After wiping out Kobaldia using Tuatha Dé Danann, Mako and I took a rest in Claire’s Field Cosmos while Claire headed to Float, and Rex and First Beastar Lord Falco headed to Glacian.
Claire’s trip to Float was for reporting purposes, but also to mobilize the Ancient Order, who remained to prepare for the triumphant return and summon the kings. Rex and Lord Falco, however, had a different objective.
They were there to escort and hand over the Royal Beastar’s Master who had defied Emperor Reinhardt’s orders and followed us without permission, for punishment.
Not only was Mako’s unauthorized accompaniment a problem, but she had also pushed aside Lord Falco, who was acting under Emperor Reinhardt’s command, to strike the prince and claim the merit. Such actions meant she couldn’t be allowed to participate in the triumphant return, and a secret execution was even a possibility.
Given that she seemed to be plotting something akin to taking over Alegria, a public trial could destabilize Alegria and even the Federation Heavenly Empire. Since the Royal Beastar’s Master had maintained a good public image, it might be easier to arrange for her to be declared as having died honorably in battle.
“No, the Royal Beastar’s Master was relieved of duty for dereliction of duty, disrespect, rebellion, and treason. Beast King stripped her Beastar’s License, and after an investigation, she was sentenced to death.”
However, Rex, who returned later, informed us that she had been properly judged.
Emperor Glisina had been courted by the Royal Beastar’s Master for a long time, but she had believed it was simply because he harbored feelings for her. However, Emperor Glisina chose a Hunter, resulting in the birth of H.R.H. David.
As they were old acquaintances, Emperor Glisina felt a slight sense of guilt for being unable to reciprocate his feelings. This had indirectly prevented H.R.H. David’s father from visiting the palace and also became a remote cause for the Royal Beastar’s Master harboring sinister ambitions. Therefore, Emperor Glisina regretted not having dealt with the situation more decisively and decided on the Royal Beastar’s Master’s punishment.
“If I hadn’t consulted with Lord Tolman, things might have become more troublesome. In a way, it was that Beastar’s achievement. However, since the content was akin to whistleblowing, and she had just evolved into High Class, she couldn’t be appointed to a position.”
It’s not just for Beastars; the minimum requirement to be appointed to a position in the Ritter’s Guild is evolution into High Class. The Royal Beastar was also High Class, but the High Beastar position had only recently been newly appointed about two weeks ago. Therefore, for her contribution in preventing unnecessary conflict, her reward would be monetary only. It seems that Lord Falco will be appointed as the new Royal Beastar’s Master for his merit in the Kobaldia conquest.
“Your Majesty, Beast King has departed for Float with the Royal Order who came to escort her.”
“Understood. Claire has not returned yet, but if Empress Glisina has headed to Float, she should be back in two to three hours.”
“Most likely.”
“Then, until then, let’s discuss the interim management of the Retisencia region, including Yamato.”
Regarding the Retisencia region. The Kobaldia Ruins were completely submerged due to the aftermath of Tuatha Dé Danann, connecting Saber Lake and Orca Bay. Instead, the small island with the Treasure Tree became large enough to build a city due to the seabed rising. If development were to occur, it would be there. Of course, a bridge connecting to the island would also be necessary, so even if a city were built, it would take years…
“The Retisencia region has many monsters that have evolved due to Demon Crystals, and there is even suspicion of a Labyrinth Flood. Therefore, the first step is an investigation. However, with the appearance of Demise Species, there are not many individuals who can be commissioned.”
“Whether to subjugate or flee, Ancient Class is essential. Not just one, but several would be necessary.”
“Indeed. It would likely be a commissioned request to the Order’s Guild, or to the raids that have many Ancient Hunters.”
Most of the Ancient Classes can use Traveling, so there is a high chance of escape even if facing a Demise Species. Of course, if subjugation is possible, that would be ideal, but it is undeniably difficult for one person, so if possible, it would be ideal to send several people, and if possible, just Ancient Classes for the investigation. The Order’s Guild is also seeing an increase in Ancient Classes, but considering that half of them are Royal Order, they are a bit difficult to mobilize. In other Ritter’s Guilds, there are only one or two Ancient Classes, so they are also difficult to mobilize. However, the Vagenbach Bridge Principality, which borders Retisencia, is under the jurisdiction of the Soldier’s Guild, so Soldiers might not be able to say such things.
