I remember what the king said when I was first invited to this world. I'm not sure I've ever seen such a thing before.
After meeting everyone, I've asked around whether or not such magic exists. The answer was "Yes, it exists. But I've never heard of anyone using it.
'Transference Magic' is a fairly high-level magic and consumes a lot of magic power. If it's not good, you have to synchronize with a group of people and cast a spell to activate it. In other words, it seems to be that difficult a magic.
That's right.
If the magic that sends objects and people hundreds of kilometers away in an instant can be used with impunity, the logistics will collapse. The port city of Ilgafa couldn't possibly become a major trading center.
I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but I think it's a good idea.
I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.
I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea. I'm sure it's an instant thing, and considering the scale and scope, it can't be something that can travel long distances - and it's not.
While I was thinking about this, we were being transferred to an unknown place.
'Welcome, chosen nobles.'
When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a Western-style mansion surrounded by woods.
There was a large space with exposed earth around the mansion, and there were myself, Leticia, Cutlass, a baroness who was waiting for Leticia in an alleyway, and a man in black who was answering a call in front of the lord's house.
And standing in front of the mansion is a young girl with black hair, wearing a hat and hiding her face with a veil.
''I apologize for my rough mimicry. I had a story I wanted to tell only to you, the chosen nobles: ......
She looked around at us and slowly bowed.
''That's why we have invited you to this 'World Spirit House', which takes a few dozen days from the port city. The area around this place is called the 'Forest of Seals', a place where high-level demons live. In this place, no one will listen to you.
I see.
"SENDER: Nagi.
Recipient: Cecil Illis.
Body: "Apparently we've been sent away from Ilgafa, a place that takes dozens of days to get there.
Sender: Cecil.
Recipient: Ms. Nagi and Mr. Iris.
TEXT: What happened? Are you okay, Nagi-sama!''
"Sent by Iris.
Recipient. Mr. Cecil
TEXT: You are within a two-day walk of receiving the "Sharing and Changing Consciousness" message. Are you safe? Lady Letitia, and Lady Cutlass?
The message came back.
This was an unexpected neighborhood.
''We have limited the number of guards to ensure that only selected people are informed. I know you proud noblemen are anxious to be away from your men and guards, but...''
The girl with the veil on said, looking around.
'...... Leggy, you're in there, right?'
"Of course.
The Magic Sword Reggie trembled at my back with a clunk.
Next, I touch the "Heavenly Dragon Bracelet" on my right arm. A faint voice replied, "Yes, Otosan. White is also there.
Cutlass, who is next to me, is pointing at the "Balluar breastplate" he wears under his clothes. Fynn can be called out at any time, too. He's communicating in real time with Cecil and Iris. There's enough people in this room. That's not a problem.
"...... I have taken these steps for your own safety. There are skills and items in this world that you are not aware of... ......
The girl with the veil on announced with a smile on her mouth.
'Cutlass. Ask Fynn. Do you feel a hint of the 'artifact' around you?
"...... feels so.
Cutlass nodded.
It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it. I think it's impossible to use transposition magic as a godlike ability, unless you're a 'sacred relic' (artifact), I think it's impossible to use it so easily.
Yes, sir.
In other words, 'skills and items you don't know' are definitely cheat skills and artifacts.
"This land is blessed by the world spirit, a place beyond the unseen...
The girl in the veil continues to explain.
"It will be difficult for all of you to get through the forest. "There are curious wards and the souls of the dead prowling around...
"Sent by: Nagi
Recipient: Cecil Illis.
Body: "Because...
'Cecil Illis: I've come up with a plan!
All right. We're good to go.
Now we just need to...
You know what, Letitia?
I know what you're doing. What they want and who they are.
Letitia nodded, as if she knew what I meant.
Whispering to each other, Cutlass and I are kneeling diagonally behind Letitia.
I've decided that Leticia is a nobleman attending the lord's house's party, and Cutlass and I are his attendants.
Originally, this group was going to attend the party. We've been practicing for a while now.
...... The question is, is the other person really a princess?
I saw a girl standing in front of the pavilion.
A girl wearing a hat and a veil on her face, with soldiers on her left and right, lighting a magical "light" on the tip of her sword. Still, I can't see the girl's face. Analyzing her identity, the possibilities are.
