Chapter 527 – The Promise of the Spirit King

—And so, the day to return to Termwills arrived.

Since ships had come to the island to pick up the dukes as well, we moved the Sirius south. The people of Grantios gathered at the harbor and came to see us off.

“We made this for you.”

The children came over and handed each of us ornaments made from coral and shells. I see. They must have used water spider silk to make bracelets and necklaces.

“Thank you,” Grace said with a smile as she accepted hers. Rosemary received hers with an indifferent gesture but casually put on the necklace. Seeing this, the children exchanged happy looks.

Seraphina too… seemed pleased to receive a necklace that fit her perfectly. Everyone adorned themselves with their respective ornaments and exchanged smiles with the children.

Indeed… the children seemed reluctant to part. They gathered around Grace, Claudia, and Rosemary, held hands with Ashley, Marlene, Justia and her group, and Sion and her group, exchanging farewells.

“Thank you for saving my father,” a Fishfolk child bowed deeply to Ashley. The soldiers also saluted Ashley, apparently thanking her for saving their lives.

“I’m glad everyone is safe,” Ashley replied with a slightly bashful smile.

“Will you come visit again?”

“—Yes. Of course.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I promise.”

Grace and Claudia answered the children like that. They seemed worried… so I should state it clearly too.

“That’s right. We’ll come visit again,” I said, and the children exchanged happy expressions. Well, Justia will be visiting her hometown, and there are matters related to the ancient castle too. I’m also curious about the future prosperity of chess.

It might be nice to come for swimming in the summer.

“Mm. We’ll definitely come again,” Sheila said, clenching her fist with a serious expression and nodding. The children and Irmhild trembled at Sheila’s demeanor. Ah, well. That’s another reason—Sheila has taken a liking to this place.

Next time… it might be good to invite Count Wisneaire, the lord of the port town, to the island too.

The children then gave ornaments to Princess Stephania and her group, Prince Helfried and his group, thanking them and saying goodbye. They also clung to Corulis, Lindwurm, Lavigne and her group, reluctant to part.

Seeing the children like this, the Water Guardians and Siren clan leaders smiled gently, then bowed respectfully.

“Thank you, Theodore-sama. We will never forget the grace of saving Grantios.”

“Not only that, but such a wonderful place too. We will also strive to make this a foundation for friendship with the land,” said Rovisa and Marion. The two would be accompanying us to Termwills. Among the Water Guardians and Sirens, we had deeper connections with these two. They seemed to be representing everyone.

“Indeed. If this island becomes a bridge of friendship for both our peoples, then we must all the more protect this Cleansing sea,” Queen Eldorene said.

“Leave the protection of Grantios while you head to Termwills to us. We will also take responsibility for safely delivering the children to the capital,” Weltes said.

“Of course, we will not hesitate to cooperate either,” Duke Driscoll added.

The people of Grantios nodded with serious expressions.

“Speaking of which, this is a slight change of topic… but does this island have a name?” Queen Eldorene asked the duke as if suddenly remembering.

“No. It was an unnamed island… but yes. How about having the Ambassador-sama name it?”

“Hmm. I have no objections,” Queen Eldorene said, looking around as if seeking opinions. There were… no particular objections.

Hmm. What should I do?

“…How about Moonlight Island?”

It’s not very creative, but… there’s a lighthouse, and magic tools that serve as guide lights are installed in the harbor to guide both airships and regular vessels, so it actually glows in various places at night. It also comes from the moon goddess Shuath’s protection over travelers’ safety.

“So it becomes a guardian for sea travelers… hmm.”

“Hmm. That’s good.”

The queen and duke nodded quietly. Since there were no particular objections, it seemed decided as Moonlight Island.

With the island naming concluded, we exchanged words with the ducal family members too.

“My, my. It was supposed to be a vacation, but it turned into quite a significant event.”

“That’s true. I had considered the possibility of speaking with people of the sea nations… but it exceeded my expectations, you could say.”

Duke Driscoll and I shared a wry smile.

“For my part… looking back, it was nothing but joyful events. I would be happy if Ambassador-sama has come to like western Verdgar.”

“Of course, I like it very much.”

“That’s good to hear,” the duke said with a bright smile.

“Theodore-sama, take care.”

“We look forward to the day we can meet again.”

“Likewise.”

We exchanged greetings with Oscar and Vanessa, then with Leslie and his group.

“When you go to investigate the depths of the ancient castle, I will assist. Please contact me,” Leslie said, then looked at the dukes and bowed deeply.

“I apologize for the trouble. It’s rather embarrassing to admit.”

“From us as well, please,” they added.

“Of course. Dealing with dangerous relics like that is also part of the Otherworld Ambassador’s duties.”

For Leslie, it was probably his own mistake. Since he has a strong sense of responsibility, there might be a part of him that wants to resolve it himself if possible.

However, there’s the history of him brooding alone creating an opening for Nightmare Grazheim to exploit. The dukes are worried about Leslie since it concerns family matters, and Leslie understands that well, which is why he promised to work with me to handle the situation.

For my part, it’s also part of the Otherworld Ambassador’s job… and since I was involved in the Nightmare incident, I’m concerned about the cleanup too. If there’s something beyond Leslie and his group’s capabilities, I can take responsibility for it.

Well… that will be after things settle down in Termwills and Leslie’s condition fully recovers, of course.

After spending ample time on farewells, we boarded the Sirius. Queen Eldorene, Rovisa, and Marion. Several other escorts would also accompany us to Termwills. Besides meeting with King Melvin, there were matters to discuss with the Labyrinth Trading Company, and we needed to visit the labyrinth entrance monuments to increase future exchange opportunities.

Seen off by the people of the duchy, the Mermaids, and the Fishfolk, waving their hands. Slowly, the Sirius began to ascend.

The gradually receding island, and the people there waving. The blue sea shining under the light. Eventually, the island grew smaller. Still, everyone continued watching the island intently from the deck.

“For my part… I think it was good that I could accompany you on this journey,” Marl said, narrowing her eyes—as if murmuring. Then she turned to face me, looking straight at me.

“We—were asked by the Seven Sages we fought alongside to protect the Moonlight Temple’s Seal. So by accompanying you, I wanted to see with my own eyes your way of thinking, your strength, what you’ve done until now, and what you plan to do from now on.”

Ah. From Marl’s perspective, it’s probably a promise with old comrades-in-arms.

When it comes to someone involved in that promise, it’s only natural she’d want to observe carefully and judge.

“I take pride in having fought alongside you for Grantios’s peace. I will definitely keep the promise I made with you.”

Saying this, Marl bowed her head quietly.

“That’s… right. For my part, I also want to cooperate to help protect the peace created by the Seven Sages.”

At my response, Marl narrowed her eyes gently.

“U-um,” someone called out. It was Dominique.

“I heard about the promise too. Please, I look forward to working with you,” Dominique said, bowing to Marl. Sheila, Irmhild, Justia, and Cyrille came up behind Dominique and similarly bowed to Marl.

“—Yes. I too… will not just tell everyone, but will work hard to search for various things.”

Marl looked at them and smiled happily.

Eventually, the island disappeared beyond the horizon, completely out of sight. Moving from the deck to the bridge—the Sirius gradually began to increase its speed.