“Conquering the labyrinth is also necessary. There will be unconfirmed and newly emerged labyrinths, but we cannot neglect the known ones either.”
“I agree. However, the details of the deepest layers of any labyrinth are unknown. Felsa Labyrinth, in particular, has released a Disaster Dragoon, so it wouldn’t be strange for it to have over 30 floors.”
“I heard that Bulgarr Labyrinth has also reached the 19th floor.”
“That’s what I’ve heard. Furthermore. As for Roukura Labyrinth, due to its high Monster Rank, it’s said that only up to the second floor had been entered.”
Felsa Labyrinth and Bulgarr Labyrinth are classified as high-floor, low-difficulty labyrinths, while Roukura Labyrinth is a low-floor, high-difficulty labyrinth. The deepest layers have not been confirmed. Many labyrinths have 30 floors or so, but Felsa Labyrinth, due to the Labyrinth Flood about 150 years ago, is overflowing with A-I rank monsters like Disaster Dragoon, so it is highly likely to have over 30 floors. Conversely, in Bulgarr Labyrinth, even on the 19th floor, only up to G-rank monsters reportedly appear, so even if it were deep, the guardian is unlikely to be particularly strong. However, the biggest problem is likely Roukura Labyrinth. G-rank monsters appear from the second floor, and they were apparently Anomalous Species. The hunters who confirmed this gave up on proceeding further, and it is said to have been a very unpopular labyrinth because of that. I suspect it’s around the 7th or 8th floor, but considering Solpreza Labyrinth and Instant Labyrinth, the guardian is highly likely to be an A-rank monster.
However, a conclusion on how to deal with that labyrinth could not be reached at this time. This is because, midway through the discussion, Claire returned with a report of her preparations being complete. The kings are also waiting, so we will be teleported to the front of the Float at the designated time, and then the triumphant return will commence. Although I have experienced triumphant return ceremonies a few times, honestly, I don’t want to participate, but since we have defeated three Demise Species in addition to the Imperial Royal Family, we cannot abstain. It’s troublesome, but I guess I have no choice but to accept it.
Side: Muse
Claire, my former superior and Escort Order’s Master, has returned. The kings have already assembled, and the public has been notified, so as soon as we return, the triumphant return ceremony can begin. Following Claire’s instructions, we use Traveling to teleport to the gate point outside the Float. The gate point has a considerable area, but it’s not large enough for more than ten Multi-functional Beast Carriages to teleport simultaneously. Therefore, the teleported beast carriages proceed outside the gate point and wait there. After all the beast carriages have finished teleporting, we, along with the Wing Crest beast carriage in which His Majesty is riding, proceed. Following behind is the Lily Wish, then the Gracious Lynx and Falcon’s, followed by the Holy Grave and Sacred Bird in two rows. Behind them, the Father, Feiser, Dragoon, and Beastar line up, and since Soldiers and Orders are using two vehicles each, they follow from behind. The rear deck of the Wing Crest beast carriage displays the heads of the three Demise Species and the Imperial King, which Yamato, Mako, and I had defeated. The heads of the Queen, Prince, and Princess have been politely kept in the storage of First Ritter and Claire as a last act of mercy. The simultaneous appearance of three Demise Species was an unprecedented event, and we were greeted with fear and astonishment, but since we have already succeeded in defeating them, and it’s also known that our Orders have succeeded, there are tremendous cheers. Perhaps because we have evolved into Ancient Class, our hearing has improved, and I thought my eardrums would burst. We proceed through Float, enveloped in immense cheers, and arrive at Amagi Castle. On the terrace, all the kings of each country are gathered, as well as His Highness the Celestial Queen.
“Thank you for coming to greet us. I am grateful that the kings gathered despite their busy schedules.”
“No, today is a memorable day when the Philia Continent is truly unified. We would rush here no matter what.”
“We have eagerly awaited the day we would destroy Retisencia, which had fallen to the Demon Race and threatened to destroy the world.”
