Chapter 644 – Scenery of Memories

We immediately moved from the courtyard to the game room, spreading maps across the table to hear their reports.

“On the western side, we haven’t found any Harpy settlements so far. Partly because there’s a vast ocean there, but it also seems to be outside their typical habitat range. Crossing the sea to reach the Kingdom of Silvatria or the Kingdom of Growfonica… we haven’t been able to establish communication that far yet.”

“Similarly, we’ve expanded our search to see if anyone in human settlements has spotted Harpies, but there don’t seem to be any such reports either,” added Marl and Rakeld. “Since there are winged species like Hawkman and Humanization Spells exist, eyewitness accounts alone probably aren’t completely reliable.”

Marl apparently traced various routes along coastlines, riversides, and lake areas—places with water sources as bases. Meanwhile, Rakeld has been focusing his search around human settlements. Well, it makes sense that fire spirits would prefer areas where people live. Whether for nighttime lighting or cooking, fire is used wherever there are homes.

“Since Rakeld is covering the human settlements, I searched the dwellings of the Dwarves and the deep forests where people rarely venture,” said Prophion. I see. The four spirits, responding to their callers, divided the search areas according to their preferred environments, expanding outward from Termwills.

“So… while we’re searching a wide area, we thought focusing on mountainous regions would be best, so we decided to concentrate our efforts north, south, and east.”

“I see… Even within mountainous areas, each has environments where different spirits are more active.”

“Yeah. Based on everyone’s information, we found settlements here and here… and then—”

Luscinia pointed to several locations on the map.

“I see… Then let’s start investigating these places.”

Alright. Now it’s my turn.

…The discovered Harpy settlements are scattered across a broad area east of Termwills. Some are more southeast or northeast than strictly east… All are located in remote areas far from human settlements.

Using the data provided by King Melvin—maps, survey charts, and so on from the Kingdom of Verdugal—I create estimated topographic maps through Earth Magic.

Verdugal has a long history and apparently engages in activities like creating topographic maps spanning neighboring countries. Topographic data is crucial for military intelligence.

Since they also possess Wyverns, they seem to have surveyed even remote, inaccessible areas.

Well, each successive king probably had different intentions, public and private, regarding this data… but the fact remains that there have been no wars with other nations for a long time.

Fortunately, this data has been stored away unused.

King Melvin laughed, saying that if these materials could be used for a proper purpose like searching for one’s homeland, they would finally be of some use.

Integrating the information from the Spirit Kings with map and topographic data, I use Earth Magic to create three-dimensional models of the areas around the Harpy settlements.

That alone might not be enough to grasp the full picture.

“Marlene, may I borrow your Lantern?”

When I asked, she nodded and handed it to me.

Dominique had already researched what plants grew there. Based on the topographic maps, I project illusions of the visible scenery and terrain as I imagine them.

The displayed landscapes account for cardinal directions and sunlight angles from each orientation.

Though mountainous… the illusory scenes gradually shift to overhead views, rotating 360 degrees to show the surrounding terrain. I also display sunrise and sunset views, as they should help with identification.

“What do you think?”

“…I don’t think that’s it,” Dominique said, shaking her head.

“Alright, next one then.”

I create illusions for the second and third locations using the same process.

And—when I projected the third illusion, Dominique’s expression changed. Her eyes widened as she stared intently at the scenery.

I raised the altitude, panned around the surrounding terrain, and showed the mountain ridges visible from that vantage point. I displayed both sunrise and sunset views.

“This place?”

“Yeah… yeah! Probably… no. Definitely! I remember this mountain shape—”

Her reaction was different this time. She seemed quite certain. After all, she wouldn’t forget the scenery from her childhood home.

This view is ultimately based on my interpretation of the topographic maps. I elicit detailed descriptions from Dominique and incorporate them.

“See that rugged, rocky area with the shadow? That’s where everyone lives!”

I see. Even while creating the illusions, I noticed… Harpy settlements seem to be built concealed within high rocky mountains. Other locations shared similar topographic characteristics.

According to Dominique, they’re designed to be undetectable from above. Probably… to avoid attacks from flying Monsters.

“Just to be sure, let’s check the other discovered locations too. Although this seems the most promising.”

Dominique nodded seriously.

The most promising settlement… Yeah. It’s within a distance we can cover without issue if we push the Sirius. While it’s unclear what kind of Summoning Magic Linette used, even Grantios, who was pulled here by Justia’s Magic, was still within Verdugal’s borders. That outcome makes some sense.

After having her check the other locations as a precaution, I first returned the Lantern to Marlene.

“Thank you.”

When I handed it over, Marlene happily accepted it.

Now then. About that most promising settlement.

“If Dominique agrees, let’s head out first thing tomorrow.”

“Are you really sure?” Dominique asked, half-joyful, half-apologetic.

“Of course. I promised.”

When I answered, Dominique held hands with Irmhild and Justia, rejoicing.

I had set conditions—only if found through this investigation and within a distance quickly reachable by the Sirius—and obtained King Melvin’s permission via the Communication Device. Dominique’s situation stems from the Demon incident, and it relates to reconciliation with Monsters, touching on Claudia’s intentions too. King Melvin assured me it falls within the Otherworld Ambassador’s duties.

It’s both a promise and part of my job. Of course, given the timing, the permission likely hinges on our ability to return instantly via Teleportation Magic if anything happens.

Besides… if we miss this window and delay, it might coincide with the Miasma Orb transfer timing, shifting us to a combat-ready state or heightened alert, inevitably pushing it until after the decisive battle.

The situation would become messy, and it’s uncertain if we could act immediately after the battle ends. The schedule is somewhat hectic, but I want to properly fulfill my promise to Dominique.

“Then we depart at dawn tomorrow.”

“Yeah, thank you!” Dominique showed a bright smile.

Alright. I’ll prepare for the journey and also compile necessary information like the location of the nearest human settlement to the Harpy village.

“I’d like to see the Harpy settlement too, but… I’ll stay in Termwills and continue various tasks. There’s plenty to do.”

“Indeed. We have work in the workshop too,” said Alfred. Old Sigmund and the others will also stay since they have tasks. So the workshop group remains in Termwills.

“May I… come along too?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you!” When I nodded at Justia’s words, she grasped my hand and thanked me. Hmm. Such strong friendship.

“Since we’re just taking her home, I don’t think negotiation will be necessary. But if we’re going by the Sirius, might my presence help gain their trust?” asked Princess Stephania.

“That would indeed be helpful.”

“Then it’s settled. I’ll accompany you too, with Steph.”

“In that case, I shall join as well.”

“Likewise. Though the mountains and sea are quite far apart…”

So Princess Adriana, Princess Elham, and Rovisa are coming too.

Our destination isn’t within Verdugal’s borders. I doubt the influence of neighboring lords reaches there either… but having representatives from each kingdom as a precaution should make it easier to state our case if anything happens.

Plus, it’ll probably make it easier to establish agreements and build trust between the Harpies and the nations.