Helios Orb Chronicle – Chapter 30

After finishing the report about the request, I decided to leave the matter of what to do with the Hunter’s Master and the other hunters to them to discuss in our absence. Now, I need to talk about Jade and Fluorite.

“Linus, can I talk to you about the Hippogriffs?”

“Ah, that’s right. Please go ahead.”

“Wait. What do you mean, Hippogriffs?”

Just as I was thinking that, Viscount Archlight interrupted.

Count Sofia was also tilting her head, but if they were suddenly talking about Hippogriffs without any explanation, of course they would stop me.

“I don’t quite know how to explain it, but both Yamato and Primrose have apparently contracted with Hippogriffs.”

Marquis Frederica replied with a troubled smile, but both of them were struck speechless.

Count Bismarck, too.

“Contracted with Hippogriffs… How does that even happen?”

Everyone nodded in agreement with Count Sofia’s question.

I guess so.

But this is related to the Evil Drake, and I had told Marquis Frederica and old man Linus that I would tell them, so I slowly opened my mouth and began explaining the situation.

“So, aside from the two who contracted, everyone else was wiped out? And the apparent leader entrusted them to you, including its own corpse?”

“In that situation, there was no other way to think about it.”

“It depends on the monster, but if it’s a loyal individual, it’s a rare occurrence. And they must have thought they could entrust it to you. It’s not common, but they say that contracted familiars like that become exceptionally strong even within their own species. Naturally, there are benefits for the contractor as well. Perhaps you two have leveled up?”

Told to do so, I checked my Library.

Yamato Mikami
17 years old
Lv. 59
Humanoid – High Human
Hunter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom – Feel
Hunter Rank: G
Raid: Wing Crest
Otherworld Engraver

They’ve gone up.

Of course, Prim had also leveled up, and it looked like this.

Primrose Hydrangea
17 years old
Lv. 54
Beastkin – High Fox
Hunter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom – Feel
Hunter Rank: G
Raid: Wing Crest
White Fox Winged Tribe, former daughter of Duke Hydrangea

They were quite surprised that a High Class wouldn’t level up in just a few days, but what surprised them even more was my title.

I forgot to hide my title after all.

“In another world…!”

“You’re a guest!?”

“Ah…”

“Yamato…””

It was a complete oversight. Everyone seemed to be very surprised.

There’s no point in trying to deceive them anymore, so I’ll just have to accept it.

Where should I begin? From now on, I should check my License instead of my Library.

“So that’s how it is.”

“That explains so many things.”

“As the Order’s Master said. We heard that guests possess rare magic and unparalleled knowledge, and at least their magic is reflected in their levels, as they’ve defeated both abnormal and catastrophe species.”

After I finished telling my life story, Rex and Rosemary said that to me.

Their assessment is interesting, but why does that make everyone satisfied?

“In other words, there’s no point in being surprised by you.”

That was old man Linus’s opinion.

Don’t treat people like non-humans.

“So, where are the Hippogriffs?”

Huh? It feels like I’m being completely ignored?

I mean, if asked whether I want to be interrogated, I’d definitely say no, but still, I feel a little unsettled.

“No matter who you are, you’re undoubtedly the most reliable hunter in Feel right now.”

“While we’re very curious, the bigger problem would be you leaving Amister if we pry too much.”

Come to think of it, the Amister Royal Family did have a story about guests marrying into the family in the past.

It’s a bit anticlimactic. I was expecting a noble or something to try and corner me.

“That would be a problem in itself, and what if the guest makes their Library public? The only way to prevent it is with contract magic, but there are many ways to disguise the disclosure as an accident. And if word of that were to reach the Royal Family, they might even suspect treason, putting us in danger instead.”

Certainly, if they were bound by contract magic, it would be difficult to make their Library public.

However, it’s not impossible. For example, if someone accidentally saw it while the user was confirming something in the Library in town. The Library isn’t only visible to the user, and it’s not difficult to find loopholes in the contract. It’s also possible that the other party might carelessly spill the beans.

