Count Sofia of the provincial government and Viscount Archlight arrived at the appraisal room, accompanied by Order’s Master Rex, Rosemary, and Muse.
Rex was wearing the Arc Order’s Coat, while Rosemary and Muse wore the same Platinum Order’s Coat as Iris. All three looked incredibly good in them.
“Count Sofia, Viscount Archlight, I apologize for leaving Feel unattended for so long.”
“There’s no need to worry about it. It was an invitation from the Holy Dragon.”
“Indeed. Besides, Feel has been peaceful for the past month.”
It was good that Feel had been peaceful.
But why were both of them saying that while looking at me and Prim?
“I suppose there’s nothing to be done about it.”
“That’s right. Lord Yamato and older sister Prim, in the month since coming to Feel, you’ve only done things that overturn our common sense.”
I don’t remember doing anything like that…
“I won’t let you say you haven’t!”
“That’s true. Even just hearing about it was hard to believe, but what surprised me most was the matter of the Demise Species.”
When they brought that up, I had no retort…
“Well, that aside, let’s report what happened and what we did this past month. It’s not just about me and Yuri, but about Athena too.”
“Indeed. But where should we start…”
“Following chronological order seems best.”
Mana, Yuri, and Prim were moving the main topic forward.
Alright, I think we can manage this.
Or so I thought, but as the story progressed, everyone’s faces started to contort, and by the end, they had expressions of realization. What does this mean?
“What should I say…?”
” ‘Unprecedented’ is the word for them, isn’t it…”
Count Sofia and Viscount Archlight squeezed out their words while holding their foreheads.
Isn’t that an exaggeration?
“Not only have all the Hunters evolved into High Class, but Mana-sama is almost P-rank. And the Dragonians, Lidia, Ludia, and Eos, are also on the verge of it.”
“Furthermore, Raus and Rebecca have also evolved into High Class hunters, so anyone would react this way.”
“It took us nearly 30 years to evolve into High Class…”
“Truly…”
As if to prove Faris and Cliff’s opinions correct, Laius and Sheila, who had just evolved into High Class, were dejected.
Both were nearly fifty years old and had registered as Hunters at the same time they became adults. They had judged that further leveling up was impossible and planned to prioritize activities in their other Guild, which they were registered with through the Union, once they returned to Float.
Being able to evolve at that timing was deeply moving for them, but we evolved into High Class and even Ancient Class within just a few months of Hunter Registration, so our feeling of dejection is immense.
We had already explained about our levels, including our evolutions.
Whether or not we had evolved into High Class also involved the issue of being able to participate in the Alliance, so even if the levels were questionable, we had an obligation to report our evolutions.
“Marquis Frederica is also on the verge of evolution. I recall you weren’t particularly skilled at fighting…”
“That’s true, but I’m an Outside Order as well, so it became an issue that I couldn’t fight at all. That’s why I did my best in Valentia.”
“Even doing your best, normally one’s level wouldn’t rise this much in such a short period? Well, with Lord Yamato and Prim here, I can’t say it wouldn’t rise at all, but…”
Rex and Rosemary also mentioned Rika’s level.
Promotion to S-rank Order requires evolution into High Class, so at this pace, Rika’s evolution should be a matter of time.
Although S-rank Orders, including Outside Orders, are obligated to participate in the Alliance, I don’t think Rika, who is both Lord and Provincial Governor, will participate.
“I feel it’s pointless to argue about that. It’s certainly a headache, but since Lord Yamato and Prim are involved, it’s within the realm of tolerance.”
“Indeed. Rather, the problem is that Prim has reached level 73.”
“She has also been promoted to M-rank, so we must be wary of Valiente’s movements.”
Count Sofia cut off the Order’s opinion, and old man Linus and Viscount Archlight voiced the problem.
Emperor Reinhardt was also concerned about Prim, who had been promoted to an M-rank Hunter at level 73.
Of course, neither Prim nor I care what Valiente has to say, but we don’t know if we can remain completely uninvolved.
The most significant issue is Fiana’s family, who live in Valiente’s Trial Baronial Territory.
Fiana came to Feel as a purchased slave, but she is still from Valiente.
Therefore, there’s a non-zero possibility of them threatening Prim by taking her family hostage.
However, whether a Baron like Gilfa Trials keeps track of every single one of his citizens who became slaves is questionable.
Furthermore, it’s not something one would normally consider that this purchased slave and Prim would form a Union.
But it’s better to be safe than sorry, so we plan to head to Rorie Village, where Fiana used to live, within a few days.
“I understand that matter.”
