Chapter 696 - Chapter Seven: The Ruined Town ⑥
I've learned a lot about Testament. After confirming the intention to prepare for the exploration from now on and start it by next spring at the latest, we temporarily disbanded.
"Then, Erikson-sama, please guard that land for a while longer."
"Umu. Leave it to me."
"I'll leave the management of the stone to the Church Head for the time being."
"Understood. From now on, I will visit the shore of that pond once a week."
Exchanging those words, we left the Ruined Town.
After leaving the town, Price-sama went to Medioland, Sianya went to Primordia, and Harris-sama and I headed to the Sertorian border to join up with the Henry Party.
We were sent to an inn near the border by the Engrio soldiers' bowl, and after staying one night, we went to the border by carriage, where the Henry Party was waiting for us at the Sertorian side checkpoint. We joined up and headed north through the forest for a while in the carriage.
"Did you find out anything?"
"Yes, quite a bit."
"Really?"
Eleanor-sama asked Price-sama in the carriage, but she seemed surprised by the answer which exceeded her expectations and was confirming with Harris-sama. Harris-sama, who was asked, was also nodding vigorously. After all, he's the one who proposed the Testament exploration.
"Actually, we were able to meet an extremely powerful information source."
"A powerful information source?"
"Yes. The ghost of Erikson, the former Grand Archbishop of the Southern Church."
"!"
They're speechless with surprise. Honestly, I didn't think it would go this well. Could it be that illuminating with Light before an operation really has an effect?
"Can we also meet this ghost named Erikson-sama?"
After a moment of silence, Eleanor-sama spoke up. She's completely leaning forward.
"When I confirmed whether he would become a non-regular member of the Henry Party..."
"And?"
Even Henry-sama leaned forward.
"He showed a very positive intention."
"Hired. Henry, is that alright?"
"Umu. Let's make him a non-regular member."
An immediate decision. Perhaps because they became civilians, they didn't take out the written document for full authority in diplomatic negotiations. It seems the leader, Henry-sama, has the decision-making power.
"Then, it's decided, isn't it?"
"Umu. It's fine to tell His Majesty after the fact. As for James-dono, Price, you tell him."
"Understood."
"Then, when are we heading for the Testament exploration? Tomorrow?"
Eleanor-sama, that's too early.
There's no way we're going tomorrow. I have to do the recovery of the Northeastern Forest.
Price-sama explained to the two about the future prospects he told Erikson-sama.
At Price-sama's observation that it would probably be spring, Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama both started complaining that it was too late.
"I am fully aware of what you two are saying, but if we do not control King Seldic's movements, there is a possibility that a war will break out on this island as early as next year."
"There is not."
Eleanor-sama asserted.
"On what basis do you say that?"
"Price. While you were in the Ruined Town these past few days, there has been a change in the situation on the continent."
"Meaning... could it be, the Duchy of Germania..."
"Yes, I obtained information that they have formed a Non-Aggression Alliance with West Liber. It will be announced soon."
"Then, the Engrio army..."
"Yes, the majority of the soldiers, including the mercenary groups, have crossed the sea. The main units remaining are half of Margrave Mortimer's army, and the direct-control Monster Extermination Unit and Magic Corps, as well as the garrison soldiers of major forts in various places."
Apparently, a total of nearly twenty thousand soldiers, including the national army and mercenaries, crossed the sea. Those remaining are a little less than ten thousand, I suppose. The mercenary groups were apparently hired by the Duchy of Roland. The source of that money is said to involve the Kingdom of East Liber.
"It will likely not be settled within the year. It is expected that the war will continue until they secure enough territory to give to the nobles of southwestern East Liber who rebelled last year, but..."
"Regarding this, to James-sama?"
"As a result of His Majesty exchanging information, it seems they had almost the same prospect."
"Then, the reason King Seldic formed the Monster Extermination Unit was..."
"Yes, it seems he decided to set the immediate goal as expanding influence on the continent in cooperation with Richard, the Duke of Roland."
