Today’s schedule was light, and the goal was for Yuri, Marisa, Viola, and Rika to gain combat experience, which we successfully accomplished.
We also hunted a decent number of monsters, so we headed to the Hunter’s Guild’s Valentia headquarters.
We hunted a good number of Giant Buffalos and Long-nosed Boars, and Yuri and the others leveled up quite a bit. It was a fulfilling time.
“As expected of an Ancient Hunter…”
The one expressing her surprise is a Dragonewt girl at the guild reception, a friend of Rydia and Ludia. Her name is Remy. Currently, we are having our materials appraised in the guild’s appraisal room. We hunted 19 Long-nosed Boars and 27 Giant Buffalos, which took up nearly a third of the appraisal room, astonishing not only the guild staff but also the hunters who came for appraisals. Ah, the tenth appraisal room is rarely used, so we were assigned to the seventh. Furthermore, I also managed to hunt two Jumbo-nosed Boars, a rare species of Long-nosed Boar.
“Even Rybart wouldn’t hunt this many Long-nosed Boars and Giant Buffalos at once. And Jumbo-nosed Boars too…”
“We ran into a large herd. We could have just left them, but they’re a premium ingredient, and they’re monsters we rarely get to hunt, so we thought it was a good opportunity.”
As Prim said, we didn’t intend to overhunt them to this extent. Giant Buffalos and Long-nosed Boars live in herds, but even so, they usually consist of about ten individuals. At this time of year, they typically spend their time with only the male leader and a few females, so encountering a herd of nearly twenty is rare. However, it’s not impossible, and the herd we encountered was precisely that.
“Well, if they’re forming large herds at this time of year, there was a possibility of something more than just a rare species appearing, so we’re relieved.”
This is the reason why large herds are said to form at this time of year. In fact, since there were rare species present among the Long-nosed Boars, the possibility was high. Like Feather Drakes, the number of rare species tends to increase before abnormal species emerge, and the same is said for Giant Buffalos and Long-nosed Boars. Thus, there was a possibility of abnormal Long-nosed Boars appearing even before the spring breeding season.
“Rydia and Ludia, you’ve really gotten engaged to someone incredible…”
“I’m used to it by now.”
“Yeah. If you want to join us, Remy, just say the word?”
“I’ll pass.”
Rydia and Ludia invited Remy, who was astonished, to join their ranks as wives, but she promptly declined. For my part, having my wives increase so easily would be problematic.
“So, are you going to appraise all of this?”
“No, we’re taking the Jumbo-nosed Boars home. We also plan to keep about half of the Long-nosed Boars and Giant Buffalos.”
They are premium ingredients, and their materials are not bad either. Plus, we have a plan to hold a joint reception party including Ed and the others once we return to Feel, so we want to gather various ingredients.
“Understood. Then, it’s 10 Long-nosed Boars, 12 Giant Buffalos, 8 Grass Bees, and 2 Saber-Ligers. I’ll begin the appraisal right away.”
The Grass Bees were a complete surprise encounter, but being I-rank monsters, Yuri, Rika, and Viola took them down with ease. Another Saber-Tiger appeared later, which Mana defeated along with her summoned beast.
“Remy, how long do you think it will take?”
“Given the quantity, it might take about 30 minutes.”
“That’s unavoidable, I suppose.”
It’s understandable that appraisals take time. Even in Feel or Float, we’d often wait close to an hour.
“Speaking of which, Rydia and Ludia, why have you both evolved into High Class? You left Draconia only about 3 or 4 months ago, right? And you had only just become B-rank.”
“A lot has happened.”
“I see.”
In response to Remy’s question, Rydia and Ludia looked into the distance. Indeed, a lot had happened.
“I’m too afraid to ask what happened… Oh, the Hunter’s Master wishes to see you, so I’ll go and let them know.”
Remy fled the appraisal room, but we also have a lot we can’t talk about, so it’s helpful that she didn’t ask. I also have something to discuss with the Hunter’s Master, so it would be faster if they meet me.
“Hey, Rydia. Is that girl good at keeping secrets?”
