Episode 807 World Gathering – Day (2)
Won’t there be a day when humans, dwarves, elves, and beastmen live in harmony?
– A Companion of the First Adventurer –
* * *
The larger the festival, the brighter the merchants smile, but the patrol team looks dejected as maintaining public order becomes even more difficult.
Moreover, the crowd at the World Conference is entirely different in composition when compared to the scales of Ignatia. It is not just other races visiting, but also humans from distant lands with entirely different social systems.
A prime example was the cold northern kingdom.
“Hahaha! Drink up! Drink more! Drink more, drink more!”“Is this winter on the continent? It’s damn mild here?”“They said this was the world’s largest city. The alcohol tastes pretty good! The supply is easy to get, so we won’t run out. Though it’s ridiculously expensive. Hey! Owner! You’re not ripping us off thinking we’re ignorant fools from a cold place, are you?” “N-n
Gargant’s famous tavern is bustling from early morning. This boisterous atmosphere began yesterday evening.
The northern warriors, having tossed their fur cloaks and armor—crafted to withstand the harsh cold of Prohas—into a corner, devoured food and drink.Their muscles were thick and fierce.The axes and swords loosely strapped to their waists or leaned against the wall were menacing. Above all, having been born and raised in such a barren environment, their rough speech and personalities were beyond barbaric.
“You call this top-quality liquor? Compared to Prohas strawberry wine, it’s just plain water.”“You crazy bastard. How far are you going to milk a single sip you’ve tasted in your entire life? Do you think the liquor directly managed by the royal family would be worse than this? Are you brainless? Or should I say you’re bald?”“That mouth of yours!”
Two warriors, having gotten into a petty dispute, began punching each other as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Far from trying to stop them, those around them cheered and egged them on.They were very excited because it was their first time leaving Prohas.
Crash.
The table is smashed.The owner’s expression is smashed along with it.
‘shit.’
I regretted not taking the Northerner in as a guest, but if I had kicked him out in the first place, I might have been beaten.
If there is any consolation, it is that the food bill was paid in advance. Though it remains to be seen whether they will cover the cost of the horribly damaged furniture.
This too shall pass.
In the end, the owner just sat quietly behind the counter with a sullen expression. The frightened employees had long since hidden in the kitchen.Since the Northerners would take the drinks and food on their own once prepared, there was no need for serving.
Click.
It was then that new guests arrived.All eyes were drawn to them.At the same time, a very fierce smell—not human—swept past the tip of the nose.
“I told you I heard some noise. So there were people about to freeze to death.”
The buffalo beastman of the upper beastman tribe snorted and bared his closely spaced teeth.
The Upper Beast Tribe and Prohas share a border on a macroscopic level. Due to differences in regional environments, major conflicts rarely arise.However, their relationship was not good enough to the point where they would greet each other.
I don’t care if I can’t see them, butif I do, I feel like I want to beat them up.
Even in the present era, the Upper Beastmen tribe frequently engages in battles with Northern Delharun.They regard humans as competitors and prey.
Clang!
One Northerner threw a bottle of liquor. The liquor did not splash, but only fragments scattered.
“There’s no room, so get lost, you beasts.”“It’s certainly filthy all around. Typical Northerner stuffing your face. Then again, food isn’t plentiful over there, so I suppose you have to eat as much as you can when the time comes.”“Did you say you’re using dog bowls? There’s plenty of room on the floor, so sit down.”“What a pathetic provocation.”“Do you want me to seat you?”
The atmosphere turned hostile in an instant.
They showed no signs of raising blades, but their fists themselves were weapons. At the very least, the tavern wouldn’t be able to withstand it…
Squeak, squeak, squeak.
I heard the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs.
The owner opened his eyes wide.
“Huh? The guests on the second floor should have all left yesterday?”
The guest, whose arrival time was unknown, was wearing an old-looking brown robe. His face was completely hidden as he had pulled the hood down low.The only thing that could be identified from his appearance was that he was a man with a sturdy build.
Shhh.
The man placed the empty dishes on the counter and paid for the food with coins. Then, he crossed the group of Northerners and stopped in front of the buffalo beastman.
Any further disturbance is a nuisance. If you are hungry, just fill your stomach quietly and leave. And make sure the Northerner fully compensates the owner.
At the sudden lecture, the buffalo beastman and the northern warrior glared at each other, then each contorted their expressions intensely toward the man.
“for a moment.”
Before any unpleasant curses could even burst out, the Great Warrior of the North slammed his wine cup down hard, restraining the warrior.The Deputy Chief of the Upper Beastman Tribe also grabbed the buffalo beastman by the shoulder and pushed him to the side.
