Chapter 373 – The Day of Departure to the South

Well then… For our journey south, Elliot and the members of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order are scheduled to board the Sirius this time.

The Sonic Cannons are already installed, and we plan to conduct coordination training while sailing the Sirius with the Wyverns on board during the journey.

Since Princess Adriana is one of the representatives of the Silvatoria side’s Demon-Slaying Knight Order, both Princess Adriana and Princess Stephania will accompany us so they can also serve as negotiators with other countries.

Old Sigmund and his group will accompany us just like last time. Since their main purpose is investigating the Demons, they might notice something. Just like with Corulis, having people well-versed in Barrier Magic and Sealing Techniques among us increases our available options.

On top of that, since forest exploration is anticipated, Auria will be joining us as well. Well… judging by both the number and quality of personnel, we have a perfect team.

Although Floria could have accompanied us since she has a contract with Claudia, it was decided she would stay behind this time because her manifestation as a Spirit is still recent, which would place a greater burden on Claudia compared to when Tephra accompanied us.

Thus, preparations were underway at the shipyard, with food, water, and materials being loaded onto the ship in preparation for departure.

“…The cult’s Sacred Land in the south, huh.”

Elliot looked up at the Sirius and murmured as if to himself.

“Along with the mysterious forest, it seems like quite a troublesome place,” Ashley remarked.

Elliot nodded quietly in response.

“Whatever awaits us, I intend to give it my all as Commander of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order. I spoke with Camilla, and she doesn’t seem worried about me being away, so I can focus entirely on the Task.”

Saying this, Elliot gave a somewhat embarrassed wry smile. Even if there’s danger, we could have Camilla accompany us since we can return via teleportation, but she’ll be staying behind this time.

Although it’s only for a short while, it’s somewhat unfortunate for both of them that Elliot will be away from home.

Rosemary’s Doll is providing security at Elliot’s residence, and Camilla will be practicing cooking and sword training with Mihaela and Cecilia. That’s probably a reassuring aspect for both Elliot and Camilla.

“Ah, here you are.”

“Your Highness Josiah.”

While checking the luggage to be loaded onto the Sirius along with everyone and Elliot, a carriage arrived at the shipyard. Prince Josiah stepped out, so I greeted him.

“Sorry to bother you while you’re busy. I came to say hello since I’ll be heading to Duke Driscoll’s territory by ship soon.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. You plan to stop by Grand Duke Debonnis’s territory, right? So I’ve been instructed by Father to also visit Duke Driscoll’s place to alleviate the Duke’s concerns.”

Prince Josiah said this with a small laugh.

I see… Indeed, since Grand Duke Debonnis’s territory is in the south, our schedule includes stopping there to enable teleportation to the Moon Temple.

If Duke Driscoll hears about this, he might worry that Grand Duke Debonnis’s influence will grow and his own position will weaken. Or perhaps those around Duke Driscoll might become apprehensive.

So by having Prince Josiah visit at the same time, King Melvin is demonstrating that he values both parties equally.

“Big Brother has it tough too. I’ve always thought mediating between those two would be difficult since their personalities are fundamentally incompatible,” Rosemary said, hiding her mouth with her feather fan.

To Rosemary, who would have borne that responsibility herself if she had inherited the throne, her voice carried a strangely sympathetic tone. Prince Josiah responded with a dry laugh to her words.

“Well, yes. Grand Duke Debonnis values history and tradition, while Duke Driscoll likes new things.”

I’ve heard from Rosemary before that Grand Duke Debonnis himself is relatively reasonable in terms of personality. Duke Driscoll seems to be a rather worldly figure, but I haven’t heard particularly bad rumors about either regarding territory management.

If I imagine their personalities based on rumors, Grand Duke Debonnis seems to have old-fashioned integrity, while Duke Driscoll appears to be someone who doesn’t cling much to traditions.

Indeed… it’s not about good or bad, but rather their personalities just don’t mesh well.

While I don’t know the personal feelings they hold toward each other, when viewed from the broader perspective of the Grand Duke’s house and the Duke’s house, there’s a history of conflict beneath the surface. As the mediator, Prince Josiah seems to be having quite a hard time.

“That said, Duke Driscoll naturally, and even Grand Duke Debonnis, don’t hold a bad impression of you. You can feel safe going to the Grand Duke’s territory.”

“Is that so?”

When I blinked in surprise, Prince Josiah looked me straight in the eyes and nodded clearly.

I think… when I met Grand Duke Debonnis before, it was just a brief greeting… Did I do something to leave a good impression?

“Grand Duke Debonnis is grateful to you for balancing the three houses and resolving the tensions. As for Duke Driscoll… well, his expectations of you are somewhat problematic in their approach.”

