181. Meeting (1)
Having returned to Paris like that, Alicia began reviewing what she had seen during the expedition. It was a meeting to decide on a course of action from now on, and the existence of the divine beast Phoenix was enough to upend every policy they had pursued so far.
But that meeting didn't last long.
"Whoa. Do birds in Paris knock on windows or something? Am I seeing things?"
For some reason, a bird flew into the lodgings where they were staying and openly pecked at the window where Alicia was, knocking with its beak.
Alicia initially thought it was just how birds in Paris behaved, but...
No, it's actually pecking. Really blatantly, like it's demanding we open the window blocking it right now.
"Uh... an attack from a new Awakener!?"
Bahamut stated that it was really knocking and advised that the bird was pleading to open the window quickly. But while Alicia made a fuss, assuming it might be an attack from a new Awakener...
"No matter what, there wouldn't be any fool attacking a head of state in broad daylight."
As if calming Alicia's fuss, the maid offered tea and advised that it was unlikely. But Alicia's eyes went dead, she let out a sigh, and opened her mouth.
"We have the Protector and the Saintess."
"...Can't deny that. Hm."
Both were existences that shattered common sense, so those two really could launch an attack in broad daylight. The maid couldn't refute it either, proof of the societal belief that if necessary, the Protector and Saintess would absolutely do it.
Still, assuming such a blatant attack meant the perpetrator would come themselves rather than use a small bird, apparently...
"I'll open it once, Your Majesty."
Preparing for any contingency, the maid stepped forward first and gently opened the window. As the window opened, the splendid bird entered the room, flew straight to where Alicia was sitting, landed on the table in front of her, and dropped something it had been holding in its talons.
Then, with sparkling eyes full of expectation that she hurry and give a reply about this, it stared at Alicia with a very human expression.
Alicia's first words at the sight:
"What is this? What's going on? Is there a Hogwarts in Paris or something? Why did a bird bring us a letter?"
"It's the end times with magic, after all. Maybe we really entered the wizarding world Ms. Rowling wrote... Though reality feels more like the dark side from Lord of the Rings by Sir Tolkien."
It was a reference to England's famous fantasy novels, and what they were experiencing now wasn't so different. A splendid, magical bird delivering a letter and waiting for a reply was a mysterious scene blatantly referencing those famous fantasy novels, no matter who saw it.
The maid agreed but emphasized the grim reality, deepening Alicia's gloom.
This surprised even me.
"Even Bahamut-nim?"
But Bahamut was purely awed by the scene.
Of course. I have no ability to train birds, and magic contact is faster anyway. Isn't it now?
"True."
True, birds delivering letters was something from movies, so it was mysterious. Since Bahamut lacked the ability to control animals, he assumed it was Phoenix's unique power.
The problem was that after delivering the letter, the bird just stared blankly at Alicia, as if waiting for what it wanted.
"F-First, let's read it."
To the esteemed Bahamut-nim.
Hello. First, I sincerely thank you for reading my letter amid your busy schedule. I am Phoenix, and I am also the one who contracted with the Orleans Saintess. I have always been deeply impressed by the outstanding leadership and profound insight you have shown from the Korean Peninsula. Over the past year, I have learned much from your feats and demeanor, and it has positively influenced my own contract.
The reason I am sending this letter now is to seek your valuable advice regarding my contract. Recently, having bestowed a contract, I have faced many difficulties, and with my lack of experience, I encounter obstacles every day. Thus, I believe hearing from someone as experienced and insightful as you, Bahamut-nim, is truly important.
Through this, I am confident I can find better solutions and proceed with the contract more efficiently. If you could spare some time to offer advice, it would be of immense help to me. I know your schedule is exceedingly busy, but if possible, even a brief opportunity to hear your precious thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Finally, I once again express my deep respect to Bahamut-nim, who guides the Balhut Cult with exceptional leadership and keen judgment. I hope to receive much more guidance in the future, and thank you again for reading my letter. I pray you remain in good health and that only good fortunes fill your days.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Phoenix.