“Indeed. Normally, Primrose and Fiana forming a Union would not even warrant consideration. However, with the involvement of the notoriously ill-reputed Baron Trial suspected, and even the Anti-Beast King Organization possibly mobilizing, protecting Fiana’s family can be said to be the utmost priority.”
I’ve heard Fiana’s family consists of her father, two mothers, and two younger sisters.
I don’t know what happened after she became a purchased slave, but until then, they were known throughout the village as a close-knit family.
However, a few years ago, a famine occurred, and crops failed. Despite this, the taxes remained the same, so it is said that Fiana, the eldest daughter, had no choice but to become a purchased slave to prevent her family from becoming destitute.
This part alone would not be particularly unusual, but there seems to be a continuation to this story.
It seems that Fiana’s family was not the only one unable to pay taxes due to the crop failure.
Yet, only Fiana became a purchased slave.
Prim told me that Valiente’s taxes are set for each village and town.
The total tax amount is to be divided equally among the number of residents and paid in currency.
However, the fact that no other villagers became purchased slaves than Fiana leads to the suspicion that Fiana’s purchase price was used to cover the village’s taxes.
I heard Fiana’s purchase price was 300,000 El, and coincidentally, this amount is the same as the total tax amount set for Rorie Village.
Therefore, on this matter, not only Prim but also Mana, Ed, and Marina agree with my thoughts, and perhaps Fiana herself has an inkling of it.
“It’s best to eliminate any lingering concerns, and taking them away from the ill-reputed Trial Baronial Territory alone would have meaning.”
“However, while we will prepare a place for them to live, we have no intention of taking care of their daily lives!”
“That’s obvious. We’re asking them to come to Feel for our convenience, but that doesn’t mean we’ll take care of their daily lives. I’ve never heard of such a thing. It’s alright with Fiana too, isn’t it?”
“Yes. Thank you for your generous kindness.”
Indeed, taking Fiana’s family from Rorie Village is for our convenience.
However, that doesn’t mean we need to take care of their daily lives.
Fiana understands that well enough, which is why she bows her head deeply.
With the Provincial Governor’s approval, preparations for Fiana’s family in Rorie Village will likely be made soon.
Now, for the next long-awaited item.
“I’ll bring out what we’re selling first, but is that okay?”
“Of course, that’s fine, but what did you bring?”
“It’s a surprise.”
With a mischievous smile, Prim took out monsters stored in her storage.
I didn’t tell her what to sell, but I did tell her we conquered the Solpreza Labyrinth, so she might be expecting monsters from that area, but I had to bring mine out too.
“Whoa, seriously, this is…”
“There are so many monsters that Feel has never dealt with before…”
The monsters we brought out are as follows:
Armor Drake x 1
Desert Drake x 1
Winger Drake x 2
Velociraptor x 6
Allosaurus x 2
Protoceratops x 1
Brachiosaurus x 1
Titanosaurus x 1
Macronaria x 2
Sky Scorpion x 1
Whippard Monkey x 2
Blueleaf Ent x 1
Lesser Dragoon x 1
Thunder Dragoon x 1
Ice Dragoon x 1
Sub-dragon Saur species are not found in Amester, and Dragoons only inhabit labyrinths, so this is the first time they have been brought to Feel.
“We’ve been to the Solpreza Labyrinth too, and what a lineup…”
“Yeah. With our current strength, we might be able to handle up to P-rank, but even then, the Saur species are tough. Not only the Saur species, but there are so many Dragoons too…”
A few years ago, Holy Grave entered the Solpreza Labyrinth.
Of course, they had gathered prior information, but upon entering and judging it to be beyond their current capabilities, they explored the second floor briefly and withdrew.
At that time, Burks and Clarice had not yet evolved into High Class, and Sarina had not joined, so this was understandable.
After Sarina joined and Burks and Clarice evolved into High Class, their combat power improved significantly. However, still remembering the harshness of the Solpreza Labyrinth, they chose to test their skills in the conquered Accordale Labyrinth.
Through that challenge, they defeated the guardian Lava Crocodile, joined the Amister Top Raid, and later Mana began to accompany them, according to the chronological flow.
“Also, this is a souvenir for Holy Grave. Please accept it without hesitation.”
Saying so, I took out an Aurora Dragoon from my storage.
I debated whether to give them a Lesser Dragoon, but they don’t possess elemental magic or resistances, and this would also serve as a countermeasure against mental interference magic, so this was the agreed-upon souvenir.
“Wh-what are you saying! An Aurora Dragoon as a souvenir!?”
“This makes no sense!”
Cliff and Burks were greatly flustered, but their reactions were expected.
