I was meeting with the Ilgafa lord through Iris' mediation.
The place was the parlor of the lord's house.
The rooms on the left and right have been cleared out and only the lord's butler and Rafilia are waiting at the end of the corridor.
''First of all, I would like to give you information about the gargoyle that attacked the town yesterday and its wielder.
I said.
The lord is listening to me with a nervous look on his face.
Soldiers have already begun to investigate the abandoned village where 'Veil' and the others were located.
I decided to give them information that cannot be obtained from what is there alone.
I'm going to be able to get the best out of it.
I'm not going to be able to get it right.
I'm not sure if this is a good idea.
Lastly, if I magically analyze the mask that the Veil uses as evidence, I might be able to find out its connection to the princess.
I summarized up to that point briefly and told the lord.
''............So, that's what I thought.
The lord's voice was trembling.
It's understandable, isn't it? I was just about to welcome my successor and be at peace when the trouble with the royal family suddenly came in.
I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.
The Baroness admitted that she had manipulated the gargoyles But for more information about her involvement with the royal family, see ...... its
You didn't tell him?
Yes, sir. And that it was an accident. That the gargoyle they were using to protect themselves just went out of control. He said that the Barons will compensate the Ilgaffa lordship family - that they are willing to give up part of their estate. So they asked me to release them.
Hmm. You're just going to push it through as an 'accident'?
The "Vale" has completely lost his memory. The "Ice Skill Pollution Skill" that he was using paralyzes even the thought processes. It seems that when he ate the ice, he lost his memory as well.
Even if he had his memories, it's impossible for him to speak honestly.
"...... Why does this only happen in our town ......
The lord held his head in his hands.
''With a new successor and finally settling in, how could this happen ...... I wish the sea dragon Kelkator would protect the ground as well.
The dragon that guards the earth: ......
I touched the 'Armband of Tenryu (White)' on my right arm.
...... White, it's just as it should be. Can I borrow your name?
"Good morning.
I put my mouth close to the bracelet and exchange a few words so that the lord can't hear me.
I've already talked to White and Iris yesterday, but just in case.
This is where the negotiations begin.
''Then, I would like to ask you to do me a favor. Would you be willing to unilaterally give this town ...... the blessing of a flying dragon in the sky?
............ Yes?
This is the Tenryu, to tell you the truth.
"Yes, yes, yes!
The lord widened his eyes and shouted.
''The Heavenly Dragon's! No, I have indeed heard rumors that the Tenryu has been revived and ...... that the wings of the Tenryu in the neighboring town have begun to collapse. ......
'In fact, the priestess, Iris, heard the words of the Heavenly Dragon in a dream. 'Tenryu,' 'by my side,' and 'I've been with you all along.' ......
............ Oh.
I'm not lying.
Me and Iris have heard the words of the dragon's residual thoughts in White's dreams.
For those of us in the town who are reeling from the gargoyle attack, it's welcome news that the town has received the blessing of the second dragon.
'Ta, indeed. It would be a blessing to the new lord, you know.
I don't think we'll be able to afford to let anyone who tries to ruin our town.
There have been nobles who have tried to ravage their dragon related heritage.
But they haven't touched the dragons themselves.
Eterina-Harsburg, who tried to destroy the Festival of the Sea Dragons, also tried to interfere with the rituals, but they didn't take any measures against the sea dragons themselves. They could have done it if they sent people and tried to attack it.
The Wings of the Heavenly Dragon, which was in Sharka's town, was revered as a good luck charm for the journey. Anyone who attempted to break or shatter it was guilty of a felony.
Carmina-san, whom we met in Foggy Valley, also attacked us in front of the celestial dragon in Illusionary Space, but she didn't attack the vision of the celestial dragon itself.
Probably because she knows ...... that she can't win.
So if this port city of Ilgafa can call itself 'I don't know what it is, but it's a town that received the blessing of the Heavenly Dragon and Sea Dragon', it should be a deterrent to the royal family and unseen enemies.
''To be precise, the Heavenly Dragon seemed to care about this town with a dragon's edge, the winged city of Sharka, and the area around the recreational area Mishlila, widely and shallowly. Iris felt that kind of feeling. ''My lord has heard rumors about the Tenryu, hasn't he?''
Indeed, ...... I have heard of the collapse of the 'Wings of the Celestial Dragon' in the neighboring town, and of the appearance of a celestial dragon in the resort town of Mishlila and the defeat of the hydra.