But this is just about Amister. In Solemne or Retisencia, they would have used enslavement magic or magical tools without question, and in some cases, they might have even been killed.

It was truly a stroke of luck that my destination was near Amister.

“I agree. Well, it’s probably largely due to the disposition of the people of Amister. So, where are the Hippogriffs?”

It seems that even the Royal Family of Amister has a laid-back and easygoing national character. That doesn’t mean they’re slow-witted, though. Rather, because they’re usually relaxed, they have the余裕 to think things through and are sharp.

Well, rather than being happy about being safe in Amister, I should deal with the immediate issue. Seriously, old man, do you want to know that badly?

“They’re being kept at a ranch. Fortunately, there was a stable hand who had experience caring for Hippogriffs, so I left them in their care.”

“Ho, there was such a person?”

“Yes. Her name is Fiat, and she met a hunter who had contracted with a Hippogriff when she went for training in the Royal Capital.”

Only royalty and nobility have family names for the Helios Orb, but there are exceptions. It varies by country, but in Amister, those who are G-rank or higher can use a family name. Richard uses one as he’s an A-rank Crafter, and many others are permitted to do so.

The Libertarian Federation and the Bacion Papal State also have special circumstances. In both cases, they can use a family name upon becoming the Federation’s Governor-General or Pope, respectively, and are even allowed to use their country’s name during their tenure. This is said to be a desperate measure for both countries, which lack royalty or have few nobles, to avoid being at a diplomatic disadvantage. In fact, Solemne and Retisencia openly look down on them, but due to religious reasons, Bacion cannot immediately sever diplomatic relations, and because both countries are sandwiched between them, Libertà cannot either. Solemne, in particular, who aims to unify the Philia Continent, exerts persistent interference, and conflict is said to be occurring somewhere even now.

Fiat comes from a long line of beast tamers, and her family is one of the most prominent in the Crafter’s Guild. The official name of the ranch where Jade and Fluorite were placed is the Ragnard Beast Ranch, which is managed by Fiat’s family, the Ragnard family. The current head of the family is Fiat’s father, and Fiat will be allowed to inherit the family if she reaches G-rank and can use her family name. Fiat is a B-rank Crafter, so it will be a while before she can take over the family.

“Ah, him. I heard he returned from the Royal Capital.”

“He’s an excellent beast tamer, and the Ragnard family is well-known in Amister, so I’ve met him a few times.”

Viscount Archlight, who had been in Feel for three years, and Count Sofia, who had been there for two years, knew Fiat. Count Sofia, in particular, had even received advice from the Ragnard family regarding the training of Battle Horses, so they were almost like family. On the other hand, Marquis Frederica, who had just arrived in Feel, had only heard rumors.

“Speaking of which, Linus, do you want to see a Hippogriff that much?”

“Of course. They don’t have them in Alegria, and I haven’t had the chance to go to Retisencia as they have little diplomatic relations. I’ve been to Torencia, but unfortunately, I couldn’t see one.”

I see. Well, it’s understandable.

“They’re still young, so please don’t push them too hard. Their parents were killed, and they’re already sad; I don’t want to give them any more worries.”

I’ve told Fiat that, so I think it should be fine, but I still can’t stop the townspeople from going to see them. It’s different if they’re hunters.

Oh, I’m starting to get worried. There’s no denying the possibility that some foolish hunters might target the Hippogriffs, which are valuable and expensive materials. I have a bad feeling about this, and although it’s in the opposite direction of the Crafter’s Guild, I might have to go and check on them.

Side: Prim

After finishing our report at the Hunter’s Guild, we swiftly headed towards the ranch. There’s a non-zero chance that the hunters might target them, and it’s possible they could kill Fluorite and Jade in our absence and leave Feel. If they did that, I would never forgive them and would chase after them immediately, but even if they failed, they would have to pay a suitable price.

“Yamato! Primrose! Hurry!”

Just as I was thinking that, it seems the very situation I was worried about has occurred. Fiat, the Dark Elf, rushed out as soon as she saw us.

“Fiat, what happened?”

