Chapter 547 – Meeting of the Spirits

Somewhere in Termwills, I suppose. Considering that Lasnote said she wanted to meet Marl, the Water Spirit Hall might also be an acceptable meeting place.

Since the Spirit King’s enclaves are in front of the Moonlight Temple and each Spirit Hall, it would be convenient for Marl to move around as well.

Thinking that, I sent a reply, but this time Marl responded saying she wanted it somewhere other than the Spirit Hall. She also wrote the reason for this request and why she wanted it outside the Spirit Hall… I see.

In that case… it would have to be somewhere on the surface in Termwills, I suppose. I discussed conditions via the Communication Device, considering whether the Royal Castle would work, or other locations.

“Perhaps the ritual hall or the hot springs?” Rosemary suggested.

“That might be it. If it’s the hot springs, we’d have to wait until evening… so probably the ritual hall,” I replied.

If that’s the case, it would be best to contact King Melvin and Tephra to arrange things.

“This is Theodore-sama.”

“Good day, Dame Mercedia.”

Well. While I was contacting King Melvin and Marl, the replacement members of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order arrived at the campsite. It seemed Mercedia was leading the group.

Coinciding with this, some members of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order were taking their external breaks, so we decided to exit the labyrinth at the same time. Princess Stephania and Princess Adriana, who visit daily, would return with us. Naturally, our Familiars Corulis and Flamia came along too.

The training in the labyrinth involves members coming and going with shift changes… but in any case, we plan to have everyone withdraw by the next lunar phase’s structural change, the full moon day.

“Speaking of which… you mentioned returning by the day before the full moon. Is there anything we can help with?” I asked Elliot.

After thinking for a moment, he replied, “Regarding the return… we just need to bring out the camping supplies we brought into the labyrinth, so it’s not particularly troublesome. Unless we’re dealing with monster attacks, in which case we’ve agreed to either set a uniform time limit or prioritize escape using the Red Transfer Stone.”

I see. Safe withdrawal takes top priority.

“If a Guardian appears in the Glacial Forest, I’ll let you know then,” Claudia said.

Hmm. That should allow us to handle unexpected situations too.

With Claudia, there’s no need to rush to the labyrinth entrance – she can immediately reach wherever the Guardian is from anywhere.

“We’ll also be staying in the labyrinth and continuing our training,” Sion said.

“The Glacial Forest is quite fun, you know.”

“Even though it’s underground… it’s completely different from Halvaronis.”

Sion and the others spoke. All three of them seem to be enjoying training in the labyrinth like this.

Elliot and the Demon-Slaying Knight Order. Sion and the other two, plus Weltes and Eckels among the faces. Well… even in the Glacial Forest, they should have sufficient combat capability.

In any case, once the Demon-Slaying Knight Order withdraws for the full moon, they’ll return to training at the shipyard, and after taking breaks, they’ll accompany us to investigate Beriondora.

During that time, Weltes and Eckels will live and eat with the Knight Order as members while diligently mastering Martial Arts using Magic Tools. In any case, the Knight Order’s development seems to be progressing smoothly.

There was an escape monument not far from the Demon-Slaying Knight Order’s campsite. Or rather, they probably set up the campsite close to the monument.

“Well then, Brother Elliot, take care.”

“Yes. You too, Ashley.”

Ashley and Elliot exchanged greetings.

Along with the Demon-Slaying Knight Order members taking breaks, we transferred from the monument to the labyrinth entrance. Wrapped in light, when I opened my eyes, we had returned to the surface.

First… I should head to the Adventurer Guild to report about Weltes and the others to Queen Eldorene.

After climbing the spiral staircase and exiting the Moon Temple, we parted ways with the Demon-Slaying Knight Order members.

“Then, Your Highness, Ambassador-dono, we shall take our leave here.”

“Yes. Well then, be careful on your way back.”

After seeing them off, we headed straight to the Guild.

“Ah, everyone. Welcome back.”

“Hello, Heather-san.”

Heather welcomed us with a smile. When I told her we came to see Queen Eldorene, she said she was with Auria and showed us to the back room. Gymnos was waiting outside the room as the Queen’s guard, and when he recognized us, he bowed.

We returned Gymnos’s greeting, knocked and entered the room. The two people who seemed to have been playing chess while chatting, and Penelope, the Head Shrine Maiden of the Moon Temple, turned to look at us.

“Oh, Theodore.”

“I’m glad to see you’ve returned safely.”

