Chapter 652 – Visit to the City of the Harpies

After loading the cargo and completing the headcount, we all moved to the Sirius’s bridge.

“The magic tools in the monitoring room… seem to be the same type as those used here.”

“The Kingdom of Verdugal’s technical capabilities are quite impressive. This ship itself is proof of that.”

Vera and Ramona were looking around the bridge with great interest.

“No, regarding this ship, the Kingdom of Silvatria’s technology forms its core.”

“Oh?”

“To explain in detail would take some time, but there was an incident involving demons in the Kingdom of Silvatria as well. Since then, we’ve been cooperating technologically with them too.”

Since the Silvatria incident also involved an unfortunate affair with the Crown Prince, I explained it all together as part of the demons’ conspiracy.

“The magic tool concepts and the ship’s hull were created by Theodore.”

“Ah, that makes sense. Seeing the skill in earth magic construction makes it believable that he’s a Demon Slayer.”

“I also think obtaining the magic stones that support this ship would have been impossible without Theodore-sama.”

“Indeed, I don’t think Alpha would have acknowledged anyone but Theodore either.”

Ashley and Claudia responded to Sheila’s words in that manner. Alpha, standing beside the pilot’s seat, smiled meaningfully.

“Well, it’s also because Al is good at turning spell formulas into magic tools.”

“I’m happy to hear you say that, but Theo-kun’s spell formulas are so refined that it makes my job easier in some ways.”

Although Alfred was being modest like that, Vera shook her head.

“No, no. A magic engineer can’t just carve spell formulas into magic stones and call it done. Having refined spell formulas means the caster is highly skilled. The fact that Theodore-dono places his trust in you suggests that Alfred-dono’s skills are substantial as well.”

Yes. If a magic engineer’s skills and knowledge are lacking, they might waste the magic stone’s capacity or introduce subtle errors in the spell formula’s details.

Having someone who properly grasps my intentions and accurately transforms them into magic tools makes various things easier for me too.

This was likely an opinion unique to Vera, who has aptitude as a magic engineer. Marlene also looked happily smiling at Alfred, who appeared somewhat embarrassed.

Well then. After letting Vera and the others see the bridge, I had everyone take their seats and fasten their seatbelts and such. After giving various warnings like not going out on the deck during high-speed flight, I touched the crystal at the pilot’s seat.

“Now then, the Sirius will depart. Please remain seated until the speed stabilizes.”

The Sirius, which had been docked beside the rocky mountain, slowly gained altitude. After reaching sufficient height and setting the direction, the Sirius began to move.

As the scenery started flowing by at a gentle pace, cheers rose from the harpies. As we gradually increased speed, I could tell the harpies’ excitement was growing.

“Wow, to fly at such speed with this size…!”

They were getting excited while watching the monitor. Hmm. Perhaps it’s because they’re accustomed to flying themselves. Although high-speed flight lacks the leisurely atmosphere for enjoying the scenery, it seemed this kind of thing actually suited the harpies better.

“If you touch here and send magical power… See, you can see far away too!”

“That’s amazing, Dominique big sister!”

Sitting side by side and operating the monitor, Dominique and Lily were having fun. Lily also seemed to be getting excited… Well then, this reaction must be something racial.

“Harpies, once they can fly, play games like competing for speed or trying unusual flying styles. This high-speed flight probably stimulates their childlike hearts.”

Vera watched everyone’s reactions with a wry smile. I see…

As the Sirius gradually increased speed and entered stable flight, Grace and the others prepared tea as usual.

“Thank you.”

“Here you go.”

When I received the tea and expressed thanks, Grace smiled back at me.

While watching the scenery flowing by at high speed, the harpies were happily singing songs. Whether they were songs Dominique had taught them or not, Irmhild and Justia were providing accompaniment, and the Sirius’s bridge maintained a peaceful atmosphere as we flew toward Termwills.

“Wow, is that the rumored Royal Castle of Termwills?”

Eventually, when the spires of Seorelm came into view in the distance, one of the harpies exclaimed like that.

“That’s Seorelm, the Royal Castle of the Kingdom of Verdugal. Please remember that, with some exceptions, approaching Seorelm from the air is prohibited.”

“Understood. In any case, we plan to use the Humanization Spell as much as possible within the city.”

When Princess Stephania conveyed the precautions, Vera responded on behalf of everyone.

