Chapter 413 – Return to Baharzad

After completing various tasks in Halvaronis—visiting the old capital aboard the Sirius and applying Claudia’s spell formula to the Moon Temple ruins—the day of departure arrived.

“Now, do take care.”

“Yes. We’ll be going now.”

“You haven’t forgotten anything, have you?”

“…I’ll be fine.”

“We’re off!”

The elders seemed to be speaking to Sion and the other two with concern.

The elders had come all the way to town to see off Forset and Sion’s group as they departed. Other residents also appeared to have come to bid farewell, and after greeting the elders, Sion’s group seemed to be exchanging words with the town’s children as well.

“Then, I leave matters here in your hands during my absence.”

“Have a safe journey, Lord Forset.”

Ferset was speaking with the person who would serve as acting chief in his absence. Among the chief’s duties, besides maintaining the Barrier, there was apparently the role of gathering residents’ opinions and conveying them during consultations with the elders.

The person in question as acting chief was a gentle-looking man with a beard. He seemed to have brought his wife and children to see them off. Having served as Forset’s assistant for many years and earned the trust of the residents, he was likely well-suited as a successor.

“Now then, Theodore-sama. I entrust Lady Claudia, Your Highness, and Forset to your care.”

“Yes. Once the situation in Termwills settles down, I’ll come visit again.”

“That would be most welcome.”

I should bring Billiards and Darts along when I do.

We left the town while being seen off by the elders and residents. Bowing toward the waving crowd, we walked toward the town entrance.

Corulis was also waving in farewell, and seeing this, the children waved back even more vigorously.

Earlier, there were even children hugging Corulis… Though our stay was only a few days, I think they became quite familiar with each other.

Exiting through the entrance, we all boarded the Sirius, which the Demon-Slaying Knight Order had docked.

“All personnel accounted for.”

After the Demon-Slaying Knight Order members completed pre-departure checks like roll call, Mercedes reported to Elliot.

“Then, shall we go?”

Nodding while looking toward the bridge, the ship began to ascend under Old Sigmund’s piloting. As the altitude increased, Sion and the others went to the edge of the deck and stared intently at the scenery below. The view from high up must be unusual for them.

Ferset was also quietly gazing at the forest scenery, but upon seeing Sion and the others’ behavior, he spoke up.

“Even if you can use Levitation, be careful not to fall. If nobody notices, you might be left behind on the ship.”

“Yes, Lord Forset.”

“Understood.”

“Mm-hmm!”

Seeing Sion and the others’ responses, Forset showed a gentle smile as if witnessing something heartwarming. Then he returned his gaze, stared at the forest for a moment, and murmured.

“The forest is already so small…”

He seemed to have mixed feelings about leaving the forest where he had lived for many years. It felt like an inadvertent remark, and Forset gave me a wry smile.

“Ah, no. Leaving a town you’re accustomed to… somehow makes you feel lonely. I thought staying here like this might help me understand something, but… it seems I cannot comprehend the feelings of Valros and the alliance leaders.”

“Starting a new life certainly… brings anxiety too. I also left Father’s house of my own accord, but… they might have seen it not as their homeland, but as shackles.”

“Shackles, you say…”

“That’s just my own story. When I left Mother’s house… it felt different.”

That’s right… When I hear “hometown,” what comes to mind is Mother’s house. I wouldn’t claim to understand both feelings, but… Forset, who feels lonely about leaving the town, must have truly liked the peaceful life he shared with Sion and the others.

Ferset slightly narrowed his eyes at my words and nodded quietly.

Leaving the Forest of Illusions—we first headed for the oasis town of Masmadol.

We needed to contact Fatima, the lord of Masmadol, to inform her of our safe return and discuss matters regarding the old capital’s restoration.

Just like during our previous visit, we landed the Sirius near the oasis close to the lord’s mansion, and immediately Lord Fatima arrived by camel carriage, greeting us.

“Your Highness Elham, and everyone else. I’m relieved to see you all safe.”

“Thank you, Fatima. Has anything changed since then?”

“His Majesty Farid has sent official notification that Kahar’s remnants were captured at the castle fortress ruins. He also wishes to discuss future matters in Mernpios.”

I see. King Farid might be anticipating changes in the southwestern situation going forward.

“In that case, why not ride with us on the Sirius? We’re planning to stop by Mernpios as well.”

“That would be most helpful. Thank you.”

“Indeed. But first, let me introduce them.”

At Princess Elham’s signal, Forset and the others stepped forward.

“We’ve come from the hidden forest village of Halvaronis. I am Forset. These children are Sion, Sigritta, and Marceska.”

“N-nice to meet you.”

“Likewise, nice to meet you.”

Sion and the others, having been told that Fatima was the most important person in Masmadol, greeted her with nervous expressions, and Fatima also bowed politely and introduced herself.

“Now then… what shall we do?”

“I had considered welcoming everyone back here in Masmadol, but… His Majesty might have preparations for hospitality ready in Mernpios as well.”

Hmm… Since we’ve been summoned, we can’t keep King Farid waiting for hospitality. King Farid did say he would host us in Mernpios, and both the Baharzard members and Forset’s group likely have much to discuss. For leisurely hospitality, Mernpios would be better, which would also be preferable from Fatima’s position.

Both Princess Stephania and Princess Adriana seemed to have no objections to departing immediately. They nodded when they looked at me.

“We have no issues. We had a relaxing time in Halvaronis.”

When I said this, Fatima bowed.

“Then… I shall immediately prepare for departure.”

“I’ll explain what transpired in the old capital and forest during our journey.”

“Yes.”

With talk of the old capital’s restoration emerging, Fatima’s cooperation as Masmadol’s lord would be indispensable. Nodding at Princess Elham’s words, Fatima boarded her camel carriage and headed back up the slope.

Shortly after returning, Fatima brought roasted palm nuts as at least a small gift.

The palm nuts we collected from the forest were for cultivation in Termwills. The peeled and roasted palm nuts were welcome as refreshments. They seemed to have been prepared chilled already, so we decided to enjoy them together on the bridge right away.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Grace and the others brought palm nuts with holes drilled in them on trays. Sion and the others helped distribute them to everyone.

“Be careful not to spill…”

“Here you go.”

“Thank you.”

Ashley, Marlene, and Charlotte smiled as Sigritta and Marceska handed them wooden plates with palm nuts. Hmm. I get the impression the younger group has become quite friendly with Sion and the others.

Meanwhile, the Sirius flew on toward the royal capital of Baharzard, Mernpios. Fatima seemed startled by the view from the sky but quickly composed herself and appeared to be hearing the details from Princess Elham and Forset.

“…I see. So your lineage connects to the founding ancestor of the Nahalbia royal family.”

“Halvaronis also has records of Nahalbian nobles marrying into the village in the past. Your family name, Lady Fatima, remains in Halvaronis’s records as well. So… though distant, we could be considered relatives.”

“Is that so… I hadn’t realized. Then please, let us maintain good relations for years to come.”

“Likewise.”

Saying this, Fatima and Forset exchanged handshakes with smiles.

“The old capital and the Forest of Illusions cannot remain under temporary measures forever. As Baharzard, I believe we should welcome the restoration of that land.”

“Indeed, His Majesty mentioned that before as well. If there’s no danger, restoration will be easier to undertake.”

When Princess Elham spoke, Fatima responded with a serious expression.

Yeah. Regarding the southwestern redevelopment, things seem promising. Originally Nahalbia and Halvaronis walked together, and it benefits Baharzard too. If King Farid is enthusiastic, discussions should progress rapidly.