"In other words, in order to place the main objective there, he created a state of non-aggression with the Northwest Coast Treaty nations."
"That is likely so. In a sense, it was as they predicted, but for us, it is also what we desire. For the time being, a state of war will not occur on the White Island."
Since Theresia-sama is on the East Liber side, I wonder how she was able to form a Non-Aggression Alliance with West Liber. However, there was naturally a catch to that. I didn't know, but in the spring, Sertogne became a member of the Northwest Coast Treaty nations. As a result, the encirclement of West Liber by East Liber collapsed. However, when Sertogne joined the Northwest Coast Treaty, a Non-Aggression Alliance was apparently formed with West Liber. West Liber joined with Sertogne in order to escape from the encirclement. And they also formed a Non-Aggression Alliance with the Duchy of Germania. Naturally, the Northwest Coast Treaty is also backing that. In other words, the Northwest Coast Treaty and West Liber joined hands as a countermeasure against East Liber.
As a result of various diplomatic negotiations, the west and south of West Liber became peaceful. And the majority of the Engrio army moved to Roland. As a result, West Liber became able to direct many soldiers to the east where the battle with East Liber awaits.
"Is West Liber not going to invade Engrio?"
For me, East or West doesn't matter. I don't want either of them coming to the White Island. I want to solve the White Island's problems on the White Island. Even if the place East or West invades is Engrio.
"While the Demon Lord's army extermination operation is underway, the Northwest Coast Treaty cannot invade Engrio. In other words, West Liber must face Engrio alone no matter how they struggle. In Engrio, King Seldic himself and Margrave Mortimer remain. As for military strength, the Monster Extermination Unit and the Magic Corps, which includes multiple ultra-high-level mages, remain exactly as they were. If continental soldiers were to land on the White Island, they would need to be prepared to suffer considerable damage. Rather than that, it would be better to target the army led by Richard, the Duke of Roland, who is acting together with the main East Liber army without touching Engrio proper."
Hmm. Diplomatic warfare is a mysterious thing. Well, I'm a stray priest. It has nothing to do with me.
With the change in the so-called political situation, Price-sama also has no choice but to change the previous plan, but in any case, he must investigate the materials. He will likely have to consult with James-sama as well. Erikson-sama said autumn at the earliest. However, Price-sama was cautious and only answered that he would consider an early exploration.
"Also, I have one more proposal for Henry?"
"What is it?"
He addressed Henry-sama specifically, not the party.
"Servetus, who was the Council Chairman in the Ruined Town, was supposed to be a prisoner in Sertoria, right? Could you arrange an opportunity for a meeting between him and Erikson-sama?"
Wilson-san looked at Price-sama with a look of "Eh?"
"Regarding that, to the Grand Archbishop?"
"I thought I would speak to him later on my own responsibility."
Henry-sama looked at Wilson-san. Wilson-san nodded lightly. Does that mean he agreed?
"I don't mind having them meet, but confirmation of the intentions of the individuals themselves is also necessary. So, I want us to meet them first before the two of them meet."
"Some procedures might be necessary, though."
"It's incognito. Let's go now."
"You're the same as ever."
"Tonight we're scheduled to stay at our country's fort ahead. We can leave at midnight and be back by dawn tomorrow."
"Staying at the fort... you intended to go to the Ruined Town from the beginning if anything happened, didn't you?"
Normally, we fly from behind the border checkpoint in a bowl. I wondered why they were riding a carriage only this time, and it turns out they had such intentions. What a delinquent couple.
"Then, I ask for a Vow of Silence."
"Understood. Jeanne is going too, right?"
"Yes."
For some reason, Price-sama answered as if it were obvious.
"Am I also going?"
"What will you do if you do not go together?"
Even if he asks what I'll do, I'm troubled. Before I knew it, even Price-sama has become a delinquent old man.
"Um, is it okay to go to the Ruined Town without permission? Illegal entry is an unlawful act, isn't it?"
