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1Overlord Volume 12 Chapter 2
2Seeking Salvation
3
4  
5 
6 
7Part 1
8 
9A lone girl walked the Kingdom’s streets.
10
11
12There was nothing adorable about her face. There was nothing about her looks that made observers want to do a double take. However, she still drew attention, albeit in a negative sense.
13 
14Her beady black eyes slanted upwards, giving the impression that she was constantly glaring at others, while the dark circles around her eyes made people think that she was the kind of person who hung around with criminals in seedy back alleys.
15 
16It was useful for walking among crowds, but once she reached city gates and other such places, she would receive intensive scrutiny and searches from the local authorities.
17 
18That girl, Neia Baraja, looked to the sky.
19 
20Above her, the sky was covered in dark clouds, giving observers the wrong impression that it was close to dusk when it was still daytime.
21 
22The heart of winter had passed, but spring was still a long way off.
23 
24Neia sighed tiredly, then marshalled the keen senses she had inherited from her parents and walked toward the street which led to the inn where she was staying.
25 
26The reason why she had to be so wary even in a city was because she felt a powerful sense of exclusion towards herself, an outsider, ever since she had entered this city.
27 
28Naturally, it was nothing more than the girl’s imagination.
29 
30After all, when she wore a cloak with the hood drawn up over her head, there was no way to tell whether she was a foreigner. However, she had not been mistaken about the heaviness in the air. She peeked at the passers-by and saw that their faces were downcast and their footsteps were heavy. It was as though they wore the gloominess of winter around themselves.
31 
32Under normal circumstances, she might have thought it was because of the overcast weather. However, she felt that the sense of entrapment — or perhaps a nameless melancholy — which she felt here, in the capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom, ought to have stemmed from some other source.
33 
34Maybe it’s because they were defeated in battle not long ago. Still, compared to the people of the Holy Kingdom, they’re practically jumping for joy.
35 
36Although the southern bay region of the Holy Kingdom was still relatively safe, the northern reaches were essentially hell now.
37 
38To the Liberation Army — formed from the remnants of the Northern Holy Kingdom’s army — and to her, who had come here as a member of an ambassadorial delegation, such news was of little comfort.
39 
40The more she thought about it, the more depressed she became, and Neia reached to her waist in search of salvation. The cool sensation of steel travelled up her hand.
41 
42It was the sword she carried, emblazoned with the crest of the Holy Kingdom’s knight order, which served as proof of her identity.
43 
44Usually, a paladin’s sword would be imbued with minor enchantments, but hers was not. That was because this was a sword of the sort issued to trainee soldiers.
45 
46Only after completing her training and being officially ordained as a paladin would her trusty blade be enchanted with magic. That was one of the rituals involved in donning the mantle of a paladin. While it was little more than a sharpened slab of steel until she officially became a paladin, it was still a personal weapon which had accompanied her through long years of training and practice. One could not fault her developing the habit of caressing it when she felt uneasy.
47 
48The sensation of steel calmed Neia down slightly, and she sighed a cloud of white vapor. Then she opened her cape and quickened her pace.
49 
50Her feet dragged every time she thought that she had to report bad news. However, it was because she disliked such things that she had to move quickly, to get this over with as soon as possible.
51 
52Finally, the inn where their delegation resided came into view.
53 
54It was a high class inn, with prices as lofty as its reputation. It was said to be among the top five in the Kingdom.
55 
56As she thought about the tragic state of her homeland, the northern Holy Kingdom, she could not help but feel guilty over how she was basking in such luxury while her countrymen were suffering. The truth was, the female leader of the ambassadorial delegation had opposed staying here precisely due to its decadence. She felt that they ought to reduce their expenses on this journey and use the leftover money elsewhere.
57 
58However, her opinion had been rejected, thanks to the suggestion of the male assistant leader.
59 
60“As representatives of the Holy Kingdom, if we do not lodge in an appropriate inn, people who see us might think that the Holy Kingdom is not long for this world. Therefore, we need to stay in a superior inn to show that our nation is still strong.”
61 
62The assistant leader’s logic was irrefutable. Nobody else in the group could deny him. However, their leader was driven by emotion and could not accept that proposal, and she stubbornly refused to go along with it. After a long deadlock, she was finally persuaded by all the other members of the delegation to reluctantly choose this inn.
63 
64However, everyone understood that they could not rack up any unnecessary expenses. In order to accomplish their tasks as soon as possible, even Neia, a squire, had been roped in to carry out missions.
65 
66The aim of the delegation’s visit to the Kingdom was none other than to secure aid for the Holy Kingdom. Therefore, Neia and the other members of the delegation were running around trying to arrange appointments with the movers and shakers of the Kingdom.
67 
68Anyone could make an appointment, even a squire. There was no problem with that part of the leader’s thinking.
69 
70However, Neia was the sole squire among the delegation. The others were proper paladins. Even if she made an appointment, what would the other party think in the future when they found out that others had been visited by paladins, but they had only merited a mere squire?
71 
72Surely they would be unhappy. Even Neia knew that much. However, despite her roundabout protests, the orders handed down to her had not changed. As a squire, there was little she could say about it. That said, Neia had not given up because of that.
73 
74If it was a personal failure, she could gladly accept it. However, doing so might lead to the ailing Holy Kingdom losing more aid from the Kingdom. Neia could not simply write off the possibility that her failures might lead to more of her countrymen dying with a simple, “Yes, I understand.”
75 
76However, the fact that a mere squire had immediately rushed into action without waiting for orders had only made the leader even more unhappy. She seemed to think that everything was Neia’s fault. Fortunately, the assistant leader had managed to smooth things over, but the delegation’s leader had a poor impression of Neia now.
77 
78Neia had been selected for this ambassadorial party solely because of her keen senses, which had ensured their safety on the road here. Asking her to contribute in other ways would be a tall order.
79 
80But it’s not like I can say that...
81 
82Neia looked to the sky and sighed Haaah. Then, she watched as the white mist she exhaled drifted slowly in the air and vanished. As she thought about the uncomfortable reception awaiting her at the inn, her gut began to cramp up.
83 
84The noble Neia was supposed to meet was not a very important person — he was not highly ranked in the Kingdom — so not being able to make an appointment with him was not a great setback, but even so her leader would gripe at her.
85 
86...Usually, even if you wanted to meet someone important right away, they’d still need some time to research your history and learn more about you. So the earliest you could have a meeting was in a week’s time.
87 
88Well, at least that did not sound like she was just complaining about the other party’s refusal.
89 
90According to our leader’s instructions, we’ll be leaving the Royal Capital in a few days… our leader, huh...
91 
92Their leader was now constantly on edge. She did not look like she could properly control her emotions.
93 
94In the past, she had not been that way. Neia knew that much. She had been an easygoing… or clueless person, if one were not inclined to be polite. However, ever since the battle where they had lost the Holy Queen, there had been a dramatic shift in her personality.
95 
96“...An unsatisfactory performance, huh.”
97 
98As a squire, the only thing she could do about her leader’s unreasonable scoldings was to bow her head and silently accept them.
99 
100Even so, this was nothing compared to how the surviving people in the Holy Kingdom were struggling. All she had to do was keep her head down and weather the storm.
101 
102After steeling herself for the worst — or perhaps she had given up — Neia reached the front of the inn.
103 
104She took a deep breath, pulled back her hood, and then pushed open the inn’s fancy doors.
105 
106As one would expect of a high-class inn, she did not step into a lounge right away, but a small room. It would seem it had been designed for guests to clean the dirt off their footwear.
107 
108That said, the place she had just visited was in a high-end district, much like this inn, and it had been paved with stone. Neither had it rained, so there was nothing she needed to shake off.
109 
110Therefore, Neia went on to open the door before her.
111 
112A gust of warm air flowed out and washed over her.
113 
114The concierge lay straight ahead of where she had entered the room, while the bar was to her right, and the stairs were on her left. There were sofas used for receiving guests near them.
115 
116There were no heating stoves inside the room. However, the fact that there was still a temperature difference despite their absence was probably because of a magic item.
117 
118Magic casters in the Holy Kingdom were generally priests, and while they could make some magic items, precious few of them were useful in daily life. In that respect, the Kingdom was technologically superior to the Holy Kingdom. That being the case, how much more advanced was the Empire, which her father had once mentioned?
119 
120Although she might never have the chance to visit it in her life, Neia still harbored a vague sense of admiration for the Empire.
121 
122Typically speaking, a village girl would only be able to see her village throughout the course of her life. Since Neia lacked any distinguishing qualities as a warrior, she might spend her entire life serving her nation and never get the chance to visit other countries.
123 
124In that case, perhaps the chance to travel abroad which this trip afforded her might be a faint silver lining on a grim, dark cloud.
125 
126These thoughts ran through Neia’s head as she climbed the stairs, toward the room on the second floor where the delegation was staying. The people in the inn seemed to have remembered Neia’s face, as none of them shouted for her to stop.
127 
128Considering the matter of expenses, only the leader and the assistant leader ought to be staying here; the other members should have stayed in cheaper inns. However, pinching pennies like that might make the other side think that there was no future for the Holy Kingdom. In the end, the assistant leader had managed to convince their leader of the wisdom of his words.
129 
130Neia reached the door of her superiors’ room and knocked on the door, whereupon it opened slightly. Within were the paladins stationed within the room for protection.
131 
132The person they were guarding was the strongest paladin in the Holy Kingdom, who was the leader of their delegation. In that case, they would be more of followers than protectors. Going by that logic, would it not have been wiser for herself to stay behind? Of course, Neia knew the meaning of the phrase “the nail which sticks out gets hammered down,” so she did not comment on that.
133 
134“Neia Baraja, reporting back.”
135 
136The door opened, and she entered the room.
137 
138Before her was a large room. There was a long table in the middle, where her Captain sat.
139 
140Captain Remedios Custodio and Vice-Captain Gustavo Montanjes were both seated there. And of the seventeen members of their delegation, more than half of them stood at attention along the walls.
141 
142She snuck a peek at the documents piled on the table before them. Most of them had been crossed out.
143 
144“Captain. Neia Baraja has returned.”
145 
146She puffed up her chest, adjusted her posture, and stated her name.
147 
148“—How did it go?”
149 
150“My deepest apologies. They declined because of a lack of time. They said they would like at least two weeks.”
151 
152“Tch,” Remedios clicked her tongue.
153 
154Neia’s gut cramped. Was she expressing her displeasure at Neia, or rather, at the nobles who had rejected them? While both the former or latter seemed likely, she dared not clarify such a frightening matter.
155 
156“Really now. Thank you for heading out amidst the cold. Go back to your room and rest, then.”
157 
158“Yes!”
159 
160Neia suppressed her sigh of relief at Gustavo’s words. While she wanted to leave right away, Remedios called out and stopped her in her tracks.
161 
162“...I wanted to ask you before, but did you really tell them that we wanted to open negotiations as soon as possible?”
163 
164“—Huh? Ah! Yes! Of course I tried to ask them, but unfortunately they said no…”
165 
166“So it wasn’t because of your poor negotiation skills, then?”
167 
168“Ah, that, that’s—”
169 
170That’s not true, she wanted to say, but who would dare say it? In addition, she already knew that she would not be able to escape this reprimand no matter how she answered.
171 
172“...Captain. It is not just the nobles she asked who refused. Other nobles have rejected the request for a meeting in the same way. Among them were some nobles who indicated they could not lend aid to the Holy Kingdom, but who wished to speak nonetheless.”
173 
174Remedios glared at Gustavo, who seemed to have spoken up in order to interrupt their conversation. No words passed between them, but the tension built in the air.
175 
176“—Neia Baraja.”
177 
178“Yes!”
179 
180So she was still gunning for her, after all. While Neia had mentally rounded her shoulders in defeat, she did not express it externally, instead responding in a timid tone.
181 
182Gustavo had now moved to stand between the two of them, but Remedios paid him no heed and continued glaring at Neia.
183 
184“While we are wasting time here, many of our people are being slaughtered by the demihumans led by Jaldabaoth. In addition, four major cities have already fallen, in addition to many more smaller and villages.”
185 
186The four cities in question were, respectively: the capital Hoburns, which housed the Great Cathedral that was regarded as the high temple of the Holy Kingdom’s faith.
187 
188The port city of Rimun, which lay to the west of the capital.
189 
190The fortress city of Kalinsha, which was the closest to the wall, and the first to be attacked by the demihumans.
191 
192And then there was Prart, the city between Kalinsha and Hoburns.
193 
194In other words, most of the major cities of the north were now under the control of Jaldabaoth’s demihuman hordes.
195 
196“In addition, they’ve captured many of the survivors, who they have imprisoned in camps made from captured villages and cities. Just the mention of being sent there is enough to chill one’s blood.”
197 
198“Yes!”
199 
200Those camps were surrounded by walls, and nobody had personally witnessed what was happening inside because nobody had managed to infiltrate the interior. However, the rumors said they were guarded by demihumans. Those people who had probed as closely as they dared said they could hear groans and screams of agony from within.
201 
202In addition, what was more convincing was the fact that nobody felt Jaldabaoth, as a demonic ruler, would grant any form of humane treatment to his human prisoners.
203 
204“So knowing all that, you still came back with results like this? Did you really try your best? Normally you’d have something to show for it if you did, no?”
205 
206“Yes! My sincerest apologies!”
207 
208Indeed, she was right. Remedios was correct. However—
209 
210The thought that welled up in Neia’s heart refused to fade away.
211 
212In that case, what good is the Captain of the Holy Kingdom’s paladin order if she failed to rescue those prisoners?
213 
214She dearly wanted to retort with those words. However, as a squire of the Holy Kingdom, she could not possibly say such a thing.
215 
216“Since you feel sorry, what do you plan to do? What can you do to show concrete results?”
217 
218Neia was at a loss for words.
219 
220At the heart of it, Neia was just an ordinary citizen of the Holy Kingdom. She had neither a noble peerage, power, or wealth. She was not even a paladin, just a squire. There was nothing which Neia, as she was, could offer a noble of the Kingdom which could appeal to them. In that case, all she could do was—
221 
222“I’ll work harder.”
223 
224—Psychology. However, it would seem that answer did not meet with Remedios’s approval.
225 
226“I’m asking you how you intend to work harder. Futile effort is—”
227 
228“—Captain.”
229 
230Gustavo interrupted Remedios as she was about to say something.
231 
232“Why not leave things as they are for now? After all, it’s about time we began our preparations, no? The esteemed members of Blue Rose will be arriving soon. If we take too long welcoming them, we will upset them, won’t we?”
233 
234“Indeed. Squire Baraja, work harder and do better next time.”
235 
236“Understood!”
237 
238Remedios made a shooing motion with her hand. In other words, she was saying Hurry up and get lost.
239 
240“My apologies, Captain Remedios!”
241 
242Even though she was tired, Neia was shouting All right! in her heart and trembling with joy as she made to leave the room. However, her ally from just now transformed into her most dire adversary in an instant.
243 
244“Captain, may she be present when Blue Rose arrives?”
245 
246Gustavo’s words made Neia’s vision black out for a moment. However, this was a topic that involved her, since she was a squire.
247 
248Remedios looked at her adjutant. It was completely unlike the way she had looked at Neia. Her eyes were so caring that it seemed like she had changed personalities at some point, and it confused Neia.
249 
250“Really? Well, if you say so… but why?”
251 
252“The main reason for bringing her along as a squire was because she has exceptional senses. Perhaps there might be things which only she can notice.”
253 
254Many paladins and squires had died during the battles with Jaldabaoth. However, quite a few of them had survived. Even so, the reason she had been chosen to accompany their group was precisely because of her senses.
255 
256While paladins were excellent fighters, they were little different from the average commoner in other respects. On this mission, there might be a need for someone to pass unseen, spot the enemy at a great distance, pass through encirclements, and perform other such tasks, which meant that they would need someone who possessed such reconnaissance skills.
257 
258Under normal circumstances, one would call on an adventurer or hunter, but most of them were already dead, and the remainder had already fled to the south or to other countries. Therefore, with no more experienced candidates to choose from, Neia had been selected.
259 
260While she was far inferior compared to her father, she harbored some pride in the fact that her senses were sharper than those who had only been trained as paladins. She was very happy that her talents could serve her nation, but that feeling was steadily being worn away. Now, she was starting to resent the fact that she had been chosen.
261 
262“Really? ...Well, if you think so, then that’s fine. I’ll allow it.”
263 
264“Thank you very much, Captain.”
265 
266“...Squire Baraja. Like we just said, you will remain in the corner of the room and listen to our conversation. If anything happens, inform us. ...Now go back to your room and freshen up before coming back.”
267 
268“Understood!”
269 
270Finally, I’m free, Neia thought, but then Gustavo followed behind her just as she made to leave. After they left the room, he spoke quietly to her.
271 
272“Sorry about the Captain.”
273 
274Neia halted in her tracks, turned around, and then she voiced the doubts she had been harboring in her heart all this while.
275 
276“...Did I do something to upset the Captain? I mean, I’ve heard that the battle where we lost that city changed her completely, so what happened?”
277 
278“...Many paladins died in the battle with Jaldabaoth, including the Holy Queen-sama and the Captain’s sister.”
279 
280I know that. But so what?
281 
282The same thing had happened to Neia.
283 
284Both her father and mother were dead. People like this were hardly uncommon throughout the Holy Kingdom. Of course, she could not actually say that.
285 
286“Without a place to vent the grief and anger she felt from that, the Captain chose to take it out on you. I think the reason why she did not do so with us paladins was because we fought and suffered with her.”
287 
288What the hell, Neia grumbled in her heart.
289 
290In other words, all this was because Neia had not taken part in that battle.
291 
292This was just unfair.
293 
294Half of Neia’s fellow squires had travelled to the same city and many of them had ended up dying. The reason why Neia had not been in that half was due to her luck, and not because of any choice Neia had made.
295 
296“Let me also say this: please bear with it. Right now, the Captain is irreplaceable to the Holy Kingdom.”
297 
298“...Even if she takes her anger out on others and gives them a hard time, then?”
299 
300“Indeed.“
301 
302Gustavo looked at her with a pained look in his eyes.
303 
304Anger raced through her body. She wanted to shout at him. Neia knew that woman was strong, but still, Neia had also done her part in getting them safely to the Kingdom. She had spotted the demihumans’ lookouts and she had been more careful than anyone else when they pitched camp at night. Neia had a role in getting the ambassadorial party to their destination. That being the case, Neia did not feel she was any less valuable than that woman.
305 
306However, Neia quashed her feelings as they boiled up.
307 
308She had to bear with this for the sake of the people suffering in the Holy Kingdom. Allowing any of them to be lost, and thus prolonging the plight of countless people, was the most foolish course of action imaginable.
309 
310In addition, she would be free of this duty once she returned to the country. Thus, all she would have to do was bear with it for a while longer.
311 
312Neia smiled and nodded.
313 
314“Understood. If it is for the sake of the Holy Kingdom, I will endure it with a smile.”
315 
316♦ ♦ ♦
317 
318Blue Rose arrived at the inn not long after Neia returned to the room.
319 
320Neia waited, among the paladins who stood motionless by the walls.
321 
322Soon, the door opened, and a group of people entered.
323 
324She was not a fangirl of theirs, but their reputation still shone brightly in the Holy Kingdom, and it made Neia’s heart flutter. These were great people of her gender who had ascended to heights which she herself could not reach. Personally, she would have liked to ask them all kinds of questions. That said, she could not do such a thing.
325 
326  
327
328They’re… one of the three adamantite ranked adventurer teams in the Kingdom. Blue Rose… they’re awesome...
329 
330While she had heard their descriptions and names from rumors, this was the first time she had seen them in the flesh. There was quite a big discrepancy between how she had imagined them from their stories and how they actually were.
331 
332Standing at their head was Blue Rose’s leader. She was a priestess who bore the holy symbol of the Water God, the wielder of the demonic blade, Kilineyram — Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra.
