Helios Orb Chronicle – Chapter 94

About four hours have passed since Jade and Fluorite were resummoned from the Ragnarud Beast Ranch.

I assume the fighting is over by now, but I wonder if everyone is safe. Even with Yamato and Prim here, it’s entirely possible for other high-class individuals to sustain severe injuries that leave them unable to fight, or even lose their lives. It’s agonizing to be on the waiting end.

Naturally, Yamato and Prim are likely almost unscathed. After all, they say they defeated the P-C Rank Monster, Abyss Taurus, not just without a scratch, but in an instant. So, worrying seems to be in vain.

Just as I was thinking this, there was a knock on the door of the Master Room.

“Come in,” I replied.

“Excuse me, Crafter’s Master.”

The one who entered was Fiat, the heir of Ragnarud Beast Ranch and a B-rank crafter.

“Jade and Fluorite just returned a short while ago. I also received a report from the Order’s Master, so I’ve brought it to you immediately.”

Ah, so it’s here.

Using familiar spirits for summoning and returning is essential for the Alliance. Since the Alliance is based in a gathered city, that city is also where they return. Therefore, the initial report is made to the lord and guild master of that city.

Normally, the situation wouldn’t be known until the Alliance returned, and the report would be made then. However, if Supplication Magic or Familiar Magic can be used, the process can be significantly shortened. That Supplication Magic refers to the familiar summoning magic, Calling, and the familiar return magic, Repetrating.

Familiar summoning means the contractor can summon a familiar to any location outside the city, and the magic used for that is Calling. And the magic to send them back to their original location is Repetrating. Most of the time, they are sent back to the city’s ranch or stables, but some people send them back to their homes. If you use the craft magic, Call Recording, which can register Repetrating, the registration is complete. However, there are always people at the ranches and stables who can use it, and if you’re sending them back home, you can register it at the Crafter’s Guild, so it’s not that much trouble, which is good.

When a familiar is summoned, it disappears from the ranch, inn, or stable where it was kept, which can cause quite a panic for those who were looking after it. To avoid this, a familiar summoning permit is issued by the Order’s Guild, Knight Order, or military. The summoning permit also serves as a return permit, and the return location is determined by each city, so there’s no need to panic if a familiar suddenly appears in the middle of the city.

And thus, utilizing this characteristic for information exchange, reporting, and issuing instructions became a natural progression. In this Alliance, the chosen messengers were the familiars of Yamato and Prim, the Hippogriffs. And Fiat, the heir of the ranch where these two familiars are kept and the person in charge, is the one who receives the reports and delivers the instructions. It is a violation to view the contents of a report or instruction without permission, but the seals on the reports are magical tools, and they cannot be removed without their paired magical tool. If they are broken, the contents are erased, so normally, they cannot be seen.

This time, the paired magical tools for the seals are in the possession of myself and the Order’s Master. I am responsible for reporting the contents of the report to the Provincial Governor and other guild masters, and if instructions are to be issued by the Provincial Governor, I have to go to the mansion myself, which is very troublesome, but it is also the role of the Crafter’s Master, so it cannot be helped.

Now, I need to read the report from the Order’s Master. Let’s see…

“…?”

“Crafter’s Master!?”

As I read the report, the contents were so far beyond common sense that my vision went dark, and I fainted. I managed to sit back down in my chair and read the contents again, but it was impossible to believe them…

After finishing the report, I held it tightly, trembling. Yamato and Prim had often done things beyond common sense before, but this was exceptionally so.

“…Fiat.”

“Y-yes?”

Fiat, who was worried about me collapsing, seemed to sense the deep tremor in my heart and didn’t dare approach me. If I were in his position, I would probably react the same way.

“Contact the Provincial Governor and the Guild Masters immediately. Tell them a report has arrived from the Alliance, and they will gather at Marquis Frederica’s mansion. Oh, and also, contact the remaining Wing Crest and Holy Grave. They shouldn’t be out hunting, but I don’t know where they are, so we can ask the Order’s Guild for cooperation.”

