"So, do you know who those six people are or which organization they belong to?"
Ryo asked the two who had fled to his side.
Their eyes were wide open.
"Probably… one of the church's assassination squads."
Captain Bangan muttered.
"One of the? They have that many assassination squads?… How scary."
Ryo commented while shaking his head several times.
"Rumor has it that the 12 Cardinals and Pope each have one… for a total of 13 assassination squads."
Vice Captain Amalia replied.
As expected of the Secret Service. There is nothing wrong with collecting information about the enemy.
"Then… we'll just have to capture them and make them spit it out."
Ryo muttered.
"Yeah, but they should be astonishingly skilled…"
Captain Bangan replied in a low voice.
Vice Captain Amalia swallowed audibly next to him. It seemed that she was quite nervous.
The six from the assassination squad slowly approached.
"Well then, shall I?"
Ryo muttered and chanted.
"
In an instant, six blocks of ice were born. Sealing the assassination squad members inside.
"Hahhh….?"
Bangan and Amalia muttered in unison.
Ryo said as he approached the ice coffins.
"Okay, okay. It's been a long time since I used
He nodded satisfactorily while tapping the ice.
"Um… weren't you planning on capturing them alive?"
Captain Bangan asked with a frightened look.
Perhaps he imagined that spell could be directed at him too.
"Oh, it's okay. These people are alive."
"In that condition… they're still alive…?"
Vice Captain Amalia's mutter was heard only by Bangan next to her.
"I can interrogate them here, but I don't have any interrogation skills…"
In the middle of his sentence, Ryo suddenly moved.
"
Baki, Juts.
An extremely thick vortex of flame attacked Ryo.
The ice wall that blocked it melted up to the ninth layer.
"Impossible…"
Its power surprised even Ryo.
The only flames he could think of that could melt his ice wall were like Leonor or that Explosive Blaze Magician's flames… or maybe the red bear.
Was it someone of that level…?
Five people suddenly appeared.
"Teleport? No, this feeling is different…"
Ryo had experienced the sensation of those appearing with teleport several times.
To be exact, he knew how those who appear with teleport get perceived by
The five people that appeared were different.
Rather, it felt closer to that rafflesia-like plant monster.
Of course, that monster relied on visual concealment but… they felt as though they had a similar but even more effective concealment lifted…
That was how they appeared.
"No way, my
A man with fiery red hair in the center spoke in a monotonous voice.
He must have been in his late twenties, about 180 centimeters tall.
His clothes were white, and rather than a robe, it was something closer to a military coat on Earth.
"Cesare, what should we do?"
"Kill everyone. Match me."
Saying so, the red-haired man called Cesare raised his right hand to shoulder height and chanted.
"
At the moment of chanting, countless flame bullets were fired from Cesare's right arm.
"
When the other four also chanted, dozens of balls of flame were fired from each.
"
Ryo moved in front of the two intelligence agents and created an ice wall in front of them.
But even Ryo's ice wall…
"Melting? What power…"
Surprisingly, Ryo's ice wall was melting and being penetrated…
Each time that happened, his ice wall reformed.
But...
"Those people…"
He heard Vice Captain Amalia mutter.
When he looked, the six frozen people… ice coffins had been attacked and tragically destroyed.
Including those who were trapped inside…
"Weren't they allies…"
Captain Bangan's strangled voice was accompanied by bitterness.
The six of them tried to kill them, but they had lost their ability to fight… there was no need to attack and kill them.
Ryo glanced at Bangan and Amalia beside him.
(These are difficult opponents to fight while protecting these two…)
He made a decision.
Once decided, his next action was quick.
He grabbed Bangan's waist with his right hand and Amalia's waist with his left hand.
Furthermore, he reinforced it with ice so as not to drop the two.
"Eh?"
The two voiced their surprise in unison.
"We're running."
As soon as he said it, he chanted in quick succession.
"
Hiding in ice fog, defending with ice walls, and flying with water… the three retreated.
Two people fainted halfway through…
Returning to consciousness, Bangan and Amalia led Ryo to the Secret Services headquarters.
For the time being, they needed to report to their superiors, and the safest place for the two of them in the capital was without a doubt the Secret Services Agency.
"I can't believe such a big shot appeared…"
Even Ryo could hear Bangan's muttering.
"Do you know who those people were?"
"Yes, because he was called Cesare…"
Bangan nodded in response to Ryo's question.
But Amalia answered him.
"Cesare, the third bishop who reports directly to the Pope… that Cesare?"
"Yeah. One of the four bishops who lead the Pope's assassination squad… his magic was more powerful than rumored."
Bangan nodded.
"It was indeed powerful magic."
Ryo nodded.
However, Ryo had noticed something.
When the five cast their magic, the brooches they were wearing glowed just a little.
And if Ryo's perception was correct, that light…
((It is the light when alchemy is activated))
((…Even if you talk to me about alchemy, I won't be able to answer, you know?))
Abel in 'Soul Resonance' is a busy king and an amateur in alchemy.
((Since it's something that only busy Abel can do, I have no choice but to talk to you. Yeah, there's no other choice. Yup, there's no other choice.))
((R-right… So, what should I do?))
((I want to confirm with Kenneth. Details about 'Fusion Magic'))
Yes, Ryo thought their unusually powerful magic was the result of combining alchemy and magic.
And he heard from Kenneth and Ilarion that it's called fusion magic.
But then that means…
There is a genius alchemist comparable to Viscount Kenneth Hayward supporting them.
It's going to get kind of troublesome…
And then, the three entered the Secret Services Agency.
Ryo was left alone in the reception room and the two went to report.
(Hah, is this… by any chance.)
Ryo noticed something.
(The rule of rescuing a noble daughter and gaining familiarity didn't happen, but could it be the activation of a derived type of member rescue rule? Finally… the rules that are common in otherworld fantasy must have been invoked!)
He was excited.
Two minutes later.
Just when I was about to drink the coffee that was served in front of him… the door was violently opened.
Then, people who appeared to be guards entered and surrounded the sofa where Ryo was sitting.
"… Eh?"
Ryo was confused.
A man who seemed to be the commander of those who entered declared.
"You are under arrest for suspicion of impersonation."
"…What?"
-x-X-x-
Seven people who looked like guards were surrounding the sofa where Ryo was sitting from a distance.
Ryo was taken aback and remained seated on the sofa.
The last man who entered through the door seemed to be in command.
"Bureau Chief, what are you talking about!"
Captain Bangan asked the man with a harsh tone.
Right behind him was Vice Captain Amalia.
"Bangan, this man is not the Duke of the Kingdom of Knightley. He deceived us, thinking we don't know anything."
"No, but… I heard that his identification plate was checked at the border. It is practically impossible to forge an identification plate."
"It must have been forged in some way that we don't know. We can get inside information about the church. Naturally, that also included information about the Central Countries' mission. Inside the mission roster, there isn't a duke from the Kingdom."
"What…"
The Bureau Chief explained and Bangan was at a loss for words.
That's when Ryo finally understood.
He could calm down once he understood.
People are like that.
(
He set up a wall of ice around himself.
It would be troublesome if they suddenly jumped him.
He adjusted it such that the coffee placed in front of him would fit inside the wall…
Then, Ryo let out a small sigh.
What should he do?
Ryo was completely innocent in this case.
He had saved two lives.
However, he was misunderstood and was about to be arrested.
In other words, it was a battle that he could definitely win.
Ryo grinned in his heart.
However, the misunderstanding won't be cleared there.
It can't be helped.
Battles don't always end on the spot.
However, Ryo's hand was strong this time. Surprisingly strong.
If your hand is unbeatable… if it's a royal straight flush, you don't need to back down.
Rather, the trick is to raise the stakes as much as possible.
"I'm sure you understand?"
Ryo slowly verbalized those words.
He crossed his legs and drank the coffee slowly.
"The meaning of arresting the Premier Duke of the Kingdom of Knightley, which is a major power among the Central Countries."
He daringly remarked and looked at the man who was called the Bureau Chief.
In his eyes burned suppressed anger…
"I am not a demon either. If you admit your error, if you apologize now, I will forgive you."
