Chapter 460 – Greenhouse Conference

Just as we finished preparing the rice fields and Forset’s team completed installing the light sources, returning from the underground section to the surface, a carriage happened to arrive near the greenhouse.

It was the royal carriage. Wondering who had come, I went outside the greenhouse to find King Melvin descending from the carriage.

“Your Majesty.”

“Yes. I heard from Stephania that the greenhouse was completed. My official duties had reached a lull, so I decided to pay a visit.”

Saying this, King Melvin smiled. I see. He had been quite busy, so he must have been looking forward to seeing the finished greenhouse.

“Is that so? The underground section has just been completed as well. Please, this way.”

I returned his smile with a nod and guided him inside the greenhouse.

Upon entering through the door, the winter air transformed into that of a subtropical or tropical climate.

“I had heard it was a greenhouse, but even accounting for that, the air is quite different from outside.”

Given that we had recreated a southern climate directly from Termwills’ winter, the contrast was indeed significant. While it was warm, the humidity was also high, making it less than comfortable for humans.

“We’ve set the temperature and humidity to suit southern plants, so it might be somewhat uncomfortable to stay in.”

“Hmm. It helps one imagine what kind of place you all visited. The plants haven’t grown yet, but the interior is also designed to match them, isn’t it?”

“Yes, that’s right. For example, the area where we plan to plant palm trees is meant to evoke the surroundings of a desert oasis.”

“Another… unexpected place to experience exotic atmosphere. The fairies are flying about here and there too; it’s truly fascinating.”

King Melvin looked around happily while nodding. After touring the greenhouse, we proceeded to the underground section. Here, the environment was optimized for rice cultivation, so the air felt different again.

Looking at the rice fields bathed in magical light, King Melvin nodded with an intrigued expression.

“So this is a rice field. Hmm. The sound of flowing water is quite pleasant.”

“Thank you. Regarding the rice, we plan to plant it as soon as the seedlings are ready.”

“Yes. I have high hopes for this new crop.”

After we had finished looking around, I guided him to the mezzanine terrace seating, which was likely set to the most comfortable temperature in the above-ground section.

Alfred had apparently already set up carbonated water and shaved ice magic tools… Tables had been brought in as well, making it a relaxing space.

“Quite a place with a good view. It feels cooler here than other parts of the greenhouse.”

“That’s correct. We designed it with the idea that people could relax and converse here to some extent.”

“Oh? Then shall we spend a little time here and try it out? I was thinking of discussing matters at the ritual site with Lord Siegmund, Lord Forset, and Lord Ignatius once you were free… How about now?”

“No problem at all. I’ve finished what needed to be done.”

Then, upon receiving the message, Old Sigmund and Ignatius also arrived. The two had been enjoying themselves while touring the greenhouse, but once they finished looking around, they came to the terrace seating.

“How was it?”

“My, my. To think there was nothing here just the other day—Theodore is as remarkable as ever.”

“Indeed. His work remains impressively fast.”

In response to King Melvin’s words, the two laughed together. As we sat at the terrace table, Grace poured carbonated drinks into cups for us.

“Thank you.”

“Yes.”

When I expressed my gratitude, Grace gave a gentle smile, bowed slightly, and withdrew.

Then, facing King Melvin, I adopted a slightly more serious expression and began to speak.

“Well then… First, an update. I wanted to inform you that the cold-weather gear for the Demon-Slaying Knight Order is ready.”

“Thank you. In that case, I think we’ll proceed with training in the Glacial Forest.”

“Yes. We want to ensure we’re fully prepared for the investigation of Beriondora.”

“That land becomes sealed in ice during winter, after all. The training won’t be wasted.”

Beriondora, huh. I had thought that involving Old Sigmund, Ignatius, and Forset would lead to that topic.

We had discussed the possible objectives and what might exist in Beriondora with King Melvin and the others several times before… but since learning about the Demon Lord’s abilities, I’ve been considering another possibility. I should probably discuss that now.

“As one potential possibility regarding Beriondora… I suspect there might be a lunar relic or ruins similar to the Labyrinth.”

When I said this, everyone’s attention focused on me. I continued.

“For example—facilities that generate monsters.”

“Creating monsters from magical power, you mean?”

King Melvin rested his chin on his hand, showing a thoughtful gesture.

“…Given the origins of the Seven Sages, that is a plausible story.”

Claudia, who had been listening at the adjacent table, also closed her eyes and nodded.

Right. If it’s a lunar relic, it’s entirely possible.

I had also considered the possibility that the Demon Lord’s ability itself might be related to controlling monsters or their mass emergence. However, based on the information from Forset and the others, while the Demon Lord’s ability is troublesome, it doesn’t seem directly connected to the mass emergence itself.

Of course, if the Demon Lord commanded monsters during the previous war, then there must have been means to control them in the past. Miasma also doesn’t seem to have a positive effect on monster growth.

But even so. Taking into account the information about the mass emergence of monsters in the northern region of BFO… we should probably discuss the possibility that such a thing lies dormant in Beriondora. As something that could happen independently of the Demon Lord’s seal.

“Lunar relics, huh. If the demons want the key to break that seal, it would make sense.”

“The fact that they didn’t set up any Mechanisms when the fire Spirit Hall’s seal was broken… if we assume they’re conserving their military strength, does that align?”

Rosemary frowned while hiding her mouth behind her feather fan.

“A demon as the general, and monsters as the soldiers. That is troublesome.”

Ignatius also stroked his beard and shook his head.

“However… it shouldn’t have production capacity on the scale of the Labyrinth. Gathering that much magical power isn’t easy. The Labyrinth synchronizes with the movements of the stars to collect the land’s magical power and even refines it for easier use. If another entity capable of gathering magical power were created afterward, it should have a significant impact on the Labyrinth and be detectable.”

In other words, even assuming they can replenish their forces with monsters, it would require a certain amount of time. The fact that it’s not inexhaustible is good information.

“…There’s also the possibility they could use it for diversionary tactics during a demon attack.”

“In that case… if they’re generated monsters, they could be used as disposable forces, you mean?”

Forset chimed in agreement with my words.

“Then it seems we must also establish a base in the west capable of teleportation.”

King Melvin’s point was valid. Using a certain number of monsters to launch a preliminary attack, drawing attention there, while the main demon force assaults Termwills. It’s a plausible scenario. Of course, there’s also the possibility they might throw their entire force of demons and monsters at Termwills.

In that case, we should aim to cover the entire territory of Verdgar with Teleportation Magic. Specifically, enabling teleportation to the west—that is, Duke Driscoll’s territory—to allow for reinforcements and withdrawals at speeds beyond the enemy’s expectations.

“The Duke plans to return to his territory soon. It might be best to coordinate with that.”

“Then… sending him back on the Sirius might be efficient and without waste.”

With the coastal territory and the western sea. If we can establish teleportation bases in both, our response capability should increase.

We should discuss several other possibilities here and come up with as many countermeasures as possible. The purpose of sending the Miasma Orb here. How to handle the situation if the Demon Lord revives. About Beriondora. The high-ranking demons recorded in history. Considering various scenarios will never be a waste.

“—Assuming such a facility exists in Beriondora. Would it be possible to destroy and disable it in an emergency?”

When King Melvin asked Claudia, she closed her eyes briefly in thought, then turned her golden eyes toward me and stated clearly.

“Even assuming it’s a facility equivalent to the Labyrinth, Theodore should be capable of destroying it. They’ve likely taken measures against external destruction, so internal destruction would be more certain.”

That I could… huh.

It probably won’t be that simple since the demons would interfere as well… but well, let’s assume it’s not impossible if we can reach the core.