Chapter 102 – Triumph and Report

“I’m home… I guess.”

When we returned to the temple, Marlene came flying into my arms. As I caught her, she looked up with a happy expression before burying her face in my chest.

It seemed she had been offering prayers before the stone monument at the labyrinth entrance.

Indeed, we had discussed that if we were cornered when the demons attacked, we would escape into the labyrinth… So it might be reasonable for her to pray here. Mercedes was giving a wry smile, probably because she had been assigned to guard Marlene.

If we jumped from the stone monument and escaped into the labyrinth, our pursuers wouldn’t be able to determine where we went. After evading danger, we could regroup at the predetermined location.

“I’m glad you’re safe.”

As I stroked Marlene’s hair, Knight Order Commander Mildred and Guild Vice-Commander Oswald… and one other person approached. Her ears were pointed… An Elf woman.

This was our first meeting… Could she be Auria, the Guild Master of the Termwills Adventurer Guild?

Apparently, she was originally a famous adventurer. Her appearance matched exactly what one would imagine for an Elf. Because of this, she was quite popular among adventurers.

They said she balanced out Oswald, who tended to be reckless, with her cautious stance.

She might be the perfect person to lead the Termwills Adventurer Guild, where various different races gathered. Or rather, she was probably chosen for that very reason.

“The results are as you see. We repelled the demons who attacked us.”

When I showed them the orb, Mildred’s eyes widened for a moment before she nodded.

“It would be best for you to deliver that directly to His Majesty from your position as ambassador.”

Well… that is my job after all.

I probably shouldn’t entrust the handover to someone else.

“That contains an astonishing amount of spiritual power.”

Auria said this while crossing her arms.

Regardless of her appearance, her tone carried considerable dignity. Probably because as an Elf, she was long-lived.

“Ah, my introduction was late. I’m Auria, the Guild Master.”

She introduced herself.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Theodore Gartner.”

“Pleased to work with you. Lisa’s son.”

When I nodded, Auria said that.

“You know my mother?”

“Yes. We’d end up telling old stories, so let’s save that for another time when we can talk leisurely.”

Auria laughed cheerfully. According to Rosetta, it seemed my mother had been an adventurer in Termwills at one time. So it wouldn’t be strange for her to have acquaintances in the Adventurer Guild… but for the Guild Master to be one of them?

But well, certainly now we should talk about the demons and the orb rather than personal matters.

“Understood. Was there anything unusual outside the labyrinth? The demons might have set up some kind of mechanism.”

“Hmm…”

Tension crossed Mildred’s expression.

“Regarding the enemy’s appearance, I’ll inform you later. If you could investigate whether they’ve been sighted anywhere based on that, we might be able to grasp something.”

“Nothing particular has happened here… but yes. If that’s the case, I’ll have them conduct a thorough investigation.”

Mildred nodded. Caduceus remembered Luceriage’s appearance. If we had Caduceus recreate it and used Earth Magic to take a form, we could probably create something resembling a bust.

“I’m glad you’re safe.”

Penelope, who had approached, bowed her head.

“Not at all.”

There’s one more thing that’s been on my mind regarding this incident… If I ask Penelope, might I understand something?

“Penelope-san. May I ask about the appearance of Goddess Shuas?”

“Of Lady Shuas?”

“Yes. Things like hair color and eye color that can’t be determined from the goddess statue at the altar.”

While Shuas’s personality is often discussed, her detailed appearance isn’t mentioned. If one were to speak of her form, it would be equated with the goddess statue at the temple altar.

…In other words, I suspect that those managing the labyrinth might have some connection to the Moon Goddess Shuas.

The moon’s movements are deeply connected to the labyrinth too. They say the Moon Temple was built afterward… but what if Shuas had been involved from the beginning?

“Lady Shuas is like the waxing and waning of the moon. I’ve heard she dislikes showing her form recklessly before people. There are various theories about her specific appearance, so I can’t say anything definite… but it’s said she takes the form of a very beautiful woman in the prime of her life.”

Perhaps because the conversation had turned to Shuas, Penelope showed a somewhat happy smile.

Hmm. So the possibility that Claudia herself is Shuas doesn’t exist after all, huh? Just based on appearance, Claudia seemed to be around my age.

Plus, she seemed to have some restrictions on her actions. So for example… Claudia being Shuas’s messenger or subordinate… I think that kind of possibility could exist.

“It seems certain she has long hair. Many of the shrine maidens at the Moon Temple emulate that. It’s said to have the beauty of the moon’s radiance.”

…The moon’s radiance. Another vague expression. Could those golden eyes be called the moon’s radiance?