The two spoke in turn.
“I will compensate you beyond sufficient, making it overflow.”“I will just have a quiet meal and leave.”
The stranger seemed satisfied with the answer and walked forward. Cutting through the crowd of prisoners, he left the tavern.
Silence fell.
“I’ll have my meal upstairs. Come up and take my order.”“Ah… Yes, sure!”
The beastmen all reacted with incomprehension, but eventually, without a word, they followed the deputy chieftain up the stairs of the tavern.As soon as the beastmen disappeared from sight, the warrior of the North asked the great warrior.
“Why did you act like that just now? You and that deputy chieftain bastard, a pair. No, surely you aren’t afraid of that unknown fellow, are you?”“Yes.”“Yes?”“I couldn’t fathom it in the slightest. Just like when I encountered His Majesty. Perhaps it is an existence even greater than that… Remember this moment. And someday, when you feel a similar sensation, step back.”
The Great Monk picked up the wine cup with hands drenched in cold sweat. A trembling sensation was felt belatedly. Ripples rose over the wine inside.
You shouldn’t mess with things like that.
* * *
The man in the robe—the leader of the Ark—who had finished breakfast and stepped out onto the bustling main street, suddenly stood still and looked around.
“Wait, are you really selling this as a weapon? Huh? It’d shatter if you hit it with a hammer!”“I wouldn’t take this even if you paid me, hmm.”“Th-th-this……!”
As the dwarf artisans innocently critique the weapons displayed in front of the weapon shop, the human owner of the shop turns red and blue.
“Hand over these, human.”“Hehe, 28,100 elk!”“Hmph, I don’t need change.”
The elf is conducting a normal transaction with a human with a look of contempt.
“Munch munch munch.”
The big Suin grabs the grilled skewers he bought from the street stall in both hands and devours them with gusto, dripping with juice.
It is peaceful.
There may be minor friction, but there is not the slightest sign of war. Much time has passed. At least the human race here did not try to kill one another.
It must be the scenery I was hoping for…
Negative emotions seep out like a chronic illness.
Could the war between races have been prevented? Was it truly a sight that could not have been achieved 300 years ago? Was time the answer?What on earth was so important that precious comrades had to die so brutally?
I remember the selfishness of the dwarves, the indifference of the elves, and the wildness of the beastmen. Instinctive tendencies still predominate among them.
IfonlyI could…
But I will not do so.Because it would be harmful to humanity.Emotional impulses do not suit the leader of the Ark. Then as now, any human who has risen to this position must naturally endure.
He shook his head vigorously inwardly and sat down on an empty bench. Beyond the building, he could see the institution that trains talent from across the continent.
I changed my mind.
Academies.
Elder Sheorn went to see the young descendant who had awakened the ancient bloodline of the Kernoden family—a current academy student.Of course, he would not meet him in person. After all, both he and Elder Sheorn were transcendent beings already dead in this world. They had to avoid causing confusion.
It was then.
… … !
I felt a gaze from somewhere.
It was only for a moment, but it was different enough that I couldn’t bring myself to ignore it.
It wasn’t directed at me.
As I focused slightly on my sixth sense without revealing my presence, I sensed a pitch-black carriage heading somewhere beyond that ‘long alley.’
Inside, there was a candidate to become the ark’s sixth captain and a woman.
* * *
If life were divided solely into happiness and unhappiness, Isabella’s life was closer to unhappiness.Still, at least today was a happy day.
Throughout the entire journey, Isabella never once let go of Verden’s arm. Instead, she pressed her body tightly against him, leaving no room for a gap.They were closer than usual, and their conversation was as ordinary as ever.
“The Head of the Family said before that he would meet Director Myla after the World Conference. Shouldn’t I meet her too?”“It doesn’t matter. Is there any other reason?”“Well, she is like a mother to the Head of the Family.”“Well, I’ve never really thought of it that way. She inherited the orphanage out of a pure sense of responsibility rather than maternal instinct. I don’t know what it’s like now, though.”“Still, she is someone you care about, isn’t she?”“That’s true.”
If it had been outside his interest, he would not have discussed the donation with Lobelin, nor would he have entrusted it to Aldevan.The reason Aldevan unilaterally moved the Lascabel Orphanage to Arrain in consideration of the Blood-Crying Plague was because Verden had shown such feelings.
Isabella also had such people.
Clinton, the coachman who helped her work as a lucky melody player while she was suffering from [Reviving Blood], and his family… …As soon as the epidemic broke out, Isabella sent people to protect their safety.