His tone was different from usual, but it was a voice that had the composure and power of a high-ranking person.
And then he took another sip of coffee.
"Ab-absurd!"
The Bureau Chief yelled.
He didn't seem to want to apologize.
"We have evidence!"
He had absolute confidence.
But what if the source of the evidence is wrong…?
"I'll teach you what's wrong."
Ryo smiled faintly, really faintly.
It was surprisingly eerie to those around him.
For the Bureau Chief, it was more than eerie, it was closer to fear…
Clearly, he was struck by Ryo's 'pressure'…
"The place you should check with is not the church. You should check with the mission itself."
"What…?"
In fact, there were quite a few members of the Central Countries' mission who knew about Ryo, but not many knew that Ryo was the 'Premier Duke of the Kingdom'.
Of course, most of the escorting adventurers from the Kingdom knew, but… they knew that when Ryo acted as an adventurer, he wanted to be treated as 'C-rank adventurer Ryo', so they treated him as normal…
After finishing the coffee, Ryo stood up.
"Then, I'll be returning to my inn."
"Wait!"
The guards behind Ryo reached out with their hands in sync with the Bureau Chief's voice, but they were blocked by an invisible wall.
"What?"
"Physical barrier?"
The completely transparent wall of ice may be indistinguishable from a physical barrier to ordinary humans.
Literally no one could touch him.
As Ryo walked, the people in front were pushed out of the way by the
Ryo left the gate of the Secret Services Agency with everyone kept at a distance, no one was able to hold him back.
Next to the Bureau Chief, he could see Captain Bangan and Vice Captain Amalia bowing their heads at him deeply.
They seem to be good people…
The bad impression that Ryo had of the Secret Services Agency as a whole was somewhat softened by the two of them.
"Welcome back, Ryo."
The receptionist at Doge Pietro, the inn where Ryo was staying, recognized Ryo and bowed respectfully.
The receptionist at that time was a nice-looking man.
It appeared that they shared information perfectly.
He recognized Ryo even though he didn't give his name.
"I'm back."
Even as Ryo answered, his eyes were captivated by the small blackboard at the lounge on his left.
"Excuse me, that lounge's 'blackboard cake of the month'…"
"Yes. This month's 'mousse chocolat covered with glacage chocolat' is a new original from our patissier."
He didn't know what it was, but it sure sounded like a delicious cake.
But there were more important words than that.
Glacage… 'Chocolat', Mousse… 'Chocolat'.
"Thank you, I'll try it."
Saying so, Ryo moved to the lounge and ordered 'This month's blackboard cake' and mocha coffee.
The cake that came out was…
"I knew it… chocolate…"
Yes, after reincarnating on Phi, Ryo encountered chocolate for the first time.
The cake had a cylindrical shape, and the surface was covered with glacage chocolate, in other words, melted chocolate… or should he say that it was coated?
Of course, it had hardened by now.
He cut it with a fork.
The chocolate on the surface cracked with a crisp.
Cutting out a bite-sized chunk and bringing it to his mouth…
"Oh, sweet…"
The chocolate was sweet.
It was not something like 100% cocoa, but it was the sweet chocolate that ordinary people on Earth think of when they hear the word 'chocolate'…
Right, especially this kind of chocolate…
"It goes well with coffee…"
Ryo had a moment of bliss.
After finishing the cake and drinking coffee, he heard something.
((Ryo? Can you hear me?))
((Eh? Kenneth?))
Typically, what Ryo wore on his ear was 'Abel's Soul Resonance', so what he hears should be Abel's voice… but this time, he heard Kenneth's voice.
Well, the alchemy tool was developed by Kenneth, but…
((Ah, yes. I quickly pieced together a new alchemy tool so that I could talk directly with Ryo. However, of course, it is still Abel's 'Soul Resonance', so even now, I am constantly having Abel touch the new alchemy tool. While that connection remains, we can talk like this.))
Somehow it seemed that he made a new alchemy tool.
What's more, to converse with Ryo through it, Abel must constantly touch the alchemy tool.
Surely Abel must be signing documents with his right hand as usual while holding the alchemy tool with his left hand…
His Majesty the King always has it tough…
((Okay… I kind of understand. So, if Kenneth's here, you're here regarding 'Fusion Magic', right?))
((Yes. I heard that Ryo encountered fusion magic in the Western Countries.))
((Yeah, it's highly likely.))
After saying that, Ryo talked about the man called Cesare and the people with him.
The strength of their magic, their brooches, etc.
((I see. With that kind of power, the possibility of fusion magic is high. It is said that the magic level of the Western Countries is higher than that of the Central Countries, but even so, it's hard to imagine breaking up to the ninth layer of Ryo's ice wall with a single strike. But if they used fusion magic… it's not impossible.))
((Oh…))
That's terrifying.
I want to increase the strength of my magic… that would be one of the wishes of any magician.
Alchemy that makes it possible and fusion magic… they are not opponents he can be careless about.
((As I said before, the easiest and most effective fusion magic is stacking magic. Those people likely also stacked the same magic to increase the output.))
((In other words, with one chant, many magic shots were fired?))
((Yes, that's right. You're not wrong to think of it that way.))
((But if that happens, the magical power used…))
((That's right. If you stack it five times, it will consume five times of magical power…))
((I see. Sacrificing stamina to increase the maximum instantaneous output huh…))
However, there was a possibility that it was not just that.
((Fundamentally, if you multiply it by 5 times, it will consume 5 times of magical power, but depending on the quality of the magic formula used and the quality of the magic stones used for the alchemy tools, it may be possible to only use about 3 times of magical power… I only recently found out that it is possible to save magical power))
((What…))
((I'll have to tweak the loop mechanism part of the magic formula a bit…))
Compared to three years ago, Ryo's alchemy-related knowledge has progressed dramatically, but even so, he still could not fully understand the explanation…
Ryo vowed to study harder…
However, he understood some things.
Sacrifice endurance to increase instant firepower.
((But Kenneth, you unveiled fusion magic, right? It's pretty amazing how they adopted it right away and refined it to this degree of perfection…))
((Yes, it's amazing.))
Ryo could imagine Kenneth nodding over and over again.
((Frank… Frank de Velde, who made artificial golems in the Union, could probably do it. As for the Western Countries… I'm not sure. But there are quite a few alchemists there. Ryo, please be careful.))
((Yeah, got it. Thank you.))
-x-X-x-
The next day.
An appetizing dinner, comfortable sleep, and delicious breakfast.
It's perfect, indeed.
After breakfast, Ryo did some light stretching and was about to leave the inn… but someone was standing outside by the entrance.
Standing stockstill.
It was the person called the 'Bureau Chief' yesterday.
When Ryo came out of the inn.
"I deeply apologize!"
He said and bowed deeply.
It seemed that he had received confirmation.
In the span from yesterday to today, that was pretty fast.
"Looks like you have your confirmation?"
"Yes, we have. Your Excellency, I am truly sorry about the incident this time…"
"Let's go to the lounge since we shouldn't stand around talking."
Ryo said and went to the lounge where he had eaten the delicious cake yesterday.
The Bureau Chief followed him.
In fact, it seemed that the Bureau Chief had subordinates or escorts in the area who followed him in as well.
A total of ten people.
Ryo again ordered the 'Blackboard Cake of the Month' and mocha coffee.
The Bureau Chief and his subordinates had only coffee.
Even when Ryo asked them outright. What about you guys?
However, they must have thought that it was out of line to order something when the Bureau Chief didn't make one.
So they politely refused.
It seems that hierarchical relationships in the workplace are always burdensome no matter the place….
Ryo ate the cake and drank his coffee with relish.
The cake was just as wonderful as yesterday.
All the while, the Bureau Chief remained silent.
Still breaking out in cold sweat.
Can't blame him.
He had tried to falsely arrest the Premier Duke of a major power… that is, the number-two of the country, even though the country in question is all the way in the distant Central Countries.
Moreover, he completely dismissed him when he said, "If you apologize now, I'll forgive you".
