Chapter 404 - Chapter 12: The Monsters' Night Flight
"Where on earth do you intend to go in the middle of the night?"
Price-sama asked. Actually, I haven't told Price-sama or Sianya anything. Harrison-san is also participating in the exploration of the cave where the evil spirit was, but Harrison-san is not here.
"We will reduce the monsters from that Forest of the Demon Realm."
"A night raid? Wouldn't daytime be better? Certainly, the helpers would be better at night, but..."
Wilson-san's bowl following from behind is medium-sized. Gigant is sitting in the middle. Violet is also with him.
"Don't tell me, you intend to move them again?"
He seemed to have noticed here.
"Yes. Even though they are monsters, they are living."
"Didn't we just fight during the day?"
"Yes. But a battle is a battle. After that is different."
They are the words of the ghosts of Finis. According to Gigant and Violet, if interests collide between monster packs, it becomes a battle. The territorial battles they are doing in the north of the Flatlands are, in short, a struggle for feeding grounds and watering holes. A pack with a good territory is targeted by other packs. The full moon makes the blood boil and it becomes a battle. And once the winner is decided, it returns to normal. Whether they win or lose, they live comfortably without any particular conflict. If the number decreases, they join with other packs; if it increases, they split. Sometimes they split too much. That is how Orcs live their daily lives.
Since Violet became our companion, Henry-sama and the others had been trial-and-erroring how to eliminate the conflict between humans and monsters. In Finis, humans revere dragons who dislike humans, sanctify their living sphere and never violate it, and achieve co-existence and co-prosperity by hunting together. Unfortunately, aside from monsters that prefer human flesh like Ogres or magic beasts and insects that cannot communicate at all, humanoid monsters will rarely leave their own territory if they have Violet or Gigant to manage the territorial boundaries and if they are blessed with sufficient feeding grounds and watering holes.
The conclusion reached after talking with Violet and Gigant as monster representatives, and Serena, Renata, Alex, and the Elves as spirit representatives, was that if both sides properly protect their territories, co-existence and co-prosperity are possible.
"You all are truly..."
He is laughing gently. Perhaps he understood because of what happened during the day.
"However, is there a need for me to join?"
Actually, I don't know. It's a request from Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama.
"What, have you forgotten? It's the words of the vow of us seven."
At Henry-sama's words, Price-sama burst out laughing.
"To our eternal friendship."
"To those who follow after us."
Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama, who straightened their posture, do something like a declaration while placing their right hands on their chests.
It must be the words of the vow of the former Seven Heroes that Henry-sama mentioned.
"They are the words of the vow of each individual former hero. Before a battle or when making a toast, they would apparently exchange the words of the vow to elevate each other."
Prince James told me.
Price-sama, who laughed for a while, straightened his posture just like the old couple and placed his right hand on his chest.
"For the realization of a world of co-existence and co-prosperity."
Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama are nodding with satisfaction.
Price-sama also apparently championed co-existence and co-prosperity when he was ordained as a bishop. Same as me.
By the way, the Headmistress's words of the vow are, "For the peace of the heart," apparently.
Whose peace of the heart is it? Normally, without saying the details, one would interpret it as "of the people."
"As I thought, Catherine is a genius. Catherine of Apostasy and Mercy. She may have wished for the peace of the souls after death of all living things inhabiting this island."
Whatever the case, fame from Demon Lord subjugation or monster subjugation comes first, but in reality, what she put the most effort into was funeral prayers. Ignoring church customs, whether it was someone who died in battle or a monster, she offered funeral prayers without discrimination. As a result, she was effectively driven out of the church. However, the Headmistress had a firm conviction. Souls born from the power of the Goddess return to the Goddess's side. Even if it is a monster's soul.
"Even so, saying the words of the vow in front of you is a bit embarrassing. Jeanne is practicing the Goddess's teachings far more than I am."
"I am just doing as I was taught by the Headmistress."
"Then, we are fellow disciples. I look forward to working with you."
Um, what should I say in return?
The living humans descended to the northwestern part of the forest, and Wilson-san's bowl carrying Gigant and Violet flew toward the east of the forest where the monsters were hiding.
This move is also limited to Orcs, a hundred of them.
Eleanor-sama and Prince James make a simple base with the two of them, then draw a teleportation magic circle on one side, and then draw the other magic circle at the ruins to finish it, so we decided to go to the destination first.
We advanced in a medium-sized bowl with our presence hidden. Since we had already introduced Robinson-san and the Elder when we went for the site survey, we picked them up on the way.