“This is Theodore-sama.”

“Yes. We’ve just returned.”

I bowed to the three of them. Marlene looked happy as she hurried over to Penelope in small steps. Penelope gently embraced Marlene as if to catch her.

That said… seeing cotton candy sticks and shaved ice bowls placed at the corner of the table… they might have gone to the theater area. It’s right nearby after all.

Eating shaved ice in a warmed room during winter is something… but well, I’m glad Queen Eldorene was able to relax.

Penelope being here is probably because, considering Queen Eldorene will be coming and going to the labyrinth entrance, they needed to become acquainted.

Perhaps that’s why Auria and Queen Eldorene arranged this meeting.

“Sir Weltes and Sir Eckels have joined the Demon-Slaying Knight Order as planned. From now on, they plan to live and eat with the Knight Order as members while becoming proficient in handling Magic Tools.”

“Understood. You didn’t see them off, Theodore-dono?”

Queen Eldorene looked somewhat apologetic.

“No, please don’t worry about it. The Glacial Forest is dangerous. Since the Knight Order is like a gathering of various people, seeing them preparing lunch together made me think both of them will manage fine.”

“Is that so. I hope that’s the case.”

At my words, Queen Eldorene seemed to imagine the scene, closing her eyes and smiling.

“I shall also visit Termwills before too long. I want to become familiar with the Demon-Slaying Knight Order members and build trust relationships.”

“That might be a good idea,” Penelope smiled.

“After the next full moon, the Demon-Slaying Knight Order will likely spend more time outside the labyrinth.”

“Indeed. Understood.”

That should cover the report to Queen Eldorene. As for me, I’ll keep a discreet eye on Eckels in particular. While the Knight Order environment is unlikely to cause problems, it doesn’t hurt to be considerate.

“Ah, that’s right… I’m planning to meet Marl at the ritual hall now. Would it be alright to bring Dominique and Justia along?”

When I asked Auria this, she nodded as if she understood.

“Hmm. Regarding the message to the Wind Spirit King-sama, has there been some progress?”

“That’s correct.”

After nodding, I explained the situation in detail.

“Will all three of you be going to greet them? Her Highness Stephania and Her Highness Adriana will be accompanying us.”

“Let’s see then. Very well.”

The three of them looked at each other and nodded.

And as planned, we headed to the ritual hall with Dominique and Justia.

If it were the hot springs, we’d have to wait until outside business hours, which would mean it becoming night.

King Melvin and his group who rushed over from the Royal Castle, the Princesses, Queen Eldorene, Auria, Penelope – quite a gathering of important figures from various places ended up coming together… well then.

When we arrived at the ritual hall and got off the carriage, Tephra showed her face.

“Oh, Theodore!”

Tephra greeted me in high spirits.

“Sorry for the sudden request.”

“No, I don’t mind. Theodore and Marl are my friends… and if it’s a place where spiritual power gathers, they should be able to manifest more easily.”

Tephra smiled. That’s right… them. Them.

This time, it’s not just Marl showing up, which is why the Spirit Hall wasn’t suitable as a meeting place. If other Spirit Kings visit other Spirit Halls, it could affect the balance of the Seals, apparently.

They all manifest once in front of the Moonlight Temple first, then show themselves on the surface. Which means—

“Theo, that—”

…Grace pointed to one corner of the ritual hall.

“Hmm. They’ve come, it seems.”

Tephra spoke. Around where Grace pointed—water swirled up from above the spring source, and from there Marl appeared.

Beside it. The stone pavement laid in the ritual hall’s garden seemed to swell up, taking human form—manifesting as a dignified gray-haired old man.

And that’s not all. Wind swirled in the sky above, taking the form of a girl with green hair.

Finally, from the whirlwind the girl created, a blazing pillar of fire rose up, and a young man with burning hair appeared.

These must be the Earth Spirit King, Wind Spirit King, and Fire Spirit King respectively.

Looking through the Monocle, I could see the spirits’ movements had become remarkably active.

Everyone seemed equally excited, looking happy… probably because spiritual power is heightened. I could feel it with my skin, without even needing to look through the Monocle.

My, my. But still, all the Spirit Kings gathered together. According to Marl, because of what happened in Grantios, all the Spirit Kings have become interested in me. So when discussing matters related to the Wind Spirit King, they decided to come meet me as well.

“Hello, Theodore.”

When Marl looked at me and smiled, the curious gazes of the other three Spirit Kings gathered upon me.