Helios Orb Chronicle – Chapter 63

After hunting the Devil Megalodon, we returned to Feel and immediately took the corpse to the Hunter’s Guild.

The Devil Megalodon lives underwater, making both reconnaissance and subjugation difficult.

Because of the time it took to report, and as predicted, an order to appear came from the Provincial Governor, so I decided to head to Marquis Frederica’s mansion alone.

I visit almost every day, but since people from other provinces also gather here, I imagine the reception costs must be astronomical.

“Hello, Myun-san.”
“We have been expecting you, Lord Yamato.”

Led by Myun, a Lamia whom I’ve become quite familiar with, I was shown to the usual reception room. Marquis Frederica and Viscount Archlight were already waiting.

Count Sofia was nowhere to be seen. That person had gone to the Royal Capital with Grand Hunter’s Master using Long-distance Teleportation Magic, Traveling, and had not yet returned to Feel.

“I would like to say I was waiting, but hearing reports of abnormal species subjugations almost every day is making my senses feel strange.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Abnormal species are supposed to be things that are subjugated only once every few months or years.”

Viscount Archlight and Marquis Frederica greeted me with complaints.
Well, it’s not my fault, it’s Retisencia’s!
Please direct your complaints that way.

“I understand that, but from the perspective of someone receiving the reports.”

Are you saying work is being delayed?
That’s also an act of God.

“I know it’s an act of God. So, today, you subdued the Devil Megalodon, and I hear there were two, but you also subjugated several Sky-Dive Sharks, of course?”

Marquis Frederica’s language has become much more casual.
She’s only two years older than me, so I find it easier to interact with her this way.

Right, Devil Megalodon and Sky-Dive Shark.

“Yes. I hunted seven Sky-Dive Sharks.”
“Seven, huh. Considering there were two abnormal species, it might not be a lot, but it’s not a small number either. For the time being, we’ll need to instruct the fishermen to be cautious.”

That’s true, but Sky-Dive Sharks and Blue Sharks inhabit the entire Veil Lake, and since they live in water, investigation is nearly impossible.
This problem isn’t unique to Veil Lake, as sea monsters generally share the same issue. It seems that multiple abnormal species have appeared and are even locked in a struggle for survival.
The corpses of these abnormal species are sometimes obtained by lucky fishermen or sailors.

“Yes. For the time being, let’s ensure fishing within the barrier is done thoroughly. The catch might decrease somewhat, but we can’t have them put in danger.”

It’s fortunate that the Provincial Governor is a conscientious person.
It feels like the nobles of Amister are all unconcerned with power struggles or factional disputes.

“I will send someone to the Trader’s Guild later. By the way, Yamato, regarding that princess you mentioned, she has extracted information about monsters that used Demon Crystals.”

Oh, that’s good news.
There were two Green Fangs and two Devil Megalodons, so I was wondering if there were others.

“That’s a great help. What did she use them for?”
“She used them on three Glass Wolves, one Treant, two Forest Bees, two Blue Lake Bulls, one Glass Boa, three Goblins, and two Orcs.”

Again, troublesome.

The Glass Wolves, considering they might have evolved into Black Fenrir, align with the numbers. There were three in total, so they should be considered subjugated.
I had also unknowingly defeated a Curse Treant, so that one is fine too.
However, if two Forest Bees were used, there’s a possibility that another Murder Bee has been spawned.
Blue Lake Bulls inhabit Veil Lake, making them somewhat easier in that sense, but Veil Lake is vast, and the inability to investigate underwater is a pain.
Goblins, one of them probably evolved into a Goblin Queen, but I don’t know the whereabouts of the remaining two.
There’s a chance they might have escaped towards Emosion.
Orcs are also troublesome.
Orcs mainly inhabit mountainous areas, but if they cross the mountain range, they could pose a threat to Libertà.
Furthermore, since they haven’t been found yet, it’s impossible to determine if they are even on the Feel side.
I haven’t seen the Glass Boas either, but among the remaining ones, this one seems like the easiest to deal with.