Yamato, feigning a calm demeanor, asked Fiat. However, his magic was leaking, so he was clearly very angry.

“The hunters… they came in droves demanding that we hand over the Hippogriffs! They said they’d make us take responsibility because their comrades were injured!”

Execution is confirmed. I don’t feel the need to hold back at all.

“Which ones attacked?”

“Mad Vipers!”

Mad Vipers, huh. There are only eight of them, which is few for a Raid, but they should all be over level 40. More than half of them should have evolved into High Class, and they were said to be comparable to Patriot Pride, the Raid guarding the Hunter’s Master. They’re also known for their bad behavior.

“That’s understandable. Let’s hurry, Prim.”

“Yes.”

We used Physicarring to instantly enter the pasture. As expected, I could see those idiots pointing their swords at Jade and Fluorite. And Jade has collapsed, but she’s alive, right?

“You guys…”

Ah, this is bad. Yamato is completely furious. It’s over for them.

“W-What is this!?”

“A barrier of ice!?”

Isn’t this Niflheim? It’s a powerful barrier, so it won’t be broken, and it’s completely freezing their feet, so I don’t think they can attack Jade any further. But there might be some who can use magic, so it’s not absolute, is it?

“You’ve been acting quite as you please in my absence.”

“Y-You! This barrier…!”

“Dispel it quickly! That Hippogriff attacked our comrades! It’s your responsibility to take responsibility!”

“Don’t say whatever you please. Besides, when, where, and how did we attack you?”

“Right after we entered the city, of course!”

At this point, it’s obvious you’re lying. I didn’t believe you from the start, though.

“At that point, it’s clear that what you’re saying is a lie. We entered Feel with the Order and came here. The Order’s Guild can prove that we haven’t attacked anyone.”

“You think the Order’s Guild is believable? Stop messing around and dispel the barrier and hand them over!”

“You’re just getting cocky because you have the Hunter’s Master backing you, but unfortunately, he’s already been dismissed. Clear evidence of him being a spy has been found.”

I can see the Mad Vipers flinch at Yamato’s words.

“D-Don’t say such things! Why should that person be dismissed?”

“Th-That’s right! That person is thinking of the country first!”

“This is the Amister Kingdom. If you’re thinking of Retisencia first, you should change your country’s way of thinking first.”

I completely agree. Frankly, after all they’ve done, if it’s discovered, it’s a declaration of war. Moreover, with the Hunter’s Guild also against them, Retisencia has no chance of winning, and is more likely to face annihilation.

They won’t listen no matter what I say. It seems things are quite chaotic within Retisencia. Invading other countries’ territories without hesitation and taking them over when possible is not the act of a decent nation.

“That’s enough. There’s nothing more to discuss with you. In truth, I would have you knocked unconscious and made into criminal slaves, but since you’ve picked a fight with me, you will receive a fitting retribution.”

With that, Yamato further activated Niflheim and crushed the legs of all the Mad Vipers.

“Gyaaaaaaaah!!”

“My, my legs!! My legs!!”

“It, it hurts!!”

I thought he would knock them out, but it wasn’t that. I can see how strong Yamato’s anger is, but I’m more worried about Jade than those guys. Seeing her in front of Fluorite, she must have protected her, but she’s still collapsed. Right, I can’t just stand here calmly.

“Jade! Are you okay?”

I rushed to Jade’s side and checked on her. She was breathing, albeit raggedly. Good, she’s safe. But I need to hurry.

“High Healing!” “Blood Healing!”

I can only use healing magic now, and this is my first time using it, but this isn’t the time. So, I quickly cast the best healing and blood-making magic I knew on Jade.

Bestowed Magic is magic granted at birth, and I was granted Winged Magic. However, when I evolved into a High Fox, I gained the ability to use healing magic. I am granted one at birth, and then I am granted a new one upon evolution, so High Class can use two, and Ancient Class can use three. Having seen Yamato’s Engraving Magic so many times, I want to be able to use Barrier Magic.

Oh, it seems my High Healing is working. Her wounds are slowly closing, and her ragged breathing is calming down. With the effect of Blood Healing, her lost blood should also be replenished, so she should wake up soon.

