Chapter 458 - The Silver Mine Area of Eastern Regnentes
Now, as for the investigation, we'll be using that Gnome Detection Stick. However, I don't know how close we need to get, like how it was spinning in the Earth Dragon's cave.
When I checked as a trial, it's pointing east. It seems to be nearby. However, it hasn't sunk at all.
"As expected, we must move a certain distance."
Since it can only show four directions, we can't narrow it down without moving a certain amount. However, the fortress we're in now should be closer to the plains... in other words, on the west side, precisely in the northwest direction.
"Bishop Jeanne, what on earth is that?"
The disgruntled Prince bit. Well, normally one would have doubts.
"It's a secret."
"A-A secret? I am..."
"You're the Prince of Regnentes, right?"
"Y-Yes. And I am leading this investigation team. Tell me."
Since when are you leading this? You might be removed from the main investigation.
"This is something I borrowed from the Earth Dragon. At that time, I was told not to tell others. I'm showing it to you specially because the Prince is participating in the investigation."
In fact, I'm doing it after even driving away the commander.
"Th-The Earth Dragon?"
"Yes. It was a kind dragon. Ah, but all the dragons I've met so far have been kind."
"Dragons are kind because it's Jeanne. To be liked despite being a Dragon-killer, it's quite something."
"D-Dragon-killer?"
His mouth stayed open.
In reality, I wasn't very useful, and there was the matter of Finis, so I don't really want to be called a Dragon-killer, but it seems effective as a bluff against a noisy Prince.
While Henry-sama was caught in the Prince's whispering, I gave a general explanation to Godwynn-sama, and we decided to go to the Silver Mine. After getting the Prince's consent, we set off.
That said, we just go to the basement and jump from the Teleportation Circle.
The place we jumped to was, after all, a prison, and we were guided to another room by a guard and jumped once more. In other words, those going from the Royal Capital to the mine have to jump four times.
The view from the window was also blocked by tree leaves, and I wasn't allowed outside, so I don't even know where the prisons on the way are. What I do know is that it's west of the Western Plains mine. If we go east, it's close to the border. If that happens, the bandits in Sertoria might grasp the information.
The Teleportation Circle will likely be rewritten once this investigation is over. Even for the great mage Eleanor-sama, she can't analyze it in a short time.
"It's certainly strict."
"Yes, we cannot afford to have it occupied by another country. I hear that in your country, even commoners can approach. Engrio is still not to be trifled with, and we don't know where enemies might be lurking. Why not follow our country's example?"
"Thank you for your concern. Our country has entrusted the management itself to the Dwarves by contract, so we cannot easily change it."
He's pestering Eleanor-sama, but he's being ignored.
"This Bishop Jeanne is, as I mentioned earlier, a person who can even get along with dragons. If your country desires a contract with the Dwarves, why not ask her?"
"I-I'll think about it."
Somehow, he became meek. It seems the title of Dragon-killer worked.
The place we jumped to with the fourth magic circle was, after all, a prison. When the cage was unlocked and we went outside as guided, there was a stone passage. Light was shining in, but it was a narrow hole rather than a window. Because of that, it's dim. In other words, it's inside a cave. From the hole, I could see tree leaves swaying.
We continued through the passage just like that, and when the iron door guarded by two soldiers in chain mail was unlocked, we came out into a stone room.
The room was like a guardroom, with long benches on both sides of a large table. When we all sat down, the two guard soldiers took bowls and bottles from a shelf on the wall and served us drinks.
An iron grate is fitted into the hole for lighting. After all, tree leaves can be seen. Since it's dark, a bonfire is lit. Because of that, the ceiling is pitch black with soot.
On the wall opposite the door we entered, there is another iron door, and one soldier is standing there. In other words, three people are guarding it.
"Everyone, this is the guardroom for those guarding the Silver Mine."
Godwynn-sama said to Henry-sama. After all, it's a place that can only be reached by a Teleportation Circle. With this, they can conceal it even without a Dryad. Surely they must have buried the original entrance.
I borrowed two bowls, and Eleanor-sama poured water she produced with Water, and I activated the wooden fish for knowing the direction and the Gnome Detection Stick.
"It's pointing north."
The direction the fish's mouth is pointing and the direction the pattern on the Gnome Detection Stick is pointing are the same. Since it hasn't sunk at all, there must be distance. If I recall, according to the Earth Dragon's explanation, it doesn't react until the distance is about one post station.
