Chapter 588 – Heading North

“That was truly wonderful hot springs.”

“Indeed. We thoroughly enjoyed them.”

After emerging from the hot springs, King Eberhart, King Fareed, and Queen Eldorene came to the rest area, settled down with satisfied expressions on their faces.

After that—we toured Termwills, first checking on the soldiers’ conditions, then heading to the theater and botanical gardens with our guests when the timing seemed right.

Afterward, as planned, we soaked in the Fire Spirit Hot Springs to warm our bodies and had just emerged.

Since the monarchs of four nations were gathered together, we decided to spend today in the rest area rather than playing in the swimming area. This also served as providing security for King Melvin and the others.

“I’m glad you enjoyed them,” King Melvin said, and the three nodded in response.

“The theater as well. The singing was wonderful, and combined with the production, it was truly magnificent. I can understand why rumors reached even Baharzard.”

“But you don’t normally get to hear singing here, do you?”

“That’s correct. If we had planned for that, we would have built a stage here as well.”

King Eberhart nodded at my response, then turned his gaze toward Marion and Irmhild, who were producing clear singing voices in place of musicians in one corner of the rest area, narrowing his eyes as if watching something heartwarming.

“In that case, those girls must simply enjoy singing itself.”

“I believe so.”

Regarding Marion, she was probably inspired by the theater performance. After getting out of the bath, she’s been spending time in the rest area playing instruments and singing with Irmhild and the others.

Well… the musical exchange between sisters and different races always seems enjoyable. Their singing voices are pleasant to listen to and calming, feeling comfortable for our warmed bodies as well.

Thus the kings conversed in a peaceful atmosphere, speaking about various topics like old friends. Being monarchs who rule nations, they probably have common ground to understand each other, but in any case, I think it’s good for strengthening alliance relations when kings can chat and laugh together like this.

“—King Eberhart, I heard you’ll be returning north tomorrow?”

“I would have liked to hear more about the Kingdom of Silvatria.”

The conversation had covered various topics from recent events in each country to past occurrences, but when the topic shifted to plans from tomorrow onward, King Fareed and Queen Eldorene expressed regret, and King Eberhart responded with a wry smile.

“Coming all the way to Termwills, making acquaintances with so many people, and then leaving immediately afterward… does feel rather wasteful. Well, you should come visit Silvatria sometime. We’ll welcome you then.”

“That sounds delightful. Since there’s probably more snow than in the Kingdom of Verdugal, summer would be better, I imagine.”

While the kings were chatting like this, Queen Eldorene suddenly spoke up.

“But that would be after crossing several mountain valleys, wouldn’t it?”

“Indeed. During the event I said that to boost the soldiers’ morale… but regarding you all, I’d rather you be careful not to overexert yourselves. Return safely,” King Melvin said while looking at me. Both King Eberhart and King Fareed also looked at us with serious expressions.

“Thank you.”

When I bowed, King Fareed’s expression softened.

“Come visit Baharzard again too. Once the problems are resolved, you’ll be able to use Teleportation Magic more freely, right?”

King Fareed said this while lightly thrusting his fist forward with a grin.

“That’s right. We’ll definitely do so then.”

Matching him, I also thrust my fist forward and nodded, and Queen Eldorene narrowed her eyes as if seeing something dazzling.

“Come to Grantios as well. We’ll welcome you anytime.”

Following King Fareed’s example, Queen Eldorene and King Eberhart also extended their fists. We bumped fists and exchanged handshakes.

And so the night before our departure passed peacefully.

—The next day dawned.

“Ah. The weather is truly clear today.”

Grace looked up at the sky happily as we stepped out the front door.

“It’s perfect weather for departure.”

Claudia closed her eyes and nodded with a smile at the corner of her mouth. Though chilly since it was winter, it was a perfectly clear day with not a single cloud—pleasant weather.

The Demon-Slaying Knight Order had participated in last night’s drinking party but apparently ended early to avoid having alcohol left in their systems the next day. Still, the departure time allowed for ample rest and preparation.

Heading to investigate Beriondora would be first us and the Demon-Slaying Knight Order. Then the three princesses representing each country’s king. And the workshop group would accompany as backup. There were other personnel as well.

Elliot and Alfred already appeared fully prepared, having arrived by carriage in front of the house.

“Take care, Master.”

Cecilia and Mihaela, the Labyrinth Village residents, and Lasnote… had all come to see us off at the front door.

“Right. We’re off. If any problems arise, don’t hesitate to contact us via the Communication Device.”

“Thank you. Even if it’s not an emergency, we’ll make regular contact. Please leave the fermented foods to us.”

Indeed. This way we can keep track of Termwills’ situation, and it’s reassuring for us too. Regarding the miso and soy sauce, we’re using Enhancement Magic so I’d like to observe them daily, but currently they’re progressing smoothly and I’ve left notes about points to watch. There shouldn’t be any problems.

“Be careful.”

“Don’t get hurt.”

“Okay. Father, Mother. I’m off.”

Irmhild exchanged hugs with her parents.

Since it was our departure day… Miriam, the Labyrinth Trading Company shopkeeper; Isabella, a Thieves Guild executive; Dorothy, the former Guild Master’s daughter; and the Orphanage staff and children had all come to greet us since they couldn’t come to the docks to see us off.

“Alright then, we’re off.”

“Take care, Sheila.”

“Well, you folks should have no trouble with an investigation.”

