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1Botsuraku 131
2
3The talk with Toto ended without any problem and he also became a member of the project.
4
5The next day, Toto went out with his employees to sell medicinal plants.
6
7As I was left behind, I faced the criminal group who were lined up in front of the mansion.
8
9Every one of them seems to be more pumped up than yesterday.
10
11They also look well nourished now that Mr. Lotson gave them good food.
12
13Seems they will be able to work well.
14
15“Kururi boss, I have something to say as the representative of the group.”
16
17As I looked into his eyes, the guy who called out to me yesterday came forward.
18
19“I am their representative, Jangu.”
20
21Feels like a name made by mixing gang and junk. ‘Well, that does kinda feel like him’–was the rude thought that came up in my mind.
22
23“We have heard it from prince Arch. Even though Helan territory doesn’t have much leeway right now, boss Kururi couldn’t bear letting us rot in that prison and so forcibly called us over. Uuuuuu, even though that in itself was more than enough, you called us over even though it would mean the royal family would keep an eye on you… thank you very much!!”
24
25“””Thank you very much!!!”””
26
27Following Jangu, everyone behind him also lowered their heads.
28
29These guys seem like they don’t really know much about manners but they do have quite good discipline. Who knows who disciplined them……
30
31Either way, it seems that they might turn out to be more capable than I had expected.
32
33Thanks to prince Arch’s convenient words, it seems these guys are feeling quite indebted and have become obedient.
34
35Besides, there were also quite a few among them who looked at me with fear. Exactly what did I do inside the prison? I get the shivers just by imagining.
36
37“We were moved by your spirit. It was the same inside the prison–you are the only person who treated us like humans and instructed us on how to properly lead our lives. Uptil now, and from now on as well–we swear an oath of allegiance to you. Please, feel free to use our lives as you please.”
38
39“Then, if I tell you to die, will you be able to die?”
40
41“””Of course!!”””
42
43I got carried away and asked something out of place but was greeted with a more out of place answer.
44
45Good gracious, I had assumed that the prince pushed over something very unruly to me but it’s nothing like that. They seem quite useful.
46
47“First, I want to find out how useful you guys can be. Follow me, I will give you work.”
48
49Even though the first thing I am telling them to do is work, they showed no signs of hesitation. Rather, they seemed more pumped up about being able to work.
50
51I took them to the mine where we found a large amount of magic rocks the other day.
52
53We did have enough people here but due to the construction of the magic train and the Dragon’s Spine progressing too quick, they asked for more personnel there.
54
55And so these guys came just in time.
56
57“I will have you guys carry the magic rocks from here. Once you start getting used to it, I will start giving you new jobs so make sure to go around observing others work.”
58
59“””Yessir!!”””
60
61In accordance with their lively response and serious attitude, they worked diligently.
62
63They carried like 1.5 times more than the average worker here. I guess it’s only natural since their physique is way bigger and a lot of them are burly as well.
64
65As fatigue leads to injuries in this work field, the workers generally take a lot of breaks but they were hesitant when it came to taking a break.
66
67Although this kind of work normally exhausts the general public, they were barely tired and couldn’t hold in their want to work more. There were a lot of them who gave up break time as well.
68
69Even in the afternoon, their pace didn’t slow down. In fact, they were getting used to it and some of them had even higher pace than before.
70
71The work progressed smoothly. Their faces were filled with happiness from being able to work.
72
73However, there were some small problems here and there.
74
75As the difference between the pace of the criminal group and the other workers increased, some expressed their discontent.
76
77Yep, I now understand that I can’t put these people in the same tank. Good thing I realized it in a single day.
78
79By the end of the day, we were able to get the required amount of magic rocks. All thanks to the criminal group. No, I should stop calling them that now. I should give them a new name.
80
81That night, I had them make a temporary tent beside the mansion to say. I don’t plan on letting them stay in the inn forever as guests.
82
83However, I do plan on properly remunerating them for their work.
84
85I gave them food and what they all probably wanted, alcohol.
86
87I also decided to go their tent and have dinner together today.
88
89“You all worked really hard today. If you guys keep working diligently like this, I should be able to officially welcome you guys as Helan citizens soon.”
90
91They held their drinks and listened to me carefully.
92
93“If you work well, I can also give you houses. You can stock up property and even have your own family. How about it? Do you guys feel like working like this in Helan territory from now on as well?”
94
95“We had planned on that from the beginning, sir!”
96
97Someone said that out loud and the others followed as well, saying similar things.
98
99“I see…… I had a thought after seeing you guys today. You guys are dumb. And you are lacking compassion. On top of that, you guys don’t exactly have the appearance to be liked by people. Even though you worked really hard throughout the day, did the citizens look at you favourably? No, as I see it, they probably think of you lot as a bother.”
100
101“Boss?”
102
103A frail voice called out.
104
105“You guys are bad. Really bad.”
106
107“If the boss says that, then it must be true……”
108
109“However, you worked 1.5 times more than the others. You guys are strong, after all. On top of that, you don’t get tired easily. If I tell you to, you will probably be able to work the same tomorrow as well. Although it won’t be good to have you do the same stuff as others, you guys have your own talents. If there’s a job where you can make full use of those talents, you won’t be bad people anymore, right?”
110
111“Boss…! If the boss says that, then it must be true!”
112
113Their were tearing up.
114
115After talking ill about them a bit, I compliment them on their strong points and achievements. As I thought, these guys are easy to handle!
116
117“I called you guys over. And most importantly, I understand you. Don’t worry, I will prepare a place for you to display your talents to the fullest.”
118
119At any rate, I decided to hop on to the prince’s lie. I will just keep it at that. That will make it easier.
120
121“Tomorrow, I will establish the first private army corps of Helan territory. And you guys will be its first members. If you are dumb, then just shut up and follow my orders. You don’t need to have compassion, just protect me. There’s no need to be liked by others. You just need to overwhelm the enemy in front of you! How about it? You think you’re up for it?”
122
123“”””Yosh!! Yosh!! Yosh!!!””””
124
125Their roar was a warrior’s war cry.
126
127Right here and now, Helan territory’s private army has been established.
128
129From the next day, I had them take up swords.
130
131I had them use it and observed their different suitabilities.
132
133As expected, most were used to it. Now if I just have them wear pretty armor, they will look like a legitimate army corps.
134
135Those who were doing well with the swords, I let them be. And those who were not, I had them take on some other weapons.
136
137I also had them use bows and saw who had a knack for it and who did not.
138
139And I also tried having them use clubs and lances.
140
141By noon, most of them found a weapon they were suited to. All that’s left is to think of the composition considering their suitability.
142
143I felt like quite a strong army was being built.
144
145“Well, you’re the last one, eh?”
146
147I looked at the only guy who was left to pick a weapon.
148
149The guy had his face covered with bandages. It felt like he was covering a wound so I didn’t bring that up.
150
151“Can’t really find a weapon suited to you, huh? Do you have anything you want to try?”
152
153“Anything I want to try? You little, don’t talk so casually with me.”
154
155A sharp gaze glared at me from the other side of the bandage.
156
157I was taken aback. I had completely thought everyone of these guys agreed to me so I was surprised when he took a defiant attitude.
158
159And right after, his head was spectacularly punched from behind.
160
161It was Jangu. He is their representative, if I am not wrong.
162
163“I am sorry, boss. This guy is new, you see. He has been like this since he joined. He was always trying to plot his escape while coming here as well. He doesn’t understand that it’s thanks to you that we were able to get out of that prison.”
164
165“Thanks to him?! Give me a bre–”
166
167Before he could finish saying, he was punched again by Jangu.
168
169It didn’t seem like he would say anything rebellious anymore.
170
171“Now, now, we’re fine here. You return to your training, Jangu. I will take care of this one.”
172
173“Understood, if the boss says so.”
174
175“Yeah. I will have a good talk with him. It seems he has a lot to say as well.”
176
177After Jangu had left, the bandaged man’s glare returned.
178
179His discontent was awfully visible.
180
181“You were saying something before. What is it? If you have any complaints, I will listen.”
182
183“Complaints?! It’s nothing that half-hearted! It’s malice!! That too deep, dark malice!”
184
185“For me?”
186
187“Who else?! It is your fault I was thrown into that prison. You obstructed my father’s deal and made our family fall into ruin!”
188
189After he vigorously finished saying, he forcibly pulled off the bandages off his face.
190
191Seems the bandages were more solid than he thought–it got caught on his ear and it was funny seeing him go “ow, ow, ow!” as he pulled it off.
192
193The bandages were off, revealing a resentful, rebellious face. Putting his facial features aside, although his hair and skin was a bit dirty, one could tell that he had a good upbringing.
194
195“You can’t say you have forgotten this face. Kururi Helan!”
196
197“Eh? Who?”
198
199“Freigen Dartanel. You little piece of… always, always getting in my way. Like a plague. I want to kill you right here, right now–ahhh, I so want to kill you off.”
200
201“But you couldn’t even use most of the weapons. Can you win against me?”
202
203“Ahhh!! That part about you really ticks me off! Putting on that condescending face saying some really condescending stuff!!”
204
205“These are facts so it’s not my fault.”
206
207“That’s what I am saying, that’s why it ticks me off!!”
208
209Because he was just too loud, Jangu came running again. I stopped him with a glance. Jangu returned.
210
211“Freigen Dartanel, eh? We met at the capital, did we? The guy who had an upset stomach, right?”
212
213“That’s ‘cause I had seen your face. My stomach still doesn’t feel too good. But that is not the point. I will kill you right here and now, representing all of the Dartanel family!”
214
215“Like I said, how? You can’t use any weapon and if you do anything Jangu will come running, you know? Don’t you have, like, a more concrete plan for this?”
216
217“Uuuu, darn it, uguguguu, ahhhh!!”
218
219It felt like he would start crying if I kept going so I stopped there.
220
221“Well? Why were you thrown into the prison? Doesn’t the Dartanel family hold a significant amount of power in the capital? You fell to ruin too hard, man.”
222
223“Are you saying that?”
224
225He clenched his teeth and leered at me. Even if you leer at me like that, it will only just decrease my defense, you know–you’re not doing any damage. Keep that in mind.
226
227“The royal family came accusing our family for having an illegal deal with the Salman family of Ammira kingdom. In front of that sneaky Rahsa’s surprise attack, our family couldn’t do anything and collapsed. Although my father was able to escape, I was captured and thrown into prison. Hmph, laugh all you want.”
228
229“Iyahhahaha, wait, really, you guys fell into ruin too hard!”
230
231His glare intensified so much that it felt like it would turn into a beam so I thought I would stop the laughter for now. But, it’s somewhat really funny. Nobles falling into ruin is frequent but seeing such a big noble fall into ruin really does make me laugh. Really, you should have learnt a skill for times like this…
232
233I had a sudden feeling. Like my old memories were going to come back to life just now.
234
235Learn a skill… fall into ruin… blacksmith…
236
237Ah, no good. This is like that sneeze–you feel like it’s coming but it’s not. I felt I would just be welcoming my demise with a weird feeling so I stopped trying to remember.
238
239“Don’t be that depressed. If you fell into ruin, you could just start over.”
240
241“Is the person who did all this saying that? Because of you, my life’s a whole mess.”
242
243“It wasn’t too good to begin with, was it? And besides, not because of me, right? The royal family came accusing you. Blame the royalties.”
244
245“Nope, it was you. Do you have any idea how much money the Spunky Diamonds stole from our house these past few years? And that Gap company’s head is your friend too. Do you have any clue how much they took from us? And that night Rahsa attacked us at night, leaving all of us shivering for life–he used the sword YOU made. It was ALL you. EVERYTHING of it is related to YOU in some way.”
246
247“I mean, even if you say that… Ah, right, why don’t we have lunch for the time being?”
248
249“You!! How much of a fool would you make me?!”
250
251And he kept cursing after that as well but soon dug into the food Eli came with.
252
253“Hmm? But you will still have food properly?”
254
255I decided to go near him as he was left out.
256
257“Shut up! Go away!”
258
259“What weapon will you try using afterwards? You don’t have any of that training even though you’re a noble, huh?”
260
261“Don’t come making fun of me with a completely normal expression! I am actually pretty strong! More than anyone else!”
262
263“No, no, that can’t be, you’re weak. Enough of that, don’t you have anything you can do? If you do, you can also live here in the Helan territory, you know?”
264
265“Ha? What are you, an idiot?! This Freigen Dartanel, live here in this horse dung-smelling countryside village? Sleep talk after you go to sleep!”
266
267“It’s not good to reply to sleep talk, you know.”
268
269“I don’t!”
270
271“Even though you say that, do you even have a place to return to? You were thrown into prison because the royal family punished you, right? It hasn’t reached these parts yet but I will probably be hearing about the demolition of the Dartanel family soon too. When that happens, you won’t be the Freigen Dartanel anymore–you would just be a penniless Freigen. You have this precious chance of getting a job and you will discard it? What a waste.”
272
273“There’s no way you can understand my feelings!! My feelings!! I am Freigen Dartanel, the no. 1 noble in the capital! Now! In the past! And in the future as well!”
274
275After saying that strongly, Freigen started bawling.
276
277“Now, now, don’t cry. Who cares about past ties and those stuff?”
278
279I mean, I don’t remember any of it, for one.
280
281“I care about it! I hate you! Magic train was Dartanel family’s project! You just straight up went with it by yourself!”
282
283“Ah, yeah, it was, wasn’t it? But we not only had the project, we also had the will and power for it. And that’s why it’s going to succeed soon.”
284
285“Damn it!! Damn, damn!! Besides, Eliza was supposed to be my wife! But she was stolen by a shitty countryside’s shitty noble like you!!”
286
287“Hey now, that’s completely up to Eli’s own feelings. You have no right to complain about that one.”
288
289“You stole every single thing from me!!”
290
291“Alright, alright, it was my fault. Okay? I’ll give ya my rolled omelette so forgive me.”
292
293“There’s no way I can forgive you with just an omelette! An omelette!”
294
295He didn’t take my omelette and kept whining loudly after that as well but suddenly died down and went to sleep at night.
296
297He would surely feel a bit refreshed after whining that much.
298
299Most of the members except Freigen were able to find a weapon suited for them.
300
301The army corps was well on its way to completion.
302
303I will decide what to do with Freigen later.
304
305“Oii, everyone, gather up.”
306
307I gathered everyone except Freigen, who was sleeping.
308
309“I will have you lot fight for me as my private army from now on. It will probably be a tough road, will you still walk on it?”
310
311“”””Yessir!!””””
312
313“Alright, then I will give a name to you guys. From now on, you guys will name yourselves as the Iron Heat corps. Helan territory’s private army corps–tough like iron and with a heated spirit like the hot springs. Listen well, act accordingly so as to not embarrass that name.”
314
315“”””Yessir!!””””
316
317Like this, I was able to strengthen another portion of Helan territory’s foundation.
318
319Freigen became quite meek after that day where he cried pathetically. Perhaps it had changed something inside of him.
320
321News of the matter regarding the destruction of House Dartanel arrived from the royal capital after that. They probably didn’t want news of it to spread. The official documents did not contain many details, but a private letter from Rahsa explained more.
322
323Apparently, it was true that the Dartanel House was teaming up with Salman in order to overthrow the royal family. And the watering machine had been imported as a weapon.
324
325The Dartanels had cautiously gotten other nobles involved in their attempt to start a revolt. But once I had confiscated the watering machine, they immediately started to defect. The rebel alliance destroyed much of the evidence before crumbling. It was then that Rahsa and the royal knights went in. And on that day, the long history of the Dartanel family came to a close. While only a few names of the other noble rebels were found, the main culprits, members of the Dartanel household, were successfully arrested. However, the most important of all, Brau Dartanel, had managed to escape. The anger over this was very evident in the letter.
326
327Freigen Dartanel was also arrested at that time, and had been sent to the Helan territories on Prince Arch’s order. It would be better to be in Helan than in prison. It was likely this way of thinking that had changed Freigen’s attitude.
328
329“Still, he really is third-rate, no matter what he does.”
330
331I couldn’t help but say with annoyance. Freigen would have been given a first-rate education, but no matter what he was asked to do, he could never do it right. The ‘Iron Heat Corps’ was already moving along smoothly and in operation.
332
333The neighboring lords were all told that I had created a private army. Perhaps they took it as a threat because they all sent me gifts after that. The gifts consisted of local produce and somewhat valuable precious stones.
334
335As I hadn’t meant it as a threat, I chose some quality goods made in the craftsman district and sent them back with the gifts.
336
337“Freigen, you should just give up fighting. Perhaps there is something else you can do for work?”
338
339I asked, and he nodded somberly.
340
341So I asked him what he wanted to do, but there was nothing that he was particularly interested in.
342
343“More importantly, why are you always sticking close to me? Aren’t you busy as the lord of this place? It should be hard enough organizing the construction of the magic train.”
344
345“While that is true, a fallen noble is not exactly unusual, is it? And I feel like I can’t ignore you. After all, I may become like you one day.”
346
347“But even if that did happen to you, you can always work as a blacksmith. I heard that you are very good at it. Unlike me, you’re good at doing most things.”
348
349As I comforted the self-deprecating Freigen, I suddenly thought of something.
350
351Perhaps I had been trying to become a blacksmith in case I ever came into ruin.
