The following evening, we were summoned to Marquis Frederica’s mansion once again.
This time, Ed, Marina, and Fiana, who had been freed from slavery that morning, were with us.
“I apologize for calling you back for consecutive days, but since Edward readily agreed to accompany us, I thought we should finalize the arrangements,” Marquis Frederica said.
Ed had announced the production methods for Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron to the Crafter’s Guild, but the official disclosure would be made through the Grand Crafter’s Master.
Apparently, a magical artifact was to be used. This artifact resembled a book, as if held by a statue of the Goddess of Magic. By filling in the contents and activating it with a Craft Magic known only to the Grand Crafter’s Master, information could be transmitted to designated branches.
Since only the Grand Crafter’s Master could use it, this method would disseminate information throughout Amister faster and more reliably than using couriers.
This way, there was no risk of Solemné or Retysentia learning of it during transmission.
I wondered if this magical artifact could be used for immediate communication in situations like this, but unfortunately, its use was limited to the disclosure of production methods and technologies, so it was not possible.
Considering that it could only be used by the Grand Crafter’s Master, and even then, strict protocols would be in place, it was understandable.
In relation to this, Ed was also heading to the Royal Capital, and it was planned to double as a notification of his marriage.
“I never thought I’d be escorted to the Royal Capital by the Grand Hunter’s Master…” Marina murmured, gazing into the distance.
Initially, Ed and his party intended to travel to the Royal Capital with us as their escort. However, the Provincial Governor and the Grand Hunter’s Master understood the gravity of the situation and gladly agreed to cooperate.
Naturally, the Grand Hunter’s Master would require some form of compensation, so Richard intended to craft a weapon with Jade Silver.
“The alloy technology that Edward is about to disclose is of significant importance,” Marquis Frederica explained.
“Indeed. Especially the Jade Silver, wasn’t it? That alloy is said to rival even Divine Metal, isn’t it? You’re not disclosing its production method, but even so, the fact that you created Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron cannot be hidden. Even if it’s disclosed, for some time, there won’t be many crafters, if any, who can refine it as skillfully as you can.”
“In other words, capturing you becomes crucial for them. Once that happens, information about Jade Silver will inevitably leak out, and Solemné will undoubtedly launch a full-scale invasion into Libertà.”
Libertà reportedly had Magic Silver mines, but they were located in the northern part of Libertà, near the Temellario Great Sky Wall.
Therefore, for Solemné to secure the Magic Silver mines, they would need to occupy at least nearly half of Libertà.
Furthermore, the mining yield of those Magic Silver mines was lower than Amister’s, and Crystal Silver could not be found there.
However, if they could occupy Libertà, Retysentia, being its neighbor, would be no match for them and would likely be occupied immediately, bringing them to the border with Amister .
“I’ve been wondering, but Solemné doesn’t have any guilds, do they?” I asked.
“That’s right. Originally, only the Priests’ Guild was targeted for exclusion. They believed religion fostered weak-mindedness, which was unnecessary for the strong Solemné. Therefore, not only the Priests’ Guild but all religions were banished.”
I knew that.
Marquis Frederica used the gentle term “banished,” but in reality, it was a massacre, and the Priests’ Guild was annihilated along with its members.
Angered by this atrocity, the Hunter’s, Crafter’s, Trader’s, and Butler’s Guilds immediately withdrew from Solemné. However, the Emperor also disdained guilds, so he gleefully expelled them.
As a result, Solemné now had no one capable of using Inn.
Inn is an umbrella term for Supplication Magic, Bestowed Magic, Guild Magic, and Unique Magic.
Supplication Magic is a magical system presented to the Goddess of Magic, and Bestowed Magic is granted by the gods to bless the birth of a child. Since Solemné does not believe in gods, they cannot use these.
Guild Magic, while some of it is based on Supplication Magic, fundamentally requires registration with a guild to be used, so there is no way Solemné, having expelled the guilds, could use it.