In most countries, that is a capital offense. In other words, the death penalty.
In some countries, the whole family is charged with the crime.
That's how aristocracy works…
Finally, Ryo opened his mouth.
"So…as for your apology, Bureau Chief…"
"Yes…"
The Bureau Chief gulped and swallowed nervously.
"I don't know the laws of the Republic, but in the Kingdom, it's a capital offense… and thus carries the death sentence."
He checked with King Abel yesterday, so he was sure of it.
"Yes… It's the same in the Republic…"
Evidently, it appears to be a grave offense.
"I see. However, it is not difficult to understand that the Bureau Chief may have acted preemptively for the sake of his country or his subordinates. So, this time, I'm willing to let the matter go unchallenged, with one condition."
"R-Really…?"
"Of course."
Ryo nodded with a smile.
"So, what is the condition…?"
If it turned out to be a tough one, the Bureau Chief would find himself stuck in another dilemma…
"It's real simple, actually. I heard that the Republic is a country with a thriving maritime transportation industry. Moreover, your fleet of ships goes as far as the Dark Continent. And that you even cross the seas where monsters run rampant. I'd like to experience your seafaring technology for myself."
"Eh…"
"Of course, it doesn't have to be a state secret, something on the civilian level works just fine. Just, if possible, the best of the best at the civilian level would be great."
Ryo still remembered.
He hadn't forgotten that there were monsters like the Kraken in the sea.
Yet fishermen go out and fish in those seas.
And even the fishing village that was once ruled by vampires was said to have had protection against sea monsters.
If so, a country with such a well-developed maritime transportation system must have quite a bit of technology.
Of course, the Bureau Chief in front of him would be in quite a conundrum if he asked him to divulge state secrets.
But, since that wasn't the case… he should be able to accommodate him to some extent.
The Bureau Chief thought for a moment and nodded.
"I understand. If you're okay with something at the civilian level… my family runs a shipping business. I didn't take over the family since I chose this field, but my younger brother inherited it, so I'll try talking to him."
"Ohh!"
It was truly a win-win.
That afternoon, Ryo visited the Franzoni Shipping Company.
It was the family home of Bonifacio Franzoni, Bureau Chief of the Secret Services.
Incidentally, Ryo had already been removed from the surveillance target list of the Secret Services.
As they had already conducted various verifications.
It was all good news for Ryo, but there seemed to be a problem on the Secret Services' side….
It appears that agents of the Secret Services were being attacked in the Republic.
Indeed, 'Cesare' and others from yesterday were trying to kill not only Ryo but also Captain Bangan and Vice-Captain Amalia.
In fact, those who first attacked and were frozen were targeting the captain and vice-captain…
So many things happen between countries behind the scenes.
So Ryo visited the Franzoni Shipping Company alone, but was treated very courteously.
Very early in the morning, the Bureau Chief had made the request, even adding the extra condition 'the best of the best as much as possible'.
It seemed that the Bureau Chief wasn't too bad of a person.
Although Ryo had unilaterally concluded that he must be a terrible person since he was the head of an intelligence agency…
While Ryo was waiting in anticipation of the seafaring technology at the Franzoni Shipping Company, a serious discussion was taking place in the conference room of the official residence of the Head of the Republic.
"So basically… war is inevitable."
"Yes, Supreme Advisor. The United Kingdom of Stachen's First and Second Armies have already advanced from the capital and are heading for our country's borders. Furthermore, we are informed that the United Kingdom's Navy has also left the port."
Chief of Staff Rash replied to Supreme Advisor Lord Burley's question.
"The First Army means that the King himself is leading the troops…"
The one-eyed Head of State Columbano della Russo, muttered.
The United Kingdom of Stachen is one of the great powers in the West.
In particular, it is even said to be in the top five in terms of military power.
The United Kingdom of Stachen and the Republic of Mafalda have fought many times in the past.
As a maritime nation, the Republic is unbeatable in naval battles, but not so formidable in land battles.
They fought them off each time, but not without a cost.
A very troublesome neighbor.
And this time…
"We cannot ignore the movements of the members of the church who have infiltrated the country."
Supreme Advisor Lord Burley mentioned.
Yup, this time, the Church had slipped quite deep into the Republic.
That was because they knew that the Republic's military was in a much worse state than it had been in the past, and they saw this as an opportunity to do away with the Republic once and for all.
And now, the biggest problem of the Republic.
"Are the… golems still inoperable?"
"Yes…"
The fifty golems that have been the cornerstone of the Republic's defense were all down…
And the cause was unknown.
Of course, it was the state's top secret, but both the Church and the United Kingdom must have gotten hold of the information somehow.
Suddenly, the door to the conference room opened and a man with a report rushed in.
"Sir, we have a problem!"
Immediately, the report was handed to Head of State Columbano.
He read it.
"What…"
He read it again.
Then handed the report to Lord Burley, the Supreme Advisor, at his side.
"The Golem Corps of the Van De Vie Theocracy has left the Theocracy…? I suppose they are headed for our country."
"It seems that the Theocracy is serious about destroying the Republic…"
"I have to say, they were all very interesting."
"I'm glad we were able to meet your expectations."
The chairman's office of the Franzoni Shipping Company.
Sitting at the reception table were Ryo and Girolamo Franzoni, the chairman of the company.
Ryo visited the Chairman's office because the tour was over and the Chairman himself wanted to send him off personally.
Even though Girolamo was the chairman, he was asked by his brother to treat him politely.
Moreover, he's a Premier Duke from the Central Countries….
He was a person with whom he must confirm whether he was satisfied or not.
And both sides were pleased.
Ryo was about to excuse himself when he heard a loud voice from the hallway.
"Absolutely not! With this kind of design, it'll sink in no time. Don't you get it, this water is…"
After that, the voice seemed to be saying something, but it didn't travel to their ears…
Then, he saw Chairman Girolamo smiling.
"Sir Andersen… his voice is loud as always."
"Andersen?"
The name sounded familiar.
That's right, the person to whom he delivered the letter yesterday was… Neil Andersen.
"You don't mean Sir Neil Andersen, do you?"
"Oh? Does Duke Rondo happen to know Sir Andersen?"
"Yeah, we met yesterday…"
However, since he met him not as Duke Rondo, but as an adventurer who delivered a letter as a commission, Ryo was a little hesitant about whether he should meet him there or not.
But the situation did not wait for him to decide.
There was a loud knock on the door, and before Chairman Girolamo could reply, it was opened and Neil Andersen entered.
"Chairman, I'm sorry, but this design doesn't… oops, you were entertaining a guest, sorry I didn't realize that… hmm? I believe you were in my house yesterday… Sir Ryo, right?"
"Yes I was, Mr. Andersen. Hello again."
"Sir Andersen, this is His Excellency the Duke of Rondo of the Kingdom of Knightley."
Chairman Girolamo explained.
Maybe because he didn't mention such a thing when they met yesterday. Neil Andersen said in wide-eyed astonishment.
"Oh wow… the Kingdom's…"
Ryo felt a little uncomfortable.
He couldn't exactly put his finger on the reason behind the discomfort… but it's safe to say that the feeling this time had nothing to do with magic nullification.
But something about Neil Andersen's words…
-x-X-x-
The next day.
An appetizing dinner, comfortable sleep, and delicious breakfast.
Needless to say, it was perfect.
After breakfast, Ryo did some light stretching and then headed for the reception.
Today, he would be leaving the inn and departing from the Republic to return to the Holy City.
Checking out was no stress whatsoever.
It was impeccable still.
"I had a wonderful stay. If I ever find myself in the Republic, I will come here again."
"We look forward to seeing you again."
Up to that point, everything was flawless.
As Ryo was about to leave the reception desk, an employee from the backyard came to the reception desk in quite a hurry, bringing a piece of paper.
And then….
"Ryo-sama!"
"Yes?"
"I just got news that there was an announcement from the official residence of the Head of State. All borders of the Republic have been closed."
"Eh…"
Ryo was in the lounge.
He asked the inn to gather more information while he leisurely enjoyed some cake and coffee.
