Return to Volzard
***---***
When I returned to the Volzard Guild, the Desert Scorpio was being dismantled.
With the presence of Guild staff, many craftsmen and adventurers who had been sent for demolition work were working around the Desert Scorpio.
When I looked closely, I could see Ridner and his friends.
Apparently Donovan-san approached them again.
Wait, doesn't that count as a nomination request?
"Oohh, that's amazing. It's like an ant dismantling food and bringing it back to its nest."
Indeed, as Klaus-san said, it looked like worker ants were fighting hard around their prey.
The Desert Scorpio's shell was not only hard, but also flexible, and the people dismantling it seemed to be having a hard time.
"Ueehh, are you serious. My chisel broke ..."
"Stu~pid, you're using too much force."
"The person who said that the joints were soft, come out for a moment."
"It's the best material, but it's difficult to handle ..."
While the craftsmen were dismantling it, they were also simulating what they would create in the future.
Although it was commonly used as a material for armor, many people were also thinking of making it into knives and swords.
Although it would be good that it was light and wouldn't break easily, I was worried about the blade chipping.
Maa, in a few more weeks, the real thing would be on the market.
When I was about to go back to the boarding house, Fred, who had been keeping an eye on Diana, came back.
[ Kent-sama ... They are planning to send a ship tomorrow morning ... ]
"Ship you say, are they going to fight the Kraken?"
[ They have something that seems like a plan in place ... But, it's probably impossible ... ]
"Alright, tell me a few more details."
According to Fred, Diana and the others planned to leave the bay before nightfall in order to avoid the eyes of the guards.
It seemed like they planned to use poisoned arrows to fight on the water by driving harpoons with barrels attached to the end of a rope to prevent the Kraken from diving.
"Poison, you say, what kind do the poison arrows use?"
[ Extracted from poisonous fish ... apparently ... ]
"Will that work on the Kraken?"
[ I don't know ... but, I think the effect will be limited ... ]
The poison Diana and the others were trying to use was said to have the effect of immobilizing a Goblin in a few minutes, but I didn't know if it would be effective against the huge body of a Kraken.
"Fred, please let me know when Diana-tachi leave. If I ignore it even though I know it, it will leave a bad aftertaste, and it looks like my relationship with Vadi-san won't go well either."
[ Roger ... I'll let you know when they start preparations for departure ... ]
I had Fred return to monitoring. I moved to the training ground in the Devil's Forest.
[ Kent-sama, how are you going to subdue the Kraken. ]
"First of all, how do I find the Kraken."
[ That's right. No matter how big the Kraken is, finding it in the vast ocean is a difficult task. ]
"For now, I think I'll have Diana-tachi act as decoys ..."
[ I see, you will help the people who selfishly set sail when they're in a pinch. ]
"Yup, I'll be watching over them from the shadows, and when the time comes, I'll use the repatriation technique to send them into the bay ..."
Usually, when I used the repatriation technique, I asked my genus to act as landmarks, or I set up golems as a landmark.
This was because if the coordinates misaligned at the destination, which could be many meters up in the air or underground, it could be life-threatening.
However, if the repatriation destination was at sea, it may be okay even if there was some discrepancy.
It was unlikely that the people trying to subdue the Kraken wouldn't be able to swim.
[ If you are going to help Diana-tachi, what will you do about the Kraken? ]
"I'm thinking of sending the Kraken away with the repatriation technique as well."
This was something I wouldn't normally do, but if you crossed the border of the repatriation technique, you would be amputated instantly.
When sending a human being, it would cause a big fuss if they were amputated, but there would be no problem even if the Kraken were amputated.
[ I see, so we are completing the subjugation and bringing back the evidence at the same time. ]
"They said there's space available for whales at the fish market, so I'm planning to send it there."
[ Then, would you like to set up a landmark there? ]
"That's right. But, we'll probably be able to make it in time after Diana-tachi leave."
After that, I tried to use the repatriation technique while my consciousness was sent flying using star magic.
Leaving my body in the training field, I sent my consciousness to the site where I had defeated the Hydra, and had the monsters wandering around the area let me use them as test subjects.
The results were good, and the repatriation technique could be used even in this condition.
Originally, the repatriation technique and the summoning technique could be activated as long as I knew where the object to send was and where the destination was.
Even if my consciousness flew away by using the star attribute, there was no problem as long as I could understand the coordinates.