352
353It seemed like a very pessimistic way to view it, but it was said that the Helan territories were often victim to natural disasters, and it was frontier land that was far away from the royal capital. So perhaps it wasn’t too strange that I would have worried about such a thing.
354
355“You should be more confident. I know. I’ll find you a job that anyone can do. Don’t worry.”
356
357“If you think that’s going to encourage me, you’re terribly wrong.”
358
359He grumbled. Still, he no longer threw me looks that suggested he wanted to shoot me dead. He was harmless now.
360
361“Do you want to work on a farm? It’s a pretty big one, and the owner wants help. A really big place where they grow lots of agricultural products. They’ve been requesting help for a while, but as it wasn’t urgent, I had ignored them until now. So it’s perfect. Why don’t you work there?”
362
363I took one sheet out of the stack of written requests and handed it to Freigen so he could see the details.
364
365“Yeah, that is fine…”
366
367As always, there was little enthusiasm in his voice.
368
369“What? Are you still depressed? This farm is a really good place, you know? See the requirements here. They are accepting just about anybody. There’s nothing about rejecting criminals and fallen nobles. So don’t worry.”
370
371“That’s not encouraging at all!”
372
373Ohh! Finally, the strength is starting to return to his voice. That’s a good sign. This would be a new start for him, so he should at least show that amount of spirit.
374
375And so we quickly set off for our destination, Parpanel Farm. Now that I think about it, it sounded a little like Dartanel. He would definitely come to like it.
376
377“It’s called the Parpanel Farm. Aren’t you happy that it sounds like your family name?”
378
379“No, I’m no! Actually, it makes me very sad!”
380
381Oh! He’s becoming even more spirited. I had chosen the right place after all.
382
383The owner of the Parpanel Farm and his daughter came out to greet us.
384
385They both had sunburnt faces and had tough bodies that were lean, but strengthened by the manual labor.
386
387“Ah, if it isn’t Lord Kururi.”
388
389The father said with a relaxed voice.
390
391“Greetings, people of Parpanel Farm. Didn’t you ask for more hands? Well, I brought you someone special.”
392
393“Oh, that is wonderful. Yes, we’ve been so busy recently. I’d be glad for the help of a cat at this point! Now, please come inside. And we can talk.”
394
395The man and his daughter welcomed us pleasantly and invited us inside.
396
397The house was small and made of wood. Apparently, the two of them lived here alone. As the farmlands were very large, the other workers lived in separate houses that were a short distance away. Unless it was necessary, they did not contact each other very often. While they were employees, it seemed that they were offered a lot of freedom on this farm.
398
399“It’s because things are going very well for us. And that is because of what you have done for the Helan territories, Lord Kururi.”
400
401The daughter bowed. It was clear that she was not used to such displays of good manners.
402
403It was all rather embarrassing, and so I muttered something in reply.
404
405“I get the general idea of this place. And I think Freigen should manage here just fine. Right? Isn’t this farm amazing?”
406
407“Uh…yes…”
408
409He did not seem enthusiastic.
410
411He hadn’t even touched the soured sheep’s milk that the daughter had offered him. It was very good for you and would be a waste to not drink it.
412
413“You don’t want to drink your soured milk? It’s very good you know.”
414
415“How can I drink this rotten stuff!”
416
417Huh. This man was very rude.
418
419Both the farmer and his daughter looked surprised. There had been more poison in this man’s body that he had yet to spill out.
420
421“So, you’re really not going to drink your soured milk?”
422
423“Yeah. I was once a nobleman. I can’t put something so nasty into my mouth. I shall never drink it!”
424
425“Then give it to me. I was wanting some more.”
426
427“Is that what you meant! You loathsome wretch! And you call yourself a nobleman!”
428
429I ignored Freigen’s wailing and drained his cup.
430
431It really was delicious.
432
433“Excuse me, but could you give me more of this? I want Eli to taste it as well. Of course, I will pay for it.”
434
435“Why, certainly. And don’t worry about paying us. We just make it as a hobby. There are hot springs around here, so it is quite easy to make. We have other drinks made from milk as well. Would you like to try some?”
436
437“Of course.”
438
439After that, I tasted a number of milk-based drinks that the father and daughter had made.
440
441There was a drink made through collecting the oil in milk that was especially good. And so I took some of it with me as well. Ahh, it really was delicious.
442
443“So, when will Mister Freigen be able to start?”
444
445I had completely forgotten about that subject, and so the farmer reminded me.
446
447“Ah, that’s right. I had forgotten. He can start working today. He has nothing better to do.”
448
449“Don’t say that.”
450
451“Huh? Did you have plans?”
452
453“How dare you ask! You know that I don’t!”
454
455It seemed that I had hit a nerve. Freigen was getting rather violent.
456
457It was amusing.
458
459“Well, I did say that I would accept anyone. But are you sure that someone of such good breeding is all right for it? Our job is to take care of livestock and tend to the fields. It’s not fancy work at all. Anyone can do it. Which means that it’s not very interesting for someone who can do everything.”
460
461“Ah, that sounds absolutely perfect. Because Freigen can’t do anything! Freigen, this is your calling.”
462
463“You’re just making fun of me! You bastard! You pretended to be nice to me so I would follow you. But I bet you’re all laughing at me behind my back!”
464
465“What do you mean, behind your back? And it’s just you and me who is here.”
466
467“Then you will laugh by yourself! Laugh at me for working at a farm!”
468
469“I won’t laugh. Why would I laugh? Oh, are you going to do something amusing that will make me laugh?”
470
471“Damn it. I’m going to go mad! I’ll do it. I’ll do it. I’ll work on this farm! That’s what you want, right? It’s not like I have anywhere else to go or anything else I can do!”
472
473He was so angry that he stormed right out of the house. What violence. But with such energy, he should be able to adapt to manual labor.
474
475“Well then, I will leave Freigen in your hands. But I’d like to watch over him just today, so please let me go with you.”
476
477“Oh, if you wish. This really is a wonderful place, you know. Time seems to move slowly and our income is stable, affording us a comfortable life. After all, we are able to expand the farm and hire more workers. I think that even Freigen will learn to love this place one day.”
478
479The farmer explained in his usual, gentle voice. I felt quite confident in leaving Freigen with him.
480
481“The population of Helan will only increase. I’ve grown my own food up until now, but farms like this will become more and more important. I hope that I can rely on you.”
482
483“Yes, of course.”
484
485The daughter said with a smile.
486
487She wasn’t exactly pretty, but she had a nice smile and her honest personality helped to make her seem like a very appealing woman. That Freigen would probably fall in love with her. I couldn’t help but think that.
488
489Later, I caught Freigen, who was sulking outside of the house, and the four of us headed to the fields where the sheep were.
490
491It was time to round them up and bring them back into the stable.
492
493They had a sheepdog, and the farmer wanted us to help it round up the sheep.
494
495“The sheep on this farm are all of a gentle disposition, and the sheepdog knows it. And so it only pretends to chase them. It’s an easy job that does not take much effort, but since it’s your first time, why don’t you go and see how it is?”
496
497The farmer suggested. Freigen just nodded.
498
499As it was a rare opportunity, I decided to join him.
500
501The sheepdog was unleashed and began to round up the sheep that had gone off far away.
502
503I searched for random sheep that were close by and led them towards the stable.
504
505As the farmer said, they were really gentle sheep. Just guiding them towards the stable was enough to make them understand, and they moved on their own. It was because they were allowed this much exercise that their milk tasted so good. Perhaps the sheep were so comfortable and gentle because the farmer and his daughter were such nice people.
506
507“HAGGAAAHH!!”
508
509Time seemed to go by with such tranquility as I led the sheep away. That is, until a hideous scream echoed from nearby. Hagaah?
510
511When I looked, I saw that Freigen had fallen over after being rammed by a sheep.
512
513Still, he didn’t give up, and approached the next sheep. However, the sheep rejected him more violently this time, and he was rammed into once again. After that, the sheep walked towards the stable by itself. Oh, Freigen…
514
515“Ahh! You insolent ball of wool! Obey my commands!!”
516
517He shouted as he approached the next sheep. I felt sad when I saw him flying once again.
518
519And so I walked up to him and helped him to his feet. I also brushed the grass off of his shirt but ignored the dung on his back.
520
521“You know, it’s because of your attitude that the sheep hate you.”
522
523“As if mere cattle know anything about human attitudes! They are just livestock. I am superior.”
524
525“There is no such thing as superiority here. Actually, since they give us such delicious milk, I would put them above you. Can you squeeze out delicious milk? Can you? Then it’s settled. The sheep are above you.”
526
527“So squirting out milk makes you great? That’s rather arrogant for a ball of wool!”
528
529“It’s not arrogant. Everyone lives here in peace. You’re the only one here who isn’t peaceful. Why are you so prickly all of the time?”
530
531“It’s because I am more important than this livestock here! Besides, this work is too easy for me! I want work that is harder. Something that no one else here can do!”
532
533Freigen howled. The farmer and his daughter looked troubled.
534
535Having finished its job, the sheepdog returned, looking very happy. So, Freigen couldn’t even do something like this?
536
537“Well, that’s how he feels. Is there any harder work for him?”
538
539“Uh, ah… Yes, there are some animals we have trouble with. We can barely deal with them ourselves.”
540
541And so we were escorted to the animals that were troubling them.
542
543It was a chicken coop with chickens that were covered in red feathers. And they were larger than normal chickens.
544
545When we got closer, they suddenly faced us, pointing their sharp beaks in our direction. Then they moved their heads back and forth as if to intimidate us. It was like a threat. Come any close and we will poke you.
546
547“They are a very special breed and were imported from other lands. They do not eat much and lay three eggs a day. And their eggs are more nutritious than most and also delicious. Or so we were told. We were such fools! I won’t say that we were lied to, but some vital information was hidden from us. These chickens are incredibly aggressive and will attack you as soon as you try and take their eggs. We were able to deal with that problem by making changes to the place where the eggs were laid. However, they will also attack you when you feed them or try to clean the coop. It gets very hard, as it happens every time. This is definitely the hardest job on the farm.”
548
549The farmer explained in a sad voice. If this continued, the future would not be very bright for these chickens. And the farm would suffer a loss.
550
551“I’ll do it! It’s just cleaning! I don’t like the idea of cleaning livestock excrement, but I’ll do it since no one else is able to. Besides, it must be that the chickens don’t respect you because of your low birth! Just watch me!”
552
553Freigen said as he picked up the cleaning tools and stepped into the chicken coop. As it had not been successfully cleaned before, it was very dirty.
554
555“Mister Freigen, please don’t do anything stupid. You should come out as soon as they attack you. Just don’t hurt yourself.”
556
557The farmer said in a voice full of concern. However, Freigen had not been attacked yet.
558
559After that, Freigen continued to clean, though, without much skill.
560
561“Huh? Are the chickens in a good mood today?”
562
563The farmer and his daughter looked on with wonderment.
564
565Freigen seemed to be in good spirits after realizing that he was succeeding. And so he did not complain about the bad smell inside of the chicken coop.
566
567“It’s very odd. They haven’t attacked Mister Freigen even once.”
568
569It was true. And it wasn’t as if they didn’t know he was in there. Their eyes would occasionally meet, but then they would look away as if they were uninterested in each other.
570
571“I have a theory. Perhaps they are both so twisted that they ended up getting along with each other.”
572
573“Really?”
574
575“Or perhaps the chickens see him as one of their kind. In other words, he looks like a chicken.”
576
577“Ohh, I don’t know about that. It is difficult to understand. Still, it is very impressive. I did not think that the day would come. Haha. Thank you, Lord Kururi. You have brought us an excellent person.”
578
579Even I was happy that Freigen had found his place in a surprising place.
580
581Once Freigen was finished cleaning the chicken coop, he came out with a satisfied smile.
582
583“See? It was a job that only I could do, wasn’t it?”
584
585The farmer and his daughter saw this and rushed to him with joy.
586
587“Oh, it’s wonderful! Mister Freigen, won’t you please come and work for us?”
588
589“Ah, yes. If you are going to insist on it to such a degree…”
590
591Freigen hid his own happiness, unlike the farmer and his daughter.
592
593He tried a few other jobs after that, but he was no good at them.
594
595Still, Freigen had decided that this farm was the place for him.
596
597Before I left, he told me this himself.
598
599“I see. Well then, contact me if anything happens.”
600
601“Yeah.”
602
603While I walked away, I heard him mutter a quiet ‘thanks’ under his breath.
604
605But maybe I was just hearing things.
606
607I rode on my horse and headed towards the craftsman’s district.
608
609One week later, a package arrived for me.
610
611It was from Freigen. He had sent me some soured milk.
612
613It was not bad at all.
614
615At first, Freigen had no intention of staying in this land.
616
617He was planning on running away as soon as he had enough money.
618
619However, a surprising turn of fate had led him to find his place on a farm.
620
621Of course, at that time, I had no idea that he would be sending me a wedding invitation just a few years later.
622
623It was completed…
624
625At last, the final form of the magic train had shown itself.
626
627The entire thing was glossy and black. And it had five great wheels of iron on each side. The body was four meters tall and ten meters long. On the roof were two black, iron cylinders that had been taken from the watering machines. They had been modified to become the source of power. They were no longer watering machines, but engines. And each cylinder was filled with a thick core of iron. Iron planks were placed around them in a circle to protect them from any contact. Energy would be unleashed from the magic stones and travel through the circuits and start the engine. The reaction was used to propel the magic train forward.
628
629When I moved to the front, there was a gold plate placed there, and the name ‘Helan’ carved into it.
630
631I was so moved that I threw my arms around it. It was cold and sturdy as if it had roots that dug into the earth. The others followed my example and hugged the train. They must have been thinking the same thing as me. They pressed their cheeks against metal and felt the chill.
632
633They had all been very reckless in thinking we could make something so huge and heavy like this move.
634
635And yet, we had succeeded. It was a great feat indeed.
636
637“Everyone! You did well! This is the treasure of Helan!”
638
639I was so excited that I even climbed on top of the train. When you looked down from the roof, you were reminded of how tall it was. I was impressed at how high four meters were.
640
641Once again, the others followed my lead and climbed on top.
642
643As I had not been expecting this at all, I was a little scared when they all started to climb up at once.
644
645This would be in the front, and there would be cars connected to it to carry cargo and passengers. We haven’t made those yet, but they would be incredibly easy compared to making the main part of the magic train.
646
647That was why, in this current state, we could say that the train was finished.
648
649Once night had fallen and people were asleep, ten of the strongest horses were brought to the warehouse in the craftsmen’s district. As there was little traffic at night, we would use the horses to carry the train to the station.
650
651We tied ropes around the train and attached them to the horses who pulled it.
652
653The magic train would carry many things in the future, but this would be the first and last time it would be carried.
654
655By the time we finished transporting it, the sun had started to rise.
656
657Helan Station had maintained its spotless beauty since it was built, and it was there that the train was carefully put on top of the rails.
658
659Helan Station was a building made of bricks, and it was big enough to include an inn and a bathhouse, which would serve to make it more accessible to the people. While you couldn’t go in, there were several places with natural hot spring water as well. Stone statues had been placed there, giving a sense of luxury. One of the naked statues looked a lot like me, but I pretended not to notice…
660
661Once the train was actually on the rails, the magic train had a whole new presence, it was as if life had been breathed into it. The sounds of the wheels scraping the rails now echoed throughout the building. It was a sound we would hear many times from now on.
662
663Currently, the dragon’s spine stretched out to cover nearly seventy percent of Helan.
664
665I intended to have the train running in Helan before the dragon’s spine was laid out over the entirety of the Kudan kingdom, but I started thinking that we could do it today.
666
667“We don’t have to wait for passenger or cargo cars. Why don’t we run with just this main part?”
668
669Everyone who was present agreed to this suggestion.
670
671That being said, there were a hundred people present, including me, so we had to decide which of us would be able to enter the limited space.
672
673And so we decided to make it easy and pull straws.
674
675They wanted to make a special exception, but I refused. Besides, I had good luck with these kinds of things. And so I wanted to go on this ride with pride.
676
677Once that was settled, we needed two magic users who would be controlling the train.
678
679And then eight others. Ten people in all would have the honor of riding it.
680
681Including myself, there were seven people who could use magic. And two of us would win our positions.
682
683Though, as a person in power, maybe it would be best to give up the spot to them.
684
685But I didn’t really care about what was right at this moment.
686
687I just wanted to ride it as soon as possible. I wanted to feel the speed and power to the fullest.
688
689And so I would win!
690
691I raised my hands in the air and I prayed.
692
693At first, the others had seemed like they didn’t really care who got to go, but my sudden show of seriousness seemed to have an effect on them. And they all started to pray for their own victory.
694
695Once everyone was ready, we lined up behind the lottery box.
696
697I was 7th in line. Hmph. I had the confidence of kings. My prayer had been perfect.
698
699Or so I thought, but then the first person in line pulled the winning ticket.
700
701Hey! Confidence of kings!! Why did I even think that!
702
703There was only one left. After that, the 2nd and 3rd people pulled blanks.
704
705I didn’t care about appearances anymore, I was screaming. Of course, it was fine, because the others felt the same way.
706
707Then the 4th stuck his hand in the box and froze. He was trying to figure it out by touch.
708
709What an idiot. There’s no way you’d be able to tell. He’s going crazy.