333 
334Her beautiful features were such that even her fellow females might fall in love with her, and it was hard to believe she was a top-class adventurer of the like which only fighting geniuses could be. If she wore a dress, she would be the very picture of a princess from the dreams of a commoner like Neia
335 
336That beautiful woman spoke with a gentle voice that matched Neia’s image of her.
337 
338“Thank you for your invitation. We are Blue Rose.”
339 
340Remedios, who had stood up to welcome them, nodded slightly to express her gratitude.
341 
342“I cannot thank you enough for accepting our invitation, honored members of Blue Rose.”
343 
344“We are the ones who are grateful to receive an invitation from the paladin who bears a holy sword and who has skills to match, Remedios Custodio-sama.”
345 
346Their exchange contrasted Remedios’s formulaic greeting and somewhat stiff tone against Lakyus’s natural way of speaking. It would seem she really was a noble heiress.
347 
348“Ah, I’m the one who should be happy to meet the wielder of a demonic blade like yourself. Ahem. Please take a seat. The people around us are all paladins of the Holy Kingdom. It would be good if we could all listen in. Erm, if there’s time after that, I would like very much to see the demonic blade.”
349 
350“Gladly, and the chance to behold your holy sword would delight me as well. Then, let us do as our host bids and take a seat, everyone.”
351 
352The members of Blue Rose each sat down in their own way. Some of them had already folded their arms and grasped their elbows. It made one wonder if their bold attitude came from knowing their strength or if they were simply acting in a manner that best fitted it.
353 
354“Shall we start by introducing ourselves?”
355 
356The Vice-Captain answered, probably to help Remedios out.
357 
358“No, there’s no need for that. News of your exploits has made its way around the Holy Kingdom. Ah, and while it’s a little late for this, I’m the Vice-Captain of the Paladin Order, Gustavo Montanjes.”
359 
360Lakyus smiled gently at Gustavo’s answer.
361 
362“Really now. It would be good if that news was flattering.”
363 
364“Ah—”
365 
366“—Yes. We’ve heard nothing but good things about you. In truth, your heroic exploits make my heart beat faster in excitement.”
367 
368It would seem Remedios wanted to say something, but Gustavo had interrupted her. After that, he smiled to Lakyus like nothing was the matter.
369 
370“That is quite pleasing. While I wish to ask about the details of those thing you heard, we are here today to fulfill a request. It is not our intention to waste our client’s valuable time. That being the case, let us discuss the particulars of this request.”
371 
372“Hmm~ Before that, I’d like to ask the name of that girl—”
373 
374Neia jumped in fright as she realized one of the twin thieves was pointing at her. The other one was also looking at her in interest.
375 
376The two of them ought to be the twin thieves known as Tia and Tina. Despite being members of Blue Rose, which was famed even in the Holy Kingdom, there were no rumors or tales of their deeds. They were a pair of mysterious individuals.
377 
378And now those individuals were pointing at her.
379 
380She felt like she had suddenly been shoved into the limelight from the shadows of an audience seat. Thoughts like why, what is this, what’s happening and other such phrases bounced around inside her mind.
381 
382“That girl doesn’t have a warrior’s body. Different from our musclehead’s.”
383 
384“Oi! What was that supposed to mean!?”
385 
386The person who had spoken up was Gagaran, the lady warrior who was built like a brick shithouse.
387 
388“Exactly what I said. ...She’s not a warrior, no matter how you look at it. Now this is a warrior.”
389 
390“Oi oi, you can train your body with experience, you know.”
391 
392“So you’re going to evolve then, Gagaran?”
393 
394The thieves’ faces quietly hardened.
395 
396“Don’t be mean, I feel sorry for that girl.”
397 
398“Hey! Is it me or have you gotten full of yourself since you went training with me? Oi!”
399 
400“Nothing’s changed. It’s just that my sides hurts when you grab me with your ridiculous strength when I’m sleeping—”
401 
402“—That’s enough out of the two of you… I’m sorry, that’s just how we are.”
403 
404“Please pay it no heed. Her name is Neia Baraja. She has keen senses, and she’s made a lot of contributions during our journey here.”
405 
406“I understand.”
407 
408The reply was flat and emotionless, not cute in the slightest.
409 
410“...Mm. Well, while that was our fault, we haven’t made any progress at all. If nobody minds, shall we begin discussing the matter? Also, there’s no point talking like fancy nobles, is there? Let’s get right to it, shall we?”
411 
412“Evileye,” Lakyus said in a reproachful tone.
413 
414That was the arcane magic caster Evileye. Clad in her mask, she could use powerful spells, but she never removed it under any circumstances. She had a very petite frame — some rumors said she might be from a small-bodied species.
415 
416“No, that’s fine. I’m not good at all this plotting stuff myself.”
417 
418“Captain…”
419 
420“...Fufu. Well, the other side’s boss has given their approval — how about ours? Besides, once they’ve paid the appropriate fee for the information, they’ll be our clients. Let’s not bother with feeling each other up and get to the question of money. Won’t it be better to seal the deal sooner rather than later?”
421 
422“Haaah,” Lakyus sighed, and Evileye continued, seemingly sneering at them.
423 
424“Well, our boss has given her okay too, so shall we firm up the details before we talk about payment? I take it you want to talk about the one who’s been running wild in your country. Jaldabaoth?”
425 
426“You knew?”
427 
428“OI oi, do you think we wouldn’t know something the nobles did? The Kingdom has traders who use sea routes too, you know. Plus, the Adventurer’s Guilds do exchange information as well. That said, how about it? Want to share what you know, too? Frankly speaking, we’d be happier to obtain information than money.”
429 
430“Mm… may, may I have a moment to discuss this with Gustavo?”
431 
432Evileye waved to indicate that they should proceed, and then Remedios and Gustavo rose and entered the adjoining room — the bedroom.
433 
434“Then, can we use this flask?”
435 
436Gagaran pointed to the flask of water and the glasses around it as she addressed Neia.
437 
438Why me, Neia fretted as she replied, “Please do.” She wanted to praise herself for her perfect tone and not letting her voice tremble.
439 
440After Gagaran had poured water for everyone, Remedios and Gustavo returned.
441 
442“We’ll pay your fee, so can you tell us what you know?”
443 
444Huh, Neia thought. For some reason, she had the feeling that Remedios, who had complained about the expense of staying in an inn, would not approve. While Gustavo had probably said something, Neia had no idea what reasons he had used to convince her.
445 
446“That’s fine too, although I think we’d be able to tell you what you need to know if you told us about the state of the Holy Kingdom now.”
447 
448“Please let us pay the appointed fee.”
449 
450Gustavo promptly placed a small pouch on the table.
451 
452“Mm. Oi.”
453 
454Evileye jerked her chin at one of the thieves. In response, she swiftly reached out and snatched up the pouch, lightly bouncing it up and down in her hand. Then she caught it and nodded to Evileye.
455 
456She was probably trying to see if it contained the expected amount by the sensation from throwing it up and catching it.
457 
458“All right. Then I, Evileye, shall explain on their behalf… Although, like I said just now, asking for all the information we have about Jaldabaoth is a bit like trying to seize a cloud. Let’s start by talking about what happened in our country. But before that, I want to verify something with you. Your Jaldabaoth looks like this, right?”
459 
460Evileye took a pen and paper from beside the table and began drawing with fluid strokes. However, the picture she produced could only be regarded as childish scribblings as best.
461 
462Remedios was about to say, “No, that’s not…” before one of the twins snatched back the paper and tore it in half.
463 
464“What the hell are you doing!?”
465 
466While Evileye was furious, the other twin snatched away the pen in the meantime and drew swiftly on the new piece of paper, then showed Evileye the finished product. The masked magic caster muttered, Uguu… in a disgruntled tone. The truth was, it was of far greater quality than the picture just now.
467 
468His appearance was very difficult to describe with words. He was dressed in foreign clothing and wore a strange mask. After seeing the picture, Remedios angrily clenched her fists and growled like a wild beast.
469 
470“That’s the bastard.”
471 
472After seeing this, the twins and Evileye ceased their feuding and turned back towards Remedios.
473 
474“Then we’ve verified one thing, that this is the same per— the same demon. Well, if demons like that could appear one after the other, we’d be in trouble. Thank heavens for small mercies, as they say. Now—”
475 
476Evileye then proceeded to narrate the events that had transpired in the Royal Capital, and Neia winced in her heart.
477 
478She knew Jaldabaoth was strong. And she knew that the demon army and that scaly demon existed, so she was not shocked by them. But the fact that there were five maid demons who could each take on an entire adamantite ranked adventurer team by themselves deepened her sense of utter despair.
479 
480I don’t think anyone spotted those maid demons in the Holy Kingdom. So they’re Jaldabaoth’s trump card? To think he had something like that...
481 
482“—Then, what would you estimate Jaldabaoth’s difficulty rating to be?”
483 
484Gustavo’s question caused Blue Rose to look at each other, but in the end it was still Evileye who spoke on everyone’s behalf.
485 
486“Let me get this out of the way first; this value is just a conjecture. It might be higher, it might be lower, so I hope you’ll keep that in mind. We estimate that demon’s difficulty to be around two hundred.”
487 
488“Two hundred…”
489 
490Gustavo gasped. Neia very nearly gasped as well, but she managed to resist that impulse. Some of the paladins lining the walls were not so successful. Remedios was the only one to remain calm, her expression unchanged.
491 
492If Neia recalled correctly, difficulty one hundred monsters were not something which humans could defeat.
493 
494“Exactly how powerful is a rating of two hundred?”
495 
496Evileye seemed to have a bit of trouble answering Remedios’s direct question.
497 
498“While difficulty two hundred beings have never appeared in the human world before… well, old Dragons would be roughly around one hundred.”
499 
500“An old dragon… while I’ve never fought those before, would that be around the same as the Guardian Deity of the oceans?”
501 
502The Guardian Deity of the ocean referred to a Sea Dragon which dwelled in the ocean.
503 
504It had two arms and feet and a long, thick tail that replaced its atrophied wings. It resembled a Sea Serpent more than a Dragon, and its intellect was on par with or surpassed mankind. It was quite a benevolent being that would protect ships if it was properly venerated.
505 
506Neia had the very good fortune of seeing it once, from a distance, when they had gone to Rimun on holiday.
507 
508It had raised its head high above the surface of the seas, and it was a sight majestic enough to earn it the title of Guardian Deity. It was hard to imagine a human being could defeat such a being.
509 
510“Captain Remedios. If we use defeating the Guardian Deity as a baseline… hm, if there were a fisherman here he’d be giving us the stink-eye. Still, that means he’s twice as strong as an old Dragon.”
511 
512“Indeed. We’ve determined that he’s stronger than the legendary Demon Gods who were defeated by the Thirteen Heroes. That is to say, his appearance in the human world would be a great tragedy and multiple nations will be destroyed. That’s how powerful he is.”
513 
514“Although, I hear that when Jaldabaoth was wreaking havoc in the Kingdom, he was driven off by Momon-dono. That would mean Momon-dono must be just as powerful, right?”
515 
516Remedios swallowed, and then continued.
517 
518“Or does that mean — he used some kind of special item when defeating Jaldabaoth?”
519 
520That was when Evileye’s attitude changed.
521 
522Neia could not see her face, but she had the feeling that her face was flushing under that mask of hers.
523 
524“I don’t think he used any such item. However, Momon-sama fought magnificently when he duelled Jaldabaoth. I was fighting Jaldabaoth’s subordinates back then, so I did not see the full fight, but it was a terrifying battle. It was a battle fought by a hero among heroes, a champion among champions.”
525 
526“Is, is that so?”
527 
528It was all Gustavo could do to squeeze those words out after being crushed by Evileye’s presence as she leaned herself out.
529 
530“Precisely! Ah, what an amazing battle. Momon-sama defended me while he was fighting Jaldabaoth, you know.”
531 
532“So he fought Jaldabaoth — that monster — and drove him off? Is that true?”
533 
534“What? Are you saying what I saw with my own two eyes was a lie?”
535 
536Evileye countered Remedios’s question with a vicious retort. Gustavo struggled to clear the uneasy mood in the air.
537 
538“Ah, no, what our Captain meant was that if Darkness could attack some weak point of Jaldabaoth’s, perhaps we could do something too. I apologize for not clarifying.”
539 
540“No, we should be apologizing for the immature tone our Evileye is taking with a client.”
541 
542That reply came from Lakyus. What was this, when the two main players were sidelined and their supporting cast went on to smooth things out between themselves.
543 
544“Hm… well, assuming Jaldabaoth really does have some weak point, Momon-sama must have won by attacking it. Still, it’s hard to imagine a demon like that would leave his weaknesses unguarded.”
545 
546“Indeed… perhaps he used an item or a subordinate to make up for it.”
547 
548While this was the first time she had heard of the maid demons, Jaldabaoth had several powerful demon minions.
549 
550After questioning demihuman captives, they knew there were at least three of them.
551 
552There was the demon who ruled the wilderness where the demihumans lived.
553 
554There was the demon who ruled the port city of Rimun.
555 
556And then, there was the scaly demon who commanded the demihuman army.
557 
558“So, can you tell us in detail about that scaly demon you mentioned earlier?”
559 
560“That’s right, can you tell us what abilities it has?”
561 
562“Yes I fought it before, so I’ll take Evileye’s place and describe it in detail.”
563 
564She described its abilities and how they fought it. Lakyus’s tale ended with Brain Unglaus — a man on Gazef’s level — slaying that demon.
565 
566“...That’s strange. Jaldabaoth hasn’t made any movements after conquering the Holy Kingdom’s capital, but that scaly demon’s been commanding the demihuman armies in his place. Wasn’t it already defeated?”
567 
568“I see… however, we’ve met this Brain fellow before, and I don’t think he was lying. It’s probably not a unique demon, just a high level one.”
569 
570“In other words, Jaldabaoth can conjure that demon any number of times as long as certain conditions are met? Or perhaps he can summon the same demon multiple times?”
571 
572Neia could not cast spells, but she had heard this during her lectures.
573 
574It was difficult to summon multiple beings with summon magic.
575 
576In other words, when a summon spell was active, casting another summon spell would cause the previous summon spell to end. The currently-summoned monsters would go back from whence they came and new monsters would be summoned in their place.
577 
578However, people capable of high tier summoning spells could simultaneously conjure several weaker monsters at once, of the sort that one would evoke with a low tier summon spell. For instance, one could use a fourth tier spell to summon multiple monsters that could be invoked by a third tier spell.
579 
580“I don’t understand at all. His method of summoning demons is still a mystery. While it felt like he was summoning them with spells, he couldn’t have summoned multiple demons of such power… but if he could, that would beg the question of why he did not do so in the Kingdom. Perhaps if he were a magic caster who specializes in summoning, he could simultaneously summon multiple copies of such a creature…”
581 
582“So even if we defeated the scaly demons, Jaldabaoth could immediately resummon it?”
583 
584“Just so. However, that refers to the situation where Jaldabaoth conjures them with magic. If he used some kind of special ability to do it, that would be another matter entirely.”
585 
586“So you don’t know much about that side of things?”
587 
588“Sorry, but I don’t. We know very little about him.”
589 
590Evileye sounded clearly disheartened.
591 
592“...Erm, I didn’t get any of that at all, you know?”
593 
594“...I’ll explain it to you later, Captain.”
595 
596“No, start clarifying now. I haven’t been able to keep up since just now.”
597 
598This is our Captain… the person in charge of all of us...
599 
600“That being the case, was that disgusting insect maid one of Jaldabaoth’s summons too?”
601 
602“I don’t know. I don’t want to think that way…”
603 
604Blue Rose’s members began discussing among themselves.
605 
606“Erm, may I ask a question?”
607 
608Everyone turned to look at Neia after she nervously spoke up, and the tremendous pressure made her regret doing so. Perhaps it might be better for someone other than her to bring this up. However, the die had been cast, and after firming up her resolve, she asked:
609 
610“This might be a very basic question, but where did Jaldabaoth come from? Was the name of Jaldabaoth passed down from earlier days?”
611 
612“That is unclear. We’ve studied all sorts of literature, but we haven’t been able to find that name in any of them. We’ve also tried looking for clues based on his appearance, but similarly, we haven’t been able to make any headway either.”
613 
614“Could it be an alias? Maybe he caused trouble under a different name in the past?”
615 
616“I doubt that. To demons — this applies to angels as well — their names are a very important part of their very being. If a demon wants to show up, it has to engrave its name into the world. Therefore, they can’t use false names. Experiments show that using a false name might even cause them to disappear on the spot.”
617 
618Neia knew next to nothing about demons and angels, but if an adamantite ranked magic caster said so, then that ought to be the case.
619 
620“As for his origins, if he came from the other side of the continent, then it’s only natural that there’d be no information about him… but after thinking so much, every possibility seems equally likely, and so there’s no telling where to begin.”
621 
622Evileye shrugged.
623 
624“...Say. What if you got Jaldabaoth’s appearance wrong? Was the Jaldabaoth you looked into the Jaldabaoth in the picture? What if that appearance of his was a deception?”
625 
626“Ho,” Evileye leaned over the table towards Remedios. “Can you go into more detail?”
627 
628“We managed to press Jaldabaoth in that form quite badly, and then he revealed his true form…”
629 
630Remedios closed her eyes.
631 
632“It was an utter defeat for us.”
633 
634“Can you be more specific?”
635 
636“Telling them that much should be fine, right, Gustavo?”
637 
638“Yes, no objections here. If we can learn more about him from his appearance, hiding that information would be harmful instead.”
639 
640“While I feel a full disclosure would be better….”
641 
642Remedios began muttering and grumbling, and then she told Evileye about Jaldabaoth’s appearance.
643 
644Halfway through, Remedios’s face twisted in anger. She had probably recalled the battle that nobody here knew anything about.
645 
646“I see, then we’ll continue our investigations based on what we have just learned. We’ll keep you informed with our findings, so could you tell us if you wish to stay in the city?”
647 
648“We haven’t decided that yet. In any case, does that mean you do not know anything about that form of his?”
649 
650“—Lakyus, do you remember?”
651 
652Lakyus shook her head.
653 
654“That’s how it is. Sorry.”
655 
656“I understand. Then, after we make our decision, we will contact you immediately.”
657 
658“But in that case, we’ll have to consider the worst-case scenario — the possibility that his appearance in the Kingdom was intended to create a false impression, so he deliberately refrained from showing his true power.”
659 
660“In other words, our country was Jaldabaoth’s true objective, and that he had some other plan for the Kingdom?”
661 
662“Perhaps. If the Kingdom was his main priority, he would have shown his true form like he did in the Holy Kingdom, no? Or was it because he was startled by Momon-sama’s strength, and chose to protect his true identity rather than let his plan be ruined? I really don’t want to think that’s the case.”
663 
664Evileye’s words left the room in a gloomy silence, so profound that even the faint sounds of breathing seemed very loud. Who would speak first? In this tense atmosphere, Lakyus proved her bravery.
665 
666“Now then, let me say again — we’re in the same boat as you. We want to know more about Jaldabaoth. Frankly speaking, everything we’ve learned is basically analysis from our encounter with him. We have no inkling of Jaldabaoth’s aims, true identity, or abilities.”
667 
668“Maybe we could summon demons to learn about Jaldabaoth… But that will stain the soul… And even if we summon low ranking demons, it’s quite likely that they won’t know anything about high ranking demons. In that case, we’ll need to contact a summoning adept…”
669 
670“Unfortunately, we don’t know anyone who’s good at summoning demons.”
671 
672Evileye had been the first one to supplement Lakyus’s words, followed by one of the twins.
673 
674Surely nobody would, at least not under usual circumstances, Neia mused.
675 
676Diabolists were typically evil beings, and fortunately very few of them were powerful in their own right. That was because most of the time, they either destroyed themselves or they were slain by death squads.
677 
678Of course, there might be some experts in the field who had submersed themselves into the darkness, but they typically hid themselves and did not make friends.
679 
680“Still, just waiting there to die is very frustrating. The next time that monster comes to the Kingdom, I want to make him weep with my own two hands. In order to do that, I need to learn as much as I can about him.”
681 
682“Also, he was not leading any demihumans in the Kingdom. If he recruited the demihumans due to his failure in the Kingdom, then we’ll need to be even more wary of him.”
