CH 191

Report pilgrimage

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After I beat Havre Calvine down, I used all my strength to self-heal my broken fist, so the pain subsided soon after.

Luckily, my finger movement didn't seem to be a problem.

[ It was a strong blow, but there is room for improvement. ]

[ Kent-sama ... That last was too naive ... ]

"I know that. It was really painful."

Everyone in the Kobold Corps had finished collecting the weapons abandoned by Havre's men.

Furthermore, in order not to hide weapons such as waistband swords, they wore only pants and were driven out of the dance hall and handed over to the knights.

Both Havre and Nestor were taken in by the knights who entered the dance hall while being frightened by Nero and the others.

Since I've dealt with Havre and the others, it's my turn to take care of my genus.

"Okay, everyone, come on ... Owaa, hey, hey, hoaaaa ..."

With Nero, Zeta-tachi, and the Kobold Corps joining in, I was crushed by the raging waves so much that it was hard to tell which way was up and which way was down.

My satisfied genus returned to the shadow space in order, and I was the last one left, sprawled out in the dance hall.

"Guheee ... it was unreasonable. As expected, it was unreasonable for everyone at once ... gaku!"

[ Kent-sama, there seems to be some kind of commotion in the Chamber of Proceedings. ]

"Eh!? Are there still Havre's remnants?"

[ It seems that the Knight Commander ... tried to commit suicide ... ]

When I used shadow movement to return to the meeting room, I found the Knight Commander lying with a knife stuck in his abdomen.

"Camilla, what's going on?"

"Maou-sama, the Knight Commander said he would apologize for his misunderstanding ..."

"Ma, Maou-dono ... I'm sorry, Camilla-sama ..."

"Shut up for a moment!"

I casually pulled out the dagger from the Knight Commander's stomach and cast a powerful healing spell on it.

I wondered if this was also thanks to the physical strengthening magic training, it seemed that I was now able to concentrate and cast healing magic better than ever.

"Wh, what are you doing. Responsibility for my misunderstanding ..."

"Don't be stupid. The King died suddenly, the Princes are dead, and Resenburg is in a critical state, you just said it yourself. Don't be so happy to die."

After I finished casting healing magic, I slapped the side of the Knight Commander's face.

"If you want to take responsibility for your misunderstanding, support Camilla and rebuild this country. Use your life for that. Even a kid like me can understand your wrongdoings!"

"I, I am ashamed ..."

When I stood up after treating the Knight Commander, everyone in the Chamber of Proceedings was looking at me.

"Count Gleisner, I don't know anything about Resenburg's funeral customs. Could you please look after Camilla until she is enthroned?"

"Of course. Let's promise that not only me, but all Resenburg nobles will come together and support her."

"Please."

I also shook hands with Count Gleisner, Count Saruel, and the captains of the Royal Guard, Magdalos, and Oswald.

"Camilla."

"Maou-sama, thank you very much."

"Yeah, I would like to proceed with the reparations, but first of all, you should mourn the King properly, punish Havre and the others, and concentrate on rebuilding Resenburg."

"Yes, as you wish."

"Also, I'll keep Hart as your liaison, so don't hesitate to let me know in case of an emergency."

"Thank you very much."

"Then, I'm in the middle of an escort request, so I'll head back. I'll visit you again from time to time."

When I put out a shield of darkness and tried to leave, following the lead of Camilla, who took the initiative to kneel, everyone knelt down to show their respect.

I dived into the shadow space with mixed feelings of comfort and fear.

[ Umu, umu, with this, Resenburg is almost under the control of Kent-sama. ]

[ Kent-sama ... The day when he will ascend the throne is near ... ]

"No, no, I'm going to live a normal life in Volzard."

[ Buhahahaha, it's not normal to welcome the Princess of Barshania to one's mansion. ]

[ Kent-sama is definitely far from normal ... ]

"Haa ... I'm fine with being normal ... Fred, I'd like you to keep an eye on Camilla's surroundings and see how the situation unfolds."

[ Roger ... Leave it to me ... ]

While thinking that I was getting farther and farther from a normal life day by day, I vowed in my heart that I would aim for peace and returned to the Volzard Family's carriage.