Wait?

What about the Devil Megalodon?

“So, you mean they weren’t used on Devil Megalodons, or rather, Blue Sharks?”
“I was also curious and asked her earlier, and she said they weren’t used. However, she mentioned that if Blue Lake Bulls that used Demon Crystals were preyed upon by Blue Sharks or Sky-Dive Sharks, there’s a possibility that those individuals could evolve.”

This is becoming troublesome again.
Does that mean one of the Devil Megalodons was born naturally?

“The possibility of both being preyed upon is unlikely, so that’s probably how it is. Also, it has been found that Demon Crystals were used on Feather Drakes, the familiars of Saches Trennel, to create Evil Drakes.”
“So they used it on the familiar Feather Drake first, and after confirming the results, they proceeded with their preparations?”
“That’s right.”

The Demon Crystals are said to have originated from Abaricia, so it’s unlikely they would have used them immediately without explanation.
They must have conducted experiments.
Perhaps Saches’s familiar was chosen for that purpose.

However, there’s something that concerns me.

“But wasn’t an Evil Drake sighted a few months ago?”
“Regarding that, it seems that even with Demon Crystals, they don’t instantly evolve into abnormal species. It takes several months for them to evolve, so she stated that after confirming the evolution into an Evil Drake, she used Demon Crystals on monsters around Feel.”
“So, the Evil Drake sighted a few months ago was indeed Saches’s familiar, and it had just evolved. And while being guarded by that familiar, she indiscriminately used Demon Crystals on monsters around Feel?”
“Yes.”

Does that mean they’ve been active for about a year?
It must be that they wanted the Mylight Mountains that badly, but even if the plan succeeded, how did they intend to deal with the abnormal species?
Well, they probably didn’t think that far ahead, but I really want to ask Retisencia what their plan was.

“Excuse me. The Crafter’s Master and the Trader’s Master have arrived.”
“Laberna-san and Mikasa-san? Understood, please show them in.”
“Certainly.”

Just as I was thinking that, the Crafter’s Master and the Trader’s Master arrived.
What for? It must be about the Devil Megalodon.

“Excuse me. I apologize for intruding so suddenly, Marquis Frederica.”
“No, it’s fortunate you could come. Please, have a seat.”

As the two of them sat on the sofa, Myun, as if she had been waiting, served tea.
She had just shown them in, so when did she make the tea?
Well, I got a refill too, so I guess it’s fine.

“So, what brings you here today?”
“We heard that the Sky-Dive Shark and the Devil Megalodon were subjugated. Since these are monsters that are rarely obtained, we intend to stuff half of them as taxidermy. One of them will be presented to His Majesty.”

Taxidermy, huh.
That would be impressive, but setting aside the Sky-Dive Shark, isn’t the Devil Megalodon too large?

“Taxidermy? Of the Devil Megalodon?”
“No, admittedly it’s too large, and since it’s an abnormal species, it will be excellent material. Only the Sky-Dive Shark will be made into a taxidermy.”
“It’s Mikasa’s suggestion, but we plan to display one of them at the Trader’s Guild. After all, while the Blue Shark is carnivorous, it’s generally docile and causes little damage, but the Sky-Dive Shark actively attacks people. Since it’s a rare species of Blue Shark that is seldom seen, many fishermen don’t know what a Sky-Dive Shark looks like.”

They’re thinking of something like that.
Indeed, with taxidermy, its appearance would be clear, and in case of accidental encounters, people wouldn’t have to wonder what kind of monster it is and could choose to flee. It might be good for safety.

