Chapter 18: Imperial Capital – Martial Arts Tournament – 17
“Hahaha, it’s only natural that Soushi would attract that much attention. However, I don’t think they will get too involved beyond that, so I hope ‘Soul’s Guidance’ can continue to operate as usual.”
The Grand Master’s office, while not as lavish as that of the nobility, was impressively spacious. About a third of the room was filled with magical tools, giving it a somewhat hobbyist atmosphere.
The chairs at the table were ample enough that even if all members of ‘Soul’s Guidance’ sat down, there would still be about five left unoccupied, suggesting it was also used as a conference room.
“Indirectly, I could feel the popularity of Princess Marishielle. ‘Water Lily Lion’ seems like a very promising party as well.”
“Indeed. They are all highly skilled adventurers in Princess Marishielle’s party. Since they are all daughters of nobility, they tend to create a bit of a barrier with other adventurers.”
“I see, no wonder their movements seem so refined.”
“Well, in that sense, ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ led by an earl, is much more unique. By the way, what are you all planning to do until the martial arts tournament?”
“First, we want to conquer all the nearby dungeons. Additionally, we would like to take on some regular subjugation missions. Since some of our members are still B-Rank, I want to ensure everyone is promoted to A-Rank before the tournament.”
“Ah, I see. Considering your party’s achievements, it seems like you could already be A-Rank…”
As Miss Dorozitte exchanged glances, both Shizuna and Sakurahime, currently B-Rank, shook their heads in unison.
“I am not yet skilled enough to reach A-Rank. I wish to strengthen myself further and achieve A-Rank in a way that I can be satisfied with.”
“I feel the same way. I wish to be promoted only after I have acquired the strength befitting an A-Rank.”
“Impressive. Well, if you conquer both A and B-Class dungeons in the Imperial Capital, you will undoubtedly gain enough strength, and no one will have any objections. We can consider promotion at that point. Is that alright with you, Geshura?”
“I have never been particularly attached to rank. If it is convenient, you may proceed as such.”
“Understood, I will do just that. Now then, today we finally have ‘Soul’s Guidance’ at headquarters, so I would like to discuss matters that we haven’t been able to until now.”
With a satisfied expression, Miss Dorozitte pulled out a large rolled-up sheet of paper from her desk.
When she spread it out on the table, it turned out to be a map of the continent.
Thinking back, I realized I only had a rough knowledge of the geography of this continent. In fact, this was my first time seeing a map of it. It was likely tightly controlled by the royal family and the imperial court for strategic reasons, so I never expected to see it at the Adventurers’ Guild.
“Is this your first time seeing a map, Soushi?”
“Yes, it is. But I see, so this is how it looks.”
Most of the map was dominated by the continent, which resembled the shape of Japan’s Kyushu.
The absence of names on the map might suggest that there are no other continents discovered, hence there was no need to name them.
The northern half of the continent appeared to be under the control of the Aldebaron Empire. To the south of the Empire, the Vermilian Kingdom stretched horizontally across the lower half of the continent, with the western third occupied by Oz Country and the eastern two-thirds by the Country of Mecalinan. There seemed to be several smaller nations around, but they bore names I had never heard before.
What caught my eye, however, was a large island depicted to the north of the continent, beyond the sea. While the coastline of the continent was accurately drawn, the coastline of the island was rather haphazardly sketched. The reason for this was made clear by the words inscribed on the island: “Garden of Twilight.”
Once we had all taken a good look at the map, Miss Dorozitte began to speak again.
“Now, let’s start with the urgent matter at hand. As I mentioned, both the imperial court and the Adventurers’ Guild are anticipating significant movements regarding the ‘Kin of Twilight.’ If they are to invade the continent, they will undoubtedly come up from this coastline to the north.”
Miss Dorozitte traced her finger along the northern coastline of the continent.
“This coastline is a place that can be described as permafrost, where very few humans reside. Normally, it would be a location where ships cannot approach, but it seems the ‘Kin of Twilight’ can traverse it with ease.”
“That is indeed a testament to their formidable physical strength.”
“Probably. Logically, one would think to intercept them at that coastline, but frankly, that is impossible. This area is not suitable for human activity at all. Before even encountering the ‘Kin of Twilight,’ half of the knights and adventurers would likely fall.”
“Such a harsh land. But I imagine the ‘Garden of Twilight’ further north presents an even more severe environment.”
As I said this, I glanced at Geshura. She seemed to prefer light clothing, but perhaps it was because the climate here was too hot for her.
Noticing my gaze, Geshura shook her head.
“Indeed, the temperature is low, but the land itself does not retain heat to the extent that it becomes unbearable. There is plenty of vegetation, and one does not struggle to find food.”
“Interesting. The land retaining heat is quite fascinating. Could it be that there are many volcanoes?”
“There are indeed volcanoes near the center of the island. They have not been active for a long time, though.”
“I would love to visit there at least once… Ah, but that isn’t the topic at hand. In any case, if we are to intercept them, it would be here…”
Miss Dorozitte’s slender finger glided down from the northern coastline to a narrow plain that ran north-south, flanked by mountains to the east and west.
“This area, known as the ‘Northern Corridor,’ is where we will likely engage them. The southern end of the corridor is about ten days from the Imperial Capital. By the way, this area is said to be the territory of Marquis Zanzagil, alongside the martial-minded Marquis Falcrum.”
Hearing a name I recognized, I couldn’t help but frown.
“Oh? Soushi, is something bothering you?”
“No, it’s just that—”
I had been advised to keep quiet about the suspicions surrounding Marquis Falcrum. However, I was told I would need to inform the Grand Master sooner or later, and this was information that needed to be shared in this context.
For now, I briefly relayed the concern that Marquis Falcrum might have a connection to the “Candlestick of the Netherworld.”
Miss Dorozitte furrowed her well-groomed brows and let out a thoughtful, “Hmm…”