It felt like I had taken another step forward in defeating the Krakens.
[ Kent-sama, are you going to use star magic to find and subjugate the Kraken? ]
"I didn't necessarily decide to use this method to subdue them, but it would be better to have several methods at hand."
[ That's right. If there is only one method, and that method fails, the strategy will end in failure. Even if one method doesn't work, it's wise to have a way to cover it. ]
"Other methods include blowing them up with a spear golem or explosives, but if I don't preserve the original form, I won't make any money."
If the Kraken were blown to pieces, 20 million Helts would be blown away.
"But, if there are more than three Krakens, will I be properly compensated for their subjugation?"
There were three Krakens in the nomination request, but if it were to be ten, one hundred, or one thousand, it would be a huge amount of money.
200 million Helts for 10 of them, 2 billion Helts for 100 of them
Maa, I'm confident that if I got that kind of money, I'd definitely become a useless person.
Come to think of it, tomorrow was the scheduled day for the return work.
It would be bad if it overlapped with the extermination of the Kraken, so let's contact Katou-sensei for a moment.
When I dived into the shadows and visited the garrison's temporary quarters, I found Katou-sensei talking with a haggard Yagi.
Was this a declaration that he would be happy in Volzard?
"Sensei! Please do something about that!"
"Hey, you, until recently you had said you didn't want to go home, but suddenly you really want to go home. If you can't tell me the reason, I can't give you any priority."
"My future is at stake. If this continue, I'll ..."
"Then, please explain the reason properly."
Yagi was such an idiot ... Even if Sensei gave permission, I wouldn't give permission.
I put out a shield of darkness and called out as I entered the room.
"Sensei, it seems that Yagi will build a happy family in Volzard."
"Kokubu? What do you mean?"
"Bastard, Kokubu, because of you, this me ..."
"It seems that Yagi used my name to trick a younger girl into having an affair with him."
"What, Yagi, is that true!"
"Idiot Kokubu, don't say it in a way that will cause misunderstandings!"
"Rather than that, it's up to me whether or not you go back to Japan ... Got it?"
"Please, Kokubu! This me. I don't want to end up in the graveyard of life at this age!"
Ah~ ... Yagi clinging to me is annoying.
When I explained the story with Mariede-san to Katou-sensei while pulling Yagi off of me, naturally his request to return hom was refused.
"Yagi, did you register at the town hall?"
"No, Sensei ... That, you could say I was forced, or maybe I lost my mind ..."
"But, the documents were accepted."
"That's ... Yes, for the time being ... But."
Interrupting Yagi's evasive words, Katou-sensei flatly announced.
"In that case, I will not allow you to return to Japan unless you complete proper divorce procedures, and I will also report this matter to Yagi's parents."
"Eeehhh! That's no good. Please, give me a break. Sensei doesn't know Mariede, so you can say things like that. If you see Mariede in real life ..."
"Then, bring her here."
"Ehh, do what ... ?"
"Bring her here and let me talk to her. I'll listen to what she has to say and then make a decision."
"I see ..."
I didn't know how Yagi's parents would react, but unless Mariede-san consented, he wouldn't be allowed to return to Japan.
"So, Kokubu, don't you have something to do as well?"
"Ahh, that's right. It's about the return work tomorrow ..."
I explained about the Kraken subjugation, and asked him to schedule the return work for the afternoon, and also made him understand that there was a possibility that it would be canceled.
"Damnit, if only I had a cheat like Kokubu."
"Yagi, the incident with Mariede-san is definitely your fault."
"Idiot, I was drugged that night. Otherwise, there was no way I would have reacted."
"Even when I was given a drink in Barshania, I controlled myself properly."
"Ehh, is the Princess of Barshania really that bad? Are you saying she's ugly?"
"I won't say that. Rather, Seraphima is ridiculously cute."
When I told him a little bit about how cute Seraphima was, Yagi let out a big sigh.
"Haa ... I see, Kokubu must be having a hard time too, having ED at that age ..."
"It's not that! It's not ED, it's perfectly energetic!"
"It's okay, I'll keep it a secret from everyone ..."
"Wait! Why are you trying to spread such obviously false information."
"Kokubu, I have nothing left to lose ... I'll take you to the grave with me. I think today is the last time you can make fun of me ..."
Yagi left Katou-sensei's room, leaving behind an incomprehensible throwaway line.
Seriously, I don't want him to cause any more trouble ...