"The Ruined Town is church territory. It is not bound by the laws of any country."
"Ah, is that so. My apologies."
"However, we will pass through the airspace of the forest within Engrio territory for just a little bit, so please keep it a secret from King Seldic."
It is illegal after all!
While the matter regarding the law was left ambiguous, I ended up having to go in an ultra-high-speed bowl in the middle of the night. However, as for the Engrio territory we illegally entered, it was only to the extent that I didn't know when we passed through it. When I asked, it was really only a short distance, and it was only a width that Bonnie could probably break through in about half a day of walking, though I couldn't. It's probably because the border line itself moved quite a bit south in the previous war, and it was originally close to Regnentes. Probably, people who serve as both hunters and scouts from the three countries are usually wandering around.
Since it's the middle of the night, it's pitch black, but the full moon is near and Wilson-san is here. As we flew on, a pond reflecting the moon on its surface came into view.
Appearing in the air above the pond, we landed on the cobblestones at Price-sama's instruction.
"Begone! This is a cursed land. If you do not wish to be cursed to death, begone at once!"
A thick voice echoed around. At the same time, the surroundings were illuminated in bluish-white.
Looking toward the voice, Erikson-sama, pretending to be a fake evil spirit, was roaring with bluish-white flames.
"Ah, Erikson-sama, I am terribly sorry for intruding so suddenly late at night. It is Price of Medioland."
"What, Price. You have already come back?"
I wish something could be done about this casualness too. Is that why the delinquent old men get carried away?
While having a banquet with the wine and Highway Cookies Deluxe brought as souvenirs, the Henry Party introduced themselves. Since a former King and former Queen, and former heroes, had visited with souvenirs, Erikson-sama was in a good mood. There was a momentary pause when Wilson-san, with a somewhat tense expression, gave his greetings, but he greeted him, saying he was glad he came.
"Are you all protecting Servetus?"
"Precisely. Because our country, according to the instructions of the First King, does not prohibit so-called Forbidden Magic by law."
"Speaking of the first generation of Sertoria, King William... I believe in the continental pronunciation it was Guillaume?"
"You knew?"
"Umu. Because Servetus was praising Sertoria's national policy."
"Since our country denies the class system."
"That's it. To think you were able to maintain it."
"Fortunately, we have held out safely until now. However, now a country named Primordia has implemented full liberation of serfs and is achieving results."
"Ho, ho."
They've started talking about something difficult.
For over an hour, they talked about Sertoria's history, the war with Engrio, and the recent situation, but finally the topic moved to the Demon Lord's extermination. They both agree that they must activate Testament and seal the Demon Lord. Erikson-sama, who heard that the exploration might start somewhat sooner because the situation on the continent has changed, is a bit excited.
"After all, while I was alive, there were no users of light magic. I have never seen the moment it is actually released."
"Is that so?"
"Umu. And after the time I died, the damage caused by the Demon Lord itself was treated like a retaliation. It was a pathetic story to leave behind grudges and resentment, even if I do say so myself."
"It must be because you suffered so much. I can empathize with you."
"I am grateful to you for saying that."
"In the future, it seems you will cooperate with us."
"Umu. I actually met Jeanne, a user of light magic, and spoke with Price there and Sianya who came from the Western Church. It should be about time to let it all be water under the bridge. Though a thousand years have passed."
"That is better than anything for the people of the White Island."
Thanking the Goddess's guidance for the encounter once again, we all toasted.
"By the way, I hear there is an interesting group called the Henry Party."
Finally, the main topic.
"Yes. I am the leader."
"You are royalty and a hero. While being in a position where you want for nothing, why are you doing such a thing?"
I also wanted to hear that. If he says it's a hobby, then that's the end of it. They're people who originally went around penniless under the guise of being incognito, doing monster extermination and civil engineering work. Honestly, I can't understand what drives them to such actions.