“I believe so. She’s bound by contract magic, after all.”
“I’d rather not use it if possible.”
Contract magic with a friend is quite frightening. If she can keep a secret, then having her handle this might be a good idea.
“Hey, you know those girls, they seem to have earned quite a lot?”
“In that case, let’s ask them for a small contribution.”
“Forget it. That human male over there is an Ancient Human. You wouldn’t have enough lives to count.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. A kid like that can’t possibly be an Ancient Human.”
“That’s right. Even skilled hunters like Rybart haven’t evolved yet.”
I can hear you, you idiots. This is my first time in the Draconia Hunter’s Guild, and I only showed my license at the town entrance, so it’s understandable that some people don’t know me, but it still doesn’t feel good.
“Even so, extorting money from rookies and assaulting women is not acceptable, is it?”
“What? Who are you…? L-Rybart?!”
“Why are you here?!”
“For an appraisal, of course. I heard everything you were saying. And by the way, as this guy says, that human male is an Ancient Human. Moreover, those princesses from Amister are over there, so if you mess with them, it won’t just be your necks on the line?”
“Eh, eh?!”
“Are you serious?!”
“And why would princesses from Amister be here?!”
“It’s an Amister tradition. If you still intend to lay a hand on them, I won’t stop you?”
So that person is Rybart Wellness. He’s one of the three P-rank Hunters other than Prim, a Dragonewt belonging to Valentia. He’s supposedly 73 years old, but he looks to be in his late twenties. I didn’t expect to meet him at this timing, but thanks to him, I managed to avoid further trouble.
“Rybart!”
“It’s been a while.”
“Ah, it has. I heard from the grapevine that you’re engaged to this Ancient Human?”
Rydia and Ludia mentioned they knew Rybart. Since they were based in Draconia, and their father is married to two Dragonians like Rybart, it’s not that surprising.
“Yes. And we’ve also evolved into Hydragonewts.”
“Wait a minute. You left Draconia right after becoming B-rank, didn’t you? Yet in just a few months, you’ve not only reached S-rank but evolved? That’s impossible, such a story.”
I understand being doubted about evolving, but it cannot be helped. It’s apparently impossible for a B-rank to evolve in just 3 or 4 months. In reality, it’s only been about a month since we met.
“It’s true. Here.”
When Ludia showed her license, Rybart was indeed surprised.
“It’s true, they’ve evolved. And at level 45? Even for High Class, that’s about average.”
“I-it’s amazing.”
“But Grace would be happy, dear.”
Looking at Ludia’s license with Rybart is his wife, it seems. That means she’s a Dragonian.
“Ah, excuse me. I am Rybart Wellness. I’m a P-rank Hunter, like the young lady of the Winged Tribe over there. These are my wives.”
“I am Calis Wellness.”
“I’m Creta Wellness. like my sister Calis, I’m a Dragonian and a G-rank Hunter.”
“Ah, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Yamato Hydrangea Mikami.”
Following me, everyone else introduced themselves. It’s my first time meeting Dragonians. They have horns and tails, but they appear smaller than Dragonewts, and I never expected them to be without wings.
“One Ancient Class and four High Class.”
“And many are in their thirties. Considering these two, they’ll likely evolve soon.”
“Indeed. It’s no wonder Lord Gaia is calling for you.”
Do they know about me being invited by the Holy Mother Dragon already? They might have heard about it when I go to Mount Wilnes.
“We still have two Hunters, but they’re feeling a bit unwell, so we’ve given them the day off.”
Mana explains that there are still more members in the party, but Raus is suffering from acute mana fluctuation syndrome and won’t be able to hunt for a while. Carol and Apricot are looking after him, so he should be able to move tomorrow, but we can’t push him too hard. However, he’s eager to evolve, so he might push himself a bit. After what happened in Etrada, I understand his feelings, but still…
“Sorry to keep you waiting, but Rybart!”
“Yo.”
“Long time no see, Remy.”
“Yes! Oh, I can’t. Wing Crest members, the Hunter’s Master wishes to see you. Please come this way.”
