Chapter 18: Imperial Capital – Martial Arts Tournament
“To think you could see through something like that… I would like to commend you for your insight, but it’s also quite frightening information. I’d prefer to avoid any uncertainties among our allies when facing the Kin of Twilight.”
“The atmosphere suggests that something might be set in motion during the martial arts tournament, so if there are any developments there, I believe we can manage,” Freinir replied thoughtfully.
“Knowing His Imperial Majesty, he will likely devise a defense plan that minimizes the involvement of Marquis Falcrum. If we could catch a whiff of the ‘Candlestick of the Netherworld’ beforehand, that would be ideal, but if it has gone unnoticed until now, it might prove difficult.”
“I even considered that we could go to Marquis Falcrum’s territory and scout it out ourselves, but that idea was promptly shot down.”
“That would be dangerous in many ways. It’s best to leave it to His Majesty for now. You’ve become a Count, Soushi, but if a newcomer like you, surrounded by exceptions, were to confront a Marquis, we wouldn’t know what chaos might ensue.”
“Indeed, I share your thoughts.”
This was a delicate matter involving the balance of power among the nobility, and recklessly diving in was not an option. The Imperial spies likely possessed abilities beyond my imagination, and it was clear that amateurs like us had no place in such affairs.
“Rather, if we apply pressure through intelligence, there’s a chance they might lash out. However, I find it troubling that I still don’t fully understand the objectives of the ‘Candlestick of the Netherworld.’ Looking at the incidents in Mecalinan and the Vermilian Kingdom, it seems they are targeting the political core, but from what you’ve said, it appears they were merely cooperating with the power holders and those with ambitions at the time, right?”
“Yes, it didn’t seem like they were trying to seize power for themselves. It appeared that there was just one individual with peculiar abilities infiltrating each situation.”
“I can’t shake the feeling that they are acting to incite chaos in that country and its neighbors. There are records of them siding with the losing side during times of war, but depending on how you look at it, it could also be interpreted as an attempt to prolong the conflict.”
“I see…”
Miss Dorozitte’s opinion might just be hitting the mark. The connection between inciting war and chaos and the ‘Candlestick of the Netherworld’ controlling the Undead feels significant.
If there is indeed a connection, it only fills me with a sense of dread. The man I encountered in Mecalinan, Isunani, had spoken of using me as a corpse for his purposes.
As I voiced this speculation, not only did Miss Dorozitte react, but the members of ‘Soul’s Guidance’ also wore expressions of unease.
Among them, Freinir’s expression was particularly fierce, her brows furrowed in anger.
“To think of you in such a way… No, more than that, I cannot allow anyone to toy with the dead.”
“Indeed. If that’s the case, such actions would be utterly despicable.”
“As a believer in the Arshuram Religion, I must ensure that the schemes of the ‘Candlestick of the Netherworld’ are thwarted. I believe my power exists for that very purpose.”
“I feel the same way as you, Frei. We must absolutely prevent this.”
It might be the first time I’ve seen Freinir express such strong sentiments. She seems to have grown mentally from the incident in the Royal Capital, and as someone who has watched her closely, I find it deeply moving.
“That’s reassuring. In any case, if the ‘Candlestick of the Netherworld’ is involved, the likelihood of encountering Undead increases, doesn’t it? The Guild must prepare accordingly. Ah, since we’re at it, let’s call the Sub-Master for a moment.”
Miss Dorozitte said this as if it had just occurred to her, then turned to the magical device on her desk and called out, “Alroy, could you come here for a moment?”
In about thirty seconds, the door to the office opened, revealing a young man around my age. With reddish-brown hair styled in a side part, he looked like a friendly middle manager from a company. However, he also carried the unique aura of a high-ranking adventurer.
Alroy, the second-in-command of the Adventurers’ Guild, sighed as he spoke.
“Grand Master, I thought you had finally returned, but when did you bring in the members of ‘Soul’s Guidance’? And calling me here means you’re planning to offload more troublesome tasks onto me, aren’t you?”
