Chapter 62 (1/2)

War General Kanbelis, as well as the men under his command, left Jiiteias Castle with the War Tribe standard fluttering proudly ahead.

After seeing them off, I returned to the castle together with Head Warrior Leid and the 10 warriors left behind to monitor me.

I first calmed down everyone who looked confused as to what had happened, then apologized earnestly to the dwarves.

The War Tribe warriors insisted on setting up their own camp, so I lent them a portion of the central courtyard.

When everything had somehow settled down somewhat, I gathered my nakama in my own room.

♥♦♣♠

”I'm sorry for having made you guys worried. Please listen to what I have to say.”

I look into Claura's, Sedam's, and Leiha's faces in turn. Unfortunately, it will be quite a while before Irudo gets back.

All of them are looking apprehensive. However, I must tell them the details of the conversation I had with the War Tribe.

As well as what I didn't tell the War Tribe — the connection between my Door of Wizardry and focal points.

”...... Which is why, in order to ask for the decision of their Council of Elders and Miko, the War Tribe returned to their 'Inn.'”

I don't really get the War Tribe's sense, calling their base an inn. But for now, as it takes about one or two months to make a round trip from Jiietais Castle to their Inn (Kanbelis wouldn't tell me its exact location when I asked), I've earned a bit of a postponement.

”Focal point, and prophecy, huh. Both sound quite troublesome.”

”Goodness, such thoroughly unpleasant fellows they were, to the very end.”

Of course, I've explained that I myself might be a focal point that calls forth Shadow Demons, but Sedam's and Claura's first responses are just that. As usual, Leiha refrains from proactively speaking up, but when I look towards her, she says this in a noncommittal tone.

”If you order me to, I can eliminate them any time you want.”

Thank you. But that answer's a bit off, okay?

”I'm very sorry about having kept quiet about the connection between my Door of Wizardry and the Shadow Demon nest. According to the War Tribe, I might possibly be an existence that calls forth a Bleed…… so……”

​

Those who wishes to leave may leave. Though my Reason insists that I should say that, I shut that part of myself up. For I am the worst of the worst, a selfish person who understands that these people would not leave even if I tell them to leave, and thus intends to take advantage of this goodwill of theirs.

And I am also a terrible coward who, when they get hurt because of this, wishes to hide behind the excuse ”well this is what they chose.”

The problem of the Shadow Demons has ceased to be a problem of this world, and has become my personal problem.

From here on, instead of me helping them, I'm going to need them to help me.

Which means I need to shoulder the responsibility for whatever it is that is going to happen.

In the end, I have no choice but to be the 'Great Wizard.'

”...... so I am going to need all of your help to resolve this problem. I leave myself in your capable hands.”

”We got it, no problem.”

”And that's the way it should be.”

”As Oluri commands, this s.h.i.+ shall carry out.”

Sedam casually winks. Claura throws her chest out in her usual prideful manner. Leiha places one hand on her chest and bows deeply.

It is the way they say things like this as if it's nothing that makes me love these guys so much.

……

Oh no, I think I briefly teared up again. It's problematic how tear ducts get looser when the human body ages.

♥♦♣♠

”But still, that story sounds more and more suspicious each time I think about it again.”

When we turned our focus back to this topic, Sedam spoke up first.

”Does it? I was thinking it kind of made some sense……”

I had been unable to spot any inconsistencies even after shooting various questions at Kanbelis, so now I'm just tilting my head in puzzlement.

”You must be quite a religious person then. Do you really think prophecies are real? Those guys have soldiers capable of tailing a dark elf. With that ability to gather information, they are more than capable of finding Shadow Demon nests or Demonists by themselves.”

”In other words, the difference is between prophecy and investigation?”

”It sounds like you were quite surprised at your own name coming up, but do you know how widely known your name has become in the Liuus Union within the past two months? It should be no surprise whatsoever for them to know your name.”

”It is as Sedam-dono says.”