"Kokubu, Yagi's case was decided with the other woman in mind, but we are not in a position to have any say in matters such as marriage. If both parties agree, we cannot force them to continue the relationship."
"That's true, but I can't accept that my name was used to exploit a girl. I'll have Yagi do it properly to the end."
"Will you say that even if the two of them divorce?"
"I don't know about the situation in Volzard, but in Japan, when you divorce, you pay alimony. As long as he fulfills all responsibilities related to such a divorce, I don't think I have the right to intervene. However, if would be a different story if he asked her to shoulder the alimony or did something that would seriously hurt Mariede-san. I have decided to live in Volzard, and since I have a relationship with the Feudal Lord, Klaus-san, I will be on the side of the people of Volzard."
Katou-sensei stared at me in silence, and then suddenly his stern expression softened.
"I see, that's right. Kokubu was such a person. Besides, you're already the city's leading adventurer. As long as you're not just doing it because it's fun, you should do what you want."
"Yes, I will do that."
"Umu, I agree about tomorrow. However, if possible, please arrange for us to proceed with the return work."
"Understood. Even if I cancel, I will let you know as soon as possible."
After the meeting, I left Katou-sensei's room.
I dived into the shadows and took a peek at the dormitory.
It had been a while since I've seen the dormitory since I've only had meetings with the teachers and visited the rooms in person.
As expected, about half of my classmates had returned to Japan, so the dormitory felt quiet.
The number of people walking in the hallways had decreased, and those who remained were probably spending their time huddled together.
It was my decision to stay in Volzard, and I usually had very little interaction with my classmates in the dormitory.
Even so, I somehow felt like I was being left behind.
Maybe Yagi felt the same feelings even more strongly.
[ Kent-sama, are you sure? I feel like it would be less troublesome if you just sent him back ... ]
"That's right. But, Mariede-san was serious, so I can't forgive Yagi's careless attitude."
[ Is that so. In that case, wouldn't it be a good idea to tell that person that polygamy is allowed in Volzard? ]
"I see ... But, I can't think of a situation where Yagi would become friends with another woman in the first place, and I don't think he would be able to get Mariede-san's permission."
[ Maa, that's true. Putting that aside, Seraphima-jou will finish crossing the desert in about a week. Wouldn't it be better for you to let Resenburg know? ]
"Ahh, I see, that's right. Then, let's go to Camilla's after dinner."
At the dniner table, I apologized for not buying souvenirs at Jobet.
"I'm sorry. I was given an Irregular welcome in various ways ..."
"Irregular, you say, Kent did something lewd anyway, right?"
"Hey, Meisa-chan, could you please stop saying such bad things about people."
"Then, what happened?"
"When you become an S-rank adventurer, your name takes on a life of its own."
Both Meisa-chan and Amanda-san were stunned when I told them about the rough reception I received from Diana.
"What, didn't they ask Kent for help?"
"Maa, that's true, but there seems to be a strange sense of rivalry."
"Isn't that town trading with countries across the sea? Even so, it has the attitude of excluding outsiders?"
"I don't know, maybe it's because I'm an adventurer who belongs to another city within Landshelt."
"I see ... Even if people come from somewhere other than Volzard, it's natural for us to take in as many useful people as possible, so it's hard to understand things like belonging to another city."
Volzard was also known as the farthest city, and had actively accepted people who wanted to conquer the dungeon and challenge the Devil's Forest.
I felt that one of the reasons why we, including my classmates, were accepted was because of the unique temperament of the area.
After dinner, when I moved using Hart, who was escorting Camilla, as a guide, I saw Nort being followed by Diethelm.
It appeared that Diethelm had returned to Aldaros.
"Nort. Did Diethelm come back on his own?"
"Nope, Camilla sent a letter for him to come back."
"Is that so ..."
Peeking into the office, Diethelm appeared to be assisting Camilla with her work.
After the office knight left the room and the two of them took a break, I called out to them.
"Good evening, it's been a while."
"Maou-sama, welcome, it's good to see you."
"It's been a while. I apologize for the long absence."
Camilla and Diethelm both knelt and bowed their heads.
"Aahh, you don't have to act in such an exaggerated manner, let's sit down and talk for a bit."
"Very well. Bacchus, make us some tea."
It seemed that the person working as Camilla's secretary had not changed from when she was in Lastock.
