Chapter 317
As I had imagined, Barbados was a guy with grit.
Ingrid isn't a pure combat type, but even so, her combat ability is high due to the level difference and my training.
The maid combat style, centered around Iaijutsu for PvP, seemed fresh to Barbados. He got up again and again, continuing to challenge her. Although he couldn't win even once, his face showed satisfaction.
Fast forward a few days to today.
"So his position was more dangerous than I thought.""I only found out after investigating as well, but, well, it's a family disgrace. An ugly story of an incompetent fool being jealous of his competent subordinate. It seems he understood that if things continued, the danger would extend to his family. But, well, he was loyal to his lord, and also had considerations for the subordinate he had raised, so it appears he was unable to move."
Kon reported that there had been progress. I came to hear the details, and this is my impression after reading the report he handed me.
"So Lord Jinsai intervened and saved him?""Let's stop with the formal 'Lord Jinsai' address, shall we? Master."
The day had come to form a contract with Kon, who showed a relieved, tired expression, having successfully persuaded Genjirou.I had formed a contract with Barbados the previous day. Although he was the second to arrive, his contract completion was the third.
"The day has finally come for me to form a contract too."
He seemed to lament his late start, but from my perspective, I'm amazed by the skill it took to change the future of not just one person, but multiple people, in just a few days.
"Wouldn't this make him hesitant to serve me? It seems more like he'd want to serve under you, Kon.""That area is not a problem. I properly explained the process of how I scouted him. From his perspective, he questioned why we took an interest in him, and explaining that part was quite troublesome."
Originally, he wasn't particularly favored, and his interpersonal relationships weren't good either.To put it bluntly, his employer was like the king of our country – indecisive and trying to please everyone.
He knew about Genjirou and his subordinate's abilities but couldn't admonish his son and his hangers-on.An employer with surprisingly little influence for someone in power.
"How did you convince him?""Simple and clear. I just said that the Apostle of the Goddess of Wisdom knows of your abilities and definitely wants you. Ahh, his expression back then was amusing. He seemed surprised that a god knew of his prowess – shocked, happy, confused, he made all sorts of faces. After that, the discussion progressed smoothly. But I myself didn't know about him until I investigated. Really, where did you learn about him?""Trade secret. You must have one or two things you haven't told me either, right Kon?""Ah, you've got me there. If you put it that way, I can't say anything."
If he, who was in such an environment, could be offered a helping hand and have his future changed, it's a good result from my perspective as well.
"And so, Crimson Gold, the man himself, and eighteen subordinates, totaling forty-five people including their families, are moving to the Southern Continent through my connections. They are scheduled to arrive within two weeks.""Time-wise, that's a bit of a tight line, huh?"
However, whether they'll make it in time for the upcoming Azidahaka battle is questionable timing.
To be clear, I'm counting Genjirou, who possesses skills that make it seem like he could cut through anything, much like a certain phantom thief's accomplice, as part of our combat strength.
I've also received a report from Dark-san, who was tracking the former Duke Boldorinde, about a location that seems to be his base.While considering whether it would be quicker to annihilate that first, once I form a contract with Kon, my contracts with the three heroes of the East, West, and North will be complete.
"Well then, I shall head to Duke Edelgard's place.""Alright. Once I hear from His Grace that the contract is complete, I'll adjust things so we can start training.""I look forward to it."
And so, the meeting with Kon concluded.Just as I stood up to go participate in training myself, the door was knocked. Granting permission to enter...
"Ingrid, what is it?""Yes, there is a guest who wishes to see Lord Liberta.""A guest? I didn't have any appointments scheduled for today. Who is it?"
Ingrid informed me of an unscheduled visitor.
Given my position, lately I've been inundated with the typical troubles of a celebrity – invitations to parties from strange nobles, marriage proposals, etc. – but I've asked Duke Edelgard to shut them all out.
There are a few exceptions, like Nel's parents Zink and Teresa, Amina's parents and family, Dent who helped us during our adventures, and Ganjii the blacksmith who still makes unreasonable requests. But even for them, I've asked that they make appointments, and I've requested His Grace the Duke to increase the patrol soldiers in the area.
I thought any communication would come through the patrol soldiers.
"It is Lady Hyurida. She has come to express her gratitude, as her wife's voice has been cured.""Ah— That person."
I thought I had no idea who it was, but I definitely remember them now.And moreover, there's one important person related to the heroes involved.
I completely forgot to tell them about the... modification... I made to Sharia.
"What shall we do?""No, I'll see them.""Understood."
But I felt that refusing to meet here would be a bad move, so I asked Ingrid to bring them here.
With all these god-related matters piling up, Hyurida must be involved in this somehow as well.
Therefore, my intuition tells me it's better to meet.
"Thank you for making time despite my sudden visit.""Please, raise your head."