Unique Magic is magic that has been adapted for individual use, so it can be used unless Inn Magic is incorporated.
“Then how do they plan to make the alloy? I mean, it’s not impossible to make it physically without magic, is it?”
This was not just my question; everyone shared it to some extent.
While magical artifacts could solve some problems, those artifacts were made using enchantment magic, which Solemné, unable to use Inn, could not create.
The only remaining option would be to set up facilities and produce it manually, as we do in my world.
“Solemné has almost completely severed diplomatic ties with other countries, so their internal affairs are not well understood. Since they have no Hunter’s Guild, hunters rarely go there either.”
It seemed the only reason a hunter would go to Solemné was for a labyrinth.
However, not just in Solemné, but labyrinths are managed by the royal families of each country, and anyone who enters is thoroughly recorded.
Solemné tacitly permits hunters to visit, but the reason is to obtain monster materials from the labyrinth without expending their own resources. Thus, any spoils are routinely confiscated.
Therefore, it was said that only those with a peculiar taste would visit Solemné.
Furthermore, there were constant skirmishes with the neighboring island nation of Torencia, so no ships were sailing.
Certainly, there seemed no reason to visit such a country.
However, it was thanks to the labyrinth that Solemné was a self-sufficient nation, capable of providing everything from food to military equipment on its own.
Their food self-sufficiency rate was said to exceed 150%, so there was almost no concern of anyone starving.
“There’s no point in thinking about things we don’t understand here. For now, let’s focus on escorting Yuri and the others to the Royal Capital.”
As Prim said, that was true.
However, in practical terms, the journey to the Royal Capital would be via the Grand Hunter’s Master’s Traveling magic, and arrangements were being made for a seamless handover upon arrival, so the only things to be wary of were Princess Yuriana’s personal safety and the moment the Grand Hunter’s Master used Traveling magic.
As for Ed, we would have to stay close until he reported to the Grand Crafter’s Master.
“We also need to inform the Royal Capital of your swift agreement, so the Grand Hunter’s Master will be making another trip to the Royal Capital.”
The Provincial Governors wore apologetic expressions, but I understood their feelings.
The Grand Hunter’s Master was the head of the Hunter’s Guild and an Ancient Ulfy. Using such a person as a mere messenger was unthinkable under normal circumstances.
“Since it is also due to the Hunter’s Guild’s oversight, this is nothing for me. More importantly, Marquis Frederica, is the other matter settled?”
“Yes. The Grand Hunter’s Master will be going to the Royal Capital tomorrow, but before that, Princess Marianne is to meet with H.R.H. Yuriana. Therefore, Yamato and Primrose, I would like to ask you to escort H.R.H. for that meeting. Can I ask for your help?”
I considered bringing the First Prince or Second Princess from the Royal Capital, but the next step after that would be their handover. Thus, a royal family member needed to meet them beforehand.
We had discussed this previously, and I had intended to provide an escort in that case, so there was no problem.
“Understood.”
“Of course. I won’t let a single finger be laid on Yuri.”
For Prim, Princess Yuriana was like a younger sister.
“So, is it starting now?”
“I’m sorry to trouble you, but can you?”
“Please, Lord Yamato, Elder Sister Prim.”
“Leave it to me. If there are any suspicious movements, I’ll stop them immediately.”
Should I use N, perhaps?
I admit it’s repetitive, but it’s convenient at times like this, and easy to use, so it can’t be helped.
Side: Prim
Following Marquis Frederica’s request, Yamato and I are escorting Yuri.
It’s for Yuri to meet the Princess of Retysentia, who is being held under house arrest in a separate residence of the Marquis. However, a princess of a kingdom cannot meet a criminal without an escort, and moreover, that princess, Marianne Retysentia, is a High Human. Although her actions are restricted by subjugation magic, someone without sufficient ability could easily be overpowered.
That’s why they asked Yamato and me, and since Yuri is like a sister to me, I accepted without hesitation.
