Chapter 727 - Backyard of the Stray Priest 28
This is a story about a part that appears only a little in Chapter 28, Episode 3, Part 3.
Around the time when the heat of summer was increasing and midsummer was about to arrive, Sir Archer, who serves Count Vectis, the lord of Vectis Island, received a strange request from his master.
"Reconciliation with a high-level Demon Race living in the Demon Realm?"
"Yes, His Majesty apparently made a direct contract."
"But, the Demon Race is the enemy of the church..."
"They say so, but His Majesty is also our lord. We are also monsters."
"That is true, but..."
Vampires are special. Since some time ago, they have made agreements with humans, including those on the continent, and have protected settlements from monsters and sometimes from ambitious humans with their powerful magic power. The church on the White Island also stayed out of contracts made with the consent of priests since before the organization was established. Moreover, since every Vampire sought a place of peaceful residence, they were also in conflict with the Demon Lord's army. The church had no choice but to overlook it.
"His Majesty is a pagan. He probably doesn't give a damn about the intentions of the Medioland Royal Capital Grand Church."
Count Vectis laughed pleasantly.
Originally, Count Vectis's home country is in the inland part of the continent. Count Vectis also has a religion. And his religion is spirit worship, which has many commonalities with the faith of the Engrio royal family, as is typical for a monster. As a lord, he didn't interfere with the faith of his subjects and gave them various support. However, inwardly, he was cheering for King Seldic's way of doing things.
"Anyway, His Majesty intends to have humans and the Demon Race share a single Demon Realm. And that must be strictly observed."
"Hah."
"So, we must conduct periodic audits to confirm whether the contract is being reliably fulfilled, whether by the Demon Race or by humans."
"Hah."
"Our house was chosen for that observation role. No, rather, only our house can do it. This is a great honor for me, who is a Vampire Progenitor yet also a vassal of the Engrio royal family."
"Hah."
"However, I cannot leave this island."
"Indeed."
"So, Sir Archer."
"Um, Count. Could it be..."
Sir Archer raised one right index finger and slowly pointed at his own face.
"There's no need to make such a pathetic face."
"Hah... Am I to deal with a high-level Demon Race alone..."
"Don't worry, Sir Archer. You are not alone."
"Is that true!"
"His Majesty says we must conduct a hearing survey from the Orcs. You can't speak the language of monsters, can you?"
"Yes. I cannot speak it. So it's quite impossible for me alone."
"You've suddenly become energetic. Well, fine. I'll attach one Alraune as a translator."
"Count, if possible, a Bishop!"
"A Bishop? Can he go inland?"
"I'll prepare a water tank. If a Teleportation Circle is set in the bottom, we can obtain fresh seawater even every day."
"Are you telling me to send seawater via teleport?"
There are several people who can draw magic circles on Vectis Island, but there is no one who can use Teleport. Vampires can fly in the sky by themselves. Also, since they can move through the air by changing their form into mist or bats, they don't use Teleport. They didn't need it.
"N-no. That, I will make the preparations, so..."
"Who will provide the money for the preparations?"
"Eh? Ah, no, that's right..."
He's looking at the Count while tapping the tips of both index fingers together in front of his chest.
"Wahahaha. I understand, I understand. This island is also earning revenue as a midway base for Kraken and magic water. I'll provide at least that much."
"T-thank you very much. As expected of my master. How kind! Ah, I'm truly glad to be serving the Count."
With a full smile, he knelt, crossed both hands in front of his chest, and spoke words of gratitude as if offering a prayer.
"Fine. Then, a Bishop and one Alraune, and will you take anyone else?"
"Yes! If you don't mind, please let one of the Count's maids accompany us."
"A maid? I don't mind, but what are you going to have her do?"
"To create documents like reports. I have gained power and received a title thanks to the Count, but because my roots are lowly, my writing is poor."
"I told you to practice, didn't I?"
"Hah, my apologies."
"Well, fine. Choose one yourself and take her."
"T-thank you very much!"
So, an audit delegation starting with Sir Archer was to be organized.
In March of the following year, seeing that the time was right, the first audit was conducted.
"Then, Count. I'm going."
"Yeah, I'm counting on you."
The accompanying human greets elegantly.