683 
684Those words were spoken by Gagaran, and then the other twin.
685 
686“Is that why you wanted to know what we knew?”
687 
688Everyone in Blue Rose nodded. Lakyus summed up for them.
689 
690“We'll pay a sum equal to the fees we'd receive for a similar request..”
691 
692“Captain. May I handle the upcoming negotiations?”
693 
694Remedios immediately agreed with Gustavo’s question.
695 
696“—In place of money, we would like some other form of payment.”
697 
698“What is it? While we would like to meet your wishes, we can’t do everything… However, if you want to make contact with powerful nobles, that could be arranged.”
699 
700“Is that so? Thank you very much. However, we were not thinking of that — could you come to our country and fight alongside us?”
701 
702The room was silent once more. It lasted several seconds — no, perhaps it was longer. The next sound they heard was that of Lakyus leaning on her chair.
703 
704“I am very sorry, but we cannot offer that form of payment.”
705 
706“...We’re gathering intelligence because we don’t want to die. Doing that would be counter to our purposes.”
707 
708Evileye shrugged, as if to say there was nothing that could be done about it.
709 
710“We won’t ask you to fight Jaldabaoth. All you need to do is wait in the rear and help with healing magic.”
711 
712“Bullshit, you don’t have the luxury of doing that.”
713 
714Gagaran’s words left them speechless.
715 
716She was correct. The northern half of the Holy Kingdom was now subjugated by Jaldabaoth’s beastmen, and all they could do was mount a feeble resistance. Many of the people had been incarcerated in camps, and the surviving paladins were hidden in caves as defeated soldiers.
717 
718“No, that’s not the case. We stopped the demihuman advance in the nick of time.”
719 
720They still held the south, where the Army and Jaldabaoth’s forces were staring each other down, so saying that they were at the edge of extinction might be accurate.
721 
722To Neia, who knew what was going on, Gustavo’s words sounded more like lies than the truth.
723 
724“Can you come, in that case?”
725 
726“I refuse.”
727 
728Remedios sat up to ask her question, and Evileye flatly rejected it. Given the way everyone in Blue Rose remained silent, she was most definitely not alone in her opinion. They must have all felt the same way.
729 
730“...Frankly speaking… we might have stopped them in the nick of time, but we’re also at the end of our rope. The Holy Kingdom is in ruins, but the southern troops are still intact. However, they alone won’t be enough to beat Jaldabaoth.”
731 
732Gustavo poured a glass of water for himself, drank from it, and then continued.
733 
734“The reason why we haven’t been completely conquered yet is because the navy has been pinning down Jaldabaoth’s army on the northern coastline and holding them off. If Jaldabaoth manages to figure out some way to deal with that and advances his troops to the south, they won’t be able to offer the slightest bit of resistance.”
735 
736However, that was the thinking of a man from the north, who knew Jaldabaoth’s power. The people of the south would probably have different plans. For instance, driving off Jaldabaoth with their own might.
737 
738While part of the reason for that was because they had not shared their intelligence, it was also due to the long-standing feud between the north and the south.
739 
740From the start, many of the nobles in the south had always protested the fact that a woman — skipping ahead of her elder brother — was to be crowned as Holy Queen for the first time in history.
741 
742For that reason, in order to avoid a rift between the north and the south, the former Holy Queen ignored even such baseless allegations as “The Holy Queen assumed her position because she had something going on with the temples, and she was secretly assisted by Queralt Custodio.”
743 
744After that, the south did not escalate matters any further and thus a full-scale confrontation was averted, but that was only because the north and south had been in a balance of power. Now that the north was in ruins, the south no longer had any reason to hold themselves back any more. Thus, the south began snubbing the north now.
745 
746Even in the face of Jaldabaoth’s invasion, the humans still bore grudges against each other. Neia simply found that laughable. In addition, there were whispers of a power struggle for the position of the next Holy King, and it only served to make Neia, a commoner, even more unhappy.
747 
748“That’s quite bad.”
749 
750“Indeed. The navy has very few assets which can do battle against flying demons, and their battles have taken a terrible toll on them. If this keeps up, they won’t be able to hold off Jaldabaoth’s army forever. We need strength to overcome this situation! Please, I beg you, lend your strength to us! All we need is a month or two! We can pay anything you want! I beg you, please save the Holy Kingdom.”
751 
752As Gustavo bowed his head to them, Neia and the other paladins went “Please!” and bowed as well.
753 
754The room was silent once more, and then Lakyus’s voice spread through it.
755 
756“Please, raise your heads. And — I am very sorry, but we cannot go to the Holy Kingdom.”
757 
758“Why!?”
759 
760Neia jerked her head up at the sudden shout from Remedios. She saw Remedios had risen from her seat and was glaring at Lakyus.
761 
762“There’s no way Jaldabaoth will stop at conquering the Holy Kingdom! He’ll gather his strength there and then invade the Kingdom, you know! If you don’t beat him now, he’ll become even stronger in future!”
763 
764“You are correct. The possibility of that is very high.”
765 
766“Since you understand, why aren’t you helping us!? And it’s not just you, it’s also the nobles of this country, of our country! None of you get it! Isn’t now the time to come together and fight as one!?”
767 
768“...The reason why this country’s nobles won’t lend you their strength is slightly different from our own. What do you know about the Sorcerous Kingdom?”
769 
770It was a frightening place ruled by the undead, a city taken from the Kingdom and used as the heart of a nation. That was all the average citizen of the Holy Kingdom knew about it. As Remedios said as much, Lakyus smiled bitterly to her.
771 
772“That’s true, and it’s largely accurate… but it’s wrong in some places… While the undead are everywhere, the humans there live safe and peaceful lives.”
773 
774“...Eh? In a country founded by the undead, who hate the living?”
775 
776“There are many kinds of undead, and the Sorcerer King is a ruler of the undead. Ordering the undead under his command not to harm human beings and enforcing that order is a simple matter for him.”
777 
778Evileye made a noise of disapproval.
779 
780“Evileye… Mm, anyway, we still have the Sorcerous Kingdom before our eyes to deal with, so it’s hard for them to aid your country. Also, a lot of people perished during the battle with the Sorcerous Kingdom, which will have grave consequences in the future. The nobles who appear so well-off are hardly as well-to-do as you might think.”
781 
782“Even so, isn’t Jaldabaoth a problem that should be taken care of as soon as possible? The fact is, countless people are suffering because of Jaldabaoth. And the Sorcerous Whatever hasn’t harmed anyone, has he?”
783 
784“...Fighting on two fronts at once while you’re exhausted is very dangerous. I trust I don’t need to tell you that, right?”
785 
786Remedios shut her mouth.
787 
788“Also, it’s the same with us. Two of us were killed in combat with Jaldabaoth and while they were resurrected from the dead, they still have not regained their full strength yet. If we invade Jaldabaoth’s territory in this state, we might all end up being killed.”
789 
790“Didn’t Gustavo say that you wouldn’t need to fight Jaldabaoth?”
791 
792“What the heck, she actually believed that…”
793 
794“Tia! Excuse me. Ahem. I’m very sorry, but I don’t think things will turn out as you imagine. So long as it involves the risk of facing Jaldabaoth, we will refuse this job. We need to become stronger than we are now in order to prepare for the future. ...This is just a hypothesis, but we need to get ready in case Jaldabaoth decides to attack the Kingdom once more.”
795 
796The faces of every member of Blue Rose were unmoved. It would seem they could not be swayed.
797 
798Soon, Remedios managed to squeeze a few words out.
799 
800“Then, who else is there who can save our country?”
801 
802Blue Rose’s members looked at each other.
803 
804“There’s only one person,” Evileye replied. “Or rather, he’s the person you should have gone to in the first place, no?”
805 
806“...Who’s that?”
807 
808“Momon-sama, of course. The Momon-sama who beat off Jaldabaoth.”
809 
810“Ohhh! Did he!?”
811 
812“A moment, Captain Custodio… If I’m not wrong, he’s…?”
813 
814“You’ve heard, haven’t you? Yes, Momon-sama is now in the Sorcerous Kingdom and is one of the Sorcerer King’s subordinates. Therefore, you will most likely have to convince the Sorcerer King to help you.”
815 
816“Geh!” Remedios grunted bitterly.
817 
818Neia understood how she felt. Any citizen of the Holy Kingdom would have very complex feelings about asking anything of the undead.
819 
820Considering she, as a squire, felt that way, how much worse would it be for the captain of an order of paladins who bore a holy sword? However — Remedios looked forcefully at the members of Blue Rose.
821 
822“...If that is the best way to defeat Jaldabaoth, then let’s do it. No, that’s all we can do. If we can, we’ll pin our hopes to that Momon—”
823 
824“—I believe it’s Momon-sama, Captain.”
825 
826“Er, yes! Can you please write a letter introducing us to Momon-sama?”
827 
828Part 2
829 
830After the talks with Blue Rose ended, the diplomatic delegation from the Holy Kingdom to which Neia belonged made an early departure from the Royal Capital. This was because they had already seen that nobody in the Kingdom was willing to aid the Holy Kingdom, researching Jaldabaoth’s true form would need several month’s time, and also because they knew that the only one capable of beating Jaldabaoth was Momon.
831 
832In addition, the thought of the Holy Kingdom’s citizens suffering made them anxious to do something for them.
833 
834They rested their horses as little as possible, sometimes even casting spells on them, and they travelled east along the roads at speeds that normal travellers could not match.
835 
836They passed the final village of the Kingdom, and now they were at the buffer zone between the Kingdom and the Sorcerous Kingdom.
837 
838The gently-swelling hills blocked the travellers’ lines of sight, and they could catch the occasional glimpse of a densely-packed primeval forest. It felt like a monster might leap out at them at any time. This might have originally been the Kingdom’s territory, but that was all. The chance of being attacked by monsters had only decreased. It was by no means gone.
839 
840On terrain like this, Neia’s sense of vision and smell sharpened, and she forged ahead.
841 
842There’s no sign of creatures waiting in ambush nearby. No tracks of large carnivores near the road either.
843 
844There were many patches of bare earth exposed on the road. If they continued onwards, they would be entering territory which had formerly been controlled by the Crown, whose roads seemed to have been paved. Paved roads were more convenient for travellers, but to Neia, the bare earth from just now would make it easier to spot best tracks.
845 
846Neia looked at her hands.
847 
848She did not like these hands.
849 
850It was not that she resented the hardening of her hands from her training. It was simply distaste for her lack of talent.
851 
852She might have inherited her father’s keen senses, but sadly, she had not received anything from her mother.
853 
854Neia’s mother had been a famous paladin in her time, and she had excellent sword skills. However, as her daughter, Neia had no talent for the sword, no matter how much she practiced. Strictly speaking, the bow techniques passed down from her father meant that she could use bows skillfully even without any training.
855 
856No, the fact was, Neia was fortunate just to inherit that half of her heritage. However, the skills used by the paladins which Neia so admired could only be used with melee weapons. For Neia, who wanted to become a paladin, being talented with ranged weapons was a waste.
857 
858Once more, she gripped the reins tightly.
859 
860She straightened her waist and adjusted her position on the saddle. She had spent a long time on horseback after leaving the Royal Capital, and her butt and thighs were quite sore now.
861 
862She could have asked the Paladins to use low tier healing spells to get rid of the pain. However, she was a girl, and she was a little embarrassed to ask that of them. Also, it was still not yet at a level where it would affect her ability to work the reins, so that made it even more difficult to ask.
863 
864...I’ll just apply the herbs afterwards, as usual. I need to thank Dad for that. In the past, when I said my butt hurt, he’d run over with an annoyed look on his face… Did I thank him back then? ...Hah.
865 
866Neia forced herself to stop before her tears spilled out.
867 
868“—Ah, Captain, I can see paved roads. We’re about to enter the Sorcerous Kingdom’s domain.”
869 
870The dirt road suddenly turned to cobblestones halfway through its course. It felt strange.
871 
872Neia looked to the sky.
873 
874“So, will we ride all the way to the Sorcerous Kingdom? Or will we set up camp at night?”
875 
876“I think we ought to be able to make it before sunset if nothing else happens. However, we might be taken for an invading force. What should we do?”
877 
878“Let me discuss this.”
879 
880Remedios tugged on her reins and her horse slowed down, and then she began speaking to Gustavo.
881 
882However, this ought to be the Sorcerous Kingdom’s domain from here on in… but where are their troops? There aren’t any fortresses either. There were forts on the Kingdom’s side…
883 
884Usually, there would be forts at a country’s borders, but there were none here. Since the Sorcerous Kingdom was just one city, had they concentrated all their forces into the city?
885 
886Neia’s gaze travelled along the paved road.
887 
888The gentle slope ran between the hills. In the distance, she could see a patch of leafless winter forest.
889 
890She recalled how she had gone camping in the winter with her father. That did not change, no matter where she went. The scenery here felt just like that of the Holy Kingdom.
891 
892...Living in the human world’s a pain, huh.
893 
894The words her father had casually mumbled pricked her heart like a thorn.
895 
896Her father had chosen to live in a city because of her mother. If her mother was not around, he would have chosen to stay in a little village near the forest, living off the bounty of nature.
897 
898When she had still been a child, she felt that living in a natural setting was a pain. However, after going on this journey, she could understand what her father had meant by his words. Was that a sign of maturity? She ought to be able to talk about different things with her parents now.
899 
900Pain flashed through her heart as she thought about these things. However, it was only for a moment. That was because ahead of them — due east along the road — she could see something blurry along the snaking path that passed between the hills.
901 
902—Could it be a fire!?
903 
904Neia squinted her eyes, and then looked carefully again.
905 
906There was a milky-white, smoke-like object there. No, it was not smoke, but fog. And—
907 
908“Sorry to interrupt you while you’re speaking! There’s something like fog ahead!”
909 
910“So what?”
911 
912After Neia reported to the rear, Remedios took off her helmet. There was a puzzled look on her face.
913 
914“Neia Baraja. Is there anything about it that bothers you?”
915 
916“Yes. According to this map, there are no large lakes around, yet there’s a large bank of fog ahead. I’m sure it must be an abnormal occurrence.”
917 
918The bank of thick, milky fog seemed to be spreading wider and wider, and it looked like it would reach Neia and the others any time now.
919 
920Her father had taught her about all sorts of natural phenomena, and when she pondered the situation based on that knowledge, the appearance of this fog really was quite strange.
921 
922“Squire Baraja. Could it be some sort of abnormal climate change?”
923 
924That question came from Gustavo, who had picked up on what was going on before Remedios.
925 
926These abnormal climate changes referred to usually impossible phenomena occurring in a large area. For instance, there might be a place where a large scale ritual spell gone wrong filled an area with toxic rot-gases, or a place where once a year, a desert might rage with sandstorms for a week, or perhaps a place where multi-colored rain fell at certain times.
927 
928In other words, he was asking if this fog was one of those mysterious occurrences. However, Neia had not gathered any information on such things. She sensed that she would probably be scolded if she answered as much, but she had no choice but to answer honestly.
929 
930“My sincerest apologies, but I have no information about the fog that has appeared before us.”
931 
932“In other words, you didn’t gather enough intelligence, did you?”
933 
934Yet another difficult question. Who could say that they had collected enough information?  
935 
936“Captain Remedios. Deciding what to do now is more important.”
937 
938Their horses had come to a halt.
939 
940The fog was getting thick enough that horses could not advance through it. Given what they had learned earlier, there were no cliffs near E-Rantel. If they advanced slowly, they ought to be able to deal with whatever came up. However, this rapidly brewing fog made them hesitant to move through it, however slowly they travelled.
941 
942Neia sniffed the fog.
943 
944It smelled of water vapor and nothing more. There was nothing about it that would have bothered her. However, that was exactly what bothered her.
945 
946“Captain, could this fog have been generated by a monster? My father once said that some monsters had the magical ability to generate fog, and they would hide in it to stalk their prey.”
947 
948“...Everyone, draw your blades! Anyone still on the road, clear off right away!”
949 
950This quick decision-making was a sign of Remedios’s excellence in battle.
951 
952Neia and the Paladins moved their horses as directed and left the road, whereupon they circled up. By this time, the thick fog looked like it was going to swallow up the entire world.
953 
954It was thick enough that she could barely make out her companions next to her, and visibility was zero beyond fifteen meters. Her unease boiled in her chest, and she imagined she saw wraiths in the movement of the fog’s currents.
955 
956It would be good if she could determine what was approaching them by sound, but she was surrounded by fully armored knights. Every move they made caused metal to scrape against metal, and it hampered Neia’s sense of hearing. Under these conditions, it would be very difficult to detect anything that was closing in on them. By Neia’s reckoning, the only one who could still discern objects by sound in these conditions was her father.
957 
958As she realized her father’s greatness once more, she desperately pricked up her ears to listen.
959 
960“This is a really weird fog; it doesn’t get this thick even on the sea.”
961 
962“Aren’t we about to reach the Sorcerous Kingdom’s city? Are there still monsters this close to the city limits? Or are these strange things par for the course because it’s the Sorcerous Kingdom?”
963 
964“I don’t know… could it be some sort of defensive spell used by the Sorcerous Kingdom?”
965 
966“...Let’s leave magic out of it, just talking about it makes my head hurt. If you see anything, let me know, and make it easy to understand. If it’s a monster, we’ll kill it so we can have the Sorcerer King owe us a favor when asking him to send out Momon. How about that?”
967 
968“How do you think that will turn out? While they say clearing out monsters within a country’s borders is the responsibility of that country…”
969 
970Perhaps it was because she had focused all her energies on listening intently, but she could clearly make out the contents of the conversation between the Captain and Gustavo. However, if she moved away, she was no longer confident that she could hear them. What would her father do at a time like this?
971 
972I can’t keep relying on someone who isn’t here! I need to stand on my own two feet!
973 
974However, the fact remained that staying here would only impede her abilities. In that case, should she ask if she could be allowed to move away by herself in order to verify the situation?
975 
976—It would be better not to.
977 
978Neia quelled her desire to speak up.
979 
980Even if she did not do so, the Captain was hardly close to her. If she asked for that and failed, there was no telling how she would be punished. It would be best to avoid causing more problems for herself.
981 
982Also, it would be bad if the Captain stopped trusting my guidance as a result.
983 
984Neia struggled to make excuses in her heart. However, it would be very bad for her mental health if they ran into danger and she thought, I could have handled this better.
985 
986Although part of her mind thought, If we all die here, the people suffering in the Holy Kingdom will have to wait even longer for salvation, Remedios’s barbs had already punched countless holes in Neia’s heart, and she could not bring herself to care any more.
987 
988Just then, Neia saw something from the corner of her eye that she could not possibly miss.
989 
990Amidst the dense fog, she glimpsed the murky outline of something huge coming from the Sorcerous Kingdom.
991 
992“Say, can you take a look over there?” Neia poked one of the mounted paladins beside her.
993 
994“...I don’t see anything. Sorry, but the fog’s too thick and I can’t see anything. Is something there?”
995 
996She heard the paladin reaching to his waist and fluidly drawing his sword, then the sound of him tightly gripping its hilt.
997 
998“Ah, it’s nothing. I thought I saw something, but maybe I was mistaken.”
999 
1000“Really? Well, if you think there’s something there, just tell us, no matter what it is.”
1001 
1002“All right, I’ll be counting on you when the time comes, then.”
1003 
1004After thanking him with an earnest look on her face, Neia turned back to the front. If one divided the women in the world into those who were suited for smiling and those who were not meant to smile at all, Neia would fall into the latter category. Even a word of thanks from her was better delivered with a serious expression than with a smile.
1005 
1006Neia continued studying the fog bank intently. It was possible that only Neia could see it because it was too far away, but she was sure she had not been mistaken.
1007 
1008Perhaps her interaction with the paladin had restored her spirits, but Neia decided to say something to the Captain. However, she was still talking to Gustavo.
1009 
1010“What should we do next?”
1011 
1012“It’s very dangerous to move around in this fog. Let’s wait a bit more, and if there’s nothing we’ll dismount and rest. Come to think of it, are there fog-emitting monsters in the sea?”