710
711Unsurprisingly, he pulled out a blank.
712
713The 5th met a similar fate. Though, he was quicker.
714
715And the fateful 6th.
716
717He was the driver of the first magic train, ‘Phillip.’ The man whose head had bled after the accident where the train went off the rails.
718
719Before drawing, he turned to me and said:
720
721“Mister Kururi. I shall have this honor.”
722
723While his voice was quiet, there was a strength to it.
724
725Oh, no! He means to take it! He is going to take the honor for his son, Phillip!
726
727Is this the strength of a father!? His back looked incredibly strong as he walked over to the box…!
728
729Of course, none of that had anything to do with luck, and so he pulled out a blank.
730
731That meant that the last one was guaranteed to be a winner.
732
733I took the ticket out of the box and carefully unfolded it.
734
735‘Yay! You win.’
736
737I wondered if they couldn’t have written something better, but I was still happy! Finally, I was able to shout for joy over my own success, and not because of the failures of others.
738
739And like that, the hideous battle to decide the crew came to an end.
740
741The honored first crew quickly got on board, and everyone was assigned a role.
742
743We planned to run halfway down the dragon’s spine. As there was a turn-around rail there, we would be able to return to the station.
744
745I was chosen as the first driver.
746
747As the dragon’s spine was a straight line, we could drive fast without worrying about going off the rails. I told the passengers to feel secure on that issue.
748
749Then I touched the magic stone and filled it with energy.
750
751It traveled through the circuits until it reached the engine that was on top of the train.
752
753There was a thunderous roar that echoed throughout the train. It was deafening when the engine first came to life, but once the output became stable, the sound also died down. Once I saw that the engine was properly warmed, I turned off the breaks. At the same time, I sent even more energy towards the watering machine engine.
754
755The wheels on the rails let out a high-pitched screech as they began to turn.
756
757The speed picked up a little by little, and before we knew it, we were outside.
758
759The metal wheels were loud and shook hard as the train moved at a stable pace. The engine’s sound, the sound of the wind and the sound of the workers inside, the sound of the wheels. All of it was highly uncomfortable. But it was still running.
760
761And it was at a speed that would leave all horses in the dust.
762
763I pushed open a window that was on the side.
764
765And then I poked my head out.
766
767That was when I was assaulted by a wind that was so strong, I felt like I was going to be pulled out of the train. Still, I forced one eye open.
768
769The green landscape of Helan was rushing passed me at an incredible speed.
770
771I pulled my head back in. My eyes were filled with tears after the wind’s cruel treatment of them.
772
773“Haah! Look outside! It’s amazing!”
774
775Those who were free took turns poking their heads out of the window. There they experienced the same movement of the landscape and the violent winds caused by the magic train.
776
777There was also a small, iron window close to the driver’s seat.
778
779When I pushed it open, I was able to see the dragon’s spine that the train was riding on.
780
781Everything looked good. There was no reason we couldn’t continue on.
782
783After a while, I got used to controlling the magic.
784
785I would have to share all of the information I gathered on this trip. Every time this train ran, we would find something to improve.
786
787We continued to ride the train for another hour.
788
789Then I looked out the window and determined that we had reached the halfway point. This is where we would have to change direction.
790
791I weakened the supply of magic and slowly put on the breaks.
792
793And while the magic train started to shudder suspiciously, it yielded to my controlling hands, and I ultimately was able to stop the train at the perfect position.
794
795When the thunderous noises and shaking finally calmed down, we all enjoyed the silence that we felt we hadn’t experienced in a very long time.
796
797The power of the magic train was incredible. But so was the sounds and shaking.
798
799We got out of the train and looked back at the dragon’s backbone.
800
801The station was no longer visible. All we saw was the horizon that stretched on along the flat land.
802
803We had traveled such a distance at such a speed. It would be unthinkable to do the same on a horse. Not only that, but horses needed to rest when you traveled at such a distance. So that would add extra time. The difference in the amount of stuff you could carry was even greater.
804
805So, there were enough merits to outweigh the sounds and shaking.
806
807It was the first time we changed directions with the train as well, but it went along smoothly.
808
809I let someone else drive on the way back.
810
811And so I had nothing to do.
812
813However, it did allow me to see a lot more of the magic train.
814
815There was much to improve inside of it. And we could increase the speed as well.
816
817Besides, considering that passengers would be riding aboard this train, there were improvements to be made in terms of sound and shaking. But even then, I was happy that we had been able to make something that could run as stable as this.
818
819As the others all worked busily, I looked out of a side window and enjoyed the view.
820
821It was too fast to relax and enjoy it, but there was something about seeing this land that I had traveled over on horseback, now rush by so quickly. It made me quite emotional.
822
823As the noise was so loud already, I didn’t have to worry about the others, and so I started to hum to myself.
824
825It was a light-hearted song that expressed my current feeling of joy.
826
827The watering machine engine was quite warm now and sounded great.
828
829It also seemed like the wheels were turning more smoothly now.
830
831As for the crew, they were more excited than ever.
832
833Bam!! There was a loud crashing sound and the train shook.
834
835As we were caught completely off guard, we all fell to the floor.
836
837Luckily, no one fell too hard, and everyone was able to return to their feet. The driver quickly pulled the breaks and stopped sending energy to the engine.
838
839Everyone looked at him questioningly. He looked apologetic as he explained.
840
841“I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying enough attention to where we were going. And I ran over something.”
842
843He looked very pale.
844
845Once the magic train had stopped, I went outside to see what it was.
846
847It was a deer.
848
849It was dead.
850
851“Well, we learned a good lesson from this.”
852
853I tried to encourage the driver who had come to look. I was so relieved that it was just a deer. Sorry, deer.
854
855“I’m so very sorry. A deer…what should we do?”
856
857“Let’s eat it!”
858
859This was the day that we first rode the train. We could celebrate by eating it.
860
861We drained the carcass of blood and then dragged it into the train.
862
863And like that, I suddenly had something to do on the way back.
864
865As the train ran at full power, I carefully began to take the body apart.
866
867“Deer stew! Deer stew!”
868
869I hummed delightedly to myself.After the luggage cars had been connected, the magic train departed for Helan, full steam ahead.
870
871Though it had been used only to some extent, it has had a tremendous economic effect. Before, only a limited amount of goods could be transported in each car, but connecting ten luggage cars together has allowed for a large number of goods to be transported at a low cost.
872
873The first thing impacted by this was the price of ingredients.
874
875Their prices settled day after day and gradually began to drop.
876
877Producers were able to transport their goods in large quantities, stabilizing their operations in an attempt to continue to increase their supply.
878
879This was just one example. By many other similar reasons, the economy around Helan was about to reach its golden age.
880
881Though our assets are limited now, anyone could see that these lands would be able to create an immeasurable amount of goods. And then our pockets will start to fill up accordingly.
882
883I haven’t introduced the passenger car yet.
884
885There hadn’t been any more accidents since that unfortunate event with the deer, but one could not be too safe about this.
886
887Besides, its first run wasn’t exactly comfortable, so I needed to concentrate my efforts on that.
888
889I used buffering material on the linking sections of each car in order to absorb impact, and also worked on further improvements for the wheels.
890
891The magic train will probably have more chances to carry people in the future, but until it becomes more common, only wealthy people may be able to use it.
892
893So it was said these wealthy people had softened the sound and impact of the magic train to make for a more comfortable ride, and decided to have Eli on their test ride.
894
895She was wearing a splendid dress, complete with a leather travel bag. Though it took some effort, I was able to have her hold a parasol too, all so that the passengers could look at her and liven up the atmosphere.
896
897Waving her floral fan close to her face, the smiling Eri gets on the passenger car.
898
899Then, after each round trip, Eli would always get down from the magic train with a distressed expression on her face and a sore butt.
900
901“This is no good, really no good! I will not be cooking today!”
902
903“The next one will be better! So please, please cook!”
904
905After sending the grumpy Eli back to the mansion, we went on to deal with the improvements on the magic train. I would be nice if she would cook for us…
906
907Improving the magic train will improve the economy of the Helan territory, so we can’t be half-hearted about it.
908
909Much of the Gap Company’s investment has been poured onto the magic train as well.
910
911They certainly eat a lot of money but are the ones who spew out the most money too.
912
913“Lord Kururi, the Dragon’s Spine will be crossing the borders of the Helan territories soon.”
914
915While I was working on the magic train’s improvements, a man who I hadn’t seen in a while showed up at the warehouse.
916
917His head was as bald as ever, and he was wearing that charming smile of his. The owner of those burning eyes was Grash, who had been in charge of the construction of the Dragon’s Spine.
918
919“I see, it was faster than expected! That’s because this train’s leader is really good, huh?”
920
921Grash shyly hid his face as if he had some kind of itch.
922
923“Please, stop. If you say that, then the reason why this is running this smoothly is that you are great. After all, you are our leader, Lord Kururi.”
924
925“Oh, stop, you…”
926
927I also hid my face out of shyness.
928
929What are we doing? Praising each other, hiding our face from each other…
930
931I hope no one is watching this. Gross!
932
933“Let’s return to our main topic, shall we? The completion of this Dragon’s Spine means that magic trains will now be able to run around the entire Helan territories, so we can expect further economic development in the area.”
934
935“Yes, without a doubt.”
936
937Grash wholeheartedly agrees.
938
939“But that’s not the only thing that matters.”
940
941“Of course!”
942
943Once again, that was a good answer by Grash.
944
945Both of us, who are at the spearhead of this project, are still looking towards the future.
946
947“From now on, I will be working outside of the Helan territories. The circumstances may change, but I still definitely need you strength, Grash.”
948
949“I had thought you would say that.”
950
951“But it really depends on the upcoming negotiations. To be honest, I don’t know just how much I can tell you about them. You have done so well and I have been putting you through so much…”
952
953“The fact that you think that makes me really happy. I also want to do more and more, but at the same time I want to praise myself for a job well done so far.”
954
955“Of course! You deserve it. Feel free to praise yourself to your heart’s content!”
956
957We then kept on praising each other for a job well done, and worked out strategies and business negotiations for the future.
958
959Finally, the time had come to begin our negotiations with the Lord of the Karasas territory, west of Helan.
960
961For that, we had prepared several bargaining chips.
962
963A magic train running around Helan and becoming the core of the region’s economy would be a good demonstration.
964
965We headed for Karasas as soon as the date was settled.
966
967We have already sent a letter to the Lord of Karasas to inform him of our visit.
968
969Though it would take some effort, I decided to take the magic train there on the appointed day.
970
971It was also the day we first used the new passenger car. We had a squad of 300 Iron Heat Corps members on board.
972
973I was at the driver’s car together with Grash and Mr. Lotson.
974
975In the sky, Poobe –who has grown and now has a stronger and bulkier body– was following the magic train, matching its speed.
976
977We ran the magic train all the way to the Helan borders, then we stopped there.
978
979There were no more rails beyond that point.
980
981Poobe also landed near the point where we had stopped the train.
982
983There was a checkpoint on the road by the territorial border, and we were approached by officials of the Karasas territory when they noticed us.
984
985“Mr. Kururi Helan, right?”
986
987“That’s right.”
988
989“We were informed of your visit by our lord, but what is the reason for you bringing such a squad and even a dragon with you?”
990
991“I just felt like it.”
992
993“You… felt like it? But we can’t just let such dangerous elements into our territory that easily! Please leave your soldiers and your dragon on that side of the border. We will then guide you to our lord on that condition.”
994
995“Oh, okay. You guys wait here. I’ll go have a chat with the Lord of Karasas for a while.”
996
997“Are you sure, boss? Please call for us if the talking gets too troublesome. We’ll help smooth out those negotiations.”
998
999“I’m counting on that. I’ll be back soon. Expect some good news!”
1000
1001So Grash, Mr. Lotson and me stepped into the Karasas territory while everyone else stayed behind, cheerfully seeing us off.
1002
1003To be honest, the Karasas territory seems to be quite unremarkable.
1004
1005Being close to Helan means that the neighboring territories are pretty much all the same.
1006
1007I guess I can sympathize a lot with the worries of those poor fellows who only own excessively huge plots of land.
1008
1009We headed towards the house of the Lord of Karasas, hoping that our negotiations would go well.His domains were unremarkable, his estate was unremarkable, and the building that stood before our eyes looked like an old castle that had not been renovated for hundreds of years.
1010
1011There were several servants at his mansion’s entrance who gave the three of us the warmest welcome.
1012
1013Their recklessly serviceable attitude only made us feel a bit uncomfortable. Even after we had reached the reception room, they were still trying to be of service to us.
1014
1015If I think about it, we didn’t even have to talk about the swords we brought with us for our protection. I thought they would confiscate them, but they must have chosen not to take those precautions so as to not hurt the mood.
1016
1017We didn’t have to wait for too long in the reception room.
1018
1019Shortly afterward, a thin man who I then presumed to be the Lord of Karasas entered the room with a smile.
1020
1021The man, whose hair was short and tidy but sported an abundant beard, approaches us and gives each of us a hearty handshake.
1022
1023“Welcome, Kururi Helan.”
1024
1025He lowered his head at Mr. Lotson as he said that.
1026
1027“My name is Lotson. Lord Kururi is this man next to me.”
1028
1029Mr. Lotson pointed at me, who was at that moment sitting in the middle of the sofa.
1030
1031“Oh, so you are Lord Kururi? I’m sorry. I heard you were young, but I wasn’t expecting you to be this young. Oh, please don’t take this the wrong way. I’m not complaining.”
1032
1033He apologized and took a seat across from us.
1034
1035I had a hard time hiding my astonishment at this man’s humble demeanor.
1036
1037We had already spoken regarding the main point of our meeting in our letter. I had thought that if anything, it would have been us the ones to bow our heads to him, but our positions were actually the exact opposite.
1038
1039In this case, we could expect the negotiations to go without a hitch. Or could it be that he was being this polite because he wanted to refuse our offer? In any case, I wouldn’t know without actually talking with him first.
1040
1041“I am the Lord of Karasas. My name is Twist Karasas. I’m sorry for not introducing myself earlier, even though we’re from neighboring countries.”
1042
1043“I could say the same. I could have made the opportunity to introduce each other earlier, but haven’t until now. So there’s no need to apologize to each other.”
1044
1045I spoke with a gentle tone of voice to Twist, whose head was still humbly lowered.
1046
1047“I am grateful for your kind words. What a compassionate heart!”
1048
1049What was this odd feeling? Two lords have certainly met today in equal terms in order to do business, but why were they treating me like royalty?
1050
1051I was incredibly confused, but there was nothing I could do. So I decided to go straight to the point despite feeling uncomfortable.
1052
1053“Well then, I think that I have already mentioned the general idea behind today’s meeting, but I wanted to speak with you regarding the plans for the magic train.”
1054
1055“Yes, I accept them completely. So we have decided to talk about it even if this discussion would take us late into the evening.”
1056
1057What I had told him in the letter was a vague idea of what we would talk about, there weren’t any specific details or anything like that.
1058
1059So what was that thing that Twist and his people had already decided? I thought we were going to have a conversation together, but he kept on talking.
1060
1061“We’ve heard about the construction of the Dragon’s Spine, and of the current situation in Helan. To be quite frank, we are on a completely different level to you. We shall relinquish the section of the Dragon’s Spine over which the magic train runs, plus an area of 10 meters wide of the road that crosses over the Kalaras territory, to Helan.”
1062
1063Huh? What did he just say?
1064
1065“Uh… Lord Twist, please calm down. First, let us explain…”
1066
1067“Do you mean to say that’s not enough!?”
1068
1069Twist’s smile was now wrapped in a threatening attitude.
1070
1071“What do you mean ‘not enough’? We’re not saying anything like that.”
1072
1073“Perhaps you want to take all of our territories for yourself?”
1074
1075“Please, calm down!”
1076
1077“GWOOOH! To think it would come to this! At least… at least please find it in your heart to not raise your hand against my people when you take my life!!”
1078
1079Twist suddenly took out a dagger that was hidden in his breast pocket, and desperately tried to stab himself in the chest, turning the situation into a state of panic.
1080
1081The three of us were able to restrain the clearly upset Twist, but it was still not enough to completely thwarting his attempted suicide. Since it looked like he really was a danger to himself, I had no choice but to try to choke him unconscious by putting my arm around his neck from behind and applying enough pressure.
1082
1083Twist quickly lost consciousness and fell onto the floor.
1084
1085I couldn’t believe I would be judo choking the lord of a neighboring country on the day of our first meeting… This was definitely beyond my expectations for today.
1086
1087There was quite an uproar, and the room was quickly filled with servants, most of which had been waiting just outside.
1088
1089They were all whispering as they saw the Lord of Karasas lying motionless on the floor, saying such things as “I knew it…”
1090
1091What was that “I knew it”? Were they expecting me to judo choke their master? Just what kind of expectations did they have of us?
1092
1093Chaos soon reigned in the lord’s residence, but it eventually calmed down as people started to realize that Twist was indeed not dead.
1094
1095We let him rest on the sofa for a while. When he woke up, there were no signs of his previous violent anxiety and seemed to be ready to talk.
1096
1097“What!? So you were not planning to take the Karasas territory for yourself?”
1098
1099“That’s right. What made you think that? There was no mention of such intentions written in my letter!”
