Chapter 529 – The Destination of Land and Sea

King Melvin and Queen Eldorene continued discussing various matters concerning future plans.

While this included talks about future diplomatic relations between their nations, it was essentially a reaffirmation of what had been discussed when Rovisa and Marion visited previously.

“—So regarding future diplomatic relations, we’ll continue trade as before while mutually protecting each other’s citizens.”

“For that purpose—having an environment where we can maintain contact with each other will become important, won’t it?”

“Indeed. In that case, the roles of the Duke and Moonlight Island will become more significant. Officially, it will merely appear as an increase in trade items and more frequent exchanges… but aside from foreseeable issues, I believe it’s best to let subsequent changes follow their natural course.”

“Hmm. Certainly. As for me, I too have no desire to interfere with ordinary interactions between our peoples.”

Queen Eldorene nodded at King Melvin’s words.

It seemed their policy was to avoid major changes to the trade environment. The fact that Grantios had relatively favorable impressions of Verdgar was partly due to the moderate policies originally implemented in the Duke’s territory, after all.

If trade items unique to Grantios—such as liquor and paints in addition to water spider silk textiles—increased and both sides profited, their bonds would strengthen further, increasing stability for the future. This would then provide reasons to actively protect each other’s citizens.

There had been incidents like kidnappings between land and sea in the past… but such things would likely become even more difficult to carry out.

“Hmm. This should suffice as a preliminary arrangement.”

As their discussion reached a temporary conclusion, King Melvin turned his gaze toward me.

“Now then. Next we must discuss the matter of Beriondora’s investigation.”

“It would be better to do so after creating the Vessel of Cerberus, I think. We also need to confirm how much power Cerberus will possess after obtaining the vessel.”

We can verify those details when we check the Labyrinth.

“Indeed. This amounts to expanding our military strength. I hear the workshop’s preparations are nearly complete.”

“That’s correct. I believe we’ll begin production at the workshop starting tomorrow.”

“In that case… we should hasten the dispatch of military officers from Grantios. I’d like to visit the Labyrinth entrance sooner rather than later.”

So said Queen Eldorene. Ah, that’s right—we need to go to the Labyrinth entrance to travel between worlds.

“If you’d like, I can guide you to the Labyrinth entrance afterward.”

“That would be helpful… but I’d feel bad causing you trouble.”

“Not at all. It’s near the Castle, so it’s no trouble.”

We just need to pass from the Central District to the Eastern District, so for me it’s like returning home from the Royal Castle.

—And so… it was decided that a carriage would be arranged from the Royal Castle, and we would ride in it. I had thought Queen Eldorene could return to the Royal Castle by carriage afterward while I simply walked home… but instead, it was decided that the entire Grantios group would stop by my house first before Queen Eldorene returned to the Castle.

“So tomorrow you’ll go to Grantios?”

“Temporarily. I plan to bring the military officers and return immediately that same day.”

I see.

“In that case, I’ll handle Her Majesty Eldorene’s transportation tomorrow.”

Princess Stephania placed a hand near her chest and smiled.

Hmm. Queen Eldorene will be returning to the Labyrinth entrance, and since Corulis is heading to the Labyrinth, it works out conveniently.

With various discussions concluded and plans set from tomorrow onward, we decided to move.

The carriage preparations were complete, so we exited the Guesthouse.

“Well then, good night.”

Saying this, I bowed my head to King Melvin and Princess Stephania.

“Indeed. You as well. Rest well and recover from your journey fatigue.”

“Yes.”

“Good night.”

We exchanged parting greetings.

Whether they detected my departure through scent or Princess Stephania informed them, Corulis and Ramriya poked their heads out from their nest at the edge of the training grounds and waved at me. Well, Ramriya’s hand was made of sand, but still.

I waved lightly back at Corulis and the others before boarding the carriage with Queen Eldorene and her group.

“Well then, let’s be off.”

“Indeed.”

The carriage began moving. We left the Royal Castle and proceeded toward the square in front of the Moon Temple.

Queen Eldorene seemed curious about Termwills’ cityscape. She gazed at the outside scenery through the carriage’s small window.

“The area around the Central District appears to be part of the Labyrinth as well.”

“Oh? No wonder the architectural style resembles the Royal Castle.”

Might as well explain some things about Termwills while guiding them. Regarding the Western District and such, while it has a port and is likely to become more involved with the Grantios group, some caution is needed from a public safety perspective.

It might be good to inform Isabella of the Thieves Guild about this area, considering future developments. I’ll ask Sheila about it later.

“Speaking of which, I heard that Theodore-sama’s residence was constructed using Magic Construction, similar to the mansion on Moonlight Island.”

When the conversation turned to the Eastern District, Rovisa inquired.

“That’s correct. Though the architectural style differs from that Western-style mansion.”

“I’m looking forward to it now.”

Marion’s expression brightened. Well, we do have a Game Room and soundproof rooms, after all. She might have heard about those aspects.

As I explained various things, the carriage came to a stop. We had reached the square in front of the Moon Temple. First—let’s guide them to the Labyrinth entrance.

I guided Queen Eldorene and her group to the stone monument marking the Labyrinth entrance, then stopped by the Adventurer Guild as well. According to Queen Eldorene, she wanted to formally express her gratitude for them protecting Justia.

“Good evening, Heather-san.”

“Ah, Theodore-san. Good evening. And welcome back. Both Rovisa-san and Marion-san… I’m relieved to see you’re safe.”

The receptionist Heather smiled when she saw us.

“Thank you.”

Both Rovisa and Marion bowed, then I introduced Queen Eldorene to them.

“This is Her Majesty Eldorene, Queen of the Grantios Kingdom.”

“T-this is—while we were unaware, our discourtesy…”

The staff members stood up, but Queen Eldorene shook her head slightly.

“No, today I’m the one who came to express gratitude. If you become too formal, it will make things difficult for me.”

When Queen Eldorene said this with a somewhat joking tone, the Guild staff’s tension seemed to ease somewhat.

One staff member disappeared into the back of the Guild and returned with Auria, Oswald, Justia, and Dominique.

“Your Majesty Eldorene.”

Auria bowed. Queen Eldorene nodded quietly, then spoke.

“I wanted to personally convey my gratitude to everyone at Termwills’ Adventurer Guild for protecting a citizen of Grantios. I deeply thank you for safeguarding Justia.”

“Your words are too generous, Your Majesty.”

Auria responded.

“Indeed. And also… I believe I’ll be coming to the Labyrinth entrance area more frequently from now on, so we’ll likely have opportunities to meet. I’m already acquainted with Lady Auria, but I’d like to get along well with everyone. Please treat me kindly.”

Saying this, Queen Eldorene made eye contact with Auria, then they exchanged grins.

Somehow… perhaps because her approachable nature resonates with Auria, I got the impression that the Guild staff’s tension—or rather, the atmosphere—had relaxed.

Or rather… Auria and Queen Eldorene’s personalities might simply be compatible. They seemed to hit it off during their vacation too… I just hope this doesn’t mean more trouble for Heather and Oswald.

Well… anyway, next I’ll take Queen Eldorene and her group to my house and give them a brief tour. Since Rovisa and the others plan to stay at the house, the welcome preparations should be ready.

Since Labyrinth Village residents include Sirens and Mermaids, there’s understanding on that front. I’d be most pleased if the Grantios group could relax and enjoy their stay.

October 11, 1:10 AM – Revised to have Queen Eldorene stop by Theodore’s residence before returning to the Castle.

The overall flow of the story remains unchanged.