Chapter 528 – Return from the Sea

The return journey to Termwills proceeded smoothly.

Although our vacation had been relatively long and our stay extended by several days due to the Waldom incident, we compensated by increasing the Sirius’s sailing speed on the return trip, thus shortening the travel time to balance things out.

And so—Termwills appeared in the distance at dusk. Upon seeing Theoreme Castle, Queen Eldorene exclaimed.

“Oh… This is… quite impressive. We had heard rumors in Grantios, but I never imagined it would be this magnificent.”

“Theoreme was created by the Labyrinth. It does have aspects that differ from ordinary structures.”

“So that rumor was true as well…”

As Claudia explained about Theoreme, Queen Eldorene placed a hand on her chin, closed her eyes, and nodded.

When it comes to what makes it different, it’s not just its immense size but also aspects like the floating stone elevators and the walls’ automatic repair functions.

You get used to it after living there for a while, but it seems first-time visitors to Termwills are always overwhelmed by Theoreme first.

Grace and Forestbird were surprised too, weren’t they? I feel somewhat nostalgic about that.

The first time I saw Theoreme was inside BFO… and even living in Japan, it was shocking. Well, part of that is because its architectural style differs from inorganic skyscrapers.

As Termwills gradually drew nearer, I slowed our speed and guided the Sirius toward the shipyard.

I greeted the soldiers at the shipyard’s watchtower, then proceeded inside the outer walls. Aligning the angle on the foundation, I slowly descended—and with a slight vibration, we landed.

We prepared to disembark and left the ship. Since we had traveled quite far north, the moment we stepped off the ship, the air felt cool and refreshing. Thanks to Tephra’s Blessing, it wasn’t much of an issue for us, but what about Queen Eldorene?

“Are you alright with the cold?”

“Hmm. Let’s see. In this human form, it might be a bit chilly.”

In human form, huh? I suppose even things like perceived temperature change. In that case, I’ll deploy a wind field around us.

As we descended the gangway, several carriages had arrived at the shipyard. Judging by the emblems on the carriages, they appeared to be for transport from the royal castle.

We had been fairly diligent in reporting our situation via the communication device, so they probably coordinated the timing and waited at the shipyard.

King Melvin often says reports on resolved incidents can wait for another day… so this reception must be to welcome Queen Eldorene to the royal castle.

In that case, it would be best for me to also show my face at the royal castle, offer my report, and propose guiding Queen Eldorene.

“Welcome, Your Majesty Queen Eldorene. The Kingdom of Verdugal welcomes its maritime ally. And welcome back, Theodore-sama.”

The envoy from the royal castle bowed respectfully.

Queen Eldorene nodded quietly and returned the greeting politely. As expected, this reception was indeed for Queen Eldorene.

I returned the envoy’s greeting and then addressed everyone.

“Could everyone else head home first? I’ll also go to the royal castle to give my report.”

“Understood.”

“Take care, Theodore-sama.”

Grace and Ashley nodded quietly.

It seems Alpha will accompany the carriage heading home. Grinning, it sat next to the carriage Grace and the others would board.

I informed the envoy that I would board the carriage with the members from Grantios and head to the royal castle.

“Understood. His Majesty awaits at the guesthouse.”

Princess Stephania and the other two, along with Prince Helfried, would also go to the royal castle. Since there were carriages waiting for them too, they couldn’t ride Corulis back as they might from the Adventurer Guild.

However, it appeared Flamia would ride on Corulis’s back, with Ramriya perched on Flamia’s head, providing aerial escort for the carriages. The sight was somewhat surreal, but with the Lindwurm joining as well, it should be sufficient for escort duties.

“Then, we’ll be waiting at home.”

“Take care, Theodore.”

Rosemary and Claudia spoke. I lightly waved back at Marlene, who was smiling and waving energetically. Sion and the others seemed to be returning with Grace’s group as well. Well, this is Termwills, and they’re royal carriages, so it should be safe enough.

“Yeah. We’ll be escorting Dominique and Justia.”

“Then, I’ll go with Sheila too.”

As Sheila spoke, Seraphina raised her hand cheerfully. Cyrille also seemed to be moving with Sheila.