1100
1101“That may be the case, but I have heard many scary stories about Kururi Helan here and there. That you’re kind to the commoners, but on the other hand, you show no mercy to us nobles…”
1102
1103“That’s not true.”
1104
1105“Even that noble from the royal capital, Alegraden Fonteyne, returned to the capital with his head stuck in a jar after visiting the Helan territory!”
1106
1107“Well… that…”
1108
1109…did happen, yes. But those were special circumstances!
1110
1111“Moreover, I have heard that Lord Kururi Helan has a group of hired assassins and the strongest private army!”
1112
1113“Well… I…”
1114
1115…do have such an army. Yeah.
1116
1117“Even today, you have brought your brawny soldiers along on your magic train as if you were planning to use them to threaten me! And that dragon flying in the sky, too! After I read your letter I knew today was going to be the last day of my life.”
1118
1119“Please rest assured, I’m not planning to invade your territory or anything like that. First of all, that would be treason against the royal family.”
1120
1121“I’ve also heard that you have a deal with the royal family…”
1122
1123I don’t have a deal with them! I’m just friends with Rahsa, that’s all!
1124
1125“Haha… let’s pretend that none of us have heard such rumors about me. We have come to do business, that’s all.”
1126
1127After that, we finally started to discuss our main topic: the Dragon’s Spine construction project.
1128
1129We agreed that the Helan territory will be providing the technology and most of the workforce for the construction, while the Karasas territory will be providing the remaining necessary personnel. Grash will continue to be the train’s engineer and driver just as he was in Helan. He might have to move over to this country in the end. We then agreed that the funding will be a responsibility of Lord of Karasas, who shall pay with the treasure his family has accumulated over the generations. I had been under the impression that his vaults were quite full.
1130
1131But this had been possible only since the Lord of Karasas understood that this investment did not suppose a loss for him. We also have no obligation to help them in the construction of the train station here in Karasas. Whether or not it becomes a trending spot will be entirely up to them.
1132
1133And so, we settled on the main conditions that each party had in mind.
1134
1135Even though I had been confident about being able to settle this quickly, having finished our negotiations in just one day was far beyond my expectations.
1136
1137So that’s that.
1138
1139Even Twist, who at first thought he would lose everything to our invading forces, was able to keep an open mind and disregard what he had heard about me as the baseless rumors they were. It’s just like when bad people seem to be good people just because they do good things from time to time. Just because he had feared me, I was treated like a god and was able to gracefully settle matters with the Karasas territory.
1140
1141In the end, I was even able to take an important experience with me as a souvenir after our business discussion was over.
1142
1143“Maybe I shouldn’t bring the Iron Heat Corps along the next time I meet someone for business?”The construction of the Dragon’s Spine has started on Karalas as well.
1144
1145The Karalas region, once subject to a stagnant economy, was starting to brighten up. The fortune that the Lord of Karalas had been amassing started to flow back to the people, and rumors about the land’s upcoming prosperity started to spread out.
1146
1147The magic train was only operational in Helan at the moment, but demand for it grew day by day. It was no longer exclusive to Helan, and people from the royal capital would be starting to use it to go sightseeing in other places.
1148
1149The people’s desire to ride the magic train rained down on us like a deluge, and it took some time to process all of their requests.
1150
1151We realized we needed to make another magic train, or maybe two. With this kind of demand, the production cost would soon be paid off either way. The magic train has only been produced in Helan so far, but after our deal, we would continue to produce them here in Karalas. My plan was to share more details about the magic train, and I wasn’t against allowing other noblemen to produce their own magic trains. The Helan territory only needed to be at the vanguard by making the best use of our technology and experience.
1152
1153Things were still quite flurried in the royal capital, so even though I’ve told Rahsa and the others that I’d like them to try taking the magic train, they have replied in their letter that sadly they would not be able to do so for now.
1154
1155I had been sadly turned down by those I wanted to invite the most.
1156
1157Since there were so many requests from people interested in trying the magic train, we decided to hold a big raffle.
1158
1159The right to participate in it could be obtained directly by purchasing an entry ticket, but we also granted the ability to participate to those who had visited the hot springs in Helan, and also to those who had made purchases for a certain amount of money in the craftsmen’s street.
1160
1161We established a deadline of one month, when Eli and I would be picking the winners of the raffle at random from the large number of entries that we had received.
1162
1163It would be boring if only the rich could ride the train, so even though we have limited space, we had prepared special passenger cars for the townsfolk. Though they would lose out on comfort, the price was the same. They were divided into first class, second class, and third class, and we received several applications for each of them.
1164
1165“Look here. They’ve not only written their seat name but their reason for applying to the raffle as well.”
1166
1167Eli was holding a paper slip that had caught her attention, though she must have definitely picked it at random.
1168
1169“Huh? It’s from a 4-year-old kid.”
1170
1171I decided to silently listen to her talk about it.
1172
1173“What? Huh? No way! This is too much… Hey, can we let him on the train?”
1174
1175Did you pick one at random only just to make the decision yourself? That’s not how this works, Eli…
1176
1177I wanted to give her a piece of my mind, but there was a chance that she might boycott our dinner if I refused too coldly, so I took the piece of paper she was holding and started reading it.
1178
1179“My grandpa always talks about the magic train that was built in Helan.
1180
1181Every day, he seems to be having so much fun talking about it.
1182
1183I really, really love my grandpa!
1184
1185Grandpa said that one day we’d go on the magic train together.
1186
1187Through great effort, he saved and saved money so we could go together…
1188
1189But my grandpa is not in this world anymore.
1190
1191I want to make my grandpa’s wish come true.
1192
1193That’s why I want to be in the first-class car.
1194
1195I want to see the things my grandpa wanted to see!
1196
1197Please, please let me ride the magic train!”
1198
1199Uh…
1200
1201I think I’m going to cry…
1202
1203But nope.
1204
1205This is written way too well for a 4-year-old kid.
1206
1207And his grandpa saved money so that they both could go on the first-class car? And it was such a great effort? First-class is quite expensive, you know? Come on, you’re definitely rich.
1208
1209Eli has already put this slip into the winner’s box, but I’ll get rid of it later.
1210
1211“Hey, look, look! They’ve written their reasons for applying in this one too.”
1212
1213“Another one? I’ve already said that all they need is their full name and address…”
1214
1215“Oh, oh! Waah! You poor thing! We definitely need to let this one through too!”
1216
1217But we can’t do that!
1218
1219However, I said nothing. She might even not cook dinner at all if I do.
1220
1221“The day the magic train was put into operation, my life was changed forever.
1222
1223I was told I had an incurable disease, but for some reason, the moment the magic train was put into operation, my disease disappeared completely.
1224
1225I think it was fate.
1226
1227This was surely a message from the gods to tell me to keep on living.
1228
1229I should get on the magic train because of that experience.
1230
1231I have no money, but the force of my spirit is second to none.
1232
1233So please, let me ride the magic train.”
1234
1235That’s a great story.
1236
1237So your incurable disease disappeared completely on the same day the magic train was put into operation?
1238
1239Now that’s a story that wants you to really feel its message.
1240
1241But nope.
1242
1243Your incurable disease might have been cured by some miracle, yes, but it has nothing to do with the magic train.
1244
1245And also, pay your fare! If you’re cured, you can definitely work.
1246
1247That was quite shameless for someone who wants to go in the first-class car.
1248
1249Eli has put this slip into the winner’s box too. And I’ll get rid of it later as well.
1250
1251“Oh, I’d like to see what other reasons have our contestant put on their applications! Are there any more like those?”
1252
1253Hey! This is a raffle! They’re supposed to be selected at random! Have you forgotten that, Eli?
1254
1255She seemed to be too much into choosing the winners herself based on their stories for me to be able to stop her, so I decided to keep my mouth shut and cooperate with her for the time being.
1256
1257I’ll draw the actual winners later tonight, so I’ll humor Eli for now.“All right! Here’s another one with a story!”
1258
1259“Oh. All right, let’s hear it.”
1260
1261“Huhhh? This story is good too. Here, you read it.”
1262
1263I wanted Eli to read it for me, but she shoved it into my hands and went on to find the next one. Of course, she was going to handpick another winner. So I read the slip out loud.
1264
1265“My husband has been fired.
1266
1267His boss made a mistake and made my husband take the blame for it. I told my husband to take revenge on his boss, but he said that revenge isn’t a good thing.
1268
1269So after my husband got a new job, he started coming home earlier. He’s not working as many hours as he was in his previous job.
1270
1271Because of that, my husband and I have been getting along much better.
1272
1273We had been growing more and more distant before, but our relationship has now improved.
1274
1275It’s a bit embarrassing, but I’m writing this here because I’m so happy!”
1276
1277And what about the magic train!?
1278
1279Oh boy, and she hasn’t put her name on the form either!
1280
1281At least write something about your feelings regarding the magic train, even if it’s a lie!
1282
1283This story just made me feel sorry for the other two people I’ve rejected earlier.
1284
1285Of course, this one was a no. I would get rid of it later as well.
1286
1287This was no longer a random lottery. I could still not stop Eli from choosing the winners based on how much she liked the stories written on their application papers.
1288
1289To top it off, Eli’s very good at finding papers with stories. During the time I would find one of them, she’d found five.
1290
1291“Hmm, this one’s no good. There’s no story written here.”
1292
1293I picked up the paper slip that Eli had just thrown away, and read it out loud.
1294
1295“I want to take the magic train!!”
1296
1297Now that was written in a very concise way.
1298
1299Out of all of the applications I’ve seen, this was the one I liked the most. But you see, Mrs. Eli didn’t like it because it didn’t have a story! Better be more careful next time.
1300
1301That being said, I put that slip back into the raffle box.
1302
1303There was no stopping Eli.
1304
1305Her eyes were everywhere and her hands would not stop.
1306
1307It really made me wonder if she would be this agile when she haggled for ingredients at the market as she occasionally did.
1308
1309Those were the eyes and the hands of a housewife!
1310
1311“Next is this one. Hmm, I think it’s a pass, if only just barely.”
1312
1313Eli finished reading it, then I read it out loud. It was starting to become a routine.
1314
1315“I want to show my son the magic train.
1316
1317I’ve decided to take my chances so we could both see it.
1318
1319I’ve fallen in love with the magic train ever since I’ve first seen it. I could say I’m even more enthusiastic about the ride than my son.
1320
1321I have some savings, so I’m planning to use them for our ride.
1322
1323Please consider my application. Thanks.”
1324
1325Look at that. That was actually pretty decent.
1326
1327She even asked us to consider her application quite nicely.
1328
1329It was very straightforward.
1330
1331I was starting to get a funny feeling for reading it too many times.
1332
1333Yup, back to the raffle box, if only just barely.
1334
1335We then continued on picking slips of paper and reading them to each other, like a well-oiled machine. Eli would give me every piece of paper she found, but I returned any applications I found without a story to the raffle box.
1336
1337Eli wasn’t choosing the winners, she was just looking for nice stories. But I’m a man who knows what really needs to be done.
1338
1339I soon found out that while Eli lacked in speed for our work, she made up for it in content.
1340
1341“I want to get on the magic train that my son made.
1342
1343I would like the best seat it has to offer.
1344
1345I have plenty of money. I make lots through my paintings.
1346
1347My wife is also looking forward to riding the magic train.
1348
1349I’d also be delighted to be able to return to my hometown after such a long time.
1350
1351I miss the hot springs in Helan.”
1352
1353Oh, that seems like it’s from someone I know.
1354
1355It must be from that person who spends his time painting at the royal capital.
1356
1357And he applied just like everyone else!
1358
1359That was something a little different than what I would have expected from him.
1360
1361Though on second thought, he is a bit like that.
1362
1363I silently put his application slip into the rejected ones’ box.
1364
1365Eli’s pace started to slow down as time passed, and she finally came to a halt by dinner time.
1366
1367“Phew, is it this late already? Oh well, I’ll go make dinner, so please take care of the rest, okay?”
1368
1369“Sure, leave it to me.”
1370
1371That was my chance. That’s when I would take out and discard the applications that Eli had selected.
1372
1373But in the end, I couldn’t bring myself to just throw away those applications after Eli went through so much to read each of their stories, so I decided to give them another chance.
1374
1375I put them back into the raffle box and did some more random drawings. And I got…
1376
1377… That fake 4-year old again.
1378
1379Cold sweat dripped down my forehead.
1380
1381Please bring an adult along…
1382
1383Next drawing…
1384
1385…That broke guy who was miraculously cured of that incurable disease.
1386
1387No way. You are not riding for free.
1388
1389I also drew the application from that housewife whose husband had changed jobs. Again.
1390
1391But you did forget to put down your name on your application.
1392
1393One by one, I was drawing each of the applications that Eli had chosen.
1394
1395By the way, my father’s regular application was not selected.
1396
1397Thus concluded our raffle, after having left the choosing of the winners to fate. Well, if we only look at the results, our winners had already been chosen by Eli.
1398
1399So let me rephrase that: Thus concluded Eli’s raffle, after having left Eli to choose the winners herself, based on Eli’s criteria.
1400
1401Otherworld 125 teaser
1402
1403Reconciliation?
1404
1405“Almus-dono. About the reconciliation…”
1406
1407“Did it arrive at your place as well?”
1408
1409As I finished saying, Carlo nodded.
1410
1411Although I hold the initiative of this war, Carlo is the leader, for what it matters.
1412
1413After all, the purpose of this war is to turn Prince Carlo into King Carlo.
1414
1415As such, it isn’t weird for the same document to be delivered to both of us.
1416
1417Or rather, it’s actually weird for it to be delivered to me.
1418
1419“I would actually like to talk about that right now, is that alright?”
1420
1421“Yes. There’s no need to hurry but we shouldn’t be delaying it either.”
1422
1423Carlo nodded and answered.
1424
1425Seven figures had gathered inside a large tent.
1426
1427Raymond, Bartolo and I had come from Rosyth kingdom.
1428
1429Carlo DeMorgal, General Tonino and a powerful noble Letis Blouse had come from the DeMorgal kingdom.
1430
1431And finally, Muzio from Equus kingdom.
1432
1433Since Alexios and the others were publicly regarded as mercenary I hired, they didn’t participate in the meeting.
1434
1435Muzio was the first to break the ice.
1436
1437“We, the Equus tribe, have come here to return the favor to King Almus. As such, we do not demand any interest. However…”
1438
1439Muzio’s voice roughened.
1440
1441“It’s evident that Rozel was supporting the rebellion in our country!! If I don’t have Rozel pay for it, I can’t face my dead father, brother and my comrades in the other world!!”
1442
1443Muzio exclaimed, slamming his wrist on the desk.
1444
1445His heart was filled with rage.
1446
1447“The problem is the evidence… That shaman still hasn’t confessed, right?”
1448
1449“…..There aren’t any shamans in our country who could undo that curse.”
1450
1451Rozel’s shaman has information leakage prevention curse.
1452
1453If they try to leak any info, their heart will explode.
1454
1455As long as they don’t undo this curse, they can’t be hasty about the matter.
1456
1457“Speaking of which, I have ordered to have her transported here. She should reach in about 3 days. And then…”
1458
1459“I shall ask Julia to try and undo it.”
1460
1461As I said that, Muzio silently expressed his gratitude.
1462
1463There’s no better shaman than Julia in Aderia peninsula.If Julia can’t do it, then probably no one else can.
1464
1465“A formal apology and compensation to King Equus’ country. Prince Aldo’s release from the DeMorgal Kingdom. Compensation from Rosyth Kingdom. An armistice treaty that lasts no less than 3 years. Do any of these need to be revised?”
1466
1467Raymond presented a concrete peace plan.
1468
1469The first two are essential, while the latter will be done if possible.
1470
1471I don’t know whether Rozel will actually pay our country or not.
1472
1473After all, Rozel is still far below having enough national power to do so.
1474
1475Both Carlo and I showed our consent to Raymond’s proposition.
1476
1477However, Bartolo did not.
1478
1479“Hmm, why do we need to be talking about reconciliation? Is it really necessary to make such a treaty? We should pursue this peace, not negotiate it. There is no time to talk about peace.”
1480
1481Surely there were many others who thought that way too.
1482
1483They want to end the war as much as any of us.
1484
1485War is so unpredictable and it costs so much money.
1486
1487If this war continues, it is going to seriously damage our internal industry.
1488
1489However, the time to defeat Rozel is now.
1490
1491“But General Bartolo, what do you plan to do if we lose the war? I think a reconciliation really is for the best…”
1492
1493“To speak of defeat before actually fighting is an extremely cowardly thing to say, Lord Raymond. Have you lost your nerve?”
1494
1495“What!? I’m just saying that there’s a rare possibility of it happening…”
1496
1497Raymond and Bartolo glared furiously at each other.
1498
1499It was the first time I had ever seen these two fight.
1500
1501Well, that was new.
1502
1503“To begin with, have you ever lost even once?”
1504
1505“That’s a thing of the past. We won the previous battle, and we’ll win the next one. The morale of the enemy troops has been greatly reduced. I can’t afford to lose this opportunity. The difference of power between our country and Rozel’s is no less than tenfold. I have to strike now.”
1506
1507“But that’s exactly what I’m talking about. What do you think will happen if Rozel gets serious and comes at us with full force? We’ll be dragged through the mud. The soldiers want to return home and not to worry about being used as tools. Rather than a time for war, now is the time for peace. If we miss this chance, there won’t be another one.”