(1) Princess Claudia of the royal family.
Rationale: The royal family can use transition magic. And the princess is a member of the royal family. And also, Baroness Lalambert, who invited us here, said 'Princess Claudia has summoned us'.
(2) Visitors.
Rationale: The visitor is traveling to the frontier with transference magic (apparently). It's not surprising that the visitors have related powers.
(3) Other: nobleman or commoner, demi-humans.
However, the chances of a demi-human are slim. Because there is no reason to gather only nobles.
That's all.
Well, thank you. Let's find out who she is and what kind of power she has.
Wise noblemen! May I have your attention please. Like the gargoyles that have come to our town this time, there is always an unseen danger.
The girl said.
''Also, there is a demon king in the frontier. I don't know when that evil hand will come to our kingdom. In fact, ...... you have seen the demons attacking the town. You'll see the demons attacking the town. A nobleman is a person who has fiefdoms and lands. What would you do if a demon like that appeared there? Ladies and gentlemen. Can we fight with just our soldiers?
"Dear 'Vale'
Suddenly, the noble girl who lured us here said.
Her name is ...... Baroness Lalambell, I believe.
''Before we talk, will you fulfill your promise? I have brought a nobleman of my acquaintance here with me.
'I know, sir. I'll give you new powers as a 'refer-a-friend benefit'.
I'm honored. Dear "Vale". The Butler.
Very well. I'll send a steward with extraordinary abilities in 10 days.
Thank you. Dear "Vale
"On your way back, please wait for me at the transference portal in the pavilion. As soon as our business negotiations are over, I will arrange for you to leave.
Nodding at the girl Vale's words, the girl who had brought us here walked into the hall.
She didn't even try to look at us.
Really, you just brought us here for the privilege .......
'Let's get back to it. We're talking about a crisis that's always aimed at you guys.
The Vale girl also looked at us and at the nobleman who had been brought in.
'Nobles are those who have something to lose. Their lands, their materials, their families - don't you think they need the power to protect them? You never know when an unseen danger will strike you, as in the case of the gargoyle...
What do you mean by that?
As if he couldn't stand it anymore, the man in black spoke up.
''Why did you bring us to this place? Explain!
The angry man is a nobleman who was in front of the Ilgafa lord's house. Well, you're right to be angry. If you are suddenly brought to a place like this.
The girl in the veil in response to that - I can faintly see her laughing with her mouth only.
Is this kind of reaction expected? I thought you were quite prepared for this. There are interviewers who deliberately make job seekers lose their temper during pressure interviews, but it's like that.
"Well, well, well, Baron Garunzo. I beg your pardon.
The girl put her hand on the chest of her dress and looked at the man.
'As the attendant said earlier, this is a place to recommend goods to you. It is twenty days away from the royal capital. I would not recommend you to raise your voice in that manner, though.
'How rude is that?
A male nobleman cried out, "If you want to recommend our goods, you should send a messenger.
He said, "If you want to offer us goods, you should send a messenger to talk to us. How can we trust them with such deceitful practices!
Several noblemen and knights have already used our products to expand their activities.
'I don't care! Get my men up here now! You and others will be beaten here!
Disqualified.
The girl snapped her fingers.
At the same time, the soldiers who were waiting on either side of her start to move.
The male guards draw their swords. But the soldiers were moving faster. The black armor-clad soldiers easily flicked off the sword of the nobleman's bodyguard and struck the bodyguard and the nobleman with the hilt of the sword. It was a quick action that we didn't have time to do anything about.
We tied up the incapacitated man and his escort with a rope and carried them into the mansion.
'The person to whom we entrust our goods should be calm and judicious. You are, I am sorry, disqualified.
Wait.
Letitia spoke up.
The girl in the veil looked at her.
'What do you intend to do with that person?'
We'll persuade you and then return you to your original location.
The girl seemed to laugh under the veil.
'It would take me twenty days to get from here to the port city if I returned normally. It would be difficult for you to return by yourself.
"[Heh]
Me, Leticia and Cutlass murmured at the same time.
Leticia looked at me and nodded. It's a sign, "Can I leave it to you? I nod. I heard that Letitia is not good at negotiating, so I will try to talk to her on your behalf.