The maid Sir Archer chose was the Head Maid.
Sir Archer, who had never conducted or received an audit, took advantage of being told anyone was fine and asked the Head Maid, who serves as the liaison with the Royal Capital, to have her ask King Seldic and the newly organized Monster Extermination Unit captain specifically what should be done in the Royal Capital.
Sir Archer is on the ship, preparing for the boat's departure. Since he was originally a fisherman and likes the sea and handling ships themselves, he is working busily while commanding the crew.
"I'm counting on you for Sir Archer too."
"Yes. Leave it to me."
The maid chuckled. Because she knows the Count keeps an eye on Sir Archer and wishes for him to become a person of note in Engrio at least.
Sir Archer, although he has become a powerful existence that an ordinary warrior is no match for as a subordinate-type Vampire, was originally just a hunter. That sensation hasn't left him no matter how much time passes. She understands that it represents his goodness and humility, and she also loves that personality. However, even though he was given a title and taught magic and Vampire arts, he doesn't change no matter how much time passes. He's satisfied with being a person of note on Vectis Island. It's quite different from the maids who, despite remaining humans from Vectis Island, are dealing grandly with royalty and nobility at home and abroad, starting with the Engrio Royal Palace, as representatives of Count Vectis.
This time too, even though he had the opportunity to meet King Seldic and the Monster Extermination Unit captain directly to obtain information, he left it to the maid.
Sir Archer seems to have finished preparations for departure and came down from the ship.
"Count, preparations for departure are finished. I'm going now."
"Yeah, I've left it to you. I'm counting on you."
"Hah!"
With a tense face, he tapped the shoulder of Sir Archer, who came to report, and saw him off.
In the Royal Capital, they had an audience with Seldic. The Head Maid, Bishop, and Alraune all had an audience.
King Seldic has already met everyone at the Count's mansion on Vectis Island. They had already been presented and had obtained the qualification for an audience. The Bishop was completely covered in a gray robe and took off the robe before the King. At that moment, the guard soldiers were about to draw their swords and step in front of King Seldic, but King Seldic restrained them. He just stepped down from the throne, approached, tapped his shoulder, and spoke to him. It was promptly translated by the Alraune, and the Bishop laughed pleasantly, "Gegege."
After that, partly because the monster unit captain was also called to the place, there was an explanation of the audit procedure from the Head Maid, and approval was obtained from King Seldic.
Sir Archer, even though his greeting full of too-long rhetoric was interrupted halfway by King Seldic early in the audience, was told, "I leave everything to you. I'm counting on you."
The group goes by carriage. Under the guard of the Monster Extermination Unit captain leading about ten cavalrymen, they spent three days aiming for the fortress west of the Demon Realm.
On the way, they crossed a river with the carriage on a boat. According to the unit captain's explanation, originally no bridge was built. Beyond the river... the west side is the Demon Realm where monsters swarm. It doesn't have that much river width, but a river is a river. To make it a defense line, they made it so it could only be crossed by boat. Currently, reconciliation has been achieved. The restricted areas for both humans and monsters are further west. It seems a bridge was newly built considering the convenience of transportation to that point.
"However, peace is only until the Demon Lord resurrects. If the Demon Lord resurrects, we will be hostile. In that case, this bridge will also be destroyed."
"I see. Until the Demon Lord's resurrection, huh."
He swallowed hard at the explanation of the unit captain who brought his horse close. This is the front line. He thought so again.
They went north along the river road and arrived at the fortress. The fortress guard captain met them in front of the main gate. To receive the greeting, Sir Archer and the Head Maid got off the carriage.
"Sir Archer, isn't it? I have heard of your fame for some time. Welcome this time."
"Fame? I-I see. Am I famous?"
"Yes. After all, you are the one said to be the right hand of that Count Vectis. Even children in this country know of you."
That's a lie, the maid thought, but she didn't say it. Because Sir Archer seems to be feeling quite good. I'll do the practical work. Sir Archer should just enjoy playing the role of Count Vectis's representative.
"I see. Me, huh. No, no, don't worry about me. Anyway, good work on meeting us."
"Hah!"
He is welcomed inside with a good mood. The Bishop and Alraune stayed inside the carriage.
