Chapter 743 - Third Story: The Demon Lord's Resurrecting Cave's Demon Realm ⑭ (Morandine) Outpost
For several days after the new year began, we devoted ourselves to barrier construction. Since it was decided that three watchtowers in front of the village were enough, our eastern village group gained quite a bit of distance with Beatrix's and Wilson-san's Glaciate. As expected, it's far from all three directions' barriers being connected, but if one tries to go from the forest to the village, they have to detour quite a bit. Based on experience so far, it was judged sufficient because only a handful of monsters seemed to show an obsession with the village.
The barrier made after the new year has a new ingenuity.
The barrier made at the end of the year was shaped with both shoulders sloping down, extending toward the village side. This was because the possibility of eventually semi-encircling the village was also considered. That was fine as it was, but in the first operational meeting of the new year, it was changed. Instead of encircling the village, it was decided to extend both wings as if to encircle the forest. Thus, the ends of the barrier that were once made to move away from the forest came to have parts extending toward the forest from there, as if reflected in a mirror. Normal fortress barriers have parts protruding outward, but there are no places that are greatly recessed inward. As a result of higher barriers being established in the recessed parts, rumors spread among the villagers that Eleanor the Strategist intended to lure monsters here and wipe them out all at once. The reality was only for the reason that it would be a waste not to connect them since they were already made. The recessed parts became higher because the opinion was raised that if the monsters gathered and formed human walls, they might climb over, and lure-and-kill wasn't even being considered.
However, an event occurred where the effect? of that deformed barrier was unexpectedly exhibited.
Previously, wild boars and wolves chased by Orcs had been cornered against the wall, but once they were driven into the recessed part and slain. Naturally, the recessed part becomes narrower as you go deeper, and one loses their escape route. Once driven in, it's hard to escape. Having taken a liking to this, a pack of wolves was chased by a swarm of Orcs more than twice the usual size. The Orcs succeeded in driving several wolves into the back of the recess and hunting them all. The Orcs started using the recessed part for hunting.
It goes without saying that Eleanor-sama was pleased. It'll be easy to isolate them with earth barriers in spring. If the monsters get angry and start a siege battle as a result of making something like a castle wall, it's meaningless. Especially the Fenrir. It uses lightning magic and can jump over a wall about twice an Orc's height. If the Orcs accept the barrier as something convenient, there's nothing more to say.
This story was also favorably received by Price-sama, who returned after finishing the year-end and New Year ceremonies.
"Regarding the barrier proposal, there is still concern about the possibility of the monsters revolting. However, if the monsters accept it, we can achieve a certain effect without a single casualty."
The conquest of the Demon Realm was originally King Seldic's proposal. As the Church, they don't want to force human and economic losses on each country while the Demon Lord has not resurrected. However, they daily appeal for monster subjugation in a loud voice. King Seldic's proposal cannot be ignored. That part is difficult.
"Isolating them does not necessarily mean co-existence and co-prosperity. And, naturally, it does not fall under subjugation. Currently, such a thought is becoming the majority."
According to Price-sama, the plan to seal off Morandine's Demon Realm is apparently a subject of debate.
"However, as long as the Demon Lord has not resurrected, it is not a place that must be conquered urgently even at the risk of losing many lives. As a result of the investigation, the decision on what method to choose may be left to the responsibility of the country concerned, and if the plan is judged appropriate, the Church may approve and lead it—this thought is influential."
In short, it means it's up to Morandine.
Price-sama spent half a day inspecting the situation of the barriers. After that, he gathered Henry-sama, Eleanor-sama, and the nobles of this whole area, including the lords whose territories are in contact with the forest on four sides, at the southern fortress and held a discussion together. For some reason, Beatrix and I were told to come along. When we went to the site in Eleanor-sama's bowl, the Grand Archbishop of the Morandine Royal Capital Church was also there. The point of contention was that they wanted to hear the opinions of the people in charge on-site before meeting the Morandine King.
"As the Church, we intend to leave the decision to the Morandine Royal Family. Based on that, we will decide on a policy, and depending on the case, it is possible we may request cooperation from each country without waiting for the Council of Lords. Therefore, if possible, it would be better if your opinions were unified into one."
