Chapter 704 - Fifth Story: Erikson and Cerberus
The month changed, and it became July. As the days grew increasingly sweltering and humid, and the coolness inside the cave began to feel more comfortable than the humidity outside, the long-awaited vacation for everyone arrived. And for me, it would be a survey in the Cave of Secret Books. After that, the restoration of the Northeastern Forest.
This time, the Henry Party seems to be returning to Sertoria for a while. They say the King might worry if they leave the country for too long, but it's surely some kind of mischief. Beatrix is also supposed to receive an oracle and become a Teleport user. Perhaps they're also going to look at the planned site for the Class of 175 Magic Tool Specialty Royal Capital Shop.
After the almost-regular sleepover at the female demon's house, I went to the Cave of Secret Books to survey the ancient documents. This is the third time, but if things go well, it will be the last.
Since I had already heard various stories from Erikson-sama, the survey went quickly. Archbishop Price and Harris-sama did a quick sort, and everything except for things that looked like new discoveries was passed to the other three, excluding Sianya. Those three just hand-wrote summaries on parchment while splitting the work. In that way, we cleared it out rapidly.
On the other hand, things treated as important were writings about Black Stone-related matters or other Secret Book-related matters. What we learned was that, as expected, the Black Stones were made by the Ancient Priestess and have existed since five thousand years ago. The effect is, in short, the strengthening of the light magic corresponding to each Black Stone... in modern terms, an increase in Rank... and secondarily, it raises the magic control of the caster who wears it. The Secret Books were made by priests and mages who were affected by the surge of mana three thousand years ago, in cooperation with Dwarves, and were created by choosing the locations where the Ancient Priestess had sealed the Demon Lord. That sort of thing. We couldn't find out exactly what method was used to make them. In other words, it took the form of confirming things that are currently known or have been speculated. It's important in a sense, but since it's not directly related to the Testament, the two central investigators and Sianya were summarizing it while the other three worked beside them. While Archbishop Price and Harris-sama consulted, Sianya summarized the outlines on parchment.
As a result, the survey of the ancient documents itself didn't yield anything particularly novel. The materials left regarding the Testament were all gathered in this one place. The rest was what had been passed down orally from Church Head to Church Head—though until recently they were apparently called Council Chairmen—and I heard that from Erikson-sama. Given his age and the long period he spent as a ghost, he might have forgotten some small details, but when cross-referenced with what Wilson-san and Will heard from that Cerberus person, we have almost all the necessary information. All that's left is the actual exploration.
One disappointing thing was that no technical matters, such as what might be called lost secret arts, remained at all. Whether it was the Black Stones or the Secret Books, we didn't find out how they were made. Especially regarding the Secret Books, it wasn't even written to what extent the Dwarves were involved. Regarding such matters, perhaps only oral traditions remained, or they were hidden in another location. Since Erikson-sama doesn't know, they might truly be lost. As a slim possibility, Archbishop Price pointed out the chance that those with such techniques might have evacuated somewhere all at once during the battle. If any information remains, it would be in Finis or Sertogne. Especially in the lands associated with the First King, secret preservation methods using Lock have been found. There is that possibility. However, since I have taken a Vow of Silence, I cannot speak of that. In other words, it's not on the extension of this survey.
With that confirmed, the survey of the ancient documents... that is, the survey of the fifth Secret Book, was completed. Afterward, it was confirmed that Harris-sama and the Archbishop, who is the Head of the Engrio Royal Capital Great Church, would consult and put together a draft of the report.
"After this, you will fulfill your monthly duty, correct?"
The survey ended, and the regular banquet at the fortress including the female demon also ended. The next day, Archbishop Price asked me.
Archbishop Price probably won't come to Engrio until the draft of the report is finalized. The period was set at about one month. The goal is around the middle of August. For some reason, because it was assumed I wouldn't finish the conquest of the cave where the Demon Lord would be resurrected, I ended up being forced to participate in the confirmation of the report as well. As a result, even Sianya ended up participating, and it was decided to hold another sleepover late next month. The female demon, Carla, and Annabella were happy about that.
"Yes. Once that's over, I'll return to the ongoing exploration of the fourth floor."
For now, I've been told to keep quiet about the New Model Behemoth. Surely, the story will come from Henry-sama.
"Tonight, the plan is to stay at that fortress."
"I see..."
"It will likely be an all-nighter at worst, but please do your best."
"Yes. I understand."
And so, just as Archbishop Price predicted, I ended up going to the Ruined Town in the middle of the night to meet up with Erikson-sama, and then participating in a late-night meeting in Sertoria with a Revenant called Cerberus.
