Chapter 756 - Third Story: Exploring the White Island's Largest Demon Realm ③
For some reason, Erikson-sama and Germana ended up participating too.
Germana looks no different from a human and is an Associate Class of 175 member, so we can manage. On the other hand, what about Erikson-sama? After all, he's a ghost. Even if it's an acquaintance or a priest, if it's a general soldier, there might be people who are scared and confused just by him being there. It would be a waste if Holy scrolls were used for nothing.
The conclusion Price-sama reached was for him to participate while combined with Henry-sama. In front of others, he will always be combined with Henry-sama or hide his presence and wait behind him. He will also speak in a low voice as much as possible.
"Won't it be found out?"
Even if his presence isn't seen, when the two of them are talking, Henry-sama will be muttering monologues. Anyone who sees it will think it's strange, and since he's royalty, those around him will be worried. In my case, I'm just recommended to get rid of rats, but in Henry-sama's case, he might be recommended to get rid of the Demon Lord. It's a major undertaking.
"It will be fine for a while. Most things will be settled with 'because it's Henry'."
Eleanor-sama says something reckless. How is it fine? No matter how you look at it, it's strange.
"Umu. Leave it to me. I shall fulfill my duty as an advisor."
Erikson-sama, even if you say leave it to you... hey, Henry-sama. It'll be found out, right?
"Umu. Let's do our best. Leave this to us."
Are you really okay?
The scheme of the two delinquent old men even reached the Wetlands Priestess. If Sianya comes, it becomes official. It was discussed that it would be fine to call only the Wetlands Priestess to Medioland. I'm grateful, but what about Primordia?
The scheme of the two was immediately put into action with the approval of Erikson-sama and Germana. Despite it being night, they went to pick her up in an ultra-high-speed bowl. Borders be damned. Well, I'm staying behind, so it's fine.
After seeing them off with the Church Head, Erikson-sama, and Germana, we returned to the Church Head's office and had a toast again. This is because we know they'll be back tomorrow anyway. Fortunately, the Southern Church and Primordia are not that far apart. Since I'm staying tonight, it's an opportunity to talk slowly.
"The kings and church leaders of late are light on their feet."
Erikson-sama is impressed.
Those three are special. The contemporary King of Sertoria stays in the royal palace and doesn't come out.
"I too should have been like that."
"Why don't you act like that from now on?"
"That applies to you too, Germana."
"Yes, that is my intention. I shall leave this place to the Bishop and move a bit more lightly."
"Then please leave the staying behind to me. I may look like this, but I am a former monster extermination squad captain. I was told to take the position of Church Head because of my age, and I am here, but I can still fight."
"That is very reassuring."
"It's wonderful."
I don't know why, but they got excited and settled it themselves.
The next morning, the Wetlands Priestess also joined safely, so we returned to Nakanohara just like that. Since Erikson-sama's stone was left in Price-sama's care, I invited Germana and the Wetlands Priestess to the Ghost Mansion.
The furnishings for Germana were purchased by Matilda from the main shop and carried into my room. The room for Will and Bonnie, who are regulars of the Henry Party, is empty if you say it's empty, but it's her own wish. Since the room itself is large, we lined up two beds by the window and placed a table between them. Also, one single chair and a chest for storing clothes were added. Inside the chest, as a present from the main shop, there were several pieces of women's underwear and two green marble dresses for young women. One was a light yellow background with dark yellow flower patterns. The other was a refined one dyed in crimson. Germana immediately tried them on and wore the crimson one.
"You're a priest, so you don't need plain clothes, right?"
The Wetlands Priestess is still in her clothes from a thousand years ago. Although, since she's a ghost, there's no worry about them getting dirty.
"That's for the original human. I'm different. I'm a spirit. When I was in the cave, I took the form of when I was human to make it easy to understand, but originally I'm free. I can wear anything. Dune and Mel also said so. That there's no need to be bound by the rules for humans."
That must be so. Rules for humans have nothing to do with spirits.