Oh, we can meet them now. It’s best to do it sooner rather than later, so I’m grateful.
“What, you’ve been summoned by the Hunter’s Master?”
“Yes. We also have something we need to tell them.”
“Is that so. You’ll be in Draconia for a while, won’t you?”
“Hmm, it was rather sudden, so at most two weeks.”
Originally, I planned to stay in Float a little longer, then stop by Memoria before returning to Feel. Going to Valentia was truly unexpected.
“Well, that can’t be helped. Then let’s go out for a meal sometime soon.”
“That sounds good. Our plans here are still uncertain, so I don’t know when it will be, but I’ll try to keep my schedule as open as possible.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
After making the dinner appointment, we parted ways with Rybart and his group. Meeting a P-rank Hunter other than Prim for the first time will be informative, so I’m looking forward to it. Following Remy’s lead, we entered the Master’s Room, where a Dragonewt was waiting for us.
“Welcome to Draconia. I am Kaname Skylark, the Head Hunter’s Master of Valentia Branch.”
Given the high female ratio in Helios Orb, I should have expected this. The Head Hunter’s Master of Amister was also a woman, so it was even more so.
“I’ve heard from the Grand Hunter’s Master, and it seems you’ve gotten involved in quite a troublesome situation.”
“We have ongoing issues as well. Ah, this is a letter from King Amister and the Head Hunter’s Master.”
While the letter from Head Hunter’s Master Sierra of Amister is one thing, Emperor Reinhardt’s letter should have been handed over by Mana or Yuri. However, having married Mana, I’ve become family, and as the Union Leader, it was thrust upon me. Do I have to get used to this? And when did the Grand Hunter’s Master find out we were going to Valentia?
“I see, a whole parade of troubles… And how did you manage to defeat a Demise Species? And alone at that…”
“Ah, that’s also written in here.”
That means Prim being an Ancient Foxy is also written down. While Hunter’s Masters are sometimes bound by confidentiality, she probably judged that I’m trustworthy, unlike Saches. But is it alright to just tell them so easily?
“I know what you’re thinking, but you have to tell the Head Hunter’s Master, especially regarding Prim, or it could lead to trouble.”
“Me?”
Prim tilted her head at Mana’s words, and I did the same. Is there something troublesome that could happen?
“Hey Prim, what’s your current level?”
“My level? It’s 68.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Indeed, it will become troublesome.”
As soon as they heard Prim’s level, Rydia and Meena seemed to understand. I also get it somewhat, but it won’t be *that* troublesome… No, it will be!
“We’re not hunting much now, but once we return to Feel, we’ll be hunting a lot, right?”
“Of course, partly to blow off steam? I’d like to go to the Solpreza Mountain Range if possible.”
“If that happens, your level will increase again, won’t it?”
“I don’t think it will be easy, but I feel it will. …Ah, I see what you mean.”
With Rydia and Flam’s explanation, Prim finally seemed to understand. That’s right, if Prim reaches level 71, she will be promoted to M-rank. Furthermore, it is said that reaching level 70 triggers evolution into an Ancient Class, making M-rank Hunters equivalent to Ancient Classes. No matter how much we try to suppress the information, it will inevitably reach Baliente, especially Leonas.
“Even the Hunter’s Guild doesn’t know how to deal with this. Ideally, there’s no harm in having more Ancient Hunters, but this is a different situation. Judging from the letter, Baliente won’t make a move overtly, but the Anti-Beast King Organization led by former Prince Leonas will. They’ll immediately demand your extradition to Amister.”
“If they try something like that, we’ll just crush them physically?”
Leonas is after Prim’s body, and there’s no way I’d allow that. If they use that as an excuse to raise an army, I’ll just freeze them and shatter them?
“That would also be a problem. Of course, Amister will refuse, and what’s more, since she’s married to Yamato, there’s no reason to comply. But if you crush the Anti-Beast King Organization, it will cause tension between you and Amister in a different sense.”