"I do not know. Not as a national policy, but as an individual, I could not feel at ease without doing something. I left the affairs of the country to my eldest son and decided to go outside the royal palace with Eleanor. Publicly we called it social reform, but in truth it was likely just self-satisfaction. I was likely just acting driven by the passion to do something."
"Hmm. I can understand that."
"Do you understand?"
"Umu. I also ran around among the people when I was young. But as my rank advanced, the time I spent inside the church, and then cooped up in the office, grew longer. Finally, I ended up only listening to the reports of my subordinates. My thinking became rigid and narrow-minded. If I had continued to run around among the people even after becoming the Grand Archbishop, the tragedy of a thousand years ago might have taken a different form. However, though it is an excuse, my position at the time did not allow it. Now, there is nothing that can be done, but I do wonder how it would have been if I were in a stray position like Jeanne. Likely, you all do not wish to have such regrets."
"That may be so. Sertoria is a country made by hunters. If we forget that, we are not Sertorian royalty; that is what I believe."
"I also should have retired early."
He sighed and drained his wine. Eleanor-sama quickly refilled his cup.
"How about it? The Henry Party does not care about nationality or position. We act to realize what we think is good for the White Island. Given Erikson-sama's position, I would like to welcome you as a non-regular advisor to our party."
"An advisor, eh."
"Yes. Servetus is also a prisoner, but he speaks with Wilson and Wilhelmina about various matters, and we reflect what we can in national policy."
"Servetus is also an advisor to Sertoria?"
"No. That person has publicly perished, so we have not added him to the party. How about it? If you meet him on another day. We act freely without being bound by anything, just as we are here now."
Harris-sama covered his ears. Shouldn't they be bound at least a little bit?
"I see. If you will welcome me, I do not care if I am an advisor or anything. I leave everything regarding the meeting with Servetus to you as well."
"Is that true? That is excellent."
"Umu. I'm counting on you."
Oh boy, he really added him to the party. The King's worries will increase again.
"Jeanne."
"Ah, yes."
"Just once is fine. Invite me to the banquet you hold with the spirits as well."
Oh boy, I wondered what it was since he suddenly addressed me, and he made a request.
"Um, at the banquet, status and race are all equal. There are people who don't use honorifics, is that okay?"
"Umu. Precisely coexistence and co-prosperity. I shall leave everything to you."
"Then, stop calling me 'sonata' and call me by my name, Jeanne."
"Hahahaha. I see, I understand. I shall leave everything to you. Nice to meet you, Jeanne."
"Yes. Nice to meet you, Erikson-sama."
Well, there are other ghosts, so it should be fine. I'll have to have Matilda make a badge again.
Class of 175 Business Scale (excluding cash, jewels, etc., and personal assets)
・Shops: Main Shop (Nakanohara, Kingdom of Sertoria), Second Shop (Village near the Sertorian border in eastern Regnentes), Third Shop (Sertorian Royal Capital), Fourth Shop (Flatlands), Temporary Shop (Primordia), Fifth Shop (Vectis Island)
・Right of Free Passage and Right of Free Commerce: Medioland, Regnentes, Finis, Northern Gram, Primordia, Engrio
・Special Passage Permit: Primordia
・Fields: Eight fields (including buildings with farm functions)
・Livestock: Goats, sheep, pigs, a few
・Contract Animals: Eight swarms of honeybees
Chapter 28 End
Chapter 28 has ended.
Thank you very much for reading this far.
This chapter mainly focuses on the investigation of the Ruined Town and Testament. As a result of the story as a prelude to that dragging on quite a bit, there were more episodes than usual. I reflect on the fact that the cause was sticking to the timeline and the investigation and cave exploration overlapping. Despite this situation, I received bookmark registrations and maintenance, and likes. Thank you very much.
That said, we have not reached Testament yet, so a sort of sequel story to this chapter will be told in the future. It will be a redundant development, but please bear with me.
Now, as for the next chapter, as usual, there will be one side story after this, and Chapter 29 will be posted from Monday next week. The content is a sequel to this chapter. I look forward to your continued support.