Helios Orb Chronicle – Chapter 477

The castle built within the giant tree known as Amagi Castle was truly magnificent. I wouldn’t have been able to see such a sight on Earth, so it was worth coming to Helios Orb just for this. My son, my main objective, has decided to live in this world, and he already has a wife and children, so I can’t force him to come back with me. I was surprised to find Mako, my best friend who disappeared twenty-five years ago, here, and even more surprised that she had married Yamato. But since they seem content and happy, I don’t have the heart to break their happiness. My wife, Maoh, was hesitant at first about parting with both our son and my best friend. Fortunately, she seemed to have sensed deep down that Yamato wasn’t returning, and managed to accept it.

We will eventually return to Japan, which also means an eternal farewell to Yamato. Before that, I want to find the Divine Metal Mine, which is said to be on the Philia Continent, for my son, whom I will never see again. The island where the Divine Metal Mine is likely located is called Enigma Island. I heard that the reason for not being able to survey the island is that powerful monsters called Demise Species inhabit it. The Demise Species inhabiting Enigma Island is a dragon called Nidh, and it’s said to be the most formidable among the many existing Demise Species. Yamato will likely be able to defeat it eventually, and has indeed defeated several Demise Species, but even so, facing Nidh would be a disadvantage. It’s even more so now that I’ve lost my sword.

That’s why I intend to defeat Nidh myself. I became interested in the weapons of Helios Orb and was shown a knife made of an alloy called Lapis Laz. However, it became unusable just by me channeling a little magic power, so this is partly a reason for taking countermeasures. Apparently, the reason for this was that I had evolved into something called an Arc Class. I don’t know if Yamato can evolve into the Arc Class, but it’s not impossible, and he’s also had trouble with weapons in the past, so it would be better to prepare countermeasures as soon as possible. I don’t know if the Divine Metal Mine actually exists, nor if the Divine Metal Alloy, once completed, can withstand the magic power of an Arc Class. But I won’t know either unless I try, and to do that, I must liberate Enigma Island. Therefore, even if it turns out to be in vain, it will still be meaningful.

Enigma Island, where Nidh resides, is in a country called Alegria Beast Kingdom. So, it’s troublesome that I have to get permission from the Beast King who rules that country, but honestly, I didn’t expect things to escalate this far. However, if Enigma Island is liberated and the Divine Metal Mine is truly found, Alegria will gain immense profits. There’s no doubt they want to eliminate the entity that can oppose them, and since I’m the one dealing with it, I was told I’m welcome. Even if I were refused, I intended to defeat it without permission. But there’s a possibility that Yamato would be blamed after we leave, so let’s consider that problem resolved.

And now, a banquet is being held, with Emperor Glisina of the Alegria Beast Kingdom invited, and I am participating with Maoh and Yamato. Yamato is attending as a noble called Yamato Tenshaku, and I thought his wives would also need to attend as noble ladies. However, the only person next to Yamato is Meena. What on earth is going on?

“Hey, Yamato,” my wife said.
“What is it, Mother?”
“You have so many wives, why is only Meena here?” Maoh also seemed to have her doubts and asked directly. In times like these, I think Maoh is strong for asking so frankly.

“About that. Monogamy is customary in Helios Orb, right? So, if all the wives were to participate, the number of attendees would surge. Also, as I mentioned before, there are many female nobles who have children to become heirs without getting married. That would create an imbalance with them. Therefore, it’s common for the first wife to participate.” I see, so that’s how it is. When I hear about having children without marriage, the first thing that comes to mind is a single mother, but on Earth, that’s rarely viewed positively. However, Helios Orb is also a world with a high female ratio, so polygamy is natural, and there are many women who cannot marry due to their status or circumstances. But for a noble, not having an heir is a crisis that could lead to the extinction of their family line. Therefore, they often rely on capable men, have children without marrying, and raise them as heirs. In fact, I heard that Yamato is being pleaded with by Emperor Neige of the Vald Beast Duchy. As parents, we are apologizing for the inconvenience, but to our surprise, they were instead very apologetic towards us. It was an experience that made me deeply feel that customs differ between worlds.

“Huh? But didn’t Prim marry Yamato first?”
“Ah. But Prim is pregnant, isn’t she? She’s only four months along, so it’s not like she can’t come out, but I don’t want to push her too hard. Also, since there will be more events like this in the future, Meena has been introduced as her proxy.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I don’t think I’m capable, but this is also a wife’s duty.”
“When you have many wives, it’s quite a handful too.” Indeed. This is apparently common sense not just for nobles, but for the general public as well. Therefore, it seems there is even an external hierarchy among the wives, including the first wife. Some people value both internal and external aspects, but I heard that most only determine the external hierarchy and don’t worry about the internal one. This is unthinkable on Earth, but it’s an ancient tradition in Helios Orb, where polygamy is practiced, so no matter how much we object, things won’t change. Not that I intend to.