Sheila exchanged words with Dorothy and the others. Elliot and Camilla were also hugging each other before the journey. Then Isabella looked at me and said.

“If we get any information, we should pass it to Miss Cecilia, right?”

“That’s correct. That way it will reach us too.”

“Hmm. Consider it done.”

Isabella grinned with a confident smile. The Thieves Guild’s information network is reliable.

“Have a safe trip, Theodore.”

“Right. Give my regards to everyone at the botanical garden.”

“Yes.”

I exchanged words with Floria too.

And so—after waiting for everyone’s farewell greetings to finish, we boarded the carriage and headed toward the shipyard while being seen off by everyone.

When we arrived at the shipyard… people had gathered here too to see us off.

First, the royal families of each country, and the main members of the Knight Orders. Then Rosetta, Ophelia, and Romina, daughter of Marquis Zilbolt. Furthermore from the Adventurer Guild, Auria and Oswald, receptionist Heather, Justia, and Dominique. Forestbird and the others had also come along as their escorts.

Various faces had come to see us off… It’s reassuring that they’re worried about us, and it strengthens our resolve.

“Teacher, we’re off.”

“Don’t get hurt. While your Close Combat skills have reached quite a high level, a healer’s job isn’t to fight on the front lines. You might find it frustrating at times, but make sure to act calmly.”

“Yes.”

Ashley nodded seriously at Rosetta’s words. Teacher and student exchanged words, and she also spoke with her school friends.

“I’m disappointed I can’t accompany you this time.”

“We Adventurer Guild members have various roles too. We’ll have the adventurers gathered in Termwills cooperate in various ways on the day of the seal liberation.”

So said Auria and Oswald to me.

“Many adventurers possess experience and skills that regular armies lack. We’re counting on you.”

“Right. We’ll do our best too.”

“Theo-kun will have no problem at all.”

At my words, Forestbird and the others also laughed, clenched their fists, and responded.

The Head Shrine Maiden Penelope had also come from the Temple. She seemed to have been stroking Marlene’s hair, but when she saw that the greetings to me had settled down, she approached.

“Please take care on this journey.”

“Could it be… that Penelope-sama is the personnel from the Temple?”

“Yes. When it comes to who can use the most powerful Blessings, that would be me. The others agreed too. Since we’ll be inside the Sirius, I’ll make sure not to be a burden.”

Penelope directed a bright smile toward me.

“—Understood. We’ll do our utmost to ensure you don’t get even a single injury.”

“I’m counting on you.”

Since this was an investigation of Beriondora, demon countermeasures were essential. There had been discussion recently that if the only personnel who could use Blessings were Marlene, situations might arise where she couldn’t provide backup for the Demon-Slaying Knight Order… I had heard they requested cooperation from the Moon Temple to fill that gap.

It seemed the matter was settled with Penelope accompanying us.

In any case, with King Eberhart joining us here, the personnel boarding the Sirius were all assembled.

After exchanging words with those seeing us off, we loaded food and supplies onto the Sirius and took roll call. When the work settled down, King Melvin and the others approached.

“It’s a fine day for departure.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. We’ll be going now.”

“Indeed. Make sure to return safely.”

I looked straight into King Melvin’s eyes and nodded at his words.

“Please take care of my elder sisters and Al, Marlene… everyone.”

Prince Helfried said this to me, but Rosemary, who was nearby, shrugged her shoulders behind her feather fan.

“In my case, I’m not as delicate as to warrant such concern.”

“Well… that’s what Marie says. But I understand Your Highness Helfried’s words and feelings.”

When I answered like this, Prince Helfried nodded with a wry smile. Watching this, Princess Stephania shook with suppressed laughter.

“As I said last night, please be careful.”

Queen Eldorene said this while giving my shoulders a light embrace, patting my back lightly with her palm.

“Yes. We’re off.”

“I feel apologetic that I can’t do much… but I’m praying for all of your safety. Seeing your happy faces and energetic movements makes me feel that I need to work harder as Crown Prince.”

Prince Josiah smiled bashfully and offered a handshake.

“Thank you. Let me thank you again for the flower bouquet for my mother.”

I responded to his extended hand with a handshake. Prince Josiah has been working hard behind the scenes with things like mediating between the Grand Duke and Duke families. That we were helping fuel his motivation was somewhat unexpected.

And so we exchanged farewell greetings with everyone before departure—and boarded the Sirius. After completing roll call, supply inspection, and various pre-departure preparations… it was finally time to depart.

“—Alright. Let’s go.”

“Yes, Theo. I’ll accompany you.”

Grace answered my words, and as if responding to her words, everyone nodded. As the Sirius slowly lifted its hull from the platform, the musician corps who had apparently been waiting on the outer walls blew their trumpets valiantly, and the knights who had come to see us off assumed saluting postures in unison.

Some waved, some called out. Others stood at attention. The ways of seeing us off varied. We also responded to everyone from the deck by saluting or waving.

“Theodore, look!”

When we had gained a bit of altitude, Seraphina pointed into the distance. Following her gaze—the residents of Termwills were showing their faces from their houses, waving toward us.

“This—really gets me fired up.”

Naturally, a smile broke out on my face. Responding to the surge in my Internal Magic Power, Ouroboros purred happily.

“Alpha. Let’s circle once over Termwills before heading out.”

When I said this to Alpha, who was enshrined on the deck, Alpha nodded while showing its fangs at the corner of its mouth. And so, we slowly circled over Termwills—waved to everyone in town, and departed northward.