Chapter 415 – The Fate of Halbaronis

The location shifted to a room in the palace, where they began discussions with King Farid and Queen Sheriti present.

“…The warriors who could be called such all challenged Valros together, but… they were all repelled. When we recovered from the destruction and confusion and went outside… the Nahalbia Royal Castle had already been destroyed.”

“I see… The Moon Folk… this is beyond anything I could have imagined.”

When Forset finished recounting the events of when Valros fled, Queen Sheriti shook her head slightly.

“…I cannot find words to apologize. The responsibility lies with us.”

Saying this, Forset bowed deeply. The Queen remained silent for a moment, but eventually opened her mouth to ask a question.

“May I ask one thing? Why were you passing down the method of Demonification?”

“The specific method of Demonification has been lost from Halvaronis. However, to seal the core of power possessed by the Moon Folk, we needed to conduct research about ourselves. This has been our mission since the appearance of the Alliance Leader.”

However, the one who reached Demonification through his own power was the King of Ignorance… Valros.

“Valros was from a branch family. He wasn’t originally in a position to be involved in research. He said… it began with learning the concept of Demonification, and through the growth of his own power, he reached inversion. He said that with concept and purpose, plus will and power, the appropriate ritual would become visible.”

…Just that? Somehow… regarding Valros, I feel something like a strong conviction, or rather something resembling obsession.

“Then going forward, who in Halvaronis has the potential to perform Demonification?”

In response to King Farid’s words, Forset answered quietly but clearly.

“It’s quite limited. Only pure Moon Folk are expected to possess the core of power that could potentially perform Demonification… and those without mixed blood with surface dwellers remain only in part of my and the elders’ lineages. We maintained our bloodlines because we needed a minimum number of personnel to maintain the Barrier. And… we also know that considerable deviant power is required to become a Demon oneself. Currently, there is no one who meets those conditions.”

And according to Forset’s explanation, those who know the prerequisite condition that great power is required for Demonification are even more limited.

Was it because the research reached its goal and there was no longer a need to pass it down, or because Valros newly appeared and they stopped the tradition itself? Even if pure-blooded, unless one purposefully enhances power aiming for Demonification, one cannot reach that state.

Given that Halvaronis feared the outside world, they probably couldn’t eliminate the pure Moon Folk or release the Barrier either. Probably… because the war damage caused by the Alliance Leader was too great.

“If you have any concerns, the elders and I are prepared to offer our heads. If our words are doubted, we will also undergo Magical Inquisition.”

At these words, King Farid’s eyes widened, and Queen Sheriti closed hers.

…Was the reason Forset didn’t have Sion and the others present here to convey this? That even at the cost of their own lives, they want the residents of Halvaronis to be spared.

“…Understood. However, I don’t wish for retaliation against you, and you shouldn’t be my enemies in the first place. My father and mother died, but you also shed blood at that time, correct? It’s simply that your power wasn’t sufficient. Fatima… what do you think?”

“…It’s not limited to the Moon Folk that many are manipulated due to someone’s sin or ambition. Especially since those from that time and the leaders have been replaced.”

Fatima, prompted by Queen Sheriti, answered.

“I share Sheriti and Fatima’s opinion. Originally, the chaos in Baharzard also seems to be a distant cause of that incident. Since Baharzard allowed someone like Kahar to run rampant, we have no right to say anything.”

Receiving responses from the three, Forset bowed deeply once more.

“Regarding prevention of recurrence, wouldn’t something similar to the Cursed Tool I’m wearing be applicable?”

Grace said this while placing her other hand over her ring. Grace must also be worried about the people of Halvaronis. Perhaps she’s seeing some overlap with what August did.

“I think it’s possible. We just need to seal part of the Moon Folk’s characteristics… the part that becomes the core of power for Demonification. If the elders and Forset-san cooperate, we should be able to make it.”

After all, the research had progressed to the point of transferring the core of power.

We just need to incorporate that research content into the Sealing Technique through feedback. Since we only need to seal specific points, the restrictions probably won’t be as severe as Grace’s.

“Then it depends on the heart of the person entrusted with the ring, I suppose. In that case, I wouldn’t mind being in the position of overseeing their seals.”

So said Claudia. In terms of position, this might be considered appropriate.

“The potentially affected individuals are extremely few. With measures to prevent recurrence in place… we are prepared to protect Halvaronis as our own country. Regarding the restoration of the old capital, let’s proceed with that from now on. Fatima. Your burden might increase, but…”

“No problem. Could there be issues with adventurers entering the forest finding Halvaronis and causing trouble?”

Apparently, both Nahalbia and Halvaronis had originally permitted adventurers to enter the forest. Probably because it was also a source of livelihood for Nahalbia. That custom continued even after being incorporated into Baharzard… but now it becomes a matter of how King Farid will handle the existence of Halvaronis.

“Regarding that, the Baharzard royal family could simply recognize the people of Halvaronis as related parties. If they’re connected to Nahalbia, they could be considered almost like maternal relatives to the Baharzard royal family now. Therefore, guaranteeing their identity… in my name.”

In other words, taking hostile actions against Halvaronis would mean making an enemy of Baharzard as well.

While Verdgar and Silvatoria would also take positions protecting Halvaronis, since Baharzard has effective power in the area, the implications are significant.

“If the policy is decided, it might be good to inform the upper levels of the Adventurer Guild.”

“Then I’ll prepare a letter for the Masmadol Guild Master.”

When Princess Elham spoke, Auria responded.

“So Halvaronis’s position has been settled. Now, one more thing, Elham.”

“Yes.”

Princess Elham turned to face King Farid and straightened her posture.

“I apologize for asking this when you’ve just returned from your duties and things are hectic… but I want you to serve as my envoy to Verdgar. To convey our current discussion, my and Lord Forset’s views and positions, and request their cooperation.”

In other words… she would be staying in Verdgar for the medium to long term in a position similar to Princess Adriana. And the fact that we’re having this discussion with us present also carries the meaning of demonstrating our commitment to maintaining the position of protecting Halvaronis. Hearing these words, Forset bowed deeply once again.

“Understood. I will accept this duty with all my strength.”

Princess Elham answered with a somewhat happy expression.

“And… regarding your blacksmithing skills, if they can be useful for Demon Subjugation, feel free to exert your abilities to the fullest. I hear Verdgar produces unusual Materials as well. You’ll surely have much to learn.”

“Thank you. When I return, I’ll strive to be able to forge something worthy of the Katana at my father’s hip.”

“Hmm. I actually think your current skills are more than sufficient. Well, I’ll look forward to it.”

Saying this, King Farid stood up and laughed.

“We’ve discussed what needed to be discussed. Let’s leave the difficult talk at this. Tonight is a banquet to welcome the heroes of Kahar’s Subjugation. Let’s eat, drink, and enjoy ourselves to the fullest!”