“U-understood. I will ask the Order’s Guild for cooperation immediately.”

Fiat left the Master’s Room with hurried steps. He must be curious about the contents of the report, but the fact that he didn’t ask suggests he’s too scared to ask, or perhaps doesn’t want to know.

However, the immediate problem is how to report the utterly nonsensical contents of this report. There were an immense number of Catastrophe Species and Disaster Species, but even more unbelievable was the Demise Species. Not only were they unbelievable on their own, but there were two of them: an Emperor and an Empress. And it’s stated that Yamato and Prim defeated these two Demise Species, one-on-one.

Although stories of defeating Demise Species are rare nowadays, they aren’t entirely non-existent. However, most of them end in the annihilation of the entire Alliance, and even preventing their advance is considered a success. This time, we initiated the attack, but not only did we succeed in defeating them, but there were no casualties. It’s not an exaggeration to call it a great success. Even fairy tales don’t have such convenient stories.

However, I can’t avoid reporting it, so I put the report into the storage pocket sewn into my favorite clothes and began my heavy-footed journey to Marquis Frederica’s mansion.

Side: Linus

A messenger arrived from the Crafter’s Master, Laberna, saying that the Alliance report had arrived, so I immediately headed to Marquis Frederica’s mansion. Along the way, I met up with Healer’s Master Safia and Butler’s Master Orkis. They also seemed to be in a hurry.

When we arrived at Marquis Frederica’s mansion, the Provincial Governor, His Highness Yuriana, and the Guild Masters were already gathered. The Order’s Guild is led by the Order’s Master during the Alliance, so the Sub-Order’s Master is here. Wing Crest and Holy Grave are also present; they are involved, so it’s fine.

Once everyone was confirmed present, Laberna began her report. Because information is exchanged using familiar magic, the Crafter’s Master is responsible for the report. However, while usually fine, isn’t this a bit of a raw deal this time?

“I will now make my report. No, I will read the report.”

She corrected herself, but reading it aloud suggests she doesn’t want to inject her own opinions. I’m getting a strong premonition of something unpleasant…

” ‘Our Alliance has succeeded in eradicating the Orc settlement.’ ”

As I suspected when the report started, they succeeded. If they succeeded, we can assume the King and Queen were also defeated.

” ‘The total number of Orcs in the settlement confirmed by questing is 138, and this number is final.’ ”

“There were 138 of them. Considering the Queen was there, it’s not an impossible number…”

“Yes. It’s more than we expected. Furthermore, there were no normal species; they were all Grand Orcs or higher.”

While it is more than expected, it’s not uncommon for a settlement with a Queen or Princess. With only fifteen people, a tactical retreat would normally be considered, but this time, everyone had alloy weapons, and more importantly, two Ancient Classes were present. So, it’s not strange that they decided to proceed.

” ‘The breakdown is as follows: 86 Grand Orcs, 37 Giant Orcs, 2 Orc Princes, 5 Orc Princesses, 2 Orc Kings, 3 Orc Queens, and the Orc Emperor and Orc Empress.’ ”

Wait a minute. I heard several words that I can’t ignore. Did I mishear?

“I-I’m sorry, Laberna-san. Did I mishear? I thought I heard ‘Orc Emperor’ and ‘Orc Empress’?”

“I-I thought I heard that too…”

Marquis Hydransia and Orkis asked Laberna, wondering if their ears were playing tricks on them, but her face was filled with terror and despair. The others looked equally grim. The fact that everyone had the same expression erased the possibility of me mishearing. Were they really there, the Demise Species…

“Continuing. ‘The Orc Emperor and Orc Empress were successfully defeated individually by the Ancient Hunters Yamato and Primrose, respectively.’ ”

Laberna continued her report, ignoring Marquis Hydransia and Orkis’s questions. The moment I heard the contents, my vision went dark. Wait, what did Laberna just say? Successfully defeated? And they did it individually? Don’t make me laugh!

