Chapter 682 - Third Story: Fourth Investigation of Engrio's Secret Books ③
Specific details weren't understood, but the investigation into the Testament ended. Price-sama says that from now on, they will search for the Testament while proceeding with the conquest of the Demon Realm. Of course, they will split the work.
"It's not certain yet, but I think we will request each country at the Council of Lords in June. In other words, it might be intermittent, but I would be grateful if you could carry out Demon Lord army countermeasures across the entire island at least until the end of the year."
Price-sama is smiling, but he's only looking at King Seldic. In short, he's putting pressure on Engrio.
"Will it be settled by the end of the year?"
"If it's not settled, then it's a continuation from next year onward."
"Even if you say that, there are various things, so we need a deadline as a target for the time being."
"That depends on the circumstances of each country, so I hope it will be settled at the Council of Lords."
"Will you make a preliminary call?"
"Yes. I was planning to do so once the investigation here is over."
"I see. Then, our country will enter the exploration of the Demon Lord's cave."
He declared it quickly. With this, war will disappear from the White Island for a while!
"Will you take command yourself?"
"That's right. The Demon Lord's cave is direct territory, after all."
"I recall all Demon Realms were made direct territories, right?"
"That's right. That way, it's easier to respond when the Demon Lord is resurrected."
I heard that a noble who messed up somewhere had most of his territory taken away. I can't say it out loud, though.
"Will Morandine remain as it is? Even if each country says to do it, it's not in a state where it can be done."
"I understand. If it continues as it is, the response for Morandine will be impossible for the next few years. However, in the meantime, how about proceeding with the conquest based on the division discussed at the previous meeting, and having countries that have reached a target provide support in order?"
"Can it be done?"
"I don't know. But I will at least try to request it. However, it might not be a story for this year or next year."
"That's true."
Price-sama is proceeding with the talk in a very peaceful manner, but in short, he intends to use the fact that war won't break out within the White Island while Demon Lord countermeasures are being taken. King Seldic must also be responding with that understanding. Even though both are smiling, there's a strange tension. Diplomatic maneuvering is unpleasant.
After the investigation is over, we return to the fortress. Since we're staying one night, it's a banquet with the female demon added. I thought, "I probably won't come to Engrio for the time being, so I won't be able to see her for a while..."
I was called to a separate room by King Seldic along with Price-sama and Bishop Harris.
"As I mentioned earlier, our country plans to start exploring the cave where the Demon Lord will be resurrected."
The three of us bow our heads together.
"Accordingly, I would like to borrow Bishop Jeanne during the operation period."
It's here. I thought it would come, but...
"Archbishop Price. As the Archbishop also knows, our country has organized a unit specialized in monster extermination. However, there are no heroes, and there is no light magic of Bishop Jeanne. They will manage in field battles, but in cave battles, a struggle is in sight. Light is necessary."
Well, that's probably true. But I also have a schedule, so I look at Bishop Harris. Let's have him explain to some extent.
"Are Light scrolls not enough? Jeanne has various plans."
"Rat extermination? If you want to do it that much, you can do it in our country's capital too."
Why does it turn out like that? And I want him to stop saying it as if I'm doing it as a hobby.
"It's a joke. Our army is not accustomed to Light magic itself. I want to request cooperation including instructing the soldiers on the effective use of scrolls."
In this case, Bishop Harris won't be able to refuse easily either.
"How about the Henry Party? They have more time to spare than Jeanne."
"I could request support from the Henry Party. However, the party doesn't accept rewards. For our part, there's a bit of hesitation."
"Wouldn't it be fine? It's a hobby for them. I think it's enough if you cover their expenses such as food and lodging."
At Bishop Harris's words, King Seldic is bursting out laughing. The world-reforming of former heroes might be hard for a current king to understand.
In the end, since there's also the intention of the Sertorian King, Price-sama will take on the role of coordinator. Originally, it's a form where each country accepted a request from the church. It would be better for the church to take the lead. After all, Engrio cannot coordinate between royal families with countries other than Morandine.
"It would be better to report at the Council of Lords that it's being implemented, so I will make it in time for that. Please prepare for it."
"That's true. Then, shall we aim for a May start? If we start the conquest of the Demon Lord's cave, we can liven it up with the May Festival. I'm counting on you."
"Understood."
May, then. It seems better to move early for boars and foxes. I'll talk to Marcelo-san and Paul-san.