"Hmm. Must be nice."
"You too. You're a former priestess, but now you're a ghost, right?"
"W-Well, that's true. Is it okay?"
"It's fine. If it's a place away from basic duties. Because you're a ghost."
"Hey, Jeanne, what do you think?"
"Eh? Me?"
"Yeah. What would you do if you became a ghost, Jeanne?"
I've never thought about it. Mostly, I have no intention of becoming a ghost after I die. It's certain that I'll die eventually, but if I'm going to die anyway, I don't want to die leaving any regrets.
"L-Let's ask Erikson-sama. The Priestess lived in the same era as Erikson-sama, right? The way of thinking might be different from now. I think it would be fine if Erikson-sama's permission is given."
Erikson-sama should be at the church or the orphanage since he's with Henry-sama and Price-sama. Especially, I have to tell the Headmistress in advance, or there's a possibility he'll be made to ascend the moment they meet. In other words, he's very close.
"That's true too."
So, I had the two of them wait and went to call him at the orphanage.
However, when I asked Jennifer-sensei at the orphanage, she said Eleanor-sama went to Shop No. 4. I was told Price-sama and the ghost acquaintance were also together.
I returned to the Ghost Mansion, went out to the courtyard, and the three of us went to the farm from Serena's tree.
"Oh! You've come! Oh! Germana, you look different. The color and the way you wear it are refined and good."
"Thank you very much."
Germana lowered her right foot, bent both legs while lightly lifting the hem with both hands, and gave a formal greeting.
She actually looks good in it, and it's as refined as Miana or Mary.
Germana is fine. The problem is Erikson-sama.
"How is it, does it suit me?"
He's suddenly wearing a men's green marble. Flora is holding a black-purple one.
"Ah, Jeanne. Just in time. We were adjusting the size. Now, Miana and Beowulf are looking for autumn/winter stock."
Erikson-sama took off the green marble and wore the black-purple.
"Can you embroider my clothes too?"
He showed me his back.
Is it okay? No, if I say no, I'll be denying my own actions.
"Um, what color would be good?"
"Me? White. A priest's clothes are decided to be white."
Oops. I'm green. No, no, that's not it.
"I'll do the white embroidery. More importantly..."
The three of us explain about the Priestess's new outfit. Germana acted as if it were natural, while the Priestess and I asked fearfully.
"You belong to the Western Church. You should ask the Western Church Head. However, as a former Southern Great Church Head, let me say that it's just right when fighting to base it on the green marble and black-purple that I'm currently looking at, just like Jeanne."
Even when fighting, she hides her presence all the time. She can deceive the enemy's eyes no matter what she's wearing.
"Y-You're right."
Germana still seemed to want to say something and took a step forward, but the Wetlands Priestess restrained her.
"I will ask Cadogan-sama if there is an opportunity. Until then, I shall follow your words."
"Umu. That is good. Germana. I understand what you want to say, but even though we are ghosts, we are priests. We are different from you, a spirit. And if that attachment is lost, the meaning of our existence in this world will be lost. For now, refrain."
"...I understand."
Well, they're clergy. It can't be helped.
In the end, we prepared green marble for three people and returned to Medioland. This is because Germana, who can't hide her presence, also said she didn't want the clothes she was given as a present to get dirty in battle, and wanted to wear green marble and black-purple. By the way, the embroidery didn't make it in time, so none of the three have it.
When we returned to the fortress, we were welcomed by the soldiers. After all, we've been through a battle against the Demon Race. Two former heroes and two bowl users who had been away returned. More than that, the Wetlands Priestess, who made a name for herself in the Amphisbaena subjugation, joined. Furthermore, Germana. Her true identity is naturally hidden, but she's participating as an Associate Class of 175 member for support. Apparently, the Class of 175 itself has made a name for itself, and she's expected as a new force. Actually, since it's outside the cave, she's just observing, but that's also naturally hidden. Well, we'll be acting as the Henry Party while hiding our presence anyway. Even if she's just watching, it won't be found out.