1508
1509Hmm, they both made a solid point, huh?
1510
1511I can’t decide who to side with.
1512
1513I want to weaken Rozel as much as possible too.
1514
1515But it sure is a risky move…
1516
1517It’s a matter of a high-risk, high-reward plan versus a low-risk, low-reward plan.
1518
1519Which one should we stick to?
1520
1521“General Tonino, what Bartolo says… Can we win?”
1522
1523The one to ask that question to Tonino was Carlo.
1524
1525Tonino answers with a confident nod.
1526
1527“I think we can. But we need to attack first. Now’s our chance.”
1528
1529So two of our generals think we can win.
1530
1531Next…
1532
1533Naturally, everyone’s gaze turned towards Letis Blouse.
1534
1535What would be the head of the Blouse family’s opinion?
1536
1537“We would rather be settling this with a cession of territory… If at all possible, we would like to concede a portion of Rozel’s territory.”
1538
1539War 3, Peace 1.
1540
1541The people advocating for war had a clear advantage.
1542
1543“What are your thoughts on the matter, Carlo?”
1544
1545Carlo met my question with a bitter smile as he answered.
1546
1547“Hmm… I think that as long as I can ascend to the throne, there shouldn’t be any problem. Our country has been ravaged by this war and we need to reorganize ourselves as soon as possible. We can’t afford to keep prolonging this war…  But on the other hand, considering just how much more powerful Rozel can become in the future, we also have a choice to strike them down now that we can…
1548
1549He wasn’t being able to make up his mind.
1550
1551Not that I could make such a decision myself, either.
1552
1553“Lord Almus! Lord Carlo! We need your decisive judgment! Now’s the time we can defeat Rozel once and for all!!”
1554
1555“Our top priority is to bring peace to our people! If we continue this war, the morale of our troops will certainly fall and that will be our ruin!”
1556
1557Bartolo and Raymond urged us both to decide on the matter.
1558
1559Both of them looked so intimidating…
1560
1561We had better come to a decision quickly.
1562
1563However…
1564
1565My poor brain didn’t know which choice was the right one!
1566
1567And just when I was getting worried about having to leave it to chance while saying “There’s no going back now…”
1568
1569“Your Majesty! Hawk mail from Lord Yal!”
1570
1571“Hawk mail! Bring it to me, quick!”
1572
1573What excellent timing!
1574
1575After receiving the letter from the guard, I quickly broke the envelope’s seal and began reading it.
1576
1577……
1578
1579……
1580
1581……
1582
1583I spontaneously started smiling.
1584
1585The other six people stared at me in anticipation.
1586
1587After carefully folding the letter, I informed the six about its contents.
1588
1589“The Kingdoms of Gilberd and Faldham have invaded Rozel.”
1590
1591“…Special Request?”
1592
1593That day, we paid a visit to the adventurer’s guild, and that was what the receptionist told us.
1594
1595“Yes, we would like Kazuma-san’s party, no, Aqua-san to do a special job.”
1596
1597Normally, adventurers took jobs by browsing the noticeboard and taking any quests that struck their fancy.
1598
1599However, if you’re skilled or famous enough, it’s possible that someone might request you for a job by name.
1600
1601On top of awarding more money in general, getting such a request is quite a mark of fame for most adventurers, so they are almost always welcome.
1602
1603“Why would they ask for Aqua by name? The client must be planning to do something fishy.”
1604
1605“No, it might be someone who just moved to town. Aqua’s class is an Archpriest, after all. If you don’t know anything else about her, she would sound like a really powerful adventurer.”
1606
1607“You two, if you keep saying stuff like that, I’ll give you the divine punishment of being fated to run into Kazuma in the bath.”
1608
1609Darkness and Megumin were just teasing Aqua, but they didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.
1610
1611I’ll leave asking about that divine punishment of hers to a later date. Right now, I’m curious about that request.
1612
1613The receptionist nodded along without raising any objections.
1614
1615“Yes, about that, we confirmed it with the client multiple times. Are you sure you’ve got the right person, is that really okay, you’re fine with waiving compensation if the request fails, and so on… But it seems like he’s fully aware of what he’s doing when he asked for Aqua-san…”
1616
1617“Onee-san, if you keep saying such things, I’ll give you a divine punishment where hot water refuses to flow only after you’ve shampooed your hair and is going to rinse it off.”
1618
1619Even though she should have no idea of her true identity, the receptionist still seemed taken aback and hurriedly waved her hands.
1620
1621“But, I understand why he did so after hearing him out. The request is–”
1622
1623 
1624
1625— The next day.
1626
1627“Please leave the offerings over here. As for the wine, arrange them in order of pricing.”
1628
1629At the fields close to town, a large number of adventurers are making preparations for the rain-calling ritual under Aqua’s supervision.
1630
1631The request turned out to be for Aqua to call down rain around this region. Well, things related to water is the one thing she’s good at, so I suppose it’s not surprising.
1632
1633“… Say, will this really call down rain? Actually, can’t we just have Aqua use Sacred Create Water here instead?”
1634
1635There hasn’t been any rain recently, so it seems like the fields around town are starting to experience a shortage of water.
1636
1637However, magic exists in this world.
1638
1639They could just get a few magic users here and solve the problem with a few applications of Create Water.
1640
1641“Kazuma, magic doesn’t create water out of nothing, you know? Create Water and similar spells just gathers up water from the area using magic. If you use Create Water to water the fields, it’d just take away water from the atmosphere, so it wouldn’t solve anything in the long-term.”
1642
1643… Yeah, if you can create an infinite amount of water from nothing, the amount of water in the world would steadily increase until it eventually turns the entire planet into a ball of water.
1644
1645This world is under the guidance of a goddess, after all. I’m sure they set up such limits to prevent the world from being destroyed so easily.
1646
1647“I see… Ah, wait, then, what about Create Earth? Is it drawing earth up from deep beneath us too?”
1648
1649“How would I know anything about earth? It probably came from some mysterious space or something.”
1650
1651What the hell is this mysterious space? I regret feeling admiration for her for even a moment.
1652
1653“Aqua, I can just leave the offerings here, right? There seems to be quite a lot of alcohol amongst the offerings. This isn’t for your personal use, right?  You aren’t messing around with the ritual, are you?”
1654
1655“What are you saying, Megumin? All creatures associated with water love wine. This is a sacred ritual to gather the spirits of water in the region. I’m borrowing just a small portion of their power in exchange for all this wine.”
1656
1657Aqua, with a rare serious expression on her face, explained. Just then, Darkness showed up carrying a large, expensive looking bottle.
1658
1659“Should I start scattering this wine around? I heard that they especially love wine as offerings, so I brought with me the most expensive bottle my father had in his collection.”
1660
1661“What are you saying, Darkness? It’d be a waste to scatter such expensive wine around. Leave that expensive wine over there. This is part of the ritual. Yes, it’s a very important part of the ritual.”
1662
1663She’s definitely planning on keeping the expensive wine for herself.
1664
1665Just then, the adventurers who were busy with the preparations for the ritual called out to Aqua.
1666
1667“Aqua-san, we’ve finished arranging the offerings!”
1668
1669“Is there anything else we need to do?”
1670
1671The wine bottles have been lined up neatly around the area, and the people who’ve come to witness this rare ceremony have formed a large crowd, busily chatting away in anticipation.
1672
1673“Oh, well, isn’t this is a nice sight? Very well, I’ll begin the ritual now. I need to show everyone what a goddess can really do every so often.”
1674
1675In front of the rows of bottles, Aqua happily looked up into the sky–
1676
1677 
1678
1679“Oh, my kin who live in this world… the Goddess of water, Aqua, calls you…”
1680
1681 
1682
1683Just like back during the battle with Beldia, Aqua gave off a very solemn aura–
1684
1685“… Ah, ah! Wait a minute! I haven’t told you to do anything yet, so don’t start gathering on your own!”
1686
1687Something unexpected must have happened, for Aqua suddenly shouted in a panic.
1688
1689Actually, I can feel the humidity sharply increase.
1690
1691She’s probably seeing something that we can’t see, but…
1692
1693“You got it? I’m commanding you as a Goddess, but don’t make it rain right away. Eventually, I will say ‘It seems like we need more offerings…’ and motion to them to get more wine. Then you can make it rain… Do you understand?”
1694
1695Aqua shouted to empty air, but everyone understood that they didn’t actually need any offerings.
1696
1697Just as the adventurers started discreetly taking sneaking bottles of wine away, Aqua cleared her throat.
1698
1699“In the name of the goddess Aqua… Hey, I told you not yet!… Huh? You want an offering? Okay, fine, I’ll give you some wine later… Ah, not that one! Pick a cheaper bottle!”
1700
1701Even though she hasn’t started asking for rain yet, thick rain clouds have already gathered across the fields.
1702
1703“Why are the spirits of water in this world so wilful!? Ah! Wait! I had my eye on that one!”
1704
1705It seems like the spirits of water have personalities very much like someone we know.
1706
1707“Waaaaah! My wine!”
1708
1709Eventually, we fled from the massive downpour that descended over the fields and praised Aqua who managed to be useful for once–
1710
1711 
1712
1713A few days later.
1714
1715The Axis Cult gained a new follower after Aqua gave him a teruteru Aqua, that she made while she was bored, that could call down rain by being turned upside down, but that’s a story for a different time.
1716“Explosion!!”
1717
1718A large explosion blossomed over the rocky mountains not too far from Axel.
1719
1720When the shockwave and dust cloud subsided, only a large crater remained.
1721
1722“Kukuku… So the pitiful sacrifice became a part of my power today… However, your existence will not vanish. Indeed. After all, you’ll become the experience points of the great mage Megumin and forever exist as part of me…!”
1723
1724The great mage said that while laying collapsed on the floor.
1725
1726“Yeah, yeah, that lost kobold you defeated will definitely live on in your heart. Here, lift your arms up a little. I’ll carry you.”
1727
1728“Hey, I’m basking in the afterglow after defeating the monster in a fierce battle, so please stop calling it a lost kobold. That sense of scale really makes me feel disheartened, you know?”
1729
1730What fierce battle? The only thing you did was sight a lone kobold wandering around and blew it up from afar.
1731
1732“…Hmm? Can you see a kobold over there? And it looks like there are two of them…”
1733
1734Perhaps drawn by the sound of the explosion, a few figures appeared behind a rocky outcropping in the distance and seemed to be looking our way.
1735
1736Using my Farsight skill, I confirmed that they are indeed kobolds.
1737
1738“They probably came searching for my sacrifice. Kazuma, please direct them to the corpse of that kobold. Allow him to at least rest in peace…”
1739
1740“No, as an adventurer, I can’t let them go. Plus… Is that really something you should be saying while lying on the ground?”
1741
1742I drew my bow and nocked an arrow while aiming at the faraway kobold.
1743
1744“Sorry, I bear no grudge against you, but… Let your life become my power… Snipe!”
1745
1746The arrow that I loosed with my skill was guided straight into the chest of one of the kobolds.
1747
1748“That was a really nice shot, Kazuma! You always give a score to my daily Explosion spell, so I’ll do the same for you in return… Hmm, I feel like you’re showing mercy and holding back, so I’ll give it 72 points this time.”
1749
1750“Hey, stop, if you assign a score to my shooting, I will suddenly feel self conscious. Dammit, just let me take out the last one… Wait…”
1751
1752After being briefly distracted by Megumin, I turned back and noticed that the number of kobolds have increased.
1753
1754Three kobolds were pointing in our direction.
1755
1756“Hey, I think there are more kobolds coming. Three of them might be hard for me to handle…”
1757
1758If I were alone, I could’ve handled it somehow with the Snipe and Lurk skill, but it’d be hard to deal with them while I’m carrying a nearly immobile Megumin around.
1759
1760“Getting scared of dealing with a few kobolds is really pathetic! I’m giving you 62 points! I regret even giving you such a high score in the first place!”
1761
1762“If I abandon you, I’ll be able to win easily! Do you want me to prove it here and now!? … Hey, let me go! That was a joke! I won’t abandon you, so stop getting in my way! I can’t very well shoot like this!”
1763
1764As I shook off Megumin who clung onto my pants with a death grip, the kobolds took that chance to close the distance.
1765
1766“You idiot, we are really in a pinch now! I could’ve stood a better chance if I was able to thin their numbers with Snipe before they closed in! Ah, there’s even more of them now! There’s no way I can win against five of them!”
1767
1768“Kazuma, now is not the time to be assigning blame! Now that it’s come to this, you should give me some of your mana! We should be able to get away far more easily if we were both running that than carrying me on your back!”
1769
1770It’s all because of her that we ended up in such a crisis, but I can’t really lecture her in this situation.
1771
1772Using Drain touch, I gave her some of my mana, and she immediately leapt to her feet.
1773
1774“I’ll go get help from Axel! Kazuma, please hold them here!”
1775
1776“Stop joking around! I’m obviously running away with you! … Ah! You little bastard, you asked me to give you enough mana to run away just so you can leave me behind as bait! Dammit, you don’t believe in me at all!”
1777
1778Megumin dashed on ahead, and I followed, hot on her heels.
1779
1780“I would’ve had more trust in your abilities if you didn’t say you’ll be able to win easily if you abandoned me! … Ah, Kazuma, they are in front too! We are surrounded! This is really bad!”
1781
1782“Dammit, how did Kobolds outsmart us!? Now that it’s come to this, I’ll use my Snipe skill to thin out their numbers so we can break straight through them! Once we are through and gained some distance, I’ll use my Lurk skill to make out the rest of the way!”
1783
1784I raised my bow and let loose an arrow at the fast approaching kobolds, while Megumin next to me gripped her staff in preparation for close combat–
1785
1786 
1787
1788— After reaching the town of Axel, we got in line behind the returning adventurers waiting to go through the gates.
1789
1790Megumin and I were completely silent.
1791
1792Our fierce battle with the kobolds left us completely exhausted…
1793
1794“Huh? M-Megumin? What a coincidence! You’re together with Kazuma, so you must be coming back from your daily ritual, right?”
1795
1796Just then, Megumin’s self proclaimed rival, Yunyun, showed up behind us.
1797
1798Along with her was a party of what appeared to be newbie adventurers.
1799
1800“Are you friends of Yunyun-san? She saved us when we were being chased by a rookie killer…”
1801
1802“Yes, I really can’t thank her enough… If Yunyun-san didn’t show up, we would probably have been wiped out!”
1803
1804“Yunyun-san is really strong! I can’t help but look up to her!”
1805
1806Rookie killers are cunning and cruel monsters that hang around creatures like goblins and kobolds that, despite not being particularly strong, command a fairly high price per head.
1807
1808Yunyun, after receiving praise from the adventurers she saved, turned beet red and stiffened up.
1809
1810“I see, a rookie killer, huh? To us Crimson Demons, such creatures are but experience points. I recall ripping one to pieces when I was younger.”
1811
1812After hearing such a confident statement, the adventurers shifted their gaze to the other Crimson Demon.
1813
1814“… Oh? You ripped a rookie killer to shreds before? I’ve spent many years with you, but I didn’t know about that at all.”
1815
1816“Well, killing a rookie killer isn’t anything to boast about. It’s natural that you wouldn’t have known about it. I wish I could be present, but we were engaged in a fierce battle with monsters over on that mountain…. A rookie killer, huh? Well, if I was present, it would’ve been defeated in a flash.”
1817
1818Megumin, who had almost been defeated in battle against a band of fierce kobolds, boldly said, and Yunyun’s eyes started glowing red.
1819
1820“Oh, I see, so that means that there was an even stronger monster than the rookie killer around, right? Isn’t that a really big deal, Megumin? We need to report this to the guild!”
1821
1822“Oh, I’ve already taken care of it, so there’s no need for that! W-What are you doing!? Trying to take a look at my adventurer’s card without permission is a violation of my privacy!”
1823
1824As these two archmages started struggling over Megumin’s adventurer’s card and, with it, the monsters killed records, the surrounding adventurers started gathering around them and shouting encouragements.
1825
1826One of them is an archmage capable of killing a rookie killer single handedly and has the admiration of the beginner adventurers in this town, while the other is a defective archmage who was almost defeated by a pack of kobolds…
1827
1828“If you aren’t lying, then show me your card! You always tell such cheap lies!”
1829
1830“I don’t want to hear that from you! You’re the one who keeps putting obvious lies about the many friends you’ve made in Axel in your letters back home! Oh, what’s with those eyes? You want to go? Very well, we’ll put an end to this on this very day!”
1831
1832These are the two Archmages fighting for the right to be called the best mage in this town, but—
1833
1834On that day.
1835
1836When I came to, the first thing I saw was Darkness creeping into my room for a night raid.
1837
1838“… This is my first time, so I’d really wish you’d pay attention to the mood when you do stuff like this.”
1839
1840“I-Idiot, what are you saying!? Don’t say such misleading things the first thing in the morning! What were you going to do if someone saw us and got the wrong impression!?”
1841
1842To be specific, it’s not actually night right now, so calling it a night raid is perhaps not strictly accurate.
1843
1844Darkness quickly hastened to shut me up, but it’s already too late…
1845
1846“A-Awawawawawa! Darkness is leaning over Kazuma first thing in the morning!”