((There's no point in getting all worked up. It's prudent to remain calm.))
((Hey, Ryo… I actually just woke up…))
((Those who carry the title of His Majesty the King goes to bed at two o'clock at night and gets up at three o'clock in the morning.)
((Like hell they do!))
Ryo took a sip of coffee and continued.
((To think that the general public wasn't informed of anything until just before the war starts.))
((Well… they wouldn't want to cause mass panic.))
((Information control to suppress panic… Since there's nothing they can do about it anyway, the public might as well go on with their business rather than making them panic.))
((…))
While they were having such a conversation, the innkeeper came to Ryo with a piece of paper.
"Ryo-sama, regarding the border closure."
"Right."
"Looks like there's going to be a war…"
"Yeah, I thought as much…"
A clash between the First and Second Armies of the United Kingdom of Stachen and the Republican Guard near the western border of the Republic was only a few hours away, but within the Republic, what might be called a shadow war behind the scenes was already underway.
"At first, contact with the Lusher squad that was monitoring Cardinal Sacharias went dark… and then ten more units followed suit… How can intelligence units be hunted in the capital of their own country…"
Bonifacio Franzoni, Bureau Chief of the Secret Services Agency, muttered in frustration.
Some of them had been trained directly by him.
And none of them were the kind to be defeated so easily.
But, as expected…
"You said Cesare was seen… in that area?"
He realized that it would be a tough battle if they took on the 'Four Bishops of the Pope'.
Though he was looking for Cesare and his cohort, even if he were to find them… Bonifacio had yet to decide what to do.
Have them surrounded and defeat them… violence in numbers is often an effective means.
But should he fail to defeat them… the front-line troops of the Secret Services will be decimated.
Still, it didn't mean that they could be left alone.
Even now, their active units were being hunted, and it was no longer possible to fully monitor those in the opposing camps within the Republic.
When regular armies clash, for instance, if they sabotage military centers or attack the residence of the head of state… the country itself will perish.
They wanted to avoid that at all costs!
Not only those who go to the front lines engage in battle…
A house in Mussolente, the capital of the Republic of Mafalda.
The owner of the house, Ciro Pepe, is a noble with the rank of Viscount.
Even in the Republic, there are nobles with titles.
And that noble Ciro was, in a rather humble manner, almost like a servant, in front of a man sitting on the sofa bringing him drinks and arranging for his food…
"What a wonderful turnout. Burying more than fifty people from the Secret Services within two days."
The man on the sofa said and drank his coffee slowly.
He smiled and looked very kind.
As if giving a report, standing beside him was a man… Cesare, one of the 'Four Bishops of the Pope'.
He didn't say anything and just nodded.
Those who were familiar with the situation in the Western Church would find this scene a bit strange.
Because Cesare is one of the 'Pope's' Four Bishops.
It is no exaggeration to call it an assassination squad directly under the Pope.
And the other cardinals also have their own units under their command.
Some of them cannot be called assassination squads… but more like loyal subordinates.
So, in a way, they're all rivals.
That is not to say that they do not work together to spread the teachings of the Church…
Even if they did, there is no way that a cardinal would give orders to an assassination squad under the direct control of the Pope.
In the first place, it is not even inherently possible for them to meet one-on-one…
Therefore, the current situation at Ciro Pepe's mansion was a bit inconceivable.
Yet, the owner of the house, Ciro Pepe, of course, said nothing.
Since his top priority was keeping his life and that of his family.
If he were to run his mouth or let the information of such a meeting slip outside, he would be forced to bid this world goodbye at that moment…
"Soon, the armies of the United Kingdom and the Republic will clash. When are we attacking the residence of the head of state and the headquarters of the Secret Services?"
Cesare asked.
Naturally, sabotage of the residence of the head of state and the headquarters of the Secret Services were in the works.
"Well, let's see… once we have the outcome of that battlefield, we will raid the Secret Services. Then, the residence of the head of state will come after that."
"Why not right now? Why wait?"
"Because there's something I want you to prioritize."
The man on the sofa answered Cesare's question without faltering.
"An adventurer from the Central Countries Mission has come to the Republic to deliver a letter. Kill him before he leaves the Republic. Fortunately, the border was closed this morning, so he won't be able to leave the country easily. The sketch."
The man on the sofa said, and Ciro Pepe handed Cesare a sheet of paper with a portrait on it.
"Hmm. May I ask why?"
"How unusual. Is there something wrong with this target?"
Cesare's first question was answered by the man on the sofa, who looked at him with eyes slightly wide open.
As far as he knew, this was the first time Cesare had ever questioned him on a subject.
"He's the guy who got in the way of our raid on those targets from the Secret Services."
"Ohh-ho."
The man on the sofa stared at Cesare with interest.
But he said nothing more.
He knew that if he said something unnecessary, Cesare's mood would deteriorate.
And he didn't want that.
Anyone who would go out of their way to say something that would lower the success rate of their work is but a fool.
What came out of his mouth was an answer to Cesare's question.
"By having this adventurer die in the Republic, the Church will have a cause to advance its troops into the Republic. If they can't ensure the safety of a member of the Central Countries Missions whom the Church and the Theocracy had so graciously received, would it not stand to reason that they also can't guarantee the safety of the diplomats and citizens of the Theocracy who are staying in the Republic for business? It means that the Republic doesn't have the capability to do so. Therefore, the Theocracy will advance its troops to protect its citizens…"
"I see."
Invasion to protect one's citizens… it's a common cause.
"All right, we'll get rid of him."
"His name is Ryo. A C-rank adventurer from the Kingdom of Knightley. He's staying at 'Doge Pietro'…oh, that's a very nice place. How you choose to kill him is up to you. However, please don't attack him in the inn. I happen to like that inn."
"Yes, sir."
-x-X-x-
((Five people… and they're the same five from that time…))
((Okay… so what do you hope to achieve by telling me that…?))
((I'm telling you because I thought an adventurer as experienced as Abel would have some useful advice for me!))
((O-Oh…. Well, if it were me, I'd try and create a one-on-one situation and take them down separately.))
((Divide and conquer you mean. It's certainly by the book, but that's kind of tedious, so I'll just take them out altogether!))
((…Then why bother asking me?))
((Cause I respect Abel's opinion! But let's just say that it's not really fitting this time…))
Ryo dropped a line sounding like some human resources manager.
A little open space on the outskirts of the city.
Ryo stopped there, turned around, and said:
"The five of you over there, come out."
Five people wearing military-looking robes stepped out, with Cesare in the center.
"He knew we were trailing him?"
The man to Cesare's left said.
"He saw through our concealment? That's ridiculous…"
The woman to Cesare's right muttered.
(That's right, I am very much interested in exactly what that is. What kind of technology is it… is it magic, alchemy, or some other means I don't know about?)
Ryo was also very interested in their 'Concealment' techniques.
Yup, he's 'also' interested in their 'Concealment' techniques.
And since they're likely to have some goodies on them, he's interested in those as well.
His 'interest' in these things was, of course, synonymous with wanting to get his hands on them.
And to do that,
(I have to secure them without killing them…)
The problem was that all five of them were magicians.
Magicians cannot be trapped in the
It is not entirely impossible, but it is quite tricky.
Even if they're captured alive, it would be useless if they fought back or escaped.
The surest way was to incapacitate them.
However, in reality, that was very difficult to carry out….
A chop to the back of the head hardly knocks people out… he couldn't say how effective sniffing chloroform was since he didn't have any to begin with… and a punch to the gut would surely leave them writhing in pain, but they won't pass out…
The most reliable way to knock them out was with a stranglehold.
A hundred percent sure-fire method.
In judo, mixed martial arts, and even professional wrestling in some cases, pressure is applied to the two carotid and vertebral arteries of the neck to make the person pass out… that is a sure-fire way but… doing that to all five would be a little difficult.
Ryo was thinking about that as he confronted the five of them.
Yet he had already decided what he needed to do once they were incapacitated…
"I'll just have to give it a try."
Ryo muttered.
"Cesare, I'll go."
The man to Cesare's left said and stepped forward.