As if sensing my confusion, Prince Josiah gave a wry smile. As it was nearly time for departure, he glanced toward the harbor, bowed slightly, boarded his carriage, and left the shipyard.

“…With the reconstruction after the King of Deathly Slumber’s attack, the importance of the Grand Duke’s and Duke’s houses has increased. Meaning the royal family’s position has relatively weakened. Conversely, now… without the royal family supporting you, they probably couldn’t overcome difficult situations, right?”

“The ‘tensions’ refer to the Marlene incident,” Claudia said, slightly lowering her tone and glancing briefly at Marlene, who was checking luggage while looking at her notes.

“…I see.”

Rosemary had mentioned something similar to me before.

In this case, it’s still relative, but does this mean the royal family’s position and role have strengthened, restoring balance? The mutual suspicion that had developed due to the attempted assassination incident has also been resolved now that the perpetrator has been exposed.

So as a mediator, Prince Josiah can now make stronger requests and move more easily… I suppose. He has to convince not only the heads of households but their retainers as well.

And if Grand Duke Debonnis is pleased about this… does that mean he himself desires reconciliation with the Duke’s house?

For my part, with the Sacred Land matter pending, it’s fortunate if there won’t be any trouble involving the Grand Duke or Duke.

The preparations progressed steadily, and the day of departure southward arrived. Some time had passed since the Sealed Door was opened, but nothing had happened, so we’re operating under the assumption that the Demons are preserving their strength.

It’s just an assumption, after all. If anything happens, we’ll use Grand Duke Debonnis’s territory as a bridgehead so we can travel back and forth via teleportation immediately.

Many people had gathered at the shipyard to see us off. Starting with King Melvin, my household servants and Camilla, Tephra, Floria. The Adventurer Guild members and Rosetta. Alfred and the workshop group, Head Shrine Maiden Penelope of the Temple. And Father and Daryl too. Father and the others arrived in their usual carriage without a family crest. It seems they came secretly to see us off.

“Well then, take care.”

“Yes, Father.”

I exchanged greetings with Father and the others. While I was greeting them, Marlene was hugging Penelope.

Auria was also talking with the Adventurer Guild members. She’s probably entrusting them with matters during our absence, but since Auria seems to be in high spirits, both Oswald and Heather decided to see us off with good humor despite their wry smiles, and everyone had smiles on their faces.

But with Princess Stephania, Princess Adriana, plus Auria…

…Somehow, this seems like a group that would get along well. The two princesses, being addressed by King Melvin, had solemn expressions as they held the hems of their skirts and bowed, but that’s their formal face.

“Well then, I’m off.”

“Indeed. Take care.”

“Have a safe trip, Seraphina-chan.”

Seraphina, Tephra, and Floria seemed to be exchanging similar greetings.

“—After seeing Theodore off, I plan to return to my territory. I’m concerned about the situation there too.”

While observing everyone, Daryl spoke.

He’ll be returning to his territory before winter comes. Father dislikes being away from his territory too.

“I see. Well then… when winter comes, I might visit you.”

“Ah. Understood.”

Daryl nodded and shook hands with me.

Then Sheila and the others arrived as well. It seems they had already greeted the Thieves Guild’s Dorothy and Isabella, and everyone at the Orphanage before leaving.

“Finished with the greetings?”

“Yeah. Dorothy and the others said to give their regards to Theodore.”

“The children were all energetic too.”

Hmm. Sheila looks the same as always outwardly, but judging by her tail movements, she seems to be in quite a good mood. Irmhild also has a pleased expression.

“Theodore.”

King Melvin addressed me.

“Although it’s for gathering information, don’t push yourself too hard. As for me, if my position allowed and if my strength reached, I would want to fight alongside you… But precisely because I know that’s impossible, I cannot bear to see you get hurt.”

“Thank you. It’s also so that I myself won’t have regrets, so please don’t worry.”

When I responded with a smile, King Melvin also laughed self-deprecatingly.

About the leader. And about the Demons’ chief. There’s still much we don’t know about these matters.

Especially regarding the leader… because it’s not clear why the Seven Sages chose the form of a Seal. We need information and time to avoid making mistakes in our response.

This is why the southern investigation takes priority over Beriondora’s investigation – once the situation starts moving there, there will be no turning back.

Waiting for the appropriate time after the farewell greetings ended, I looked around at everyone. When my eyes met Grace’s, who had been standing quietly, she looked straight at me and nodded.

Her expression showed no hesitation. She’s prepared for whatever might happen in the south, and for whoever we might have to fight.

“Alright. Then, let’s go.”

“Yes. Theo, I’ll accompany you.”

Grace said this with a smile. We all nodded to each other, climbed the gangway, and boarded the Sirius.

The ship floated under Old Sigmund’s piloting. Waving from the deck to the people who came to see us off—we set off southward.