The simple magic circle glowed, and Violet came jumping over.
Her expression illuminated by the lantern is dark. Was it not favorable?
"I was given homework."
"Homework?"
"Yeah."
The one who gave the homework was apparently a Fenrir.
It said it's strange that only Orcs can move to a safe place. Since it's limited to a hundred, the other Orcs also complained. In the battle today, they learned of human strength. And since the evil spirit was subjugated, the participation of new recruits cannot be expected much. The monster pack is facing a crisis of survival. It said to do something. It returned the materials used to persuade the first hundred as they were. This part is a monster. If it were a human, you could get angry and say, "That's why I told you so!"
However, Gigant apparently consulted Violet to see if something could be done.
"Did the other monsters say anything?"
It's Eleanor-sama.
"The others died in the battle. It's just Fenrirs and Orcs."
"What is the number?"
"Fifteen Fenrirs and about seven hundred Orcs, I think."
Isn't that sufficient strength? The Morandine army can't charge into the forest. They don't have bowl users.
"Eleanor, how about it? As expected of you all. You must be thinking of something, right?"
When Price-sama said that, Henry-sama took out a scroll of full delegation of diplomatic negotiations.
First, he called out to Eowyn-sama.
"Eowyn-dono. How about it?"
"Yes. According to the confirmation through my sister Saxburg, the Dullahan says he can manage up to two hundred Orcs, according to the reply sent."
Henry-sama nods with a "Umu."
When did they talk about this?
But with this, it decreases by two hundred, and the rest are five hundred Orcs and Fenrirs.
"Violet, what about the Cait Sith?"
"He said up to a hundred Orcs if they are under his direct command. As I was told, I only talked about Orcs."
Did they even involve the Cait Sith? And it's the Demon Lord's army.
But with this, the rest are four hundred Orcs and Fenrirs.
"In that case, how about fleeing into the forest to the northeast of here? Why not do a night flight tonight? There will be territorial disputes at the destination, but they'll just have to manage that between themselves."
When did they find such a place? And it's apparently a place where monsters are normally present.
But if this goes well, they can all move.
Wait, eh! Night flight? And tonight?
"That's right. If we're going to do it, it's tonight. Gigant will have to work hard and run until dawn, but if they go while taking breaks on the way, they should manage somehow."
The target forest is two post stations away in distance, four hours by wagon. There are apparently several small forests on the way, and they will cross from forest to forest. However, between the forests, wheat fields and pastures spread out. It's a plain where they cannot hide themselves.
"It's strange if the monsters suddenly disappear. If we make it look like the monsters who were frightened by the battle during the day abandoned this forest, the logic will hold. For that, humans need to witness the crossing."
Will it really go that well?
Gigant says Fenrirs are used to crossing. The problem is the Orcs. If they get tired on the way, there is a possibility they will slump down on the spot and sleep as they are.
Really, does having a human soul also make them lose their guts?
We must somehow complete the night flight without getting lost and without leaving anyone behind. At the same time, it must be a night flight that is convincing to witnesses. While Eleanor-sama and Prince James talked with Violet and Gigant, an operation plan was somehow put together. The monsters accepted it, and the night flight of the monsters led by humans began.
The fact that humans are involved must be hidden. On the surface, it must look like the monsters fled on their own.
First, the move group. This one is not in a hurry.
The Sertoria group is already connected by teleportation. Violet decided to have some Orcs who had moved in advance come and guide them.
For the Northern Gram group, Saxburg, who received the contact from Eowyn-sama, had contacted the Alraune working in the medicinal herb garden, and she decided to let them use the Dryad's seedling. In other words, if the Orcs go to the medicinal herb garden, the Dullahan is there. Since they have to be connected by a teleportation magic circle, it's necessary to go to Northern Gram. After the magic circle on this side was finished being drawn, Prince James and Eleanor-sama's duo decided to go draw the magic circle on the other side with an ultra-high-speed bowl. The passengers are naturally Eowyn-sama. And Will.
Price-sama, Harrison-san, and the remaining three princes decided to explore the cave where the evil spirit was. If there are ghosts, they might be able to get some information.
The problem is the night flight group.
We go to the night flight group riding Wilson-san's bowl with our presence hidden. The passengers are Henry-sama, Sianya, and me.
The half-moon is out, but once we enter the forest, everything looks like nothing but shadows. I leave it entirely to Wilson-san.