''We saw it with our own eyes. At that time, the Heavenly Dragon was only a head - the great Heavenly Dragon, so he must have resurrected that much and saved the town. His Holiness also said that. She said that the wrath of the Heavenly Dragon would come upon those who deceive and manipulate people. Isn't the Heavenly Dragon already resurrecting and watching over us? ......
...... Oh.
I think that's why Iris was able to hear the voice of the celestial dragon, too.
Let's make use of everything we've left behind in The Legend of the Heavenly Dragon.
Let's make use of all the 'Legend of the Heavenly Dragon' we've left behind.
How can you share such valuable information with me at ......?
Because we have a home in this town.
I said.
'This is where my best friend gave me a home for us and where I met my new friends. It's a place where I accepted being a 'Sea Dragon Hero' with the blessing of Kerkator, and decided to live here. I don't want it to be ruined by strange people. It's the same for you, isn't it? My lord.
'Yes, sir. It certainly is.
''I do not wish for much. Just like the Sea Dragon, this town has received the blessing of the Heavenly Dragon as well. Can you promise me that you will spread those rumors and that the lord family will accept those rumors with a 'Well, I don't know...' or 'I can't say for sure'?
Just in my town, I guess.
'I'm sure you know many people in the winged city of Charka and in the resort town of Mishlila. If you spread the word to them as well, I'm sure they won't be the only ones who will be interested in this town.
The lord seemed to think a bit at my words.
I wonder what will happen. I don't think there's any disadvantage to the lord-san.
It's not just the port city of Irgafa, but also the winged town of Sharka and even the recreational area of Mishlila, which is somehow the target of the 'Heavenly Dragon's Blessing', so this town is not the only one that gets attention. Even if the enemy considers dragons to be dangerous, their target should be spread over a wide area.
All that's left is for the person with authority - the lord family to 'somewhat' acknowledge their existence.
''It's enough to spread rumors that the nobles are afraid of the Tenryu coming if they do something bad.
............ Our town is a town that originally despises dragons.
The lord said, and nodded slowly.
''It's fine. I won't deny the rumor - I won't deny it - I'll spread it to the neighboring towns. If that's all you want to do.
We have a deal.
At the Sanctuary of the Sea Dragon.
''Just in time, but I've heard from ...... sea dragon Kelkator. The town recognizes the blessings of the celestial dragon, they have no problem with it.
Iris said after they left the sacred cave.
Rita drapes a cloth over the small body sitting on the rocky ground. Cecil magically makes a bonfire and begins to boil water.
'One more thing, I've also been given permission to borrow your name.
''Sea dragons and celestial dragons will punish those who wreck this town, right?''
That's the point of this operation, isn't it?
Iris, Rita and Cecil looked at each other as they hit the bonfire.
Then they looked towards the land. Although it's too far away from here, the Ilgafa lord's house is right in front of the girls' gaze. There, the three masters should be negotiating with the lord's house. We just had a hard time yesterday, so we all really want to take it easy.
But we don't know what the enemy will do.
The three of them think - if possible, they should stay still. As long as Princess Claudia and the royal family and all that stuff doesn't matter at all. Everything the Veil said is a lie, and she's the sole culprit in all of this. The family has nothing to do with it. The story is over.
If that were the case, then Nagi and ourselves would be able to relax at home.
In fact, ...... I wanted to tell you how worried we were when Nagi was gone, but ......
Absolutely, Cecil. Even Iris couldn't stop shaking after she heard that her brother had been taken.
This time, I was reminded again.
How much we need and care for our master.
...... And you never know when an incident will happen.
...... Even if you could sleep with your brother today, doesn't mean you'll be able to tomorrow?
"...... Do you understand, Mr. Iris?
...... Of course, Mr. Cecil.
Kudos. Mm-hm.
The two little guys look at each other and nod their heads.
...... Nagi-sama said you were going on a company trip again, right?
...... You'll be 'blinging' during the company trip, right?
'...... good. 'Blayko'.
...... We will definitely do it this time, 'blayko'.
'Um ......, Cecil, Iris?'
While Cecil and Iris talk with serious faces, Rita just wanders around them.
I can't interrupt them because I know how they feel. It's a good idea to have a good time with them, but it's also a good idea to have a good time with them.
─ I hugged Nagi naked .......
There was some kind of ward-like thing, so I broke it, and then something undead-like appeared, so I kicked every single one of them away, and after I noticed Nagi's presence and scent, I went in a straight line.
I ran through at full speed and hugged my master as it was. That's it.
Every time I remember it, I turn red. My heart feels like it's going to burst.
But because of that, Rita's resolve is hardened and she can't say anything about Cecil and Iris' readiness for the 'company trip'. Because you can never say it's crazy. Such feelings are something that even Rita has as a matter of course. ......