"……"
Bahamut and Alicia fell silent upon reading the letter. They had never dreamed of receiving such a polite, procedurally perfect letter.
What is this? I don't know, it's scary.
"It's polite. Seems like a courteous person. Very well-composed."
The maid, reading the letter, remarked that it was more polite than expected and full of decorum.
"This is from Phoenix too!? No way it's a trap from the Saintess! Don't panic!! This is the Saintess's trap!"
The letter's content was innocuous, but the sender was the divine beast contracted with the Orleans Saintess. For a divine beast contracted to that Saintess, it was too polite and courteous. It might be prejudiced, but considering the Orleans Saintess's actions so far, it was disorienting enough.
I don't know, this is scary.
Bahamut couldn't hide his bewilderment at the formal letter either. I thought it was another shut-in like me, but maybe it's actually a hardcore fanatic! That thought filled his head. To plunge Bahamut and Alicia into shock and horror with just one letter! As expected of the phoenix said to be of Bahamut's caliber.
But the content seems fine.
"Yes. No procedural issues. It's just too polite for something written by that Saintess's contractor..."
No matter how she looked, the letter itself had no problems. On the contrary, it politely requested help from Bahamut. The maid, checking procedures, said there were no issues with Phoenix's letter and remarked it was too courteous for a divine beast contracted to the Orleans Saintess. If the Saintess had written it, wouldn't it have been more arrogant, exalting herself?
Then we should reply.
"H-How do we reply to this?"
"I'll assist you, Your Majesty."
Since they received a letter, a reply was necessary. Bahamut said he would reply to Alicia, and though bewildered, she began preparing a response to Phoenix. Thanks to the maid assisting her, they managed to write it without issue.
As requested, I'll meet in person.
"You don't mean... summoning here in Paris again!?"
No need. It has a human form.
Bahamut agreed to meet Phoenix in person as requested. Alicia panicked at his words but was convinced by Bahamut's explanation.
"True, it had a human form at the initial contract too."
When Alicia first contracted, Bahamut had been in human form, and he had attended the international organization reconstruction meeting. But afterward, Bahamut had stayed in his Dragon God form, so in Paris, only the Protector and Orleans Saintess would recognize his human appearance.
The issue is whether the other side can do that...
The problem was whether Phoenix could use polymorph magic. If not, meeting in human form in Paris was impossible from the start.
Thus, with a slightly troubled expression as he looked around, his eyes met the bird dispatched by Phoenix.
And there's a perfect messenger right here. Should be no problem.
"Tweet?"
Thinking about it, using this bird in front of them would allow periodic contact with Phoenix. So they wrote a reply about the method for regular communication, handed it to the bird, and it chirped once as if tired of waiting, took the letter from Alicia, and flew back.
The next day, a reply came from Phoenix via the same bird. With the maid's help, Alicia wrote a letter and they exchanged with Phoenix repeatedly.
"Chirp!"
"Oh, you're here. We're practically friends now, you and I."
"Chirp!"
Before long, Alicia had grown close to the letter-delivering bird. She even prepared snacks for the messenger bird now, treating it like a pet, and the bird seemed to like Alicia too, chirping happily at the treats she offered.
"A reply agreeing to meet has finally come."
Good. Then...
And the long-awaited time for the meeting arrived. Bahamut nodded to Phoenix's invitation to meet...
"Time for us to get ready too."
"Whoa!?"
...and teleported to Paris in human form using Alicia. Seeing Bahamut appear in armor similar to what Alicia wore, Sir Arthur startled, his chair toppling backward. He somehow stood, on guard against the sudden man, but...
"It's Bahamut-nim."
"Eh? Is it?"
"Yes. Same appearance as during the contract."
Alicia said the sudden intruder was Bahamut, and the maid nodded to the dazed Sir Arthur, confirming it. Having convinced Sir Arthur, the maid familiarly brought clothing for Bahamut.
"Let's show Ms. Phoenix a gentlemanly appearance."
"Much obliged."
And prepared makeup for this meeting.