Is it because the Anti-Beast King Organization includes not only nobles but also commoners? Indeed, if we crush the organization, not only will I be resented, but my position as an O-Rank Order will also strain relations with Amister.
“I’ve heard that even in Baliente, the marriage between Lord Yamato and Prim is no secret. Therefore, former Prince Leonas won’t be able to fabricate engagement stories. He must be considering another approach.”
I’m aware of those rumors too. It’s said the Beast King is widely publicizing Prim’s survival and her marriage to me, specifically so the Anti-Beast King Organization can hear it. It’s even said that this has changed the power dynamics in Baliente, though the situation is still chaotic, and detailed information hasn’t come through. What’s certain is that the Western Baronial territory, which was said to be cooperating with Leonas, has broken away and is pursuing its own path.
“Just before we left Float, I heard that the Eastern Baronial territory has shown deference to Amister.”
“I heard that too. It’s said that the Eastern and Western Baronial territories were originally close to Duke Hydransia. Therefore, since Sister Prim is alive and has entered into a marriage with an O-Rank Order in Amister, their reasons for wanting to defeat the Beast King have diminished.”
That’s why they separated from Leonas, but they can’t just pledge allegiance to the Beast King, so they’re each thinking for themselves.
“Eastern and Western, huh? Those two would think that way, especially the Western Baronial territory, as he agreed with my thinking.”
“That’s quite a story in itself.”
Prim believes that Baliente should be returned to Amister. Originally, Baliente was a separate country from Amister; it was initially six countries. However, disputes arose between those countries, and Amister mediated, unifying them into one nation. Nevertheless, internal conflicts, akin to civil wars, were frequent and still occur. The reasons are often succession disputes or territorial issues, which generally don’t concern commoners directly, but it’s the commoners who suffer the consequences. It’s also said that the Anti-Beast King Organization, which Leonas is currently a part of, is causing problems. That’s why Prim believes that for the stability of the nation, Amister should govern it.
“The Beast King intends to abolish the baronial system and stabilize the country, but I don’t know what Leonas wants. If it were Prince Tyrus, my brother, he would have followed the path of the previous and the one before that.”
Mana pondered, tapping her right index finger on her chin. That’s also a point.
The Beast King intends to abolish the existing five baronial territories and grant them different titles. He apparently believes it’s not desirable to have multiple kings within the country, which I can understand. This led to the formation of the Anti-Beast King Organization advocating for the preservation of the baronial system. However, the Anti-Beast King Organization rose up independently of Leonas’s existence. With the Eastern and Western Baronial territories, who had been cooperating, now distancing themselves, it means the barons had their own agendas.
Leonas joined the Anti-Beast King Organization due to his claim as the legitimate heir to the throne, serving as its figurehead, and his personal strength as a Dragonewt Half-High Tigari. However, he publicly states his goal is to reclaim the usurped throne and avenge Duke Hydransia, who was unjustly executed. But in the cities where the Anti-Beast King Organization is allegedly based or has been active, there are rumors of a significant number of women disappearing. There are even rumors that the disappeared women were handed over to Leonas and killed once he lost interest. True or not, at the point such rumors surfaced, Leonas becoming king is considered fatal, but the rumors are only increasing rather than decreasing, making it truly unclear what he’s thinking.
“Unfortunately, the Hunter’s Guild only gets rumors. However, according to a recent rumor, the Northern Baronial territory has begun to rearm.”
“The Northern Baronial territory?”
“Yes. Although, it’s just a rumor, so its veracity is unknown.”
The Northern Baronial territory, if I recall correctly, borders Sollemne and Alegria. Even though it’s separated by an inland sea, the opposite shore is not far, so if Sollemne were to advance into Baliente, the Northern Baronial territory would inevitably be targeted. Normally, one might suspect some movement from Sollemne, but given the timing, it’s difficult to judge.
“The Northern Baronial territory. He was a friend of the Beast King, but I heard he stated he would remain a spectator to the current situation. Therefore, I heard he has maintained neutrality in the conflict between the Beast King and the Anti-Beast King Organization…”
“I don’t know about Duke Hydransia’s execution, but the Beast King also doesn’t seem to be raising troops, despite understanding the current situation. I believe he has his reasons, but if they are friends, the Beast King should at least request assistance.”