The carriage was moving lightly on the road where the sun was about to set.

It looked like nothing happened.

I thought it was about time we started to see the village where we would be staying overnight.

In the carriage, Augusto-san looked down on a thick book as usual, Baldini-san was dreaming, and Angelina-san seemed to be chatting with Fione-san.

"I'm back."

"Welcome back, Kent."

"I'm sorry, but could you tell me what the situation was?"

Even though Ange-oneechan had taken the trouble to activate the collaboration of hugging and 'iiko, iiko', he was a rude man.

"Yes, something unexpected happened, but we were able to put the rebellion in order."

Alexis Resenburg, the King of Resenburg, was killed by Margrave Havre Calvine.

I uncovered the conspiracy between Havre and the Prime Minister, and cleared the Knight Commander's misunderstanding.

I reported that I had beaten Havre and wiped out the power of Havre that had entered the royal castle.

I omitted the incident where my fist was broken due to the wrong degree of physical strengthening.

"The King of Resenburg was put to the sword ... Kent, I'm sorry, but I want you to go and report it to my Father immediately. Even if Kent is acquainted with the next King, it doesn't mean that Volzard has a direct relationship with them. It should be necessary for Father to respond, so the sooner the information, the better."

"Understood, I'm going to Volzard for a while. I'll maintain the state of security here, so don't worry."

Certainly, even though the relationship had not been very friendly so far, if the supreme power of the neighboring country across the Devil's Forest died, various measures would be necessary as a Lord.

I understand that, but aren't you trying to keep me and Ange-oneechan apart?

When I returned to Volzard and looked into the guild's office, Klaus-san seemed to be approving documents together with Beatriche.

"It's Kent. Excuse me."

"What's the matter, did something happen?"

"Yes, the King of Resenburg, Alexis Resenburg, has been murdered."

"What, is he really dead?"

"Yes, he was decapitated, so there is no doubt."

I explained to Klaus-san the series of events that took place in the Chamber of Proceedings of the royal castle.

"Then, Camilla Resenburg's greatest opponent standing in her way, is it finished with this?"

"Probably, but at the moment there is no information about any person or group that could be a counterforce."

"Alright, you've done well to inform me. Currently, there is no friendly exchange, but I don't know what the situation will be from here on. As for me, I want to create as friendly and advantageous a situation as possible. For that reason, I want to avoid losing initiative with information. From now on, please tell me as soon as possible what information you have learned about Resenburg."

Klaus-san seemed to be starting to think about exchanges with Resenburg in the future.

"So, how will Volzard act in this matter?"

"That depends on how the other party reacts. An important matter such as the death of the King, even if I have a connection with Kent, it would be strange for me to do something before the news from the other party arrives. That's like declaring that you're investigating their inner workings."

"I see, that's true, too. Then, the response will be after an official messenger arrives from Resenburg ... Is that what you mean?"

"Maa, that's how it is. By the way, what about Augusto-tachi's escorts?"

"With Basten as the leader, they have the Undead Lizardmen Zae-tachi as their fighting force, and there are also two Kobolds accompanying them as liaisons in case of emergency."

"Okay, then there's no problem. Kent, let Reese know about the Resenburg incident. Of course, don't talk to the staff of the Headquarters Guild. Tell Reese directly or through Lau. Okay?"

"Understood. I'm heading off, Riche."

"Kent-sama, be careful ..."

After hugging Riche tightly, I dived into the shadows again and went back to Bakkenheim this time.

I returned to the Headquarters Guild in Bakkenheim and emerged from an empty corridor.

As it was the evening after the holidays, the Guild was crowded with people reporting the completion of their requests and work.

The number of receptionists at the counter seemed to be more than double that of Volzard, but it was still twice as crowded, and I didn't even know where to go to request a meeting with Master Reese.

In the first place, I didn't even know which line to line up in, so when I was wondering around, I was knocked down.

"Fugya ... Ow ow ouch ..."

"A brat like you shouldn't be wandering around, you're in the way!"

The large, middle-aged man who knocked into me quickly lined up for his destination.

I thought it was my fault since I was wandering around, but I felt a little disgusted ... As I was thinking about that, I heard a strong, husky voice.

