Chapter 16: Turmoil in the Royal Capital – 06
After exchanging information about the “Demon,” the “Wandering Dungeon,” and the “Candlestick of the Netherworld,” Geshura, Dwight, and I stepped out of the Audience Chamber together.
As we began walking toward the waiting room, Dwight let out a chuckle.
“Well, well, I knew that you, Soushi, were no ordinary adventurer, but I must say, I was surprised to hear that you not only have the Oracle Princess of Oz on your side but have also added a member of the ‘Kin of Twilight’ to your ranks. And your exploits in Oz and Mecalinan have left even the Grand Master in agreement that all we can do is laugh.”
“I apologize for the commotion. It seems I have a knack for attracting trouble, and unexpected events keep occurring from all directions.”
“Attracting trouble, you say? Heh, it certainly seems that way. However, to resolve those troubles in the best possible way, unwavering strength is essential, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Strength, luck, and perhaps the bonds with others. I can feel those elements surrounding me.”
“Indeed, indeed. Even if one is blessed with trouble, without those elements, one cannot overcome it and turn it into nourishment. That’s why I find it incredibly interesting to see what kind of adventurer can turn many troubles into strength. I imagine the Grand Master feels the same.”
“I’m not sure if I can meet your expectations, but I intend to continue as I have been.”
“I think that’s perfectly fine. The news of the ‘Kin of Twilight’ attacking could pose an unprecedented crisis for this continent. Of course, that’s not the only crisis. The ‘Demon’ and the ‘Candlestick of the Netherworld,’ along with the emergence of the ‘Wandering Dungeon,’ are surely ominous signs of some kind of calamity. To overcome these challenges, the power of nations and organizations is necessary, but overwhelming individual strength is also required. In other words, the existence of a hero.”
Dwight glanced at me with narrowed eyes.
“Right now, the person closest to that position is you, Soushi. Whether you like it or not, that’s how you are perceived.”
“…I will keep that in mind.”
“Originally, that position should have been held by the ‘Supreme Radiance,’ or so the Arshuram Church believed. That party was supposed to be the same as ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ but it seems they couldn’t turn their troubles into strength.”
At his words, I found myself staring intently at Dwight’s profile. His statement contained something I had felt previously.
“Dwight, Guild Master, when you say ‘the same,’ do you mean—”
“Yes, that’s correct. The leader of the ‘Supreme Radiance,’ Garsonia, likely possesses the same ‘special Skill’ as you, Soushi. That’s probably why the church has groomed him to be the ‘Adventurer of Salvation.'”
After that, ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ including Geshura, entered the designated inn.
After taking a moment to rest, we decided to gather in one room to discuss our future plans.
First, we addressed the matter of rewards.
“It seems we will receive a reward for the defeat of the ‘Demon’ and the three members of the ‘Kin of Twilight.’ The king asked if we had any requests. I assume it will be another medal and monetary reward, but do you have any wishes?”
“Soushi, you have no intention of becoming a noble, do you?”
At Freinir’s words, I nodded.
“Yes, while discussions of titles and lands have come up, I have no intention of accepting them. Do you think it would be better for Frei to accept?”
“No, I believe your thinking is correct, Soushi. You are not someone who should be confined to a single noble title.”
I felt that Freinir’s influence was gradually growing, but I merely nodded ambiguously.
Larni, who had been grinning at our exchange, raised her hand.
“How about receiving the right to enter the ‘Foundation of the Royal Family’?”
“The ‘Foundation of the Royal Family’ is a dungeon managed by the Vermilian Royal Family, right? As an adventurer, I would love to enter it at least once.”
“I heard that you obtained your shield there, Soushi. Sounds good to me.”
When Shizuna and Karma agreed, Sfenia and Mariane added, “No objections here.”
The ‘Foundation of the Royal Family’ is a high-difficulty dungeon that offers powerful items. Since entry requires royal permission, receiving that as a reward is indeed a good idea.
“Then it’s settled. There will likely be restrictions, perhaps only a single entry, but since I’ve been allowed in before, I doubt they will refuse us.”
“Yay! It’s a dungeon that every adventurer wants to explore at least once, and it sounds like we might find some great items there!”
Larni joyfully patted Freinir on the shoulder.
“Now, onto the next topic. As ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ we need to decide where to head next. For now, let’s say we will conquer the dungeon in the Royal Capital up to Class A, and then we can discuss our next steps.”
“The Grand Master has requested that we prioritize coming to the Imperial Capital.”
As expected, Mariane, the guild staff member, answered immediately.
“Well, that makes sense. The news of the ‘Kin of Twilight’ invasion will likely reach the Empire through the royal family and the guild, so I have a feeling we will be summoned by the Emperor when we arrive in the Imperial Capital…”
“That can’t be helped. The current Emperor maintains a distance from the Adventurers’ Guild, just like the Vermilian Royal Family, so I don’t think anything strange will happen. The Grand Master emphasized that point as well.”
“That’s good to hear. Geshura, I believe there will be a similar audience as this one, is that alright?”
“I have no objections. Meeting the human king will be a valuable experience.”
“Alright then. Once we finish everything in the Royal Capital, we will head straight to the northern Empire.”
“I will follow you wherever you go, Soushi.”
“Agreed! I hear there are gladiatorial tournaments in the Empire too, which sounds exciting!”
“From Oz’s perspective, the Empire is a distant land. It might be the first time for someone from Oz to visit there.”
Just as we were wrapping up our discussion, there was a knock on the door.
When I opened it, a staff member from the inn informed me, “A messenger from the church has arrived for you, Soushi.”
Upon hearing “church,” I noticed Freinir tense up behind me.
Following the staff member’s guidance, I headed to the lobby alone.
Waiting there was a middle-aged man dressed in white priestly robes, accompanied by two young priests behind him.
“Thank you for waiting. I am Soushi.”
As I greeted him, the middle-aged man bowed.
“My apologies for interrupting your rest, Soushi. I am Canary, a bishop from the Arshuram Church’s Cathedral in the Royal Capital. I have brought a letter addressed to you from Cardinal Hollowood.”
“Thank you for your trouble. However, I don’t understand why I would receive a letter from the Cardinal…”
“The details are written in this letter. Please confirm it here.”
The priest handed me the letter, which I opened on the spot. The reason for confirming it in front of me was likely to ensure that if I couldn’t read, the priest could read it aloud instead.
Upon checking the contents, it expressed gratitude for saving Sakurahime the other day and requested that I visit the Cathedral two days later in the morning for a proper thank you, written in a somewhat formal tone.
“…Hmm.”
“Have you confirmed it? Also, I have a verbal request: when you visit the Cathedral, please refrain from bringing Freinir with you.”
“Freinir…?”
I wanted to ask for clarification, but I remembered that Freinir had been expelled from the church. It seemed she was treated as an excommunicated member there…
“I apologize for the intrusion, but how is Freinir regarded by the church?”
“…I cannot answer that.”
At that moment, Bishop Canary’s expression was subtly pained.
It seemed he was aware of the circumstances surrounding Freinir. Moreover, he appeared to feel some discomfort regarding it.
However, I couldn’t press further.
“I understand. I apologize for prying. Regarding this letter, I will visit the Cathedral two days later in the morning. Please convey that to them.”
“Thank you. We will be waiting.”
The priest bowed politely and departed.
However, it seemed that the troublesome situation I had hoped to avoid had become a reality.
While I wasn’t a believer or anything, being summoned by the number two of an organization that spanned the entire continent couldn’t be ignored. To put it bluntly, they were an organization capable of exerting both tangible and intangible pressure.