Yamato also agreed, and we have already generated a Mirror Ring and activated N, so we should be able to easily subdue any unforeseen circumstances.
“Nice to meet you, Princess Marianne Retysentia. I am Princess Yuriana Reina Amister of the Amister Kingdom.”
“A princess of Amister? So, you’ve finally admitted your wrongdoings and decided to release me.”
Her misunderstanding is truly astounding.
I can hardly comprehend how she can only think of things that suit her.
“I don’t understand what you mean. This incident is clearly an act of aggression by the Retysentia side. Furthermore, you’re even using hunters, so the Grand Hunter’s Master is already involved.”
“So what? What the head of mere hunters does won’t move Retysentia.”
To say such a thing to the Grand Hunter’s Master is beyond reckless.
However, she’s underestimating the power of an Ancient Ulfy too much.
She probably thinks she can handle it because she has Demon Crystals, but in the first place, if they can’t deal with it themselves, they’ll eventually have to rely on hunters. By looking down on the head of the hunters, she’ll lose the ability to borrow their strength.
“I see. Even as the next Imperial King, you’re still only at that level. Well, I knew it was futile to say anything to the Retysentia Royal Family, who not only misjudge the strengths of both sides but also twist the truth.”
“How dare you, a mere girl, insult me!”
“Whoa, don’t move. If you move any further, you’ll be frozen again.”
Marianne, her face contorted with rage, tried to attack Yuri, but Yamato stopped her with N and pointed his sword at her.
Even though her magic is sealed, trying to attack Yuri is incredibly short-sighted.
“Thank you, Lord Yamato. Then, Princess Marianne, regarding your insult, the biggest reason you look down on the Grand Hunter’s Master is because of the Demon Crystals that came from Abaricia, isn’t it?”
“Of course. Demon Crystals that can evolve any monster into an abnormal species. With those alone, not only Amister, but even Solemné, Valentia, and Torencia will bow before our nation.”
Indeed, if abnormal species attacked in swarms, even a High Class individual wouldn’t emerge unscathed. This would be even more true for Normal Class individuals.
Ah, Normal Class refers to people before they evolve into High Class.
Since fewer people can evolve into High Class, most people remain Normal Class.
She probably intends to attack other countries using these abnormal species, but I’d like to hear what she plans to do afterward.
“How do you intend to control these abnormal species? In the first place, abnormal species cannot be controlled. If they could be controlled, towns and villages wouldn’t be destroyed. Moreover, I’ve heard that you destroyed a natural barrier with Murder Bees you evolved yourselves, and most of your operatives were killed.”
“It’s simple. They can be made into familiars or summoned beasts. Neither will betray their contractor.”
So, that’s what she was thinking.
It’s true that familiar magic is Supplication Magic, and summoning magic is Bestowed Magic, and I’ve never heard of a contracted familiar or summoned beast betraying its contractor.
Even the Evil Drake seemed to obey Saches, didn’t it?
But there’s a big flaw in that thinking.
“In other words, it’s based on the premise of using Inn? As expected, but it’s incredibly shortsighted.”
“What did you say?”
Yuri’s words caused Marianne’s face to contort again.
No, she really doesn’t seem to realize it.
“Then let me ask, can you use Inn?”
“…I cannot.”
Due to the effects of the subjugation magic, lying or remaining silent is prohibited, so she had no choice but to answer truthfully.
And as expected, this woman couldn’t use Inn.
While it’s possible to circulate mana throughout the body to achieve effects similar to physicalization or mana binding, this is not magic, so even Solemné and Retysentia, who do not believe in gods, can use it.
This is precisely why Solemné can launch wars against other countries.
“How many people can use Inn in your country?”
“…Those registered with the guild can. But for others, it’s probably impossible.”
“Who is the god worshipped in your country?”
“…Lord Abaricia.”
I had heard about it, but hearing it confirmed by the princess was quite a shock.
Abaricia is the main deity of the Orthodox Church of Abaricia, which is worshipped on the Gradia Continent, isn’t it?