Did he perhaps want to take him one-on-one?
"No, Bartolo, we'll all go at him together."
Cesare declared in the same monotonous voice as before.
To which the man called Bartolo was surprised.
"Huh? This guy is a magician from the Central Countries, isn't he? We all know that magicians from the Central Countries are severely lacking…"
"He blocked our attack the last time."
"No, that must have been some kind of tool the two from the Secret Services used…"
Magicians of the Central Countries are considered inferior to magicians of the Western and Eastern Countries.
They go to the trouble of chanting and still end up manifesting weak magic…
A magician from the Hero Party from the Western Countries once said something like that…
All of that was just as the Lord Progenitor of the vampires had envisioned…
Confining the magic culture of a particular region to the level he set… quite frankly, it was outrageous.
Ryo knew of no one in history who had succeeded in doing such a thing… in the history of Earth, of course.
But the Lord Progenitor went out of his way to make the magic used by humans in the Central Countries require chanting and yet be less powerful to allow vampires to live in the Central Countries in peace.
It's simply shocking…
Well, the result was thus being ridiculed like this.
"This man in front of us is strong. Don't underestimate him, we'll confront him together and give it our all."
Cesare seemed to think highly of Ryo.
"What Sir Cesare said is true."
Ryo intentionally provoked them.
"What?"
The man called Bartolo replied.
"As expected of one of the four bishops of the Pope. What keen observation."
Ryo bowed deliberately as he said that.
"For a mere adventurer from the Central Countries, you sure seem to know a lot."
Cesare said.
(Huh? Could it be that they don't know that I am the Duke of Rondo?)
Ryo was a little surprised.
Even the Republic's Secret Services Agency was able to dig out his status, but it seemed that the assassination squad in front of him did not know about it.
Or perhaps they weren't informed on purpose…
"I'm particularly interested in that brooch though."
When Ryo said that, the countenance of the four people, except for Cesare, clearly changed.
"I had no idea that fusion magic had already been put to practical use. I would love to know who created it."
Ryo smiled as he said.
After he said that, even Cesare seemed surprised.
He didn't seem like someone who wore his expression on his face…
"Well, can't say I'm surprised, being Andersen's acquaintance and all."
Cesare's murmur wasn't that loud, but it reached Ryo's ears.
(Andersen? Mr. Neil Andersen? Why him?)
The uneasiness that Ryo had felt grew stronger.
Something about Neil Andersen was bugging him, but… he was not sure what it was.
However, it wasn't the time for that.
Focus on the issue at hand.
He wasn't able to get much information from the conversation, but it couldn't be helped.
He intentionally had a conversation before the fight because he was hoping to get some information out of it.
If he was an elimination target, they might let slip some information, right?
Since they were going to kill him and a dead man tells no tales, he thought they wouldn't mind revealing some stuff…
As it turned out, it didn't amount to very much…
Nevertheless, from the reactions of the five, he learned that the fusion magic brooches were still not very common in the Western Church.
That alone wasn't too bad.
His target was the fusion magic brooch and the secret behind their 'Concealment'.
Those two things, pretty much!
Now, Ryo, although a magician, had actually never engaged in pure magic warfare.
At best, he had only fought against 'Hassan', the leader of the Order of Assassins.
And, last but not least…
Leonor, the Explosive Blaze Magician, and other so-called strong opponents, he usually engaged in close combat…
It's strange.
And so, this time, he decided to go with magic warfare.
"Like I said, we're attacking together. Just follow my lead."
"Copy!"
Cesare said, and the other four answered.
"
"
The four of them matched their fireballs to Cesare's Fire Cannon.
Countless flames flew toward Ryo… and he stared at them unimpressed.
"
The steam between Ryo and the five turned to mines….
Countless of them.
There, the flame attack magic encountered them and dozens upon hundreds of mutual annihilation occurred… and the light from the mutual annihilation flashed wildly.
It was blinding…
"
They were all ice lances with rounded tips.
The first blow was aimed at their guts.
As they bend over from it, the next blow was to their jaws from below… like an uppercut in boxing.
Then again, they may not pass out from those two strikes.
The blow to the guts would make them expel the air in their lungs, and the one to the jaw would shake their brains, causing a concussion and stunning them, and then… finally, the real deal.
"
Water Collars descended upon them.
Steam around his target was combined to form water, which was then used to strangle the target.
Simple but effective.
He succeeded in putting Water Collars on four of them and knocked them unconscious.
Yup, four.
Only one person, Cesare, was unharmed.
He had dodged the first
As for the last
"Only one of them is outstanding."
Ryo muttered.
"
Cesare chanted, and flames pulsated from his hands.
Then, like a dragon, it attacked Ryo, dodging the steam mines drifting in front of him.
"No way…"
Ryo muttered involuntarily but quickly chanted.
"
He erected ice walls not only in front but in all directions around him.
The moment they were fully erected…
Boom.
Flames burst not in front of him, but on his left side and the ice wall up above him.
It was a spell that allowed him to move the flames as he pleased and attack from different directions.
"
In return, Ryo sent ice lances directly from the front.
"
Clang, clang, clang…
The magic barrier that Cesare cast was evidently thick and solid.
Ryo's
However, as expected, it didn't emerge unscathed from 128 ice lances.
It cracked.
"
Then, another 128 ice lances materialized.
"
He put the barrier up again.
That was repeated five times.
"
At the same time that Ryo chanted, Cesare chanted without putting up the magic barrier again.
"
Masses of flames, clearly different from the previous ones… and numbering no less than a thousand, formed and shot out from his hand.
128 of the mass of flames disappeared as they were annihilated by the ice lances, but the rest struck Ryo.
"Finally!
Ice walls were erected in front of Ryo facing Cesare, as if piled on top of each other.
Even if the masses of flames were strengthened by fusion magic and were probably the strongest attack using the last bit of his magic power… it was impossible to pierce through all of the ice walls that were stacked on each other…
The information he had gotten from Kenneth came in handy.
Increasing instantaneous firepower at the expense of endurance… such is the use of fusion magic.
If it boils down to a game of endurance, he got it in the bag… Ryo knew from the start.
Cesare, who had used up most of his magic, fell silent.
"
Strangled by the water, Cesare passed out.
Just like the other four.
"Phew, I succeeded."
Ryo said and waved his hand widely.
At Ryo's signal, five people came running from afar.
"Incredible…"
One of the five who arrived muttered.
It was Captain Bangan.
"I can't believe he actually captured them alive…"
Vice Captain Amalia also muttered, shaking her head.
The other three, unknown to Ryo, deftly held the hands of the five assassination squad members behind their backs and put some kind of handcuffs on their wrists.
"What are those?"
Ryo looked at them with interest.
"They are magic-sealing shackles. With those on, they won't be able to use magic."
"Whoa…"
He had never come across such a tool in the Central Countries.
When put on, they glowed slightly. The light emitted by alchemy tools… in other words, their magic was sealed through alchemy.
(I must learn how it works! )
Ryo swore firmly in his heart.
"You said you had an idea as to how to transport them…?"
Captain Bangan looked at Ryo and asked.
"Yeah.
The five members of the assassination squad were each placed on an ice wagon and followed Ryo to the headquarters of the Secret Services Agency.
-x-X-x-
"Never thought you would really catch them… thank you very much, Your Excellency."
In the Bureau Chief's office of the Secret Services Agency, Ryo was being deeply bowed to.
The people bowing were Bureau Chief Bonifacio Franzoni, Captain Bangan, and Vice Captain Amalia beside him.
"Don't mention it, it just happened to work out."
That was what the Japanese call modesty.
"So… are you sure you want to leave the five of them completely in the custody of the Republic?"
"Yeah, of course. Since there's no point in me keeping them."
Ryo answered Bureau Chief Bonifacio's confirmation with a smile.
That was the truth.
Only, he wanted something else.
"I'll just take two of their brooches as samples. Also, I would like to know about the 'Concealment' technique they were using, if you happen to know it."
"Sure, I've heard about it from Bangan and the others beforehand. Of course."
Bureau Chief Bonifacio nodded understandingly.