"We must go north. Let's see, I'd like to move at least one post station's worth."
When Eleanor-sama said that, the Prince and Godwynn-sama were looking at each other.
"Through the mine?"
Godwynn-sama asked back, but only Gnome and the Earth Dragon could do such a thing. However, I don't think they'll let us use the bowl after taking all this time and effort.
"That would be impossible. It would be good if we could go outside, but is that possible?"
Eleanor-sama immediately broached the subject. She must have been thinking of it from the start.
"Then, it's on foot. As you may know, the use of Flight Magic is prohibited in this vicinity."
"That will take too much time. Is it not fine as long as we don't go above the trees? Let's make the bowl small and increase the speed in exchange so we can pass between the trees. I would be grateful if we could use your Scout Corps' bowl."
Both of them fell silent.
The ones using Flight Magic are the Scout Corps on guard. Even if we went outside, they wouldn't know where we are in the forest. I think it's barely safe, but it's delicate.
"Then, Bishop Jeanne, lend me that piece of wood. It's not like you're the only one who can use it, and things like exploring ruins aren't something we must go to."
"Um, this is something I borrowed from the Earth Dragon. Even if it's for a short time, if I lend it out without permission, I don't know what the Earth Dragon will do if it gets angry."
"Wh-What? Are you not the one taming that Earth Dragon?"
He's saying something ridiculous. Even the gentle Earth Dragon would really get angry.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear your statement just now. If you think humans can tame dragons, you're beyond help. If it reaches the dragon's ears, I don't know if the country will be destroyed."
If the quick-tempered Fire Dragon heard, it wouldn't end simply.
His face color changed as the threat worked.
"You are a Dragon-killer, are you not. Can you not do something?"
"I cannot. Dragons are not creatures that humans can do something about. If a dispute arises because of your way of thinking, Sawelyn-sama, as a result many people will die, but is that acceptable for the Regnentes Royal Family?"
"N-!"
Does he think that because he was born a Prince, everything will work out with one word from him? That's too naive.
Seeing this, Henry-sama stepped in and asked them to think for a while.
This is bad. Our compatibility is just poor. I end up getting irritated.
For a while, the Prince and Godwynn-sama are talking in the corner of the room. They must have organized their thoughts. After a bit, the Prince's expression regained its composure.
"Henry-sama. I have understood the circumstances. I will accept your proposal. However, there is a condition. That piece of wood is something Bishop Jeanne borrowed from the Earth Dragon. If that's the case, it should be usable as long as Bishop Jeanne is there. Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama, and that scout girl, please return to the fortress. Ah, please rest assured. The Scout Corps led by Godwynn will take responsibility for protecting the Bishop and the others."
"This Wilhelmina is a heathen, so a Vow of Silence is impossible, but..."
"Then, the ones accompanying Bishop Jeanne will be Bishop Harris and, you... well, fine. You."
He's pointing at Wilson-san. At least remember his name. Honestly, what a rude guy. Should I just leave him alone?
"It can't be helped. I understand. Jeanne, I'm counting on you."
Are you serious?
"Ah, I'll tell you, I require a Vow of Silence from those participating. You will swear before Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama. That way, surely you won't break the vow and throw mud on the faces of those two."
Hey, that makes it sound like you'd break the vow if it weren't before royalty. Really, watch your words.
"By the way, what will Sawelyn-sama do?"
"I must return to the fortress and keep Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama company. I am the only royalty. Who else would be a match for them?"
When I asked, as expected, he has no intention of coming to the site.
No, if Godwynn-sama is with us, it'll be alright. The guard is more unreliable on the Prince's side.
After finishing the Vow of Silence, I saw off Henry-sama and the others along with Godwynn-sama. Finally, it's just me.
I have given a simple explanation to Godwynn-sama about the Gnome Detection Stick. However, it's a very inaccurate one, and I've only said that it can detect the whereabouts of Gnome, who is likely near the wall that can only be dispelled with Light.
When I gave a detailed story again, a Gnome search team centered on the bowl users guarding the vicinity of the mine was urgently organized and summoned.
The members are three bowl users, three magic soldiers including those who can use Camouflage magic, eight scouts including Godwynn-sama, and one soldier from the treatment center who can use mid-level holy magic. Including the three of us, it's eighteen people, and if six people, the capacity, ride in one bowl, it's just right.