The only time you'll hear from Cecil and Iris is after this mission is over.
So Rita had no choice but to say that in a big sisterly tone.
''If you don't get carried away, you'll get tripped up, you know. Now we have to focus on the plan!
...... Excuse me. I was just getting carried away.
...... You are indeed Rita. As a senior slave, I respect you!
I'm sorry, Cecil. I'm sorry, Cecil. Iris-chan.
While apologizing in her heart, Rita placed the item she had kept from Nagi on the ground.
It's a wooden, old box.
It was a wooden box, an old box, used in the Sea Dragon Festival when the people would make offerings to the sea dragon, Kerkator.
''...... I hope you're stuck with this one,''
Huh? Should they not get stuck? It's easy.
But then I wouldn't feel comfortable and ...... hmm.
With a nod of her head, Rita checks the contents. There is only one thing in it.
I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this in the future.
The last thing I want to do is for Iris to finish up.
Iris stands up and reaches towards the sky.
'I've already created this illusion many times, and I can produce a precise 'Ichibun no Ichisukeru', but ...... what would your brother have wanted?'
He says it should be a blur from land.
But he said he wanted to see them fly off the ground and into the air.
Cecil and Rita answer.
Iris, who has adopted Rafilia's direct 'cool pose', says, "Mmmm," and gets fired up.
I remember. I remember the appearance of the transcendent being (an amazing thing) that I saw in White's dream.
The details of the illusion he created in Valley of the Mist weren't quite right. Now I want the shape to be accurate. And lightly blurred. Just as if it had just flown away from this sacred place...
We only need shadows to show people. Rumor or not, that's all we need.
Activate. 'Illusionary Space (Gensoukan) LV1'!
And in the holy land of the sea dragons, a huge white phantom appeared.
At the same time, in the marketplace of the port city of Ilgafa.
Princess Claudia!
"The royal princess's chariot is here...
The day after the gargoyle attack, people were opening the marketplace with trepidation.
It was just before noon when a carriage with the royal coat of arms appeared across the main street, its windows closed to prevent people from seeing the inside.
The windows of the carriage were closed and curtains were drawn so that the inside could not be seen, but it was definitely the carriage of Princess Claudia, the "Princess of Charity".
''──I never thought that such a calamity would strike the rich city of Irgafa.
The people are quieted by a voice that comes from inside the carriage.
The carriage is flanked by soldiers in golden armor.
People kneel down to listen carefully, unable to get closer, but trying to hear a few voices.
'I don't know who did this, but we cannot allow this kind of barbarism to go unpunished. Also, even though the port city of Irgapha has the blessing of the sea dragons, the port city of Irgapha has neglected the protection of the land - the lord's family is also responsible for this.
'Princess of Charity,' Claudia's words continued.
In the meantime, the soldiers in armor are calling the head of the marketplace. He hands a small leather bag to the first man who appears, and hands him a small leather bag. He tells him, audibly, "Use it for the reconstruction of the market. The market people applaud his voice.
If only the noblemen who were present at a time like this had the power to protect their people - I can't help but think that they would be able to do so. It is the role of kings and nobles to protect their people. And I, as their representative, extend to you all my love.
Whoever was controlling the gargoyles has been caught!
Yeah?
A distracted voice sounded from the carriage.
A few people noticed it.
Most of them remained on their knees and turned towards the Irgafa regular soldiers who had raised their voices.
The regulars continued to speak to the people as if they were proud of their accomplishments.
The place is in the forest, and when the regulars ran to the scene, the culprit had already been defeated...
"In the house are the remains of a gargoyle and the nobleman who used to control it...
Rumor has it that the heavenly dragon has blessed the port city of Irgapha with his blessing...
I heard a rumor that a celestial dragon had appeared in the sanatorium of Mischurila...
The fishermen said they saw a dragon like shadow flying away...
Are you sure? The city of wings, the resort, and this town also has a dragon connection and the blessing of the heavenly dragon...?
「「「「 ooohhhhhh!!!!! 」」」」
............
The carriage starts to move.
And then...
"It's a secret, but ............ says that the evidence of the real culprit who attacked the town was given to Kerkator, the sea dragon, by Branciarca, the celestial dragon - a sign of the pact between the sea dragon and the celestial dragon to protect the people - on sacred ground.
The moment the voice sounded, the princess's carriage picked up speed and drove off in a flash.
A few dozen minutes later. The port city of Irgapha, the inn of the royal family.
What do you mean? Why hasn't 'The Veil' said anything to me!
words of encouragement
The cup that Claudia threw grazed the butler's forehead.