The boy I met back then, never imagining he would be under the Duke's protection and also the Apostle of the Wisdom Goddess, was being extremely polite and careful with his manners. I couldn't help but smile wryly.
It can't be helped, I suppose.If I were to clearly define my personal status, I'm someone even nobles can't easily lay a hand on: the Apostle of the Goddess of Wisdom under the Duke's protection, and the instructor of the heroes.
Hyurida seems to be an Apostle of the Goddess of Love, but he's a commoner.
He appeared cautiously with his family and immediately bowed his head.
"Long time no see. The fact that you're here means she's cured, right?""Yes! Thanks to the medicine you told us about, Mee's voice has been cured.""Thank you so much."
Even though I told them to raise their heads, they thanked me and bowed again.
Only one person, the little girl being held by her mother, was staring intently at me with her big, round eyes.
"Hm? What is it?""Thank you for making Mommy better!!"
When I made eye contact with the girl, she smiled brightly and thanked me.She must have been thinking she'd say it when she saw me.
"Ah, you're welcome."
I couldn't help but feel warmed by such a straightforward, pure expression of gratitude.My appearance is still that of a child, but inside, I'm a grown adult man.
I didn't have children in my previous life, but seeing such an honest smile makes me think about it in this life.
Perhaps children are better at grasping the essence of things than the flustered adults.
"Now then, that's not the only reason you came here, is it?""「......」"
Thanks to one little girl, the tense atmosphere in the room eased slightly.I offered them seats and urged them to sit, which they obediently did.
"I heard you received an oracle from the Goddess of Love when we first met. So, your coming here is related to that, correct?"
There is an order to things.But that order doesn't always proceed smoothly.
"Yes, my wife Mee received an oracle from the Goddess of Love, Paffle."
A trigger is needed.If I broach the topic, the couple will exchange glances, and Hyurida will take the lead in explaining.
"'Seek teachings from the Apostle of the Wisdom Goddess. With love, show courtesy, and repay the favor.'""I see."
Once you provide the trigger, the rest is easy.They probably find it painful to make such a seemingly brazen request – even if it's an oracle from the Goddess of Love – to ask for more from someone who has already helped them, and to whom they owe a debt of gratitude. That feeling was evident on Hyurida's face as he told me.
"Understood. Adding one more person at this point isn't a problem. However, for the sake of appearances with the other heroes, I'll have to be a bit stricter regarding the contract terms and compensation.""Unfortunately, what we can offer is...""I'm not asking for money or your family. But, well, I also have a slight sense of responsibility on my end.""Responsibility?"
The other heroes hold significant power and can offer considerable benefits to me.
In comparison, he, Hyurida and his family, are commoners without a shred of power.
"Actually, it's about your son, Sharia. By a strange turn of events, he's working as my subordinate.""Sharia? Is our son doing well?""Yes, well, he's fine. He's working energetically today as well."
So, honestly, equal negotiations would be difficult.But I have one point of responsibility: I'm the one who sparked a new... preference... in Sharia.
Considering that, I think his position isn't much different from Kon's, who had his compensation greatly reduced by introducing me to Genjirou.
"Is that true!? They say no news is good news, but we caused him worry with my voice, and we didn't know where he was to contact him...""If possible, we'd like to get in touch. If we give you a letter, could you deliver it?""Yes, I'll take care of it, and I'll also arrange for you to meet."
I don't intend to impose overly harsh conditions.
He's actively contributing right now and achieving results beyond expectations.Considering that, I think the benefit of him introducing me to Genjirou isn't much different from what Kon did.
"Thank you. We've been in your debt ever since we met you that day.""It might be strange to say this now, but I also have my own calculations, you know? It's true I acted with goodwill, but I can't just keep doing this for free."
I have no intention of doing charity work, saying 'This is also the will of the gods,' so I made sure to clarify that point.Hearing those words, Hyurida straightened his posture.
"What I need right now is reliable combat strength. An unprecedented crisis is approaching this continent. I want you to lend me your power.""Is it something that could endanger our family?""That possibility is very real. If we leave this threat unchecked, it won't just be this continent. The entire world could face destruction."
I nodded in response to his serious gaze as he listened to the details.
"In that case, including the debt for saving my wife, I have no hesitation in wielding this power for your sake. Please, use this power as you will.""I'm counting on you."
So, as far as I know, all the heroes are now assembled.The gods intentionally gathered the heroes to me... is it related to Azidahaka after all, or is there another intention?
Glancing out the window, I could see Clarice fighting Barbados, and shifting my gaze slightly, I could also see Kon watching the fight.
I don't know what impact their existence, unknown even in FBO, will have on this world from now on.
But there's one thing I can say for sure.
We absolutely must win this battle.
"Well then, shall we begin the Azidahaka quest?"
I need to deal with these troublesome matters quickly so I can focus on what I really want to do.