Chapter 53 (1/2)
Chapter 53
Chapter 53: Return
For now, I have gathered everyone that I wanted to bring to Jiiteias Castle with me.
Gathering nakama was simply a means and not an end, but it still gave me the feeling of having made some progress.
I actually wanted to set off for the castle immediately, but ended up being held back in Lelis for 3 more days.
Firstly, that was how much time it took to gather enough supplies for 30-odd people to travel to and stay at the castle for the next few months.
But then again, it was Irudo doing almost all of the running around, and all I did was cough up the funds……
The other reason was because I got roped into joining the parade that was hosted to commemorate the eradication of the Demonists and the the city ‘entering an alliance with the Great Wizard Margils.’
I had to sit on a specially made boat and make my way down the main ca.n.a.l while being showered with cheers and praise and falling flower petals and wine and water (I was like, ‘what the heck?’ but then apparently it was something like holy water).
For some reason that wasn’t explained to me, Claura was sitting next to me the whole time. She looked embarra.s.sed yet extremely satisfied by the end. All I felt was tiredness.
Almost all of the event went towards gathering popularity for the Council Chairman, but at the end, the terms of the contract that I had signed with Lelis were properly announced to all the citizens. To me, that was the most important part.
The main points are as follows:
The city of Lelis cedes all territorial rights of Jiiteias Castle and its environs to wizard Gio Margils.
The city of Lelis is now allied with wizard Gio Margils in regards to all matters related to the anti-anki cause.
The city of Lelis will do all in its power to convince the other city-states of the Liuus Union to sign the same contract with wizard Gio Margils.
Of course, this was not something decided by the Council Chairman alone. These points were all decided and voted on at a Council meeting.
With this, I will now be able to move much more freely, as least in the area around Lake Liuus. Furthermore, with my relations.h.i.+p with Lelis as a foothold, I have gained a method of communication with Shulendal and the other countries.
Thanks to coming to this city, my aim has become a lot clearer, which seems to bode well for my path from here on.
♥♦♣♠
“We can finally set off.”
We are gathered in the plaza before Lelis’ main gate.
Five carriages, and five horses for riding. I find myself feeling wonder once again while standing before this group of exactly 26 people.
Female magician, Claura Andel.
Adventurer, Sedam.
Sedam’s party members: the warriors Jilk and Ted, the scout Fijika, and the warrior priest Torad.
Former trading merchant, now my steward, Irudo.
Irudo’s daughter, my new Head of Maids, Mora.
The gardener Sam and his wife, Anna the chef. Carpenter, Zek.
Former a.s.sa.s.sin, now my Head of Intelligence, Leiha.
The 4 spy/maid dark elf sisters.
Former magic soldier trainees, now students studying golem production techniques: Log, Daya, and Teru.
The 7 other similarly former magic soldier trainees who will be staying with us until I can entrust them to the Carbanera Knight Order.
When I see everyone gathered like this, it is quite a spectacle.
Back during my time as a salaryman, I only had 3 or
4 subordinates……
I was surprised when I heard that Sedam’s entire party was also coming along, but apparently no one else has a family, so all of them were cool with it.
“Margils-sama. Before we set off, may we have a word from you?”
When Irudo says that like it’s the most natural thing ever, everyone’s gazes gathers towards me. That also includes those of the pa.s.sersby surrounding us at a distance.
I gulp involuntarily.
I will have to shoulder the livelihood of all these people from this moment on.
To make myself feel the full weight of this burden, I look at each person’s face, one by one.
Claura, Sedam, Irudo, and Mora look like their usual selves.
In the eyes of the former magic soldier trainee kids, I see anxiety, but also a strong light of hope.
The servants return my gaze with eyes full of trust.
The dark elves are all kneeling with head bowed, so I can’t really tell.
A sense of responsibility and of purpose so powerful that I would never have imagined it back in j.a.pan wells up from within me.
I realize that I myself am also being nurtured from their trust.
“Everyone. Once again, I offer my heartfelt thanks for coming along with me.”
Maybe this is the bad effect of the Great Wizard mask. Even so, I have something that I really want to say to all these people gathered here — that their choice was the right one.
“We will now be heading for Jiiteias Castle. At the moment, it is but a tiny castle in the middle of nowhere. However! If all of you combine your strength together with mine, I truly believe that it will become the strongest fortress ever, protecting all peoples against the threat of the Shadow Demons!”
“ “We are your s.h.i.+! We shall follow our Oluri, Margils-sama, even should the land be swallowed by darkness!” ”
The ones who abruptly shouted out an oath of loyalty in sync were of course the dark elves.
“In representation of the Magician’s Guild, I too will lend you my full strength, wizard Gio Margils-dono.”
“Well, let’s take care of each other.”
Claura plucks the edge of her mantle and makes an elegant bow, while Sedam grins like usual.
The others are also clapping or pumping their fists into the air, so it seems that the reception is good.
However, when even the surrounding citizens begin cheering, it still elicits some discomfort in my heart.