It's a good idea to be able to have a look at the following: "Viscountess ...... Letitia-milfe-sama, was it?
The girl picked up the skirt of her dress and bowed.
'I am honoured that you remember me. The mystery one.
Letitia scratched her head as if in trouble.
'Please call me "Vale". I am always welcome to ask you a cool question.
I'm not very good at that. I'd appreciate it if you could send someone else to do it.
Hi.
I stood up and lined up beside Letitia.
''This is a special place where only nobles are allowed to speak. Is that person on the same level as a nobleman?''
The girl - Vale tilted her head curiously and looked at me.
''That's right. This person is .......
Leticia seemed to be thinking for a moment, but as if she had made up her mind to do something, she clenched her fist and...
"This is my most trusted fiancée, my most trusted fiancée!
Letitia... Letitia...
............ just for this occasion. It's just for this occasion.
I know, but...
Letitia, you're all red up to your neck.
"All right. "Letia.
You're gonna call me by that name here?
No, because they said I could call her that. A nickname for Letitia when she was a little girl.
'You said ...... fiancée, that's Letitia. It's just to avoid suspicion.
....... Okay, I get it. This is the only one.
We discuss it face to face.
'Well, I'll continue the conversation on your behalf: ...... "Letia
............ ugh, ugh.
Letitia turned bright red, but she looked at me and nodded her head.
I'm maddeningly embarrassed, too.
'I see you're not lying about being ............ fiancé,'
It seems to have fooled the girl in the Vale.
"As a member of a nobleman's household, you have the right to speak.
Then I ask you.
I said.
This place is a stage they've set for us. We don't know what traps are out there.
Let's pretend that we are playing into their hands to get information out of them.
''Leticia and I were planning to attend the Ilgafa lord's 'Oroufa Party' as a celebration of our engagement. It was an accident that the gargoyle attacked us, and my noble fiancé fought against it to protect his people.
The girl in the veil, and I say it loud enough for the other nobles to hear.
Leticia is mumbling next to me, "How can you pop up so quickly? You're the one who thought up the setup.
Cutlass doesn't say, "Is that so? You know what happened, don't you?
Just as I was about to make out with you at the inn, I was called here.
...... here, here ...... Nagi-san!
...... There's no time for embarrassment.
...... Moo.
You're not turning bright red and puffing out your cheeks. My best friend (Letia).
I turn to the girl in the veil and tell her.
'There are dangers to be sure. A nobleman has a lot to lose. So I understand the need for the ability to protect it. But it's not right to do it this way, is it? If there are business talks, it is only logical to send an official messenger. Wouldn't this be the same as blackmail?
I apologize for giving you the benefit of the doubt.
"Then let us go.
No.
The girl shook her head.
''It's something I don't want the Demon King and his minions to know about, so I had no choice but to take this kind of step. In particular, the port city of Irgapha is a place where people who revile a high-ranking demon such as 'Kerkator the Sea Dragon'. Isn't it only natural to be wary of them?
So, you're saying that you've relocated us to a place far from the port city?
Yeah.
So you're saying that you're transferring us to a place two hours' walk from the port city?
Yes, ............ Yes, no, no, no, it's a long way from here, but what?
Now, I'm pretty sure you just nodded.
Surprisingly simple. A girl in distress.
How could you do such a thing?
'The air is warm and humid. The air is warm and humid, as is the climate of the southern port city. The trees are the same kind as those in the forest around Irgafa, and they are the remains of a village that existed before Irgafa took its present form. In the forest are the remains of a village that existed before Irgafa took its present form. In terms of time, it's just like that house.
This is the information from Iris.
Iris saw the screenshot I sent her through the mind linkage and compared it to the map to help her locate this place," she said.
Or, if you really think this is a far away place, do you want to contract? If it was a lie, you would hand over all of your items and skills to us on the condition that you hand over all of them to us.
............
Oh, I shut up.
The mysterious girl trembled under the veil, biting her lip.
'I've passed!
""Yes?"
'You have passed the test we have given you. You are worthy to give great power!
He's going to cheat them out of it with brute force.
"The power to defeat demons, like my soldiers. It's for people with abilities like yours.
Soldiers in black armor start to move.