1847
1848“Aqua!? Wait, that’s not it! I have something I need to talk to Kazuma about and wanted to wake him…!”
1849
1850Aqua said while peeking in through the gap in the door, and Darkness hastily shouted back while covering me with my blanket.
1851
1852 
1853
1854“— In other words, after you tripped over me while waiting for a good time to wake me up, I woke up just as you were trying to get off me without waking me?”
1855
1856“Y-Yes, that’s exactly it! I thought it was uncharacteristically clumsy of me too…!”
1857
1858Darkness seemed to be on the verge of tears as I finally understood what happened after much explanation.
1859
1860“So that’s when you thought ‘Since Kazuma-san is already awake…’ and decide to go through with it, right?”
1861
1862“Aqua, don’t butt in! Who would do something that stupid!? Ah, dammit…!”
1863
1864Darkness took a moment to compose herself after receiving our constant teasing and, with a freshly serious expression on her face, said.
1865
1866“Kazuma, please lend me your aid! Chris has been acting really strange as of late!”
1867
1868 
1869
1870—While watching over her from the shadows, Darkness whispered to Aqua and me.
1871
1872“… Chris has been hanging out with some unsavory characters around here recently. I wanted to ask her what she was up to myself, but, err…”
1873
1874Darkness trailed off, glancing between Aqua and me.
1875
1876“But… what? I won’t get it if you don’t say it.”
1877
1878When I urged her to continue, Darkness reluctantly turned towards me.
1879
1880“… Well, thinking about it, I too hang out with some unsavoury characters…”
1881
1882“Oh, oh, Darkness-san, you sure said some interesting things, haven’t you!”
1883
1884“Kazuma-san, hold her down! I’m going to put her hair into pigtails and parade her around the adventurer’s guild!”
1885
1886As the two unsavory characters closed in on Darkness, she motioned for us to be quiet between bouts of near silent pleading.
1887
1888“Seriously, so this is why you brought me along… Chris has the Enemy Detection skill, so she’ll easily figure out if anyone else is following her.”
1889
1890“Yes, exactly. With you here, we can follow her much more closely with your Lurk skill. Normally, there’s no way I could’ve tailed her from this close… Ah, that’s him, Kazuma! Anyone would say that man looks to be up to no good… Ah!? He brought out a suspicious bag!”
1891
1892Following Darkness’s pointing, I saw Chris talking to a man wearing a thick leather jacket.
1893
1894The muscle bound man with deep scars on his cheeks had a bag filled with white powder in this hands–
1895
1896“That’s the guy who runs the cake shop. He apparently used to be an adventurer, but his dream was always to open a cake shop. It seems like he’s passing Chris good flour and sugar at her request.”
1897
1898“Hey, Darkness, get a hold of yourself! Shouldn’t you be happy that we were worried for nothing!?”
1899
1900Darkness fell limp for a moment upon hearing Aqua’s words, but quickly leapt to her feet.
1901
1902“Y-Yes, that man is just the start! There’s another man I’m actually worried about!”
1903
1904With a slight blush, Darkness declared to cover up her misunderstanding.
1905
1906 
1907
1908“—Look into that alley. You’ll understand why I’m concerned at a glance.”
1909
1910Chris’s next destination was a shadowy alley.
1911
1912Following Darkness’s instructions, standing in the alley was a man in a white coat with a meat cleaver hanging off his hip.
1913
1914His white coat seemed stained with something, so I used Farsight to take a closer look, and those stains turned out to be blood…!
1915
1916“That’s the butcher. He specializes in dealing with chickens and other birds… Ah, Chris just received a bag of eggs from him. That’s a relief, Darkness. Seems like she’s just out on a shopping trip.”
1917
1918“Darkness, calm down. Rather than berating yourself, you should be thankful that nothing happened to Chris.”
1919
1920Darkness buried her face in her hands and seemed to grow smaller.
1921
1922–Just then,
1923
1924“Say, you guys have been following me since morning. What’s going on?”
1925
1926She must have closed the distance while Aqua and I were busy comforting Darkness.
1927
1928 
1929
1930“—Ahahaha! How foolish of you, Darkness! I’m a devout follower of Eris who loves justice, you know? There’s no way I would end up bad people!”
1931
1932After hearing our explanation, Chris let out a hearty laugh.
1933
1934“Kuh, I have nothing to say… To think that I would doubt a friend like that…”
1935
1936Chris let out a chuckle towards Darkness who fell onto her knees.
1937
1938“Heheheh, I’m actually happy about that. After all, it just means you care about me that much, right, Darkness?”
1939
1940“Uggh…. That might be true, but I judged others by their appearances and even cast my doubts on them. As a servant of Eris, I don’t think I can forgive myself…”
1941
1942Darkness seems to place a lot of importance on the weirdest things sometimes.
1943
1944Chris placed a hand on Darkness’s shoulder.
1945
1946“It’s fine, you might have gone a little overboard, but it’s all out of concern for a friend. I’m sure Eris-sama will forgive you.”
1947
1948As Chris said that with a smile, Aqua interjected with something completely unnecessary.
1949
1950“Do you really think so? She’s really serious and inflexible, so she might not actually forgive Darkness.”
1951
1952“Hey, Aqua-san, you’re just making Darkness more depressed, so cut it out!”
1953
1954Darkness buried her head between her knees and shut herself out from the world.
1955
1956Though, there was something that bothered me.
1957
1958“Say, Chris, you bought quite a lot of things today. What are you planning to make with that?”
1959
1960“Eh!? That’s, um, well…”
1961
1962Chris stuttered while trying and failing not to look at Darkness.
1963
1964So it has something to do with Darkness, then?
1965
1966“It’s a cake! Flour, sugar, and eggs is definitely for a cake! Chris, is the birthday of someone you know coming soon?”
1967
1968At Aqua’s sudden words, Darkness and Chris both seemed to stiffen up in shock.
1969
1970… Ah, I see what’s going on.
1971
1972“Right, Aqua, let’s go home. I’ll give you some money, so buy some delicious wine for later, okay?”
1973
1974Having her plans for a surprise party revealed, Chris stood with trembling shoulders and a red face.
1975
1976Darkness, too, was trembling in much the same way.
1977
1978I turned towards the two of them and said,
1979
1980“I’ll have Megumin cook up a lavish feast, so you two come home early, okay?”
1981
1982 
1983
1984On the way home, I bought a stuffed toy for a certain someone who, despite being usually serious and stiff, has a soft spot cute and fancy stuff.
1985
1986One day, in the Office of the Empress in the Imperial Palace of San Fleuve.
1987Elizabeth II was flipping through a thick textbook, the cover of which read “de Medicis’s New Foundations of Biopharmacy”. As she flipped through the pages, little puffs of wind blew on her tidy hair and caused it to blow about.
1988She looked up from the book and murmured in approval, impressed.
1989
1990“I see”
1991
1992Bang! The Empress slammed the textbook shut.
1993Falma and Palle gulped.
1994They were, after all, the primary and secondary authors of the textbook that she was holding.
1995
1996“I don’t get it”
1997
1998(Even though it’s regretful, it’s to be expected)
1999Falma thought to himself.
2000“It’s a medical/pharmaceutical textbook printed by a mimeograph, right? That’s all I can understand”
2001“I wonder if this textbook will be added to the list of new inventions. It’ll be added, right?” the Empress asked the two who had presented the textbook. Palle anxiously interjected, “I don’t know if I’ll ever get to present anything to Her Majesty in my life again. Let me come!” Because the flu was prevalent within the palace, Palle was worried that he wouldn’t be allowed to go due to the risks of infection during chemotherapy. However, Falma’s sanctuary would keep him safe as long as he was nearby, so they both went to the ceremony.
2002Palle, who was feeling the pressure of a once-in-a-lifetime moment, caused Falma to be nervous as well.
2003“de Medicis brothers, this is an admirable achievement”
2004“Haha-“
2005“I’m honored”
2006Falma and Palle accepted the praise and humbly bowed.
2007(Oh no, speaking of- his head!)
2008Despite his best intentions, Falma couldn’t help but stare at Palle’s head while he bowed. However, having learned his lesson from the incident in the temple, Palle had somehow attached the wig to his head. Falma turned his mind to something else.
2009
2010“Claude”
2011“Yes”
2012The Empress beckoned for the Chief Court Physician, who happened to be present, and handed him the textbook. As usual, he was wearing a black coat with a ruffled collar.
2013“As the Chief Physician, evaluate this book for me”
2014“Understood, I shall read it now”
2015Claude examined the textbook with a stern expression on his face, trying to determine whether it was nonsense or scientifically correct.
2016“You two, over here”
2017A butler escorted Falma and Palle to sit in some chairs which had been prepared in the corner of the office. Meanwhile, as Claude continued reading, the Empress called for the Secretary of State and quickly began to work on their other tasks.
2018Claude’s review took a bit of time and while Falma seemed to be calm and collected, Palle appeared as though he would collapse any moment. This was due to the pressure of having his work be reviewed by the Chief Physician, the Empire’s best doctor. Falma couldn’t help but notice and whispered.
2019“You look sick, are you alright?”
2020“Ahhhh- you’re so much more composed. You must have nerves of steel”
2021“That’s not true at all”
2022“Then what is it?”
2023“I’m not saying”
2024Ahem, Claude audibly cleared his throat. Falma and Palle fell silent. Whispering in front of the Empress was prohibited.
2025
2026After wrapping up her work with the Secretary of State, the Empress elegantly drank the tea on her desk, then pointed at her stomach.
2027“It’s noon, I’m a bit hungry. You must be hungry too, right? Why not eat with me?”
2028Falma, Palle, and Claude were invited to lunch (le Petite Couvert)
2029“I’m honored”
2030
2031Palle was allowed to eat next to the Empress. It was one of the highest honors which could be received, and he wanted to boast about it for the rest of his life. Falma, who ate with the Empress after every examination, decided not to say anything.The Empress’s meal was open to the court.
2032The meal was informal, but still prepared elegantly. The Empress sat at a round table near a window which had been left open. After observing that the Empress had been seated, Falma and Palle both took their seats as well. Servers then brought wet napkins with which they wiped their hands. Finally, Falma and Palle used their water divine arts to fill their fingerbowls and cups.
2033As the Empress was a fire-based divine art user, a dedicated water-based divine art user stood by to provide water for her.
2034There were many court officials waiting around the Empress. To have a meal while being watched by so many people, Falma wasn’t surprised to find that it was like dining in the court of France’s Louis XIV.
2035“Falma, you’re here! Did you come to examine my mother?”
2036The Prince entered and welcomed Falma.
2037“Come hunt rabbits with me”
2038“It’s been a long time, Your Highness. We can go rabbit hunting later, but before that, please allow me to examine you as well”
2039How do you know His Highness? Palle’s eyes seemed to ask. How can someone unqualified like you provide medical examinations to the royal family?
2040(I guess it’s all over)
2041Falma casually took off his coat. Underneath, pinned on his vest, was a crown-shaped badge – the badge of the imperial court pharmacist. It belonged to the fourth imperial court pharmacist in the entire kingdom.
2042“Hiiii-!”
2043When Palle noticed the badge, his jaw dropped. It was at that very moment that Palle learned of Falma’s position and accomplishments for the first time.
2044Falma had completely failed to mention it to Palle.
2045“What’s wrong, is the food not to your liking?”
2046The Empress called out to Palle because he let out such a strange sound. Palle quickly collected himself.
2047“N-no! The food is very good!”
2048“Thank you, that’s good to hear”
2049Palle, who suddenly understood Falma’s position in the court as well as his relationship with the royal family, was left speechless.
2050I want to go home. I shouldn’t have come to the court today, he thought
2051
205210 plates of hor d’oeuvres, 3 plates of meat, 2 plates of fish, and 4 plates of entremets. They were brought out on high quality silverware, and there were small marks indicating that a food taster had already tested it. The food was even more luxurious than what could be found on the dining table of the de Medicis family. It was truly worthy of being called a royal meal. Falma and Palle chatted with the Prince and the Empress while enjoying a slow meal, as Claude reviewed the textbook in a side room.
2053“Thank you for your hard work, why don’t you come and join us?”
2054“Yes, thank you for the invitation. I’ve more or less read through the entire textbook. I have just one question, where did Falma-shi learn this knowledge?”
2055Falma and Claude stared at each other, but Falma kept quiet.
2056“… can’t you tell me?”
2057Claude’s attitude had changed, as though Falma had just insulted him. Noticing this, the Empress quickly jumped to Falma’s defense.
2058“Ah, Claude. Don’t bother the boys”
2059TN: -shi is used to refer to your teacher/master, like 師匠 (shishou)
2060
2061“It’s true. Right now, this is less of a textbook and more of a compilation of my wild ideas”
2062Falma suddenly agreed with Claude.
2063“Geh- Falma?!”
2064What are you saying? thought Palle who, flustered, had tried to rebuke Falma. However, Falma continued to talk.
2065
2066“As cases are collected and more and more scientists and pharmacists begin to use science-based techniques, we can analyze the results with statistics. If the techniques are found to be effective, then we’ve improved our knowledge”
2067Then, Falma turned to face the Empress.
2068“This is the first scientifically-accurate textbook”
2069“Ho….”
2070The Empress was overwhelmed by Falma’s words.
2071
2072“Ah! As far as the section on leukemia goes, I’ve personally verified it with my own body”
2073Palle also jumped to Falma’s defense.
2074Upon hearing those words, a curt smile formed on Claude’s lips. He returned the textbook to the Empress just as Falma suddenly remembered,
2075“I’ve also prepared a copy for the Chief Physician. I hope you’ll accept it”
2076“I appreciate it, thank you”
2077Claude expressed his gratitude as he accepted the textbook.
2078“I would like some more time to thoroughly read through this. Of course, further verification is required as well, but this is already a treasure trove of medical knowledge. If everything is indeed factually accurate and not just an elaborate fantasy, then the entire history of medicine will have been overturned. Traditional medicine and pharmacy will be useless”
2079Having said that, Claude seemed to go quiet. He replaced his glasses on his coat.
2080
2081“Verifying this will take at least a hundred years, no, two hundred years”
2082
2083Claude’s intuition is correct, agreed Falma. Currently, the technology required to verify the techniques in the textbook simply didn’t exist in this world.
2084Falma appreciated Claude’s sincere attitude when confronted with new information to learn.
2085
2086The Empress listened to Claude and pondered for a bit,
2087“In that case, I’ll leave verification of this textbook to you and the imperial court physicians. Prioritize objectivity above all else and let mistakes be immediately discovered and corrected. If it truly takes two hundred years to verify, then we shall begin immediately”
2088“As you command, I can’t be uninvolved with this book”
2089Claude winked at Falma.
2090Falma and Palle, who didn’t understand what Claude meant, blinked.“Your father invited me to be the new dean of the Department of Medicine”
2091(Is that so? I didn’t realize…)
2092It seems that Bruno has made all sorts of arrangements behind the scenes.
2093Recently, he’s been so focused on the college that he often doesn’t return home. Incidentally, while Claude and Bruno have a healthy rivalry as the Chief Physician and the Head Court Pharmacist, it seems that they’ve joined forces on this matter.
2094A collaboration between physicians and doctors and between the Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology would be a very powerful one.
2095
2096“That’s very reassuring. Thank you”
2097“You’ll be appointed as the dean of the Department of Drug Discovery. Also, you’ll be a professor”
2098Upon hearing those words, Palle’s eyes widened and he practically chocked in surprise. Seeing as he had come to the imperial court, there was no point in hiding it from Palle anymore.
2099“I’ve been arrogant”
2100“That’s why we’re having this conversation. If you’re going to the same college, then you’ll hear what’s been told to the students”
2101
2102Speaking of Claude, according to Bruno and other court physicians, he’s quite skilled at surgery. Almost all surgeries in this world are performed bare-handed, which results in a high post-operative mortality rate due to infections. Claude is especially talented at sewing thin blood vessels together, and his patients don’t bleed much during surgery. He works meticulously while using his god arts.
2103Compared to the average surgeon in this world, his success rate was higher.
2104If there’s a problem there, then the idea of sanitation can be introduced and postoperative antibiotics can be provided to support Claude’s surgeries, which should result in a substantial increase in patient survival rates. Claude would become an excellent physician.
2105
2106“Your father wants to turn the Imperial College of Medicine into the world’s foremost provider of medical care. It’s an extraordinary and ambitious thing to think about…”
2107Isn’t it interesting? Claude asked with a bold smile.
2108When she heard that, the Empress wiped her lips with a napkin, stopped eating, and asked,
2109“Claude, you’ll support Falma, right?”
2110“I’m a physician, a medical scientist, and truthful. I’ll always accept correct theories”
2111I’m not stuck living in the past, was what Claude expressed.
2112“If a new science can cure both the white death and the black plague, then I should accept it for the sake of my patients”
2113“I see”
2114The Empress, whose life was saved by Falma, nodded her head in agreement. If it wasn’t for Falma, she would have long departed from this world.
2115
2116“Your Majesty, I would like to ask for permission for one thing”
2117After everyone had finished eating, Claude suggested to the Empress,
2118“Will you permit the dissection of criminals executed by the Empire?”
2119Until now, medical students who wished to learn about anatomy would either watch their teacher perform a dissection or dissect an animal by themselves. However, Claude thought that this results in an incomplete understanding of anatomy.