“Now, now. How about you introduce yourself to the hero party first?”
“Ugh… I apologize, everyone from ‘Soul’s Guidance.’ My name is Alroy, and I serve as the Sub-Master of the Adventurers’ Guild headquarters. They call me the Grand Master’s first victim. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Seeing Alroy’s tired expression even while making a joke, I couldn’t help but feel a bit of sympathy for him. My instincts as a former company employee confirmed that he was someone who had faced many hardships.
“I’m Soushi, the leader of ‘Soul’s Guidance.’ We are very grateful for all the support we’ve received from the Adventurers’ Guild.”
“Soushi-san has sincerely thanked me for the guidance and loan system. He said that without that system, he might not be alive today. That must make you happy, Alroy?”
“Yes, as someone who has fulfilled the Grand Master’s unreasonable orders, I’m very pleased. If I could contribute to the birth of a hero, I could boast about it to my wife and children.”
“Ha ha, indeed, indeed. By the way, Alroy, I need you to urgently prepare for the Undead. Accessories with the Holy Attribute, talismans to ward off Undead, holy water, and such.”
“Grand Master, could you please start with the reason for this?”
“Ugh, fine. Well, it seems there’s a possibility of Undead appearing within the Imperial Capital for certain reasons. Remember the ‘Candlestick of the Netherworld’ that was making waves? It seems they’ve begun their activities in the Empire as well.”
At Miss Dorozitte’s words, Alroy, who had been wearing a tired expression, suddenly straightened his back and widened his eyes.
“What scale are we looking at?”
“Considering the disturbances in Mecalinan and the Vermilian Kingdom, I want you to prepare for at least that level of chaos.”
“That means it could potentially involve half of the Imperial Capital. Understood, I will arrange everything possible. I’ll also secure adventurers with the Holy Attribute. We should contact the church as well.”
“Good. Let’s ensure that the church-affiliated adventurers can mobilize as well. Start preparations immediately. The martial arts tournament is when we expect disturbances, so I want a state of alert until that day.”
“Understood. However, facing both the Kin of Twilight and the ‘Candlestick of the Netherworld’ at the same time feels like we’re on the brink of something significant.”
“Absolutely. That’s why we have ‘Soul’s Guidance’ here; I want to resolve this all at once.”
“Count Okuno, and everyone from ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ I sincerely ask for your cooperation.”
Alroy bowed deeply, his demeanor both organizational and weary, prompting me to stand and shake his hand.
“We will surely be of assistance. It is because individuals like you, Alroy, are here that we adventurers can operate without hesitation. We will repay this debt.”
“Ah, thank you. To hear such words from the heroic Count Okuno… I will definitely boast about this to my wife and children.”
With a smile, despite his fatigue, Alroy exited the office.
As I returned to my seat, Miss Dorozitte looked at me as if she had seen something rare.
“Soushi-san, you’re quite interesting. Did you feel something special about Alroy?”
“I merely spoke my thoughts. I have some understanding of the difficulties involved in such overarching duties.”
“Is that from your experience prior to becoming the party leader?”
“That would be the case.”
As I answered, Miss Dorozitte, along with Freinir and Sfenia, looked at me with curiosity. I was the only one in the party who hadn’t revealed my past, so it was only natural.
“…I’m interested in your past, Soushi-san, but perhaps I should refrain from prying. For now, let’s call it a day. I need to assist Alroy since I’ve been away from the headquarters for a while. If anything comes up, I’ll rely on ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ is that alright?”
“Of course. I have no intention of neglecting my duties as an adventurer.”
“I’m truly glad that you possess the ‘Divine Fortune’ Skill, Soushi-san. Just thinking about what would have happened if ‘Soul’s Guidance’ hadn’t been in the Imperial Capital under these circumstances… No, even before that, if ‘Soul’s Guidance’ hadn’t been on this continent, both the Kingdom and the Empire would have been in disarray, facing the invasion of the Kin of Twilight in a near-surprise attack.”
Miss Dorozitte said this and then reached out for a handshake.