CH 71

Chapter 71

When Peaceful Times Cease To Exist : Summit Meeting, Part 2 — Secret Agreement

Translated by KaiesV

Edited by KaiesV

「I would like you to keep this matter confidential. Only a few people in the organization know about it, and please don’t tell them either. Actually, around the time of Alfiris’ birth, there was something wrong with the astrology and whatnot.」

「Something wrong?」

「Yes, in fact, there are many strange astrological occurrences around the years of her birth. The first astrology was『A blessed child is born in this land.』No magical element was indicated, and at first the prophecy seemed to indicate the birth of a great being. But then, a short time later, the prophecy changed… It became『The Archfiend who closes the world to darkness is born.』」

「What the hell is that? Is it possible that astrology is changing?」

Miliazar looked as if she was questioning Tetrastin, but Tetrastin only made a reluctant face.

「I don’t know. There is no proof that the prophecy refers to the same person in the first place, nor is there any proof that it was about Alfiris in the first place. Astrology is just astrology. Even if we look for a good mage who’s good at astrology, it does not necessarily mean that person will be right. I had them investigate, but they could not find anything. So, after a while, the existence of Alfiris was reported. At first, there was a theory that linked that girl to the Archfiend of Doom.」

「What?」

「If a 10-year-old girl with no training can easily defeat 10 elite members of a conquering force, well… The association could have sent out more forces, but Aldorius came to the rescue before that could happen. There was no one in the Magic Association who didn’t know his name, and coupled with his attributes, the Association was convinced.」

「Certainly for that man… Did he specialize in sealing magic?」

「Yes, and it was one of the best of all time. So everyone agreed. We said if Aldorius would supervise. However…」

「He died.」

「Yes. So there are those who rehash the issue. They thought it might be dangerous to leave Alfiris unattended. Some radicals are even suggesting that they assassinate her while they’re at it.」

「Those idiots are ridiculous!」

Stin took control of Miliazar’s unintentional rage.

「True, but there is an even more ridiculous story. There’s a Sister from Arnelia… was it Anorn, I think? Some even believe that the Arnelian Church is plotting something by embracing Alfiris when they see her working together with her.」

「…That’s the height of rhetoric, I’m afraid.」

「I agree with you. Don’t worry, that opinion is still a small percentage. But whatever the case, they are not a well-organized group. It is best to be vigilant and let the girls know as much. I said the Magic Association is not always to be trusted.

I don’t want to see the Magic Association and the Church of Arnelia going head-to-head in a world like this.」

「Alright. Especially don’t let it happen that you are removed as the head of the association, okay?」

「I know that. But if she gets her hands on anyone from our association… At that time, my power may cause uncontrollable behavior. If I carelessly oppose that action, I myself could be ousted from my current position of power. Please be aware of that.」

「That’s fine.」

「And. I would like to keep in touch with you more often. That’s why, I want you to use my trusted personnel as liaisons. Eleonor, Nix, come on out.」

And then, without a sound, out came two people completely covered in blue cloaks and hoods. From their names, I could guess that they were one man and one woman.

「Use these two as your liaisons. From now on, please ask each of them how to contact me. I’m sure we two will have different ways of contacting each other.」

「You’re very well prepared for this.」

「I have to be this good to make it in the association over here.」

At that moment Richey knocks on the door.

「Master, Esmeralda of the Summoner faction is here to see you. Would you like to make an arrangement?」

「Tell her to wait five minutes.」

「By your will then…」

「Yes, it is. I’m sorry we could only get you a short window of time, Miliazar.」

「No, it was worthwhile. I thank you too.」

「Now I’d like to have a leisurely dinner.」

「That’s fine with me, but we don’t have a lot of free time on our hands.」

「Totally. Then, we’ll see each other soon.」

With that, Tetrastin moves a book in the study with a clunk, and a hidden staircase appears under the desk.

「I’ve already activated the transporter magic. You should be able to return to your room at the Arnelia Church in no time.」

「How did you manage to set the coordinates?」

「You remember the other day when I took the errand boy to your room? That’s when it happened.」

「I can’t be too careful… Don’t come crawling to me at night with your transference spells, okay?」

「Is that your way of telling me to come?」

「No!」

Miliazar leaves the room, swearing. After seeing him off with a smile, Tetrastin returns to a serious expression that is even intimidating. Although he is such a casual character in front of Miliazar, he is known as one of the most martial fighters in the Magic Association, holding down the other factions through fear and force. He once purged in front of all those who defied him to his face and tried to disrupt the unity of the Magic Association. It was Tetrastin who thought that such a side was something he did not want to show to those who liked him.

＊＊＊

Here at the Church of Arnelia, in front of the gate leading to the Palace of the Deep Green where Miliiazar holds her office. Soldiers on guard are conversing. Their conversations were usually about their daughters or what they were going to have for dinner.

Here in Arnelia, which is considered the most peaceful place in the world, the only thing they keep an eye on is the number of passersby who pass in front of them. The land is almost completely free of thieves. There are even complaints that the number of guards should be reduced.

Naturally, the soldiers on guard today do not seem very motivated.

