This world has two continents, east and west. Pars is located in the center of the Eastern Continent, and four countries exist surrounding it. The Eastern Continent has a history of warfare, with countless countries vying for hegemony for decades. At the end of the wars, the nations that remained until the armistice, exhausted, signed a peace treaty, forming the current borders. The four countries, hoping for this peace to last for eternity, created Seijo Town Pars at the single point where their borders intersect.
Let me introduce the four countries.
To the north lies the Beast Kingdom Gaun, a nation populated by Beastmen with exceptional physical abilities. The King of Gaun is always chosen from the strongest within the kingdom. This can be considered a unique succession method befitting the hot-blooded nature of the Beastmen, who are said to have more fiery temperaments than other races. The current king is no exception, a warrior who emerged victorious from a Battle Royale among powerful Beastmen. He is rumored to possess power comparable to an S-Rank adventurer. It is a nation where strength truly is justice, and frankly, I’d rather not make them an enemy.
To the west is the Divine Emperor’s Kingdom Delamis. The Pope heads the nation, followed by cardinals, archbishops, and bishops in a strict hierarchy. They worship the Reincarnated Goddess Melfina, and for generations, shrine maidens have inherited a special summoning magic. The four heroes summoned this time were also brought forth by these shrine maidens. The kingdom also possesses the Great Cross Bridge, the only land route to the Western Continent. However, it seems they are on very bad terms with the empire on the Western Continent, and are under a strict security system.
To the south is the Water Country Traase. Bordering the Dragon Sea, said to be the dwelling place of the Water Dragon King, it is a nation excelling in shipbuilding and agriculture. The royal family themselves apparently originated from farmers, and their policies focus heavily on agriculture. Pars’s abundant food supply is largely due to Traase’s generosity. And this country, astonishingly, has a crop that resembles rice. As a Japanese person, I’ve decided I must visit it soon. If I’m lucky, I might even encounter merfolk.
To the east is the Military Nation of Trisen. Since the peace treaty, Trisen is arguably the nation that has focused most on its military. Its national character is extremely authoritarian, prioritizing humans and rejecting other races. In fact, there have been several skirmishes with Gaun even after the peace. Their treatment of slaves is also brutal, with rumors that they secretly procure slaves from other countries. The king has five children, referred to as the First Prince to the Fifth Prince. I haven’t heard any good things about them either. It is undoubtedly the worst of the four nations.
And it is the prince of that terrible nation who stands before me now.
“A prince, you say?”
“Indeed. I am Tabula, the Third Prince of the Military Nation of Trisen.”
The man who called himself Tabula arrogantly declared.
“Honestly, to be engaged in such personal matters in a public place. The commoners have certainly grown bold.”
“As you say, Your Highness. As one in a position of authority, should you not educate them?”
His entourage of soldiers flattered and incited Tabula. The surrounding individuals seemed to be his bodyguards.
“Hmm, let’s see… Oh ho, you women there, you have quite the appearance!”
Tabula leered at Efil and Ange. I could feel their bodies tremble for a moment, a reaction to his disgusting gaze. To put it bluntly, it was repulsive.
“Hm? Is that elf a slave? Then this will be easier. You there, lackey, the crime of wasting my valuable time can be forgiven if you hand over those women to me?”
“…Huh?”
What is this pudgy prince talking about? His words were so nonsensical that my thoughts just stopped.
“Didn’t you hear me? The merciful Lord Tabula grants you his forgiveness. Quickly hand over those women!”
Two of his retinue approached us.
“K-Kelvin, what do we do!?”
Ange was clearly flustered. She was about to be kidnapped. A natural reaction.
“Master, shall I eliminate them?”
Efil, on the other hand, proposed this through our telepathic connection. You’ve grown strong, Efil… But wait, he’s a prince of a nation. If I act rashly, I don’t know what he might do. It’s best to resolve this peacefully—
“Ku fu fu, I’ll dote on you in bed, so I’m looking forward to tonight.”
—Efil, stand down. I will deal with this personally.
“Understood.”
I gently lowered Efil, signaling her and Ange to retreat.
“Hmph? What are you planning to do?”
The two men who had stepped forward asked me with an air of annoyance.
“Well, I was just planning to take you down.”
I cast a glance at the surrounding adventurers.
“What are you—”
Before the man could finish speaking, I unleashed a shockwave. The sudden impact sent the men flying, slamming them against the wall before they could even comprehend what happened. The men are of little concern, but I need to ensure no damage is done to the surrounding onlookers. The adventurers, thankfully, seemed to understand my intentions and are shielding the civilians.
“Wha…”
Tabula and his group were clearly caught off guard, unable to grasp the situation.
“The remaining two attendants are both around Rank D. And Prince, you picked a fight with me. Are you prepared?”