I sat down on the sofa across the table, and Hart and Nort immediately appeared beside me.
Yup, yup, this mofumofu is an essential part of being a Maou.
"So, Maou-sama, what kind of business do you have tonight?"
"In about a week, Princess Seraphima of Barshania will finish crossing the Davira Desert. There is no need for a grand reception, but I would like you to make arrangements to avoid unnecessary conflicts."
"Yes, regarding that matter, including Duke Drevis, we have placed personnel in charge of the territory that the road to the Royal Capital passes through."
"In that case, there doesn't seem to be any worry of a conflict happening."
I thought I would get a reply right away, but Camilla seemed to be hesitating.
"You seem to have some concerns."
"Yes, I have sent a letter to the nobles who rule the territory detailing the necessity of establishing friendly relations between Resenburg and Barshania and the purpose of Princess Seraphima's passage through Resenburg. I have also instructed the person in charge to patiently explain that useless conflicts, if done poorly, will affect the very survival of the country, so the chances of the nobles causing a commotion are low."
"Well then, do you think the people are going to do something?"
"Yes, that cannot be completely ruled out. As Maou-sama knows, Resenburg and Barshania have been in conflict for many years. That hostility will not change overnight."
"I see ... Just in case, I'm also working on maintaining the roads."
As a measure to ease the feelings of the residents, I was proceeding with road maintenance, but I was leaving everything to Reinhardt, so I haven't checked on what's going on.
"We have received news from Duke Drevis. The road construction, which would normally take months, was completed overnight, and the residents are lost in surprise."
"I, is that so ... But, they're happy with it, aren't they?"
"Of course. It seems that in some places, every time it rains, it gets muddy and becomes difficult to pass, so they are very happy that this problem has been solved."
"Well then, it seems like we are contributing to improving the sentiment of the residents."
"Yes, everything is due to the power of Maou-sama, it is rumored that Barshania is bending their knees before the majesty of Maou-sama, and is presenting their Princess with the intention of forming a connection."
"No, saying that ... Although that's not necessarily a mistake ..."
There was also a plan to use my name in Barshania for handing over Seraphima.
Personally, I would like it if the friendly relationship between Resenburg and Barshania deepened, but I guess I had to be okay with it being used as the first step towards that.
"Well then, could you proceed with the arrangements so that there is no further confusion?"
"As you wish."
"By the way, Diethelm is in the Royal Castle ... ?"
"Yes, I called him."
"What about Lastock?"
"Currently, it remains a territory under direct control, but Count Gleisner is the deputy, and we plan to give it up eventually."
"Is that because you put the Calvine Territory under your direct control?"
"There is also that, and Diethelm will have to sit on the throne of the King someday. There is no better way to study for that than through practical work, so I am thinking of getting him accustomed to government affairs as my assistant."
"I see, alright. Well then, I would appreciate your help in welcoming Seraphima."
"As you wish."
After that, I heard about the domestic situation in Resenburg, and then returned to Volzard.
Return to Volzard
***---***
When I returned to the Volzard Guild, the Desert Scorpio was being dismantled.
With the presence of Guild staff, many craftsmen and adventurers who had been sent for demolition work were working around the Desert Scorpio.
When I looked closely, I could see Ridner and his friends.
Apparently Donovan-san approached them again.
Wait, doesn't that count as a nomination request?
"Oohh, that's amazing. It's like an ant dismantling food and bringing it back to its nest."
Indeed, as Klaus-san said, it looked like worker ants were fighting hard around their prey.
The Desert Scorpio's shell was not only hard, but also flexible, and the people dismantling it seemed to be having a hard time.
"Ueehh, are you serious. My chisel broke ..."
"Stu~pid, you're using too much force."
"The person who said that the joints were soft, come out for a moment."
"It's the best material, but it's difficult to handle ..."
While the craftsmen were dismantling it, they were also simulating what they would create in the future.
Although it was commonly used as a material for armor, many people were also thinking of making it into knives and swords.
Although it would be good that it was light and wouldn't break easily, I was worried about the blade chipping.
Maa, in a few more weeks, the real thing would be on the market.
When I was about to go back to the boarding house, Fred, who had been keeping an eye on Diana, came back.
[ Kent-sama ... They are planning to send a ship tomorrow morning ... ]
"Ship you say, are they going to fight the Kraken?"
[ They have something that seems like a plan in place ... But, it's probably impossible ... ]
"Alright, tell me a few more details."