「Fuaah～ I’m so sleepy, Audis.」

「Shhh! If Rafferty-sama finds out, you’ll be punished with a city perimeter or something, right, Landau?」

「You may be right… But I mean, who has time to guard the main gate of the Arnelia church headquarters like this? No one is going to attack us, and the Great Lord’s response will be handled by another intercessor.」

「I’m sure you’re right, but…」

「You won’t be punished if you let your guard down a little.」

Landau sat cross-legged on the ground. Audis was about to chastise him for that, when he heard the words, “You’re right, that’s not a good idea.”

「Be that as it may… H–Hey…」

「Rafferty-sama is certainly strong, but he is still a young man who just turned 20. You don’t have to be so scared.」

「Landau, b–b–behind you…」

「What do you mean behind… Hieek!!」

Standing smiling behind them is the young man they called Rafferty. He has a very kind appearance and still retains somewhat of a boyish air. It stands smiling and amiable. But its common name is the young man known as the『Smiling Devil.』

「That sounds like a pretty interesting talk.」

「No, uhm, erm…」

「I–It’s nothing!」

「Okay, that’s fine then, I just have one thing wrong that I’d like to correct.」

「「Anything you seek!!」」

「It’s not one lap around the perimeter, it’s five. Yes, go right ahead.」

「Erm, It’s about 10 km around, so… 50 km??」

「T–That’s absurd…」

「Oops, I forgot to say this… Of course you two are going to run in full gear, you know?」

「U–Uhee!」

「I am sorry!」

「You need to get there early so you can get your marching gears.」

「「We’ll be happy to go!!」」

Audis and Landau run off at full speed. Rafferty smiles and waves to them. The people around them were watching the scene with shaking hands.

Rafferty. His full name is Rafferty Fidelity Lazaar. He is Albert’s younger brother, the second of three brothers. Although he is only 20 years old, he is already married with a child. His current position is assistant to Albert’s second in command. Of course, he is one of the great men of valor known throughout the Templar Knights. Unlike Alberto, he uses a twin sword. Although always smiling, he is known as a person who is more strict than others, both with his subordinates and with himself, and is even more feared within the Templar than Albert. And that’s how he got his nickname. Then one boy caught his eye.

「Yo, Jake.」

「Geh! Rafferty!!」

「Have you forget to put『-san』in front of your superiors?」

「W–What can I do for you, Rafferty『-san』?」

「Yeah, I had some free time and thought I’d give you a lesson.」

「I humbly refrain from doing so!」

「Hahaha, don’t use polite language you’re not used to. You can say『yes』there, okay?」

「N–No!」

「Hahaha, what an adorable child. You didn’t have to be so modest.」

「Someone help me——」

But all of them are making a joint palm motion toward Jake. For Rafferty, Jake is always clinging to his brother Alberto, so he buys Jake’s company to reduce his brother’s time burden as much as possible, but he is not really aware that this is just torture for Jake. But in a few years, Jake will be thankful for this torture.

＊＊＊

And here are Audis and Landau trying to head outside to run the perimeter.

「He want us to run 50 km with 20 kg of equipment on our backs? We’re gonna die doing that…」

「Someone died from that a long time ago. Was it the onset of a messenger race?」

「No, it’ll be longer than that.」

「That was… don’t you die on me.」

「Tohoho…」

As the two such nodding people try to get out, a boy with a deep hood stands in front of them. From the boy’s appearance, they guessed he must be a traveler, and out of pure old manhood, they called out to him.

「Oya, boy. What can I do for you at the Arnelia Church?」

「Yes, Is this the way to the headquarters of the Arnelia Church?」

「That’s right. But the usual place of worship and prayer is at the gate about 500 meters across from here. Anyone who wants to come to HQ must have an appointment or a referral, do you have any kind of referral?」

「No–no, I don’t have no such thing. Because… Wouldn’t that be interesting?」

「! Don’t, Landau. Stay away…」

Sneeze!

Landau’s neck was snapped off before he even had time to draw his sword. Without even looking at his friend, who was dying in front of him, Audis blew his emergency whistle.

Piiiihhhhhh!

A high pitched sound instantly echoed through the air, and the air in the Arnelia Church instantly became tense. The boy gave an honest compliment to the action.

「Nice work. Faster than you can draw your sword, faster than you can blow the whistle on the life and death of your fellow man. You put the Church before yourself. You’re trained to do what you have to do, and you know what you have to do. I should praise you for that.」

「Who are you, kid? Are you some kind of monster?」

「Who knows… what will you do?」

「Don’t joke around!」

Audis slashes at the boy as soon as he draws his sword. His judgment, sword speed, and body movement are superb for a common soldier. However…

「You’ve got a bad partner here.」

The boy who twisted his hand and made him stab himself in the throat with his own sword. The sword pierces his throat, and Audis collapses, wobbling and convulsing, without even a scream.

At the same time, however, the other guards can be seen coming in from the gate in pieces.

「Fufufu… his response is quick as a rock. I think I’m going to enjoy this one.」

The hood was removed and out of it came, of course, Doom.

「Now then, time to have some fun! Let’s have as much fun as we can, my goddesses!」

And then four women appeared. The battle between Doom and Arnelian Church was about to begin.