Book 5: Volume 1 Chapter 6, Santo Emingo Kingdom

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

Following Kousuke’s instructions, Sylvia and her companions departed Amamiya Tower and traveled to the capital of the Santo Emingo Kingdom. It was a five-day journey from the Flores Kingdom.

 

They passed through two small countries along the way, avoiding checkpoints and using Mitsuki’s magic to quicken their travel time.

 

Upon arriving at the capital, they secured a room at an inn. As they settled in, Mitsuki voiced the question on everyone’s mind.

 

“So? What do we do next?”

 

Sylvia’s expression held a silent certainty to it. “We wait. It shouldn’t be long before the other side hears of our arrival through the Goddess, Elisa Meir.”

 

“I see.”

 

Mitsuki nodded, understanding the implications. The Gods’ involvement as intermediaries signaled Kousuke’s seriousness about this matter, even if they were not intervening directly. Whatever message Kousuke wanted to convey, Sylvia and the others were here to deliver it.

 

As Sylvia released a soft sigh, Peach studied her with an observant eye.

 

“So? What’s worrying you this time, Sylvia?”

 

“Huh? Worried?” Sylvia tilted her head, genuinely confused.

 

Peach’s lips quirked slightly. “You had that expression when Kousuke gave you instructions.”

 

“I should have noticed too.” Mitsuki’s tone carried gentle concern. “If something’s troubling you, please tell us now. I’d rather not be caught off guard during the actual meeting.”

 

Sylvia blinked, then understanding dawned on her face. She shook her head with a rueful smile.

 

“Ah, no. It’s nothing about our mission here.”

 

“Something else is bothering you, then?” Mitsuki confirmed.

 

“Yes.” Sylvia hesitated, as though uncertain whether to burden them with her concerns. “I wasn’t trying to hide it, but…”

 

She began explaining what had been weighing on her mind before their departure. As she spoke, Mitsuki and Peach exchanged knowing glances.

 

“I see,” Mitsuki said when she finished. “I can understand your concern.”

 

“Though we’re too far away to do anything about it,” Peach added pragmatically.

 

Mitsuki sighed. “True. The real problem is that Collete herself might not even realize it. How oblivious, even for her.”

 

Sylvia’s smile turned wry. “In a way, it can’t be helped. I’m sure Collete is wondering if it’s actually about her.”

 

“I can understand that uncertainty,” Peach said quietly. “In her case, it’s because of her Race.”

 

The observation prompted simultaneous sighs from all three.

 

After a moment, Mitsuki spoke with resignation. “Well, there’s no use worrying when we’re this far away. For now, let’s hope the people in management figure it out.”

 

Sylvia nodded, though her expression darkened slightly. “That’s our only option, but… Floria is probably the only one who’ll recognize the reason.”

 

Mitsuki and Peach shared another thoughtful look.

 

“…I’ll contact Kouhi just in case,” Mitsuki said finally, though her tone suggested she found this less than ideal. “If necessary, she’ll take action.”

 

Kouhi acted with remarkable speed when matters concerned Kousuke, but often showed little interest in anything else. Still, since this involved Kousuke indirectly, she would likely respond appropriately.

 

“That’s true.” Relief softened Sylvia’s features. “Considering the children, I think that’s for the best.”

 

Kouhi had become actively involved in raising Kousuke’s children. It might have been at his request, but Kouhi’s dedication went far beyond mere obligation. Sylvia sometimes suspected that Kokoro’s talents owed more to Kouhi’s efforts than to heredity alone.

 

Knowing Kouhi would not allow any major problems to develop, Sylvia felt her anxiety ease.

 

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King Pedro of Santo Emingo Kingdom listened to Camilo’s report with measured attention, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

 

“So they mounted a proper defense today?”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty. The summons were still low-level, but far more numerous than the first day. It was a stark contrast.”

 

“Interesting.” Pedro’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. “Were they simply testing us on the first day, then?”

 

This pattern of thinking aloud was common for King Pedro. Camilo, accustomed to his sovereign’s habits, waited patiently.

 

“And the results?”

 

“Many monsters evolved to higher species, just like after the previous battle.”

 

“Hmm.” Pedro nodded with satisfaction. “So the traditional wisdom holds true after all.”

 

The conquest of Amamiya Tower had never been about claiming the Tower itself. In Conquest Battles, both sides could agree to stop fighting at any point. This was what was known as a ‘settlement’. Pedro had always intended to request such a settlement once his objectives were met.

 

One of those objectives was the monster evolution Camilo had just confirmed. A legend passed down within the Santo Emingo Royal Family claimed that Conquest Battles, with monsters fighting monsters, would result in widespread evolution among survivors. Pedro had only heard this as rumor, having never participated in a Conquest Battle himself. But now, it was confirmed.

 

If evolution continued at this rate, Pedro would be satisfied.

 

What troubled him more was the information warfare. Shortly after declaring war, Amamiya Tower had leaked information through Razequa Amamiya that could disadvantage Santo Emingo. It was a complete oversight on Pedro’s part. From a national perspective, such tactics were standard, but no Tower had ever employed them before. They had barely avoided a serious disadvantage.

 

As for the actual Tower battles, Pedro had worried after the first defensive showing, but today’s results eased his concerns somewhat.

 

After Camilo departed, another visitor arrived. It was the shrine maiden Ada, who belonged to the temple but held stronger loyalty to the kingdom due to past debts of gratitude. Pedro usually favored Ada over other priests and shrine maidens, but today he greeted her with displeasure.

 

“What is this? More complaints about the Tower battle? I’ve told you repeatedly that I won’t stop until we achieve results.”

 

Ada had opposed the conquest from the beginning, partly because their opponent’s ruler was a living god. However, she had supposedly withdrawn her objections for certain reasons.

 

Ada shook her head. “No, Your Majesty. As I said before, the oracle indicated no problems with proceeding according to standard conquest protocols. I have nothing more to say on that matter.”

 

The Gods had indeed given an oracle stating they wouldn’t intervene in this battle, despite the enemy being a living god. That oracle had been Pedro’s final confirmation before proceeding.

 

“Oh? Then what brings you today?”

 

Ada’s next words were carefully measured. “I’ve received a new oracle.”

 

“What!?” Pedro’s eyebrow rose sharply.

 

His mind immediately jumped to the possibility that the Gods had reversed their decision. But Ada’s message proved quite different from his fears.

 

Upon hearing her unexpected words, King Pedro immediately issued instructions to those nearby, his expression transformed from wariness to careful preparation.