"Oh, and I'm also a little curious about the magic-sealing shackles, so if possible, I'd like to know about those as well…"
"I see. Since they are the sole property of law enforcement, I can't give them to you, but if you just want to look at them, that's fine."
Bureau Chief Bonifacio responded to Ryo's additional request.
Capturing those five was quite a big deal for the Republic.
In the first place, handing over a fusion magic brooch or something like that would not be a loss for the Republic at all.
Since it was merely obtained from their prisoner.
It was a small price to pay if they could obtain the five men by giving away such a thing and some inconsequential information.
"We knew they were attacking our Secret Services Agency surveillance teams. I'm very grateful that they have been stopped."
Bureau Chief Bonifacio nodded repeatedly.
Then, a few dozen minutes later.
Ryo received the information about the magic-sealing shackles and the two brooches, as promised.
His face looked really, really happy….
((Ryo, why two brooches instead of one?))
The king in the royal capital asked.
((One is a souvenir for Kenneth. The other is a souvenir for myself.))
((I-I see…))
Yup, Ryo got a souvenir for his friend and mentor, Viscount Kenneth Hayward.
Ryo is a man who values friendship greatly.
"As for the 'Concealment', we are still in the process of figuring it out… If you can stay in the country for a while, I'll definitely inform you… ah right, the border is closed. I'm so sorry, but you will have to remain in the Republic for a while."
"Right… I understand it's inevitable that I have to stay… but the delegation in the Holy Capital is likely to be worried about me by now. Can you do something about that?"
"I understand. We will reach out to the Kingdom Delegation through our channels."
"Thank you."
The day after Ryo had that heated confrontation with them, they were able to corroborate his information the next day, so Ryo thought they must have 'verified it with the delegation', thus having some kind of communication channel, and sure enough, they did.
Now, for the time being, they would not be worried if he was late in returning.
If he was late in returning, surely… they would be worried… right?
They would have been worried, right?
They would have at least… pretended to be worried.
"I'm staying at the Doge Pietro, so if you find out anything, please let me know."
"Sure. You got it."
Thus, Ryo decided to stay at the Doge Pietro, the inn he had just vacated, for an extended period.
A perfect lodging in every respect.
There was no other option but there.
Ciro Pepe's mansion.
"No way… all five of them were taken prisoners…?"
"That's right. I was informed by our mole inside the Secret Services Agency. They are being held in a prison in the basement of the headquarters of the Secret Services Agency."
Ciro Pepe answered the man sitting on the sofa.
The man on the sofa was tapping his forehead with the middle finger of his left hand.
After a moment, his finger stopped.
"Break Cesare out."
"Huh?"
That was all Ciro Pepe could say to the man on the sofa.
Ciro Pepe is a viscount of the Republic.
He knew how secure the prison in the basement of the Secret Services Agency headquarters was.
At the very least, he knew that it was not a place from which one could escape.
However, the man on the sofa in front of him was not from the Republic.
But someone from the Theocracy.
He probably had no idea how difficult it was.
So he tried opening his mouth to tell him how difficult it was, but…
"It's fine. I will let my people handle it. Well, even if I don't make any move, Cesare might break out of jail by himself… but if I'm to intervene, the sooner the better. You should focus on collecting information from your mole inside the Secret Services agency. Okay?"
"Yes, sir."
Ciro Pepe had no choice but to say so.
A room in the Papal Palace in the Holy Capital of Marlomar.
"I heard that Cesare has been captured by the Republic's Secret Services Agency."
A male voice relayed the information.
"Well, he was the weakest among us four bishops. It can't be helped."
A young woman's voice replied in disgust.
"Sheesh, he's a real disgrace to the four bishops. It's one thing to die, but to be caught alive?"
A young male voice said with a hint of contempt in his voice.
There are only three people in the room.
There was a huge round table in the center with four chairs.
One was vacant.
It was probably Cesare's seat.
Even if he were to return alive from the Republic, he would likely not be able to sit in that seat again.
Failing in a mission and being captured alive by the enemy is a blunder of such magnitude that calling it a blunder is an understatement.
As a being that symbolizes strength, if he's judged to lack power, he will be eliminated.
That went without saying…
The next day.
On the western border of the Republic, on the Giusvalla Plain, a battle began between the First and Second Armies of the United Kingdom of Stachen and the Republican Guard.
That battle would later be known as the Battle of Giusvalla.
-x-X-x-
"Sir, in Giusvalla…"
The reporter, chief of staff Rash, stammered.
"What happened?"
The one-eyed Head of State Columbano della Russo, urged him on.
"Yes… Our Republican Guard has been wiped out. The United Kingdom forces are marching on cities."
Rash reported regretfully.
"As expected, we were no match for them without the golems."
Lord Burley, the Supreme Advisor, shook his head repeatedly.
"What are the mechanics and alchemists saying?"
"Um… that they still don't know the cause."
Chief of Staff Rash replied to Head of State Columbano's question.
"Dammit. We can't wait any longer. We have no choice but to call upon him!"
"But we have an agreement that if we come to him for assistance even once, he will leave the country…"
"We have no choice! If we don't do something, this country will truly cease to exist!"
Colombano said with a bitter expression on his face.
"I'll go meet him personally. Prepare the carriage."
((A fusion magic brooch! Now that sounds intriguing. Are you sure it's okay for me to have that as a souvenir?))
((Of course. I got it as a souvenir with you in mind, Kenneth. So you can look forward to my return.))
Ryo and Viscount Kenneth Hayward were having a conversation using Abel's 'Soul Resonance'.
During this time, Abel himself had to keep his left hand on the 'device' the whole time.
Even as the King, he was being put to work.
((Speaking of which, I heard something about the design of a new ship using alchemy the other day?))
((Oh, yeah. It was very impressive. I thought the Rain Shooter I saw back in Whitnash was amazing, but this one had a lot of innovations in the design alone. It's shaped like a clipper and is quite fast. I was even more surprised to find out that Mr. Neil Andersen, to whom I delivered the letter, was involved in the design.))
Ryo was talking about the design of the new ship that he saw at the Franzoni Shipping Company.
But then Kenneth's mood changed.
((Ryo, what did you just say…?))
((Eh? A lot of innovations…))
((No, after that.))
((Clipper…))
((No, after that.))
((Oh… Mr. Neil Andersen. He's a magician I delivered a letter to.))
((Neil Andersen… no, it can't be… probably someone bearing the same name…))
Kenneth was muttering something.
((Kenneth?))
((Oh, sorry. Ryo, what kind of person is this Neil Andersen fellow?))
((When you say what kind of person… he is nearly two meters tall and slender. His gray hair was kept short, hook-nosed, and a monocle over his left eye. He seemed a little skittish.))
((That's a pretty detailed description. But it sounds just about… well, more or less the same as the one I know…))
((What? Kenneth, you know Mr. Neil Andersen?))
Ryo was surprised.
He never thought that Kenneth would know a magician from the Western Countries.
((Yeah. If he is the same Neil Andersen I know… he is a former alchemist of the Empire.))
((Huh…))
At that moment, the uneasiness Ryo had been feeling finally melted away.
When the chairman introduced Ryo as the "Duke of the Kingdom of Knightley" at the Shipping Company, Neil Andersen muttered, "Wow… the Kingdom's…".
It was strange.
A native of the Western Countries wouldn't phrase it like that.
There are a lot of kingdoms in the Western Countries as well. When they hear the word 'Kingdom' the first thing that comes to their mind is the kingdoms in the Western Countries.
Now learning about the Kingdom of Knightley and saying, "Wow… the Kingdom's", that's undoubtedly a response someone from the Central Countries would give.
If, as Kenneth says, he is a former alchemist of the Empire, it all made sense.
And Ryo remembered one more thing.
It was a long time ago.
Before he met Kenneth.
The first time he went to the South Library in Rune, when the librarian recommended books on alchemy on this 'Phi'.
He was recommended three books.
And all three books…
((The author was Neil Andersen…))
((Yeah, Neil Andersen has written many books.))
Kenneth added.
