Chapter 443 - Seventh Episode: The Demon Realm of Engrio (3)
The Entrap Five successfully delivered the finishing blow to the D-rank monster.
After returning to the Royal Capital and receiving their oracles, the two girls learned the magic spells they had each been hoping for. They both clung to Eleanor-sama and me, weeping loudly.
"I heard from King Seldic. It seems those from the orphanage you graduated from are producing excellent light infantrymen."
Actually, the two overseers were also graduates. It seems there are several orphanages in the Royal Capital. According to the policy of the Engrio royal family, they assess personalities and aptitudes at the time of entry and up until the age of ten, then sort them into suitable professions. It seems there are also transfers between institutions. In a sense, the country is doing on a national scale what the Headmistress is doing. However, in terms of autonomy, the Headmistress's method is superior. This is because the children decide for themselves which profession to pursue.
If a human works hard at something they are interested in, some kind of result will emerge. The two girls who learned magic have a shorter range for their arrows compared to the physically stronger boys. Even with swords, if their skills are equal, they get pushed back. They were desperate, knowing they wouldn't be recruited unless they made a difference with something else. That's probably why the talkative Carla complained so much. Annabella was slower than the nimble Carla. That's why she wanted to learn recovery and support magic for her comrades. In Engrio, those born as serfs cannot become priests, so she'll likely only reach the intermediate level. Even so, having Heal should make her reliable on the front lines. Both of them had a thirst for acquiring magic. There, they had the advice of Eleanor-sama, who is working on creating textbooks alongside Evans-sama and Harris-sama. In a sense, they learned magic because they were meant to learn it.
"Have confidence. If you are interested in magic, continue your training, even if it's only for a short time. Results aren't guaranteed, but they won't appear if you don't continue. Of course, if you lose interest, you may focus on other things."
Both of them nodded at Eleanor-sama's words. There are certainly those who only use a single elementary spell. However, that's only if they become satisfied with that; if they work hard, it seems they can become users of two or three spells. Of course, there are walls to learning more than that or increasing one's rank.
Unfortunately, the boys didn't learn any. They seemed more interested in archery than in acquiring magic, and they lacked seriousness compared to the two girls. They didn't train every day. It seems the time spent per session was also short. However, seeing the girls learn had spurred them on. If they tackle it seriously, things might change somewhat. There's also the example of Beowulf. Even if one hasn't learned magic at all, there's a chance at least until one's early twenties.
"Although there was powerful assistance, you wiped out the Red Wasps along with their nest and defeated the spider. I shall give you a reward. However, your duties remain as before, and your wages are the same."
When we went to Falstaff-san's shop, King Seldic, having heard the results, gave each of the seven a gold coin. Of course, he also treated them to dinner.
"Th-thank you very much, Your Majesty."
All seven were overjoyed.
"In exchange, summarize the methods Eleanor taught you into a report. Teach the others as well."
At these words, the Entrap Five looked at Eleanor-sama. After all, the person they were dealing with was the royalty of a hypothetical enemy nation. It wouldn't be surprising if they were told to keep it a secret.
"I don't mind. You all... especially Carla and Annabella, who learned magic this time, are my students. It's only natural for a child to produce grandchildren, after all."
At Eleanor-sama's words, the two of them started sobbing. When Eleanor-sama stood up, went to their side, and put her arms around their shoulders, they began to wail. All sorts of things were coming out of their eyes, mouths, and noses.
"Don't seduce my citizens in front of their King. Our country and Sertoria are hypothetical enemies to each other, you know."
King Seldic said with a laugh. The faces of the two scouts twitched.
"That is a separate matter from this," Eleanor-sama countered. King Seldic still had a face that seemed to contain a smile.
"If these two ever find themselves in a situation where they must fight Sertorian soldiers on the battlefield, there is no need to hesitate. They should defeat the enemy without mercy in order to survive."
Would that include if they encountered Henry-sama or Eleanor-sama?
"Naturally. Let us fight fair and square."
"No, you should definitely run away. The opponent is just too bad. These two are monsters, you know."
I couldn't help but retort to Eleanor-sama.
Falstaff-san burst out laughing. The Entrap Five also showed smiles. Alright, let me wrap this up like a proper priest.
"But I hear you mustn't hesitate on the battlefield. It's okay. If you become prisoners, I'll heal you. Please rest easy."