I recall there was some nonsensical doctrine about the twelve goddesses being deceived and captured by the Father God, and an attempt to rescue the goddesses in the name of Abaricia, the true creator god.
Moreover, the Orthodox Church of Abaricia’s arrival on the Philia Continent seems to have coincided with Abaricia’s invasion. To us, it’s merely an incomprehensible new religion, a heresy.
Worshipping the Orthodox Church of Abaricia means they have completely become a subordinate country of Abaricia.
“I see, a heresy worshipped on the Gradia Continent. That means even among guild registrants, there are likely few who can use it, aren’t there?”
“…I recall hearing such reports.”
“Furthermore, both the familiar magic and summoning magic you rely on are Inn magic. In other words, unless acknowledged by the Goddess of Magic, let alone the Father God, they cannot be used. However, you worship Evil God Abaricia, who is arguably the enemy of the Father God. Therefore, there is no way for your Retysentia to use Inn.”
It’s utterly true.
They might be able to use elemental magic or unique magic, but Retysentia, where even High Class individuals are of poor quality, cannot possibly handle abnormal species.
In other words, they are completely without a plan.
“Although I heard from my older brother, it seems Retysentia must be destroyed. After all you’ve done, even if the Amister Royal Family dislikes war, we cannot remain silent.”
Brother Rai?
Did he know something?
“He apparently had a scuffle with Retysentian hunters in the Royal Capital, and at that time, they mentioned the name Abaricia. That was last year, so it seems Retysentia has been a subordinate country of Abaricia for quite some time.”
Ah, I see.
Since Valentia has Amister in between, and Retysentia doesn’t seem particularly interested in it, there weren’t any Retysentian hunters coming to Valentia.
This means that not just in the Royal Capital, but in cities in the Retysentia direction, there have likely been quite a few problems.
“Also, my father has a message from the King of the Amister Kingdom: ‘Unless Retysentia formally apologizes and completely eradicates all Abarician influence, including the Orthodox Church of Abaricia, Amister will not refrain from war. In that case, not only the heads of the incompetent Retysentia Royal Family but also the foolish nobles who followed them will be demanded. Prior to that, Princess Marianne Retysentia, Saches Trennel, and Barbatos Jav will be publicly executed in the Royal Capital.'”
I heard about this from Yuri yesterday as well, so not only we, but the Provincial Governors and the Grand Hunter’s Master are aware of it.
Count Sofia apparently received a letter from His Majesty, and it was written there.
There was also a brief mention of rewards for Yamato, so it’s certain we’ll have an audience once we go to the Royal Capital.
Wait, Yamato looks a bit surprised. Why?
You heard it too, didn’t you?
Ah, perhaps he’s too preoccupied with greeting Mina’s parents to remember the details.
“Wha-!? You… you intend to execute me!?”
“Naturally. After all you’ve done, did you really think you could return to the Imperial Capital unharmed?”
As Yuri stated this, the princess’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Impossible! If you do that, not only Retysentia, but Abaricia itself will not stand idly by!”
“As I said before? Amister will not refrain from war. If you raise an army with your execution as a pretext, Amister will counter with its full force and attack the Imperial Capital. If you have the resolve for that, you are free to raise an army or do as you please. However, it’s meaningless to say this to you, who is about to be executed.”
The national power of Amister and Retysentia is overwhelmingly superior in all aspects for Amister.
Even a child in another country would know that if Amister were to raise an army, Retysentia would be conquered in an instant.
Yet, Retysentia refused to acknowledge this reality, and repeatedly complained to Amister. It’s astonishing how long Amister has remained silent.
However, this incident has exceeded the bounds of what even the gentle Amister Royal Family could tolerate.
Still, they are providing a grace period, which is better than an immediate declaration of war.
Of course, I don’t think Retysentia will accept Amister’s demands.
“Im-impossible… Does that mean Amister will destroy Retysentia!?”