((Neil Andersen is an alchemist two generations older than Frank… my friend and mentor, Frank de Verde. An outstanding one too.))
((Wow, that's amazing…?))
((Well, of course. Frankly speaking, alchemy in the Central Countries had stopped progressing for several centuries after King Richard. It was Neil Andersen who revived it again. You could say that he laid the foundation for the Empire as an alchemy powerhouse.))
((That's incredible… But… two generations older than Mr. Frank… he didn't look that old to me, though? Mr. Frank is in his mid-seventies, right? In fact, I think he looked a little younger than that…))
((That's strange. If Neil Andersen is alive, he should be around a hundred and twenty years old…))
One mystery solved, then came another….
Capital of the Republic, Neil Andersen's mansion.
Two men sat facing each other.
One was Neil Andersen, the owner of the house.
The other was the Head of State, Columbano della Russo.
"…So you're saying this is a formal request?"
"Yeah…"
Neil Andersen asked, and Columbano nodded with a pained expression on his face.
"I moved here on the understanding that my support would be limited to the private sector. And as per the agreement, should I render any assistance to the government, I will leave the country, you're aware of that right?"
"That's right…"
Neil Andersen asked again, and Columbano nodded with a more anguished expression.
He was backed into a corner.
A farsighted person might say that he should have asked for help before the Battle of Giusvalla… and they would be right, but relying on Neil Andersen was his last and final trump card.
The absence of Neil Anderson in the private sector of the Republic meant that alchemical development in the Republic would come to a halt for decades to come… that was what it entailed.
But weighing it against the destruction of the country, it was simply unavoidable…
"I see."
Neil Andersen muttered that much and fell silent.
He could understand both the predicament the Republic was in and the bitterness of Head of State Columbano.
At that moment, Neil Andersen suddenly looked out the window.
A man in a robe entered from the porch…
(I believe that's…)
"Hello. I am Ryo, the adventurer who visited the other day. I don't have an appointment, but I'd like to meet Mr. Neil Andersen."
"My apologies, sir. Master is in the middle of a meeting."
"Oh, I thought as much… must be that carriage out front."
A magnificent carriage was parked out front.
While Ryo was thinking about what to do, the back door opened and Neil Andersen came out.
Behind him was a man in elegant clothing.
"If it isn't Lord Ryo. How may I help you?"
"My apologies, Mr. Neil Andersen. I just wanted to ask you a few questions…"
Ryo then realized that Neil Andersen was on his way out.
He was dressed for it.
"Call me Neil. I can answer a few questions, but I don't have much time."
"Yeah, looks like it. It does look like you're on your way somewhere. Well, it's nothing urgent, so I can come back some other time…"
"Hmm…"
Neil looked at Ryo's left ear and Murasame's sheath and thought for a moment.
For about three seconds.
"Lord Ryo, I remember you saying you dabble in alchemy."
"Yeah, although I have only just begun to learn…"
Ryo answered Neil's question, albeit a little embarrassed.
Neil then said something unexpected.
Not to Ryo, but to the person behind him.
"Sir, may I take Lord Ryo there with me? It might prove useful."
"No, no, we can't do that. It's more or less a state secret…"
The man was puzzled by Neil's suggestion.
"Lord Ryo, this is the Head of State of this Republic, His Excellency Columbano della Russo. Sir, are you aware of Lord Ryo's identity?"
"Nope… with all due respect, I am not."
Ryo was surprised to be suddenly introduced to the bigshot, but he could read Neil's eyes signaling to him, "Why don't you introduce yourself?".
"It's a great pleasure to meet you. Premier Duke of the Kingdom of Knightley in the Central Countries, Duke of Rondo, Ryo Mihara."
Ryo bowed politely.
Three years ago, he was thoroughly trained by Abel, so he looked quite presentable.
"Duke Rondo? Ah! I remember hearing about you in the report. Please excuse my discourtesy. I am Columbano della Russo, just as he introduced earlier."
Columbano wore an eye patch over his left eye and was a man of the sea to behold, but his bow was graceful.
Status breeds character.
"Now, though I just got the news myself, apparently His Excellency the Duke of Rondo here, teamed up with the Secret Services and captured one of the 'Four Bishops of the Pope' who was lurking in the Republic. He is an amazingly powerful magician with an aptitude for alchemy. From what I have seen, he also seems to have an exceptional insight into alchemy. I think it would be a good idea to ask him once again to cooperate with us for the good of the Republic, wouldn't it?"
Neil said to Head of State Columbano.
Columbano hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.
"Okay. Your Excellency, I would like to ask for your cooperation."
"Uh~m?"
Ryo was totally lost.
What exactly were they asking him to do?
"Lord Ryo. We are on our way to repair the Golem Corps of the Republic. We want you to accompany us. I mean, you are interested in golems, aren't you, Lord Ryo?"
"If that's the case, then please lead the way!"
Neil said with a smile, and Ryo agreed without a second thought.
Inside the carriage.
"Well, we've got some time before we arrive. You visited my house to ask me something, didn't you, Lord Ryo?"
"Ah, yes…"
Then, Ryo glanced at Head of State Columbano.
"It's all right. He knows most things about me. On the contrary… for you to be worried about that, I take it that you know details about me like where I'm from and whatnot?"
Neil asked, smiling.
"So you really are formerly from the Empire…?"
"Yeah, that's right. I used to be an alchemist in the Debuhi Empire."
Neil nodded and answered Ryo's question.
Looking a little nostalgic.
"So that's how it is… The first book on alchemy I read was written by you, Neil."
"Oh, really!? Hearing that my book guided someone down the path of alchemy… I couldn't be happier."
Neil replied to Ryo's words with a truly cheery face.
Then Neil turned a little serious and asked.
"Lord Ryo's left earring is an alchemy tool, isn't it?"
"Yeah."
"What amazing skill… no, that word doesn't even do it justice. It is no exaggeration to say that it is the work of the greatest alchemist of our time…"
"Whoa…"
Neil complimented the technology and Head of State Columbano was taken aback.
That there was an alchemist good enough to get such high praise from Neil.
"My master made it."
Ryo replied with a smile.
He was happy to hear such high praise about Kenneth.
"I see… Wow, seriously, that's one nicely engineered tool…"
"Eh?"
"It's a long-distance communication system, isn't it? Perhaps spanning over a thousand kilometers, and it can communicate at any time… I can't even begin to imagine how the mana-saving technology works… or is it the other way around? I guess what escaped my imagination was Lord Ryo's mana capacity, huh?"
Neil was muttering to himself.
And then he shifted his gaze to Ryo's waist.
"The sheath on your waist must be the work of another. It's not as sophisticated as the earring… is that Lord Ryo's?"
"Yeah. I still have some ways to go…"
He understood that he was nowhere nearly as good as Kenneth.
And honestly admitted it too.
"No, I am not belittling you. The alchemy contained in that sheath is… incomprehensible to me…"
"Sir Andersen can't understand it? Such a thing exists…"
Neil's words startled Head of State Columbano.
"Hmm. It's a completely different design concept from the earring… It's truly intriguing… I wonder just what would happen if you activated the alchemy of that sheath."
Neil laughed happily as he said that.
And Ryo chuckled.
It was only natural that the design philosophy was different.
That piece was based on the alchemy of the Order of Assassins' 'Hassan'.
Ryo created it through trial and error from the 'Black Notebook' he left behind, and it could be said to be his first major work…
But Ryo was even more surprised.
Aside from the earring, the alchemy contained in the sheath is usually unnoticeable unless activated.
Even Kenneth didn't notice it.
Yet Neil saw through it!
Perhaps it was the difference in experience rather than in ability…
"If there's an alchemist in the Kingdom who can make those earrings, it's probably Frank de Verde?"
"No, he's Frank's fellow disciple from the same master. He is still in his early twenties, but it is no exaggeration to say that he is already one of the leading alchemists in the Central Countries."
Ryo answered Neil's question with confidence.
Ryo knew very well that Kenneth was a truly great alchemist.
"I see that a new generation of alchemists is emerging in the Kingdom as well."
Neil said happily.
Then he continued.