“As the words convey, it’s a souvenir. Because Holy Grave was there, we were able to go all the way to Float and Valentia.”
“Of course, my brother was also taken care of, so this is also a form of thanks.”
When Emperor Reinhardt and his party came to Feel last week, they also provided escort.
Since Emperor Reinhardt, H.R.H. Elis, and H.R.H. Maruca have become my step-siblings, I want to show my gratitude.
While I think an Aurora Dragoon might be going too far, our relationship will likely continue for a long time, and since the leader, Faris, is level 59, the possibility of evolving into an Ancient Fairy cannot be denied.
Therefore, I believe it would be better to craft armor using materials from a high-rank monster now, rather than dealing with the hassle later.
Incidentally, Aurora Dragoons are also sold in Memoria, but the purchase price is 20 to 30 million El. The Moonlight Dragons of the same light element sold in Float, even after deducting the magic stone, were 20 million El.
“Ancient Fairy, huh? It’s not that I don’t aspire to it, but isn’t that impossible? Even P-rank Hunters haven’t leveled up for years or decades, so the rumor is they’ve given up on evolving.”
“With the Alloude material, isn’t it possible now?”
“Besides, it’ll be too late after evolving, won’t it? In fact, we’re having trouble because of that.”
That’s right.
Because of that, the Crest Armor, which was painstakingly made for us, has become difficult to use, and even the Arc Order’s Coat that was bestowed upon us had to be specially remade. It’s better to take countermeasures in advance.
It’s not like it will be wasted.
Besides, there’s another reason.
“You’ve probably heard, but do you know about Lux?”
“Ah, I heard directly from His Majesty. It seems he betrayed not only the Trial Hearts but also Amister, and used a Demon Crystal to transform into a race called Demon Race… Ah, I see.”
As expected of Faris, she understood what I wanted to say.
“I see, Lux, who used the Demon Crystal, has reached a power level comparable to Ancient Class despite being High Class. As a side effect, Inn magic cannot be used, but power enhancement is not magic, so it can be used. This Demon Crystal was likely created by Abaricia and supplied to Retisencia, so it’s not easy to deal with even for us High Class.”
Cliff voiced my thoughts.
Yes, the only anxiety in preparing for war with Retisencia is the Demon Crystal.
Furthermore, in Gaia-sama’s premonition, I am cornered by soldiers who appear to be Demon Race, and Mana is raising children, while Prim, Flam, and Rika are all pregnant. Our fighting strength is therefore lacking.
Therefore, if possible, I wish for trusted Hunters and Orders, limited to those who can evolve into Ancient Class, to do so.
This is precisely why I readily accepted Emperor Reinhardt’s request for combat training for the Orders.
“Indeed, that matter is unacceptable to us as well. Therefore, regardless of whether we evolve or not, we have the desire to become stronger.”
“Even so, it’s hard to accept this.”
“There’s no need to hesitate. I mentioned Gaia-sama’s premonition, didn’t I? This is not only a token of our gratitude to you but also to prepare you for the imminent war with Retisencia.”
“That’s why, Ms. Laberna, once this Aurora Dragoon has been dismantled, please hand it over to Holy Grave.”
“Understood. Give up, Faris, Cliff. H.R.H. Manalease also says so.”
“Understood. However, if that’s the case, then for as long as time allows, you will also participate in mock battles with us, right?”
“Of course.”
Other trustworthy raids are Riot Flag and Trial Hearts, but they are said to be already in Count Bernstein’s Territory, so perhaps we should head there.
“Well then, this is the last thing.”
“W-we still have more?”
“No, it’s just a dismantling request.”
“While it’s for our use, we are obligated to donate the magic stones, so it has that meaning as well.”
The magic stones from monsters sold in Float are to be donated to Head Hunter’s Master Sierra.
However, since we keep more monsters than we sell, there are quite a few magic stones that we have to donate directly.
Therefore, dismantling requests for monsters are essential.
“Even if we mobilize all our dismantlers, it will take considerable time! After all, there are many monsters we’ve never dismantled before. Dragoons, for example, are the prime among them.”
“I understand that. Of course, the sooner the better, but it would be troublesome if it becomes careless as a result of rushing.”
“I will ensure that meticulous care is taken to prevent that.”
Although there are many monsters being brought in for the first time, there are dismantling manuals available, and many are similar to existing ones, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
With this, the report is finished, and the dismantling request is also complete.
The appraisal and purchase will be done from now on, and the amounts will likely be decided by tomorrow.
After this, I need to go to the Crafter’s Guild to register myself and Flam as Crafters and to place an order for the design of beast carriages using Celestial Trees and Cherry Trees.