“M-Marquis Hydransia!?”

“Trader’s Master! Healer’s Master too!!”

“Flam-nee-san! Please hold on!!”

It seems a few people fainted, but it’s understandable. I can feel myself trembling too. Looking closer, Laberna’s face is like that of a doll. It’s true that no one with a sound mind could read such a preposterous report or explain it. It’s beyond unreasonable. But… this is terrible… Laberna really drew the short straw.

“A-are you alright?”

“…Not really, but there’s more, isn’t there?”

“At this point, I can kind of guess…”

“Yes. I assume the Orc Princes and Princesses, as well as the King and Queen, were also defeated by Yamato and Primrose, right?”

Marquis Hydransia and the others, who had somehow recovered, were trembling. The rest of them were also trembling, but the report wasn’t finished. However, I think Count Sofia’s prediction is correct. In fact, isn’t it likely that more than half of them, including those, were their achievements?

“Yes. It is stated that one Orc Queen was defeated by the combined efforts of the remaining members, but at that point, they were all at their limit.”

“That’s normal.”

With that report, a sense of relief washed over the room. If thirteen people managed to defeat an Orc Queen, a P-C Rank Monster, and even though there were injured, there were no deaths, it would normally be considered a great achievement, and they would be hailed as heroes upon their triumphant return. If that report had come in, we would be celebrating. However, because the achievements of those two were so ridiculously unbelievable, the valiant feat of defeating a Disaster Species was overshadowed. It’s truly pathetic that those who fought desperately to defeat the Orc Queen could only serve to lighten the mood.

“This is the report from the Order’s Master. As you can see, I honestly doubt the Order’s Master’s sanity.”

“I believe Rex is aware of that himself…”

Rosemary, the Sub-Order’s Master, tries to cover for her superior and lover, the Order’s Master, but I understand her feelings. I also read the report. The part about the thirteen people defeating the Orc Queen, aside from the small number of people involved, wasn’t much different from the usual Alliance defeat reports. Well, several people had fractured bones, and they were exhausted after the battle, having used up all their magic power, and were described as being at their limit due to injuries, large or small. But the fact that there were no deaths is truly impressive.

However, when those two are involved, things become utterly nonsensical. Even though Rex tried to write it as objectively as possible, it still doesn’t make sense. What is this about them burning the Princes and Princesses together with barriers of fire and wind? Or defeating the King and Queen by sheer luck? I wouldn’t be surprised if it were Grand Orcs or Giant Orcs, but why are Anomaly Species and Disaster Species treated the same way? Furthermore, even after defeating the Emperor and Empress, they still had plenty of magic power left, and most importantly, they were completely unharmed and the most energetic. Are they even human?

“We were engaged to incredibly formidable individuals…”

“They are certainly amazing, but this is…”

“Did I rush into our marriage promise too soon…?”

Yamato’s fiancées sighed deeply. I remembered that Marquis Hydransia had said that if her child inherited the family estate, she would marry Yamato. While the marriage itself is a happy occasion, considering the groom is Yamato, I can understand why they would think that.

“That’s a matter for the individuals involved, so we’ll reserve comment.”

“On the contrary, I find it reassuring.”

Count Sofia coldly dismissed the topic, but meddling in other people’s marriage affairs rarely leads to a good outcome. On the other hand, His Highness Yuriana seems to have fallen even more in love with Yamato. But one should really not interfere with a princess’s love life.

“Setting that aside, with things having reached this point, an unavoidable issue will become even more significant.”

Marquis Hydransia glared at Count Sofia, but she was right.

“Valentia, am I correct?”

“Yes. Miss Primrose is the daughter of Duke Hydransia of Valentia and held succession rights to the throne. The Duke Hydransia family was annihilated by the Beast King, and her succession rights were revoked, but the fact that Miss Primrose is from Valentia is an undeniable truth.”

“In other words, if the Valentia Beast King learns of Miss Prim, he will order her to return to her home country?”

