Book 6: Chapter 4 (15)

Academic City (2nd)

With the threat of the tentacled slug taken care of, calm returned to the meeting.

It would be hard to believe that these same people had been consumed by panic not long ago.  They were now cheerfully chatting to one another and a servant brought in tea and snacks to go along with the pleasant conversation.

“That Professor Journal really is something.” “Professor Journal’s magic is on a level like nothing I’ve ever seen before.” “I only realize now how limited my knowledge of magic is after witnessing first hand the incredible skill of Professor Journal.” “I’d love it if the Professor would come to my country to give a lecture on magic.” “Ah, that sounds like a great idea.”

Every member had unending praise for Professor Journal.

The general consensus of those gathered was that the tentacled slug had been defeated by Professor Journal. It’s understandable considering  the distance between this tower and where the fight took place. The massive tentacled slug was the size of a fist from here, so a human would be smaller than a grain of rice.

I suppose that is for the best.

The ambassador of the Penny Empire shouldn’t be getting involved with incidents like this. They might even demand I pay reparations for the damage caused to the city. I’ll just use Professor Journal as a scapegoat.

I spotted Professor Journal on the way back to the tower. The Professor along with the Heroes of the East and West and their respective parties were down in the city streets helping the injured and putting out the fires.

“….haa.”

I sank into my chair and let out a sigh.

I didn’t have much time to relax before Drill-chan sat next to me and started questioning me.

“T-That spell was an incredible size.”

“I don’t know. It seemed normal to me.”

She was also watching from the tower.

“…really?”

“Ask your servant if you want to know the details.”

She glanced over her shoulder at the kimoronge.

He really did head straight back to his master.

“Hmm? Well, whatever, my servant is allowed his privacy.”

“Thank you, Master. Your generosity knows no bounds.”

“Ooooooooohohohoho, that’s right, I’m a benevolent master!”

I asked Edita Sensei, Ester-chan, and the JC to head back to the room before I returned to the meeting. I can imagine how suspicious the others here would be if I showed up with Ester-chan and Edita Sensei, but the JC being a student of this school might raise the most questions.

While I was talking to the big-breasted loli with an intact hymen, the conversation amongst the rest of those gathered for the meeting was changing almost every second. The sudden attack had led to the moderator losing all control over the meeting.

The ambassadors were now condemning the meeting entirely.

“Where did that creature even come from?” “I’m curious as well.” “Holding this meeting in such a dangerous city seems ill-advised.” “This meeting is meant to bring our countries together, but I find that hard to do when my life is threatened.” “I agree.” “Maybe it’s time to discuss this being the last of these meetings.” “I feel the same.”

Each ambassador voiced their opinion.

“I’ve always felt these meetings were unnecessary.” “What does it matter if we attend some conference as long as our countries are supporting the Heroes?” “It’s dangerous for us to gather like this.” “We each have to sacrifice so much time from our busy schedules.” “I couldn’t agree more.”

The man wearing the vestments that was leading the meeting until this point was now seated at the table with sweat pouring down his face.

Professor Bus was standing beside him and looked equally as dejected minus the sweat.

The representatives refused to remain silent until they had someone to place the blame on for the attack.

“E-Everyone, if you would please remain silent for a moment!”

He yelled loud enough to be overheard above the raucous crowd.

“We shall adjourn the meeting for the time being. We will reconvene when we have had time to discover the source of this creature. I understand that this is an inconvenience to all of you that have set aside time in your busy schedules, but I would appreciate your understanding in these trying times.”

Drill-chan was visibly upset by the robed man’s words.

“As if this meeting wasn’t a big enough waste of time already.”

“It’s not his fault. An attack like that needs time to be investigated.”

“So? What was it all about?”

“I’m still trying to find out myself.”

“Ara, how unusual. I’d expect you to be the one with the answers.”

“This is a complex matter. If you really want answers, you should ask that manservant of yours. He’d be the one that has answers. I’d purchase him from you if you’re willing to sell, but I’m not sure he’s worth all that much.”

“O-Oi! You….”

Nice. I was able to get a jab in on the kimoronge.

It helped improve my mood somewhat.

He actually did help me out this time so I shouldn’t push any harder.

“Jokes aside, he has his own reasons for wishing to remain silent. I know you don’t need to listen to me, but I hope you’re true to your word of being a ‘benevolent master.’ Him and I are already on bad enough terms so I don’t want him to think I’m pushing you to force him to answer your questions.”

“…are you taking Gerosu’s side?”

“Who knows.”

“…as if I need you to tell me how to treat Gerosu.”

I’m not going to pretend that I only have good intentions, but I do owe him a debt for saving the JC. I don’t think he’s purely evil and it’s likely my encounters with the Demon Lord have only just begun so it would be nice to have an ally amongst the Demon race.

“I do admire that about you, Doris-san.”

“I’m going to get angry if you make fun of me.”

“I’m not making fun of you. It’s actually quite the opposite.”

“Really?”

“You actually care for your servant. That’s an attractive part of your personality.”

“Fufu~n, is it lines like that that worked on Liz? I’m not her.”

“Take it however you wish.”

I felt jealous of the kimoronge for having such a beautiful girl care so much for him.

It reminded me of how Ester-chan was protective of her relatives and loved ones.

This led to a temporary adjournment of the meeting about the Demon Lord.

Academy City is in ruins. Half the city has been destroyed and there must be countless casualties. With representatives of so many countries gathered here, answers will be demanded. The original purpose of the meeting was to be postponed until the source of the monster could be found.

***