"Alchemy is still alive."
His expression was full of satisfaction.
It was the expression of a man who was convinced that the path to which he had once devoted himself with all his being… would undoubtedly carry on now and in the future.
-x-X-x-
The carriage entered a building a short distance away from the official residence of the head of state.
Inside the building, the three dismounted from the carriage.
The driver unloaded a large bag that was on top of the carriage.
It seemed to be Neil's tools.
"Follow me."
Saying that, Head of State Columbano began to walk ahead.
Neil, Ryo, and the driver followed behind in that order.
They descended the stairs to the basement and walked for quite a while.
Finally arriving at a door, they opened it and entered… and there was a vast space and dozens of golems lined up in a row.
"Ooohh…"
A soft exclamation slipped out of Ryo's mouth, unintentionally.
It was a rather spectacular sight.
But from another perspective, it was also a battlefield.
A battlefield where defeat was imminent.
Many people had several golems wired while staring at what looked like tablets.
Shaking their heads repeatedly.
Frowning.
It was obvious to everyone that things were not going well.
Neil approached the nearest golem and looked at the materials on it.
He also took a look at the tablet.
"U-Um…"
The alchemist of the Corps saw that and tried to call out to him.
However, Head of State Columbano approached the alchemist and whispered the current situation to his ears.
"That's Neil Andersen…"
A murmur spread throughout the space.
Incidentally, Ryo was peering at the documents and other materials from behind Neil.
And at the golem…
After a while, Neil began to manipulate the tablet at a furious speed.
He also deliberately copied some documents onto paper.
There seemed to be something that looked like a printer too…
It seemed that the idea of a paperless system hadn't occurred to them yet.
Ryo was also peeking at Neil's work from behind.
Although not grasping it fully, he could sort of understand.
He had grown able to understand somewhat over the past three years!
Just then, Neil pulled something up…
"Lord Ryo, have you noticed anything?"
It was a test.
He wasn't asking for an opinion.
He was asking if he had found the answer.
Ryo stated what he honestly thought.
"I think… the numbers on the mana-saving circuit are a bit strange. With numbers like that, I feel that even if it is activated, the magic power is too dispersed to even move the golem itself."
Buzz.
Ryo's words caused a slight stir among the alchemists and mechanics of the corps who were watching.
Some of their gazes were filled with hostility.
Ryo, however, had some confidence in his answer.
Because, as for 'mana saving', before coming to the Holy Capital, he had disassembled a golem of the QC Duchy and had been able to thoroughly tinker with it.
Among the Western Countries, the golems of the QC Duchy boasted frames that excelled in their mana-saving features, and Ryo had learned a lot from it.
"You really are an interesting fellow, Lord Ryo. You are right. The numerical value of this mana-saving circuit is abnormal. Though I'm not sure why… the alchemist who gave the order to tamper with this is quite a guy. As a matter of fact, even all the alchemists in this corps didn't notice it. How did you, Lord Ryo?"
"Actually, I had the opportunity to disassemble a golem of the QC Duchy…"
"Ohh. Even I don't get such an opportunity. The golems of the QC Duchy are said to be machines that excel in mana-saving. I see."
Neil nodded broadly.
Then, he instructed the alchemists around.
"Now, Your Excellency. I would like to confirm one thing."
"I really appreciate this, Sir Andersen. What is it that you want to confirm?"
"Are these golems going to be dealing with the golems of the United Kingdom?"
"…No, it will probably be the Golem Corps of the Theocracy."
Neil's question was answered with a frown by Head of State Columbano, who then continued.
"The Golem Corps of the Theocracy has broken through the eastern border at an alarming rate and is now heading straight towards this capital city. In contrast to the United Kingdom's army, this is conquering cities one by one."
"How many?"
"Eighty…"
The Golem Corps of the Theocracy was the strongest in the Western Countries… even Ryo had heard of it.
And eighty of them were on their way…
"Wow…. the golems of the Theocracy…Holy Knights was it, confronting eighty of them with these fifty… as they are now, even if they can move, it will be a tough fight."
"…As they are now?"
Ryo tilted his head and muttered at Neil's remark.
"What would you like to do, Your Excellency? If it's just one battle, I can make it so that they can outperform the Holy Knights? However, there is no guarantee that you will be able to use them in the subsequent battle against the United Kingdom because their magic power will be completely emptied…"
Neil's words were, to put it another way, a gamble.
But Head of State Columbano responded almost immediately.
"Do it."
Should the capital city be conquered by the Theocracy, the Republic will perish at that moment.
In that case, he must first do something about the golems of the Theocracy, the Holy Knights.
As for the United Kingdom army… he will think about it later!
((Even though it can't be helped… is it okay for the head of a country to be winging something like this…?))
((I understand how you feel, Ryo, but it happens. I guess he came to that decision based on priorities.))
Abel, too, seemed to have heard it through 'Soul Resonance'.
He immediately answered Ryo's question.
The words of the head of a country sometimes seem strange to those below them.
However, that strangeness is merely the reflection of the difference in information at hand.
A fellow citizen, in the same position, would probably spout the same words… Perhaps. Maybe… hopefully…
Different positions mean different views… what a complicated world.
"Your Excellency, how long until we come into contact with the Holy Knights?"
"In twenty-five hours, I'm told…"
"Hmm. They need to be taken apart completely… so basically, including disassembly, you're saying each unit should be rolled out and ready in 30 minutes… This really stimulates my dead passion."
Neil laughed as he said that.
The same laughter Ryo had seen many, many times before.
Mostly in battle.
Yup, Akuma Leonor's laughter, for example.
A terrible laugh.
Certainly not one to expect from someone who is called an alchemist.
Nor is it one of someone who wants to perform maintenance or adjustment.
But somehow, it seemed like the perfect laugh for Neil Andersen.
Head of State Columbano returned to the official residence of the head of state.
The capital defense command center was currently located in the large conference room of the official residence of the head of state.
It was chosen because it happened to be the highest conference room in the capital.
Through the windows on all four sides, they could see outside the walls of the capital.
The supreme commander of the capital's defense was Head of State Columbano.
However, although Columbano was adept at naval battles, he clearly had no command experience in ground battles or siege warfare.
For that reason, the Acting Supreme Commander was his Supreme Advisor, Lord Burley.
Lord Burley had commanded countless ground battles.
"How's it?"
Colombano asked Lord Burley in a low voice.
"The Holy Knights are heading straight for the capital, as expected… and at a speed that couldn't get any worse."
"Still… twenty-five hours away?"
"Mm-hmm. We'll meet them on Lente Plain in the capital. Siege warfare is out of the question against the Holy Knights."
"Since they'll just 'break through' the physical and magic barriers of the city walls, right?"
"Exactly. So a siege battle is meaningless. We have to defeat them on Lente Plain somehow…"
Lord Burley's face was pale.
He had considered several tactical options, but none that would lead to victory.
"Neil Andersen is currently repairing the golems."
"I heard. And that they'll be able to function."
"Yeah. Not only that. He's going to upgrade them to fight the Holy Knights, but just for that one battle."
"…All fifty of them?"
"Yeah, that's right."
Lord Burley's eyes widen in surprise.
"I heard that even normal maintenance would take two hours per unit?"
"So I've been told as well."
Lord Burley confirmed, and Columbano nodded in reply.
That's right, the maintenance of a golem is very time-consuming.
Even maintenance that doesn't involve the replacement of parts takes two hours.
While maintenance that requires the replacement of parts, such as joints, takes three hours.
Whereas a complete disassembly and reassembly… takes more than 10 hours.
That is how long it would take a top-notch mechanic.
"He said they needed to be completely disassembled…"
"You mean each would be ready in thirty minutes… instead of the ten hours it would normally take? This Neil Andersen guy… is a monster, to say the least."
Lord Burley replied to Columbano's words with a small shake of his head. An honest opinion.
Perhaps he was going to use some kind of magic or alchemy tool of his own creation.
But even if he does… he was still far from ordinary.
It was a good thing that such an abnormal man was not their enemy.
They both thought so from the bottom of their hearts…