'La, I can't help but wonder if I don't know what happened to Baroness Lalambell. I've been in contact with 'The Veil' through her.
I understand that, sir!
Princess Claudia gritted her back teeth just barely.
She gripped the dagger in her hand. This is one of the organization's means of communication. You can send a simple message by casting a predetermined spell and thinking of your opponent. But right now, there was no response.
It was just supposed to be a game.
What "Veil" gave me was a mask that made me forget for a little while that I was a princess.
It can read and record what another person sees and hears. By wearing it later, Princess Claudia can experience the life of The Veil.
'...... Can you always, always, always be the 'Princess of Charity'! It's annoying!
That's why I helped 'The Veil'.
I allowed her to use the name of 'Princess Claudia' and helped her make contact with the nobles. It was a fun 'play' for Claudia.
The reason he chose the port city of Ilgafa as his playground was to laugh at the sea dragon.
It can't touch the earth, the guardian god of the sea. It was fun to mock it and ravage this town. And yet...
I can't believe they're all the way out to the dragon.
Claudia. I think it's time for you to return to King's Landing.
...... Right.
Nodding, Claudia shook her head.
There is something I need to confirm.
What is the rumored 'proof of the true culprit that the Heavenly Dragon gave to the Sea Dragon' that was rumored?
If it was the Mask of the Veil, it would be bad. There are still things left on that thing that the Veil saw and heard. If it were to be analyzed, it might even be able to retrieve the information from the conversation with Claudia.
If the existence of ...... such a thing comes out in the open, you'll have tarnished ...... the name of the royal family, a meritocratic royal family, and what happens to you. ......
Even if a prince or princess is born into a royal family, his position is not stable.
If they don't produce results, the succession to the throne will go down and down.
The worst is the one whose succession is below the tenth rank. They will be deprived of their private property and their subordinates, and will have to serve as subordinates of those who have a higher level of succession.
In the unlikely event that the Mask of the Veil is analyzed, Claudia's position will surely fall as a result of the damage to the authority of the royal family.
...... This is probably a trap.
If you go to get this thing, that would be the proof that Claudia is involved.
However, if left unattended and analyzed, it may still be traced back to Claudia in the end.
Claudia grabbed her dagger again.
The Veil is the trump card in times of need - it should be able to summon the "Demon God". It's a messenger that has great strength and flying skills, and can also understand human language. I'm not going to be able to get it right. But there is no response.
It's nauseating to have to think on your own to solve this problem.
But there is no other way out.
"...... Pick out the worst behaved and the ones under your command who won't do their job. I will send those people out with the strongest armor and weapons. They will approach the Sea Dragon Sanctuary and if they find anything, they will be destroyed. I will make a contract with them that my name will not be revealed if they are caught.
That's what Claudia said.
The next day at dawn, the rocky area leading to the sacred ground of the sea dragon.
'...... I knew you were coming. You didn't have to come to .......
When I saw a group of black cloaks coming to avoid the public eye, I shrugged my shoulders.
It can't be helped, let the operation begin.
"──Light!
On the right side of the soldiers as they made their way through the rocky area between the seas, a voice called out.
They all looked toward the sea and saw a small boat floating in the dawn waves and a magical 'light' floating behind it.
Two girls, whose faces were backlit and unrecognizable, were on board.
One of them gets down on her knees and bows her head.
The moment the soldiers' center of gravity tilted forward, something huge slapped them on the ass.
''────!
splashdown
They lost their balance and fell into the shallow water, but by chance, the blue slime was waiting for them.
The blue slime slipped through a gap in their armor and helmets and held the soldiers who were floundering on the slick rocky ground.
This is how the soldiers are all deprived of their fighting ability without even seeing the enemy's face
The Port Town of Irgapha - The Quarters of the Royal Family
"I lose: ............ I surrender: ......
When Claudia received a report that the soldiers they had sent to the city had been destroyed, they just fell apart.
There was no other way out but total surrender.
The soldiers were captured by Ilgafa's regular soldiers as "the vandals who were wreaking havoc on the Holy Land".
If the masks are analyzed, their connection to Claudia will also be revealed.
...... don't mess with this town again. You are not to tell anyone about it ...... and I will turn over ...... all of my magical weapons and items to the Ilgafa Lordships. In exchange for ...... 'contracting' with me to take on any orders when the time comes, I will ...... ...... that this will not be made public ....... Tell the royal family that I promise you ...... that you can have a dragon ally in your family ...... and tell them ...... please, have mercy! ......
Claudia could only murmur to herself as she fell to her knees with a hunch.