Everyone is a subordinate of the fortress commander, and in the previous war, they were apparently attacking the main unit where King Seldic was as Harold-sama's directly led unit.
"Bishop Jeanne. It will be the first time since the previous war that we fulfill a mission together. I'm counting on you too."
"No, I was in a prisoner of war camp in the country before the battle in Regnentes began, so..."
"What are you saying. The various plans you formulated along with Beatrix hit the mark perfectly, and finally gave the opportunity to repel the Engrio army. You are a Dragon-killer and an existence that should be called a goddess of victory."
He says something awe-inspiring, but the soldiers give a round of applause.
"Then, I'm sorry, but could you grandly illuminate us before we set off?"
Everyone kneels on one knee and crosses their hands in front of their chests all at once.
It's not like it's before going into battle... Um, could you at least stand up?
The ceremony ended safely(?), and we set off. When we went to one more room in the back, there was a vertical hole with a ladder. When we climbed up, we came out into a stone room. In the direction where light was shining, a staircase could be seen. When we went up, we came out into a room. The floor, walls, and ceiling are all made of wood. From the look of it, it's a mountain hut-style log cabin. Since many beds are lined up, is it a dormitory?
There's a normal window, and the outside can be seen. Several buildings and several soldiers walking can be seen.
"Where is this?"
When I asked Godwynn-sama, he replied that it's a facility related to the mine. In other words, it's subject to the Vow of Silence.
"Departure will be after it gets dark. Until then, please take it easy. You can use the beds freely. You can go outside, but look, there's a fence, right?"
In the direction he pointed, a fence made of lined-up logs could be seen.
"Please make sure not to go outside that fence. Also, please stay in a place where you can be seen by the soldiers. Of course, no Camouflage."
Saying that, he recommended the chairs surrounding the table in the back of the room, and ordered a soldier to arrange drinks.
We toast with beer.
"In other words, this is the guardroom for the guard soldiers."
Wilson-san asked. In other words, the place we jumped to with Teleport was a blind, is that it?
"Well, I suppose so. However, the place we jumped to with Teleport is also connected, as you know. I wasn't telling a lie."
Even if he were to tell a lie, the opponent is the great mage Eleanor. It would be found out immediately.
"Did you dig a new one?"
"No, it's been there since before. The place you jump to from there with the Teleportation Circle is the mine."
I see. This place might also be a place for a blind. They've put a lot of work into it.
"It was made at Sawelyn-sama's suggestion. Sawelyn-sama is fastidious, you see. It was Sawelyn-sama who thought of the procedure to get here. Thanks to that, inspections have decreased and it's become easier."
"Could it be that the manager of the mine is..."
"Of course, it's Sawelyn-sama. Sawelyn-sama likes exploration, you see. Especially the tunnels of mines, it seems."
Likes exploration, huh. Even if a Prince of a country is indulging in such a thing... it's fine. It's far better than Henry-sama and the others.
"Had the Scout Corps been entrusted with the security from before?"
"No, it was one of the King's followers. We became in charge of security from the time Sawelyn-sama became the manager."
"Fumu. He seems to be a person who is unexpectedly smart."
"Is it that he likes exploration?"
I unintentionally retorted to Wilson-san, who said something unexpected.
"It's not that side. It's that he's managing the Silver Mine. Moreover, he pestered the King and obtained a direct order."
Isn't it because he's a stupid child that he does such things?"
"It seems Jeanne and the Prince have poor compatibility, but think about it carefully. In Sertoria, they've entrusted the management to the Dwarves by contract."
"It seems so."
I actually found out for the first time this time.
"It's because they can't trust humans that much."
Fumu. Well, humans often do bad things.
"What Regnentes fears most is that the human entrusted with the management of this place will try to line their own pockets by siphoning off ore. First, he prevented that beforehand."
"I see. Now that you mention it, that's true."
"And if they were to siphon it off, who would the trading partner be?"
"Ah!"
Engrio.
"And, under the guise of entertainment, he himself undertook the monitoring of Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama. He might be disliked, but he's the top candidate for Crown Prince. Even those two would be quiet before a Prince."
When Wilson-san said that without even a smile, Godwynn-sama silently took a sip of beer.