At the banquet, I was pestered by the female demon.
"Hey, aren't you coming anymore~"
"Sianya will come a bit more."
"What about Jeanne?"
"I... I wonder?"
The Demon Lord's cave in Engrio is a bit far. Because it's further west than the capital. I don't know how frequently I'll come there either. If it's just about how to use Light scrolls, it might end in one go.
"Do you have something to do?"
"A little. I'm busy."
I can't exactly say I'm going to conquer the Demon Lord's cave.
"Hmm. You're cold. Even though I went through the trouble of making a bath."
What a troublesome person. If you want a bath friend, just make a huge stone-baked bath that Orcs can get into and get in with them.
Wait? Hold on a minute. Orcs, huh.
Price-sama and Bishop Harris are... there!
"Eh? Where are you going? Jeanne, where are you going?"
"Wait a moment, okay?"
"Ah, toilet? Toilet, right? You liked the toilet here, didn't you? Because it's huge."
Don't say such things in a loud voice. In the first place, who said it's good just because it's big?
"Um, there's something I'd like to talk to the two of you about."
I speak to Price-sama and Bishop Harris.
"What is it?"
The two, who were drinking in a good mood because war with Engrio seemed likely to be avoided, are looking at me suspiciously after being dragged out to the balcony.
"What, what's wrong? Go to the latrine by yourself."
Who would invite a man to go to the bathroom together!
"The first floor of the Demon Lord's cave was humanoid monsters like Orcs and Ogres, right?"
"Yes. What about it?"
"Um, can't they move?"
"Move? You mean you?"
"N-No, not me."
Are they completely drunk? Why would I move to the Demon Lord's cave?
"Then, who?"
"The Orcs and others."
Here, their eyes became serious. They seem to have sobered up. Bishop Harris looked down. He knows it's a dangerous topic.
"By any chance, like the time with Morandine?"
"Yes."
"By any chance, to here?"
"Yes. However, let's make the Ogres hornless."
How about it? The female demon is trustworthy. I don't know how many are in the Demon Lord's cave, but I want to save them to some extent.
"As for the church, no conclusion has been reached regarding coexistence and co-prosperity with the Demon Lord's army. Therefore, I cannot openly agree to this matter."
Openly means there might be a hidden side, doesn't it?
"Suppose you, a priest, albeit a stray one, proposed such a thing in such a situation. Opponents might move and treat you as a backslider. Not only that, your life might be targeted by hardliners."
Eh? Are there such people?
"Jeanne. Fanatics and exclusionists are not just monotheists. You should know that from experience. Those who had their families killed by the Demon Lord's army have a deep-seated grudge. Even if coexistence and co-prosperity are the Goddess's teachings, when the opponent is of the Demon Race, it won't be easily understood."
I see. King Seldic, who openly formed a contract with the female demon, is amazing.
"For example, suppose King Seldic formed a contract with that demon. And suppose he moved the acceptable number of individuals by Teleport. However, at present, it's something that can only be done because it's King Seldic, who is both a non-believer and a person in power. If it's King Seldic's arbitrary decision, no one will be able to say anything."
It's as Price-sama says. Certainly, it can't be done secretly. At least, I have to talk to King Seldic and the female demon. As for the female demon, I don't know how she would take it if I mentioned the conquest of the cave where the Demon Lord will be resurrected.
"Come to think of it, there was a non-believer in the Henry Party, wasn't there? For example, if she personally proposed it to King Seldic, and if a deal was struck with the demon here, the church would unfortunately be unable to complain."
Will! I see. In other words, the Henry Party.
When I look at Bishop Harris, he's looking in a completely different direction. He's pretending not to hear.
"I've wanted to hear the opinion of a non-believer regarding coexistence and co-prosperity with monsters for a while. After here, I also have to be involved in the Medioland Demon Realm conquest as a member of the Henry Party. I'd like to hear her view once."
Eh?
"At any rate, forget what Jeanne just proposed. And never talk about it. Otherwise, as Bishop Harris said, something bad might happen. I will forget too."
He stared straight into my eyes. I see... I'll leave it to him.
"Then, I will forget too. Got it, Jeanne?" Bishop Harris says as if relieved.
"Yes! I understand. I'll forget. I won't talk about it either."
Both of them nodded. I feel like I'm going to cry.
"Then, Jeanne. Go wash your face to sober up. Bishop Harris, let's drink again."