“Understood. Thank you.”

“Not at all. Please ask anytime.”

I bowed to Penelope.

Well. Next, I’ll probably have to deliver the orb to the royal castle and report to King Melvin.

“—The Dancing Sword Luceriage… you said?”

Since it was quite late at night, I had everyone else return home first while I headed to the royal castle.

King Melvin was wearing battle attire and apparently had been waiting for our return in the King’s Tower.

As I entrusted him with the orb and reported on the outcome of this incident, the king seemed to have some reaction when I mentioned the demon’s name.

“You know of her? A female demon who throws golden swords.”

“Yes. That name appears in historical records. Between Blazing Heat and Dancing Sword… nothing but major players are appearing. Completely… our country has certainly caught the attention of some formidable opponents.”

King Melvin put his hand to his forehead and made a pained expression. He apparently didn’t consider from the start that I might be making a false report for credit.

I also informed him about what the demons had been doing behind the scenes, and that I had spoken with Mildred about it.

“And one more thing. About the black-haired girl I reported on before.”

“Yes.”

“I spoke with her a bit in the Spirit Hall. I only know her name and appearance, and the rest is largely my speculation.”

“Let me hear it.”

King Melvin leaned forward. I told him about Claudia, incorporating my earlier conversation with Penelope.

“…Goddess Shuas, huh?”

“It’s a story with little basis. I just forced a connection from the synchronization between the moon’s phases and the labyrinth.”

“No. While there were many mysteries about that girl, this is sufficient as a starting point. Having them investigate along those lines would be interesting too.”

King Melvin nodded as if impressed.

“In the procedures of the Nation Protecting Ceremony, can any correlation be seen regarding such points?”

“No. If there were, I would have told you. While I cannot reveal the details, it involves proving there’s no mistake in the bloodline and pledging to govern the country properly. That’s the content, and in the procedures, chants, or other wording, no relationship with the goddess can be seen.”

“I see.”

…I thought it would be settled if there were words praising the goddess in the ceremony.

Well, at this point it’s just an idea. There’s a good possibility it could be completely off the mark.

“And then… this isn’t really related to this incident.”

“Hmm.”

“It will be a bit later, but I’d like to borrow a dragon palanquin.”

“Oh? That’s fine, but… does that mean you’ll be leaving Termwills?”

“Yes. My mother’s death anniversary is approaching.”

Since King Melvin’s question was reasonable, I briefly explained the purpose, and he nodded with a serious expression.

“I see. That is indeed an important matter. The orb incident has settled down for now. I’ll handle matters regarding having received your report. I’ll arrange the dragon palanquin, so don’t hesitate to go.”

“Thank you.”

Having reported everything I needed to, I left the royal castle and began my journey home after creating Luceriage’s bust.

“…Sigh. I might need to get a new coat made.”

Since I had everyone else return by carriage, I was walking.

The draft was a bit cold. That’s because Luceriage had torn large holes in the sleeve and shoulder areas.

I touched the torn parts… It seems some scars remained on my arm and shoulder.

Ashley had been stroking them, was she concerned about them? Well, if she can’t heal them, then probably no one else can. For me, as long as there’s no lingering pain, I don’t wish for anything more.

“I’m home.”

“Welcome back.”

When I opened the house door, Grace and the others welcomed me with smiles.

“I’ll prepare some warm drinks now.”

“Thank you.”

Though it was quite late at night, it seemed everyone had stayed up waiting for me.

As usual, I settled into the armchair. The crackling sound of the fireplace logs was quite pleasant.

Since it was night, it was warmed milk rather than tea.

Once I had finished my cup and seemed settled, everyone came over.

Ashley and Grace sat beside me… and I held Marlene somewhat hesitantly on my lap.

She was positioned almost sideways. It was close to what’s called a princess carry. Marlene’s body was extremely light.

“Since we were together in the labyrinth.”

Ashley, who had sat beside me, smiled faintly and rested her head on my shoulder.

“I also had you help me recover from the recoil a bit.”

Grace, who sat on the opposite side, hugged my arm and pressed close.

Yeah. They probably want me to make time for Marlene too. I understand that, but…

Being in close contact with everyone like this… my body, chilled from walking outside, was warming from both inside and out.

It was very warm, but the situation was what it was. I felt like my head was getting flushed. Marlene seemed somewhat sleepy, occasionally rubbing under her eyes, but when our eyes met she smiled as if she didn’t want to sleep yet.

Yeah. Until she falls asleep. I just need to endure until she falls asleep. We had a battle today too, so I’m tired. Let’s move to the bedrooms early, shall we?