Chapter 96: Union Conference (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 96: Union Conference (2)
The office of Duke Comallon, located within the Ashtalon Kingdom.
"……Was the result a success?"
"Yes. According to the reports, it was. However, there seem to have been some shortcomings."
The Duke was receiving a report from a Dark Elf.
"Shortcomings? Such as?"
"To be precise, rather than the perfect manifestation you desired, it was closer to an incomplete one. As for the reason—we suspect it was due to a lack of Abyss Bodies."
"A lack of Abyss Bodies, you say?"
"Yes."
At the Dark Elf’s report, the Duke of Ashtalon let out a low hum, lost in thought.
"Also, there is one more thing to report."
"What is it now?"
"……It is said that the one who dealt with the Artificial Outer God in the Holy Kingdom was Marquis Palatio."
"Hah, Palatio again?"
"Yes."
Duke Comallon let out a dry chuckle at the Dark Elf’s words. He seemed to ponder something for a moment before speaking.
"I understand for now."
"Yes, Excellency."
"And, push a few more Abyss Bodies into the subject currently undergoing experimentation."
With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the Dark Elf.
The Dark Elf bowed slightly, turned, and vanished. Duke Comallon paid no mind to the departure, remaining deep in thought until he suddenly spoke.
"It’s been a while."
Despite there being no one else in the room, the Duke offered a greeting. In response to his voice:
"Indeed."
With a low exclamation, a figure stepped out from the shadows.
From a spot that had clearly been empty just a moment ago, the Entity Wearing the Holy Shroud appeared as if it had been there from the very beginning.
"It has been a long time."
The entity naturally took a seat across from the Duke.
"What brings you here?"
At Duke Comallon’s question, the entity leaned back in the chair.
"As for why I’m here, you surely know the reason. I was curious as to when you might finally make your move."
"All preparations are complete. Once I obtain what is in the jungle, I will move soon."
Duke Comallon replied tonelessly.
The entity hummed and stared at the Duke.
A long silence followed.
Just as the tension began to mount naturally:
"Well, I suppose so."
The entity in the Holy Shroud shrugged, dissipating the heavy atmosphere.
"It truly is fascinating. Seeing how well you still get along as a human, I mean."
The entity stood up and turned around.
"Then, I shall trust your word. That it won't be long before you raise the Great Cause you've been planning."
The Entity Wearing the Holy Shroud turned its gaze from the darkness in the corner of the office back to Duke Comallon.
And then.
"I pray your Great Cause succeeds. Oh, and—"
Just before walking back into the shadows.
"I’m telling you this just in case, but be careful of that man."
"……That man?"
"You should know him."
The entity sounded almost amused.
"Count Palatio—no, I believe he’s a Marquis now?"
With those final words, the figure vanished completely into the darkness.
Left alone in his office, Duke Comallon muttered the name quietly.
"……Marquis Palatio."
* * *
After completing the formal conferral ceremony in the Holy Kingdom and rising from Count to Marquis, Alon traveled leisurely back to the Palatio territory—now a Marquisate.
Normally, he would have headed straight to Teria after the ceremony, but he decided it was better to drop off the gifts he had received from the Holy Kingdom first.
Alon turned his gaze toward the rear.
There stood a carriage piled high with goods, much like the one he had received when leaving the Colony.
I didn't expect to receive something like this from the Holy Kingdom.
Alon felt a sense of novelty as he looked at the carriage Yutia had provided as a "reward."
As far as he knew, completing a quest for the Holy Kingdom in the game usually rewarded the player with skill books or Holy Relics rather than material wealth like this.
Well, material rewards are much better, though.
Just as Alon was subconsciously smiling at the thought of his growing family treasury:
"Marquis."
Evan called out to him. The title "Marquis" seemed to have finally stuck, as he used it without stumbling. Alon turned his head to respond.
"What is it?"
"I was just thinking. What is the reason for holding a title conferral ceremony in the Holy Kingdom anyway?"
"……Who knows?"
"Even you don't know, Marquis?"
"Well—"
Alon thought for a moment but simply shrugged.
"It feels like a custom that’s been passed down from a long time ago. There’s probably no deeper meaning to it."
"Is that so?"
"At least as far as I know."
Of course, it wasn't that he knew a lot; he was basing his answer on something Yutia had mentioned in passing: 'You came all this way for a meaningless custom, but I'm just happy to see you, Teacher.'
"……To be honest, it does seem a bit pointless."
"I agree."
Alon shifted his gaze to the mercenary group riding ahead—more specifically, to Myaon, who was leading the vanguard. He felt a strange sense of doubt.
During their last journey, she had entered his carriage without hesitation to keep him company, making the trip quite lively. This time, however, she hadn't visited the carriage once.
Furthermore...
Flinch!
Whenever Alon happened to make eye contact with her, she would jump in surprise, give an awkward smile and a nod, and then quickly look back forward. This cycle had been repeating.
……I wonder what on earth Yutia said to her.
He had a vague idea of why she was acting that way. A few days ago, he had seen Myaon frozen in front of Yutia like a mouse before a cat.