But the Class of 175 has also become famous. I didn't think Medioland soldiers would be happy just because a newcomer came.
Erikson-sama combined with Henry-sama, the Wetlands Priestess combined with me... intentionally showing only her head to hide Erikson-sama's presence... and Germana wearing green marble participated in the strategy meeting.
"Thinking about the future, I'm thinking of making field positions on the peaks of the two mountains."
A stir arose from the fortress soldiers. Everyone is looking at each other's eyes. Even if it's the words of a hero, it's impossible. That's what they want to say.
"Currently, the earth magic users have been dispatched to Morandine. I don't know what kind of field positions you intend to make, but even just digging dry moats and piling up earthworks, we have no choice but to ask the Henry Party..."
That must be so. This time it's supposed to be scouting. Even if we concede and say that fighting the Demon Race and having the fortress turned into a sea of fire was the opponent's attack and couldn't be helped, I haven't heard anything about making positions in the enemy's territory.
"Leave it to us. We will build the positions with only the Henry Party. Everyone else, please stay on standby in other airspaces or at the fortress, and prepare for scouting and any monster attacks."
"I-Is that okay?"
"Yes, it's fine."
The soldiers are whispering to each other. Honestly, they probably want to oppose. However, everyone is glancing at Germana, who is next to me. They must think Germana is going to do something. The Henry Party brought her. She might be an ultra-high-level mage. Germana also has a somewhat sharp gaze and is making a smile only with her mouth, looking around at the soldiers. We shouldn't have had a meeting, but she has a pressure or dignity that she gives to others. That hit the mark perfectly. She was originally a princess, or rather, the daughter of a lord with some power at that time. Do such people have something in common?
In the end, even though Germana didn't say anything, the fortress side agreed to Eleanor-sama's plan.
That night, we set out as members of the Henry Party. The main body of the bowl is Eleanor-sama, the lid for acceleration is Wilson-san, Henry-sama combined with Erikson-sama, Germana, Will, Bonnie, and me combined with the Wetlands Priestess—a formation of seven in appearance... or rather, eight heads on seven bodies. Price-sama remained at the fortress this time too. Since it's a night sortie, the fortress soldiers and the bowl users all remained at the fortress. With this, Wilson-san can give his all.
We arrived near the eastern peak illuminated by moonlight close to the full moon.
When I cast Sense Living to confirm, there were no monsters.
"Bonnie, the sketch, please."
"Okay~!"
Will illuminated the parchment Bonnie took out as instructed by Eleanor-sama with a lantern. When I peered in, it was probably a map. Straight lines and arcs were drawn on that map in red and black.
"It's from here~"
She pointed to a corner of the map.
"From here, clockwise~"
Like this, like this, like this, she followed the red line.
"Wilson, if you would."
"Yes, just a moment."
Wilson-san moved the bowl while comparing the map with the surroundings. Since his night vision is perfect, he can accurately understand the terrain.
It seems we've arrived at the place Bonnie pointed to.
"Jeanne. Please illuminate the front with Light. Just the front is fine."
"Ah, yes. Light."
I lined up next to Wilson-san, who was at the front, thrust out my right hand to prevent accidental fire, and illuminated as I was told. I can only see short grass and rocks peeking out here and there on the ground at my feet. Honestly, I have no idea what is where.
"Erikson-sama, you may release your power. Would you mind taking charge of guarding the surroundings at the back of the bowl?"
"Oh! Leave it to me."
He separated from Henry-sama and sat on the back edge of the bowl. It should be just right for watching the back. Wilson-san at the front, Erikson-sama at the back. Perfect.
Erikson-sama put his spirit into it and raised a grand blue-white flame, so it was just right for a light at hand. Actually, my Light might not have been necessary. Well, I'm doing it as practice for simultaneous activation of magic, so I have to do it. The Wetlands Priestess also knows that, so except during breaks, she was releasing Dark from my left palm and guarding with the mist.