I suppose so. Although, according to His Highness Yuriana, the Beast King himself declared her a traitor and stated that she died while fleeing, so there’s a possibility he won’t acknowledge her.

“No, that possibility isn’t zero, but what I’m worried about are those who have revolted against the Beast King. I heard that former Valentia Second Prince, Leonas Forest Valentia, is among the Anti-Beast King Organization.”

So I’ve heard. Leonas Forest Valentia was the second prince of Valentia and ranked second in succession rights. After the current Beast King, Gymnos Basilious Valiente, ascended the throne, he was disinherited. However, before that, his succession order was higher than Gymnos’, and people were suffering under his tyrannical rule, so he rose up to reclaim the usurped Beast King’s throne, and the Eastern and Western Kings were said to have sided with Leonas.

The reason I know this is because Leonas is a level 45 High Tigari and an S-rank Hunter. To be precise, he’s a Dragonewt Half-High Tigari. However, he himself was not interested in the throne and wanted to continue being a Hunter. I believe he is Prim’s cousin.

“Perhaps you are thinking that Prince Leonas will marry Miss Prim and loudly proclaim that Gymnos usurped the Beast King’s throne?”

“Yes. Miss Primrose has evolved into an Ancient Foxy. If the Anti-Beast King Organization learns of this, they might attempt such a plan. Of course, Miss Primrose is already married to Yamato, and if they were to consider something like that, the organization itself might be crushed by Yamato.”

He might just do it. Anyone who can take on an opponent capable of defeating even a Demise Species alone would likely be blown away like so much dust. Rumors reaching the Hunter’s Guild suggest that Leonas is a serial womanizer and had approached Prim multiple times. And it wasn’t for the duke’s fortune, but for Prim’s body itself. It’s also said that he loses interest in women once he’s had them, becoming indifferent. His womanizing is quite infamous even in Valentia. Naturally, Prim, who has no interest in men weaker than herself, has defeated him many times. If he learns of Prim’s survival, it’s possible he’ll widely publicize his engagement to her in Valentia, partly as a form of revenge.

“However, for the people of Valentia, the marriage between Prince Leonas and Miss Prim would be welcomed. Wouldn’t attacking it instead put Yamato-kun in a difficult position?”

“Normally, that would be the case, but he is also an Ancient Human, and with such achievements, Amister cannot simply ignore him. There’s even a possibility of a three-way war between Amister, Valentia, and the Anti-Beast King Organization.”

Count Sofia refuted Safia’s opinion. High-class individuals are also under the protection of the country, so there’s no country that would leave an Ancient Class unattended. Furthermore, Yamato and Prim are already married, so if they could win over Yamato, Prim would naturally follow. With that in mind, the idea of marrying a national princess to Yamato is natural, and that’s probably why His Majesty King of Amister is considering sending His Highness Yuriana.

However, with this recent event, His Highness Yuriana might not be a suitable match anymore.

“Including that matter, we have no choice but to ask His Majesty.”

“Indeed. Fortunately, whether it can be called fortunate or not, Yamato-kun and the others are scheduled to go to the Royal Capital in three days. We will report there and seek his judgment.”

Count Sofia and Viscount Archlight turned their gazes to Marquis Hydransia.

“Eh? You mean I have to go?”

“Of course. You are to bear Yamato-kun’s child, and if that child inherits the estate, you will marry him, won’t you? As such, Marquis Hydransia, are you not also an interested party?”

“Besides, this is the kind of occasion where a Marquis should attend. While it’s a future event, it can also serve as an announcement of your impending marriage, so isn’t it even more convenient?”

She’s completely detached about it. No, in this case, “dumping a troublesome task” is the more accurate description. It’s true that telling such a story to a king of a nation could be considered disrespectful and punishable. It’s beyond unreasonable. I truly sympathize with her having to deliver such a report.

It’s hard to tell if the problem arises because they are Ancient Classes or because they attract trouble, but perhaps it’s both. The thought that I will continue to be troubled by their actions in the future gives me a real headache.