2120“All the medical students think that a human body should be dissected. Furthermore, after reading through Falma-shi’s textbook, I realized that the previous textbooks on anatomy are incorrect. As such, students and teachers will need to write a new, more detailed, textbook”
2121“Chief Physician-sama…”
2122Falma was deeply moved by the unexpected support he had received. He was worried that because of Bruno’s involvement with the restructuring of the Imperial College of Magic, Claude might be antagonistic and claim that there were vested interests at play.
2123“Hmm, permission granted”
2124Claude also requested that criminals be executed by hanging instead of by firing squad”
2125This was so that the bodies would be in good condition for use in training.
2126
2127“Thank you very much, Chief Physician-sama”
2128Falma bowed deeply.Late February of the year 1147. During a harsh winter.
2129
2130The Great Church was located far away from the Empire of San Fleuve. The singing voices of priests rang out from the Holy Kingdom’s chapel, and priests, apprentice priests, and shrine maidens hurried through the central square. Snow fell in thick layers on the roofs of the shrines, and frost-covered statues of various gods lined the hallways. Paladins were evenly spaced, keeping a watchful guard.
2131
2132The shrine’s most important area was not located aboveground, but rather was underground instead. The elegant architecture aboveground was mainly for the benefit of tourists and religious followers. Underground was a labyrinth of powerful anti-evil barriers which could withstand attacks from evil spirits around the world.
2133Right now, however, an annual meeting was being held in a conference room aboveground. At this meeting was the high priest, the leader of the Holy Kingdom. Also in attendance were 10 cardinals, as well as the head priests from parishes around the world.
2134
2135There were more than 100 priests from around the world. The conference room was shaped like a large bowl, and in the center was seats for the high priest and cardinals as well as an altar.
2136After greeting and praying for the High Priest Pius, the cardinals reported on the state of each nation’s parish, followers, and activity of evil spirits.
2137
2138“There is something that I need to tell you about”
2139At the outset of the meeting, one of the cardinals who was serving as the chairman made a shocking announcement
2140“There is a chance that at this very moment, a guardian deity has descended to our world”
2141“Wha- …is that really true?”
2142As expected, all the priests began to clamor.
2143“Which guardian deity is it?”
2144“I don’t know”
2145While the other priests were talking, the Empire of San Fleuve’s head priest, Solomon, was sitting quietly in his seat. Which guardian deity had descended to this world? Solomon was the only one that knew.
2146Solomon didn’t move a single muscle and allowed himself to be serene. However, as though to see through his facade, a cardinal pointed on the world map with a cane.
2147“With all due respect, I believe that the guardian deity has descended to the Empire of San Fleuve. Over the past two years, there has been no activity from evil spirits and no sightings were reported”
2148Evil spirits may be distributed unevenly throughout the world, but it’s unusual for them to disappear entirely from a region. As such, by monitoring the sightings of evil spirits around the world, a strange pattern was noticed.
2149As though to avoid the Imperial Capital, the evil spirits were moving to its borders and even neighboring countries. Additionally, there were reports that the Imperial Capital has managed to fend off the Black Death. It couldn’t be anything other than divine protection, explained the cardinal.
2150“Head Priest Solomon, please step forward”
2151“Yes”
2152Solomon left his seat and thought about how he could answer as he stepped forward to the center of the room.
2153With the eyes of everyone in the room on him, Solomon made up his mind and knelt before the high priest.
2154“There were almost no sightings of evil spirits within the Empire of San Fleuve. The guardian deity is protecting it. You know what’s going on, Solomon”
2155The Head Priest Pius’s words were spoken quietly, but with great authority.
2156Pius was the king of all the countries around the world and could make even an emperor yield. He held the position of the highest religious leader. Even Solomon, formerly a member of the fearless Holy Inquisition, was overpowered by his gaze.
2157Behind every word was the impression of divine power.
2158“No, I don’t know too much about it…”
2159“Do you swear to the guardian deities? Will you take an oath?”
2160Solomon was forced to take an oath with his hand on the holy scriptures.
2161His faith was tested in front of the priests from around the world. It was the highest humiliation, and Solomon froze. Those who lie in an oath face divine retribution.
2162
2163“What’s wrong, can’t you do it? Take the oath”
2164The high priest solemnly ordered. Solomon decided that it would be the most obedient towards his faith if he remained silent. The light in Pius’s eyes grew sharper.
2165“So, you do know… where in the imperial city has the guardian deity descended?”
2166“It would be an inconvenience if he returned to the heavens, so we need to quickly invite him here”
2167The cardinal wanted to restrain the guardian deity.
2168That’s true…, Solomon agreed silently. He responded in a confident voice.
2169
2170“Even if the guardian deity was in the imperial city, I believe that non-interference is the best option. What could the Great Church do besides interfere with guardian deity-sama?”
2171
2172“What are you saying?! It’s the duty of a priest to ensure that the guardian deity spends their time in the cleanliness of the Holy Kingdom, not in the dirtiness of the outside world. We must invite him here at once”
2173The cardinal was indignant.
2174However, that was only the official position. Ever since the ancient times, whenever a god descended to the world they would be restrained. Their divine power would be exploited and used in secret ceremonies. They were hidden away under false pretenses so the Great Church could strength its power over the rest of the world.
2175As a result, the guardian deities’ patience with mankind was depleted, and they retreated to the heavens. No matter how many times it happened, the Great Church never learned.
2176Solomon quietly sighed.
2177
2178“I like where the guardian deity is staying, it’s one of my favorite places. He’s there for a reason, and humans shouldn’t dictate where a god should be”
2179
2180Currently, there is only one guardian deity in the world.
2181It is the Medicine God, who resides in the body of Falma de Medicis. Unlike the previous guardian deities, Falma hasn’t travelled the world nor forced his faith upon others. He’s stayed for over two years, opened a pharmacy, and interacted with commoners.
2182It was an unusually long time for a guardian deity to stay.
2183
2184Recently, I’ve established a positive relationship that Falma relies on, thought Solomon.
2185While Falma’s blessings would benefit all of humanity, the same couldn’t be said for the Great Church. All they can do is let Falma do as he wishes, record his legacy, ensure he’s comfortable and protect where he lives. All so he can stay for a little while longer.
2186However, the high priest surely wouldn’t understand that line of reasoning. They only saw Falma as a source of divine power and didn’t care about his divinity or feelings.
2187
2188“So, you won’t confess?”
2189Pius’s words were filled with anger.
2190“It’s treason, then”
2191The cardinals surrounded Solomon. It’s treasonous to conceal information from the Great Church, and by refusing to take an oath upon the holy scriptures or talk about Falma, it was clear that he would be tortured by the Holy Inquisition. He may even have his divine circuits forcibly closed.
2192
2193“There’s been a breakthrough in the investigation. It seems that the Staff of the Medicine God and the Sword of the Moon God were swapped in a complex conspiracy involving the sacred treasures of numerous other cathedrals. Additionally, there have been reports from various regions that the Imperial Capital has continuously made revolutionary advancements in different fields including pharmaceutics. It must be that the Medicine God has descended within the Imperial Capital”
2194“Your Highness…”
2195Solomon turned to meet Pius’s gaze and found himself unable to reply.
2196“It seems that’s accurate”
2197Pius concluded.
2198“All we need to do is look for a pharmacist who recently appeared in the Imperial Capital. There’s no need to ask you anymore”
2199In the past two years, apart from Falma, no noteworthy pharmacists have appeared in the Imperial Capital. It wouldn’t take more than a day to find out.
2200“It must have been the same pharmacist who was able to ward off the Black Death. Find him immediately.”
2201
2202　――It seems that Falma was too conspicuous.“You’re a court pharmacist?! Why didn’t you tell me!”
2203“I wasn’t trying to hide it or anything, I just forgot to mention it”
2204While preparing to head home, the de Medicis siblings had a little argument in the waiting room. It’s been over two years since Falma first became a court pharmacist, and he felt a little guilty that he had outperformed Palle at only 10 years old.
2205“My little brother has surpassed me, I’m devastated!”
2206Palle was in a bad mood, so Falma earnestly apologized to him.
2207“Sorry, it was my bad”
2208(Rather, why am I apologizing?)
2209However, Palle wasn’t convinced. While breathing heavily, he declared that he would endure falling behind for a while longer.
2210“Whatever, I’ll catch up to you in five years!”
2211“Do you need five years? You’ve already written a textbook, so you should take the court pharmacist exam”
2212There are numerous strict prerequisites to becoming a court pharmacist, but passing the exam was the most important one. Falma was forced by the other court pharmacists to take it, but he didn’t think it was that difficult.
2213“It’s not that easy to pass! It even took Father 15 years! If you make just one mistake, you’ll be barred from re-taking it for three years, so how can I possibly treat it lightly?!”
2214To Palle, Bruno must be insurmountable, thought Falma.
2215
2216“Is that so… I thought it would be easy for my brother to pass, it really wasn’t that difficult”
2217“Ah- is that right? You must be a big fan of sarcasm”
2218“Sorry, sorry”
2219Falma thought that with Palle’s knowledge, he could become a court pharmacist after only one year of training. Although it might be unpopular for the de Medicis family to monopolize the position of court pharmacist, Palle had really great potential. He just didn’t seem to understand.
2220“Anyways, you’re…”
2221While the siblings walked and argued, a passing lady-in-waiting tripped.
2222“Kya-!”
2223“Are you alright?”
2224Falma called out instinctively. She was a lady-in-waiting who was in her thirties and took care of a higher-class noble as a courtier. Falma didn’t recognize her. She lightly bowed her head.
2225“Oh my, this is very shameful. I had just arrived yesterday and so I’m a bit nervous”
2226“Be careful where you step”
2227Palle watched her retreating figure intently as she meekly walked away.
2228“Let’s go, older brother”
2229“Isn’t it weird? People don’t usually trip here”
2230“Maybe she absentmindedly caught the hem of her dress. Sometimes that makes you stumble”
2231“Please wait!”
2232Palle called out to the lady-in-waiting to stop her. As he watched, she tripped again before turning around to face Palle, who examined her closely.
2233“Well, what is it?”
2234The lady-in-waiting was worried that she had been rude or had done something wrong because of how intensely Palle was staring at her and was on guard. However, Palle didn’t seem bothered at all while he looked all over the bewildered lady’s body. Even if it were two women, this sort of staring would still be rude. Her fingers began to tremble little by little.
2235“Older brother, what’s wrong? … please excuse us, Madame”
2236Palle ignored Falma and asked the lady-in-waiting a question.
2237“My apologies, Madame. Have these tremors gotten worse lately? What about the tripping?”
2238Palle began to perform a medical interview. As a first-class pharmacist, he wasn’t allowed to examine the Empress or other royals, but courtiers and other court people were fine.
2239In other words, it wasn’t forbidden to treat her.
2240“Yes… that’s right”
2241“Did you find something?”
2242Falma was interested in what Palle had to say. Then Falma observed her condition again and realized what Palle had noticed.
2243“It’s likely to be Synuclein Disease, although the possibility of stroke or hydrocephalus can’t be ruled out”
2244Falma had arrived at the same conclusion as Palle.
2245
2246“Parkinson’s Disease”Furthermore, using his divine sight, Falma could eliminate the possibility of other diseases.
2247Parkinson’s disease and Synuclein disease refer to the same condition. When Falma introduces a new disease in his textbook, he sometimes gives it a different name than what it was referred to on Earth. In particular, the diseases that were named after people couldn’t be introduced as-is, so Falma renamed them to better reflect their pathology and etiology.
2248For example, Parkinson’s disease is thought to be related to the buildup of dopaminergic neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions called Lewy bodies, which were shown to contain aggregates of α-Synuclein. As such, Falma gave it the generic name of Synuclein disease.
2249Parkinson’s disease can cause tremors and loss of balance, even at rest. It can also cause slow muscular movement. There are other symptoms, but Palle didn’t miss the cardinal signs.
2250“Is it a serious illness? Oh no… what should I do?”
2251Suddenly, the lady-in-waiting’s trembling began to worsen. Stress accelerates the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
2252“That’s right, it’s a progressive disease known as Synuclein disease. We should begin treatment as soon as possible”
2253As Palle finished his explanation, Falma interjected.
2254“It’s not immediately life-threatening, but please answer some more questions for me. Please get permission to come to the Other World Pharmacy tomorrow as well because I’ll prescribe some tests and medicine. I’m Falma, by the way, the owner of the Other World Pharmacy. Give these documents to the Chief Court Physician. I’d also like to ask you about your age, hometown, family medical history, etc. Do you have some time?”
2255Falma brought her to the waiting room where he performed the interview. He also wrote a medical certificate and instructed her to have Claude sign it. If both the court pharmacist and court physician approve, then the courtier would be allowed to seek medical treatment outside of the court.
2256Since it wasn’t possible to do a full medical examination in the waiting room, Falma invited the lady-in-waiting to the pharmacy.
2257“Don’t worry, we’ll provide all of the necessary treatment”
2258Palle offered words of encouragement to the nervous woman.
2259
2260“Thanks to my older brother, I’ve found a new patient!”
2261Falma expressed his gratitude to Palle. Now he needed to go back and create a new medical chart for her. While Falma tries to examine all the courtiers every three months, he doesn’t always use his divine sight and might miss some new patients.
2262“The drug should either make up for the lack of dopamine caused by the buildup of synuclein, or inhibit the buildup of synuclein altogether”
2263It seems that Palle, who helped write the textbook, hasn’t forgotten the correct treatment for this disease.
2264“Because this is early onset, we should start with l-DOPA or a dopamine receptor agonist first”
2265“l-DOPA? Won’t dopamine by itself work?”
2266“Even if ingested, dopamine can’t enter the brain because there is a system known as the blood-brain barrier which prevents molecules from passing through. l-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) mimics the effect of dopamine, but has been processed to pass through the barrier. Let’s think about this after seeing the results of the examination. Furthermore, because we don’t know about the family’s medical record, let’s check family members as well.”
2267“I see… the medicine for this disease, it was a divine revelation by the Medicine God, right?”
2268Palle pondered.
2269“Uhh, well…”
2270(I’ll feel guilty if you say that)
2271However, Palle still had some doubts.
2272“Why not a drug that can break down the accumulated synuclein? Isn’t that the root cause? I don’t think a symptomatic treatment that doesn’t address the problem at hand is the best approach here”
2273“I’m glad you noticed”
2274(Or rather, it’s a very scientific point of view)
2275Falma was excited by this promising development.
2276As an alternative solution, artificial stem cells such as iPS cells can be injected into the brain in order to produce dopamine. However, it’s not practical in this world… and it also doesn’t address the root cause.
2277
2278“You’re right. My textbook is by no means perfect and as you know, there are some diseases which can’t be cured”
2279Falma only knows of Earth’s pharmaceutics up to the 21st century. In order to advance further, the people of this world must work as one to acquire the new knowledge.
2280“I believe in my guardian deity, the Medicine God, from the bottom of my heart. He knows all that there is to know about pharmaceutics. That’s why I wonder why you won’t teach us your knowledge. Is this mankind’s next trial…?”
2281Palle seemed to be worried about the true intentions of the guardian deity.
2282“The will of the guardian deity is unfathomable”
2283Palle quietly said.
2284“Well, I’m going to stop by the pharmacy to prepare medicine for a patient”
2285On his way home, Falma stopped by the pharmacy where the Baroness Melodie was waiting for him. Every 5 days she came to the pharmacy to have her warts treated, and she greeted Falma cheerfully.
2286“Welcome back, shopkeeper-sama”
2287“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting”
2288“No problem, I had a chat with Lotte-san while I waited, it was quite fun”
2289Somehow, Lotte had become good friends with Melodie.
2290“A chat?”
2291Falma looked at them suspiciously.
2292“Ehehe, I talked a lot with Melodie-sama!”
2293Lotte was in a good mood as well. Melodie was deeply knowledgeable in the arts and was curious about glass arts. While discussing glass arts, the two of them hit it off. They drew designs and made plans to collaborate on future glasswork.
2294Looking around, there were designs for things such as glass brooches and glass vases scattered everywhere. Apparently, they were planning on holding an exhibition and selling their works.
2295(While I was gone, this is what you talked about…?)
2296“I look forward to the exhibition”
2297Good relationships between patrons and staff was something that Falma welcomed.
2298
2299“Well then, I’ll freeze the warts again”
2300Falma quickly treated the warts with liquid nitrogen.
2301“Just a little more to go. I think it’ll be cured after one more session”
2302“Thank you. The quick treatment has been really helpful”
2303“Yeah, any growth beyond this would’ve been very troublesome”
2304“I’m glad there was no pain because of the anesthesia too”
2305Liquid nitrogen is a painful treatment because typically no anesthesia is used, but Falma applied some topical anesthesia and that seems to have prevented any pain. He also carefully regulates the dosage of liquid nitrogen. There were so many warts that he had to be patient, but it paid off and progress has been steady. Furthermore, Melodie started drinking Job’s Tears tea with the hope that it would provide therapeutic benefits.
2306
2307“Was that the last patient for today?”
2308Ellen finished up her work and stretched. As she relaxed, Lotte massaged her shoulders.
2309“Thanks for helping. There were a lot of patients today”
2310“Ahhh- that feels so good. Thanks, Lotte-chan. Are your shoulders stiff as well?”