“Thank you, Prim.”

Yamato also seemed relieved, and the murderous intent and magic from before disappeared. Even though we just contracted as familiar and contractor, a connection is formed between them. So, it’s not strange that Yamato felt that Jade might be attacked. It’s natural for him to get angry or happy as if it were his own business.

But Yamato, please don’t hug me just because you’re happy! Of course, I don’t intend to abandon Jade, who protected Fluorite, nor do I intend to forgive them, but it’s embarrassing! No, I’m happy, of course! I can see my tail wagging vigorously, and I’m probably blushing up to my ears right now!

“I never thought you’d be able to use Blood Healing too. However, Jade is fine now.”

Fiat reassured me, but I’m in no shape to worry about that!

“That’s… good. Fiat, have you contacted the Order’s Guild?”

“I have. They should be here soon.”

“I see.”

Hey, Yamato! Get off me already!

“Ah, ah, sorry.”

It was fine that he hugged me out of overwhelming emotion, but Yamato seemed embarrassed too and apologized immediately. It’s not that it matters, but I feel a little disappointed… that’s not it!

“What are you going to do with these guys? Both their legs are gone, so they can’t even be criminal slaves.”

“I did it in a fit of anger, but I don’t regret it or repent. Rather, be grateful that you’re still alive.”

I understand that. To heal a lost limb, you’d need at least the highest-level healing magic, Extra Healing. It’s magic that only A-rank healers can use, so there’s no way those guys could use it, and I doubt anyone would even think of trying.

“Kwaa…”

“Ah, sorry, Fluorite. You must have been scared and lonely. Jade is fine now, so don’t worry.”

I’d forgotten about Fluorite in the shock of being hugged by Yamato. She butts her head between us, but if she had lost her family and then Jade had also disappeared, it would have been a disaster. I can strongly feel the fear Fluorite experienced. It’s a good thing I made it in time.

“Fiat, how long do you think it will take for Jade to wake up?”

“I’m not a veterinarian, so I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think it will take long. By the way, what a strong cub. Based on what you two told me and its size, it must have only recently learned to fly. Not just Hippogriffs, but young monsters are considerably weaker than adults. It’s probably not even S-rank. Yet, it didn’t flinch one bit against the Mad Vipers, all S-rank and High Class.”

That’s really true. It’s thanks to Jade protecting Fluorite that she wasn’t injured. Even with healing magic for wounds and bloodshed, she’ll need to rest for a while.

Jade woke up soon after, and was happy to see Fluorite unharmed. And when she saw us, she immediately ran over and nuzzled us for affection. It’s okay now.

The Mad Vipers were handed over to an Order led by Rosemary, but since Yamato had crushed both their legs, it would be difficult to make them criminal slaves, so they were to be executed after it was investigated whether they had committed any other crimes. Even if they investigate for other crimes, using enslavement magic tools or Knight Magic makes false testimony impossible, and with the Hunter’s Master now dismissed with the authority of Sub-Hunter’s Master, they have no backing. Linus will be making a formal document using contract magic, so it will be the end not only for the Mad Vipers but for the other hunters as well.

The enslavement magic tools are temporary measures until a sentence is passed, prohibiting any combat, magic use, false testimony, or escape. They are temporary, lasting only a few days for regular users and one day for High Class, but their ability to restrict actions is significant. Furthermore, I’ve heard that the Order’s Guild has Knight Magic as a Guild Magic, making interrogation easier than in other countries.

Ultimately, this incident caused by the Mad Vipers led to all the hunters being apprehended, and after being fitted with enslavement magic tools, they were taken in for questioning by the Order’s Guild. We also helped with the apprehension, and as expected, they all resisted. Of course, we caught them immediately, but they were quite stubborn.

With this, the Hunter’s Master—no, I should call him the former Hunter’s Master since he’s been dismissed—won’t be able to do anything even if he returns. All that’s left is to thoroughly investigate the hunters and grave robbers and then report to the Royal Family.