“The vast ocean spreads to the west of Delamis. Kelvin and Melfina had crossed this sea, but the view from a high place was something else entirely. The blue surface stretched endlessly, and the sight of ships sailing here and there reflected in their eyes. And what stood out more than anything was a single great bridge cutting straight across it, the ‘Great Cross Bridge’.”
“I’d heard rumors, but building a bridge between continents is magnificent. I wonder how they constructed it?” Kelvin said, gazing at the western scenery with admiration. Cecilia, hearing this, looked very pleased and began to explain with pride.
“Actually, the Great Cross Bridge’s construction date is unknown. By the time both continents had established their civilizations, it was already there. No matter what documents we check, that’s the only information remaining.”
“Wow. Then, perhaps this magnificent bridge was made by the gods.”
“W-Wait, your highness!”
“K-Kelvin-san…”
“Huh? Ah…”
“Ngh! Kelvin-sama, you think so too, don’t you!?”
The moment Kelvin saw Melfina and Maou’s “I think he’s done it…” expressions, he realized his slip of the tongue. However, it was already too late.
“—And so, I believe the core of this Great Cross Bridge is the divine compassion that seeks to broaden the circle of interaction to all races and all peoples. Don’t you agree, Kelvin-sama?”
“I-Ido-believe-so…”
“As expected of Kelvin-sama. You seem to have excellent discernment!”
After Melfina and Maou had fled to a distance, drinking tea, a few hours passed before Kelvin was finally released from Cecilia’s embrace. He had thoroughly enjoyed Cecilia’s passionate speech, and subjectively, his HP felt like it had halved. No, it might have actually decreased.
“M-Miko-sama. What do you mean by asking us to cross the Great Cross Bridge?”
“Ah, that’s right. I was just about to tell you, but I got carried away…”
Clearing her throat, Cecilia pointed further past the Great Cross Bridge. Though it couldn’t be seen from here, it was likely towards the Western Continent, beyond the horizon.
“Although I am a shrine maiden who receives oracles from Elearis-sama, I don’t actually get to hear her voice often. After accumulating prayers, I finally obtained an audience, and at that time, Elearis-sama indicated that western continent. The Demon King is likely there. It is an emergency for the world now. The King of Lizea will also cooperate with the hero’s activities.”
“…I’ve only heard rumors about the conflict between Delamis and Lizea. Is it really alright?”
The Great Cross Bridge spanned from the Divine Emperor’s Kingdom Delamis in the east to the Lizea Empire in the west. These two countries had a long history, but they had skirmished once over the bridge in the past, and their relationship was far from good.
“It is, in a way, dangerous to have Maou, the hero representing Delamis, cross the Great Cross Bridge. However, as we don’t know where the Demon King is hiding on the Western Continent, it will eventually be a path we have to take through Lizea. It’s more efficient to tour from east to west than to search the Western Continent haphazardly.”
“I see. But the Western Continent… so that’s where our journey will take us. By the way, Kelvin and Melfina, didn’t you both come from the Western Continent?”
“That’s right. I never thought we’d be returning so soon.”
“However, we came by ship, so this will be our first time crossing the Great Cross Bridge. In these times, only a select few can cross that bridge.”
This great bridge connecting the continents was extremely convenient. However, if it made crossing borders too easy without permission, it would become a haven for spies. For that reason, only those with permission from both countries and of a certain standing were allowed to use the bridge. Adventurers with unclear origins, unless under exceptional circumstances, could not cross.
“Regarding that matter, my heart aches too. This divine bridge meant to connect people has become a source of political friction and conflict, which is truly unforgivable. But, you know, countries have many entanglements, and it’s quite difficult…”
Cecilia drooped sadly and fell silent.
“W-Well, well. We had similar things in my world, so you don’t need to worry so much, Miko-sama. Even if it’s not good now, perhaps in a few hundred years, it might be used as a symbol of friendship.”
“…I wish it to be so. Of course, I won’t spare any effort in my time either. Now, it’s getting a bit chilly. Let’s go inside.”
Several days passed after Kelvin met Cecilia and Maou. Then, another week until Lizea’s Imperial transit permit was granted. After these preparation periods, the day finally came for Kelvin and the others to cross to the west.
***
On the day of departure for the subjugation of the Demon King, a considerable number of people had gathered at the Delamis side of the Great Cross Bridge. There was Miko Cecilia, the Knights who had trained Maou in combat techniques, and Maou’s personal servants—it was understandable that those related to Maou would gather. But for anyone to see, there was a maid who looked at Maou with what seemed to be affection and spoke to her familiarly. Maou, blushing, responded and was given a small charm-like item.
“She said not at all.”
“She also said completely useless.”
“…Fufu! Good, good indeed!”
Having found material to tease Maou with during their journey, the two of them had a mischievous look. Cecilia gazed at them with an even more passionate expression—those around them pretended not to see the scene. It was a historic moment of a hero’s departure, and they wanted to keep their memories as pure as possible.
Having finished their parting greetings, Maou returned to Kelvin and the others. Her expression was more resolute than usual, and one could sense her renewed determination.
“Is your rendezvous over? We don’t know when we’ll see each other again?”
“That’s right. If you even gave her one kiss, it’d be easier to talk about, wouldn’t it?”
In these past few days, Kelvin seemed to have become quite close with Maou, and no longer used honorifics. It wasn’t out of any reservation, but Maou’s habit of using honorifics seemed to be rubbing off on him.
“I absolutely knew you’d say it, but it’s embarrassing when you actually point it out. But it’s okay now. Both she and I are resolute.”
“Whoa, whoa, don’t talk about being ready to die before even departing. That’s bad luck!”
“Haha, maybe so. Yes, I will definitely return alive. You see… t-there is someone waiting for someone like me! Once I fulfill my duty as a hero, I want to get married, build a happy family, and become a couple like you, Kelvin-san!”
“…”
“W-What, why are you suddenly quiet! At least laugh it off! I’m aware I’m saying embarrassing things too!”
“No, well… right?”
“Yes, I can’t quite put it into words, but it’s like, you know?”
It felt as if many things were clashing. It was already ominous before they even departed. However, they couldn’t stop here. Too many flags sometimes meant nothing.
“Everyone! Please be careful!”
With Cecilia’s cheers at their backs, the three departed Delamis. Their destination was beyond the sea, Lizea.
