Chapter 492 – The Kingdom of Land and Sea

9/4 Around 1:15 AM – I’ve made some minor additions and revisions to the part where Marion sang at the theater.

The overall story remains unchanged.

Although I intend to return early via Teleportation Magic once preparations are complete, Marion and the others will have to wait during that time.

Since they’re allowed to use the Adventurer Guild during this period, we emerged from the Moon Temple entrance into the square… As expected, those visiting Termwills for the first time seem curious about various places.

“I’d heard rumors… So this is Termwills’ Royal Castle.”

“Amazing… I can’t believe we get to see it up close like this.”

At Weltes’ words, Rovisa also looked up at the towering Theoreme Castle with wide eyes.

Given that Theoreme stands out even when viewed from the sea, it might be famous among Mermaids and Fishfolk as well.

“It’s a shame we can’t just do a sightseeing tour right now.”

Auria closed her eyes and shook her head slightly.

“Once the Sea King incident is resolved, that might be possible.”

I could probably take those who want to sightsee aboard the Sirius. Though we should probably avoid doing so during the seal release period.

“Is that the theater?”

“Yes, Sister. That’s where I work on full moon nights.”

Justia was explaining the theater to Marion. The sisters seemed to be enjoying themselves quite a bit.

“As for watching a play—we might not have time to wait until it opens, but we could probably show you inside the theater.”

“…Hmm. I wonder if we could ask Robin and the others to continue providing escort.”

Upon hearing my words, Auria said that to Forestbird and the others.

Showing them the theater… serves to let the Sirens know about Justia’s life in Termwills and reassure them. It also serves as proof that what we told Queen Eldorene contained no falsehoods.

“Understood. Then we’ll take a quick look around inside before heading to the Adventurer Guild.”

“We might want to check out the concession stand too.”

Robin nodded while Lucian smiled.

Well then. While they’re touring the theater, I need to make preparations.

“Sir Elliot, how are the preparations coming along?”

I asked Elliot.

“The Demon-Slaying Knight Order is also making preparations. They should be bringing supplies by carriage soon. According to the communication, we don’t need all members…?”

“That’s correct. They probably aren’t in perfect condition after consecutive days of training… and most importantly, they haven’t trained for underwater combat. I think we’ll be fine as long as we have Sonic Cannon gunners.”

“Underwater combat, you say?”

Thanks to Marl’s Blessing, close combat shouldn’t be a problem, but fighting in water still has its differences.

Therefore, the role of accompanying the Sirius will likely fall to Weltes and his group.

As long as they have weapons capable of piercing the Sea King’s Familiars’ bodies, those creatures won’t be able to rely on their endurance for brute force tactics. In that case, Weltes and the others can fully demonstrate their abilities. Regardless of Sonic Cannon usage, underwater combat is their domain anyway.

“If the Demon-Slaying Knight Order stretches themselves too thin trying to cover everything, they’ll only become mediocre. Let’s leave ship escort to them. It’s the same as during the Baharzard incident. They probably weren’t happy about being kept away from the capital back then either.”

“Are you saying they’ve been waiting for a chance to redeem themselves?”

In response to my answer, Elliot nodded as if understanding something.

It’s a matter of spirit, I suppose. Whether it’s reclaiming the City of the Sea or subjugating the former chancellor, they probably feel they can’t leave matters concerning their own country entirely to others.

“I believe Lord Siegmund and the others will come as soon as they finish their work. When they heard Barrier and Sealing Techniques would be needed, they prepared magic tools of that type too.”

Alfred added.

“Yes. I anticipate we’ll need to purify the capital as well.”

Once the Sea King’s seal is released, the magical environment of the City of the Sea has likely become contaminated. We’ll need to purify—or neutralize it, prevent recontamination… and narrow down or cancel out the advantageous field for the enemy.

Even if we end up having to seal the Sea King, Barrier Magic and Sealing Techniques should prove effective.

So… besides Justia and the others, Elliot with some members of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order, Old Sigmund, Valentina, and Charlotte will be accompanying us.

Auria mentioned she could provide support from aboard the ship by employing Spirits while monitoring through screens. She’ll undoubtedly be reliable for various tasks like safely retrieving injured allies.

“Termwills has strange foods and drinks, doesn’t it…”

Rovisa murmured with a serious expression after returning from the theater. It seems she bought carbonated drinks and cotton candy at the concession stand with Auria and the others.

“How was the theater?”

When I asked Marion, she answered with excited gestures.

“It’s amazing. The acoustics are incredible, the stage is beautiful… and one of the staff members said they wanted to inspect some magic tools and asked if I’d sing a song, so…”

Marion seemed somewhat embarrassed and toned down her excitement.

“We all sang one song together. It was one Justia taught us.”