“Why don’t you just move the orphanage to the Land Without a Master or the Kingdom of Estiria?”“I am considering that as well. I hear it isn’t viewed favorably in Lascabell. I will leave the choice of path to the Director. And magic…”
Verden paused.
Magic Kingdom
In order for Isabella to realize her abilities as a demon like Regrit, she needs to visit none other than the Archenad Magic Kingdom in person. After all,the records of the special entity ‘Endless Negation,’ the source of the [Reviving Blood] fused with her, must remain in the Magic Kingdom.
The Deiros family is originally a prestigious family of the Magic Kingdom.
… … He was about to talk about this very topic, but that doesn’t fit today. As expected, relaxing wasn’t an easy thing for him.
“Huh? What did you say?”“Never mind. More importantly, you’ve arrived.”
The carriage stopped.
Even without a charioteer, Dreadmere can find his way on his own by receiving location information through Verden’s will.The frequency of him taking out his temper on othersfor no reason has also decreased. Perhaps thanks to running around to his heart’s content in the Silent Desert, the little guy has become relatively well-behaved lately.
As Verden tried to conceal his appearance and presence with
“Let’s just leave. There’s no need to go out of your way to hide it, is there? Everyone in Gargant probably knows about the head of the family.”“Still, it’s going to get noisy.”“I don’t care.”
Verden met Isabella’s eyes for a moment, then got off the vehicle just as he was. He took her hand and escorted her like an ordinary man.Then they stepped into the restaurant that Isabella had personally reserved.
“Welcome to the banquet of moonlight. Your Honor…….”
The manager showed the utmost sincerity and courtesy, then froze like a stone.
Gargant is a city where international newspapers are published.
If you pay even the slightest attention, you can get a sense of international affairs to some extent. Naturally, even the figures featured in the newspaper illustrations.Thud.The manager knelt down.
“Eh, I behold the Supreme Divinity of Eon and the Second Aspect of Eon!!”
… … Who did you say?
High-ranking guests from various countries turned their gaze toward the restaurant entrance in surprise.Although they were skeptical, the moment the indistinguishable physical features of the two people came into view, their suspicion turned into certainty.
“I pay my respects to the High Lord of the Masterless Lands.”“The Absolute of Estiria—”“The Leader of the Black Hour—”“It is an honor to behold the countenance of the Holy Transcendent!”
The quick-witted paid their respects without even a moment to wipe their mouths with a napkin. Before they knew it, the restaurant had turned into an audience chamber.
A powerful being capable of single-handedly destroying a nation and shaking the world.That was the perception of the transcendent being.
Whoosh.
Verden forcibly raised everyone’s bodies using telekinesis that interfered with space. It was a message telling them not to cause any more trouble, as he had already received their greetings.
Isabella said.
“I made a reservation for this time under the name ‘Gaju.’ Could you check it for me?”
Reservation list for Moonlight Dinner.
There was definitely a reservation under that name, but even if there wasn’t, it wouldn’t have been a problem. If there were no seats available, they would make one.
I will serve you immediately.
The manager wore a desperate smile, devoid of professionalism. He had to leave a very good impression. He was staking his life on this hospitality.
And as soon as the news was delivered, the kitchen was also put on high alert.The head chef was also forced to risk his life.
* * *
Adrian was standing with his arms crossed on the rooftop of a building some distance away from the moonlit dinner.
She’s been making such a fuss for days about spending time alone with her lord. You’re really hyped up, Isabella.
It was understandable, as it was the first time they were spending a holiday so openly. For now, Isabella was the closest to the position of the legitimate wife.
anyway.
Adrian’s duty was to be a bodyguard. Therefore, whether it was day or night, he intended to fulfill his assigned duties no matter what.Even if it were not a bodyguarding role, it was his natural duty as the Lord’s sword.
“Stop testing the waters and come out, you rat.”“…….”
Vlad, the leader of Grimnax, walked out from the shadow of another building.
The leader of an assassin group who once attempted to kill an executioner at the request of nobles and royalty met the executioner who had become a transcendent being.
Vlad said.
“I came to hear Eon’s answer.”
His purpose is a threat and a demand that we withdraw from the Eastern Continent if we do not want to expose to the world the relationship between the Society and Eon, which runs counter to the Magic Tower system.It has been confirmed through Ignacia that Mauler is behind them.
“An answer? Go and tell them.”
Adrian stared directly at Vlad in the landscape of Gargant.
“If you want to keep that head you barely managed to save from the King of Water for a long time, stop barking so loudly.”
Squirm
Vlad’s eyes twitched.
The murderous intent surged.