“That’s a good idea. While the most dangerous monster in Veil Lake is the Lake Bee, it doesn’t mean other monsters can be ignored. Among them, the Sky-Dive Shark, a rare species, has few sightings, so many people are unaware of its danger. However, if a taxidermy specimen is displayed at the Trader’s Guild, it will be easy to raise awareness. After all, it’s right in front of them.”
“I agree. Furthermore, not just fishermen and hunters, but if people can safely confirm the appearance of monsters, fewer people might embark on reckless journeys. We might as well create a facility somewhere to display monster taxidermy.”

Like a museum.
That’s not a bad idea.
Books contain pictures of monsters and their known habitats, but it’s hard to convey their threat because their actual size is difficult to grasp.
However, if such a facility were built, people could see the actual specimens, even if they are taxidermied, making the terrifying nature of monsters more understandable.
Management would be difficult, but that could be solved if one of the guilds took the initiative, and more importantly, it would lead to safety, so I think it’s a necessary expense.
Ah, with an admission fee, however cheap, some of the expenses could be recovered.
In that case, it would be safest for the Trader’s Guild to manage it.

“That’s a good idea. I don’t know how much the maintenance costs will be, but considering the safety of the roads, it’s not a bad idea. Moreover, if an admission fee is set, it could partially cover not only maintenance costs but also the purchase costs. The management of exhibits would also fall under the Trader’s Guild’s jurisdiction, so we will consider it in conjunction with the headquarters.”

When I proposed it, they reacted very positively.
Or rather, involving the headquarters? Isn’t the scale of this getting too big?

“The ability to safely know the appearance of monsters is something we appreciate. Therefore, it is a great help to the country and to individuals that the Trader’s Guild is taking action.”
“Indeed, it’s a good plan. Although the materials of the taxidermied monsters will become unusable, the Crafter’s Guild also stands to benefit greatly. I believe Grand Crafter’s Master would also agree.”

Perhaps because the Guild Master is present, the conversation is progressing smoothly.
Well, since they’re going to consult with their headquarters, it’ll still take time until it’s finalized.

Speaking of which, isn’t Grand Crafter’s Master Ed’s father?

“Excuse me, Laberna-san. Isn’t Grand Crafter’s Master Ed’s father?”
“That’s right. My father is the Grand Crafter’s Master, and my mother and others assist him. By the way, Ed’s mother is a Fairy, just like me.”

I knew that.
After all, he’s a Fairy-half Dwarf. If his mother were a Dwarf, who would his father be?

“I understand what you’re trying to say. You’re talking about Fiana, right?”

He read my mind without me saying anything.
Well, that’s true.

“Fiana, weren’t you the slave that the Crafter’s Master redeemed? Is something wrong with her?”
“Yes. Are you aware that they are planning to hold a joint wedding reception?”
“Yes, I was invited by him the other day.”
“Regarding that, Fiana apparently wants to marry Ed as well, and she asked me about her.”

It feels like things are progressing without the involved parties, myself and Ed, being present.
Moreover, Marquis Frederica and Laberna-san are quite enthusiastic, aren’t they?

“I see. But since she’s a redeemed slave, she can’t be easily freed, can she?”

Yes, that’s the problem.
Apparently, the debt of a redeemed slave cannot be disclosed to others by contract.
This is to protect the slaves, as well as to prohibit the private transfer of slaves.

It seems there are quite a few people who claimed to take over the debt and became the slave’s master, only to disappear with the slave.
Of course, they had no intention of taking over the debt, the slave’s debt remained with the previous master, and the slave was seen months later in another country and died during negotiations for their handover.
What’s worse, several people suffer the same fate every year.
Therefore, in Amister, if one intends to take over a debt, they must report it to the governor or magistrate, sign a contract at the Trader’s Guild, and then change the registration.
Unauthorized changes are treated as illegal slavery, and the individual is demoted to a criminal slave, so they are very thorough.

“Yes. But it’s surprisingly not well-known, slaves can get married if the master permits it. So, if I permit it, everything will be resolved.”

What?
This is completely new information. Is that true?

“R-really?”

