Chapter 491 – Justitia's Resolve

“My, my. The Water Spirit King and a conflict in the sea kingdom… You’re as extraordinary as ever, aren’t you?”

After introducing the new faces and briefly explaining the current situation, Prince Helfried blinked a few times before placing a hand on his chin and laughing cheerfully.

“I’m glad to see you’re doing well too, Helfried.”

“Sister Stephania as well… Though it seems you’ve acquired quite an unusual familiar.”

“Fufu. Isn’t it adorable? This is Corulis.”

“…Your retainers would surely be wide-eyed if they saw this.”

“They might indeed.”

Prince Helfried did indeed look wide-eyed at the waving Corulis, but as if imagining that very scene, he shook his shoulders and approached Corulis to shake hands.

…Hmm. Perhaps because Prince Helfried has come to terms with the Rosemary situation, he seems more composed than when we last met – calmer, as if he’s gained some leeway and won’t be easily shaken by trivial matters. Regarding Corulis too, he might be attributing it to my influence.

At any rate, we should head to the Moon Temple first. Let’s split into the carriages prepared by the Duke and take care of what needs to be done. We can discuss the details more thoroughly during the carriage ride.

“–So that’s the situation. We plan to establish a teleportation magic base in this city, then return to Termwills temporarily to make various preparations. If Your Highness Helfried is willing, we could transport you to Termwills via teleportation magic. What do you think?”

Upon hearing my words, Prince Helfried thought for a moment before responding.

“Hmm. What does Grand Duke Debonnis plan to do?”

“His schedule was to return to his territory via teleportation after informing his retainers and subjects about the reconciliation with the Duke. However, since we want to conserve our teleportation magic as much as possible, he’s decided to postpone his return until the situation in the sea kingdom settles down.”

“…I see. If it’s acceptable, I’d like to join Grand Duke Debonnis’s personal security detail in the rearguard. I have some knowledge of both magic and martial arts, though it’s modest.”

Hmm. So Prince Helfried understands Grand Duke Debonnis’s feelings and position. He came here wishing for friendship between the two families, so it wouldn’t make sense for him to return alone while trouble is brewing in these nearby waters.

Moreover, for the same reason that Grand Duke Debonnis isn’t returning precisely because he knows the circumstances, Prince Helfried can’t turn his back now that he’s aware of the situation. Given Prince Helfried’s previous way of thinking, he’d likely sympathize with Grand Duke Debonnis’s perspective.

At any rate, it seems Prince Helfried is skilled in both sword and magic.

“So you’re a Magic Swordsman?”

“In Verdgar’s royal family, being able to use magic is rather standard, so it’s more of an accomplishment. Well… compared to everyone else, I’m not particularly skilled, which is why I tried to compensate through martial arts. Of course, I don’t think my martial arts are sufficient to join you all on the front lines. Please don’t misunderstand about that.”

As Prince Helfried spoke, Rosemary, who had been listening to the exchange, shrugged her shoulders.

“Indeed… With Grand Duke Debonnis also stating he’ll remain, you certainly can’t return alone.”

Hmm. Since Prince Helfried has come to terms with himself, he’s probably speaking with a clear understanding of his own capabilities. The fact that Rosemary doesn’t object suggests she doesn’t think his judgment or assessment is wrong.

Well, there’s a possibility Rosemary isn’t particularly opposed because she judges the risk to be minimal.

“That’s right. Having me, who has no vested interests, accompany them should serve as a deterrent even if there are any ill-intentioned individuals… More importantly, knowing you, you must have other measures in mind?”

“Yes, you could say that.”

Normally, we’d have them wait at Duke Driscoll’s castle, but it’s not impossible to have them accompany us directly on the bridge. If we’re considering retreat via teleportation magic, it would be safer to stay together at all times. In any case, if enemies seem likely to reach the bridge, we’d consider temporary withdrawal.

Flamia, who primarily uses Fire Magic, doesn’t have good compatibility with the battlefield even with water protection. So I was considering having her serve as escort… but fire techniques would be quite effective if we anticipate enemies boarding the Sirius. That means having her accompany us would also help avoid dividing our forces.

“I think the risk is low, but personally… I’m considering having the Grand Duke use a disguise ring and preparing a shadow clone,” said Rosemary.

If Ambrum is available, that might be possible too. The real Grand Duke would be protected by Prince Helfried.

“And if the shadow clone is targeted?”

“There’s the option of transforming into someone else, you see. If we equip them with the acoustic flash grenades Alfred made…”

As she said this, Rosemary gave a faint smile.

I see… That’s quite a tricky approach. From an assassin’s perspective, the Grand Duke would disappear somewhere while they’re stunned by the explosion and flash. Using such devices would also alert the guards, making them perfect for self-defense.

In any case… both Grand Duke Debonnis and Duke Driscoll are great nobles who have dealt with cunning aristocrats until now. As individuals with unparalleled experience and insight, their opinions should be valuable in understanding the Sea King’s thinking. So we plan to have both Dukes participate in the strategy meeting with the Queen, and we can decide what to do afterward through discussion.

Well now. While we were talking in the carriage, we arrived at the Moon Temple. Claudia immediately set to work upon arrival. As Marion watched with bated breath, light raced from Claudia’s feet around the perimeter of the grounds and returned… completing the preparations for teleportation.

“Good.”

“Y-yes.”

Turning around, Claudia nodded, and Marion nodded back with a somewhat flustered expression. Perhaps she wasn’t mentally prepared since the preparations were completed so quickly.

I spoke to Marion, who seemed nervous.