According to Fred, Diana and the others planned to leave the bay before nightfall in order to avoid the eyes of the guards.
It seemed like they planned to use poisoned arrows to fight on the water by driving harpoons with barrels attached to the end of a rope to prevent the Kraken from diving.
"Poison, you say, what kind do the poison arrows use?"
[ Extracted from poisonous fish ... apparently ... ]
"Will that work on the Kraken?"
[ I don't know ... but, I think the effect will be limited ... ]
The poison Diana and the others were trying to use was said to have the effect of immobilizing a Goblin in a few minutes, but I didn't know if it would be effective against the huge body of a Kraken.
"Fred, please let me know when Diana-tachi leave. If I ignore it even though I know it, it will leave a bad aftertaste, and it looks like my relationship with Vadi-san won't go well either."
[ Roger ... I'll let you know when they start preparations for departure ... ]
I had Fred return to monitoring. I moved to the training ground in the Devil's Forest.
[ Kent-sama, how are you going to subdue the Kraken. ]
"First of all, how do I find the Kraken."
[ That's right. No matter how big the Kraken is, finding it in the vast ocean is a difficult task. ]
"For now, I think I'll have Diana-tachi act as decoys ..."
[ I see, you will help the people who selfishly set sail when they're in a pinch. ]
"Yup, I'll be watching over them from the shadows, and when the time comes, I'll use the repatriation technique to send them into the bay ..."
Usually, when I used the repatriation technique, I asked my genus to act as landmarks, or I set up golems as a landmark.
This was because if the coordinates misaligned at the destination, which could be many meters up in the air or underground, it could be life-threatening.
However, if the repatriation destination was at sea, it may be okay even if there was some discrepancy.
It was unlikely that the people trying to subdue the Kraken wouldn't be able to swim.
[ If you are going to help Diana-tachi, what will you do about the Kraken? ]
"I'm thinking of sending the Kraken away with the repatriation technique as well."
This was something I wouldn't normally do, but if you crossed the border of the repatriation technique, you would be amputated instantly.
When sending a human being, it would cause a big fuss if they were amputated, but there would be no problem even if the Kraken were amputated.
[ I see, so we are completing the subjugation and bringing back the evidence at the same time. ]
"They said there's space available for whales at the fish market, so I'm planning to send it there."
[ Then, would you like to set up a landmark there? ]
"That's right. But, we'll probably be able to make it in time after Diana-tachi leave."
After that, I tried to use the repatriation technique while my consciousness was sent flying using star magic.
Leaving my body in the training field, I sent my consciousness to the site where I had defeated the Hydra, and had the monsters wandering around the area let me use them as test subjects.
The results were good, and the repatriation technique could be used even in this condition.
Originally, the repatriation technique and the summoning technique could be activated as long as I knew where the object to send was and where the destination was.
Even if my consciousness flew away by using the star attribute, there was no problem as long as I could understand the coordinates.
It felt like I had taken another step forward in defeating the Krakens.
[ Kent-sama, are you going to use star magic to find and subjugate the Kraken? ]
"I didn't necessarily decide to use this method to subdue them, but it would be better to have several methods at hand."
[ That's right. If there is only one method, and that method fails, the strategy will end in failure. Even if one method doesn't work, it's wise to have a way to cover it. ]
"Other methods include blowing them up with a spear golem or explosives, but if I don't preserve the original form, I won't make any money."
If the Kraken were blown to pieces, 20 million Helts would be blown away.
"But, if there are more than three Krakens, will I be properly compensated for their subjugation?"
There were three Krakens in the nomination request, but if it were to be ten, one hundred, or one thousand, it would be a huge amount of money.
200 million Helts for 10 of them, 2 billion Helts for 100 of them
Maa, I'm confident that if I got that kind of money, I'd definitely become a useless person.
Come to think of it, tomorrow was the scheduled day for the return work.
It would be bad if it overlapped with the extermination of the Kraken, so let's contact Katou-sensei for a moment.
When I dived into the shadows and visited the garrison's temporary quarters, I found Katou-sensei talking with a haggard Yagi.
Was this a declaration that he would be happy in Volzard?
"Sensei! Please do something about that!"
"Hey, you, until recently you had said you didn't want to go home, but suddenly you really want to go home. If you can't tell me the reason, I can't give you any priority."
"My future is at stake. If this continue, I'll ..."
