Chapter 200
Chapter 200
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 200
Chapter Title: Second Continental Summit Conference (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Long time no see, Saintess. To think you'd even personally welcome us like this—I'm truly honored."
"Hee hee, oh, it's nothing. Compared to all the hardships you've endured out there, this is the least I could do."
Saintess Riesta responded to Heinrich's sheepish smile with one of her own, then turned to the rest of the group, continuing in a gentle voice.
"You've all worked so hard. I've heard all about your exploits along the way, but seeing you all safe and sound puts my mind at ease. Especially after hearing about that close call not long ago..."
She was referring to the battle with the white giant in Geoas's hometown.
The moment it emerged from the Abyss's scar had been detected, so the Church of the Main God had no choice but to react sensitively to it.
"We certainly had our hands full with that one. Unlike anything before, it crossed over directly from the Abyss, so even I couldn't sense it coming. I suppose it's all because I'm still so lacking."
"Isn't it only natural that a human body can't fully grasp the will of the Main God? Still, the fact that the Saint Candidate was right there at that moment feels like divine guidance to me."
Of the giants that had appeared so far, one had inflicted massive casualties on the imperial army before being slain, while the other had shown up in the Rohan Dukedom only to clash with the Church's elites and flee into the northern mountains.
Yet there was no way the far weaker barony in the Resk Kingdom could have stopped a monster of that caliber on its own.
Without the hero party there, who could even imagine the death and despair it would have wrought?
...Of course, whether their encounter had truly been coincidence or if something had drawn it there remained uncertain.
'I've received so much help from Chehai over the years, and I've grown fond of the kids too, so I can't help but worry. The orphanage near the giant got completely demolished.'
Right after finally felling the giant.
The hero party had poured effort into managing the aftermath, but reality wasn't so simple.
Those still in the danger zone when it rampaged into the village had been evacuated by Isea as best she could, but plenty had perished before she could act.
Grieving townsfolk mourning lost loved ones, the injured groaning from wounds sustained in the evacuation, and those slumped in stunned despair amid the ruins of their homes.
It was a total disaster.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the giant's corpse—now without its core—began crumbling rapidly and vanished completely within hours, sparing them the hassle of disposing of hundreds of tons of waste in the village center.
All that remained were the overwhelming traces of destruction.
They couldn't leave the village with peace of mind until after treating the wounded and handling other follow-ups—only after Geoas stepped up to support reconstruction and pressured Baron Legas, the landowner.
From the baron's perspective, having a high-ranking noble of count rank offer to help with his territory—something he had to deal with anyway—was nothing to complain about.
"Ah! I've kept you all too long. You must be tired. Let me show you to your quarters."
"Come to think of it, yes. Thank you for your consideration, Saintess."
Their chat with the Saintess was brief; dinner was ending, so they agreed to talk more tomorrow and parted ways.
"Saint Candidate, Saintess. We'll take our leave then. Come on, Heron. Let's go pay our respects to the princess."
"Yes, Master! Good night, everyone!"
The conference was just two days away.
With evening now, only one day would remain after nightfall.
Naturally, all participating nations had already arrived at the Roselia Cathedra, including the Azerion Empire, represented by Princess Riley.
"Well, I'll be off too..."
Geoas headed off after hearing that the Resk Kingdom delegation wished to meet him.
He had no lingering attachment to the kingdom or nobility anymore, but holding the title did make things convenient.
Besides, his presence as a noble gave him backing for Chehai and his family amid their recent turmoil.
"Haha! Finally, a taste of the cathedra's meat after so long! I'll head out before the dining hall closes!"
Hali bounded off energetically after the guide, leaving only Heinrich and Riesta—aside from distant attendants.
"So, Heinrich? Care to chat in my office for a bit? I just got some excellent tea; the aroma is divine."
"Mm, sure. But are you sure you shouldn't rest, Riesta? I've been meaning to say—you look exhausted."
"...Hee hee hee. With the conference just two days away, where's the time? To avoid burdening anyone, I have to double- and triple-check everything."
A shadow of gloom crossed her ever-smiling face for some reason.
'Huh? So this isn't just about tea...'
As that thought hit him and he instinctively stepped back—
Grip—
Riesta's beaming smile returned as she seized his wrist.
"I've handled the preparations with everyone's help, but there's so much I have to do alone this time. I just can't shake this unease. But you're here now, Heinrich—what luck!"
Her golden eyes flashed with intensity.
Her grip tightened like she wouldn't let go.
"No time to waste, so just to be safe, we should double-check everything..."
During the first conference, they had divided tasks, discussing the tricky parts together.
Of course, cardinals and staff had helped make it possible.
