Chapter 494: Dialogue (2/2)

Jin had a general grasp of the northern hemisphere of this world, though it was limited to only its topography.

When it came to actual ground surveys, most of the land was still unexplored, as Jin didn’t know how dangerous it would be to conduct them, and thought it best to not risk triggering any unexpected conflict.

“Ah, I just know of its topography. So it’s called ‘Great Isthmus of Pazdext’, huh? So you do live in the northern continent, correct?”

“So you know that much… As expected from the Magi Craft Meister…”

Little by little, Shion’s stiff mouth began to loosen up.

“Yes, as you said, we live in the Gondoa Continent, on the other side of the Great Isthmus of Pazdext.”

The northern continent seemed to be called “Gondoa”. Through Reiko, Laojun was accumulating every piece of information in minute detail.

“So you don’t seem to have countries like we do here.”

Shion was eager to reply after being asked about how their society was organized.

“The clans group together to settle colony-like villages. The large clans have about 100 members, while the smaller ones have about 10 or so.”

Jin had to make an effort to hold the reins of his excitement after learning such valuable information.

Then, he asked the one question that would pierce the heart of the topic.

“Are the demons planning to attack again?”

“…”

As expected, Shion couldn’t answer that immediately. However, instead of her, Lucas lashed out in anger once again.

“What do you take us for!? That’s something that some clans do of their own accord!”

“Lucas…”

“O…Okay.”

At Shion’s warning, Lucas held his tongue.

“…Like Lucas just said, not all of us have a desire for conflict. Though there are some powerful factions among the larger clans who call themselves “radical” and “extremists”, and they seem to be scheming something.”

“I see.”

It seemed that, as suspected, not all demons were the same.

There were still a lot of things Jin wanted to ask them, but he decided to let them rest for now, and called Belle to bring some special Hourai Island pelshika juice.

“Thank you very much. Please drink this and rest.”

Since he had enough juice for the three of them, Jin first took a sip to show them it was safe. Seeing that, Shion took a cup in her hand. Lucas seemed to have wanted to say something, but still took a sip before her.

“Delicious… Wait, this…”

“Young lady, our magic…”

The juice had more Ether in it than the medicine they had been given at Sally’s clinic. Both Lucas and Shion seemed to be in a daze as they drank up.

Seeing that, Reiko prepared herself for battle. She put herself on guard, in case the two became aggressive after their magical power had returned. Of course, the same was also true for the Covert Units around Jin.

But that turned out to be a needless concern, like kicking on a stone bridge before crossing it.

“Thank you. Ah, my body feels much better now.”

“…It was delicious. Thank you.”

Even after drinking all of it, their demeanor didn’t change one bit.

“This beverage has a large amount of Ether in it, right, Lord Jin?”

“That’s right. I thought it would be particularly effective on you.”

“It was. Thank you very much.”

Then, they returned to their conversation.

“Alright then. Can you tell me why you came to these lands?”

“…Yes. Um… …P-Pl… …lp us…”

“Huh?”

“…Please help us!”

As her face suddenly became as if she was on the brink of tears, Shion instantly dropped to her knees, placed her hands on the ground, and lowered her face.

“I’m begging you! Please, help us!”

This took Jin by surprise, and he was rendered speechless for a brief moment.

“You! My lady is on her knees, and you say nothing!?”

As much as Lucas raised his voice in anger, it wouldn’t make Jin react any sooner.

“…Shion, can you please be a bit more specific? I can’t give you a response if you don’t tell me what you need help with.”

“Ah… S-Sorry!”

Shion’s face became completely red after realizing that she had just anxiously blurted that out without any context.