Marquis Frederica also seemed to not know and was communicating with Mikasa-san with her eyes.

“Yes. In that case, the spouse often becomes the new master.”

So, what does that mean?
If Laberna-san permits Fiana’s marriage, and Ed becomes Fiana’s new master, then Ed and Fiana can finally get married, is that it?

“That’s correct, but it’s also fine for the master to remain the Crafter’s Master.”
“Incidentally, Marina and Prim know about this. They came to me directly to ask the other day.”

Did those two skip gathering information around the perimeter and jump over it?
And the other day, was that the day we confirmed the progress of the Beast Gear?
Marina did come to the Crafter’s Guild then, but she was there for work, wasn’t she?

“So, it’s correct that this slave, Fiana, will marry Edward?”

Marquis Frederica, while trembling, asked for a direct answer.
That’s too direct.

“That’s my intention. I will confirm Fiana’s wishes soon, but she will likely not refuse.”

Congratulations, Ed.
Now you can marry Fiana without any worries.
All that’s left is to free Fiana, but once married, it’s practically the same as being freed, so there’s no need to rush.

“I suppose I should congratulate you.”

I thought it was a happy occasion, but Marquis Frederica’s mood has plummeted.
Did something happen?

“I should also be getting married soon, but I can’t find a good partner.”

Ah, I see.
Marquis Frederica has already inherited the family, so finding a marriage partner must be quite a struggle.
She needs to start by looking for unmarried men or young couples willing to join the Marquis’s family, and if she accepts an idiot or a scumbag, the outcome would be disastrous.
Although it’s not my business, I can only say “do your best.”

“Hey, Yamato.”
“Yes?”
“Won’t you marry me?”

I was hit with a mega-bomb!
No, no, no, no, that’s impossible!
Look, Viscount Archlight, Laberna-san, and Mikasa-san are surprised… they’re not?
Huh? Why?

“I was aware. While I wouldn’t mind having a chance, I’m not going to make such a hasty decision about marriage.”

Ah, what a scare.
I thought it was a joke, but I was so flustered because I never expected such a conversation to come up.
Besides, Marquis Frederica has been appointed as a Provincial Governor, so it would be difficult to find a marriage partner in Feel.
However, she’s of marriageable age, and more importantly, if she doesn’t marry, the family line is in danger, so I can understand her eagerness.
Even so, I don’t think she should make such a hasty decision about marriage.

I, who already have three wives, can’t say that with much credibility.

Marquis Frederica proposed to me, but it seems to have been a joke, and she didn’t seem to have any serious intentions, so the conversation ended there.

Or rather, what were we talking about originally?

“Ah, was it about the museum?”
“Museum? What is that?”

There isn’t a word for “museum” in Helios Orb.
Well, broadly speaking, natural history is the study of nature, and in Helios Orb, research on monsters has a higher priority, so in this case, it might be better to call it monsterology, and the exhibition facilities monster halls.

“I see. It’s a word that means a field of study in your world, and a facility for studying and researching that field.”
“It’s an interesting word. If it’s decided, maybe the facility’s name could be Museum.”

Don’t.
Certainly, monsters are included in natural history in a broad sense, but there are no monsters in my world, so they shouldn’t be considered.
…Well, it’s not entirely that there are none.

“Monsterology doesn’t sound quite right phonetically. In that case, using the word natural history would be more fitting. I’ll contact Grand Crafter’s Master as soon as I return to the Crafter’s Guild.”

Laberna-san is incredibly enthusiastic.
She doesn’t need to be that serious.

Speaking of which, Magic Stones are lumps of monster magic power, but have they been studied?

“I just thought of something, Magic Stones are lumps of monster magic power, aren’t they?”
“That’s right. It’s said that when a monster dies, its magic power gathers near its heart, becoming a Magic Stone.”
“It seems that Magic Stones are only used as energy sources for magic tools, but have they been studied?”

In reality, Magic Stones are only used for magic tools.
You could think of them as batteries produced within a monster’s body.