"It's already a good time today. The sun will set soon. After you have rested, we have prepared a banquet, so please participate."
"Is that so?"
While being guided, he accidentally let his mouth relax. He was quite hungry. The immediate meal after brushing off the travel dust is appreciated.
"If I may say so..."
It's the Head Maid.
"We are in a position to conduct a strict audit of both humans and monsters. After the audit is one thing, but before the audit, we cannot accept hospitality from the human side. It might become a source of loss of fairness. Your offer is very appreciated, but could you please carry the meal to our room?"
Now that she mentions it, I remember being told something like that by the Count. High-level Demon Race are as wise as or more than humans. I was taught not to create openings to be taken advantage of.
"T-that's right. That's how it is. We must be fair in everything."
Sir Archer also spoke again to the fortress guard captain.
"No, it's not just humans. As a representative of monsters, the other audit target, a high-level Demon Race has brought a bear she caught herself, carrying it on her shoulder. She will also participate, so it's fair."
A Demon Race participating in a banquet?
Sir Archer, at the unexpected words, accidentally tilted his head.
"Yo! Are you Sir Archer?"
Suddenly, he was called. It's a young woman's voice. Sir Archer, who looked that way wondering who it was, was astonished. Because there, a creature that could not be thought of as human was standing as if leading two young human women.
"W-who are you!"
He instinctively reached for the sword at his waist. He has no confidence in sword skills, but it's like a charm. He feels somewhat calmer if he's gripping the hilt.
"Please hold back. That is the high-level Demon Race who made a direct contract with King Seldic. She is the master of the Demon Realm ahead."
The unit captain ran up and grabbed his right arm.
"W-what!"
He is astonished again.
"Oh, are you going to do it? Fine. Vampires are strong, right? Killing each other is bad, so let's spar within a range where we don't die!"
"Hey, you hold back too! Don't do that kind of thing before the greeting!"
He is astonished for the third time. After the greeting is over, is he going to spar with a high-level Demon Race? No matter how he thinks about it, it won't end well.
It was when he looked at the maid's face as if seeking help.
"Gegege."
The Bishop took off his robe and showed himself.
"What, it's a Bishop Fish, isn't it? You, is it okay to come this far inland?"
"Gegege."
"Heh, seawater with a magic circle, huh."
"Gegege."
"I see. A guard, huh. But, Vampires are strong, right? Even if you don't guard him..."
Looking at the two talking, Sir Archer looked at the other attendant, the Alraune.
"It's okay. That Demon Race is apparently friends with Jeanne."
"Jeanne... Bishop Jeanne of Sertoria?"
"Yeah. I heard it from Lyudmila. Especially Jeanne is so close that she even stays overnight at that Demon Race's house."
"I-I see. She's an acquaintance of Bishop Jeanne."
"Yep. So I don't think you need to worry about anything regarding this matter."
Sir Archer, hearing the Alraune's words, let out a sigh of relief and let go of his sword.
It seems the audit will also finish safely. The Head Maid thought so while looking at Sir Archer, who had half-collapsed.
The condition of my PC is not good (I spilled coffee on the keyboard), and I could only post the parts I had reserved in advance, so I missed posting the afterword for the end of Chapter 29, so I'll post it here.
Chapter 29 ends with this. Together with the previous chapter, we've finally reached the Testament. Honestly, it was long. Thank you very much for reading this long novel this far. Thank you for new bookmark registrations, maintenance, evaluations, and many likes.
This chapter was highly evaluated compared to the previous one. To be precise, the previous chapter was terrible and it felt like it recovered in this chapter, but the person writing it doesn't really know what's different. If you don't mind, please enlighten me.
Now, as I mentioned at the beginning of this afterword, the keyboard has become useless, but I have currently obtained a new external one and have resumed writing. So, the next chapter, Chapter 30, is expected to be postable from the beginning of the week. To briefly touch on its content, the protagonist will welcome the end of the year of her 24th birthday. In terms of setting, it's the final stage of growth as a mage, a period when she is entering her prime. I will be writing little by little the finale of the long, long, truly long growth period (the real finale is the end of May of the following year). I hope you enjoy it. If you like it, please register bookmarks, evaluate, and like. Also, please do send your impressions. Thank you very much.