1013 
1014“Of course. However, there aren’t any seas or lakes nearby. It’s just like Squire Baraja said.”
1015 
1016“Is it possible that she made a mistake or overlooked some piece of information?”
1017 
1018“She wouldn’t screw up like that. Frankly speaking, she’s brought us safely all the way here, hasn’t she? When we were leaving the Holy Kingdom, the demihumans patrolling near the broken wall didn’t spot us either. We couldn’t have done it by ourselves, could we?”
1019 
1020“We could have broken through by force.”
1021 
1022Once again, the health gauge for Neia’s heart plummeted.
1023 
1024How much frustration had she gone through to bring them all the way here?
1025 
1026Memories awoke in her mind, of how she had asked them to stay behind while she scouted by herself in the freezing rain, crawling around on the ground and getting all muddy in order to prevent herself from being spotted by ranger-type ambush skills.
1027 
1028If she were spotted, Neia, as the sole vanguard would most assuredly die. Even so, Neia had carried on with the determination to die, clinging to the belief that she was doing this to save her suffering countrymen.
1029 
1030That’s right, I’m not working hard because I want someone to praise me or anything.
1031 
1032She tried her best to talk herself round. Even if the Captain refused to acknowledge her contributions, the others would surely approve of her efforts, even if they did not say so.
1033 
1034Wanting to be praised or rewarded for working hard is just a child’s selfishness. This is what it means to be a shield of humanity. Biting your lip, making yourself a shield, all in order to keep pain and suffering from the people is the duty of a paladin. Surely the Captain must be the same way. Still… could she lower her volume? No, maybe the two of them think they’re speaking quietly enough.
1035 
1036The two of them were still talking.
1037 
1038Neia personally thought that they should not focus on talking and instead keep an eye on their surroundings. Especially Remedios, whose beast-like danger sense and fighting ability meant that she ought to be able to respond better than anyone else.
1039 
1040She quashed the frustration in her heart, and focused on the shadow in the fog. That was also because she had not yet regained the strength needed to call out to them again, and also because she did not want to continue listening in on their conversation.
1041 
1042And then — perhaps the fog had been parted by the currents of the wind — for a moment, just a moment, Neia clearly glimpsed a shadowy wheelhouse.
1043 
1044Eh? No way… is that… a ship?
1045 
1046Indeed, Neia had discerned the true nature of the shadow; a ship which floated upon the sea.
1047 
1048In addition, it was a large ship, similar to a galleass. It was a momentary thing, and it was promptly veiled again by the heavy fog, so even she was not sure that she had actually spotted a ship.
1049 
1050Of course, such a thing was not possible by common sense.
1051 
1052The information she possessed notwithstanding, Gustavo himself had already said there were no lakes in the vicinity. No, even if there was, only a madman would float a galleass in a lake.
1053 
1054If this were a coastal region, it might be possible that they had used an old ship as a fortress or moved it onto dry land for some other purpose. In fact, there were several examples of such things in the Holy Kingdom. However, doing so this far inland was impossible.
1055 
1056I was seeing things, right?
1057 
1058That was the best way to think of it.
1059 
1060Still, her eyes refused to leave that direction, scanning over and over again.
1061 
1062“...So you did see something after all, huh?”
1063 
1064Neia squeaked out an Eh!? in response to the question from the knight she had spoken to earlier.
1065 
1066“You were looking in the direction from just now, which means you did see something over there, right?”
1067 
1068“Ah? No, that…”
1069 
1070I saw a shadow that looked like a ship. If she actually said that, they would probably think she was insane. Certainly Neia would. In that case, what should she say?
1071 
1072“Doesn’t matter if you were mistaken, but could you tell me if you saw something? It’ll help if something’s happening over there.”
1073 
1074It was a perfect argument.
1075 
1076She peeked around from side to side. Everyone was listening in to Neia’s exchange with the paladin, and all eyes were on Neia. Things being what they were, she could not simply bluff her way through this by saying “Oh, I was just mistaken.”
1077 
1078“...Ah, I just felt that there was a big shadow out there.”
1079 
1080“Is that big shadow a monster?”
1081 
1082The person Neia least wanted to hear fired a question her way. Dammit, don’t ask me, she thought, but obviously she could not actually say that.
1083 
1084Neia sighed several dozen times in her heart before answering:
1085 
1086“No, it’s not like that. I had the feeling I saw a building or something similar.”
1087 
1088“...Did you really see it?”
1089 
1090“I’m not too sure. It just felt that way. It’s quite likely that I was mistaken.”
1091 
1092“A building? A fort of the Sorcerous Kingdom or something like that?”
1093 
1094“I don’t know. However, the fact is that we haven’t seen anything that looks like a fort of the Sorcerous Kingdom near the roads, or near the villages. Those wouldn’t be out of place on the borderlands.”
1095 
1096While she had felt that it was a ship, it would go across better if she said that she had seen a building which looked like a ship rather than a ship itself.
1097 
1098“I see… what do you think, Gustavo?”
1099 
1100“I believe her. Although — you didn’t verify that it was a building, did you?”
1101 
1102“Yes, it was just for a moment. It might have been something else entirely.”
1103 
1104“Captain Custodio, in any event, I think waiting in the fog is the best option. I don’t think the Sorcerous Kingdom’s forts will permit foreigners to enter.”
1105 
1106“Makes sense. Let’s do it, then. Everyone, stay alert.”
1107 
1108She was answered by a chorus of voices, as well as Neia.
1109 
1110While they were ostensibly keeping watch, everyone’s attention was focused on a single point. That was because everybody wanted to verify what Neia had seen.
1111 
1112The thick fog continued to obscure all vision, and just as everyone was starting to lose interest in the building, something happened.
1113 
1114“—What!?”
1115 
1116Neia and the knight to her right both gasped in surprise.
1117 
1118A shadow was moving in the thick fog.
1119 
1120“W-What? What was that?”
1121 
1122Neia could not answer the paladin’s question. Saying it was a ship was crazy talk.
1123 
1124“Is that shadow… moving? Isn’t that a building?”
1125 
1126The Captain’s question was very reasonable. However, since Neia had not told her what it actually was, all she could say until the end was that it looked like a building.
1127 
1128“When I saw it, it looked like one…”
1129 
1130“But it’s moving now, isn’t it? Also… the shadow looks like it’s getting darker; is it headed our way?”
1131 
1132Indeed, if that was really a ship, then it could move towards them. In other words — that ship was one which could sail on land.
1133 
1134How could that… it’s impossible...
1135 
1136In the end, the shadow approached close enough through the fog until even the people other than Neia could see what it really was.
1137 
1138It was indisputably a ship, and it was moving as though it were sailing upon the waves. Rows of long, thick oars protruded from its sides, rowing like they were actually pushing through the water.
1139 
1140“Are you kidding me?”
1141 
1142The shocked words which escaped Remedios’s mouth spoke for everyone in the group.
1143 
1144“Do the ships of the Sorcerous Kingdom travel on land? The inland countries have all sorts of surprising toys…”
1145 
1146No, no, not like this, Neia said in her heart. She was probably not the only one to think that way.
1147 
1148“A ship that travels through fog… I seem to recall hearing about something like that before…”
1149 
1150“I expected nothing less of you, Gustavo! Come, try and recall it, I’m sure you can do it. You taught me all kinds of things in the past, I’m sure you can do it. Right, want me to shake your head for you?”
1151 
1152“Please don’t do that. Besides, I’m not a sage or anything. It’s just because our Captain has no head for such facts which requires me to remember them on her behalf.”
1153 
1154“...That’s because all I needed to do was ask you or Queralt.”
1155 
1156“It seems we’ve been spoiling you too much. Once we send Jaldabaoth back to hell, I’m going to make sure you make up for all your years of lost learning. Ah, thanks to that, I remember now. It’s a Ghost Ship. I heard some sailors talk about it, a ship that appears out of the fog. It’s a ship that should have sunk, but which sails once more, and it is helmed by the undead.”
1157 
1158“Oh! Yes, I’ve heard that Ghost Ships are preceded by thick fog. ...Everyone, form up! If it’s a Ghost Ship, then we’ll be facing the undead! It’s the enemy!”
1159 
1160Even the paladins could not help but be shaken by their Captain’s order.
1161 
1162“Wait! Please wait, Captain Custodio! The Sorcerous Kingdom which is our destination is ruled by an undead king, so what if this is one of the Sorcerous Kingdom’s ships?”
1163 
1164“What!? He brought a Ghost Ship onto dry land and then used it? ...What the hell is this?”
1165 
1166It was only natural that Remedios would be dumbfounded.
1167 
1168The undead could control other undead. However, what kind of undead being could put a Ghost Ship, that would originally have sailed the seas, under their command?
1169 
1170Soon, the ship revealed itself in its entirety.
1171 
1172Indeed, it was truly a Ghost Ship.
1173 
1174It was broken down all over. There was a huge hole in the side of the hull, and the deck planks were curled upwards in many places.
1175 
1176It was gigantic, even bigger than the Holy Kingdom Navy’s flagship “Iron Hammer of the Holy King.” If it were not so dilapidated, it would give off an impression of tremendous power.
1177 
1178The last of its three masts flew aft sails, while the others had regular square sails. However, they were all torn and tattered, and they did not look like they could accomplish their mission of propelling a vessel.
1179 
1180There was an abnormal sharpness to the way its prow protruded forth. It looked very impressive, like it had been polished. In addition, it glowed with a dim, mystical light, and it gave the feeling that the ship was proud of itself.
1181 
1182After that, the most eye-catching feature was the ensign it flew on top of the main mast. It bore the symbol of the Sorcerous Kingdom.
1183 
1184The ship floated a meter off the ground as it moved forward.
1185 
1186Soon, the ship passed by the group — who were frozen in place by the bizarre sight — from the side.
1187 
1188Nobody was able to move, and then the fog began to thin. Did that ship spew fog as it sailed? No, if that were the case, then the fog would have been thickest when one was near the ship, so they should not have been able to even see the hull itself. It was probably like some sort of concealing layer that shrouded the area around the ship with fog.
1189 
1190Or perhaps it was a cage to keep its prey from escaping. Neia was scared stiff by that thought of hers.
1191 
1192The Sorcerer King… an undead king. He might turn out to be a very scary person.
1193 
1194When she heard he had summoned gigantic goats of uncertain origin, she had imagined them as adorable sheep, so perhaps Neia might have underestimated the Sorcerer King in some small way.
1195 
1196It made her uneasy.
1197 
1198Just like how paladins viewed the undead as enemies, the undead might consider paladins to be their enemies too. If that were the case, the fate of their group would be—
1199 
1200Even so, they had no choice but to beg him for aid, in order to meet Momon, the man who had once fought on par with Jaldabaoth. Neia wiped her sweat away with her palm.
1201 
1202“...The fog’s cleared. Everyone, let’s go.”
1203 
1204The undead king who ruled these bizarre beings.
1205 
1206Neia gathered up her resolve.
1207 
1208The Sorcerer King is undead, yet he permits humans to live… What sort of person is he, really? Well, I won’t be able to see that side of him, being a squire and all.
1209 
1210Part 3
1211 
1212In the distance, she could see the outermost of E-Rantel’s — the capital of the Sorcerous Kingdom — three walls, and the imposing gate set into it.
1213 
1214However, neither of them could draw Neia’s attention away from the two gigantic statues which flanked the gate.
1215 
1216They depicted an undead creature which held a bizarre staff that resembled snakes coiling around each other. Those statues were probably made in the image of the Sorcerer King, Ainz Ooal Gown.
1217 
1218Despite being a good distance away from them, Neia could make out the intricate detailing of the statues. In all likelihood, she would not be able to find a flaw in them even at the statues’ feet.
1219 
1220Then, she saw several human-shaped creatures working near the statues.
1221 
1222Eh? Ah… aren’t they too big? Aren’t they as high are those walls? While I know the statues are large… who are those people working down there, anyway?
1223 
1224The others seemed to have the same questions as Neia, and the paladins began discussing the identities of those human-like creatures.
1225 
1226“...Those aren’t humans, are they?”
1227 
1228“Yeah. Are they Giants? Although, they don’t seem to be the same as Hill Giants…”
1229 
1230Neia, a mere squire, had never seen a Giant in the flesh before, but she had heard about these beings during her monster knowledge class.
1231 
1232Giants were essentially enlarged humans, but in addition to their powerful bodies, they also possessed racial abilities. Thanks to these abilities, they could endure environments which humans would be hard-pressed to survive, so they typically made their homes in such places. They were a demihuman species which had little to do with humans, who could only live on the plains.
1233 
1234Some races which were skilled in magic were more advanced than humanity.
1235 
1236Race alone did not determine the goodness or wickedness of a being. One of the Thirteen Heroes was a Giant. In the Holy Kingdom, the Giants known as Sea Giants sometimes showed up to trade.
1237 
1238That said, Giants were generally a violent and dangerous race.
1239 
1240On the subject of dangerous Giants in the human world, one would have to mention Hill Giants, who lived in the hills. Giant-kin such as trolls and the like were also quite (in)famous.
1241 
1242In that case, what were these Giants doing in a city of the undead?
1243 
1244“...Were there Giants here in the past? Did he conquer them?”
1245 
1246“Does that Sorcerer King command Giants? I’ve never heard of something like that before.”
1247 
1248That surprised exclamation from one of the paladins was only to be expected.
1249 
1250They had gathered a great deal of intelligence in preparation for their journey to the Sorcerous Kingdom. Of course, a lot of that information was incomprehensible, so they could not be said to have succeeded in their objective, but that still counted as doing their due diligence. Both the Ghost Ship and Giants were matters of mystery.
1251 
1252Was the Sorcerer King an undead Giant? Neia thought. But such a distinguishing characteristic ought to have showed up in their intelligence reports.
1253 
1254Just then, Gustavo addressed her from behind.
1255 
1256“Squire Baraja, it’s about time we changed formation. Move to the rear.”
1257 
1258“Understood!”
1259 
1260During their journey, Neia had been at the head of the formation, but now that they were near the city, Neia would occupy the rearmost position. In turn, Remedios and Gustavo would take Neia’s place at the front.
1261 
1262“Captain Custodio, shall we send an envoy out to announce us?”
1263 
1264Surely anyone would be wary of a group of people showing up near a city in full plate armor and bearing arms. Therefore, when they entered a city or village of the Kingdom, they would typically send out a paladin to inform them that they were coming, and then the group would approach, bearing the flag of the Holy Kingdom. This was etiquette.
1265 
1266After receiving Remedios’s permission, they sent a paladin out before them.
1267 
1268After reaching the gates to the Sorcerous Kingdom, he turned and came back.
1269 
1270“Captain, I’ve informed the watchmen of the Sorcerous Kingdom. They extend a welcome to us.”
1271 
1272“Is that so, got it. Then let’s go! Raise the flags! Hold your chests high! Do not disgrace the name of paladins of the Holy Kingdom!”
1273 
1274With that, the group slowly guided their horses towards the Sorcerous Kingdom.
1275 
1276Finally, they reached the stately-looking gates, as well as the Giants working there.
1277 
1278The Giants seemed to be cleaning the statues, as though to make the beautiful statues even more beautiful.
1279 
1280They glanced at the Giants’ appearance, and their skin was bluish white, while their hair and moustaches were white. They seemed to be dressed in primitive clothing made from the hide of some kind of beast, as well as exquisitely made chain mail armor.
1281 
1282“What kind of Giants are those?”
1283 
1284Neia’s keen senses picked up the conversation from the front row.
1285 
1286“This is just a guess, but I think they should be Frost Giants, right?”
1287 
1288“H-mm~” Remedios replied vaguely. “Are they strong? What powers do they have?”
1289 
1290“...Honestly, give me a break… Frost Giants are Giants who live in cold climates, and they are immune to cold. In contrast, they are weak to fire.”
1291 
1292“I see. So if we have to fight one, we should use fire, is that right?”
1293 
1294“Well, pretty much. Mithril ranked adventurers should be able to beat them with ease. However, they can train and learn like us, and sometimes you might encounter a Giant with warrior skills. Therefore, you must be careful.”
1295 
1296Those were Giants.
1297 
1298One could train to be a warrior, a magic caster, or a thief. It was not just humans who could train themselves in such techniques. While creatures with racial advantages generally were not inclined towards such training, some of them would put in the effort to pick up such skills, and that made them very difficult opponents.
1299 
1300Neia’s father had repeatedly told her, “Beasts intimidate you with their appearance. But a powerful foe who does not appear to be one is very frightening.”
1301 
1302“H-mm~ Well, I’ve never fought a Giant before. Still, Ogres are a different matter.”
1303 
1304“Take care you don’t upset them by mentioning Ogres in the same breath as them. To the Sea Giants, at least, it would be like comparing a monkey to a human. Of course, that’s a rumor from a bard, so there’s no telling how much of that is true.”
1305 
1306“H-mm~ The Holy Kingdom can’t hire Sea Giants, but the Sorcerous Kingdom can employ Frost Giants. Which of them is stronger?”
1307 
1308“I’m afraid I don’t know the answer to that…”
1309 
1310While the Captain obviously wanted Sea Giants to be stronger, the important thing now was the sort of treatment these Frost Giants faced in the Sorcerous Kingdom.
1311 
1312Were they treated as friends, enslaved with force, or were they paid for their services in a mutually beneficial relationship?
1313 
1314There was no way to tell from the forms of the silently laboring Giants.
1315 
1316Still, it would seem these Giants are excellent laborers. The Holy Kingdom has worked with demihumans in the past, but if they expanded the scope of that, it could do many more things. Of course, the Holy Kingdom would never do that.
1317 
1318While there were races such as the Mermen, with whom the Holy Kingdom had a long history of mutual cooperation, the memories of war with demihumans still remained, so such a thing would never be accepted.
1319 
1320Had the Sorcerous Kingdom only accepted Giants? Or did it also take in other strange races? If she encountered demihumans here similar to the ones who had attacked the Holy Kingdom, could she rein in the anger within her heart?
1321 
1322No, if I don’t control myself…
1323 
1324For instance, what would happen if she met a Snakeman here? It would be a Snakeman who came from a land far removed from the Holy Kingdom, living in peace with humans in this nation. Perhaps it might not be possible to use an emotional appeal to dissuade the others from showing hostility, but given the present circumstances, they would have to do just that.
1325 
1326Neia looked uneasily at Remedios’s back.
1327 
1328Could she do it?
1329 
1330She mentally shook her head. Worrying about Remedios like that was very rude. She was the leader of this diplomatic party, and she was working to save the country. She could certainly do that much. Such concerns were were being disrespectful to her.
1331 
1332“Can we just enter like that? How about going in through another gate?”
1333 
1334The gates might be open, but the Giants were working. She was worried about whether they would mind the passing of the humans at their feet.
1335 
1336“We’ll go in like this. If word gets out that the Hoy Kingdom’s emissaries went in through another door because they were afraid of Giants, everyone who knows will laugh at us.”
1337 
1338“...Understood. Then we shall obey your instructions, Captain.”
1339 
1340And so, the group advanced toward the gates.
1341 
1342Fortunately, the Giants took a look at them and then stopped their work for a while, allowing them to pass without incident. Neia felt that this was less goodwill towards humans than a mysterious sentiment towards visitors to the Sorcerous Kingdom.
1343 
1344Normally, they would have been stopped outside the gates, but since they had sent someone to announce them, they were ushered in by human soldiers who looked like street guards, and the group passed through the gates, under the light of magical lanterns. Their illumination was distinctly different from that of the sun, and the trained warhorse harrumphed uneasily under their radiance.
1345 
1346“Welcome to E-Rantel, city of the Sorcerous Kingdom. Is this your first time visiting here, honored paladins?”
1347 
1348“Ahh, yes.”
1349 
1350“I see. Then, I beg your pardon, but can you please dismount?”
1351 
1352This was probably a luggage check, Neia thought. While it was somewhat inconsiderate to conduct one on people calling themselves emissaries from another nation, they were justified in doing so
1353 
1354There was no protest as the group got off their horses and obeyed the instructions to “Walk this way please,” which brought them to a huge door beside the gates.
