Chapter 197: Omen
The journey upstream along the Lanta River has reached its fourth day today. The distance traveled has already exceeded 500 kilometers, and even with well-maintained roads, it would take over ten days to traverse the same route by carriage.
I truly appreciate the benefits of water transport and the magical blower.
Moreover, when going downstream, no power is needed, and some ships can even achieve speeds more than double that.
It’s no wonder that the Forest Country (Lebresta) has developed along the Lanta River, significantly increasing its population around each lake.
“But compared to railway transport…”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). The railway network requires enormous investment for development, construction, and operation, but its utility once completed is incomparable. However, in terms of the volume that can be transported, water transport has its advantages, and the operational costs are vastly different.”
Knowing about the national railway network development plan being advanced in the neighboring Kingdom of Repuitari makes me worry about the future of Lebresta.
“Since they are our neighbors, it wouldn’t be a problem if they were weak… or would it?”
“That’s a difficult judgment. Our strength as the forces of The Tree lies in the fact that we do not fundamentally face the issues that arise from territorial expansion. With a governance-focused strategic AI, while there may be judgment errors due to lack of information, we are free from corruption driven by personal greed.”
“Don’t casually suggest world domination. …But in reality, that’s true.”
However, this is more of a playful exchange between Commander (Eve) and RINGO. RINGO fully understands that Eve does not desire aggressive territorial expansion. Until it is analyzed that she has definitively changed her mind, even if she were to temporarily command world domination, RINGO is capable of rejecting such orders if they contradict the primary directive of protecting her.
The raison d’être of RINGO is threefold: to protect Commander (Eve), to serve Commander (Eve), and to expand their influence. Adhering to these principles is essential, and altering their priority is not permitted. Thus, even if there were clear orders, if they are deemed to contradict the first directive of protecting her, RINGO can refuse those orders.
“Should we establish an embassy…? But being a de facto vassal state is rather unappealing. Perhaps I should consider it a Civilization Development Simulator. Should we export industrial products? Or should we have them purchase technology…?”
The financial situation of The Tree is improving day by day. They have entered a positive loop of pouring acquired resources into mining and production facilities, further enhancing recovery efficiency.
Development of both surface and seabed mineral veins is accelerating.
As a result, Commander (Eve)’s mood has been soaring, allowing her to speak whimsically about a Civilization Development Simulator.
“Regardless, if we leave it be, it seems like the Kingdom of Repuitari will have a one-sided victory. I hope Lebresta can step up in the magical (fantasy) aspect.”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am).”
The problem arose the next day, before the sun had risen. It was the time when the eastern sky began to brighten faintly.
“Lady Tiarriada. I apologize for waking you. This is an urgent communication.”
“Ah, don’t worry about it. What is it?”
The chief diplomat’s aide, Baruadega Tigris, woke Tiarriada at this hour because the town mayor had brought alarming information.
“The mayor reported that the night watchman has rushed in, saying that the Soul Butterflies are approaching us.”
“…Soul Butterflies, you say?”
The Soul Butterflies, known as Big Moss in the Afrasia United Kingdom, are the enormous butterfly monsters. The origin of their name comes from the tale that the first witness was not believed by anyone, as it seemed too fantastical. That hunter, who could not convince anyone, ventured alone into the Demon Forest to prove it and never returned. The dream-eating butterfly, thus named Soul Butterfly.
Well, putting that aside…
“The confirmed number is three. They are not approaching in a straight line, but they are definitely getting closer. It is expected they will reach above the city within a few hours.”
“…Are there any means to defeat or counter them?”
“This is the first report, but at this moment, most of the users of Pierce have been deployed to the front lines. Although this city is on the border, there are frontline cities even further ahead. If there happens to be an unknown user of Pierce staying here, perhaps…”
“I see. So it’s impossible…”
Tiarriada sighed involuntarily at the grave news she had just received upon waking.
“If only I could say it was the Defense Ministry’s negligence… or perhaps that day has finally come.”
“Is it the collapse of the absolute defense line…?”
“That possibility should be considered. But what to do? There’s still time for evacuation. They will likely target this city’s magic hotspot. I haven’t heard that they actively attack humans, though.”
“I will always assume the worst. I understand. Shall I issue evacuation orders in my name?”
“No. Use my name. This is a matter of great importance. I feel sorry for the mayor, but he will have to accompany me in this duty. You should evacuate with the Paraiso group. If you head downstream, you should be able to escape easily.”
“…Understood.”
The chief aide received the orders and promptly exited the room.
“How unfortunate. If only it had been a few days later, I could have fled to the capital… or perhaps it’s fortunate. In this city, escaping south should be easy. However, to escape from the capital, I would have to go west and inevitably pass through this city…”
He tidied himself up and moved to the floor where the Paraiso group was staying. He felt bad for Alvorea and Alistarta, but they needed to prepare to evacuate immediately. If there was a chance to escape, they should take it.
As he descended the stairs, he locked eyes with a girl standing vigil by the wall.
“Lord Tiarriada. I’ve been waiting for you. Alvorea and Alistarta are on standby. This way, please.”
The commotion shouldn’t have been too loud. Since this inn was reserved for Tiarriada’s group, nearly everyone had begun to move in response to the situation, but perhaps they sensed it. In any case, it was a relief that they were acting quickly.
“I’m sorry, but I need your help.”
In the designated guest room, two fully armed individuals were already seated at a round table.
“Please, tell us the situation, Lord Tiarriada.”
“Ah…”
He sat down as invited. Everyone from Paraiso present was in a state of readiness.
Thinking they resembled a special forces unit, Tiarriada began to explain the current situation.
“…Understood. I also recognize that it would be better for us to evacuate given our position.”
“That’s a relief to hear. Since I will assign aide Baruadega Tigris to you, we can leave immediately.”
Before Tiarriada, Alvorea and Alistarta exchanged glances and nodded.
“This is our proposal.”
“Soul Butterflies. We call them Big Moss, and we would like to assist in their extermination.”
“This is not a request for compensation, but if there are concerns regarding inter-state issues, we can enter into some form of contract.”
“That is…”
Tiarriada was taken aback by the sudden offer.
The Soul Butterflies are formidable monsters. They cannot be harmed by regular arrows, and only powerful magical skills can inflict any damage.
But what did they just say? They call the monster Big Moss in the Afrasia United Kingdom?
That means they are aware of the threat it poses. The Soul Butterflies can only survive in the Demon Forest due to their ecology. If that’s the case, they must have already conducted investigations or explorations in the Demon Forest.
“But if something were to happen…”
The Soul Butterflies are not a species that actively attacks humans. However, they do retaliate if attacked, to some extent. Requesting assistance from a foreign delegation in this matter seems problematic.
“Your concerns are valid. Let’s say that even if there is damage on our side, we will not hold you accountable. Upon completion of the extermination, all rights to the materials from the Big Moss, Soul Butterflies will belong to us. How does that sound? If necessary, we can prepare a written agreement.”
“…I see.”
It was a conflict within her. Logically, she wanted them to evacuate immediately. They should not be involved in domestic issues.
However, as the diplomat of the East Gate city, she was curious about their capabilities. The power of those who own the enormous ship that occasionally flies over the kingdom.