For a moment, the two were stunned, but then they began to laugh uproariously. Not just the two of them, but even Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama. In fact, everyone, starting with Falstaff-san and King Seldic, including the attendants, was laughing loudly.
"Listen, Bishop Jeanne. Isn't it a bit too strange to tell us to become prisoners without hesitation?"
Carla, wiping tears with her right hand, patted my shoulder.
Err, that's not quite what I meant.
It was slightly different from what I intended, but everyone ended up smiling. I guess the result was okay. King Seldic also looked satisfied as he drank his beer. It seems he might have said that on purpose, expecting Eleanor-sama to counter him, so that they wouldn't worry about being from hypothetical enemy nations.
"A knight is one who fights with all their might on the battlefield. And after the battle, one treats both enemy and ally with an unchanging heart of compassion. You may not have been ordained yet, but you can possess the heart of a knight even now. Do not forget that heart and continue to devote yourselves every day. Even if we meet as enemies on the battlefield, the fact that you are my students will not change."
"Yes! Thank you very much!"
The two of them replied energetically in unison. It's quite different from my time.
"Bishop. You've had the spotlight completely stolen from you, haven't you?"
I pretended not to hear Falstaff-san when he whispered that to me.
After that, we all spent the time making merry.
The next morning, they came to see us off.
"See you, Jeanne."
"Yes. Let's meet again."
"Next time, I'm going to learn wind magic."
Carla is as greedy as ever.
"Jeanne. Thank you. It might take time before I learn the next magic, but I'll keep doing my best from now on."
"It's okay. Take your time. I'm a slow learner too, so it took me a while, but I worked hard and was granted various spells. Please rest easy."
Annabella seems to want to learn defensive support magic like Shield and Defend. If she continues to steadily hunt monsters, she'll likely learn them.
"Eleanor-sama. Thank you very much."
The two of them clung to Eleanor-sama, who had her arms spread wide.
"Henry-sama, thank you so much. I will practice the methods you taught us so I don't forget them."
"Umu. Normally, males have stronger bodies than females. A man who cannot use magic becomes a wall, buying time for the woman to use magic. Then you fight together and deliver the finishing blow. Do not forget this."
"Yes!"
I see. The boys had their own purpose, then.
"Well then, take care."
"Yes, you all take care too."
Seen off by the Entrap Five, the two overseers, Falstaff-san, and King Seldic's attendants, we departed by carriage.
Wait? Why is King Seldic riding in the carriage?
"Today is the last day, is it not? If so, the true nature of the barrier that could seal away the Demon Lord might be revealed. If I do not participate today, when will I?"
I see. Smart people are efficient.
The final investigation of the hot spring town was conducted by six people: Eleanor-sama, Eleanor-sama, Harris-sama, the Archbishop of the local church, King Seldic, and me. Those recording the details heard from me were Eleanor-sama, Harris-sama, and the Archbishop, the same as the first investigation.
The investigation of the secret book on the altar in the hot spring town ended successfully.
This time, it started from ultra-high-level barriers. We also understood the barriers against spirits that fall under Forbidden Magic. It was only the ultra-high-level ones, but the basics were the same: three types—barriers to prevent intrusion into the barrier, barriers to prevent escape, and barriers that exert some influence on those inside the barrier.
However, we didn't understand Testament. Just like at the mountain, only the name was written. In fact, things like Exorcism Formation, Distract Formation, the Guardian's Formation which is the basis for the simple barriers the Headmistress uses, and the secret art Puppet of Primordia didn't even have their names. Things that require both magic and a barrier might be on a different altar.
"In the end, it was a wild goose chase."
King Seldic also shook his head.
"It seems so. It's a pity."
Eleanor-sama also furrowed her brow.
"This last one, 'Testament'—what is it?"
King Seldic asked. Unlike the others, only the name was written. It was a real cliffhanger.
"I cannot say due to the Vow of Silence. Please understand."
"Hmm."
Whether he understood or not, he didn't say anything more.
We left the room with the bookshelves in silence and went to the Dwarf.
"What's up? You don't look very energetic."
I explained this and that.
"Only the name and no explanation? That's probably because it's not a barrier."
"But the secret book written about magic was the same."
"That's 'cause it's not magic."
Well, that's true.