1355 
1356Going by common sense, this ought to be a side tower, a combination of troop barracks and a defense base.
1357 
1358“Please enter here. This city is different from the cities of the Kingdom and the Empire in that it possesses all manner of different locations within, so first time visitors will have to attend a workshop in the room ahead.”
1359 
1360“A workshop?”
1361 
1362“Yes. This is to minimize unnecessary disturbances. Only people who have attended this lecture may enter the city. What say you?”
1363 
1364They had come all this way, so obviously they could not refuse the request to attend. While it was to be expected, Remedios’s answer was a definite “Yes.”
1365 
1366“Then, may I request that you give your weapons into our safekeeping?”
1367 
1368Naturally, they could not refuse that, but just as naturally, Remedios had a put-upon look on her face.
1369 
1370Remedios’s sword was a divine treasure of the Holy Kingdom. Just by bearing it, she would not even need to kneel before the Holy King. She could not surrender such a treasure before even meeting the king of the realm, and after hearing that much, the soldier nodded in understanding.
1371 
1372“Is that so? Then it can’t be helped. Then please remain as you are and enter, everyone. The truth is, holding onto your swords was intended to ensure your safety. In that case, please promise me that you will not draw your weapons no matter what once you’re inside. If you can’t do that, I’d advise you to leave this city instead.”
1373 
1374“Understood. We shall return the trust you have shown in allowing us to bear our swords, and so we shall not draw our weapons while we are inside.”
1375 
1376Remedios touched her hand to her chest — to the emblem of the Holy Kingdom there — as she made that declaration. She swore to do so on her honor as a paladin and that of the Holy Kingdom.
1377 
1378“Then I’ll trust you to do that. First, I shall ask the guard for this area to step outside.“
1379 
1380Within the Holy Kingdom, this was an absolute oath that might even draw gasps of surprise from those who saw it, but it was much more mildly received in other countries. After that bland response, the guard knocked on the door.
1381 
1382After that, the door slowly opened, and what suddenly appeared before their eyes was—
1383 
1384Neia went Aiiiieeee, in a voice that was somewhere between a gasp and a wail.
1385 
1386The being that slowly emerged was excessively large in every dimension.
1387 
1388Its black colored full plate armor was covered in red tracery that resembled blood vessels, and it was covered in spikes. Demonic horns protruded from its helmet, and its open-faced helmet revealed a rotted human visage. Its empty eye-sockets contained points of red light filled with hatred and the anticipation of carnage.
1389 
1390The temperature in the room plunged in an instant, as though the darkness was chilling them.
1391 
1392“Please do not draw your weapons!”
1393 
1394Everyone’s shoulders shuddered from the guard’s shout.
1395 
1396“Nothing will happen if you do not draw your swords! But if you do, you will be slain instantly! After that, you will be bound to eternal suffering! Please don’t make me have to witness something like that again!”
1397 
1398His mournful cry sounded like he had experienced this sort of thing before. Had he personally witnessed such an event in the past?
1399 
1400The undead being slowly glared at Neia and the others. There was the feeling that it was waiting for them to draw their blades.
1401 
1402“...And this undead being is…?”
1403 
1404Remedios’s voice trembled faintly as she spoke.
1405 
1406“They are guards who are stationed throughout this city in large numbers.”
1407 
1408“...Really?”
1409 
1410Remedios’s quaking voice was somewhere between surprise, fear, and consternation. Neia felt the same way as her. It was unthinkable that a nation would possess so many undead of such extraordinary power.
1411 
1412“A-Ah, excuse me. Is this undead creature under the control of His Majesty — the Sorcerer King?”
1413 
1414The guard nodded in response to Neia’s reflexive question.
1415 
1416“Indeed, that is so. Also, he rules over undead who are more powerful than this one over here.”
1417 
1418“Is it not dangerous?”
1419 
1420The soldier responded immediately to Gustavo’s question. He sounded like he was dying to inform them of this.
1421 
1422“Yes, to date, there have been no incidents in this city where people were killed without provocation.”
1423 
1424The undead were beings who hated the living. As someone who could utterly dominate them and keep them from harming living creatures, the Sorcerer King must be a truly incredible person. Neia was deeply impressed by the might of the Sorcerer King.
1425 
1426“...I see. Ah. Then, can you take us inside the room?”
1427 
1428“Please follow me.”
1429 
1430The black undead creature slowly stepped away from the door, and the soldier boldly walked past him. In contrast, Neia and the others seemed to be looking at each other to see who would make the first move.
1431 
1432While he said that this undead creature was ruled by the Sorcerer King, those bonds were not visible to the naked eye. This made walking in front of it several times more frightening to them than going before, say, a carnivore who was unchained, but which would not attack because its belly was full.
1433 
1434Remedios planned to go forward first, but Gustavo stopped her. After that, he looked to Neia.
1435 
1436I’m the canary, huh.
1437 
1438There was nothing wrong with that logic when one considered whose life would matter least if it was lost. Even so, despite their determination to protect the weak, their own squire was a different matter.
1439 
1440Neia steeled herself for what lay ahead, squeezed her eyes shut, and then strode forward.
1441 
1442After taking several steps forward, she slowly opened her eyes. She had not been cut down. She quickened her pace, and hastily moved past the undead being.
1443 
1444After seeing Neia had crossed safely, the other paladins followed behind her. In the end, nobody was attacked, and they reached their destination.
1445 
1446The soldier opened the door, revealing a long table and many plain chairs.
1447 
1448“Please wait in this room for a while.”
1449 
1450“Understood. Thank you for leading us here.”
1451 
1452Remedios jerked her chin, and Gustavo produced a small pouch from safekeeping and handed it to the soldier who had brought them here. It was a tip.
1453 
1454“Please don’t!”
1455 
1456His rejection was so fierce that it was almost like a cry of despair.
1457 
1458The soldier raised his hands above his head, utterly unwilling to touch that pouch.
1459 
1460Everyone was shocked by his reaction, as was Neia. She could not think of any reason for the soldier’s reaction.
1461 
1462“We are all paid by His Majesty, so please allow me to refuse your show of consideration.”
1463 
1464“But, but since you did us a service… and it’s not a very big sum, no?”
1465 
1466“No, there’s no need for that. I’ll wait outside until the seminar is over.”
1467 
1468The soldier swiftly retreated from the room. The remaining people looked at each other, mystified by the soldier’s overwrought reaction.
1469 
1470“Is that really all right?”
1471 
1472“He said no, so there’s nothing we can do about it.”
1473 
1474Tipping was a natural thing. While not tipping was not a problem, most people of stature did practice tipping. Of course, some people did so to minimize the time needed for luggage inspections and ask people to take care of various small matters, but they had not made any such requests. Frankly speaking, they were simply doing what would be expected of people in their station.
1475 
1476If that was an instruction from the Sorcerer King, then what was his aim in doing so?
1477 
1478“We weren’t told where to sit. So it’s free seating, then.”
1479 
1480After everyone sat as the Captain had directed, a short time passed before the door opened once more.
1481 
1482Neia turned back, and then her eyes went wide.
1483 
1484The entity who had entered was not human.
1485 
1486It was a creature whose species had a human’s upper body and a snake’s lower body, a Naga.
1487 
1488There were several offshoots of the Naga race — for instance, the Sea Nagas which occasionally appeared along the Holy Kingdom’s coasts — but which subspecies this one belonged to was unclear. However, all of them were demihumans who held no goodwill for humanity, yet Neia did not feel terribly afraid.
1489 
1490All this was thanks to that black undead. Compared to that, she could at least muster up a rational response to this.
1491 
1492Ah! Was that what it was all about? That frightening undead creature was not just intended to frighten people, but to numb people to the shock of seeing demihumans? They really did put a lot of thought into letting demihumans coexist with humans...
1493 
1494It would seem the Sorcerer King was not just a powerful undead being.
1495 
1496The Naga slithered through the silent room, paying no heed to the group’s response as he moved in front of them, whereupon he bowed slightly.
1497 
1498“Thank you for waiting, dear humans who wish to enter this city. This one is an immigration official for the Sorcerous Kingdom, Ryurarius Spenia Ai Indarun. Well, it is hardly a vocation which will bring this one into contact with you, so there is no need to remember that name. Then, without further ado, let us begin. This one will briefly explain the differences between living in this city and the surrounding cities, as well as things one should be aware of… firstly, drawing weapons within the city is strictly forbidden.”
1499 
1500That was a very reasonable admonition, and Neia let the tension flow out of her shoulders.
1501 
1502“Mm, many would think of it as an ordinary reminder,” Ryurarius pointed to his face with a slender finger. “It’s written all over your faces. However, I would like you to remember that many races walk the streets of the Sorcerous Kingdom. You have already seen the undead holding their heads up high and walking proudly through the streets. Even if they strike you as dangerous beings, drawing your weapon on them without provocation would be a serious crime, no?”
1503 
1504“A moment please. Does that mean we must flee if a dangerous being appears?”
1505 
1506“That is not the case. Even if there are dangerous entities in the city, none of them will harm you. Even so, there are cases where people feel afraid, or they feel they might be attacked, and thus they draw their weapons anyway. That is what this one was talking about.”
1507 
1508“Can you be sure we won’t be attacked?”
1509 
1510“Oh yes… of the many dangerous creatures who walk through this place, those who will most alarm you are probably His Majesty’s subordinates.”
1511 
1512Ryurarius smiled tiredly.
1513 
1514“Once you stay here for more than a day, your wariness will wane and you will no longer mind them. Well, the first day is the biggest problem. And of course, drawing your weapons in self-defense is perfectly fine.”
1515 
1516“I see. So it’s all right as long as it’s done in self-defense.”
1517 
1518“Mm, yes. Also, mind control magic will be used in the course of investigating crimes in this city. Please keep that in mind.”
1519 
1520Neia’s eyes went wide. Nor was she the only one to do so. A commotion erupted from the paladins. As their representative, Remedios stated her opinion.
1521 
1522“A moment please. Is the Sorcerous Kingdom such a crude nation? Do they allow the use of spells? Are the courts also that way?”
1523 
1524In general, mind control magic was not used when questioning people about crimes.
1525 
1526For instance, by using 「Dominate」, one could make anyone a criminal for a brief period of time. By using 「Charm」, one could find a patsy for any crime. The fact that mind control magic could be used to manufacture offenders to one’s liking caused it to be viewed as a crude act practiced only by tyrants.
1527 
1528“The courts also use similar means. Oh, but I can confidently say that His Majesty will not compel you to speak untruths. On that point you need not worry.”
1529 
1530How could anyone believe that? The use of mind control magic meant that once a nation decided that someone was a dangerous individual, they could paint them as a criminal and then deal with them. No human being would trust an undead being they had never met before.
1531 
1532Nobody said that, but they probably all felt the same way.
1533 
1534“Also, I wish to ask… if you will not enter, will you be returning right away?”
1535 
1536“...No, we can’t do that. Please allow us entry.”
1537 
1538“Ho. That was the quickest answer yet. Traders would usually ask for time and then discuss among themselves. Then, let us continue.”
1539 
1540After that, Ryurarius touched on how “Undead horses drew carriages along the roads,” and other weird things that seemed to mess with her mind. However, when he said, “Sometimes Dragons will fly overhead, so do not be alarmed or let your horses run amok,” her face twitched.
1541 
1542Having Dragons fly above a city was not something that could be summarized as a “big incident.”
1543 
1544Dragons were creatures against whom even fully armed and prepared heroes might fall in combat. That was why all warriors dreamed of slaying a Dragon. Slaying an overwhelmingly superior creature with the strength they had honed, their comrades, and their weapons was a glorious deed and a deed that only the most superlative of warriors could perform.
1545 
1546Surely it would cause a great disturbance if such a Dragon were to appear in a dwelling place for humans.
1547 
1548The undead are fine, because we’ve already seen them as guards, but Dragons… no, still, having one fly overhead as a sentry ought to be fine, right? Also, they have many age categories, and their strength varies greatly depending on their age...
1549 
1550Freshly hatched Dragons were still Dragons. However, such a tiny Dragon was more easily controlled than the undead creature from just now.
1551 
1552“Then, that is about it. Thank you for listening. Now, can you follow the soldier back to the gate after you leave this room?”
1553 
1554“Forgive me, but may I ask a question?”
1555 
1556Remedios raised a hand.
1557 
1558“Hm? And what might that be?”
1559 
1560“You don’t intend to kill or eat us, do you?”
1561 
1562“Perhaps this one might have thought of doing so in the past. However, that is strictly forbidden now. In addition, after seeing His Majesty, I feel that there is no point in feuding with my fellow inferior lifeforms.”
1563 
1564“Is His Majesty really that powerful?”
1565 
1566Ryurarius smiled tiredly.
1567 
1568“He is ten times more powerful than you can imagine. Him aside, even his subordinates are extraordinarily potent… simply put, there is no safer city than one which His Majesty defends.”
1569 
1570Perhaps she was thinking of something, but Remedios fell silent.
1571 
1572“This one does not know why you have come here. However, let me give you some sage advice, that an old friend — a certain late contemporary of mine — learned with his own body. Declaring your opposition to His Majesty would be extremely foolish. A wise man would immediately throw himself at his feet and beg for mercy.”
1573 
1574There was a shocking sense of reality to those words. While he said he had heard it from a friend, it was more like that the Naga called Ryurarius was speaking from personal experience.
1575 
1576“Thank you for your advice.”
1577 
1578Remedios stood, followed closely by everyone else.
1579 
1580Neia bowed to Ryurarius from where she stood at the rear of the group before leaving the room.
1581 
1582Part 4
1583 
1584They walked along the streets of E-Rantel. The group’s destination was the inn which the gate guards had told them was the highest class establishment in this city, the Shining Gold Pavilion.
1585 
1586Neia looked at the assorted people along the streets.
1587 
1588Ryurarius’s words had given her the impression that this nation was filled with demihumans and the undead. However, the reality was different — most of the pedestrians were human.
1589 
1590The only undead she saw were groups of the same undead being they had seen near the city gates, as well as horse-shaped undead with bodies of bones and fog who pulled carriages. There were no other kinds besides them.
1591 
1592On the other hand, there were all kinds of demihumans.
1593 
1594A group of Goblins marched down the streets in neat formation, each of them radiating the aura of a seasoned veteran. That immediately shattered the impression Neia had of Goblins. No, it was not just Neia who was that way. Gasps of surprise came from the paladin contingent.
1595 
1596There were also a demihuman with a rabbit’s face wearing a maid’s uniform, as well as a bipedal, frog-like demihuman, but she had only seen one example of each in the city.
1597 
1598It seems more normal than I imagined… well, not that normal, but still, it’s quite similar to a human nation. You can hardly tell that it’s under the thumb of a terrifying undead king.
1599 
1600There were no looks of fear on the faces of the citizens walking along the streets. Neia was not sure if this was because they had resigned themselves, they had grown used to it, or they had decided that there was no need to worry about living with the undead. However, there were no signs of chaos on the streets. At times, she even heard the sound of children laughing.
1601 
1602This is much better compared to Jaldabaoth, I guess.
1603 
1604Just then, Remedios suddenly halted her horse. Since their leader, who was travelling at the group’s head, had stopped, the rest of them had no choice but to follow suit.
1605 
1606“Excuse me, Dwarf-san. May I ask you a few questions?”
1607 
1608Remedios was addressing three Dwarves who were working by the side of the road. There were also three Skeletons performing earthworks under the Dwarves’ orders.
1609 
1610The culture shock she had received after entering the city had been so great that she now thought little of seeing Skeletons. There was even a hint of relief in her mind which came from seeing an opponent which even she could win against.
1611 
1612“What? Who are you guys? Which country do you hail from.”
1613 
1614“I apologize for speaking from horseback. However, we are from the Holy Kingdom and we are looking for the inn known as the Shining Gold Pavilion. May we ask how to get there?”
1615 
1616“Shining… Shining Gold Pavilion? Ahhh, that’s a classy place.”
1617 
1618The Dwarves gave them rough directions. However, it differed slightly from what the gate guards had told them and it felt like they were being sent slightly off-course. However, her real objective was not asking directions.
1619 
1620“I see. Thank you very much. Gustavo, give them a token of appreciation.”
1621 
1622Gustavo dismounted from his horse and produced a small pouch of coins.
1623 
1624“You do know all we did was give directions, right?”
1625 
1626“It’s fine. After all, we’ve interrupted your work.”
1627 
1628“Really? Well, sorry about that.”
1629 
1630The Dwarves accepted Gustavo’s gift, and smiled.
1631 
1632“Well, when we get some good grub with this, we’ll thank the men and women of the Holy Kingdom for it.”
1633 
1634“No, there’s no need… speaking of which, what are you doing here?”
1635 
1636“Hm? You can’t tell? We’re laying roads. His Majesty himself requested it of us. While it’s mainly the residents who are doing the work, we’re here to serve as technical advisors.”
1637 
1638Gahahahaha, the Dwarves laughed heartily.
1639 
1640“I see. And the undead over there are…?”
1641 
1642“They’re Skeletons that His Majesty lent us, can’t you tell? Ahhh, honestly, you can’t beat the undead when it comes to pure manual labor. It’s certainly changed my view of them.”
1643 
1644“Controlling the undead, huh…”
1645 
1646“It’s not like there’s anything surprising about it… Well, I guess it can’t be helped because you’re travellers. Still, it’s only to be expected in the Sorcerous Kingdom, no? I’ve heard that the undead are showing their stuff in the nearby villages. After all, they can complete tedious chores like planting and so on with just an order. I mean, look, the undead don’t tire, they don’t sleep, and they don’t eat. In addition, they also understand what we want to say, so they do fantastically when given a task within their means. Things being what they are, you don’t even need to work like a dog any more. Even our country’s starting to make use of them too.”
1647 
1648“By your country, you mean a nation of Dwarves separate from the Sorcerous Kingdom?”
1649 
1650“Oh yes. That’s where we come from, but now we stay in the Sorcerous Kingdom’s demihuman district.”
1651 
1652“Demihuman district?”
1653 
1654“Yup. It’s where all the races who aren’t human live. They say it used to be the pauper’s district of this city, but it was torn down. Then, it was rebuilt in order to let races of all kinds live comfortable lives. Well, it might be a while before it’s complete, but work on the dwellings for races smaller than you humans — like we dwarves, for instance — has already begun.”
1655 
1656“Originally, we came here to take charge of that building work!”
1657 
1658The Dwarf’s colleague jumped into the conversation.
1659 
1660“I see. But if the pauper’s district was torn down, where did the original residents go?”
1661 
1662Remedios’s eyes went to the undead.
1663 
1664“We’re not too sure, but I think they were sent to villages or something. There’s a lot of ruined, abandoned villages around this city, and I heard they were sent there to rebuild them and work the fields. That’s where being able to command the undead comes in handy. If I’m not wrong, they’ve begun large-scale farming with the undead, or something. That’s why food prices in this country are pretty cheap.”
1665 
1666“It doesn’t matter that it’s cheap! The important thing is that it’s good! And the wine! Ohhh, I fattened right up after moving to this city!”
1667 
1668“If I go back all plump like this, my wife’s going to yell ‘Where’s my share!?’ at me. I’d better slim down before returning home!”
1669 
1670“Ahhhh, we really lucked out in the lottery!”
1671 
1672Gahahahaha, the dwarves laughed again.
1673 
1674“Finally, there’s those horse-shaped undead. Do you know their names?”
1675 
1676“Beats me. Still, doesn’t matter if we don’t know, right? They’re not harming anyone. They’re a bag of bones, yet they’re so damn strong, makes them perfect for moving goods, right?”
1677 
1678“I see… Thank you!”
1679 
1680“Same here. Best of luck to all of you!”
1681 
1682After bidding the Dwarves farewell, the group continued toward the inn once more.
1683 
1684“Captain, why did you ask the name of that horse-shaped undead creature?”
1685 
1686Neia was mystified. She had thought that was what would have interested the Captain least.