"Then, please explain the reason properly."
Yagi was such an idiot ... Even if Sensei gave permission, I wouldn't give permission.
I put out a shield of darkness and called out as I entered the room.
"Sensei, it seems that Yagi will build a happy family in Volzard."
"Kokubu? What do you mean?"
"Bastard, Kokubu, because of you, this me ..."
"It seems that Yagi used my name to trick a younger girl into having an affair with him."
"What, Yagi, is that true!"
"Idiot Kokubu, don't say it in a way that will cause misunderstandings!"
"Rather than that, it's up to me whether or not you go back to Japan ... Got it?"
"Please, Kokubu! This me. I don't want to end up in the graveyard of life at this age!"
Ah~ ... Yagi clinging to me is annoying.
When I explained the story with Mariede-san to Katou-sensei while pulling Yagi off of me, naturally his request to return hom was refused.
"Yagi, did you register at the town hall?"
"No, Sensei ... That, you could say I was forced, or maybe I lost my mind ..."
"But, the documents were accepted."
"That's ... Yes, for the time being ... But."
Interrupting Yagi's evasive words, Katou-sensei flatly announced.
"In that case, I will not allow you to return to Japan unless you complete proper divorce procedures, and I will also report this matter to Yagi's parents."
"Eeehhh! That's no good. Please, give me a break. Sensei doesn't know Mariede, so you can say things like that. If you see Mariede in real life ..."
"Then, bring her here."
"Ehh, do what ... ?"
"Bring her here and let me talk to her. I'll listen to what she has to say and then make a decision."
"I see ..."
I didn't know how Yagi's parents would react, but unless Mariede-san consented, he wouldn't be allowed to return to Japan.
"So, Kokubu, don't you have something to do as well?"
"Ahh, that's right. It's about the return work tomorrow ..."
I explained about the Kraken subjugation, and asked him to schedule the return work for the afternoon, and also made him understand that there was a possibility that it would be canceled.
"Damnit, if only I had a cheat like Kokubu."
"Yagi, the incident with Mariede-san is definitely your fault."
"Idiot, I was drugged that night. Otherwise, there was no way I would have reacted."
"Even when I was given a drink in Barshania, I controlled myself properly."
"Ehh, is the Princess of Barshania really that bad? Are you saying she's ugly?"
"I won't say that. Rather, Seraphima is ridiculously cute."
When I told him a little bit about how cute Seraphima was, Yagi let out a big sigh.
"Haa ... I see, Kokubu must be having a hard time too, having ED at that age ..."
"It's not that! It's not ED, it's perfectly energetic!"
"It's okay, I'll keep it a secret from everyone ..."
"Wait! Why are you trying to spread such obviously false information."
"Kokubu, I have nothing left to lose ... I'll take you to the grave with me. I think today is the last time you can make fun of me ..."
Yagi left Katou-sensei's room, leaving behind an incomprehensible throwaway line.
Seriously, I don't want him to cause any more trouble ...
"Kokubu, Yagi's case was decided with the other woman in mind, but we are not in a position to have any say in matters such as marriage. If both parties agree, we cannot force them to continue the relationship."
"That's true, but I can't accept that my name was used to exploit a girl. I'll have Yagi do it properly to the end."
"Will you say that even if the two of them divorce?"
"I don't know about the situation in Volzard, but in Japan, when you divorce, you pay alimony. As long as he fulfills all responsibilities related to such a divorce, I don't think I have the right to intervene. However, if would be a different story if he asked her to shoulder the alimony or did something that would seriously hurt Mariede-san. I have decided to live in Volzard, and since I have a relationship with the Feudal Lord, Klaus-san, I will be on the side of the people of Volzard."
Katou-sensei stared at me in silence, and then suddenly his stern expression softened.
"I see, that's right. Kokubu was such a person. Besides, you're already the city's leading adventurer. As long as you're not just doing it because it's fun, you should do what you want."
"Yes, I will do that."
"Umu, I agree about tomorrow. However, if possible, please arrange for us to proceed with the return work."
"Understood. Even if I cancel, I will let you know as soon as possible."
After the meeting, I left Katou-sensei's room.
I dived into the shadows and took a peek at the dormitory.
It had been a while since I've seen the dormitory since I've only had meetings with the teachers and visited the rooms in person.
As expected, about half of my classmates had returned to Japan, so the dormitory felt quiet.