From what I heard in Float, there was talk that he was not involved in Duke Hydransia’s execution, but the story of him being the Beast King’s friend did surface. Normally, considering the current situation, one might expect him to send troops to aid the Beast King, but there’s no sign of that, and it’s also said that the Beast King doesn’t intend to request cooperation.
“The most likely possibility is preparation for Sollemne, but considering the timing. It’s also possible that the Anti-Beast King Organization, having been refused cooperation, is pressuring the Northern Baronial territory.”
That’s the most troublesome scenario. If the Anti-Beast King Organization is indeed pressuring the Northern Baronial territory, then the options would be either to resist or comply. However, based on what I’ve heard, I don’t think the Northern Baronial territory would comply. That leaves no choice but to resist, which would inevitably create a significant weakness, and Sollemne would surely not miss such an opportunity. I don’t believe Sollemne’s intervention is desired by either the Beast King or Leonas, but since I don’t know Leonas’s thoughts, I can’t definitively say it’s impossible.
This is no good. There is simply too little information to begin with, and it’s all based on rumors. While the situation in Baliente is concerning, it’s difficult to make inferences without more information. Besides, we didn’t come here to discuss Baliente; let’s get back to the original topic.
“It’s troublesome, but we don’t know how the Northern Baronial territory will act yet. Wouldn’t it be better to return to the main topic?”
“Yes. While the situation in Baliente is concerning, we can’t do anything about it thinking here. Besides, even Leonas must know what would happen if he attacked the Northern Baronial territory.”
“Are you alright with that, Prim?”
“Whether it’s alright or not doesn’t matter. It’s happened before. If you overthink things, you tend to only imagine the worst-case scenarios, and it leads to nothing good.”
Although the situation is different from back then, overthinking is still bad for your health. I don’t think the current Prim would rashly rush off to Baliente, but if she becomes too fixated, it’s impossible to know what might happen, so I need to change the subject, even if it’s a bit forceful.
“Yamato, you really look out for Prim.”
“It’s true. Even though we knew it, I still feel envious.”
“Hey!!”
Prim’s face turned red from Meena and Flam’s teasing. It’s unusual for them to tease her like that, but after spending so much time together, they probably understand it now.
“Honestly, being that concerned makes me envious.”
“It really does.”
“I agree.”
Mana, Yuri, and Rika sighed, but gave wry smiles. Despite everything, they all clearly care about Prim. The reverse is also true, and it makes me feel like I need to be more responsible.
“Alright, alright, enjoy the meal. Getting back to the topic, I will handle your requests and appraisals. However, I can’t do it all the time, so I’d like to request one of you to support me with some of the staff. Is that alright?”
We’ve quickly returned to the main topic. But this was what we wanted to discuss in the first place, so it’s exactly what we wanted.
“In that case, could we ask the Dragonewt named Remy?”
“Remy? May I ask the reason?”
She seemed surprised that I, who just arrived in Draconia, would specifically request someone. That’s understandable.
“Yes. Since she’s a friend of Rydia and Ludia, it’s easier for us to talk to her.”
“I see. Does anyone else have any objections?”
Everyone nodded to Kaname. We had briefly discussed it earlier, and if we were to assign someone, it would be Remy.
“Understood. Then I’ll call for Remy, but since she’ll be in charge, I’ll have to convey this information to her. Is that acceptable?”
“That’s fine. If it weren’t, we couldn’t even have our licenses checked.”
There appears to be a Guild Magic that registers questing information from Hunter Licenses onto a magical map, but only staff can use it. More importantly, a Hunter License is required, so if it can’t be checked, it would be problematic.
“Indeed. Then I’ll go get her, so please wait a moment.”
“Understood.”
The 담당 (person in charge) was easily decided, and Kaname left to call Remy. Only we remained, but it probably won’t take long, so we’ll just wait leisurely.