1687 
1688“...Gustavo. That was because you were acting strangely when you saw that thing.”
1689 
1690“Really…?”
1691 
1692“Say, do you know the name of that undead being?”
1693 
1694“...Well, a name does come to mind… but I think I must have made a mistake. It can’t be, I was probably mistaken. I can’t imagine an undead creature like that could ever be controlled.”
1695 
1696“H-mm~ Well, if you say so, then so be it.”
1697 
1698And that was the end of that.
1699 
1700Before long, the instructions they had followed brought them before a luxurious inn, probably the Shining Gold Pavilion which the gate guards had recommended to them. While its name was written on the signboard, the Kingdom’s script was different from that of the Holy Kingdom, so they could only make a rough guess at what it said. The Kingdom and the Empire had once been the same country, so there were many similarities between them, but the Holy Kingdom had never been tied to either of those countries, so they differed greatly.
1701 
1702“Gustavo, go ahead before us and book our rooms.”
1703 
1704“Understood. Oi, you two, with me.”
1705 
1706Gustavo brought two paladins with him to the inn. Several minutes later, one of them returned.
1707 
1708“Captain, we’ve successfully booked the rooms. The stables are behind the inn, so they’d like us to bring the horses there.”
1709 
1710“All right, I understand. Squire Baraja, bring the horses over.”
1711 
1712“Understood!”
1713 
1714She tied the horses’ reins to a tree in front of the inn, and then she led them to the stables one at a time. Taking care of horses was a squire’s job, but the inn was also obliged to help out as well, and so Neia accepted their goodwill and entered the inn.
1715 
1716She smelled a fragrance in the air and thought, Maybe this is to prevent the stink of the stables from getting in.
1717 
1718Was it from some kind of fragrant wood or perfume?
1719 
1720From the outside, it seemed to be of the same grade as the inn from the Kingdom, but after seeing the interior, it might have well been a rank above the latter. She even felt a little embarrassed walking around inside it with her body that was dirty — bathing for them was essentially just rinsing with water until they thought they did not stink — from their long travels.
1721 
1722Neia stepped forward to the room which the inn staff had told her about, and knocked on the door.
1723 
1724“Who is it?”
1725 
1726“Squire Neia Baraja.”
1727 
1728In front of the door stood a paladin, still in armor. The discrepancy between the E-Rantel they imagined and what they had actually seen made them feel that resting would be a waste of time, and so they had decided to take action without delay.
1729 
1730“You’ve come just in time. We’re about to start the meeting.”
1731 
1732While she wondered if she needed to take part, it did no good to ask too much. The people on top had spoken, and obeying them was the proper course of action.
1733 
1734“Then let’s go seek an audience with the Sorcerer King as we planned. Gustavo, I’m counting on you.”
1735 
1736“Of course, Captain. But what else should we do apart from that? The original plan was to meet people in power and ask for their aid…”
1737 
1738Since Momon was an adventurer, they had originally planned to head to the Adventurer’s Guild. However, according to Ryurarius, the Adventurer’s Guild now was essentially closed down, and requests were handled by the Sorcerer King’s underlings.
1739 
1740“Let’s drop by the Guild anyway. Let’s see if we can’t entice some idle adventurers who can come to the Holy Kingdom.”
1741 
1742“I understand. In that case—”
1743 
1744Gustavo gave orders to two paladins, and they immediately sprang into motion.
1745 
1746Neia wondered what kind of tasks she would be given.
1747 
1748Usually, it was a squire’s job to polish the paladins’ armor and swords, do their laundry, among other sundry tasks. Ironing and arranging their rumpled clothes was also part of that. Most paladins now should have gone through such experiences.
1749 
1750Although, that might not be the case for our incredibly talented captain, who directly became a paladin...
1751 
1752“Then how about the others? Will they wait within the inn?”
1753 
1754“Ahh, when I was gathering rumors in the Kingdom, I was led to believe that this would be a grim and dark city. However, it’s far more ordinary than I expected… I trust letting a few people outside would not pose a problem?”
1755 
1756“While it’s hard to tell at this stage, I believe there should be no sudden danger in that.”
1757 
1758“Is that so? Then have several people go to the temples and see if they can help introduce us to Momon.”
1759 
1760“The ruler of this city is the Sorcerer King, an undead being. It won’t be too good to have ties to the temples, no?”
1761 
1762“Still, we’re paladins. Where should we go if not to the temples?”
1763 
1764Gustavo had a sour look on his face. Remedios had a point.
1765 
1766“That’s… also true.”
1767 
1768“Also, it would also be good to see and hear about life in the city from its people in addition to what the Sorcerer King has allowed us to see, right?”
1769 
1770“You have a point there…”
1771 
1772But what should they do if they saw something which they, as paladins, could not tolerate?
1773 
1774Gustavo was having trouble responding because he was thinking about that question.
1775 
1776Neia answered her own question.
1777 
1778Paladins were beings who embodied justice, so perhaps the right thing for a paladin to do would be to censure the Sorcerer King. However, if the result of doing so meant that the Sorcerer King would not help the Holy Kingdom, meaning that they could not save the masses from their suffering, would that still be the right thing to do?
1779 
1780She remembered that her father had once said he did not understand the justice of a paladin. She had not given much thought to it during her days of training with the goal of becoming a paladin in mind. But perhaps her heart had become soft and weak because of the Holy Kingdom’s present state, since she had started thinking more and more about that subject recently.
1781 
1782Perhaps her doubts might be cleared up if she could ask her mother, but her mother was no longer among the living.
1783 
1784In the end, she could only rely on herself to find the answer.
1785 
1786As Neia continued pondering these things, the dialogue continued. A pair of paladins would go to the temples of the Four Gods, while two more groups of two would collect information in town. Remedios and the others would stay behind to take care of anything that might happen.
1787 
1788As expected, Neia was ordered to polish their armor.
1789 
1790After the meeting ended, Neia began working on everyone’s armor.
1791 
1792She wetted a cloth with cold water and then wiped the mud from the armor.
1793 
1794As one might expect of magic armor, there was no damage on its surface. If there were any dents, one would have to hammer them out from the inside, but if one’s fingers were clumsy, that would make the surface uneven and ugly. Since Neia had very little confidence in that field, the enchanted armor which the paladins wore was ideal for her.
1795 
1796She was very happy to bury her heart and mind in work. That way, she did not need to think of unnecessary things.
1797 
1798And so, her forehead beaded with sweat, Neia finished cleaning everyone’s armor.
1799 
1800♦ ♦ ♦
1801 
1802Their audience with the Sorcerer King came earlier than expected. Neia could not hide her surprise. That was because it was set to take place the day after Gustavo had gone to plead his case.
1803 
1804The paladins of the Holy Kingdom — trailed by Neia — found that the residence of the Sorcerer King which they arrived at was quite shabby. Perhaps it might have been quite ostentatious for someone ruling a city of this grade, but it was entirely unfitting of someone who called himself a king. There was no sense of tranquility born of a rich history, no aura of stateliness, and it did not reflect the whims of one who held power. It seemed like a building constructed for practical purposes.
1805 
1806It was quite pitiful compared to the royal palaces of the Kingdom or the Holy Kingdom. Yet, this was the domicile of the Sorcerer King. Since this had once been a regional city of the Kingdom, he had probably decided to make use of the existing small palace after taking control of it.
1807 
1808As the paladins removed their helmets and surveyed the palace, faint traces of disdain appeared on their faces, which only Neia could pick up. Perhaps they were comparing their surroundings with the royal palace of their home country
1809 
1810Who could blame them for that?
1811 
1812And then, Neia recalled the Ghost Ship that they had previously encountered, as well as the undead walking along the streets.
1813 
1814Why would a king who held dominion over so many undead of that level choose to stay in such a shabby old palace?
1815 
1816I have the feeling that there’s some reason for it… if he wanted a luxurious palace, all he’d have to do is order craftsmen like those Dwarves to direct the untiring undead to build one…
1817 
1818As they passed through the gates of the palace, there were two facing rows of undead creatures, similar to the one they had first encountered upon coming to the city. Unlike the undead they had seen at the gate, they were slimmer and crossed their lances high in the air between them.
1819 
1820Flags hung from the tips of the crossed lances. On the right were the flags of the Sorcerous Kingdom, and on the left were the flags of the Holy Kingdom.
1821 
1822Below the flags was a passage that they could move through.
1823 
1824After that, music played. While it was a tune she had not heard before, it was probably best to accept this as part of the ceremony of the whole thing.
1825 
1826From the depths of her brain, Neia recalled a lecture she had received once.
1827 
1828The most important factor of resisting spells is to have a clear mind.
1829 
1830No, there was no way this music could be a magical attack. If this was a trap, there would be no need to raise the Holy Kingdom’s flag.
1831 
1832Neia walked in what she hoped was a proud and bold way, as she scanned her surroundings.
1833 
1834There was an honor guard and the flags of the Holy Kingdom. This was a clear sign that the Sorcerer King was welcoming their delegation as honored guests; in other words, he acknowledged Neia and the others as official ambassadors to the Sorcerous Kingdom, which meant Neia also had to uphold the reputation of the Holy Kingdom.
1835 
1836It delighted her, but at the same time it filled her with gut-cramping stress.
1837 
1838She walked along the path below the hanging flags, and at the end of the passage was — Neia sucked in a surprised breath.
1839 
1840A world-class beauty stood there.
1841 
1842She’s beautiful… she’s incredibly beautiful...
1843 
1844Her face was elegant and attractive.. Her incalculably expensive white dress was free of stains.
1845 
1846Her compassionate smile was enough to make her a woman who might have been mistaken for an angel. However, she was no angel. The proof lay in the pair of jet-black wings sprouting from her waist.
1847 
1848“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen of the Holy Kingdom. While this might be arrogance on my part, I am Albedo, and I have the honor of being the Guardian Overseer of the various Floor Guardians and Area Guardians throughout the Sorcerous Kingdom of Ainz Ooal Gown. To use a term that is more familiar to you, I hold the position of Prime Minister.”
1849 
1850“I, I am grateful for your warm welcome. I am the leader of the Holy Kingdom’s diplomatic party, Remedios Custodio, and I am very grateful that you have arranged to make arrangements to meet with us.”
1851 
1852“There is no need for thanks. His Majesty the Sorcerer King is deeply concerned over the developments within the Holy Kingdom. His Majesty has said that it is only proper that he make time for you.”
1853 
1854“We, we are very thankful for that.”
1855 
1856Albedo was all smiles, and her presence crushed Remedios’s words underfoot. Her preternatural beauty was such that even a member of the same sex — no, it was precisely because they were of the same sex — would be swallowed up by it. Albedo’s line of sight swiftly flickered over everyone, Neia included.
1857 
1858“Now then, His Majesty is waiting for you, so I shall guide you to the audience hall. Can I trouble you to follow behind me?”
1859 
1860“Y-Yes, of course. T-Then, how about our swords?”
1861 
1862“Ah, yes, there is the matter of those.”
1863 
1864Albedo smiled in amusement.
1865 
1866Why would she smile like that? Neia wondered. They could not possibly carry weapons into the presence of a king, so normally they would be asked to surrender their weapons. This was also a show of trust in the other party.
1867 
1868“Normally, we would hold onto them for safekeeping, but there is no need for that. You may bear your arms.”
1869 
1870Albedo said something which Neia could not comprehend.
1871 
1872Remedios was also going Why? Surely someone who had spent all her time by the Holy Queen’s side would have even more reason to question this.
1873 
1874Faced with their justified questions, Albedo smiled once more.
1875 
1876“Naturally, this is because we trust our honored guests from the Holy Kingdom, and also because we, as a nation that contains many undead, must seem like quite a bizarre country to you. Therefore, I feel that permitting you to keep your blades will place you at ease. Of course, we have no intention of harming any of you. But if you wish to leave them with us, we can certainly accommodate that request.”
1877 
1878“Then, our country shall graciously accept His Majesty’s goodwill… May I ask you to hold onto the swords of everyone apart from myself. I apologize, but I carry a national treasure of my country, so I hope you understand when I say I cannot leave it in your hands.”
1879 
1880“I understand.”
1881 
1882Albedo glanced to the side, and the undead creature that appeared took their swords for safekeeping.
1883 
1884Perhaps some of the paladins were unhappy about giving their swords to the undead, but since their Captain had ordered it, there was no way they could refuse.
1885 
1886Neia looked at Albedo as she handed over her weapon.
1887 
1888There was no telling what she was thinking as she continued smiling that beautiful smile of hers. Rather, one could say that she had looked upon them with pure goodwill, as though she were lavishing heartfelt kindness on Neia and the others. However, was Neia’s assessment correct? For instance, if that were not the case—
1889 
1890—She permitted armed people to stand before her master. Was it due to the Sorcerer King’s orders? Or… was it because she knew there was no way we could harm him?
1891 
1892The Sorcerer King was a powerful magic caster. Was this due to his arrogance that no amount of paladins from the Holy Kingdom could defeat him?
1893 
1894Or perhaps he has undead guards stationed nearby. Albedo-sama doesn’t look like she has any fighting ability...
1895 
1896The Prime Minister whose beauty was as far removed from violence as possible smiled gently.
1897 
1898“Now then, everyone. The Sorcerer King awaits. Please go forth and meet him.”
1899 
1900♦ ♦ ♦
1901 
1902The throne room was also not as lavish as she had imagined. It would seem it had also been pressed into service directly after being taken.
1903 
1904However, the throne itself glittered brightly; one could say it shone with a golden radiance. Surely it was not forged of solid gold; it must have been gilded with gold foil. But even so, one could see how much effort and expense it must have taken to do so, given the size of the throne.
1905 
1906In addition, the flag behind the throne was just as impressive. There was no telling what had been used to weave it, but there was a depth to its hue that its simple black color could not properly express. A slight alteration to the light levels might make one think that it was a deep purple.
1907 
1908“Please enter, Your Majesty.”
1909 
1910“Everyone, bow,” Remedios commanded.
1911 
1912Paladins are bowing to the undead, while Neia was surprised by how Remedios could make a decision like that, she offered no resistance as she fell to one knee and lowered her head. She had learned this ceremonial practice because she was a squire. That said, her experience with meeting kings was limited to when she had glimpsed the Holy King once, as a squire. She lowered her head as she moved her eyes, frantically stealing glances at the paladins around her.
1913 
1914It seems… everything’s fine.
1915 
1916Of course, that was a decision made based on looking at their backs. Perhaps if she looked at them head-on, they might differ slightly from herself.
1917 
1918It’ll be fine! I wasn’t scolded by anyone even in front of the Holy King-sama. Dad said I did well too, and he even praised me.
1919 
1920“Announcing the arrival of His Majesty, Ainz Ooal Gown.”
1921 
1922As Albedo spoke from where she stood ahead of and to the side of their group, Neia heard a very faint sound that only she could pick up, like that of tearing paper, followed by the sound of footsteps and a gatsun sound of something hard striking the ground. Soon, she sensed someone sitting upon the throne.
1923 
1924“His Majesty grants you leave to raise your heads.”
1925 
1926It was very difficult to breathe during this time. Looking up too early or too late would be a breach of etiquette. After a delay of a few seconds, she silently raised her head.
1927  
1928And then, the being in front of Neia captured her attention.
1929 
1930He, he’s the Sorcerer King, Ainz Ooal Gown...
1931 
1932His face was that of a bare skull. Points of red light blazed within his eye-sockets. Truly, his appearance fitted one of the undead. However, Neia knew he was something else entirely.
1933 
1934The first thing which surprised her was his clothes.
1935 
1936He was dressed more richly than a noble would be at the feast to celebrate the inheritance of his title.
1937 
1938The length of his vestments and the spread of their hem seemed very comfortable, and his sleeves were surprisingly loose. The hem and sleeves were made of spotless white fabric and they were lightly decorated with gold and purple. It was bound up at the waist with a sash, but it did not seem strange at all. Bizarre as it might be, it exuded an exotic flavor, and “beautiful” was the only word she could use to describe it.
1939 
1940After that, he wore gloves that were colored the same as his garments, fitted with metal plates that sparkled in all the colors of the rainbow. One of his hands held a mystic staff which looked like seven serpents coiling around each other. That must have been the source of the hard sound from earlier.
1941 
1942However, it was the halo of obsidian radiance from behind him that was truly surprising.
1943 
1944...Is he really one of the undead? No way...
1945 
1946In Neia’s mind, the undead were creatures like Zombies, Skeletons, Ghasts, and other such creatures.
1947 
1948In that case, the Sorcerer King could not possibly be described as one of the undead in Neia’s eyes. Mysteriously enough, his skeletal face did not frighten her. In fact, one could even say he had an air of purity and divinity about him.
1949 
1950He was a powerful being, a fearsome being, a being whose power exceeded the capacity of the human mind to grasp — in other words, he was a Supreme Being.
1951 
1952Neia forgot Albedo, who stood beside the throne, and looked repeatedly upon the Sorcerer King.
1953 
1954What brought her back to her senses was the Sorcerer King’s voice, which said “Well then.”
1955 
1956“You have come a long way from the Holy Kingdom, Custodio-dono, and you ladies and gentlemen of the paladin order.”
1957 
1958“Thank you very much, Your Majesty.”
1959 
1960“While we could have organized a banquet of welcome for you, I trust none of you are in the mood for such a thing. Therefore, I have taken the time out of my busy schedule to arrange an audience with you. That being the case, rather than wasting time to no use — by beating around the bush and bandying insincere flattery — let us be frank with each other. I trust there are no objections?”
1961 
1962“Not at all, Your Majesty.”
1963 
1964“Very well. Then, tell me the present state of the Holy Kingdom. Speaking without deception or omission will allow we in the Sorcerous Kingdom to better aid you.”
1965 
1966After Remedios indicated her understanding, she poured her heart out regarding the state of the Holy Kingdom.
1967 
1968Neia did not understand the reasoning that Remedios followed which led her to be so forthcoming. Although, it was very likely that Remedios felt thinking itself was troublesome.
1969 
1970The contents of her spiel were just like what Gustavo had told Blue Rose, and she ended by saying that the situation on the frontlines was in a tense state. She probably did not want to say something like the Holy Kingdom was on the eve of destruction to another country, much less to an undead king.
1971 
1972“I see, I see. Therefore, what is your aim in coming to my country?”
1973 
1974“We wish to submit a request to Your Majesty; they say the adventurer called Momon has sworn himself to your nation, and if we could borrow that warrior who could fight on par with Jaldabaoth, there would be nothing for our country to fear. Thus, I beg you to dispatch the warrior Momon to our country.”
1975 
1976The crimson glow in the Sorcerer King’s eyes suddenly vanished, and then it reignited a moment later.
1977 
1978“As I thought. I have also prepared an answer for this eventuality — which would be no.”
1979 
1980“May I ask the reason for that answer?”
1981 
1982“While this is something of a black mark on my nation, Momon is, for the time being, vital for the peace of my country. It is precisely because he is around that the people can live with their hearts at ease.”
1983 
1984“But do you not command legions of the undead, Your Majesty?”
1985 
1986“Huhuhu,” the Sorcerer King laughed quietly. “It would seem you ladies and gentlemen of the Holy Kingdom have seen my undead forces and deemed them quite satisfactory. Then, will you not accept a loan of these undead troops in place of Momon? I trust you have all seen that all the undead I command are quite potent. They ought to be able to eliminate mere demihumans.”
1987 
1988Remedios was left speechless.
1989 
1990She was probably imagining the sight of herself leading an undead army back to the Holy Kingdom. No, it was unimaginable. Commanding the undead was utterly antithetical to being a paladin.
1991 
1992It was true that the undead boasted many advantages as troops. They did not need to eat, they could lie in wait in the middle of primeval forest, and one could call them an ideal army.
1993 
1994However, enlisting the undead — the enemies of all living creatures — into their forces was more frightening than anything else. For starters, bringing another nation’s troops into one’s own country was a source of unease. After solving the Holy Kingdom’s problems, they might then proceed to conquer the Holy Kingdom.
1995 
1996“In, in that case…”
1997 
1998The Sorcerer King chuckled at Remedios’s perturbation.
