The journey up the Lanta River was on its fourth day.
The distance covered already exceeded 500km, and traversing the same route by carriage would take more than ten days, even with well-maintained roads.
The benefits of water transport and Magic (Fantasy) Blowers were clear.
Moreover, going downstream required no power, and some ships could reach more than twice the speed.
It was easy to see why the Forest Country (Lebresta) had developed along the Lanta River and greatly increased its population around the various lakes.
“But compared to railway transport…”
“Yes, Ma’am. Railway networks require enormous investment in development, construction, and operation, but their utility after completion is unmatched. However, water transport has an advantage in terms of the amount that can be carried, and the operating costs are vastly different.”
Knowing about the national railway network development plan being pursued in the neighboring Repuytari Kingdom made Eve worry about Lebresta’s future.
“They’re our neighbors, so it’s fine if they’re weak… or is it?”
“It’s a difficult judgment. The advantage of our ＜The Tree＞ faction is that the problems associated with expanding our domain basically don’t arise. A Strategic AI specialized in governance may make misjudgments due to lack of information, but it is immune to corruption caused by self-interest.”
“You’re subtly recommending world domination, aren’t you? …But in reality, that’s true.”
However, this was just a kind of wordplay between Commander (Eve) and ＜Ringo＞.
＜Ringo＞ fully understood that Eve did not desire an aggressive expansion of her domain. Until it was analyzed that she had definitely changed her mind, ＜Ringo＞ could make the judgment to reject an order for world domination, even if it was just a temporary whim.
＜Ringo＞’s raison d’être was: One, to protect Commander (Eve); Two, to serve Commander (Eve); and Three, to expand the faction.
Compliance with these was essential, and overturning their priority was not permitted.
Therefore, even if there was a clear instruction, it could be rejected if it was judged to be contrary to the first item, protecting her.
“Should I build an Embassy…? But it’s not interesting to be a de facto vassal state. Maybe I should think of it as a civilization development Simulator. Export industrial products? Or make them buy technology…?”
＜The Tree＞’s financial situation was improving daily.
This was because it had entered a positive feedback loop of pouring acquired resources into mining and production facilities, further improving recovery efficiency.
Development of both above-ground and seabed Lodes was accelerating.
Therefore, Commander (Eve)’s mood was soaring, and she was able to spout nonsense like a civilization development Simulator.
“In any case, if we leave it alone, the Repuytari Kingdom will likely be the sole winner. I want Lebresta to do its best in the Magic (Fantasy) aspect.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
◇◇◇◇
The problem occurred the next day, before the sun rose.
It was the time of day when the eastern sky was faintly beginning to brighten.
“Teariadar-sama. I apologize for waking you. It’s an urgent matter.”
“Ah, don’t worry about it. What is it?”
Baladega Tigilis, the First Assistant Diplomat, had woken Teariadar at this hour because the town headman had brought some outrageous information.
“It’s a report from the town headman. A night watchman came running in, saying that Soul Butterflys are approaching us.”
“…Soul Butterflys, you say?”
Soul Butterfly. In the Afrasia United Kingdom, it was the name given to the giant butterfly Monsters known as ＜Big Moth＞.
The origin of the name was an anecdote that the first witness was not believed by anyone, who thought he must have been dreaming. The hunter, who no one believed, entered the Demon Forest alone to prove it, and never returned.
The dream butterfly that extracts souls, hence Soul Butterfly.
Well, that’s beside the point.
“The number confirmed is three. They are not coming straight, but they are definitely approaching us. It is expected that they will reach the sky above the town in a few hours.”
“…Extermination, or countermeasures?”
“This is the initial report, but at present, most of the Pierce users whose whereabouts have been confirmed have been deployed to the front lines. Although this town is in the frontier, there is a front-line city further ahead. If an unknown Pierce user happens to be staying here, perhaps…”
“I see. So it’s impossible…”
Teariadar couldn’t help but sigh at the serious matter he had been informed of upon waking up.
“I wish I could say it was the Defense Ministry’s negligence… Or perhaps, the day has finally come.”
“The collapse of the absolute defense line…?”
“We should assume that possibility. But what to do? There’s still time to evacuate. They’re probably aiming for the Mana Hotspot in this town. I haven’t heard that they actively attack humans.”
“Always assume the worst. I understand. Shall I issue an evacuation order in my name?”
“No. Use my name. This is that serious. I feel bad for the town headman, but I’ll have him accompany me as the rearguard. You evacuate with the Paraiso group. You can easily escape downstream.”
“…Yes. Understood.”
The First Assistant received the instructions and immediately left the room.
“Unlucky. If it had been a few days later, I could have escaped to the capital… No, maybe it’s lucky. It’s easy to escape south from this town. But to escape from the capital, you have to go through this town if you go west…”
Adjusting his appearance, he moved to the floor where the Paraiso group was staying.
He felt bad for Arborea and Allistrata, but they had to prepare immediately and evacuate. If they could escape, they should.
As he descended the stairs, he met the eyes of the girl on night watch standing by the wall.
“Teariadar-dono. I’ve been waiting for you. Arborea and Allistrata are on standby. This way.”
The commotion shouldn’t have gotten that big yet. This inn was chartered by Teariadar’s group, so almost everyone had started moving in response to this situation, but perhaps they had sensed it.
In any case, it was helpful that they were quick to act.
“I’m sorry to trouble you, but please.”
In the guest room he was led to, two fully armed individuals were already sitting at a round table.
“The situation, Teariadar-dono.”
“Ah…”
He sat down on the chair as prompted.
Everyone in ＜Paraiso＞ present was armed.
Thinking that they looked like a military special forces unit, Teariadar explained the situation.
“…Understood. I also understand that, from a position standpoint, it would be better for us to evacuate.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that. I’ll attach my assistant, Baladega Tigilis, so you can leave immediately.”
Before Teariadar could make that suggestion, Arborea and Allistrata exchanged glances and nodded.
“We have a proposal.”
“Soul Butterfly. We call it Big Moth, but we would like to cooperate in exterminating that Monster.”
“This is not something for which we demand compensation, but if there are concerns about inter-state issues, we can enter into some kind of contract.”
“That is…”
Teariadar was perplexed by the sudden offer.
Soul Butterflys were formidable Monsters. Ordinary arrows would not even scratch them, and powerful Magic (Fantasy) skills were required to inflict any pain.
But what did they say?
A Monster called Big Moth in the Afrasia United Kingdom?
Did that mean they knew the threat?
Due to its ecology, Soul Butterflys could only live in the Demon Forest.
If so, did that mean they had already conducted investigations or development in the Demon Forest?
“But if something were to happen…”
Soul Butterflys were not a species that actively attacked humans. However, they would show a reaction to the extent of retaliating if attacked.
Was it really appropriate to ask that of a foreign delegation?
“Your concerns are valid. Well then, we will not make any claims against you even if there is damage on our side. Upon completion of the extermination, we will acquire all rights to the materials of Big Moth, Soul Butterfly. How about these conditions? We can prepare a written agreement if necessary.”
“…. I see.”
It was a conflict. Rationally, he wanted them to evacuate immediately. He shouldn’t involve them in domestic problems.
But as a diplomat of the East Gate City, he found himself wanting to know their power.
The power of the owners of that giant ship that flew irregularly in the kingdom’s sky.