“Furthermore, we have heard that multiple Demise Species have appeared. If left unchecked, the world would have been destroyed.”
Emperor Reinhardt, who thanked the assembled kings, was replied to by Emperor Hildegard (Phantom King), Emperor Glisina (Beast King), and Emperor Folias (Dragon King). As the Three Majesties said, leaving demons and Demise Species unchecked would likely result in catastrophic damage, if not outright destruction. Especially since demons are beings that even gods warn about, their eradication will surely lead to the survival and peace of the Helios Orb, not to mention the Philia Continent.
“Your Celestial Emperor, please once again declare the unification of the Philia Continent to the people.”
“Understood.”
Responding to Emperor Hildegard’s words, Emperor Reinhardt ascends to the terrace where the kings are waiting, using the Scaffolding and accompanied by Rex and Yamato as guards. Even without guards, I don’t imagine there’s anyone who could harm His Majesty, but that’s beyond the point. Simultaneously, we disembark from our beast carriages and form ranks in the plaza in front of the terrace. Hunters don’t need to dismount from their beast carriages, which I envy, but as Ritters, we cannot afford to be bothered by such minor inconveniences.
“Everyone, you have likely heard already, but allow me to reiterate. We, the Philia Allied Forces, attacked the Imperial Capital of Retisencia, Kobaldia, and took the head of the Imperial King. This was made possible through the cooperation of our proud Ritters and valiant Hunters, including the Order. No, not only that. It was also thanks to the Crafters who were responsible for the production of arms and armor and beast carriages, the Traders who provided materials and provisions, the Healers who mended our wounds, the Butlers who worked their hardest for even the smallest tasks, the Priests who conveyed the will of the gods, and the Scholars who generously shared the results of various research, and all the Guild Registers who lent their assistance. As the Celestial Emperor ruling the Philia Continent, I would like to express my gratitude once more.”
While the Ritters and Hunters were the ones who actually attacked Kobaldia, without the cooperation of the other Guild Registers, we wouldn’t even be able to fight. Furthermore, according to the laws of the Federation Heavenly Empire, citizens are obligated to register with one of the guilds, so His Majesty’s speech was an acknowledgment of all citizens.
“However, even though Retisencia has perished, that land is inhabited by many monsters, and there is even a possibility of a Labyrinth Flood. Therefore, regrettably, I hereby prohibit entry into that land in my name. But rest assured. Even if it means facing Demise Species, there is no need to fear. You all know of Freydlancia, the Celestial Marquis, but the Grand Order’s Master here has also successfully defeated the Demise Species Sleipnir, along with his wives.”
You’re publicizing our subjugation too, Your Majesty! No, until now, only Yamato and his group had the achievement of defeating a Demise Species. The appearance of others who can defeat a Demise Species besides them is indeed a welcome development for the people. However, if that’s the case, I wish you had at least informed me beforehand! I want to shout it out loud, but of course, if I were to do something like that in such a setting, I couldn’t complain if I were punished, which is also painful…
“Furthermore, regarding the Retisencia region, I promise that development will eventually take place. At that time, I will be borrowing everyone’s strength as well. Let us join forces, bring peace to this Philia Continent, and I wish for its further development!”
As Emperor Reinhardt declared this, great cheers erupted from the populace. The handling of the Retisencia region will be officially decided after consultation with the kings, but it will likely be sealed for several years. Labyrinth Floods and Demise Species are situations that would normally warrant consideration for permanent closure, let alone temporary closure. Fortunately, the number of Ancient Classes exceeds 30, and there are two Element Classes. Furthermore, achievements in defeating Demise Species have now been born not only among Hunters but also among the Order, so even if they appear simultaneously in multiple locations, it will not be an unmanageable situation. Development of the Retisencia region has also been mentioned, and since it is known that the people of Retisencia have been wiped out, there will likely be no one foolish enough to try to enter. The remaining question is who will be entrusted with that land, but the likelihood points to either Yamato or Manalease, the Celestial Marquis. It’s a vast territory, so others will be needed as well, but there’s no need to think about it right now.
Well, it’s not for me, a mere Order member, to consider, so I’ll leave it to His Majesty and the others.