"Then, why is the name written?"
King Seldic asked.
"Because it's related."
"Related?"
King Seldic, who heard this, also looked suspicious.
"It's not magic, it's not a barrier, but it's related to both. That's how it is."
Is it a riddle? If I guess it, do I get something?
"I won't give you anything. It's just that kind of thing. Sorry, but I'm a gatekeeper. I can't say more than that. That's the contract."
Hmm, this is troublesome.
"A contract with whom?"
"The person who built this place."
"The Ancient Priestess or someone like that?"
"Can't say. If you want to know, find out for yourself."
King Seldic asked, but the gatekeeper ignored him. In the end, the investigation ended just like that.
As usual, we took the carriage to the Engrio royal family's retreat. We would stay until the report being made by Harris-sama and the Archbishop was finished, and return home as soon as it was done.
Usually, the journey is filled with lighthearted chatter, like what to get for souvenirs, but this time everyone was silent. They must be curious about Testament. What did the gatekeeper mean by saying it's related to both magic and barriers despite being neither?
"It's no use thinking about it. I have heard that there were secret arts used by the ancients that have now been lost. We have no choice but to proceed with the investigation. Have you decided where to go next?"
King Seldic asked.
"It hasn't been decided. Since we are heading into winter, we will focus on literature research until spring, and what we do will be decided based on those results."
Eleanor-sama replied.
"Will Bishop Jeanne participate as well?"
"No, I will focus on monster hunting. In winter, bears and wolves come near human settlements looking for food, so I will exterminate them to prevent damage."
"When will you start?"
"After the new year. Usually, it's until March."
"Hmm," King Seldic pondered, resting his right hand on his chin. After a short while, he looked up and looked at me.
"Bishop Jeanne. How about this: when spring comes, why don't you do some monster hunting on our country's Vectis Island? I shall provide a reward."
Vectis Island?
"The sea's Demon Realm, isn't it?"
Eleanor-sama knew of it.
"Yes. To be precise, it is a cave in a corner of a cove."
"Do you intend to conquer it?"
"It won't be that easy. This time, the goal is to actually go there, fight monsters, and gain experience. Conquest will come after that, once a plan has been devised."
If it's a cave in a cove, then trees might not be cut down even if it's conquered.
"A Vampire should be living on Vectis Island. Do you intend to have Jeanne meet a Vampire?"
I gasped at Harris-sama's words. A B-rank monster. I've heard they are friendly, but...
"Yes. As you know, the Vampire is a monster, but the residents of Vectis Island have accepted him. There should be no danger."
"But those not from the island... especially priests, are supposed to be forbidden entry, are they not?"
"Basically, yes. Those recognized by the Vampire are allowed in as exceptions. For example, heroes. Henry and Eleanor over there have also met the island's lord."
The two of them were doing guts poses.
The island is apparently very exclusive and refuses entry to outsiders. However, it fulfills its duties as Engrio nobility. It pays taxes and performs military service by defending the island independently. And it is granted complete autonomy and various privileges. All of this is because the Vampire, who was ordained as a noble, manages it—in other words, they can't touch him. It seems almost no one is allowed on the island except for the King of Engrio and the heroes who defeated the Demon Lord. It sounds quite risky.
"I have a condition."
It was Eleanor-sama. I bet she's going to say they should be included too.
"We must assess the strength needed to conquer the Demon Realm. Even the lordly Vampire, and even successive heroes, could not conquer it."
"I know."
King Seldic apparently plans to talk to the Vampire about the fact that I use rare magic like Light, discuss the possibility of conquering the Demon Realm, and negotiate.
"Then you understand that it is necessary to attach the strength required for that assessment to Jeanne, do you not?"
"Who?"
"The three heroes: Roberts, Gladys, and Harrison. And Eleanor and Henry."
"There is no problem at all. All five have already obtained permission."
If Henry-sama and the others couldn't conquer it, it might involve evil spirits. If so, Crown Prince Edward of Primordia, the giant warrior, would be necessary.
"And, some members from the Class of 175, whom Your Majesty also knows."
The Class of 175... what on earth is Eleanor-sama planning?
"Do you want to sell dried meat?"
No, surely it's not that.
"Yes. To be precise, I want them to participate in selecting materials for trade and, if possible, in trading with Vectis Island using your country's port."
Are you serious?