The representative of the on-site personnel is Sir Edgar.
"If we take some kind of measure including conquest, our country, being the party concerned, will have to move proactively. However, our country's military is still being rebuilt. That means the territories of us gathered here now are in that state. If the Demon Lord were resurrected, it would be one thing, but in a situation where that is not the case, we cannot afford to lose military force. Even if we invade the Demon Realm and kill all the monsters, it won't prevent the Demon Lord's resurrection. In other words, I believe rebuilding the national army in preparation for a resurrection is the urgent task. If that is the case, we want to choose a method with fewer losses."
When Price-sama asked for candid opinions, he really gave a candid opinion. Currently, the investigation is being done on the premise of conquest after summer. No matter how you think about it, it can only be seen as criticism.
The other nobles are all nodding emphatically. They are probably being quiet because Price-sama is there, but if not, a heckle or two might fly.
"Currently, we have received a proposal from the Henry Party, who were the main subjects of this investigation, to have magic corps and field hospitals dispatched from each country, and monster extermination units from each country's Royal Capital Church as support to this land. As you have already heard, it is to construct dry moats and earthworks surrounding the forest. According to that plan, the Morandine army will mainly be asked to secure logistics for the dispatched army and guard the bases and construction sites. The funds will be called for by the Church from each country as shared costs. What do you all think of this plan?"
There's nothing to think about. They'll definitely agree.
The Henry Party's opinion also gained overwhelming support in the Royal Capital. The barrier is, after all, a barrier for when the Demon Lord resurrects, and it also ensures the safety of daily life. Because it's made at the edge of the grazing land, in human terms, it's not interfering with the Demon Realm. So to speak, it's like building a fence on your own property to clarify the boundary with the neighbor's house, and there's no reason to be complained to. Well, I don't know what to say since we haven't had such discussions or contracts with the monster side, but in any case, it's clearly very cheap.
However, there is one matter that must be adjusted. The timing will be changed. It will be moved forward. We will request each country without the Council of Lords and start from early spring.
Currently, the ice barriers made with Glaciate are completed in front of the villages, but they will melt when spring comes. After they've melted... rather than digging, piling, and making dry moats and barriers, the opinion was raised that it would be better to make them inside while using the existing barriers as a screen. Well, I can see why. If you gather people, increase the number of guard soldiers, and then start a large-scale construction, the monsters are bound to be wary. If it's thought to be an invasion of the forest, conflict might occur, and if a fight happens in one place, it could lead to fights everywhere. That's not good.
Regarding this, Price-sama said that once the Morandine Royal Family and the Morandine Royal Capital Church have a discussion and reach a conclusion for early implementation, they should promptly request the Medioland Royal Capital Church.
"Archbishop Price, our country believes we should escape the state of estrangement with the Church that has lasted for many years. However, since our positions are different, the policy regarding this matter will also differ. I want to agree with the Henry Party's proposal. After that, I think it's a matter of whether the Church holds the same thought."
"Grand Archbishop Price, our Church agrees with the Henry Party's proposal. However, since it is the first attempt, I think various practical problems will arise during implementation. If the Royal Family is prepared to take responsibility for all such things, the Church has nothing to say."
The Church is a spiritual support. Even if they say financial support, in short, the main thing is to solicit donations from the kings, nobles, and wealthy people of each country, and the actual work is left entirely to the site. If something happens at the site, it's a problem if the Church that issued the request is blamed every time. But normally, people don't find fault with the Church's instructions for incidental events at the site. The reason he went out of his way to say such a thing is probably because of the long-standing estrangement and the fact that the opponent is the minor Boy King.
"In order to respond to the request of the Church, which is the spokesperson for the Goddess, I will act, and whatever happens as a result, and whatever the outcome may be, it is my responsibility as the overall commander. I have that much pride as the ruler of this country."
I thought he would surely consult the confidants around him, but unexpectedly, he spoke out indignantly and immediately.
"I am sorry for that. If you took my statement as being disrespectful, I apologize for my careless remark. I by no means intended to slight Your Majesty. It was merely a confirmation, so please forgive me."
"I see, then it is fine."
The two heads of the Royal Guard looked at each other and smiled.