Irmhild smiled.

I see. So they all sang a song together.

“But it was fun. And… I’m happy to know that Justia hadn’t been suffering. I heard that the person who saved her and built the theater… was Theodore-sama.”

Saying this, Marion bowed deeply along with Justia.

“Thank you very much. I don’t think I would have been able to meet Justia if Theodore-sama hadn’t been there.”

“No, regarding the theater, it’s also part of the Otherworld Ambassador’s duties. I believe it was possible thanks to the policies of Verdugal and the Moon Temple.”

“The Moon Temple’s…”

When I said this, Marion looked toward Claudia.

“I didn’t really… do anything special.”

Claudia, who had the topic directed at her, closed her eyes somewhat awkwardly.

“No. Thank you, Claudia-sama.”

When Marion said this, Claudia’s cheeks reddened.

While we were having that conversation in the Adventurer Guild office, we received communication from Mildred. King Melvin had managed to find time between his duties to meet with Rovisa and the others… and apparently sent a Dragon Palanquin to the square to pick them up.

Looking out the window, I could see supplies for the duchy being loaded onto carriages and brought to the square. The ones escorting the supplies are members of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order who will be accompanying us.

Just then, the Dragon Palanquin from the Royal Castle also arrived. Well then… I’ll leave the preparations in the square to others and go with Rovisa and the others to make an appearance at the Royal Castle.

So we board the Dragon Palanquin and head toward Theoreme Castle. Claudia will be waiting at the Adventurer Guild with Irmhild and the others.

Rovisa and the others accompanying us are experiencing Dragon Palanquin travel for the first time, and given that our destination is the Royal Castle, they look somewhat nervous.

“His Majesty Melvin is a gentle person, so please rest assured.”

“Y-yes.”

Although I tried to ease their tension, the effect seems limited. Well, I suppose that can’t be helped.

The Dragon Palanquin heads straight for the Royal Castle at high speed.

After the palanquin lands in the square before the training grounds, servants immediately arrive and guide us to a room in the Guesthouse. After a short wait, King Melvin enters the room.

“Oh, Theodore.”

“Yes. I’ve just returned.”

When I answered, King Melvin smiled and nodded.

For now, let me introduce the three visitors from the sea kingdom to King Melvin.

“This is Water Guardian Rovisa-sama. Her escort Sir Weltes. And Justia’s sister Marion-sama.”

“N-nice to meet you, Your Majesty Melvin.”

After the introductions, Rovisa gave her greetings. Following her, Weltes and Marion also introduced themselves to King Melvin.

“Hmm. My apologies for summoning you like this. But there’s no need to be so nervous.”

Saying this, King Melvin showed a soft smile as if to ease their tension.

“I am concerned about the current Confusion in your country. I hereby promise that Verdugal will also do its utmost to restore peace to the seas as soon as possible.”

“Y-yes, thank you for your gracious words.”

“Although we haven’t had formal diplomatic relations with your country until now… I hope for the sea kingdom’s peace, and that we can maintain good relations with the sea people going forward.”

“We sincerely thank you for Your Majesty Melvin and Theodore-sama’s grace and assistance.”

In response to Rovisa’s reply, King Melvin nodded.

“Hmm. Normally, the Kingdom of Verdugal should host a welcoming banquet for you all… but unfortunately, the current situation doesn’t allow for such time. That will have to wait until after our concerns are resolved.”

Or perhaps Duke Driscoll will host it instead. He did mention something about touring the waterways on a pleasure boat.

“And then… if we’re to establish diplomatic relations, we’ll need agreements, but I’m thinking of maintaining the status quo as our basic approach. I’d like to continue our relationship without making any major changes, in a way that’s not burdensome for either side.”

“Once again… thank you. I will definitely convey Your Majesty Melvin’s warm words to Her Majesty the Queen.”

Upon hearing Rovisa’s words… King Melvin grinned playfully and said:

“Hmm. But please also convey that I actually welcome cultural and personnel exchange? Although land and sea kingdoms have few points of contact, that very fact means we can maintain good relations without creating unnecessary friction.”

At King Melvin’s somewhat joking words, Rovisa’s tension seemed to ease.

“Yes. By all means.”

Influenced by King Melvin, Rovisa also broke into a happy smile.

Seeing Rovisa’s smile, King Melvin nodded with satisfaction before returning to a slightly more serious expression.

“I cannot leave here. But I pray for military fortune in your country, and the protection of the goddess and spirits. Theodore… we’re prepared to accept subjects from Queen Eldorene’s country, so don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Yes.”

I nodded while looking King Melvin in the eye. That’s right. The Sea King’s power is an unknown quantity, so I’ll proceed while keeping various possibilities in mind.