Chapter 658 - Fourth Story: The Second Great Unity Conference ⑥
The attempted kidnapping of me reached a tentative conclusion. In the evening, a banquet was held at Yorg-sama's mansion to celebrate our hard work.
I thought we would be on our way home the next day. However, a contact was made to Theresia-sama from the person in charge who participated in the conference from West Liber. The church in West Liber, taking the situation seriously, said they would properly explain West Liber's policy along with an apology. Depending on the circumstances, they even said they wanted to invite us to the Royal Capital Great Church over there. They are currently contacting the Great Church and asked us to wait until then.
Probably, if the incident hadn't happened, nothing would have come of it. But it did happen. The person in charge, who had only received instructions to stay for a while after the conference for a tour, was told nothing. He was apparently aghast when he learned of the circumstances from the attendants on the ship he came on.
If I had been killed, it would have become a diplomatic issue. During the winter, we have to properly cure the infected and maintain or raise awareness about bowel-related issues and water supply. Even so, when summer comes, there might be more damage. It would be a disaster if the supply of magic water were stopped.
"What will you do? I'll have to confirm with His Majesty and probably the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church too, but either way, I'll likely be made to go. However, Jeanne, if you don't want to go, you can say you have business and return home."
It was Harris-sama. His expression is soft. It doesn't seem to be a particularly serious story.
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, there's no need for Jeanne to go out of her way. Originally, if they have business, it's only right that they come to us. It'll likely be a political story anyway. If it's a hassle, you can go home, and if you're interested, you can go."
West Liber, huh. After all, it's a country where several times more people live than the entire White Island. Its royal capital must be an ultra-huge city.
"The size itself isn't much different from the Engrio Royal Capital. More than that, the food is just delicious. We might be able to increase the recipes for the sweets served at Shop No. 4 too."
"Have you been there?"
"Yeah, just once. Envoys have come from there many times."
Apparently, discussions about the supply of magic water have been held several times between churches. Many nobles also came.
"That girls' night... no, meeting. The influence of that meeting where the royalty of each country participates is quite large. Every time it's held once, the liaison officers of each country's church do various things while coordinating with the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church."
I didn't know. I thought for sure Magdalena-sama was the one moving.
When I looked at Sianya, she was nodding. In Sianya's case, she's a royal advisor and a priest. She should be involved in everything: participating in conferences, practical application within the country, and coordination with other countries.
Thinking about it, I've been making statements as I pleased without thinking about the hardships of the administrative side. From now on, I'll think a little before making such statements.
"Regarding plague countermeasures... especially magic water, it's better for the church to take the lead. Otherwise, it'll be used as a diplomatic tool, right? Magdalena-sama said that saving patients takes priority."
Wonderful. As expected.
Thinking about it, the Northwest Coast Treaty could even use threats like stopping the supply of magic water.
"It seems they're thinking about that too."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, that they can't supply magic water if it's for a war the people don't want. Think about it, our church's policy is to be resolutely against war. Until just recently, they even outwardly refused treatment for the war-wounded or prayers for the war-dead. If Jeanne becomes a member of the church and says that to the Grand Archbishop, it'll be easily approved."
I see. If it stops war, that might be an option in its own way.
"Maybe the diplomatically skilled Northern Gram was doing about that much?"
While saying that, he was looking at Sianya, the princess of Primordia known for being diplomatically skilled. Seeing her look away, she really seems to have done it.
At any rate, it was decided to confirm with the King. Depending on the reply, I might go as far as West Liber. After all, if we go up the river that has its mouth in Germania, we'll arrive. I experienced a riverboat trip once in southern Sertogne, and it was comfortable. If I were to go, it would be better to go before it becomes full-blown winter.
"Then, will you stay in our country for a while?"
It was Sianya.
In Primordia, she can also use the letter transmission magic freely. We can listen thoroughly to the opinions of Anri-sama, Mary, and the delinquent old people. According to Yorg-sama, from Primordia, it's about six days for a round trip, including staying one night locally. Since it apparently takes quite a bit of time from the river mouth leading to the West Liber Capital to Primordia due to the relationship between the tide and the wind, if they could send us in the bowl from the coast of the White Island to Nakanohara, it could be shortened by three or four days. It would also be in time for the recovery of the Northeastern Forest.
"Then, I will provide the ship. Please leave the transportation to and from the West Liber Capital to me as well. I have been to the West Liber Capital many times for herb-related transactions, after all."
With Yorg-sama's ship, I can rest easy. It will surely be fast too.
We set sail the next morning and dropped Theresia-sama, the Jeanne here, and the bandits at the port of Germania. Continuing north, as we approached the isolation facility in the wetlands, the bowl flew in at the same time Harris-sama contacted them with the letter transmission magic circle.