1999 
2000“Indeed, Custodio-dono. There are those in my country who think the same way as you. Using the undead for agriculture, clearing land, and security are all applications which the people are growing to accept. But unfortunately, those among my citizens who have little contact with these activities have not come to fully accept them yet. Of course, the situation is much better than when I was just establishing my rule, but more time will be needed for that. Momon can listen to their concerns and allay them in many ways. If I send him out now, there is no telling how the discontent of the people might erupt.”
2001 
2002“In that case, surely we paladins can stay behind and complete the work of building trust in the undead, could we not? Many people know that paladins are the foes of the undead. Therefore, would it not be very effective to have us stay behind and declare that Your Majesty’s undead are trustworthy?”
2003 
2004“Muu… That is a proposal which is worthy of consideration.”
2005 
2006After a brief period of cogitation, the Sorcerer King turned his face to the hand which did not carry his staff.
2007 
2008“...Hm. It would seem having foreigners handle that is not quite appropriate, no. One can trust someone who has gone through the same joys and sorrows as themselves; surely there is no way for them to believe someone who appeared out of nowhere and said the undead were their friends, is there? As I thought, you will not be able to take the place of an adamantite ranked adventurer, who is already renowned throughout this city.”
2009 
2010His logic was faultless.
2011 
2012Therefore, she could not refute him with logic. This was particularly true for Remedios, who was the type that was driven by her emotions.
2013 
2014The Sorcerer King then asked the speechless Remedios:
2015 
2016“—Very well. Then let us change the topic. I wish to ask about some people you did not mention, Custodio-dono. In the past, Momon told me that Jaldabaoth commanded maids of considerable power. May I ask if you ladies and gentlemen have encountered people dressed like that in the Holy Kingdom?”
2017 
2018“We have not found anyone so dressed in the Holy Kingdom. In fact, we only learned about them for the first time when we engaged Blue Rose of the Kingdom in conversation.”
2019 
2020“I see… which means it is possible that the maids might be Jaldabaoth’s trump card, is it not? Or does that mean they are active in other locations?”
2021 
2022“We cannot be sure.”
2023 
2024“...I believe you mentioned that the south is still holding out. Are you maintaining secret communications with them?”
2025 
2026“To a certain extent, yes.”
2027 
2028“...So they have not yet infiltrated the south, then? Perhaps I was being too worried. Umu…”
2029 
2030The Sorcerer King suddenly looked up to the ceiling.
2031 
2032“Does Your Majesty feel that Jaldabaoth’s henchmen have infiltrated the south?”
2033 
2034“I did not say that. But I was thinking that if he possessed such powerful pawns, why has he not used them yet… and I believe I asked for full disclosure at the beginning, did I not? Therefore, let me get right to the point — what kind of remuneration can the Holy Kingdom offer me in exchange for the provision of my nation’s aid?”
2035 
2036This was a perfectly normal question and entirely to be expected. However, answering it was very difficult.
2037 
2038“We can offer my country’s friendship, trust, and respect.”
2039 
2040The Sorcerer King snorted at Remedios’s answer.
2041 
2042However, one could not conclude that Remedios’s answer had been wrong. There were times when that was all a paladin would need to rush into a life or death battle. For example, one who championed a poor village that could not afford to pay proper compensation and challenged a demihuman horde would be held up as an exemplar of paladinhood.
2043 
2044“That is very much what a paladin would say. Perhaps one of my past friends might well have been willing to take action based on that alone. But unfortunately, such words cannot move me. I have said before to dispense with meaningless flattery. Can you offer me any tangible benefits?”
2045 
2046Is he saying that Momon-dono is a friend of the Sorcerer King? Is he addressing him so familiarly because he is not just a subordinate?
2047 
2048As Neia pondered that question, Remedios remained silent.
2049 
2050No.
2051 
2052She could not speak. The truth was that Remedios Custodio was in no position to make any promises.
2053 
2054What would happen after they beat off Jaldabaoth?
2055 
2056Of course, they would need to name the next Holy King. However, the likelihood of such a person heeding the words of a paladin would be very low. If he was chosen from the southern nobles, who were unfriendly to her, Remedios and the others would probably be placed under house arrest for their inability to protect the Holy Queen.
2057 
2058In that case, even if they forged a pact with the Sorcerer King, there was no guarantee that said pact would actually be honored. No, before that, it was very dubious that this group even had the right to represent their nation. Ultimately, the true purpose of this ambassadorial delegation had been to build sympathy among the commoners who did not understand the situation.
2059 
2060For that reason, they had no ability to make any promises. No one person could represent an entire country by themselves; the only one who could do that was its king.
2061 
2062“Forgive me, Your Majesty. I am Vice-Captain Gustavo Montanjes, serving under Captain Custodio. Please permit me to speak on her behalf.”
2063 
2064The Sorcerer King lightly raised his chin, to indicate that the man should continue.
2065 
2066“Thank you very much. What Your Majesty asks for is something that we cannot guarantee. Even if we reclaim the Holy Kingdom’s territory, restoring the land that has been ravaged by Jaldabaoth will take a very long time. I do not believe we can offer you anything we promise here with any degree of haste. However, there is one thing I wish to tell Your Majesty, which is the danger of Jaldabaoth.”
2067 
2068“Hm… do go on.”
2069 
2070“Yes. The disorganized demihumans who threatened the Kingdom in the past are now under the thumb of Jaldabaoth. If he is not stopped now, and he is allowed to hide himself, there is no telling what sorts of preparations he can make and where he will show himself again.”
2071 
2072“In other words, you are saying that now is the best time to kill him, given that he has shown his face. Therefore, one should eradicate the seeds of any potential discord as soon as possible. Is that what you mean?”
2073 
2074“It is as you say. I expected nothing less of Your Majesty. Therefore, may we plead with you to dispatch Momon-dono?”
2075 
2076“I see. It is a perfectly understandable reason. Indeed, it is high time this Jaldabaoth was exterminated.”
2077 
2078“In that case—”
2079 
2080Just as Gustavo’s face was lighting up with joy, the Sorcerer King extended a hand to stop him before rapping his staff on the ground.
2081 
2082“However, dispatching Momon is still very difficult. Even if he dispatches Jaldabaoth, Momon’s absence will lead to uneasiness in our political situation and alarm the people. In that case, what should be done? If I had more time to stabilize my nation’s internal politics, I would then send out Momon — with his approval, of course. Given what you have just said, you ought to be able to hold on for a little longer, no?”
2083 
2084“But, but of course… may I know how long will that take?”
2085 
2086“Umu… Albedo, what do you think?”
2087 
2088The Prime Minister who had been standing by the side all this while reported to her master for the first time.
2089 
2090“After considering the gradual induction of demihumans into our nation, it will delay the process more than anticipated. It might take a period of several years. Yes… if we had five years, it would not be a problem.”
2091 
2092“Just so. I trust you have no questions?”
2093 
2094Five years. Gustavo tasted the words in his mouth before gently shaking his head.
2095 
2096“That might present some problems with respect to the time…”
2097 
2098“I see… indeed. I ought to have considered your country’s situation. After all, it is a request from a friendly nation.”
2099 
2100The Sorcerer King placed particular emphasis on the words “friendly nation.”
2101 
2102“Our country will do our best to accelerate the process. Albedo, what is the minimum time needed to carry this out?”
2103 
2104“In that case, how about three years? However, that might lead to unrest in our country.”
2105 
2106“That cannot be helped. We’re saving a friendly country, after all. I suppose there will be some loss of life on our part… well, metaphorically speaking.”
2107 
2108The Sorcerer King seemed to be making a joke, but nobody was laughing.
2109 
2110“...Ahem. Now then, how about that? We’ve sped it up by two years.”
2111 
2112He had already made a concession of two years, but even three years was too long. How much damage could occur during that time? And then, there was the question of whether the Holy Kingdom could even survive as a nation during that time — no, there was no way they could. However, if they came out and said that, perhaps even the promise of sending out Momon after three years might be rendered moot as well.
2113 
2114However, the possibility of the Holy Kingdom’s salvation lay before their eyes.
2115 
2116Perhaps she had come here for this moment. She ought to bet her life on it.
2117 
2118After preparing herself for death, Neia took a deep breath, and spoke.
2119 
2120“My sincerest apologies, Your Majesty the Sorcerer King.”
2121 
2122“...And you are?”
2123 
2124“I am Neia Baraja, a squire of the paladin order of the Holy Kingdom. I understand this is exceedingly rude, but please permit me to request your early dispatch of Momon-dono.”
2125 
2126The Sorcerer King appeared to be deep in thought.
2127 
2128“Neia! How dare a mere squire like you beg a favor of the Sorcerer King!?”
2129 
2130There was only one thing which came to mind when Neia heard Remedios’s rebuke.
2131 
2132If you must slay your squire for her disrespectful conduct, please wait a little bit longer.
2133 
2134“Ahh, don’t worry about it. Your name is Neia, is it not? In that case, how much earlier would you like me to send out Momon?”
2135 
2136“I feel that he should be sent as soon as possible, even if it only hastens his arrival by just one day.”
2137 
2138“And you insist on your request, even though knowing that sending out Momon will damage the Sorcerous Kingdom?”
2139 
2140“Yes!”
2141 
2142Neia bowed her head.
2143 
2144She had long since prepared herself to request that her Captain take her head if her words displeased the Sorcerer King, in order to pay for her sins with her life.
2145 
2146She closed her eyes, because she knew she might be cut down at any moment.
2147 
2148“Your Majesty! I sincerely apologize for my squire’s disrespect! We have never once harbored any intention of harming the Sorcerous Kingdom.”
2149 
2150“No, pay it no mind. As a resident of the Holy Kingdom, it is only natural to want to save one’s homeland even at the expense of others… Umu. Albedo, can we cut it down to two years?”
2151 
2152“I believe it would be very difficult.”
2153 
2154“Really now. Still — do it.”
2155 
2156Neia reflexively looked up at the Sorcerer KIng.
2157 
2158“Yes! I understand, Your Majesty!”
2159 
2160As she was bathed in the voice of that powerful, absolute ruler, the faint trembling in Albedo’s shoulders must have been because she was uneasy about the reckless challenge she had just been given.
2161 
2162“Neia… Baraja. How about two years? Perhaps it might still be too long for you, but you ought to be able to hold out so long as the southern armies remain, no?”
2163 
2164Indeed, two years was too long. However, she could not prevail on the Sorcerer King’s generosity any further.
2165 
2166“Thank you very much, Your Majesty!”
2167 
2168The gratitude in her voice was genuine, because she felt that the probability of her nation’s salvation had risen from just now.
2169 
2170After that, Remedios bowed her head.
2171 
2172“Thank you very much, Your Majesty! We are deeply grateful that you have acceded to our squire’s request.”
2173 
2174“It is fine. —Captain Custodio, you have a good woman under you. If she did not love her country so deeply, how would a mere squire dare plead in such a way with the king of another nation? ...I am not mocking her, of course.”
2175 
2176“No, I am certain she must be overjoyed by Your Majesty’s words.”
2177 
2178“Is that so. Then that will be all. This has been a beneficial dialogue.”
2179 
2180“—Announcing the departure of His Majesty, the Sorcerer King.”
2181 
2182Neia bowed her head in response to Albedo’s words.
2183 
2184Once again, the staff rapped along the ground in time with his footsteps, the same way it had when he had entered. Those sounds drew further away, and soon they heard the sound of the door closing. The Sorcerer King had probably left the room.
2185 
2186“He has departed.”
2187 
2188When Neia raised her head, she saw a slightly red-cheeked Albedo smiling and saying, “Then, please allow me to escort you outside.”
2189 
2190♦ ♦ ♦
2191 
2192Neia had prepared herself to be scolded by Remedios, and sure enough, after they returned to the inn, it came.
2193 
2194“You! Do you know what you’ve done!?”
2195 
2196Remedios’s face was red as she closed in on Neia. VIce-Captain Gustavo hurriedly held out his arms and stepped between Neia and the Captain.
2197 
2198“Captain Custodio! A moment please! There is no denying the Squire Baraja’s actions were those of a rogue, but ultimately, she saved us a year of waiting. Is that not something worthy of praise?”
2199 
2200“What nonsense are you talking about!? The whole thing might go up in smoke because of her! Also, you want me to praise her for acting on her own? Are you kidding me!?”
2201 
2202“I sincerely apologize.”
2203 
2204Neia bowed her head as she apologized with heartfelt sincerity.
2205 
2206“—Are you really sorry for this? Maybe you were lucky this time, but can you take responsibility if things end up turning bad for us?”
2207 
2208“...The blame rests on your servant.”
2209 
2210“I know that already! Answer me! Can you face all the suffering people of the Holy Kingdom and tell them that help won’t be coming because of you!?”
2211 
2212“No, your servant cannot bear that responsibility.”
2213 
2214“In that case, then why did you just jump in and do that? What on earth were you thinking!?”
2215 
2216Neia raised her head and looked straight at the Captain.
2217 
2218“Should the need arise, I feel you should take my life and offer it to the Sorcerer King as an apology for my actions.”
2219 
2220Remedios’s eyes went wide as she heard that. However, they quickly narrowed in displeasure once more. Beside her, VIce-Captain Gustavo nodded vigorously in what seemed like respect.
2221 
2222“Do you think that’s enough to earn forgiveness? Do you think a life like yours will be enough of an apology?”
2223 
2224“I do not not know, but I am certain you and the others will be able to think of something, Captain.”
2225 
2226“And what will you do if we can’t think of anything!?”
2227 
2228It was as the Captain said. It was likely that even executing Neia would not be enough to earn the Sorcerer King’s forgiveness. However, Neia had still said what she had in the audience chamber because three years was far too long to wait.
2229 
2230Could it be the Captain was willing to accept waiting for three years? Why am I being scolded by someone who didn’t do anything? I know that the lives of the Holy Kingdom’s people hang in the balance, so I shouldn’t act of my own accord. Even so, someone should have done something back then…
2231 
2232Was it not all right as long as there was a good outcome, or was the process more important? She probably could not give an answer like that.
2233 
2234Even so, it was hard for someone who had stepped forward to do something to endure a lecture from someone who had done nothing.
2235 
2236Of course, Neia had a pretty good idea of what would happen if she actually said that. Therefore, she remained quiet and simply lowered her head.
2237 
2238“Captain, that should be enough. Thanks to her efforts, we’ve saved a year of waiting. Rewards and punishment need to be used in balance. Perhaps you ought to be praising her to a similar extent.”
2239 
2240“...Cheh.”
2241 
2242The Captain looked like she had not yet said her fill as she turned and left.
2243 
2244Gustavo sighed, and then turned to face Neia.
2245 
2246“Your resolve is truly admirable. The Captain might look that way, but the truth is, she respects your contributions.”
2247 
2248That was most definitely a lie. That was a lie which nobody could cover up.
2249 
2250Perhaps Gustavo had sensed her thoughts from her expression, but he looked her in the eye and then smiled bitterly.
2251 
2252“In any case, I’ll go talk to the Captain about this. However, if you run into her now, things might get a bit prickly. Could I trouble you to take a walk outside for a bit?”
2253 
2254“I understand. Thank you, Vice-Captain.”
2255 
2256Once outside the inn, Neia wandered aimlessly through the chill of winter.
2257 
2258“I just feel… hahhh…”
2259 
2260While she had been told to go outside, where should she go in this country?
2261 
2262Neia felt around in her pockets and produced a small leather pouch. There was little money inside, just a few copper and silver coins from the Holy Kingdom. If those could not be used, Neia still had a trading gold coin. It would be more than enough to get a meal.
2263 
2264However, this gold coin was the very last piece of pocket money Neia’s parents had given her. Where should she spend this valuable piece of pocket money?
2265 
2266Neia looked at the foreign land before her.
2267 
2268“What a pain… hahh…”
2269 
2270“You seem to be sighing quite heavily.”
2271 
2272The sudden voice from close by made Neia’s shoulders shudder
2273 
2274“Hurry up and go down that road over there. This place is too obvious,”
2275 
2276The owner of this voice was not someone she would forget in a hurry. Neia managed to stop herself from exclaiming reflexively. After that, she walked as directed, and then she heard something moving from behind her. It would seem that it was not just a voice she was hearing, but that there was someone actually behind Neia, although said person had made themselves invisible so Neia could not see them.
2277 
2278After turning down the road as directed, she heard the voice say, “Take the alley on the left.” Neia obeyed silently.
2279 
2280The alley was surprisingly clean, with no passers-by .
2281 
2282After walking several steps, Neia turned and spoke the name of the voice’s owner.
2283 
2284“Your Majesty, dare I ask why you have come here? Am I unable to see you because of magic?”
2285 
2286“I see, so that’s why you were so obedient. You already knew who I was, hm?”
2287 
2288Saying so, the Sorcerer King revealed himself.
2289 
2290He had changed into an unassuming black robe, but even that gleamed like velvet. It would seem it was a very well-made piece of clothing.
2291 
2292Neia immediately genuflected before him.
2293 
2294“Yes, it is as Your Majesty says. Also… may I ask where Your Majesty’s followers are?”
2295 
2296“No, there are none. After all, having followers around would make things troublesome.”
2297 
2298“W-Why is that?”
2299 
2300“Hm, I want to speak with your Captain in private, so please go and get her… no, it would be better to do so in a room… Can you help me open the window of her room? I will enter through there.”
2301 
2302That was a bizarre request. Normally, she would not open the window just like that. However, she was dealing with the king of this country, and a king who had agreed to aid the Holy Kingdom. She could not do anything to ruin his mood.
2303 
2304The word “assassination” flashed through Neia’s mind, but if the Sorcerer King had wanted to do that, he could have done so in the audience chamber.
2305 
2306Of course, this might be someone masquerading as the Sorcerer King. However, the person before her had the form of an imposing ruler, so he was unmistakably the Sorcerer King from back then. Every move he made was something that was only possible by someone who was a born ruler.
2307 
2308Should she trust him? Or not?
2309 
2310Neia pondered this, and chose the former.
2311 
2312“Understood. I shall do so immediately.”
2313 
2314“Umu… come to think of it, were you sent out on a mission? If that was the case, I ought to apologize to your Captain.”
2315 
2316“Eh?”
2317 
2318“...Eh?”
2319 
2320Neia’s eyes met those of the Sorcerer King.
2321 
2322“...If it was not a mission, then this must be your own free time, no? In that case, it is very valuable — mm, I should apologize to you for taking up your precious rest time by making you do things.”
2323 
2324“No, no, it’s not, it’s nothing of the sort in any case, I will go and open the window to the Captain’s room now.”
2325 
2326Neia immediately ran from the Sorcerer King’s side.
2327 
2328Those kind words from a third party were like someone carefully applying a soothing liniment to a palm covered in scrapes and bruises. They seeped into Neia’s heart, and they surprised her.
2329 
2330Neia ran with all her might, and swiftly returned to the inn.
2331 
2332Of course, running was not permitted inside a high end establishment like this, but that was no reason for Neia to slowly walk around. All she could do was move as quickly as she could without causing any offense, but despite all that, she could feel icy glares directed at her by the inn’s staff. In the end, however, Neia finally reached the Captain’s room.
2333 
2334Neia immediately knocked on the door, and then found it was locked when she tried the handle. A chill ran through Neia’s heart as she realized she had been ostracized, but now was not the time to worry about that sort of thing.
2335 
2336“I am Squire Neia Baraja, please open the door.”
2337 
2338The door clicked, and a paladin showed his face from behind it.
2339 
2340“Forgive me,” she said; now was not the time to observe each and every point of etiquette. Neia then turned to Remedios, who was within the room, and said, “The Sorcerer King wishes to speak to you in private, Captain.”
2341 
2342Neia could sense everyone’s eyes looking behind her back.
2343 
2344“No, that’s not it. He’s not there.”
2345 
2346Saying so, Neia strode over to the window and opened it.
2347 
2348As expected of a high class establishment, the windows slid smoothly open, without any trace of jamming.
2349 
2350“What the hell?”