"Hey, you there, don't do anything that will hurt Bakkenheim's reputation ... Come back and apologize to the boy ..."

The owner of the voice was an adventurer dressed in navy blue berry shorts, an end-of-the-century black leather jacket and pants, and stiff lace-up boots.

A large sword was carried on the lean waist, and a large leather bag was on the shoulder.

They must have been nearly 180 cm tall, and I thought they were a man for a moment because of their macho body, but the dynamite chest armor claimed that she was unmistakably a woman.

"I'm sorry, I apologize ... Uu! , O, Oni Eater ..."

"You seem to have heard of me ..."

The middle-aged man seemed to know the female adventurer, and when she urged him to apologize with her chin, he gulped and swallowed his saliva before turning to face me.

"My bad, boy, I was in a bit of a hurry. Please excuse me."

"No, I was wandering around without know what to do ..."

After bowing his head to me, the middle-aged man returned his gaze to the female adventurer and nodded back, then hurried back to the line.

"Sorry, boy, the end of the year is approaching and everyone is in a hurry."

"No ... Ah! , thank you very much."

The female adventurer held out her hand and lifted me up while I was still sitting on the floor.

"Fufu! , are you like a novice adventurer?"

"Eh!? Maa, something like that ..."

The female adventurer's hands had thin fingers, but the skin on her palms was hard, and her joints had dents.

It was a big difference from my hands, where I had only had a few knife fights in special training with Lau-san, and I hadn't had many chances to swing my own sword lately.

If you were to judge me just by the feel of my palm, you would think I was a novice adventurer.

"So, what kind of business did you come to the guild for?"

"I'd like to meet someone from the guild, but I don't know where to apply ..."

"I see, then come with me, I'll ask the staff."

"Is it okay? Thank you very much."

The female adventurer, known as the Oni Eater, walked towards the farthest, uncrowded counter.

"Welcome back, Graciela-san. Are you done already?"

"Ah, if it's a job like this ..."

The female adventurer who was called the Oni Eater seemed to be called Graciela, and seemed to be popular with the guild staff.

Graciela put the leather bag on her shoulder down on the slightly lower counter.

I wondered if she was asked for some kind of collection, but the moment the female guild staff opened the leather bag, the smell of blood wafted through the air.

"Yes, I have confirmed that the two Ogres have been subjugated. Is it alright to transfer the reward to your bank account?"

"That's right ... 5,000 Helts in cash, and the rest in my bank account."

"Very well. Now, please sign the paperwork. I'll bring you the cash right now."

"Ah, wait a minute. This boy wants to meet with the staff of the guild, can I ask you?"

"You're going to meet the staff, who is it?"

"Umm ... I'd like to meet Master Reese ..."

As soon as Reese-san's name was mentioned, both Graciela-san and the guild staff-san gave a dubious look.

"I'm sorry, boy, Master is a busy person, so you can't see her easily."

The faces of the guild staff-san had a look of being troubled by an ignorant child ... and a perplexed look was floating on her face.

Maa, to some extent, it was a predictable reaction.

"Is that so ... Then, could I change it to Rita-san?"

"Rita-san, is it ...?"

I expected that I wouldn't be able to see Reese-san, so if that didn't work out, I thought I'd ask to meet Rita-san, but it seemed it was going to be difficult.

When the guild staff-san showed a deeply troubled look, Graciela-san raised her voice.

"He ~ y, Rita! Rita! Over here, do you have a minute?"

I couldn't see it from my point of view, but apparently Rita-san was in the back, and Graciela-san waved her hand high and called her.

After a while of waiting, Rita appeared with a slightly sullen expression.

"What's wrong, Ciela. I'm busy right now ... Huh, Kent-san?"

"I apologize for the inconvenience. I would like to meet with Master Reese as soon as possible ..."

"Is it urgent?"

"Urgent ... Not so much, but there's something I want to tell her as soon as possible."

"Understood, please come this way ... Ciela, thank you, see you later ..."

Rita-san invited me in through the counter and lightly raised her hand to Graciela-san.

"Umm, thank you very much. 

As I bowed my head, Graciela-san smiled and raised her hand lightly.

She had a smile on her face, but her eyes lit up like a carnivore looking for prey.