"Oh! It's the Henry Party. Good of you to come. Well then, shall we go?"
When I went to Erikson-sama's place, after brief greetings, he climbed into the bowl operated by Wilson-san. Looking closely, there was a Church Head holding the stone that Erikson-sama possesses. It seems he had been briefed in advance.
"Bishop Jeanne, please take this stone."
"Ah, yes."
"Sorry, Jeanne. I'm a burden to you."
For some reason, I became the one in charge of the stone.
"Well then, Church Head. I will be away for a few days. I leave the rest to you."
"Yes. Please be careful."
Somehow, before I knew it, he had started acting like a Church Head himself. I suppose this is the mark of a Grand Archbishop.
That Grand Archbishop is, of course, a ghost. Therefore, he can fly. Or rather, it's more like he's floating. Perhaps because of that, his reaction was somewhat dull even when Eleanor-sama performed her usual hospitality acrobatic flight. On the contrary, he started saying he wanted to feel the outside wind in an ultra-high-speed state, so he asked us to open the lid.
"You'll be blown away. If that happens, you'll lose your way and won't be able to return to your original place."
"Hm. Is that what they call a wandering spirit?"
"I don't know for sure, but probably. You know what happens to ghosts who lose their place, right?"
"Humph. I have heard they simply wander in an unconscious state."
"If that happens, as a priest, I'll have no choice but to forcibly make you ascend."
"Humph. That would be a problem."
I thought he understood, but...
"Jeanne, don't you have that rope for restraining monsters?"
"Eh? I have it, but..."
"Then, if we use that as a lifeline for Erikson-sama, it should be fine."
Eleanor-sama started saying something outrageous. She's determined to make Erikson-sama happy with her hospitality flight no matter what.
"Umu. That is a good idea. By all means, let us do it."
When I looked at Archbishop Price, he was looking at the starry sky with Henry-sama before I knew it. As for Harris-sama, he was pretending to sleep while standing.
"I won't be responsible for whatever happens."
"It's fine. By all means, let's have Erikson-sama enjoy the secret techniques of Flight Magic."
I wonder what's so 'secret' about it...
And so, as if it were some kind of punishment, we resorted to the rough method of tying Erikson-sama to the rope and blasting off at ultra-high speed. As a result, Erikson-sama, who usually takes a human form, ended up bent in half at the torso where the rope was tied, flying through the air like a folded long pillow. Moreover, because he was upside down and backward, he ended up in a situation where he saw the approaching tree canopy up close while leaning back—a situation that would make any normal human lose consciousness. Furthermore, because Eleanor-sama changed altitude upon hearing Erikson-sama's shouts of joy, his neck must have hit the tips of tree branches several times.
"How is it?"
During a break for a rest above the forest of the Western Plains, when we ascended once, slowed down, and hauled in the rope, he was glowing brightly, perhaps from excitement.
"Umu! Good! To taste such a thrilling moment is a first in my life."
Well, it certainly would be thrilling. A normal human's neck would have been snapped. As proof, several leaves were stuck in his forehead. When I pulled them out, he seemed to notice for the first time and was overjoyed while looking at the leaves.
"I'm glad you're pleased. It was worth the effort."
"The proximity to the trees was exquisite. Do you practice daily?"
"Yes. Fortunately, I have several ghost acquaintances. It seems that for those with many years of experience, if we don't do at least that much, the stimulation is too weak."
"Those with many years of experience... exactly how many years ago would that be?"
"For the old ones, the Ancient Priestess... so it seems to be older than five thousand years."
Surely, it's the Lord of the Border and the Queen.
"What, there are such people? Umu, truly coexistence and co-prosperity. It is magnificent."
"I am honored by your praise."
To have come this far, Eleanor-sama's hospitality skills are quite something.
In the end, until we reached the tower where Cerberus was imprisoned, Erikson-sama enjoyed the acrobatic flight while remaining tied up. And because he stuck his face out of the window of the tower where Cerberus was just like that, the other party was quite surprised.
"G-Grand Archbishop! What on earth happened to you?"
"Nothing, just a stroll, a stroll."
What 'stroll'? It's absurd to hear.
"To be restrained like that... could it be you were abducted? Please wait. I shall save you at once!"
While saying such things, he started a commotion, complaining loudly to Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama.
Well, that's natural. It's the person who's fine with being tied up who is strange. In the meantime, even Archbishop Price stuck his face out and tried to restrain Cerberus, which led to Cerberus shouting insults like "You minion of the Northern Church!" Archbishop Price got angry and argued back, and the long-awaited meeting became a total mess. It was lucky that everyone quieted down at Erikson-sama's shout, but I truly realized that when big shots gather, nothing good comes of it. Come to think of it, Eleanor-sama and King Seldic also suddenly started arguing. Can't these people spend their time more peacefully? Good grief.