"Are there Fenrirs and Orcs?"
"Yeah, they are gathered around the pond. Gigant and Violet seem to be talking with the Fenrirs. The Orcs are relaxing. Some are sleeping."
What are they doing! Shall I illuminate them with maximum [Light]!
Gigant held up a large torch. When the Fenrirs, who grasped the situation, howled, the Orcs stood up. Violet is kicking the heads of the sleeping ones to force them awake.
After Gigant said something in a loud voice, he began to run. Orcs followed, and Fenrirs mixed in here and there. They are the supervisors. The last one must have left the pond. At Wilson-san's signal, we deactivated [Magic Reflection] and [Camouflage].
"Is it okay to get on now?"
Violet came walking briskly.
"It's okay. Can you get on like this?"
"Yeah. It's okay."
Extending her side legs, she hooked her claws and climbed up.
"I wonder if it'll be okay?"
"Well, with Fenrirs there, it should be okay. Those who fall behind will just have to manage on their own."
I'm quite worried.
We go above the forest and overtake Gigant's torch. We go outside the forest as we are and wait.
Since the lantern is lit, we act as the guide. Henry-sama's group has made a map, so we rely on that to run.
On the way, we pass through four forests. Since breaks are taken there, it's a continuous run until we enter a forest.
Once we pass the flatlands spreading around the Forest of the Demon Realm, we come out to the highway. Since it's the middle of the night, there probably won't be any people.
Since the torch was visible, I held the lantern high.
"They saw us. They're waving their hands."
In that case, start the lead. I have Violet watch the distance and adjust the speed of the bowl. Naturally, we fly above the highway. This area is an enviably flat land. Thanks to that, the highway is also almost straight.
"How fast do Orcs run?"
"Slower than a horse's gallop. Because they are caught by cavalry. But I think they can run about as fast as a wagon."
In other words, four hours. It's right at the limit of dawn.
After about an hour, the first obstacle became visible.
A low hill, or rather a large mound of earth, is visible. On top of it, a building that looks like a fortress is making a silhouette illuminated by the half-moon light.
"That's the village closest to the forest we departed from."
The one looking at the map illuminated by the lantern is Henry-sama.
"There's also a fortress."
"It's the first event in this escape drama."
Escape drama? Event? Wasn't it a night flight?
The highway runs very close to the village. They are running with thundering footsteps. They will definitely be noticed.
"Jeanne. Could you swing the lantern in a large circle so the ones behind can see?"
When I swung it in a circle as I was told, I heard the howling of Fenrirs. Moreover, they were heard one after another without pause. The torches swayed violently up and down.
And then, the war cries of Orcs were heard.
"N-!"
In a hurry, I look at the village. I hope nothing happens...
Whether the torches were lit, several flames are visible. The screams of people were heard. Fires are lit one after another in the fortress as well. Angry shouts were heard. What I could hear was the voice guiding the fleeing villagers. Surely, everyone is trying to flee into the fortress. The crying of children can be heard. Now the village is in great confusion.
The pack of Orcs is just shouting. No matter how you think about it, it's a raid.
"What do you intend to do?"
I could only think that my lantern was the signal.
"No need to worry."
He has a cool face.
In the meantime, the Orcs continued to make noise and passed in front of the village as they were.
"It's eyewitness testimony. By standing out like that, we can obtain testimony that the monsters did a crossing."
"There was a fortress. Won't the cavalry chase us?"
Now the fortress has torches lined up one after another.
"No need to worry. The troop strength deployed is about fifty people, and the cavalry is ten horses. Right now, they must have their hands full with defensive preparations. Since the closest national army is in the Royal Capital, they'll arrive tomorrow at the earliest."
Our strength is clearly greater. Moreover, it's nighttime. They probably won't know the exact number.
But he really knows the number of soldiers in the fortress.
"I've been here many times. Daily investigation is important."
The illegal immigrant is puffing out his chest. You'll definitely be scolded if you're caught.
Just as Henry-sama predicted, without being pursued, the night flight pack entered the forest which would be the first break point.
"This is a truly small forest. There isn't even a single mountain hut. However, there's a pond, so it should be perfect for a break."
They must have taken breaks several times anyway.
"Don't tell me, you even have a secret base?"
"No—, I thought about making one, but there were no suitable cliffs, so I couldn't dig a hole. This area is a bit inconvenient."
I think it's the opposite.
The second and third events were also successfully cleared, and by the time the eastern sky turned purple, the escape drama was only a little left.
