Chapter 372 – Heading South for Departure

“Oh, Theodore! You’ve returned!”

After notifying everyone via the communication device that we’d obtained the Orb and escaping the labyrinth, we headed straight for the Royal Castle. Without any waiting, King Melvin in his battle attire came to meet us immediately. He was using the guesthouse as a temporary command post.

“Yes. The Orb and documents are here.”

I handed King Melvin the Orb and the book detailing the ritual procedures.

“Hmm. You’ve done well. Mildred, take this to the storage.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

King Melvin passed the Orb to Mildred and kept the book himself. After receiving the Orb, Mildred bowed and left with the royal knights to store it safely.

“It seems the demons didn’t appear this time.”

Since we hadn’t fought any demons this time, everyone had come to the Royal Castle together. The thought of encountering demons while separated was unsettling.

“So they’re preserving their strength, I suppose.”

“Perhaps.”

When I nodded, King Melvin gave a wry smile.

“Indeed. While the demons’ movements are concerning, I’m most relieved that none of you were injured.”

“Thank you.”

After I bowed and responded, King Melvin suggested we rest for a while in the guesthouse’s VIP room, likely as a gesture of appreciation. Having no objections, I followed King Melvin along with everyone else as suggested.

We were shown to the VIP room and sat across the table while tea was served. After taking a sip of tea and catching my breath, King Melvin spoke up.

“Now, regarding our previous discussion. It’s still too early to make a judgment, so I’ve ordered increased patrols for the time being to observe the situation.”

“Yes. Until now, the demons have timed their attacks precisely with the release of the seals, but just because they didn’t show themselves this time doesn’t mean they’ve given up.”

“Hmm… We should assume their approach has changed. The turning point was likely after we defeated the Black Bones.”

Gardinis, huh? Indeed, he seemed to be someone even among demons who commanded respect… By defeating him, the demons must have realized that even with elite forces, sending them in piecemeal wouldn’t get them anywhere. Actually, they even brought in the Duoveris Cult and still failed.

Frankly, it would have been easier for us if they’d continued with brute force… but well, that can’t be helped. If they’ve resolved themselves and abandoned their naive thinking, then we too must strengthen our resolve more than ever.

To do that, we’ll need not only to accumulate more power but also to make thorough preparations for the day to come.

“Hmm. It seems I have no need to offer you any advice.”

Ignatius laughed after seeing my expression, and King Melvin also smiled and nodded.

“Indeed. Now then… regarding your journey to the south, I’ve been gathering information about that so-called Sacred Land.”

“Yes.”

I nodded at King Melvin’s words. From his phrasing, it seemed he’d obtained some information. Since we planned to head there soon, everyone listened to King Melvin’s words with keen interest.

“Apparently, it’s quite an unusual place. While the nearby desert expands year by year, that particular area has somehow remained forested since ancient times.”

“Another… mysterious place.”

…I haven’t heard of this in BFO. Was it in an unimplemented area, or perhaps…

“The forest itself seems to be mysterious too. They say that even those familiar with forests get lost when trying to go deeper, finding themselves outside before they know it.”

“A forest that isn’t eroded by the desert… and expels those who try to go deeper. There might be some kind of barrier set up.”

Claudia murmured while showing a thoughtful expression.

“Indeed… It certainly feels like there’s something deep in the forest.”

“Hmm. To me, it reminds me of stories I’ve heard about Elf villages.”About people trying to enter forests with Elf settlements being disturbed by spirits and finding themselves outside the forest before they know it?””

“Indeed. If it’s related to demons, it’s probably not Elf-related but rather some kind of seal or barrier. However, since it’s a forest, it might be best to seek advice from Adventurer Guild Master Auria. Or perhaps with the Sirius, it might not be necessary, but just to be safe…”

“That’s true. Certainly.”

Auria had helped us with Seraphina before too.

“Well, as long as Theodore has no issues, I’ll arrange to speak with the Adventurer Guild.”

“Then… please do.”

And so, matters were settled for the day.

The next day. While visiting the workshop and training in the courtyard while simultaneously working on various magic tools, Auria came from the Adventurer Guild.

“Oh, Theodore!”

Auria smiled and waved at us from near the gate. It seemed she’d received word from King Melvin yesterday and had come to visit right away.

“Good afternoon, Auria-san.”

“Hmm. First of all, I’m most relieved that none of you were injured during yesterday’s Orb retrieval.”

“Thank you.”

I welcomed Auria into the courtyard, and we sat across the table that had been set up outside to talk.

“Please.”

Grace immediately brought tea and baked sweets.

“Oh. Thank you.”

After expressing her gratitude, Auria promptly ate a sweet and her face broke into a smile. Seeing Auria’s reaction, Grace also smiled.

“Well, I received notice from His Majesty Melvin. It seems you’re heading to some suspicious forest, aren’t you?”

“That’s right. Apparently, when you try to go deeper into the forest, you get expelled outside. So we thought we’d ask Auria-san for advice.”

“Hmm. Elves are people of the forest. It’s true that they make contracts with forest spirits and fairies, protecting the forest while the forest in turn protects them – such measures against intruders do exist.”

“In that case, can you determine whether spirits are causing the interference?”

When I asked, Auria nodded.

“Even though we have contracts, we can still talk with the spirits. If they’re misleading people because they don’t want them going deeper, then if the other party is Elves, persuading them would be quicker.”

…Hmm. I see. We also have the monocle, so if the spirits’ movements are abnormal, we might be able to tell by looking.

“If it’s a magical mechanism, then the spirits would actually be free. In that case, we could ask for their help. As long as you’re all fine with it, I think I could be of help if I accompany you… what do you think?”

Auria asked, and I considered it. It would certainly be helpful, but…

“That’s—while it would be very helpful, are you sure that’s alright? What about your Guild work?”

“Well, it shouldn’t be a problem. Oswald and Heather might complain a bit, but the work will continue smoothly even while I’m away. More importantly, both the Guild and I personally owe you, Theodore.”

Saying this, Auria shook her shoulders slightly. Everyone exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

“Then… may we request your cooperation?”

“Hmm. Leave it to me.”

“Considering not just the forest exploration but also the political instability in the south, having the Termwills Adventurer Guild Master accompany us might be quite beneficial.”

As Rosemary opened and closed her feather fan while speaking, Ashley agreed with her words.

“It seems we can get cooperation from the Adventurer Guild there too.”

“Indeed, I do have some connections there. While a branch master from elsewhere doesn’t have much authority, I’ll do what I can.”

She probably couldn’t wield significant power, but in terms of credibility from the Adventurer Guild, it would help in various aspects like establishing footholds and gathering information – not limited to just the forest exploration. We could say we’ve gained a reliable ally before heading south. Well… it’s hard to see that from her appearance as she happily stuffs her cheeks with baked sweets…

“In that case, we’ll need to make one more set of anti-vampire equipment.”

With Auria’s participation decided, Alfred said this while lightly stretching and rotating his shoulders and waist. That’s right – we’re in the middle of creating anti-vampire equipment.

“Then, Lady Auria. Could you come over here for measurements?”

“Oh. This is getting interesting.”

Thus, Auria was led by Viola holding a tape measure to the adjacent room for measurements.