2311“No, I’m fine”
2312While Falma was away, Ellen skillfully ran the pharmacy. The three part-time pharmacists also worked well under her guidance.
2313
2314“Come to think of it, has Solomon-san come to the pharmacy today?”
2315Falma suddenly remembered and asked Cedric, who stopped working and put down his pen.
2316“No, I haven’t seen him”
2317“I wonder what happened, maybe he caught a cold?”
2318Lotte thought about it as well. It’s been a week since she last saw him.
2319Solomon always stopped by, whether it was rainy or windy, so Falma thought there must be an extraordinary reason for him to stop coming. There was a period where Falma wasn’t at the pharmacy because he was giving his undivided attention to Palle’s treatment. However, Falma saw him every day afterwards.
2320“Hmm, I don’t think it’s because of a cold”
2321Solomon visits the pharmacy regularly, so it should be less likely for him to catch a cold. Besides, it’s been too long even if he did have a cold. While it was a bit irritating to Falma for Solomon to carefully observe his every move, it was a bit lonely without him.
2322“Maybe the head priest is busy”
2323Cedric was indifferent.
2324“I think I’ll stop by the cathedral on my way home”
2325“If you’re worried, then why not? I haven’t gone to the cathedral in a while, so I’ll come with you. Lotte-chan, what about you?”
2326“I have a meeting with Melodie-sama about the glasswork…”
2327It seems that Lotte was invited to dinner at Melodie’s mansion, and she was curious what sort of food might be served.
2328
2329“I see. Well, let’s go together, Falma-kun”
2330After closing the pharmacy for the evening, Falma and Ellen went to the cathedral together. As they approached, Falma noticed that all the priests were new.
2331Falma stopped, feeling uneasy inside.
2332Since Ellen doesn’t come to the cathedral as often, she didn’t notice.
2333“The priests, have they changed?”
2334“Hold on a sec, Falma-kun”
2335Ellen, who didn’t fully understand Falma’s question, pulled on his sleeve and turned him around.
2336“What did you just say?”
2337“All of the priests are different. The head priest is new too”
2338The head priest wears a special hat.
2339Currently, that hat was worn by an unfamiliar face.
2340“Solomon-san was just appointed to this position, so it’s not time to replace him yet. New head priests are also expected to introduce themselves to the Empress… besides, I don’t think he would’ve left without saying goodbye to you”
2341At Ellen’s words, Falma’s expression hardened.
2342“It seems that something has happened”Ellen and Falma were observing the cathedral when someone came outside. She was a devout believer and was often seen here. Ellen and Falma called her over.
2343“Ah, the Other World Pharmacy’s shopkeeper-sama. Bonnefoy-sama as well”
2344The elderly woman was a frequent customer of the pharmacy as well, so she recognized Falma’s face. She was also an acquaintance of Ellen’s.
2345“Hello. Was the head priest replaced?”
2346“That’s right. Just a week prior, you know”
2347“Why was that?”
2348“From what I’ve heard, the previous head priest-sama was taken to the Holy Kingdom on charges of treason… rumors are that he’s been imprisoned. It seems like the new head priest was sent by the Holy Kingdom directly”
2349Don’t forget, it’s only a rumor, the elderly lady reminded them with a lowered voice. She shook her head. It’s a shame, I thought the previous head priest-san was a good person.
2350“What was the act of treason?”
2351Falma kept asking questions.
2352“Well, that’s…”
2353But it seemed that the elderly lady didn’t know the details.
2354
2355“If we’re talking about treason rather than betrayal, that’s quite a severe crime. The punishment could be the death penalty or the forced closing of one’s divine circuits”
2356It’s likely very serious, Ellen said again with a gloomy expression.
2357“I think… it’s probably my fault”
2358Falma spoke haltingly as he confided his feelings.
2359Given Falma’s reputation within the Imperial City, it’s not surprising that information about him had leaked to the Holy Kingdom. Ellen knew that Solomon had been preventing leaks by stopping them at the source, but it seems that rumor have spread, and Solomon couldn’t hide the information any further.
2360“Before, the Holy Kingdom ordered that the boy without a shadow be found”
2361“I didn’t realize…”
2362Ellen also thought that it was only a matter of time before the Holy Kingdom noticed Falma. However, she didn’t think about it too much because there was no point.
2363“Still, depending on the situation, the death penalty? Aren’t they a religious organization?”
2364Falma denounced it as being a bit too ruthless.
2365“The Holy Kingdom is a hierarchical society. To betray the High Priest, who can open and close divine circuits, is severely punished”
2366Upon hearing that, Falma reached for the Medicine God’s staff that rested by his hip.
2367“Maybe this is why he’s being accused of treason… it seems that losing treasure is a serious crime”
2368The word treason could apply too.
2369In Falma’s hands, the Medicine God’s staff shone with divine power. It not only withstood Falma’s power, but also amplified it. It was one-of-a-kind and couldn’t be replaced, so to say that Falma felt no attachment to it would be a lie. However, Falma could use divine arts even without a staff, and it was more important to free Solomon. Nothing was more important than human life.
2370Falma didn’t succumb to the temptation.
2371
2372“I’m going to return this staff to the cathedral. Solomon-san lent it to me, but I think they suspect that he lost it”
2373“But you can’t use any other staffs, right? Isn’t this just a waste of an opportunity? Wouldn’t it be better to get permission to use it?”
2374Ellen was reluctant to return something that was unusable. However, it’s hard to deny that this was similar to stealing from the Holy Kingdom.
2375“I was able to use this through the generosity of Solomon-san, but I don’t know the Holy Kingdom, so I don’t think it’s right for me to keep using this. I’ll return it and ask for Solomon-san to be released in exchange”
2376
2377Falma resolved himself and entered the cathedral of San Fleuve. The atmosphere was completely different from when Solomon was the head priest. “It’s dangerous to go alone”, said Ellen as she followed him inside. When Falma stepped inside the cathedral, the floor lit up with a pale blueish-white color.
2378The cathedral’s floor had detected Falma’s divine power and the entire cathedral was turned into a sanctuary.
2379“Eh-?”
2380Ellen was speechless. She didn’t think the cathedral would glow in response to Falma’s power.
2381“Isn’t the cathedral amazing?”
2382“Well, if this is the case, you’ll be found even if you try to hide…”
2383It was Ellen’s first time seeing the cathedral react to Falma, so she was surprised. Ignoring her reaction, Falma looking around for the new head priest. Upon confirming that he wasn’t in the chapel, Falma immediately headed towards the head priest’s office as Ellen followed. Light leaked out from behind the door to the office. The new head priest was inside. Falma raised his voice and called out.Holy Land Infiltration
2384
2385Falma settled down and climbed into the Sanctuary of the Emperor San-Fleuve. The atmosphere of the church had changed completely from when Salomon was the head priest. 
2386
2387“It’s dangerous to go alone,” said Ellen. 
2388
2389When Falma steps into the church, the floor of the church glows pale and pulsating.
2390
2391This was the moment when the floor detected the power of Falma and the entire church becomes a sanctuary.
2392
2393“What?”
2394
2395Ellen, who saw it, shouted. I didn’t think the church would shine in response to the Falma.
2396
2397“That’s right. It’s the Holy Church.”
2398
2399“I’m afraid I would be caught right away. . .”
2400
2401Ellen was surprised because it was the first time she had seen the church’s reaction to Falma. Regardless of Ellen’s reaction, Falma found the new head priest. He had made sure he wasn’t in the chapel. He went straight into the head priests’ room. Ellen followed. Light leaked through the door of the Head priests’ office. The new head priest seemed to be in the room. Falma called out in a loud voice.
2402
2403“Good-day, I am sorry to trouble you when you’re busy. May I have a word with you?”
2404
2405“What is it?”
2406
2407The new head priest came out of the door with his cane on his back.
2408
2409He was on guard because there had been an abnormality all over the church. Perhaps the flame of the candlestick, which caught fire at the sight of the divine power, was on fire. But he seemed to understand everything when he saw the Falma with the stick and the floor of the glowing church. He looked at the Falma from head to toe and smiled broadly.
2410
2411“This is it. I was going to say a few words, but it’s an honor to be with you.”
2412
2413
2414The new head priest was a middle-aged man wearing glasses.
2415
2416“Nice to meet you, I am Com, the new head priest. It’s good to see you, Medicine God-sama.”
2417
2418“My name is Falma de Medicis, not Medicine God. I thought you were looking for me, so I came. I apologize for using this for so long.”
2419
2420He returned the wand to Com with both hands, but the Com didn’t accept it.
2421
2422Then he said,
2423
2424“I beg your pardon, but will you come and return it directly to the Holy Church? We cannot keep it.”
2425
2426Com’s words made Falma feel strange.
2427
2428“Excuse me. Is the Holy church in the Holy Land?”
2429
2430Ellen checks to Com. It is inconvenient for Falma, who cannot leave the imperial capital easily.
2431
2432“You may not be able to hold it without a sheath, but if you hold a sheath, anyone can hold it without touching a cane. Wouldn’t it be fine to give it back here?
2433
2434Because the wand penetrates organic matter, people cannot use it or hold it directly. But he knew that he could carry it in inorganic boxes and other things. So Salomon brought this wand to the pharmacy. Falma didn’t always have the Medicine God’s wand on his hand. Sometimes, lying on the stone floor and leaning against it, and lying in a sheath on his loins.
2435
2436“Still, I would be grateful if you could come directly to the Holy Church and explain the circumstances.”
2437
2438Falma was on guard when he heard the word “Holy Church” for Salomon had said that he might be taken into custody by the Holy Church. If they knew that he was possessed by Medicine God. As the guardian deity, aside from the fact that it would be complicated, if he went to the Holy Land, he would like to be excused.
2439
2440“It’s difficult for him to go to a Holy Land because he has work to do…”
2441
2442Ellen also seemed suspicious and tried to refuse.
2443
2444“I’d like to see you, Salomon-san. Where is he now? Can I see him at the church?”
2445
2446Falma carefully chose his words.
2447
2448They must make concessions and find out where Salomon was detained.
2449
2450“Yes, I think so.”
2451
2452“How’s Salomon-san?”
2453
2454Falma didn’t miss Com’s glance for a few seconds. So Falma nailed him quickly.
2455
2456“Isn’t he alive?”
2457
2458“Yes, of course. I think that the veins were shut down to make them take some responsibility.”
2459
2460“Why… the closure of the veins?”Ellen sympathized with Salomon. Salomon, who lost his magical powers, must have been expelled from the church as a commoner and must be in dire circumstances, waiting. Falma said to Com,
2461
2462“Please send a dove to a Holy Land. Tell him that you will return the wand and go to the Holy Land to see Salomon. If I can’t see Salomon-san, I won’t go to the Holy Land.”
2463
2464Even if the penalty has been decided, it will not be carried out immediately. Salomon was like being held, hostage. For Falma, Salomon was a good understanding person and the desire to protect him grew.
2465
2466“All right. We will arrange for the carriage.”
2467
2468Com wanted to hurry to the Holy Land for Falma.
2469
2470“All right, but… how are you going to come back, Falma? If you don’t have a pharmacist, it will take you a week to come back from the Holy Land.”
2471
2472Ellen worried that something might happen, so she would follow. Falma thanked Ellen for her kindness and asked Com-san
2473
2474“Do you think it’s all right to wait for a while. I have a doctor’s duty to finish. I have a lot of patients, and some are dying when I’m away.”
2475
2476Some of the patients are undergoing chemotherapy. Palle is now able to use his own medicine to some extent. But without Falma around, he will be exposed to a variety of infection risks and will soon catch an infection.
2477
2478Salomon’s life is important, but Palle’s life and the patient’s life are also important.
2479
2480“I can wait for a week or so.”
2481
2482Com made a concession. They seemed to be a little flexible about it.
2483
2484“Well, I’m going to the Holy Land. I’m sorry to have let you use the treasure at your disposal.”
2485
2486“Why, I don’t care. It’s Salomon’s fault.”
2487
2488Com groaned in a good mood. Shortly afterward, however, Falma’s next remark froze him.
2489
2490“But I will only come after I have told the Empress, Her Majesty Elizabeth”
2491
2492“Why, to your Majesty? What does the Empress have to do with it?”
2493
2494Com’s face, full of joy, turned pale and confused.
2495
2496“As you may not know, my pharmacy had an imperial-owned and licensed pharmacy. I am prohibited from leaving the country without reporting to your Majesty.”
2497
2498“And…!”
2499
2500The San Fleuve Empire was the most powerful empire in the world today and the Empress who ruled it had a great deal of power.
2501
2502There is no country in the world today that can win a direct war against the San Fleuve Empire. It was no exception, even to the Holy Land, which monopolizes the secrets of magic arts and holds the supreme power of the world. Even if the priests shut down the veins of all the nobility in the San-Fleuve Empire and made them impotent, only by the strength of the peacetime soldiers, they would crush to death the little country such as Holy Land. It was also such a military power.
2503
2504If the crying children say a word to the Emperess and then officially leave the country, they will have to return Falma safely. He was not “just a pharmacist” who could have disappeared with the authority of the church.
2505
2506Ellen stopped at the dumbfounded Com.
2507
2508“At the same time, he is one of the head court pharmacists. Meaning that he cannot easily leave within a few days.”
2509
2510A head pharmacist is a pharmacist who has the most trusted position in the country.
2511
2512This empress was known for her short temper. Would she be in danger of losing her chief court pharmacist to the Holy Land?
2513
2514“Well, yes, sir.”
2515
2516Com’s face twitched. He was scared when the empress’s name came out. Though he was glad to see the pharmacist come to the church on his own, he was not alone.
2517
2518His position in the empire was more solid than he had thought.
2519
2520“Well… I’ll ask the Holy Church to judge.”　
2521
2522First of all, Falma’s trip to the Holy Church was suspended. It was allowed that Falma should possess the staff until the judgment was rendered.“Salomon-san, you said your veins were closed.”
2523
2524On the way home from the church, Falma checks with Ellen.
2525
2526“I think it’s harder for the head priest than to die.”
2527
2528To put it bluntly, it was an irreparable treatment for a magician.
2529
2530“Can the veins open and close?”
2531
2532“Yes, but I think there’s a way to prevent it from opening again… as I said, it’s probably over there. I hope it’s such a disgrace that you shouldn’t kill yourself early.”
2533
2534Ellen held her head that she was more worried about the proud head priest.
2535
2536That night, Falma returned to the house and could not sleep. I don’t know what kind of treatment Salomon is being treated now because he has been forced from the position of head priest, and his veins have been closed…
2537
2538I don’t know what to do, but I felt responsible for involving him.
2539
2540“If I enter a Holy Land, I wonder if something will happen.”
2541
2542I remember Salomon’s words that I’ve always exchanged.
2543
2544He said that he would go into the darkness to see the great treasure in the church and that it was possible. Salomon recognizes that they can’t get into the house at night when security is weak. It is a temple which reveals the existence of Falma very keenly, but it does not react unless it touches the floor directly. In other words, you don’t have to put your feet on the floor or touch the wall.
2545
2546Even though he sent a dove from the empire to the Holy Land to inform them of the existence of Falma, the letter would not yet have reached the Holy Land. In the meantime, if anything should happen to him, he could not sleep leisurely.
2547
2548Falma got out of bed, held his wand and opened the window.
2549
2550“Shall we get on?”
2551
2552I wanted to confirm his safety.
2553
2554No matter where Salomon was or where he was confined, he had the confidence to be able to find Salomon in an instant above the sacred land by using his medical examination.
2555
2556That’s because Salomon has congenital abnormalities. I could see it from the Divine eye, but I didn’t care about it as it didn’t interfere with my daily life. Salomon’s characteristic is about one out of every 7,000 people.
2557
2558Judging from the number of priests, there must be only one person in a holy land.
2559
2560He was a completely visceral inversion, reverse to normal in all visceral positions.
2561
2562　…━━…━━…━━…
2563
2564“Salomon-san,”
2565
2566At midnight, in the cell of a prison cell in a snow-bound holy land, Salomon, shuddering with cold, heard a little groan outside the window.
2567
2568“What is it…?
2569
2570“It’s Falma”.
2571
2572Looking out of the window, I saw a boy floating on a stick. In the darkness, Falma came as far as the window of the prison.
2573
2574“Oh, what’s this, my dear… Falma-sama?”
2575
2576Salomon is surprised at the appearance of Falma.
2577
2578It was simply incomprehensible to think how he had come to this point, and how he knew that Salomon was imprisoned.
2579
2580“I know very little of the situation, but I don’t know if it’s because of me… I thought.”
2581
2582It is a great distance from the Imperial capital to the Holy Land.
2583
2584Falma used his wand to fly. Falma has been heavily clothed to fly over the winter. Though his body trembled with cold.
2585
2586“How did you know this place?”
2587
2588“You have some instruments. I was worried, and I’m glad you’re safe.”
2589
2590Falma revels and rejoices in his safety. As expected, there was only one person who was completely visceral in the sky above the sacred land.
2591
2592“Why, I’m sorry, sir, for such a trifling man.”
2593
2594Salomon wept with delight and regret.
2595
2596“Thank you for your service, Salomon-san, and it’s nothing of the sort.”
2597
2598“Thank you. . . . .”
2599
2600Salomon was too much obliged to say the last word.