster battle (though the description of the battle between monsters is brief). Of course, the hot spring town that served as the main setting has a model town. It's that town registered as a World Heritage site, which is also the origin of the English word for bath.
Actually, I have never been to that town. I like hot springs, but I have no experience with overseas hot springs themselves. Perhaps because of that, the description of the protagonist's hot spring experience, though I wrote one episode in the side stories, is basically that of a Japanese bathing scene. My apologies to those who were disappointed by the overly familiar description for a fantasy. Of course, there shouldn't be any legends about fire spirits, represented by Salamanders, boiling the hot springs of that town. But, for example, in an era when lightning and earthquakes were expressed as the wrath of God and people feared them, how was the reason for hot springs gushing out explained? I thought they must have believed that someone was definitely boiling them. This story was written with those thoughts in mind.
Now, following this time where King Seldic reappeared, the Growth Period Arc (has it been conveyed what kind of growth period it is?) will continue in the next chapter as well.
The writing speed is gradually slowing down, but at present, I have progressed to the point where there are three episodes left, so the update frequency can be maintained.
I will post one side story on Friday, and then Episode 1 of Chapter 16 starting from Monday after the weekend.
The setting for the next chapter will be a country the protagonist sets foot in for the first time. I hope you enjoy it.
And if you like it, please register a bookmark, rate it, and give it a like.
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