They are the ones who had quickly neutralized the nobleman's guards earlier. Their bodies are about the size of normal adults. They are wearing black armor all over their bodies and their faces are invisible. They look like the "Golden Soldiers" that I saw in the town of Ilgafa, but this one looks more deceptive.
The soldiers lined up on either side of the girl, with swords and the ropes that bound the men in place.
''My men have obtained the power to wipe out even the most powerful demons with this Armor of Blackness. You are also entitled to receive equivalent skills and items.
Okay.
I understand most of the information I can get here.
This "Vale" girl is in the business of giving "power" to noblemen. This soldier in black armor - and maybe that golden soldier also has that power.
And just like the girl just now - 'Baroness Lalambell', such information is secretly spread among the nobles, and every time the nobles introduce a friend, they receive new powers.
''Lady Letitia-Milfe, her fiancé.
Behind the veil, the girl said.
'What do you desire?'
The quick answer is 'a life you can live without working'.
But that's not something you can ask this guy to get. I'll figure it out on my own.
As for Letitia...
Peace to the people.
Letitia answered without a moment's hesitation.
'That people can live in peace, within the rules they understand, with powers they can understand, and not be frightened by anything else. That is what I want.
Then let's give you the skills to make it happen.
The girl took out a skill crystal from a leather bag on the ground.
''This is the 'Pain Forgetting Skill'
The girl said.
'This skill can make the target person forget 'the pain they are suffering'. To be precise, it's a skill that 'makes the pain feel like it's your responsibility'. In other words, it can make them think it's all their fault, even if they're being attacked by a demon or frightened by magic they don't understand.
It was a skill that made me want to throw up.
'The one thing you understand most about yourself is 'you', right? You can replace all your enemies with 'what you can understand'. I don't think there's a better skill for your purposes than that.
I'm afraid not.
Leticia immediately shook her head.
''Such skills are not my hobby. Besides, the people you care about - your best friends and partymates - would hate you if you used such a thing.
Letitia laughed as she looked at me and Cutlass.
'It's a deal breaker. 'Nagi-san,'
God, she's so steady, Letitia.
What's wrong with that?
No way. That's okay. We'll take care of the rest.
From the time I got here to now, it's been about 20 minutes. I was hoping to buy a little more (・・・・・・) time (・・・・).
I can't see the girl in the veil's expression. All I can see is her mouth.
She is clenching her teeth. There is no doubt that she is angry.
In a fight you and I can only respond in two ways. You can run into the woods, or you can jump into the Western-style house.
In the latter case, it's easy enough to escape.
However, the opponent's strength is not readily apparent. If there is an unexpected weapon or item in the house, you may be attacked from behind.
Maybe they've done this to the nobility in the past. This place is supposed to be a safe house. If possible, we need to know what they're capable of.
And Cutlass and Fieng have sensed the existence of an artifact in this place. If they use that thing, and it's called back somewhere else, it's a problem. I want to destroy or ...... or take control of it while it's still intact.
It's a good idea, isn't it? It's a good idea.
I could get away with it in a pinch, and it would be good for business.
'You know what, Letitia, Cutlass,'
What is it? Yes, sir.
''Since I was in the middle of a relaxing vacation and was forced to be summoned to the middle of such a fishy forest, it wouldn't be a problem if I got at least one of the items to make up for it and went home, right?
Isn't it okay?
Letitia held her mouth and smiled.
"It's safer for a lazy - no, a lazy, hardworking person like Nagi to have it than for an outlaw to have it.
I also think that if there is a 'transference magic artifact', I think that Arujidono should have it. It's not going to be used for a bad thing, right?
One more question. Do you think we can buy ourselves an hour and 20 minutes - or 40 minutes - by ourselves?
The enemies are two soldiers and a mysterious girl.
If there are soldiers in the house, they may join in the fight.
You have to move for 40 minutes without being defeated and without letting the enemy escape. It's quite a pain in the ass.
''We can manage it,'' he said, ''but it's worth a try.
Yes, sir.
If it comes down to it, we're going to run away into the forest while Letitia's "Forced Civility (Manners Geas)" is in effect.
We've reached an agreement.
