Chapter 414 – Reunion at Melunpios

The surrounding scenery changed from desolate desert to grasslands with patches of grass growing here and there.

They were nearly at Mernpios, the royal capital of Baharzard.

Perhaps finding the changing scenery novel, Sion and the others lined up before the crystal panel, gazing intently at the landscape spreading below.

“What is that?”

“Those are the tents of nomads. The seasons are about to change, so they’re moving their settlements here before it gets cold.”

Sion and the others seemed to have learned how to operate the crystal panel, zooming in on anything that caught their interest as they fully enjoyed the outside world. When they didn’t understand something, they appeared to be asking Auria questions.

“Auria-chan, you’re so knowledgeable.”

“Indeed. I was an adventurer, you see.”

“An adventurer… That sounds interesting.”

Marceska seemed to… well, she appeared to be mistaking Auria for someone closer to her age… but did she know about Elves?

…Well, they were getting along harmoniously, so it was probably fine.

As for me, I was with Old Sigmund, Valentina, Charlotte, and Forset, discussing the magic traditions of Silvatoria and Halvaronis.

Just as Forset finished explaining the general content of the spell formulas said to be passed down in Halvaronis, Valentina chimed in.

“—It seems the inherited magic has both differing and common elements.”

“Since the lineages that descended to the surface were different… the spell formulas they had mastered likely developed directly into their respective magical systems.”

“Though calling it ‘development’… Silvatoria seems to have lost too many spell formulas for that.”

Old Sigmund gave a wry smile, but Forset shook his head.

“That is the result of battle. I consider it an honorable history.”

“I’m grateful to hear you say that.”

Old Sigmund tilted his cup. Forset similarly tilted his cup, took a breath, and then spoke.

“If we are to form a united front against the Demons, it stands to reason that the spell formulas we inherit should also be gathered in one place. With that, Theodore-sama, might we also entrust you with the spell formulas passed down among us? On this matter, the elders are also in unanimous agreement.”

“Understood. To resolve the matter of the Demons, I will take them into my care.”

When I answered with a bow, Forset smiled and nodded.

The proper course for us here would be… to borrow the spell formulas from Halvaronis but not transmit them externally. This would be the same even if the formulas were incorporated into Magic Tools for utilization. It should be considered as being handled the same as Silvatoria’s secret techniques.

While there’s the aspect of not knowing if our magical aptitude would match even if they brought particularly unique spell formulas, having it contribute to strengthening our combat capabilities is welcome.

“—It’s coming into view. Mernpios.”

While we were all talking about magic, Elliot, who was piloting the ship, spoke.

Turning my gaze at his words, I could see Mernpios’s outer walls, cityscape, and palace appearing small on the crystal panel.

“Then, it seems we should prepare to disembark soon.”

“That’s right. Well then—ahem, ahem.”

Princess Stephania nodded at my words, cleared her throat softly as if to adjust her voice, and spoke into the voice pipe.

“Mernpios is approaching. We will arrive shortly, so all personnel throughout the ship are requested to proceed with disembarkation preparations according to their respective stations.”

Princess Adriana similarly used the voice pipe to announce to the ship that their destination was approaching. The two had also become completely accustomed to handling the voice pipes, seeming to fully grasp which pipe connected to which location.

As Mernpios drew nearer, Princess Elham and Fatima stood up. They were probably going out onto the deck to show their faces to the soldiers. Unlike the first time we visited Mernpios, I believe notification about the Sirius had been given, but unlike a Dragon Palanquin, who was inside couldn’t be known. Since there were no detailed regulations concerning Airships, showing their faces was probably for mutual peace of mind.

“Then, I shall accompany you as escort this time.”

“Thank you very much.”

I went out onto the deck together with Princess Elham and Fatima.

On the approaching outer wall and watchtower, soldiers appeared. From the moment they saw us until the Sirius approached, the lookout soldiers remained at attention, saluting rigidly.

“Thank you for your service.”

“Welcome back, Your Highness Elham, Lady Fatima. We are most relieved to see you safe. And Sir Theodore, everyone has been awaiting your safe return. His Majesty will surely be delighted.”

“Thank you.”

“Yes! It’s an honor! Regarding the ship, as before, you are instructed not to use the dock, but to land directly in the palace gardens.”

When I answered, the soldier spoke without breaking his salute. Another soldier waved a flag for communication. Once passage permission was given, the Sirius slowly began to move.

As the ship passed over the city of Mernpios, cheers could be heard.

From the houses of the city spreading below, people were all showing their faces, waving toward us, chanting words of welcome, and raising cheers.

It was practically the entire population coming out into the streets to wave. It was like a festival atmosphere. Perhaps because they participated in Kahar’s Subjugation.

We directed the Sirius toward the palace. Within the grounds of Mernpios’s palace were several gardens… and in one corner, soldiers could be seen waving large flags. They probably wanted us to dock there.

When we reached above the garden, we slowly decreased altitude—and when we reached a height where the gangway could be lowered, the Sirius came to a stop.

“What an incredible welcome.”

When Grace, who had come out onto the deck, spoke, Princess Elham and Fatima nodded.

“Everyone is the main contributors to Kahar’s capture, and the heroes who saved His Majesty Farid. The soldier at the watchtower earlier probably had a brother in the Kahar Subjugation force.”

“I see…”

As we descended the gangway, King Farid himself had come to the garden. It seemed he had been waiting in a nearby building with his aides.

“Oh, you’ve returned!”

“Your Majesty Farid.”

“We have returned now, Father.”

King Farid looked around at all our faces, then nodded.

“Indeed. From appearances, no one seems injured. Is it safe to say everyone is unharmed?”

“Yes. The same as when we departed.”

When I answered, King Farid grinned.

“That’s best of all. I’m sure there’s much to discuss, but first, let me have you shown to your rooms.”

“Thank you.”

“Those fellows may come out into the courtyard if they wish. It seems they want to breathe the outside air.”

King Farid looked toward Lindwurm and the others showing themselves on the deck, and Corulis.

“Understood.”

“Indeed. In this courtyard, they may act freely.”

The Lindwurms who came down into the courtyard were stretching their backs and such. Well, as long as they didn’t cause trouble or enter the palace interior, it should be fine. We split into the Sirius security detail and the team to look after the Lindwurms.

Then, following King Farid’s lead and the maids’ guidance, we first headed to our rooms to drop off our luggage and such.

After the room assignments were completed, Princess Elham spoke to King Farid.

“Father, first I would like to introduce the people who lived in the Hidden Village in the forest near the old capital.”

“Hmm. I thought there were new faces…”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Your Majesty Farid. I am Forset Frestina from Halvaronis. These are Sion, Sigritta, and Marceska.”

“P-pleased to meet you.”

Sion and the others each greeted King Farid in turn. King Farid also nodded in response.

“I am Farid Baharzad. If I’m mistaken, I apologize, but… might you be those connected to the Nahalbia royal family?”

The source of the information was from Queen Sheriti, after all.

“Your insight is correct. The forest sinners mentioned in the Nahalbia royal family’s traditions—that is none other than us.”

“So it is, after all.”

“Please allow me to report on that matter in detail. Although the forest has long been an unknown quantity, I estimate it currently poses little threat.”

When Princess Elham spoke, King Farid nodded quietly.