"A splendid resolution. I, Price, am impressed."
When Price-sama said so while clapping, everyone followed and clapped all at once. I clapped too.
The Boy King looked a bit surprised, though. He blushed and felt shy. He's a child in this regard.
In the end, the Boy King's words became decisive, and the Henry Party's proposal became a document with the Boy King's signature on the spot.
After all, Price-sama is here. Since the head of the Morandine Royal Capital Church is also here, we can skip all the meetings. As a procedure, if the complete conquest of Morandine's Demon Realm by countries providing troops was agreed upon at the Council of Lords, they would work on the Church, and once the Church approved, it should have become a formal request to each country. That became a formal request from the Kingdom of Morandine to the Church. For Price-sama, it'll be an adjustment with each country from now on. I think he's already started, but the problem will be King Seldic, the one who suggested it.
After the royal protocol was over, Price-sama suddenly changed his schedule and decided to return to the Medioland Royal Capital Church. It must be to hand the Morandine King's letter to the Grand Archbishop. I'm returning to Sertoria via Medioland to restore the Northeastern Forest. So, I had him take me in his carriage to the checkpoint. Mary came instead.
I met Mary at the checkpoint. From here on, Mary will return in a Morandine bowl, and I will return to Sertoria in a Medioland bowl. I got some time at the Medioland side checkpoint and talked a little under the guise of a handover.
I conveyed the results of the royal protocol, and Mary told me about recent events.
When she stopped by Finis at the beginning of the year, she was specially allowed to receive a prophecy. She reportedly learned Magic Break as aimed.
"You really are amazing."
"Not yet. I have to learn Contain."
Magic Break nullifies magic within a certain range, and Contain seals the magic of the targeted opponent. They are both high-level, but it's obvious which one is superior, and as proof, users of Contain are truly rare. It might be on par with Sense Living, Hand Over... no, Enchant, which no one but heroes can use except for Jennifer-sensei. If she learns it, since Mary is ultra-high-level, she can even seal Eleanor-sama's magic if she makes the first move. Or so it's said. The reality is, like Sleep, it probably won't work as long as the opponent is actively moving. However, if the opponent is sleeping, fainted, or extremely tired, it will likely activate effectively, so that in itself is tremendous.
"There's only about half a year left to learn new magic, right?"
"Right. But apparently, if you learn the basic magic that serves as a trigger, for general magic, the possibility of learning up to your current grade is quite high."
"Is that so."
"Yeah, Eleanor-sama said so."
Then there's no mistake. The target is the basics of systems I haven't learned yet.
"Then, what about raising the grade? Is it difficult?"
Mary, hearing my question, stared straight into my eyes.
"It's Beatrix, right?"
A hit. As expected, she noticed.
"Yeah. A little. She might be getting impatient. I hope she doesn't overdo it."
Falling into darkness is the scariest thing. Considering the circumstances of how she learned Teleport, she might overdo it this time too.
"I think she'll probably be okay."
"Really?"
Don't say things that have no basis. Wait, no, no, such common sense might not apply to Mary and Lyudmila.
"Because, she was taught magic by Gnome, right?"
"Well, yeah."
"Her magic control might not be ordinary anymore."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. Because, see, just by having a banquet with the Four Great Spirits at the farm, our place produced high-level mages one after another. And she received direct instruction. Surely she'll learn it. Probably, Earth."
I see. It might be like that.
"Then, tell that story to Beatrix."
"I think it's better if she notices herself. Eleanor-sama hasn't said such things to Beatrix either, right?"
When she says that, it's true. Based on the image so far, I feel like she'd fire her up by saying something about spirit or training, but she hasn't said anything in particular regarding Gnome.
"Well, since there will be many chances to use Earth magic from now on, she should just work hard at it."
"Chances to use Earth magic?"
"Yes, they're going to make barriers, right? Then she'll use Clump Sand. If it's mid-level, it's hard to fall into darkness, and she should just use it a lot."
I see. I didn't notice. There's no need to wait for the snow to melt. We can just do it in advance. Or rather, Eleanor-sama will do it. But she's already read this far ahead just by me briefly conveying the content of the royal protocol. This girl really is amazing.