The other party is also starting to make a move. It seems they decided to tie us up just like that man before. Soldiers in black armor are slowly approaching us. There are two of them. They hold long swords in their right hands and circular shields in their left, and they even have a rope for restraint. Just in time.
"We're not gonna kill you. Rest assured.
The girl with the veil on said.
''I will make a 'contract (contrast)' with you not to tell anyone about what happened here, and then you will be asked to leave.
'No, no, it's a valuable experience and I would love to talk to you about it.
I'm sorry. ......
The girl slumps over.
Two soldiers raise their swords. They're after ...... me. I've been throwing a lot of flak at the girl in the veil for a while now. It's just the way it is. Then pull out the magic sword Leggy," he said.
"Reggie, please. Activate "Juju Sui Kenjutsu: Level 1"!
'Oh! ''It's no big deal, at least two long swords are no big deal!
Shuffle!
What...?
The swords swung by the soldiers in black armor (Yoroi) were rolled up and swept away by the magic sword Leggy.
Leticia's shield──the one borrowed from Cutlass──tapped the soldier's cheek, the soldier's cheek.
Guru Guru Guru ────!
He couldn't resist due to the sword being swept away and his stance was broken. The soldier's body, which was hit by Leticia with her shield, began to spin at high speed. Just as the girl in the veil had said, the soldier's 'black armor' might have been some kind of magic item. It was strong and probably hard. So if the owner spun around and hit it, it would be very painful.
One of the soldiers wearing it turned his arms around like a propeller and came crashing into it, and the soldier next to him was knocked down without question. It's a showdown between magic armor and magic armor. The magic cage hand that spins round and round keeps hitting the magic helmet and shaking the soldier's skull.
''No - it was a good hit...''
There is no such thing as a fresh startling discovery.
No, no, no, it could be the special effects of the "Kuroyami no Yoroi".
'What? Huh? Huh?
The girl in the veil is stunned.
The soldier keeps spinning in front of her. From its arms, the rope for restraint falls off.
I pick it up, make it into a loop and then hand it to Leticia. I need this to activate the other skill I created with "Forced Civility". Just as well. Let's bring out the true nature of that Veiled Girl here.
''Bu, rude! You have committed treason against my soldiers!
When she came to herself, the girl in the veil shouted.
"Eat my magic. "The ice...
We have to do this first! Activate 'Dignity Suppression (Elegant Downer) LV1'!
Before the opponent could activate his magic, Leticia's lasso caught on the body of the Vale girl.
'Dignity Suppression (Elegant Downer) LV1' (R)
The skill of "holding back" your "dignity" with "rope
A skill that allows you to tear away politeness and build-up.
It is activated by trapping the target's body with a rope.
The target of this skill will forget politeness, dignity, and formalities for a certain amount of time.
This makes it easier to bring out their true feelings. It is highly effective against nobles, royalty, and high-ranking merchants.
'──── Ah, ah, ah. I - we - I - I - I - I am.
The girl in the veil stopped moving.
Her mouth is open and her dress-clad body is trembling.
I'm sure you'll be able to find it. I'm not going to be able to get out of it.
Let's get some questions answered.
'Shut up!
I ask the girl in the Veil, who bares her teeth and screams.
'Are you Princess Claudia herself? Or are you related to it? Or the 'White Guild'?
I don't care about Claudia!
The girl pulled off her veil.
A white face appeared in front of us.
A mask on the upper half of her face, her mouth twitching violently, a bloodless face.
''I cannot maintain my personality. The princess's grace...cannot be expressed. ''Personality replication problem...'' - ''Emergency evasion magic...'' - ''Ice storm [Icicle Tempest]!
The girl continued to speak unintelligible words - and then she activated her magic.
''Nagi-san!'' "Arujidono!
Everybody get down!
Immediately we were on the ground.
'White! Please!
"It's the land! 'Shilldo' for Dad!
With the sound of White's voice, a translucent "barrier (shield)" is created above our heads.
Immediately after that, a blizzard blew in the air around us.
The storm shakes the trees, and pieces of ice fall from above our heads. But the shield created by the "Heavenly Dragon's Egg" is unbreakable.
A white storm blocked our view for a few minutes...
After that disappeared, the masked girl 'Veil' had completely disappeared.
Maybe - behind the door of the western house that was left open.