“In that case, I’ll send Caduceus with you. Balor will go with Grace’s group.”

“Thank you, Theodore-kun.”

Irmhild smiled.

“I’ll be returning for now. I need to inform the others.”

“Understood.”

The “others” Marl mentioned likely refer to the Spirit Kings. Well, I’ve provided them with communication devices, so they can easily contact us if anything comes up.

And so, everyone boarded their respective carriages and headed toward the royal castle—disembarking in front of the guesthouse.

“Thank you.”

When Princess Stephania addressed the animal group that had escorted them this far, Corulis and the others nodded in perfect unison.

“Lindwurm, thank you for your hard work too.”

I also offered words of appreciation to the Lindwurm and patted its head. The Lindwurm rumbled its throat in response.

Thus, the familiars returned to their respective roosts. Ramriya shared a nest with Corulis, while Flamia seemed to head to the Dragon Stable with the Lindwurm. As Corulis turned back and waved along the way, the other members also turned and greeted us.

“My, my. I suppose this is what you’d expect from my elder sister’s familiars.”

“Fufu. They’re adorable, aren’t they?”

Prince Helfried gave a wry smile, but Princess Stephania laughed cheerfully. Just then, a court lady addressed us.

“This way, please.”

Guided by the court ladies, we were shown to a room in the guesthouse—where King Melvin was waiting.

“His Majesty King Melvin of the Kingdom of Verdugal.”

The court lady introduced King Melvin to Queen Eldorene. Rovisa bowed in response and introduced Queen Eldorene to King Melvin.

“Her Majesty Queen Eldorene of the Grantios Kingdom.”

Thus, King Melvin and Queen Eldorene faced each other.

“Well met, Queen Eldorene. Our kingdom welcomes its maritime ally.”

“This… is a warm welcome indeed, I am humbled. Thanks to the assistance of Your Majesty and the Ambassador, we were able to avert a national crisis. First, allow me to express my gratitude.”

Saying this, the two shook hands.

Given it was a meeting between a king and a queen, the atmosphere held some tension—but both King Melvin and Queen Eldorene suddenly smiled, easing the mood.

“Well, I’m not particularly fond of excessive formality. For my part, I hope we can build friendship and trust between our nations.”

“That would be most welcome. Nothing would please me more than for us to prosper while maintaining good relations.”

Then King Melvin turned his gaze toward me, Princess Stephania, and the others.

“First of all… welcome back safely. Especially you, Theodore—you were on vacation, yet you undertook this great task. And to face a high-ranking demon… It wasn’t in the report, but… did you manage to avoid any injuries?”

Ah… I had evaded that part even in the communication device reports.

“Thank you for your concern. Well… I sustained some minor injuries, but they’ve completely healed now. It’s not a problem.”

As I said this with a smile, King Melvin’s expression darkened for a moment, but he nodded quietly and offered a gentle smile.

“I see… Make sure to properly rest and recover from the fatigue of your journey and battle.”

“Yes.”

“At any rate, it is thanks to your efforts that the Grantios Kingdom and ours can join hands with smiles like this. Once again, you have done well.”

“Your words honor us too much.”

Princess Stephania and the others responded together. Tea was served, and everyone took their seats.

Waiting for an appropriate moment to settle, Queen Eldorene spoke.

“First, yes. Before discussing other matters, allow me to say this. It would bring shame upon Grantios if we did not repay the great debt we owe your nation. I’ve heard your country is fighting a faction of demons. We wish to offer our cooperation in that conflict as well.”

“Reinforcements from the sea—that is reassuring.”

King Melvin and Queen Eldorene proceeded to discuss dispatching elite forces and cooperating with the Demon-Slaying Knight Order.

It seemed confirmed that Weltes and Rovisa would remain here after arriving. Weltes had temporarily returned to Grantios escorting the children, but he would likely come back here again.

The Demon-Slaying Knight Order has strong aspects as a special forces unit. Having personnel specialized in underwater operations will undoubtedly expand our range of responses in various situations.

In that case, we might need to prepare magic tools and equipment suited for the Grantios personnel. Ideally, equipment that allows for aerial combat with a similar feel to underwater combat.