However, since Magic Stones are lumps of monster magic power, one might think there’s information about the monsters as well.

I asked them, thinking that, but they all looked at me as if they didn’t understand what I was saying.

“Yamato, what do you mean by that?”

Marquis Frederica, not necessarily as a representative, opened her mouth.

“Well, if Magic Stones are studied, couldn’t we learn about monster ecology? Since they are lumps of magic power, I feel like there might be information about the monsters.”

I thought so, but it seems my suggestion was completely unexpected to everyone.

“Magic Stones might contain information about monsters… I’ve never thought of such a thing.”
“Me neither. However, it is true that a magic stone reflects the attributes of the monster. While that alone isn’t enough for a judgment, it seems worth investigating.”
“Right. Unfortunately, monster ecology research isn’t under the Crafter’s Guild’s jurisdiction, but if we can learn more about monsters, the Crafter’s Guild will spare no effort in cooperating.”
“Research falls under the Trader’s Guild’s jurisdiction. There are people in Feel who research monsters, so I’ll reach out to them.”

If they learn about monster ecology, it will be easier for hunters to hunt them, and traders will have a slightly easier time moving between cities.
Also, something just occurred to me: if Magic Stones contain monster information, and if it can be reproduced, perhaps simple mock battles could be performed even within cities.
In my world, there are quite a few devices for AR (Augmented Reality), but in Helios Orb, using magic might allow for its reproduction.

Ah, inspired by AR, I think I’ll go to the Priest’s Guild tomorrow and present the magic I’ve conceived.

“Please do. If Magic Stones contain monster information, I have some ideas.”
“That sounds interesting. Trader’s Master, would you allow me to take on that research?”
“Of course, but weren’t you researching the domestication of Blue Lake Bulls?”

Viscount Archlight volunteered for Magic Stone research, but it seems he’s working on something else.
Or maybe, is Viscount Archlight registered with the Trader’s Guild?
Also, domesticating Blue Lake Bulls would be quite an achievement if successful, but is he just leaving that behind?

“That research is stagnating. After all, Blue Lake Bulls are rarely found, and even if they are found, they escape quickly. The other day, I had Gram-kun from the Order’s Guild try to capture one alive, but that didn’t work either.”

Gram failed, huh.
I thought so, but if a Blue Lake Bull determines it cannot escape, it apparently takes its own life.
I wonder how a bull commits suicide, but apparently, Blue Lake Bulls can use water manipulation to do so.
If they’re going to kill themselves like that, I think they should at least attack.

“That’s… I suppose it’s understandable that it’s stagnating.”
“Yes. Therefore, if information can be obtained from Magic Stones, I thought it might be possible to approach it from that angle.”

That’s true.

“Understood. Then I will entrust the Magic Stone research to you, Viscount Archlight. I will bring you the request later.”
“Thank you.”

Viscount Archlight is a B-rank Trader.
While many Traders are merchants, some are also researchers or fishermen, so not all of them are engaged in business.

Right, since Mikasa-san is here, I might as well ask her about that too.

“Mikasa-san, what’s the status of the goods to be taken to Prada Village?”
“Prada Village… Ah, Wing Crest, which includes Yamato and the others, will be providing the guard. It will be finished tomorrow, so we are planning to depart on the day after tomorrow.”

Departing the day after tomorrow.
It takes one day to reach Prada Village, and there’s also the product handover, so we’ll be away from Feel for at least three days.
There’s also the Order’s Guild, so I guess it will work out.

“Understood. I’ll let everyone know.”
“Yes. I apologize, but please take care of it.”

This whole thing was an initiative proposed by me and Prim.
Besides, with Flam being involved, we needed to go there soon anyway.

Therefore, this escort is being treated the same as requests posted on the request board.
Furthermore, since Prim and I are among the clients, there will be no reward for us.
However, payment will be made for everyone else.