Rita-san guided me through the staff corridor.

"Graciela-san seems to be skilled."

"Yeah, she was just promoted to A-rank about two months ago, but she is one of the top five adventurers in Bakkenheim."

"She was called the Oni Eater ... But ..."

"Because she treats Ogres as her enemies, that's what she's been called by those who have a bad mouth, but she's a serious adventurer who loves Bakkenheim."

"Yes, thanks to her, I was saved."

"Would you mind waiting in this room, I will go follow up with Master Reese."

"Thank you very much."

The room I was guided to was an interview room for staff, with a simple sofa and table.

As soon as I sat down on the sofa, Murt came out and lay down on the sofa and asked for me to rub its stomach.

"You are such a spoiled child ..."

After stroking it for a while, it was replaced with Mart, who had been left as a liaison.

When I finished stroking Mart and mofu'd Mirt, who switched in, the door to the room opened, and Reese-san, accompanied by Lau-san, came in with a bewitching smile.

"What's wrong, Kent, did you miss me already?"

"The King of Resenburg, Alexis Resenburg, has passed away."

Reese-san's expression tightened and she ordered Lau-san to be vigilant in the corridor and urged me to continue the story.

"Tell me more about it."

"Yes, this afternoon, in the royal castle of Aldaros, in the Chamber of Proceedings, the Third Princess Camilla Resenburg and Margrave Havre Calvine were scheduled to have a fight over the succession of the throne in the presence of the King."

While talking about the tragedy that occurred at the beginning of the meeting and the process of beating down Havre, Reese-san grasped the situation while confirming several things.

After listening to the general story, Reese-san sat back on the sofa, folded her arms, closed her eyes for a while, and gathered her thoughts.

"I see ... It's a fitting end for a Foolish King."

"Foolish King ... ?"

"Even in Bakkenheim, we are analyzing Resenburg based on information from peddlers. The story of Alexis Resenburg being a good King, I've never heard of one ... No, that's not right, he was a convenient King for the Prime Minister."

Maa, even when I visited the royal castle for the first time, he had a young woman serve him during the day and rank alcohol in the bath.

That couldn't be a wise king.

"Then, Resenburg will rebuild under Princess Camilla, right?"

"Yes, I think the biggest problem is the desertification of the western part of the country, but it seems that few countermeasures have been taken so far due to pointless factional disputes, but the government should take the lead in that as well."

"What about the invasion of Landshelt ...?"

"Since it's something that people do, I can't say it won't happen, but it's fine to think that it's almost impossible at the moment, but in case it happens, me and my genus will repel them."

"How reliable ... Certainly, if Kent and the others are there, an invasion beyond the Devil's Forest won't come true. Strength, speed of information, S-rank may not be enough ... There are no adventurers on par with Kent in Landshelt."

The information I gave this time would be passed on to the Lords of Bakkenheim and other towns through the guild network by Reese-san.

"Kent, when your problem is solved, please come back and contact me."

"Eeehhh ... That, no way ..."

"Fufufufu ... I don't mind being your companion at any time, but I want you to travel."

"Travel, is it?"

"That's right, I would like you to travel through Landshelt from corner to corner and place it so that you can instantly move to the main towns and villages."

"Is it for being a contact person?"

"That's right, even if we use birds, fast horses, or tamed monsters, there's no one who can move faster than you. Invasions of other countries, powerful monsters like Griffons, natural disasters ... They won't happen right now. But, if you can prepare for it, it's only natural to prepare."

"That's right. Volzard is a member of Landshelt, and if Landshelt prospers, Volzard will naturally prosper. As soon as my problems are settled, I will think about building a contact network."

"Fufufufu ... That's good, as expected, there's something I've just begun to see."

Reese-san, who was sitting deeply back on the sofa, leaned forwards with her arms folded.

"I, I, I'm in the middle of an escort request, so please excuse me!"

At this rate, the tadpole was likely to be swallowed by the snake, so I put out a shield of darkness and ran away.

"Ku!Ku!Ku! , Kent, next time you come, sneak into my bedroom ..."

That, I'll do that when I'm older!

I hurried back to the Volzard Family while wiping off my strange sweat.