Chapter 172 – Sanctuary and Monsters

Knight Order Commander Mildred’s demonstration was, like last year, a test cutting exercise.

However, this year instead of stone pillars, she was cutting through suits of armor placed on stone stands.

Mildred swung her bastard sword wrapped in fighting spirit as if it were a mere stick, performing diagonal and horizontal slashes as she passed by, cleaving the rows of armor in two as if she were cutting through weeds.

It was the same impressive skill as always… but this year she was also wearing aerial combat gear, and I noticed differences like her kicking off the air to change trajectory and head toward the next target. The reason they prepared multiple targets was likely related to that.

After the dinner party concluded in this manner, King Melvin distributed rewards to the knights who had achieved results. Chester was honored again this year, following last year. Then Mercedes. And a few others.

“For the heroes who saved our nation and their companions who demonstrated remarkable achievements in the recent battle against the Duoveris Cult, we shall grant them their desired rewards as well. Whether your name was called this time or not, I expect all of you to continue your training without reservation.”

Saying this, King Melvin returned to the tower. He seemed to be in high spirits, perhaps feeling satisfied with how this dinner party had gone.

I heard there would be a drinking banquet afterward—but we’re scheduled to move to the King’s Tower to speak with King Melvin.

We parted ways with the Marquis and Ophelia and headed toward the King’s Tower.

The servant led us to the salon we always use. However, it wasn’t King Melvin who arrived but Mercedes.

“His Majesty is waiting. First, please come this way with our honored guest, the Young Lady.”

“Understood. Everyone, please wait here. I’ll be back soon.”

Guided by Mercedes, I proceeded through the King’s Tower with Claudia. We walked through the corridors and rode the floating stones to go even higher.

“You were quite active at this dinner party as well, Dame Mercedia.”

“It seems my efforts in exploring the labyrinth paid off. But I still have much to learn.”

She showed humility like that, but she seemed quite pleased nonetheless.

Walking along the winding corridor, we found King Melvin waiting before a door adorned with complex patterns.

So this is the door to the sanctuary.

“You may withdraw now.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Mercedes and the escort imperial knights left the area.

“The dinner party was magnificent.”

“Not at all, not at all. The credit belongs not to me but to the knights’ training. They would surely be delighted to hear your words.”

After saying this with a pleased expression, King Melvin turned to face Claudia.

“Are you the Goddess Shuath?”

“Yes. But first, as proof of my identity…”

Claudia stepped forward slowly and touched the sanctuary door right before King Melvin’s eyes.

Instantly, light traced along the patterns, and the door opened by itself. At this sight, King Melvin gasped. But only for a moment. Then he knelt respectfully before Claudia, as a subject would before their sovereign.

“Please rise. I am not a goddess, merely a princess. I am not someone a king should bow his head to.”

“No. You who have protected this land and its inhabitants for so long are worthy of being called a goddess. As stated in the Nation Protecting Ceremony’s text—as long as one protects the nation and maintains the contract and oath, they shall be recognized as this land’s king. If you made a contract with the royal family’s founder, then there is no one but you who can guarantee the authority of the Verdugal Royal Family.”

In response to King Melvin’s words, Claudia closed her eyes.

“…I understand what you wish to say. But please, raise your head. I’m somewhat uncomfortable being treated so specially.”

“If you insist.”

King Melvin stood up. Claudia stepped into the sanctuary.

“Both of you, come this way.”

Claudia spoke. …So I’m entering the sanctuary too. Well, it’s true that we won’t have to worry about being overheard by others now that everyone has been dismissed.

When the three of us entered, the area where the door had been merged with the wall and disappeared as if melting away. The sanctuary—had become a stone corridor with a black glossy finish.

The architectural style itself was similar to Theoreme’s. However, there wasn’t a single seam in the construction materials, truly worthy of being called a sanctuary. The magical power I could sense was also somewhat unusual.

“I’m grateful to the Verdugal Royal Family… particularly King Melvin, for maintaining the contract with me.”

Claudia spoke as we proceeded deeper into the sanctuary.