The delinquent old people had started moving immediately.
They must have never seen it before. The sailors started making a fuss. Some even held bows in their hands. Yorg-sama also went up to the command post with a sword in one hand. This is bad.
"It's okay! It's suspicious, but there shouldn't be any danger! Please don't attack!"
Along with Harris-sama and Hermit-sama, I ended up having to go around in a great hurry saying that, but by the time the bowl reached the sky above, the fuss itself had somehow subsided. Mary ran to Yorg-sama's side.
The bowl descended to the center of the deck. When I ran up, the captain, Yorg-sama, also came.
The three delinquent old people jumped out of the bowl together and struck a pose. They were in their usual field clothes. Will and Bonnie, who were in the bowl, were applauding. For some reason, Yorg-sama was also applauding with great joy. The three, satisfied, gallantly removed the worn-out hand towels wrapped around their necks.
Yorg-sama knows about Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama. That's because he's the practical manager of the land associated with the First King. He didn't seem to know about Harold-sama, so he gave a "nice to meet you" greeting.
"By the way, you seem to have come flying through the sky?"
Yorg-sama's eyes are sparkling.
"It is Flight Magic invented by a certain mage in our country. Would you like to try it?"
"By all means!"
In no time, he soared up and was shouting with excitement. Well, he's someone deeply associated with Sertoria, so I guess it's a special service.
"Hmm. So you're going to West Liber."
When I explained the situation, Henry-sama asked.
A consultation began immediately on the ship. It takes two days by ship from the coast of the wetlands to the Primordia Capital. If we reach a conclusion early, we can move quickly.
"Yes. Depending on the case, we might go as far as the West Liber Capital."
"Ho ho, the City of Flowers, eh?"
"The City of Flowers?"
It's apparently a phrase used to describe a large city. On the White Island, the Medioland Royal Capital used to be called that. However, as Engrio gained momentum, it stopped being called that. Though, the one called the City of Flowers was apparently the capital of a huge empire that once existed. Now it seems to have yielded to the West Liber Capital, and at the moment, there's apparently only one, the West Liber Capital. In short, it probably means a central capital. Incidentally, the East Liber Capital is, for some reason, not called that. Is that why it was targeted?
"How about it? Harold. What about contacting your wife?"
"Hmph. Once a man leaves his mansion, there's no telling when he'll return. There's no need to ask permission every time."
"I understand. I'll have Beatrix informed just in case. 'Due to circumstances, the schedule has changed. I'll be back by the middle of this month.'"
"Sorry, I'm counting on you."
What on earth are they saying?
"Yorg-dono, could you hire us as temporary sailors or purveyors?"
I've never heard of temporary purveyors.
"That's an easy favor. Ah, if it's for herb transactions, you can go ashore at the Royal Capital with me."
"Then, please do that. Er, what about Mary?"
"If you could let me accompany you, if possible."
"I understand. Yorg-dono, for seven people, please."
"Understood. I'll have the documents ready by the time we arrive."
No doubt about it. These people intend to go as far as the West Liber Capital.
When I looked at Harris-sama, he was holding his head. He'll surely be made to do the coordination with the King. Phillips-sama declined, saying he's busy with plague countermeasures for winter. Hermit-sama said with a laugh that he'd accompany us. Harris-sama has no choice but to accompany me due to his position.
"Hey, Sianya is going too, right!"
Eleanor-sama asked in a youthful way. She must be merged with the Priestess. The people around them looked dazed for a moment.
"Sianya-dono, what will you do?"
After clearing her throat, she's asking again. This time it's likely the main body, Eleanor-sama.
"Let's see. I'll consult with His Majesty."
Sianya, who noticed, giggled.
When I listened carefully to the story, Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama were surprisingly formal messengers of the King. I don't quite understand Harold-sama.
"We are going to knight the girl who served as Jeanne's body-double as a knight of our country."
"I heard a letter would arrive."
"Here, it's this."
While saying that, he took out the letter and the Knight's Staff from his chest.
"Atmosphere is important for these kinds of things. Rather than just sending it to the other party, it will be more meaningful if Henry, who was commissioned by His Majesty, performs the knighting."
I see. The Jeanne here will surely be happy too.
Actually, while I was sleeping, Harris-sama apparently told Yorg-sama about the details of the incident. Yorg-sama, despite it being the middle of the night, provided a ship and moved to a place where the letter transmission magic circle could be used. And Yorg-sama apparently recommended that since the Jeanne here acted as a body-double and I was safe, she should be knighted if she returned safely.
"Her act was full of courage and worthy of knighthood. That's what I thought."