They'd surely filled any gaps this time too, but...
"You'll... help, right?"
This overly responsible girl wasn't satisfied with that alone.
"...Got it. I was planning to recheck security anyway. It's my wheelhouse."
How could he ignore those golden eyes looking up like a rain-soaked kitten?
She'd always leaned on him subtly, being in similar positions, so this wasn't too surprising.
'We did it once before, so a quick recheck shouldn't take long.'
Her face lit up at his agreement, and she tugged his arm brighter than ever.
"Thank you! I knew you'd say that! Come on! So much to check one last time! Especially with the Thalia Kingdom issue—it's going to be a real headache..."
Saintess Riesta dragged him to her office, clutching his arm firmly with both hands like she was hauling a prisoner.
'...This will really be quick, right?'
At this rate, he'd need coffee, not tea.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ One day until the summit.
The conference hadn't even begun, yet the host Church of the Main God and participants buzzed with activity.
Even if gathered due to crisis, such a gathering of continental powers was rare.
Leaders exchanged info, reviewed policies, adjusted stances—days blurred into frenzy.
"Tsk—smack."
But one lounged carefree, unconcerned.
"No matter how much I eat lately, I'm starving again in no time. Must be because of that."
A massive barbarian warrior prowled the cathedra halls like a predator: Hali.
The night before, he'd marked his return with a juicy feast battle against the Third Central Dining Hall chefs, then dojo-crawled breakfast onward through the cathedra's eateries.
Its scale allowed many halls; now, post-satisfying lunch at the First Central, he headed to the training grounds for a workout.
'Means my energy reserves have grown that much. Makes sense—'Gigantification' demands insane power.'
Gigantification, acquired after devouring the white giant's core.
Along with massive 'madness', it settled in Hali—straightforward body-enlargement, as named.
More efficient than forcing Body Transformation, but both guzzled energy.
'Ignores mass conservation too. Still, low proficiency caps me at 7 meters.'
Tested midnight in the mountains out of curiosity.
He'd hastily canceled as hunger surged, wolfing midnight snacks.
7 meters could stomp an ogre mountain boss, but after the giant, it felt lacking.
'Proficiency will grow it bigger. Didn't expect to run into Patrick there.'
Mercenary Guild's chief secretary Patrick, reunited at the hall.
Same faction as previous Mercenary King Kanble, killed by the Immortal King.
Facing downfall, he'd approached Hali first: join to claim the throne?
His one demand: build fame all mercenaries acknowledge; he'd handle the rest.
'And it's going smoothly.'
As a comrade of the legendary first Mercenary King—the hero.
Unless he died midway, this alone forced recognition.
Patrick's face had beamed just now.
Everything on track.
'And yet.'
Elated inwardly, he'd offered handshake first, bowed politely, and left.
Never imagining what Hali could do.
'Discrepancy between muscle mass and actual strength. Not common.'
Maybe hidden ability or magic tool—not 100%, but near-certain.
'Lots climbing higher than expected. Makes sense with starter talents and growth buffs.'
Most fell behind or quit growth for safety.
'Curious his unique skill. Administrative bent, not combat? Useful support like Andrew's...'
As Hali schemed, hurrying along—
"Khkhk— Are you Hali? Saw you before, but first face-to-face."
An unfamiliar voice halted him.
"Huh? Granny?"
Silver hair, wrinkle-covered face tattooed vibrantly.
Stooped elder with wooden staff dangling ornaments.
"Khk kh, circumstances kept me away before. Glad we can talk now."
Morna, great shaman and rep of the southern Kolkos tribal alliance—origin of Kolkos Battle Tattoos.
"So, lad, spare time for this old woman?"
"What's the business, granny? I'm kinda busy!"
Grouchy outside, he analyzed fast inside.
Recalling: Patrick wasn't alone recommending him for the strike team.
This tribal rep too.
For him, who claimed southern warrior roots but never visited or met anyone.
'Was planning south soon. They came first?'
The coup in the south, yet Kolkos's rep stands casual.
Trap...?
"Interest in the 'War King's Tattoo'?"
...Worth hearing out.
No loss in talk; even if scheming, extra intel.
'Déjà vu.'
Patrick approached similarly.
Mercenary King, now War King's Tattoo.
Plotters dangled sweet bait.
"Oh! Heard of it! Supposed to be killer."
True man Hali bit eagerly, ignoring ploys.
Grinning wolfishly, teeth bared—enough to buckle the timid.
'End of the tattoo tree, right?'
Lately, 'beastkin' excuses let inhuman power overshadow tattoos.
Even new Gigantification unmanaged...
'More skills always better! Rare chance.'
Human greed knows no bounds.
#201