That said, Cerberus apologized for his hasty conclusion, and Archbishop Price accepted it, so it settled down peacefully.
"Umu. You lot should be sick of fighting by now. You must settle down more."
At Erikson-sama's words, both of them bowed their heads and apologized. However, I think the cause was the person tied with a rope hanging from the bowl like a bagworm who said he wanted to surprise them.
The subsequent meeting proceeded smoothly. Those who participated were Erikson-sama at the head, Cerberus, Henry-sama, Eleanor-sama, Archbishop Price, Harris-sama, and me.
Looking at him again, even though he's a Revenant, he's quite different from Wilson-san. I heard Cerberus was the son of the island's greatest lord who used to support the former Great Southern Church. He would be a prince in modern terms. He looks older than Henry-sama, but there are traces that make you think he must have been a handsome man in his youth. However, unlike Erikson-sama, he doesn't have a peaceful feel. Perhaps because he met Erikson-sama, he's showing a smile, but how should I put it, I feel like there's a shadow between his brows. Is it because he spent a thousand years plotting nothing but conspiracies?
Archbishop Price and Harris-sama seemed to have met him before, so I was the only one giving a first-time greeting.
"So, are you the user of light magic?"
"Hey, Cerberus. Call her Jeanne."
"M-My apologies."
Erikson-sama grinned at me. He's a relaxed person.
"T-Then, Bishop Jeanne is the user of light magic, yes?"
"Yes. I was granted it by the Goddess."
"What magic do you use besides light magic?"
"Holy magic."
"Anything else?"
"No, that's all."
For some reason, he stared into my eyes for a moment.
"Is that so. And your Rank?"
"For now, it's Ultra-High Level."
"Hoho, that is magnificent."
I don't know why, but I was praised. I don't really get it, but oh well.
"Then, shall we toast to celebrate the reunion of you two?"
When Eleanor-sama called out the door, Will and Bonnie came up from below carrying wine, Highway Cookies, and bowls.
Eleanor-sama introduced the two to Erikson-sama, and they gave their first-time greetings. Just like that, with Erikson-sama's endorsement, they were permitted to toast together. In terms of this kind of consideration, I think he's a kind person. His acting as an evil spirit was terrible for a reason.
"However, you have done well to come to my dwelling."
For Cerberus, this place is his dwelling. I suppose he should be happy about this in its own way.
"Umu. I spoke with Price and Jeanne there, and Sianya from the Western Church. We have decided to forget ancient grudges and join hands together."
"Is that so. Then you have worked hard."
"I hear you too have discarded your so-called ambitions and become mellow."
"Yes. I thought it couldn't be helped for an old man to cling to the past forever."
"I heard you lost the war."
"Yes. It was a crushing defeat."
"There are things to learn from losing."
"Yes. That is indeed true."
The defeat of those two must have been extremely bitter. I think it's a truly good thing for the White Island that they can now talk like this.
After that, the conversation proceeded peacefully. Basically, only Erikson-sama and Cerberus were talking. The others only spoke when the two addressed them. However, I was allowed to ask a few questions to the two of them.
"So, from now on, you will be exerting your efforts toward the release of the Testament, correct?"
"Umu. Even if I look like this, I was the Grand Archbishop. Sealing the Demon Lord is a duty."
"Thank you for your hard work."
"Umu. You too, although a prisoner, seem to be consulting on various matters regarding this country."
"Yes. It seems the momentum to resurrect Forbidden Magic has increased. I realized my own immaturity and have discarded my ambitions."
"Humph."
"Besides, there are young and promising people, so I am stating my private opinions to them, immature as I am."
I looked at Wilson-san and Will, who were standing behind Henry-sama. After Erikson-sama glanced at the two, he just said, "I see." Surely, he must have noticed that Wilson-san is a Revenant.
"It has been a long road. I have put you through much trouble."
"Those words are more than I deserve."
To summarize the conclusion of the meeting roughly, it was like this. Both of them seemed to have become interested in living—I don't know if that's the right expression—positively by thinking about the future of the White Island.
The meeting ended before dawn. When Henry-sama asked if they wanted to talk alone, Erikson-sama said it was unnecessary.
"I'll be allowed to drop by again anyway, right?"
"Erikson-sama is the advisor to our Henry Party. If needed, by all means."
He was nodding with satisfaction at Henry-sama's words.