"It's the final touch."
"Touch?"
"That's right. If there's eyewitness information that they fled into the target forest, it's complete."
"Are you going to make noise again?"
No matter how you think about it, it's a nuisance to the neighborhood. It makes me feel sorry for the children who raise crying voices.
"No, we won't do anything. Since there's a pasture, they'll just rest until dawn."
It's finished if they are discovered by a shepherd. After that, they cross the flatlands following the pasture and flee into the forest all at once. Even the illegal immigrants don't know where they fled to. It's monster territory.
We arrived at that pasture before dawn. I placed the lantern on a rock and flew toward the forest as I was.
"Violet. How is it? Can you tell anything?"
We fly just above the canopy. It's a preliminary scout.
"This area is a normal forest. If we go further in, there might be something."
When we flew further in, there were Orcs apparently.
"Wait a bit. I'll go ask."
As she was, she lowered a thread from the bowl and slid down.
After waiting for a while, she came back.
"It's okay. There are only Orcs and Ogres around here. There's food, and if they go deep in, there's also a large pond. There are Fenrirs there too, so they can become companions."
"Is the Demon Lord's army unrelated?"
Henry-sama asks. In a sense, it's the most important point.
"It seems okay for now. But since it's what humans call a Demon Realm, if the Demon Lord is resurrected, members of the Demon Race might come out and organize them."
"That is unavoidable."
In the end, we parted with the monsters there. We successfully obtained eyewitness testimony, and we can only hope for the pack's best efforts.
When we returned to the original forest with Gigant and Violet, Eleanor-sama and the others had already returned by teleportation.
"Then, we'll head back from here."
After sending the Orcs by teleportation, Gigant and Violet also returned to Sertoria.
After seeing them off with a "Bye-bye" and taking a break, Price-sama and the others came out of the cave. The sun is already high.
"Did you find out anything?"
"Well. We encountered several wandering souls, but we were unable to converse with them. However, this has truly been a good experience."
Beside him, Roberts-sama and the others are letting out large yawns. In addition to the battle the previous day, they had been wandering inside the cave all night. It's no wonder.
"First, let's rest slowly. I don't think the Goddess will scold you even if you sleep until noon today."
Price-sama, who had dark circles under his eyes, smiled gently.
Class of 175 Management Scale Update (Excluding personal assets such as cash and jewels)
・Shops: Main Shop (Nakanohara, Kingdom of Sertoria), Shop No. 2 (Village near the Sertoria border in eastern Regnentes),
Shop No. 3 (Sertoria Royal Capital), Shop No. 4 (Flatlands), Temporary Shop (Primordia Royal Capital)
・Free Passage and Free Commercial Rights: Medioland, Regnentes, Finis, Northern Gram, Primordia, Engrio
・Farmland: Eight fields (including buildings with farm functions)
・Livestock: Goats, sheep, pigs, a few
・Contract Animals: Eight honeybee swarms
Chapter 16 End
Chapter 16 has concluded. Thank you very much for reading this far.
Also, during the posting, I received new bookmark registrations, ratings, and many likes. Thank you very much. And to those who maintained them, I am truly grateful. It seems it was more well-received than before (by our company's standards), which is good.
By the protagonist visiting Morandine in this chapter, she has now visited all eight nations existing on the island at this point, including her birthplace Sertoria. The main setting was Morandine. Wise readers may have already noticed. The model for that land is a place famous for the source material of the new farming method that Flora proposed and established with Lyudmila. I have never been there, but I have met someone who was born and raised in that land. According to that person, it is perfectly flat and there are no mountains in the vicinity. To someone who grew up seeing such scenery, Japan, where you can see mountains wherever you go, is a good country.
Hmm. What does that mean? To me, who grew up seeing nothing but mountains, it was a story I didn't quite understand. In addition, in this chapter, the protagonist, who saw those flatlands, has the impression that it is an enviably flat land. This is actually my impression when I heard that person's story. Don't you think the sun rising from the horizon and sinking into the horizon is good?
Now, the horizon aside, about the next chapter. At this point, I have written up to one episode remaining. Therefore, the update frequency can be maintained. I will post one side story on Friday, and then post Chapter 17 starting from Monday. In the next chapter, the protagonist will set the stage in a place close to... well, not quite from one end of the island to the other, but close to it. I hope you will continue to enjoy it. And if you like it, please register bookmarks, rate, like, and maintain. Also, please send your impressions. Thank you.