2351 
2352From a third party’s perspective, this was a sudden, rash outburst. It was only natural that a paladin would bellow at her. It was even less tolerable for a paladin who had once been placed in charge of the Holy Queen’s security.
2353 
2354However, Neia ignored them as she leaned her upper body out of the window and waved to the Sorcerer King, who ought to be outside.
2355 
2356After that, Neia was dragged back in by her collar.
2357 
2358“What are you doing, Squire Baraja? Don’t just open the windows like that, and more importantly, there’s no sign of the Sorcerer King.”
2359 
2360Looking back, she saw a red-faced paladin. His anger was understandable. However—
2361 
2362“That will do, I think. She broke your rules at my behest. If blame must be assigned, then let it fall upon me.”
2363 
2364A quiet voice echoed through the room.
2365 
2366The Sorcerer King slowly revealed himself from where he stood upon the window frame.
2367 
2368Neia saw a paladin reaching for the longsword at his waist, and frantically made to stop him.
2369 
2370“Mm… I apologize for alarming you. I chose to come by myself because I wished to speak with you in private. While it might be somewhat rude to enter via a window, it cannot be helped for the sake of going incognito. I hope you can understand that… And I must apologize to her as well.”
2371After descending from the windowsill, the Sorcerer King surveyed the interior of the room with the regal poise of a king.
2372 
2373“....I am the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown.”
2374 
2375Upon the mention of his name, Neia fell to one knee before anybody else. A moment later, she heard the paladins behind her simultaneously genuflecting.
2376 
2377“Very well… You may rise, Since there is no time, is it convenient to have a word with you, Captain Custodio?”
2378 
2379“We have no objections, Your Majesty. Then, please come this way.”
2380 
2381As Neia rose, she let her breath out — just in time to meet the eyes of the Sorcerer King, who had turned around. Of course, there were no eyeballs in the Sorcerer King’s eye sockets, so saying she gazed into his eyes was purely Neia’s imagination.
2382 
2383“Will that squire not be taking part?”
2384 
2385“She is but a squire, Your Majesty.”
2386 
2387“Was she not present at the audience chamber just now?”
2388 
2389The Sorcerer King’s natural tone made him sound like he genuinely did not know. However, his words contained a powerful sense of sarcasm.
2390 
2391“Squire Baraja, come join us.”
2392 
2393“Yes!”
2394 
2395Although Neia was not very keen on taking part, for some reason she dearly wanted to know why the Sorcerer King had chosen to pay them a visit.
2396 
2397Remedios and Gustavo faced the Sorcerer King over a table, while Neia and the others stood by the walls. This was the same way in which they had received Blue Rose.
2398 
2399“Now then, Your Majesty, please permit me to ask a direct question. May I inquire as to why you have graced our humble lodgings?”
2400 
2401Remedios nodded after Gustavo spoke.
2402 
2403“But of course. Like I said earlier, I dislike beating around the bush. After all, doing so makes it easy for one’s words to be misinterpreted or have their meanings twisted.”
2404 
2405There was a sense of reality to the Sorcerer King’s words which could not quite be articulated.
2406 
2407“While I have decided to send Momon over in two years, if you will accede to a request of mine, it would not be impossible for me to dispatch someone on par with Momon from the Sorcerous Kingdom.”
2408 
2409“On par with Momon?” Remedios could not help but exclaim.
2410 
2411“...May I know the nature of the request which Your Majesty wishes to make? Depending on the nature of the request, I pray you will forgive us if we cannot immediately give Your Majesty an answer.”
2412 
2413The Sorcerer King chuckled in response to Gustavo’s words, and then he spoke.
2414 
2415“But of course. Given your present state, I can roughly imagine… now, calling you a resistance movement would be a pretty spin on things, but the fact is that you are most likely a band of guerillas hiding in caves, am I wrong?”
2416 
2417Everyone present held their breath.
2418 
2419Neia was no exception.
2420 
2421Why could the Sorcerer King speak about the true nature of their circumstances? How had he divined this? Pinpointing the cave issue was particularly impressive.
2422 
2423The Captain and Gustavo’s faces were stony masks, only their eyes turning to look at Neia. They must have thought she had leaked the truth to the Sorcerer King. Therefore, Neia shook her head, to indicate It wasn’t me.
2424 
2425The Sorcerer King ignored Neia and the others’ shock, and continued speaking.
2426 
2427“The strength of the south is untouched, but yet you did not seek to cooperate with them and conduct joint operations. That is because a rift exists between yourselves and the southern nobles. That being the case, once you — who failed to protect the Holy Queen — fall under the command of the new Holy King, it will probably be very difficult for you to hold on to your previous positions. Therefore, you cannot offer me land, titles, trade concessions, and other such privileges. If you actually kept your words on this matter, the possibility of war with my Sorcerous Kingdom exists, depending on what the next Holy King decides.”
2428 
2429The Sorcerer King clearly highlighted the key points of the war with the demihumans, as well as the decisions they had made about their future.
2430 
2431“Similarly, you cannot use your nation’s treasures as bargaining capital. For instance, the holy sword which you bear, Captain Remedios. If you actually did try to trade them, the most you could do was treat the country’s treasures as having been plundered by Jaldabaoth and then turn them over to me. However, doing so is very dangerous. Should someone inform the next Holy King that said wealth was actually obtained from you, trust in you paladins will most likely sink like a stone. Worthless, in other words. Therefore, all you ladies and gentlemen can do is what you did at the audience chamber, informing me of your plight — mm, I imagine that I have hit the nail on its head, given the expressions on your faces.”
2432 
2433After saying all this, the Sorcerer King leaned back against the back of the chair.
2434 
2435Silence filled the room.
2436 
2437Perfect. He was just too perfect.
2438 
2439Neia felt nothing but respect for at the Sorcerer King’s reading of the situation.
2440 
2441Was this the man they called the Sorcerer King? Neia thought.
2442 
2443Neia had once met the Holy Queen close up, but the Holy Queen had simply greeted her, and Neia had not had the chance to truly interact with a true monarch. To Neia, now was her first time meeting an absolute ruler — one possessed of a dignity and insight that surpassed all others, in addition to incredible might — or in other words, a perfect being. This powerful impact left an indelible impression on Neia’s heart.
2444 
2445“That said, anybody could have imagined that. In truth, I am somewhat ashamed of coming in here and smugly spouting all that… I trust you all did not think I had not even considered that much?”
2446 
2447“O-Of course, Your Majesty!” Gustavo replied with a stiff smile on his face.
2448 
2449“Wonderful. If I had been regarded as an idiot who could not even think of that much, I would not be able to face my subordinates who labor for my sake… now then, based on all that, let me be clear about what I want — which would be maids. I want maids.”
2450 
2451Everyone — Neia included — could only stare dumbfounded at the utterly ridiculous words which had just left the Sorcerer King’s mouth.
2452 
2453“...Ah, my apologies. I was being unclear. Mm, how shall I say this? I believe that during our previous meeting, the topic of Jaldabaoth possessing powerful maids came up. Those are what I want. What degree of magical knowledge do you have?”
2454 
2455“None at all.”
2456
2457After Remedios said so, the Sorcerer King looked around, as though seeking help.
2458 
2459“Is, is that so… well, in that case, I wonder where I should start explaining from… ah, well, that too… Ah — you can imagine that Jaldabaoth has bound the maids to him by some mechanism. Therefore, my plan is to defeat Jaldabaoth, take that formula for my own, and then place the maids under my control. In this way, my country will gain powerful minions.”
2460 
2461“But, but we have not sighted those maids of Jaldabaoth’s…”
2462 
2463Gustavo’s answer made the Sorcerer King chuckle.
2464 
2465“They were sighted in the Kingdom, after all. I find it hard to imagine they were not there. Or perhaps they will not appear until Jaldabaoth is forced into dire straits?”
2466 
2467“Let me repeat myself… we are not sure if the maids actually exist. What will Your Majesty do in the event that the maids do not exist?”
2468 
2469“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. I am not asking you to produce something that could substitute for it, in any case. At the very most, I will just write it off as a wasted effort. However, there is the possibility that they might have appeared outside of a maid’s guise, so my request will probably include Jaldabaoth’s subordinates as well. Ahh, that’s right. He might have used some kind of special item to dominate them, so I intend to add a condition that any of Jaldabaoth’s magic items which cannot be determined to be the property of the Holy Kingdom will be mine. It may turn out that the maids which ravaged your Holy Kingdom might end up becoming part of my Sorcerous Kingdom, and in that event I hope I can count on your forgetting your grudges against them since they will then fall under my rule.”
2470 
2471“You mean you want us to forgive people who might devastate our country?”
2472 
2473After Remedios retorted unhappily, the Sorcerer King shrugged.
2474 
2475“That is because I stand to gain nothing else from the Holy Kingdom. Or do you mean to say you have something else to offer me?”
2476 
2477Remedios bit her lip, unable to answer.
2478 
2479“Your Majesty, the Captain means to say that as outsiders, it will be very difficult for us to convince the victims to forget their grudges.”
2480 
2481“Then you will simply have to work hard to convince them,” the Sorcerer King said in a cold voice. “...No, then, just say that the maids were dominated by the Sorcerer King’s magic and taken away. That ought to quell their hatred somewhat, no?”
2482 
2483What would they do? Neia thought as she heard the Sorcerer King speak. If they still refused to accept the Sorcerer King’s terms after he had made this many concessions to them, it was very likely that they would end up with nothing to show for it. It was plain that these were extraordinarily favorable terms for the Holy Kingdom. If they did not seize this chance, then the only word to describe them would be “foolish.”
2484 
2485“That would be quite vexing. Allowing those who ravage—”
2486 
2487“—Your Majesty!” Gustavo shouted over Remedios’s words. “Please allow us to discuss this for a moment! Please give us some time!”
2488 
2489Do you still need to discuss matters after he’s compromised this much? Even Neia felt that it would not be strange for the Sorcerer King to rebuke them. But—
2490 
2491“Very well. However, taking too long will cause me problems, and moving around is troublesome. You don’t mind if I wait here, do you?”
2492 
2493Neia could not help but be surprised by the Sorcerer King’s largesse.
2494 
2495“Thank you very much. Then, we shall quickly discuss things. I pray you will be patient, despite the disservice we do you.”
2496 
2497“That’s fine. Go talk it out.”
2498 
2499The two of them rose to leave, and then they returned with surprising swiftness. No, they had already reached the conclusion from the beginning.
2500 
2501“Forgive the delay, Your Majesty.”
2502 
2503“Oh no, go ahead and discuss more, it’s fine. Well then, how goes it?”
2504 
2505“Yes, our conclusion is that we will abide by all of Your Majesty’s terms.”
2506 
2507“I am not asking you to obey me. I am simply making a trade. Well, that doesn’t matter. Now then, while we should put it in writing, I lack the necessary equipment and stamps. Let us discuss this later… You don’t mind if I use the Kingdom’s writing, no?”
2508 
2509“There are people here who can read it, so it is fine. Then, may I trouble you to introduce us to the person who is on par with Momon?”
2510 
2511“Ahh, he is standing before you right now — in other words, myself.”
2512 
2513Silence filled the room once more, and Neia and the others were unable to speak as they stared.
2514 
2515After blinking several times, their brains finally regained the ability to function.
2516 
2517“Your Majesty is as strong as Momon?”
2518 
2519Remedios’s words made Neia freeze in place, but there was a man who had made a move because of these words.
2520 
2521“Please, please wait a moment, Captain. There’s something else we need to ask His Majesty before this.”
2522 
2523Gustavo turned to the Sorcerer King. “Ah, will it really be all right if Your Majesty leaves your nation and goes to the Holy Kingdom? I do not know how much time that will take.”
2524 
2525“That will not be a problem. Unlike Momon, I can use teleportation magic, So long as I can find your base, I can move between it and the Sorcerous Kingdom at any time.”
2526 
2527“B-But, even so, surely having the ruler of a nation come in person is just too—!”
2528 
2529“After listening to me, did you not think that I would be coming in person? I did say I intended to defeat Jaldabaoth and bring the maids under my control, you know? It would be too much of a stretch to do all that from the Sorcerous Kingdom. In addition, with regards to Captain Custodio’s question, I am stronger than Momon.”
2530 
2531“Then, there should be no problems with that, Gustavo.”
2532 
2533“Of course there’s problems with that! Your Majesty! This jest of yours is really quite vexing for us!”
2534 
2535The Vice-Captain clutched his gut as he shouted that.
2536 
2537“This is no jest. Nobody other than me can defeat Jaldabaoth. In addition, I will be going by myself. I will not bring an army with me. Therefore, I came alone in order to discuss the matter in private with you.”
2538 
2539“But if Your Majesty sustains an irrecoverable injury from Jaldabaoth, that would be very bad for the relationship between our country and the Sorcerous Kingdom!”
2540 
2541“It, it is as Gustavo says. Your Majesty, are there truly no problems in that respect?”
2542 
2543“None at all.”
2544 
2545“But—”
2546 
2547“—Gustavo! I’m still talking. Don’t interrupt me!” After holding out her hand to stop Gustavo, Remedios bowed deeply.
2548 
2549“Then, we will be in Your Majesty’s care.”
2550 
2551♦ ♦ ♦
2552 
2553The air in the room calmed, as if a storm had just passed — and indeed, it had — but Gustavo’s shout echoed off the walls.
2554 
2555“What are you thinking!? Recruiting a king! The king of a country! To fight Jaldabaoth and whatnot!”
2556 
2557Neia agreed with him.
2558 
2559He might not operate by common sensibilities, but this was simply senseless.
2560 
2561Amidst all this, Remedios spoke quietly.
2562 
2563“Say, don’t you think that it doesn’t matter what happens to the undead?”
2564 
2565The room fell silent once more.
2566 
2567“...You have a demon, and you have an undead being. We won’t be harmed regardless of who gets wiped out. Don’t you think?”
2568 
2569Gustavo’s eyes went wide. This was not acceptance of his Captain’s opinion, but shock at what his Captain had just said.
2570 
2571“Both of them are enemies of mankind. Then ideally, it would be best if both sides destroyed each other… that said, we won’t just sit back and reap the profits. Even if the Sorcerer King is wounded unto death by Jaldabaoth, we will not take advantage of his plight. However, that is all.”
2572 
2573Remedios’s voice grew louder.
2574 
2575“...Captain. If the Sorcerer King, who controls so many undead, is destroyed, then when these undead are freed, will it not cause an incredible amount of havoc?”
2576 
2577“When the time comes, the Kingdom, the Empire, and the Theocracy will cushion the blow. Of course, we will do our best to aid them as well, but the Holy Kingdom has been too badly ravaged by Jaldabaoth. Until our country recovers its strength, all we can do is cheer them on… From that point of view, our country stands to gain the most from a clash between Jaldabaoth and the Sorcerer King…”
2578 
2579“—Captain!” Gustavo’s face was stone as he spoke. “How is this justice?”
2580 
2581“It is. It’s all for the sake of our nation. It is to save the people who suffer the most. It isn’t like I hope that the seeds of suffering will spread to other countries. I also wish for the victory of the Sorcerous Kingdom as it assists the Holy Kingdom.”
2582 
2583Who is this? Neia thought as she looked at Remedios, who was saying all this in a calm, even tone.
2584 
2585Was this really the captain of the paladins of the Holy Kingdom, Remedios Custodio?
2586 
2587Neia was not too clear about her situation. After all, she had always been looking at her from afar. However, she felt that this was a completely different person from the Captain she had heard of.
2588 
2589“Gustavo, you don’t object, right? If you can accept this, then we ought to consider our next move.”
2590 
2591“Our next move, you say?”
2592 
2593“...We have to think about how to properly make use of the Sorcerer King.”
2594 
2595A chill ran down Neia’s spine.
2596 
2597Why am I hearing a conversation like this? Neia thought. No, she was not alone. Peering around, she saw that the paladins standing near her all had the same expression on their faces. Neia must have looked the same way too.
2598 
2599“Gustavo, do you have any ideas?”
2600 
2601“No, no, not at all. Shouldn’t we think about what we should do after bringing the Sorcerer King back with us?”
2602 
2603“Well, if the Sorcerer King isn’t all talk, and he really can fight Jaldabaoth, how about retaking the capital? And then we can ask him to defeat Jaldabaoth right after that.”
2604 
2605“...That would be bad. His Majesty has said that he intends to defeat Jaldabaoth, claim the maids for himself, and then return to his country. Therefore, we ought to leave defeating Jaldabaoth for last in order to reap the greatest benefits… If we follow your suggestion, Captain, we won’t have the strength to defeat the leftover demihumans.”
2606 
2607“Then what do you propose?”
2608 
2609Gustavo paused to think, and then he made a suggestion.
2610 
2611“Let’s increase our numbers first. In other words, we need to rescue our captured comrades from the camps.”
2612 
2613“I see! An excellent idea. After all, there are important people we need to rescue.”
2614 
2615“You mean the members of the royal family, right?”
2616 
2617Remedios agreed with an Ah.
2618 
2619Although the Holy Queen had already perished, they had not received news that the entire royal family was dead. If one of them was still alive, perhaps they could use them as a figurehead, and perhaps gain the full cooperation of the southern nobles.
2620 
2621“Also, the nobles we can rescue will surely appreciate their liberators.”
2622 
2623Most nobles had not expressed their approval of the Holy Queen, and by the Captain’s reckoning, there was nobody there who liked her. However, there ought to be some northern nobles with blood ties to the southern nobles. If they did them a favor, they ought to be able to better make a formal request to the southern nobles.
2624 
2625Remedios looked at Neia.
2626 
2627“Squire Neia. Go accompany the Sorcerer King. Make sure you sway him to our side for our sakes.”
2628 
2629“Hah? Haaaahh!?? Please, please wait! I can’t possibly serve a king or something as a squire!”
2630 
2631“All you need to do is work hard on it, no?”
2632 
2633“This isn’t a matter of working hard!”
2634 
2635Usually, she would have agreed immediately, but now she was desperately trying to refuse. This was not something she could casually accept. There must be something wrong with Remedios’s head.
2636 
2637“Th-That’s right! Captain,” Gustavo chipped in. “If we don’t have someone of appropriate status to serve as his handmaiden, it’ll be taken as an insult to His Majesty.”
2638 
2639“...How many other women are there in the Liberation Army?”
2640 
2641Those women who could not fight had long since fled to the south. However, that was not to say that they did not exist. The Liberation Army still had a few women among them. Gustavo was about to name some of them when the Captain cut him off.
2642 
2643“We need a woman from the paladins. If I gave orders to a woman from the priesthood, what do you think the temples would do? My sister’s no longer around, you know? Also, the person for this duty should be chosen from people who are present and who have heard my thoughts. Can we force this onto a third party?”
2644 
2645So instead you’re pushing it onto me, right, Neia thought, but did not say.
2646 
2647“In that case…”
2648 
2649Gustavo looked at the Captain.
2650 
2651“I need to be fighting on the frontlines, you know? Also, do you want me to go accompany the Sorcerer King? Or should we yield all authority to the Sorcerer King?”
2652 
2653“Even if we’re using him, we can’t just go out and do that, right? There’ll be problems with trust, and if the Sorcerer King sees that we have no fighting power and decides to conquer the Holy Kingdom while he’s at it…”
2654 
2655After seeing the tongue-tied Gustavo, Neia realised the fact that their allies might end up turning on them.
2656 
2657“—Understood. While I might not be sufficient for the task, I will work hard and do my best.”
2658 
2659“Ahh. I’ll tell you this first. Your mission is make the Sorcerer King more easily usable. Flatter him and keep him in a good mood.”
2660 
2661This was no longer just an impossible request. It was just plain absurd. She had no confidence that she could do such a thing at all. However, no matter what she said, Remedios would not change her mind. Neia hung her head in resignation.
2662 
2663“Understood! I will do my best to achieve that aim, and I hope I can count on the aid of everyone here.”
2664 
2665“Good. If there’s anything, just look for me or him (Gustavo).”
2666 
2667Even as despair filled her heart, Neia was surprised that she was actually feeling a little elated.
2668 
2669His Majesty, huh...