Even when he asked out of curiosity what Yutia had said, Myaon would grit her teeth and repeat in a forced, casual voice, "She really didn't say anything at all!"
By now, he had given up on finding out.
Well, she’ll probably just keep being uncomfortable if I keep asking, so I should stop.
Alon let out a light sigh and leaned back in the carriage.
It was a relaxed afternoon under a clear blue sky.
* * *
About two weeks later, Alon arrived at the Palatio estate. After parting ways with Myaon and resting for a day, he immediately headed for Teria.
Passing through landscapes he had seen several times now, he was granted an audience with Cretenia Siyan inside the Royal Palace.
However, the meeting took place in her private office rather than the audience hall.
"I greet Your Majesty."
"You may raise your head."
The voice came immediately after he bowed in respect.
As Alon slowly looked up, the interior of Siyan’s office came into view.
It’s modest.
Her office was surprisingly plain.
The furniture was clearly of high quality at a glance, but compared to the office of the King of Colony, it was very understated. As he stole a few glances:
"I have heard the news. They say you saved the Holy Kingdom."
"……The stories are greatly exaggerated."
"Is that so? For an exaggeration, there seems to be no dissenting noise at all. Ah, first, take a seat. It must be uncomfortable to remain on your knees."
At her words, Alon carefully stood up and sat in the chair placed before the desk, facing Siyan.
She spoke, her Golden History Eyes—the unique trait of the Asteria royalty—shining.
"Well—to continue, there is no need for false modesty. While humility is a necessary virtue, too much of it can become a poison."
"Then, I shall refrain from excessive modesty."
"Do so."
Siyan smiled with satisfaction, then rested her chin on her hand and stared intently at the Marquis.
Then, suddenly:
"Ah."
As if remembering something, she pulled something from the side of her desk and handed it to Alon.
"……This is?"
"A sweet potato. Do you not like them?"
"Pardon?"
"Do you dislike them?"
"Uh…… no. I do like them, but..."
"Take it."
Alon accepted the sweet potato with a look of utter bewilderment.
For a moment, he wondered if he had ever told anyone he liked sweet potatoes. He quickly focused his mind as Siyan continued.
"Normally, I would have just given you a formal greeting in the audience hall and sent you on your way. Why do you think I called you here specifically?"
"……My insight as your subject is lacking—"
"Well, there’s no need to be so formal. In short, you’re saying you don't know."
"……That is correct."
At Alon’s answer, Siyan said:
"It’s nothing major, really. I called you to my office because I felt like having a chat. The request will be simpler than you expect."
"……May I ask what task you wish to command of me?"
"Exactly one month from now, there will be a conference of the United Kingdoms."
"A conference?"
"Yes. It is essentially an extension of the previous summit. I would like you to accompany me as my aide. Is that possible?"
Alon remained silent for a moment before nodding.
"……It is possible."
To be honest, attending the conference wasn't a bad thing for him either.
The center of the United Kingdoms, 'Tern,' was a place only administrators could enter except during central conferences.
There were items there that he could obtain, much like at the Magic Society.
However, he felt a sense of doubt as to why she had specifically chosen him as her aide, though he didn't ask.
Whatever the reason, he understood all too well that in this world, the Queen’s word was law.
"I like your straightforward answer."
Siyan nodded with satisfaction and said:
"Now then, eat."
"Pardon……?"
"The sweet potato. Are you not going to eat it?"
"No, I will…… eat it. But, here?"
"Yes. Where else would you eat it?"
"I shall eat it here, then."
He had no idea why she was doing this, but he eventually nodded and ate the rest of the sweet potato right in front of her.
……Of course, he couldn't even taste it.
* * *
A few days later.
Just as the news that Marquis Palatio would be attending as Cretenia Siyan’s aide began to spread through the grapevine.
There were two people who reacted to this rumor more strongly than anyone else.
One of them was:
"Guild Master."
"Hmm—? Whaaat is it?"
"I have good news."
"Whaaat is it?"
"You know the Union Conference you’re supposed to attend at the Kingdom’s request?"
"Yeah, was it canceled?"
It was Seolrang, who was slumped over in the Guild Master’s office.
"No, it wasn't—"
"Then it’s not good news. I told you, I don't wanna gooo."
"But didn't we receive a lot of support for it?"
"I don't care, I just don't want to."
She was radiating a 'I really hate this' vibe with every fiber of her being, letting out a long, weary sigh.
"Ahem, but there really is good news."
"What?"
"It is said that Marquis Palatio will be participating in the conference."
"……Really!?"
At the secretary’s next words, her drooping tail began to wag vigorously.
The other person was:
"……Commander."
"What is it, Vice Commander?"
"Just in case, I wanted to ask. Were you aware that Marquis Palatio is attending the conference you previously declined?"
"……What?"
It was Deus, who had been focusing on his training after declining the Kingdom’s request to attend the summit.
"Is that true?"
"Yes, they say Marquis Palatio is attending the conference."
"I’m heading to the capital immediately."
"Then I’ll prepare—ah—wait, Commander! At least change your clothes……!"
As soon as he heard the news, he began sprinting toward the Royal Palace in his training gear.
……A fierce determination burned in his purple eyes.