"I'll join you. Oh, Jeanne. Don't hold it in and go to the latrine quickly."
Honestly. I'm about to cry and laugh.
After washing my face to sober up, I was about to go to the sulking female demon when I was stopped by the captain of the Monster Extermination Unit. Next to him is the captain of the fortress.
"Bishop Jeanne. I have a request."
It feels like a serious matter.
"Has something happened?"
"Actually..."
It was about the cave where the Demon Lord will be resurrected that King Seldic was talking about. The captain had no experience challenging the Demon Lord's cave.
"If we are to challenge the Demon Lord's cave, naturally, we will lead the way. Of course, we don't value our lives. If we can fight under the command of King Seldic, who promoted us from commoner backgrounds, we would be happy to die. I don't care what happens to me. However, as the Monster Extermination Unit, we want to achieve results and meet King Seldic's expectations no matter what."
I see. I understand the feeling well. The captain of the neighboring fortress also nodded strongly. According to Carla and Annabella, it's the first time soldiers from commoner backgrounds have led a unit as staff of the direct army, so they are the rising stars. Even though King Seldic himself will command, they can't afford a clumsy fight. Presumably, the priests who belong to the Engrio Royal Capital Great Church and challenged it as the main force, and ultra-high-level mages who aren't expected to go on expeditions to the continent, will also participate, but at the front line, it will be under the captain's command. I can understand the feeling of becoming anxious.
"Bishop Jeanne challenged the Demon Lord's cave as a diversion and successfully led the current heroes to the Demon Lord. Please, accompany us and lead us with your Light magic. As for the reward, I'll ask His Majesty somehow... I can even provide some from my own side."
Since he said it so seriously, I want to say, "Let's go together," but...
"I'm a stray, but I'm a priest. Whether I participate in your support will be adjusted by Price-sama, so I'd like to wait for the result of that consideration. However, I understand the feelings of both of you well. As a priest, I don't want to be heartless. I'll just tell you that for now."
"I-I see. I understand."
I was about to stand up, but...
"Bishop Jeanne."
I was stopped by the captain of the fortress.
"What is it?"
"The other day, Sir Archer, a subordinate of Count Vectis, came to this fortress with a fish monster, an Alraune, and one maidservant."
If Sir Archer comes, it's an audit to see if the contract between humans and monsters is being properly kept.
"The audit was conducted on both humans and monsters, and it was confirmed that both sides are complying with the contract."
That's good. Well, otherwise, the female demon wouldn't be having a banquet and making a fuss.
"After the audit was over, we had a banquet with that demon just like now, and Sir Archer, who saw that, said: Bishop Jeanne might realize a world of true coexistence and co-prosperity, ending the conflict between humans and monsters."
No, no, I'm not the one who will realize it. Basically, it's the Goddess's idea. And here, coexistence and co-prosperity became possible through King Seldic's judgment.
"I'm in charge of communication with that demon, and I think it would be good if the current state continues. I wondered what would happen when His Majesty ordered me, but thanks to you, I'm having a fun time like this. Thanks to the ants being gone, this has become a good hunting ground. The nearby villagers can also hunt safely. Of course, there seems to be no shortage for the monsters' share either. Thank you very much."
"That's better than anything."
It can really be realized. I wish places like this would be created here and there.
After that, at the banquet, it was announced by the captain of the fortress that Annabella's wedding would be held at the fortress. The partner was also introduced. For some reason, in the flow of the talk, it was decided to hold the wedding in conjunction with the May investigation, and Price-sama will be the officiant, with the Engrio Royal Capital Great Church Head, Harrison-san, Bishop Harris, Sianya, and me assisting. In short, since we're all gathering anyway, let's just do it together. Of course, the female demon will also participate. King Seldic is naturally not participating, but he said he would provide a gift privately.
At the treatment equivalent to a nation's royalty, Annabella and her fiancé are looking down, turning pale, while Price-sama and the female demon are grinning and looking this way. The one who announced it was the captain of the fortress. At first, it was a talk about asking everyone to toast to the two's departure and then having me as the officiant. Then, Price-sama volunteered to assist. Since it's awe-inspiring, I moved to assist. As a result, all the lined-up priests volunteered to assist. I wasn't supposed to come for the May investigation, but since it's a happy occasion, it's also awkward to refuse. It seems I might have fallen into a trap, but oh well.