“Though there have been kings who failed to fulfill their duties.”

King Melvin smiled wryly. He must be referring to the generation that allowed the mine to become a labyrinth.

“Verdugal has a long history, so such things are bound to happen.”

“I appreciate you saying that. I’ve heard that the Goddess… no, Claudia-sama wishes for coexistence with monsters?”

“Yes. Do you know what distinguishes elves and dwarves from those classified as monsters?”

“No, not clearly. Only that some individuals seem to have friendly tendencies.”

“Theodore?”

When asked, I thought for a moment.

Right. Even when elves and dwarves become hostile toward humans, it’s mostly due to differences in racial or tribal perspectives… or personal interests that couldn’t be reconciled.

In contrast, when creatures like lamias and sirens attack humans, there are times when no clear reason can be identified. They attack as if no discussion is possible.

“When monsters considered to have friendly tendencies attack humans, there sometimes seems to be no clear reason… Or am I just not understanding the reason?”

Claudia nodded.

“First, monsters are greatly influenced by the environmental magic power around them.”

When there’s a magical energy pool, they become active and increase in numbers… or they contain magic stone components within their bodies… There’s no doubt that monsters and magical power are closely related.

“To put it simply, during the first few years after birth—their personalities are determined by environmental magic power. This doesn’t apply to mature individuals, and there are species that follow their instincts regardless of the environment.”

So essentially… how they’re raised during childhood is important.

“Then… speaking specifically about friendly species, if the environment is properly maintained, we could prevent them from attacking without reason?”

“Yes. Going back to the era before the Kingdom of Verdugal existed—that’s why I protected the monsters. When a magical storm occurred and monsters ran wild, humans concluded they should be eliminated. But… once the disaster passed, many species became harmless… So I protected them when they were about to be persecuted and hid them deep in the labyrinth.”

I see… So Claudia wants to use this story as a guideline to convince the influential figures.

The more friendly a monster is, the higher their intelligence or the more special abilities they possess, making individuals that turn violent particularly troublesome.

Since we can’t prepare countermeasures at first encounter, we often fall behind until we gather enough information. If we can reduce that risk entirely, this would be beneficial in terms of personnel, ethics, and even setting aside emotional arguments.

Speaking specifically about Termwills—this place must surely work to calm monsters.

“I see… If that’s the truth, then monsters should indeed be protected. It would also reduce concerns for future generations.”

Eventually, we reached the deepest part of the sanctuary—a spacious chamber with an altar. A tranquil space illuminated by black stone and faintly drifting light.

But Claudia passed right by the altar and proceeded even further. When she casually touched the wall, light ran across it and a door opened.

“This is—”

King Melvin’s eyes widened. Apparently, this led to a place even King Melvin had never been before.

“The room beyond—contains the management facilities for Theoreme Castle.”

It was a small hemispherical room. A large crystal-like pillar stood in the center.

“Something that the administrator can open and the contractor can operate. It can change the shape of Theoreme Castle, but…”

When Claudia prompted him, King Melvin smiled wryly.

“No, that won’t be necessary. It could cause unnecessary confusion.”

“I hope the persuasion goes well.”

Claudia, having emerged from the sanctuary, muttered this to herself as if speaking to no one in particular.

“Yeah. It feels like we’ve done what we can, but is there anything else…”

After saying this, an idea occurred to me so I asked Claudia.

“—About the Humanization Spell. Can’t it be made into a magic tool?”

“I think it’s possible… But depending on one’s magical aptitude, some might not be able to maintain the spell for long.”

“I think it would be better than not being able to use the spell at all. By creating and using it, they could go out more easily and be more readily accepted.”

“That’s true. Let’s try it.”

Claudia closed her eyes and smiled.

Seems like we’ll be creating cursed tools with characteristic seals too. They could serve as additional supporting material if the persuasion doesn’t go well. I should work with Claudia and Alfred to advance the development quickly.

Well… next is the promised reward from the treasure room. When we return to the salon, they’ll arrange a guide, and they want us to check out the treasure room. Everyone’s preferences are different, but will we find any hidden treasures?