Yorg-sama apparently knew her as someone who handled the same herbs. He was apparently surprised when he learned she was actually a scout. She was that knowledgeable about continental herbs. That's certainly true. Even Sianya and Mary were being taught by her. Yorg-sama, thinking it would be a waste for her to be just a scout, apparently decided to take this opportunity to promote her.
"She's a noble now. If she has the mind to, she can even marry a noble."
It was Mary. It's strange to go out of her way to say something so obvious. Yorg-sama is clearing his throat. His face is a bit red. Could it be...
"Speaking of marriage, Yorg-sama is certainly single. If there's an opportunity for marriage... how about it? Jeanne. What if you perform the marriage ceremony?"
"By all means, by all means! To liven things up, shall I shine a Light with all my might?"
I'm undefeated, as you can see. It might be effective for the battle to win a bride too. Besides, it's better to become popular in that way than to just shine it on mountain bandits.
"Yorg-dono. Jeanne is called the goddess of victory within our country's military. In particular, being shone upon by her Light before going into battle is said to bring good luck, and she's now popular even with foreign soldiers."
"Is that true? Th-Then, may I ask you to do so?"
At Eleanor-sama's words, Yorg-sama got on board. As expected of a family with ties to the First King of Sertoria. That's how it should be. Since I have the chance, I'll give him the full course of eight volleys, with all my might, including additional firing from my mouth.
The next day, Jeanne of Germania became a knight of two countries, Sertoria and Germania. I was present too. And after that, she was called by Yorg-sama.
"So, what happened?"
After the banquet ended, Sianya, Mary, Jeanne of Germania, and I retired to the room assigned for our stay and started a girls' night.
"W-What do you mean?"
"You were proposed to, right?"
Mary immediately started her pursuit.
"W-Well, yeah."
It's not "well, yeah."
"You've known Yorg-sama for a long time, right?"
"That's true, but... wait, why does Mary know?"
"Yorg-sama is one of my regular customers. He said he had a new connection for herbs from Germania, not just from Sertogne, so I asked what kind of person it was. Then, he told me there was someone whose appearance was somehow similar to Jeanne of Sertoria, and that her name was also Jeanne."
"I see. So you knew about me even before we met."
"Well, yeah. But look, an itinerant merchant has a high possibility of being a scout, right? So I kept quiet. Sorry. And then, looking at Yorg-sama's expression when he talked about you, I thought maybe he liked you."
Using Yorg-sama's facial expression at that time as a clue, she apparently tested the waters on the ship.
"Just with that?"
I couldn't help but ask. That line back then was a statement made in a state of almost certainty.
"Intuition. Intuition."
What a terrifying girl. Even Sianya is impressed.
"Yorg-sama is a very good person. He doesn't care about status differences, and since he does herb picking himself, he's on good terms with hunters. He's the third son and has no ambition or desire for promotion, so he said he has no dealings with other nobles. Since he seems to live a simple life, he's not much different from a commoner."
"Yeah. I feel like that too. I didn't realize until I was told that he was a noble... and from a quite large family at that. Somehow, meeting Yorg-sama has changed my image of nobles."
"Right? So, did you accept? He'll surely treasure you. He's an ultra-excellent property."
That property from back then was Yorg-sama.
"You know, I turned him down."
"Eeeeeeeeeee!"
What are you doing!
The opponent is the third son of a family lineage connected to royalty. A life of marrying into wealth and leisure is waiting for you. My undefeated legend will also be broken!
"Because I'm a war widow from a commoner background, and I have my mother. And I'm a scout. If I married someone like me, Yorg-sama would be suspected by the Sertogne royal family..."
That might be true, but my undefeated legend...
"But he told you he didn't mind that, right?"
It was Sianya. She seems to know something.
"Y-Yeah."
"So, for the time being, you'll become the adopted daughter of a land-owning noble."
"T-Theresia-sama said so."
"For how long? The period for learning etiquette."
"A-A year, I think."
Oh? When I looked at Mary, she was surprised. She doesn't seem to know. Did Sianya hear it from Theresia-sama or someone?
But, that means? That means.
"T-Theresia-sama will become the guarantor... and the surname will change..."
She turned bright red. It's exactly marrying into wealth.
"A-And then?"
Mary's breathing is heavy.
"P-Apparently there was a word from the Princess of Primordia, and I'm to go to the Primordia royal family for bridal training..."
"No way!"
B-Bridal training! I unintentionally hug Mary.
"Jeanne of Germania. I've kept it from you until now, but I am Sianya, the Princess of Primordia. As Yorg-sama's fiancée, I will take care of you along with your mother."
The Jeanne here looked like her eyes were about to roll back, but it's a complete victory. With this, my undefeated legend is protected. Thank you, Sianya.