“More importantly, Father, that person is Emperor Glisina. You need to remember her face well, as you’ll be greeting her later.”
“Of course.” It seems Emperor Glisina has also arrived. Helios Orb is home to various races, so humans are not the only privileged ones. In fact, the Celestial Emperor is an Elf, and Emperor Glisina is a wolf beastman. They call them Ulfy, and they seem to be the same race as Raus from Wing Crest. The reason Emperor Glisina is here is because I declared I would defeat Nidh. Since the safety and profit of Alegria, which Emperor Glisina governs, are directly related to this matter, Emperor Reinhardt immediately dispatched a messenger to Alegria after my declaration. That’s why the banquet, which was supposed to be held last night, was postponed. I thought about the food and preparations, but there’s a spatial storage magic called “Storing,” and if items are stored, time doesn’t pass, so there’s no problem with preparing food in advance. I can use it now, but I probably won’t be able to use it when I return. It’s my favorite magic, though.

“Your Majesty, thank you for inviting us today.”
“No, it is I who should apologize for summoning you so suddenly.”
“Not at all. That matter is of immense benefit to our Alegria. No matter what, we will rush to your side.” Besides Emperor Glisina, there is King Hildegard and King Valentia, who are among the “Three Kings” who rank below Emperor Reinhardt, or so I heard. They all inherited their thrones at a young age, and it’s likely their intention to lead their countries with strength by having young kings at the forefront. From what I’ve heard, Emperor Glisina ascended to the throne at the same time the Federation Heavenly Empire was founded, so this idea should not be mistaken. Emperor Glisina seems to be enthusiastic about the matter. I was worried it would become troublesome if I were refused, so I’m relieved on this point.

“It’s been a while, Emperor Glisina.”
“Yamato Tenshaku, I’ve heard about this matter. It seems you’ve had a difficult time.”
“In retrospect, it was my carelessness that caused it, so I’m trying to accept it as my own fault.” I was surprised that Yamato spoke to Emperor Glisina so casually, but I heard he’s met her many times, and given the circumstances so far, it’s clear he has her trust. I had only half-believed Yamato, thinking he was still immature, but he seems to have accepted his recent defeat in his own way, so I need to re-evaluate him.

“Your Majesty, allow me to introduce my father, Asuka, and my mother, Maoh.” Ah, it seems we also need to introduce ourselves. I shall accompany Maoh and greet Emperor Glisina.
“Excuse me. I am Asuka, Yamato’s father.”
“I am Maoh, his mother. My son is in your care.”
“Thank you for your courteous greeting. I am Glisina Aura Alegria, Beast King of the Alegria Beast Kingdom. It is I who am in your son’s debt. Recently, he has been working hard on MINERVA, which is being built in the beast capital, Glacian.” MINERVA, if I recall correctly, is a comprehensive research facility that includes Helios Orb’s version of AR equipment called MARS. Yamato’s wife, Rika, who is the lord of Memoria, also has one, but this facility is larger than that one, and its equipment is also larger, isn’t it? Both MARS and MINERVA are gods from Roman mythology, and I heard they represent acronyms. I like the naming myself, and I think it’s quite stylish for Yamato.

“I am glad I can be of help.” If my son is helping the world, that is a joyous thing. As a father, being in another world is complicated, but I am still proud that my son is recognized.
“Also, I heard from Emperor Reinhardt that you intend to subjugate Nidh on Enigma Island?” The main topic has arrived. This is a sudden opportunity for Emperor Glisina as well, but I heard that Demise Species had never been subjugated in the history of Helios Orb until Yamato and Prim defeated them. Yamato has defeated several, but all the Demise Species currently subjugated were directly fought by Yamato. Therefore, their Majesties likely doubt whether anyone other than Yamato can truly defeat a Demise Species. This means Yamato has large credibility, but I still believe I haven’t declined as much as to be compared to my son.

“Yes, that is my intention. At first, I thought it would be beneficial for my son, but if we can liberate that island, it will also increase the safety of sea routes and facilitate more trade. I don’t know if there’s a Divine Metal Mine, but even if there isn’t, it will be beneficial for your country.”
“You speak the truth. Of course, it would be best if there were a Divine Metal Mine, but even if there isn’t, the Nadal Sea will become safer, and maritime transport will become more active. Trade with countries bordering the Nadal Sea will increase, so it’s all beneficial for our country.” That’s a post-hoc reason, but there’s nothing wrong with a country developing. Alegria is also an important country that constitutes the Amister-Philias Federation Celestial Empire, so the development of Alegria will lead to the development of Amister as well.

“Then, as I have declared, I will subjugate Nidh.”
“Regarding that, as someone entrusted with the nation, I would like to accompany you. Is that acceptable?” I had heard that she might say this, but I didn’t expect it to actually happen. I wonder if it’s alright for a king to leave the country so easily, but it means she has high expectations.
“I have heard it from my son and Emperor Reinhardt as well. If Emperor Glisina wishes to accompany me, I have no objection.”
“Oh, I am grateful.” So, following the Celestial Emperor, the Beast King will also be observing. I don’t think other kings will come, but with two of them attending, I will be nervous for the first time in a while. I can’t afford to make a fool of myself, so I need to put my all into it.