The exceptions referred to things like dragon palanquins of royalty and nobility, permitted wyverns, phantom beasts, etc. Essentially, those with connections are permitted, but even then, dragon palanquins and such can only approach near the training grounds, and flight around the King’s Tower is forbidden.

Hmm. Right.

“Within the shipyard area where we’ll be landing soon, I think you can fly to your heart’s content without problems. Keeping the Humanization Spell active continuously seems restrictive, so I’ll arrange for you to be able to use the shipyard.”

“Oh! That’s wonderful. Thank you.”

Ramona smiled happily. Well then, I should contact them about that matter via the communication device right away.

The harpies seem to enjoy flying, and having come all this way on the Sirius’s high-speed flight, they seem to have been inspired in various ways too.

If they were to fly at high speed within the city, that might indeed cause problems, but in that regard, the shipyard should be fine for flying around freely. Additionally, being close to the sea has the advantage of making it easier to interact with the sirens too.

The Demon-Slaying Knight Order also conducts aerial combat training at the shipyard, so perhaps both sides could learn from each other and be inspired regarding aerial maneuvers. Well, they’re currently training at the fortress though.

“Next, regarding precautions in Termwills—”

I explained general precautions like the slightly poorer public safety in the West District.

That said, the harpies are joining as part of the Anti-Demon Alliance, so they have an official standing, and since the West District itself is managed from behind the scenes by the Thieves Guild, I don’t think there would be anyone who would try to cause trouble for my or Sheila’s associates.

While this was happening, Termwills gradually approached. Slowing down, we reached the airspace above the shipyard. Aligning the coordinates with the pedestal, I slowly descended the Sirius—and the ship came to a stop.

A carriage from the Royal Castle had already arrived at the shipyard. Vera and Ramona would be meeting Queen Eldorene tomorrow, so they headed directly to the Royal Castle. I’ll also be attending that meeting tomorrow. Since the harpy warriors and craftsmen are joining the Anti-Demon Alliance, preparations for hospitality are apparently underway at the Royal Castle.

“Marion and the others are coming tomorrow too.”

When I informed them that Marion, Justia’s sister, was coming after receiving a communication, she showed a happy expression.

“Is it so they can train together with the harpies too?”

“Yeah, that’s part of it. They might end up being stationed here.”

“That’s great, Justia.”

“Yes. You too, Dominique.”

Seeing Justia’s happy appearance, Dominique and Irmhild also seemed to be in good spirits.

Well then. Unlike Ramona and the others, Dominique’s mother and Lily and the others are non-combatants and came with the purpose of seeing Dominique’s daily life and such. They plan to stay at my house after touring around the Adventurer Guild and theater area with us.

“Well then. I expect we’ll meet again tomorrow.”

“Yes, Vera-sama.”

“And… Theodore-dono.”

Vera had spoken to Dominique’s family before boarding the carriage, but then she looked at me.

“What is it?”

“I’d like to express my thanks to the Adventurer Guild associates as well.”

“Then… I’ll check their schedule. If it’s convenient for them, it might be possible for you to attend together tomorrow.”

“That would be helpful.”

Saying that, we parted ways with Vera and the others at the shipyard. Well then, let’s get moving too. While loading various luggage onto the carriage arranged from the Royal Castle, we all boarded and headed to the Adventurer Guild.

The harpies were watching the outside scenery through the carriage windows with great interest. It seemed to be their first time in a large city.

Thus we arrived at the square containing the Adventurer Guild and theater. We all disembarked in the square. The male harpies remained in their bird-person forms, but they didn’t attract much attention.

Perhaps because we and Princess Stephania and the others were together, everyone seemed to pass by with understanding. …Well. Be that as it may, let me give them a tour of the city.

“This is the Boundary Theater.”

When I told Dominique’s relatives this, they all widened their eyes.

“It was such an impressive place?”

“Being able to sing for so many people here… It sounds enjoyable.”

“It is fun. I really like the theater Theodore-kun made.”

Dominique answered her parents’ words with a smile.

“And that building is the Adventurer Guild, and that building is the Moon Temple. The labyrinth entrance is also inside the Moon Temple.”

While I was explaining about the various buildings visible from the square, Auria came out from inside the theater.

…Hmm. Was she buying snacks at the concession stand again?

At least she wasn’t holding cotton candy or anything, so it seemed like a good time to introduce her normally.

“Oh, Theodore.”

“Hello.”

When Auria noticed us and greeted me, I returned the greeting and decided to introduce Auria and the harpies to each other.