“That depends on the Imperial King’s actions. Your life alone is not enough, but if you apologize officially and accept our demands, they may not destroy us. However, I doubt the dim-witted Imperial Royal Family will agree.”
“Eradicate all Abarician influence, including the Orthodox Church of Abaricia? Do you really think any of that is possible?!”
“It’s irrelevant to you, who is about to be executed, isn’t it? Besides, it’s not a question of whether it’s possible, but rather that if it’s not done, Amister will destroy Retysentia. In the end, the result is the same. However, if it comes to war, the Order’s Guild will have to be mobilized. Of course, it will incur expenses, and if someone is injured or dies, compensation will be necessary. Most importantly, our subordinates are precious nationals. Why must we use them to destroy a mere Retysentia?”
Yuri’s words are harsh, but as expected of someone educated by royalty.
She might be trembling inwardly, but with us and Yamato as escorts, she can speak clearly and doesn’t show it.
The invasion of the Philia Continent by Abaricia, or ratherGradia Continent, occurred 200 years ago. At that time, the nations of the Philia Continent united and succeeded in repelling them.
Since then, Abaricia has sent armies to the Philia Continent several times, but each time they have been repelled by a coalition.
However, there are significant differences in military strength and the number of personnel that can be dispatched between countries.
Therefore, since there was no guarantee of success in the future, even if they had been able to repel them so far, the then-Emperor of Solemné declared that a unified nation should be created on the Philia Continent and quickly annihilated the surrounding countries.
In response, several small nations merged, combined, and were absorbed to form the Libertarian Federation and the Retysentia Empire. However, this again provoked the Emperor’s displeasure, leading to a period of war involving Amister and Valentia at the time.
The Valentia Union Kingdom was established, and the Republic of Bacion was ceded during this period.
In other words, the current situation on the Philia Continent is a consequence of the forceful unification of the Philia Continent by the Emperor of Solemné, who was concerned about Abaricia’s invasion.
The successive Emperors of Solemné have all advocated for the unification of the Philia Continent, all in order to defeat Abaricia.
Of course, every country knows that this is just a pretext.
However, at some point, Retysentia had completely degenerated into a subordinate country of Abaricia.
Abaricia, knowing that Amister was a formidable opponent, likely set its sights on the weaker Retysentia, intending to use it as a stepping stone to engulf the Philia Continent in war and achieve the unification of the Helios Orb.
“And Retysentia, being the first nation on the Philia Continent to submit to Abaricia, would receive preferential treatment among the nations on the Philia Continent. In other words, the Retysentia Royal Family, blinded by short-term gains, sold out their country, and even the continent.”
“How dare you insult my Retysentia Royal Family!?”
“If selling your country and the continent out of self-preservation, in order to live in peace yourselves, isn’t an insult, then what is? Can you enlighten me, Your Highness?”
Yamato is also angry.
His attitude is extremely courteous yet disrespectful, but I think it’s the correct attitude towards this princess.
I feel disgusted too.
“We have heard what we wanted to know, so we have no further use for you. We will see you again when you are escorted to the Royal Capital, but we will likely not meet again after that. Please cherish the remaining short time you have left to live.”
Ignoring the princess, whose face had changed color at Yuri’s declaration, we left the room.
Just before leaving, the princess cast a hateful glare at us, but there was nothing more she could do.
As Yuri said, she should cherish the little time she has left and live in fear of her execution until that day comes.
“Are you alright?”
“I-I’m sorry… Just for a little while… even just a little while, please let me stay like this…”
After leaving the room, Yuri clung to Yamato.
She was trembling so much, she was clearly scared.
Subjugation magic prohibits the use of magic, but physical reinforcement by circulating mana throughout the body is not recognized as magic, so there was a possibility Yuri could have been attacked.
Marianne is a Level 46 High Human, so she could easily take Yuri’s life, who is Level 15.
We didn’t intend to let that happen, but the mere possibility was an immeasurable mental burden for Yuri.
So, if clinging to Yamato could help her heal even a little, we should allow it.