“Are you ready? We’ll emerge at the Moon Temple over there, so I think you’ll be able to meet her immediately at the nearby Adventurer Guild.”

We’ve been in contact via communication device, and Justia wouldn’t leave the Guild empty. Actually… she might even come to the Moon Temple.

Perhaps realizing she wasn’t composed, Marion closed her eyes at my words, took a deep breath, then looked straight at me and nodded.

“–Yes. Please… take me to where Justia is.”

“Of course,” I replied, then turned to address everyone.

“Well then, we’ll be off for a bit.”

“Yes. Have a safe trip,” Grace bowed her head at my words.

The group returning to Termwills consists of me, Claudia, Irmhild, then Rovisa, Weltes, and Marion… truly the minimum necessary members.

Teleportation between bases places less burden on Claudia, but considering emergencies, I’d like to keep the teleportation magic conditions as lenient as possible.

Well, everyone else will remain in Duke Driscoll’s territory, and I’ll return immediately, so nothing major should happen.

“I’ll take care of things while you’re away. Irmhild, do your best too,” said Sheila, showing her usual expression while lightly tapping her chest area with her fist.

“I’ll be going, Sheila.”

“Mhm.”

“Right. I’m counting on you.”

I gave a wry smile to such a Sheila, then looked at Claudia and nodded.

“Then, let’s go.”

With Claudia’s words, the teleportation magic activated.

Swallowed by a pillar of light–the next moment when I opened my eyes, we were at Termwills’ Moon Temple… before the labyrinth entrance monument.

“This is…”

“Teleportation magic is truly amazing.”

At the completely changed scenery, Rovisa and Weltes looked around wide-eyed.

“This is before the labyrinth entrance in Termwills. It’s a convenient location for teleportation destinations.”

Adventurers emerging from the labyrinth sometimes appear here suddenly too. It’s a place where sudden appearances aren’t problematic.

“Sister!”

A familiar voice echoed through the area.

Marion turned around as if propelled. And indeed–there stood Justia. With Alfred and Elliot, and Auria. Then Forestbird with… Dominique and Cyrille too. It seems they came along as escorts and companions.

“Justia!”

As Marion ran forward, Justia ran toward her in response. The Siren sisters spread their arms and embraced each other firmly.

“Justia… you disappeared so suddenly, I was worried.”

“Yeah… Sister, you look well too…”

Still embracing each other, the two exchanged words. Their voices were tearful, soon turning into sobs.

Watching this, Claudia narrowed her eyes with a gentle expression.

“I’m glad you found Justia’s family.”

As she said this, Dominique and Cyrille also came over to Irmhild’s side, showing bright smiles.

“Yeah. That’s right,” replied Irmhild, taking Dominique’s hand. Dominique–showed a happy expression toward such an Irmhild.

Irmhild had returned via teleportation magic because she was a friend who had encouraged and supported both Justia and Dominique during their captivity. Dominique seemed to understand that Irmhild was concerned about her, showing a bright smile.

“Thank you, Ilm. I… like my current life. So this isn’t about you not needing to worry or anything, but my true feelings.”

Saying this, Dominique placed a hand on her chest and closed her eyes.

…I see. Justia must have spoken with Dominique too. Then… regardless of whether it succeeds, I should probably tell Dominique as well.

“I’d like to search for Dominique’s family too. The story can be conveyed to the Wind Spirit King, so information might be gathered from the spirits.”

When I said this, Dominique’s eyes widened. Then she showed an unburdened, beaming smile and said:

“Thank you. But even if it doesn’t work out, please don’t worry. You’ve already helped us so much. That alone makes me happy.”

“Is that so?”

When I said this, Dominique nodded.

“That’s right. More than that… this time, could you take me along too?”

“Take you along, to the sea?”

“Yes. It seems Justia’s homeland is in trouble. We were talking about how there must be something we can do together too.”

“–Yes… That’s right. That’s how it is.”

Perhaps having overheard our exchange, Justia, still embracing Marion, wiped her tears and said:

“I… like my current life. I love singing at the theater with Ilm and Dominique and Sheila and Cyrille. I don’t want to be separated from Dominique either. So I think this is where I belong. As for everyone in my homeland… as long as they know I’m safe and well, that’s enough.”

“Justia…”

Marion… closed her eyes as if savoring Justia’s words, nodding several times as if trying to understand them. Being in the same position as Dominique, wanting to be by her side must be Justia’s true feelings. If speaking Marion’s true feelings, she probably wants Justia to stay in a safe place, but that would be the same if Justia were looking at Marion.

Then… Justia shook her head and said “but.”

“I don’t want to just wait here while everyone in my homeland is in danger. Because I love Sister and everyone else too. So… please. I want you to take us along too.”

Saying this and raising her face to look at us, Justia… though tears welled in her eyes, her expression contained resolute determination.

…I see. Right.

“Cyrille, did you come with the same intention?”

“Yes! We’re theater companions! They say that even if we can’t create Cursed Melodies, the effects become stronger when our feelings are united… I want us all to work together!”

…It seems their determination is firm too.

The role the Sirens should play as countermeasures against the Sea King is by no means small. Cursed Songs and Cursed Melodies are incorporated into the strategy.

Originally, that should have involved considerable danger. Even if they’re in the rearguard, they’d still be on the battlefield.

But now we have the Sirius. The danger borne by the Queen, Water Guardians, and Sirens has dramatically decreased.

But that’s not absolute. Then… the remaining problem is–simply something I need to take care of.

“Understood. I’ll take you all along.”

When I answered, they looked at each other, showed bright expressions, then held hands and rejoiced.