The number of people walking in the hallways had decreased, and those who remained were probably spending their time huddled together.
It was my decision to stay in Volzard, and I usually had very little interaction with my classmates in the dormitory.
Even so, I somehow felt like I was being left behind.
Maybe Yagi felt the same feelings even more strongly.
[ Kent-sama, are you sure? I feel like it would be less troublesome if you just sent him back ... ]
"That's right. But, Mariede-san was serious, so I can't forgive Yagi's careless attitude."
[ Is that so. In that case, wouldn't it be a good idea to tell that person that polygamy is allowed in Volzard? ]
"I see ... But, I can't think of a situation where Yagi would become friends with another woman in the first place, and I don't think he would be able to get Mariede-san's permission."
[ Maa, that's true. Putting that aside, Seraphima-jou will finish crossing the desert in about a week. Wouldn't it be better for you to let Resenburg know? ]
"Ahh, I see, that's right. Then, let's go to Camilla's after dinner."
At the dniner table, I apologized for not buying souvenirs at Jobet.
"I'm sorry. I was given an Irregular welcome in various ways ..."
"Irregular, you say, Kent did something lewd anyway, right?"
"Hey, Meisa-chan, could you please stop saying such bad things about people."
"Then, what happened?"
"When you become an S-rank adventurer, your name takes on a life of its own."
Both Meisa-chan and Amanda-san were stunned when I told them about the rough reception I received from Diana.
"What, didn't they ask Kent for help?"
"Maa, that's true, but there seems to be a strange sense of rivalry."
"Isn't that town trading with countries across the sea? Even so, it has the attitude of excluding outsiders?"
"I don't know, maybe it's because I'm an adventurer who belongs to another city within Landshelt."
"I see ... Even if people come from somewhere other than Volzard, it's natural for us to take in as many useful people as possible, so it's hard to understand things like belonging to another city."
Volzard was also known as the farthest city, and had actively accepted people who wanted to conquer the dungeon and challenge the Devil's Forest.
I felt that one of the reasons why we, including my classmates, were accepted was because of the unique temperament of the area.
After dinner, when I moved using Hart, who was escorting Camilla, as a guide, I saw Nort being followed by Diethelm.
It appeared that Diethelm had returned to Aldaros.
"Nort. Did Diethelm come back on his own?"
"Nope, Camilla sent a letter for him to come back."
"Is that so ..."
Peeking into the office, Diethelm appeared to be assisting Camilla with her work.
After the office knight left the room and the two of them took a break, I called out to them.
"Good evening, it's been a while."
"Maou-sama, welcome, it's good to see you."
"It's been a while. I apologize for the long absence."
Camilla and Diethelm both knelt and bowed their heads.
"Aahh, you don't have to act in such an exaggerated manner, let's sit down and talk for a bit."
"Very well. Bacchus, make us some tea."
It seemed that the person working as Camilla's secretary had not changed from when she was in Lastock.
I sat down on the sofa across the table, and Hart and Nort immediately appeared beside me.
Yup, yup, this mofumofu is an essential part of being a Maou.
"So, Maou-sama, what kind of business do you have tonight?"
"In about a week, Princess Seraphima of Barshania will finish crossing the Davira Desert. There is no need for a grand reception, but I would like you to make arrangements to avoid unnecessary conflicts."
"Yes, regarding that matter, including Duke Drevis, we have placed personnel in charge of the territory that the road to the Royal Capital passes through."
"In that case, there doesn't seem to be any worry of a conflict happening."
I thought I would get a reply right away, but Camilla seemed to be hesitating.
"You seem to have some concerns."
"Yes, I have sent a letter to the nobles who rule the territory detailing the necessity of establishing friendly relations between Resenburg and Barshania and the purpose of Princess Seraphima's passage through Resenburg. I have also instructed the person in charge to patiently explain that useless conflicts, if done poorly, will affect the very survival of the country, so the chances of the nobles causing a commotion are low."
"Well then, do you think the people are going to do something?"
"Yes, that cannot be completely ruled out. As Maou-sama knows, Resenburg and Barshania have been in conflict for many years. That hostility will not change overnight."
"I see ... Just in case, I'm also working on maintaining the roads."
As a measure to ease the feelings of the residents, I was proceeding with road maintenance, but I was leaving everything to Reinhardt, so I haven't checked on what's going on.
"We have received news from Duke Drevis. The road construction, which would normally take months, was completed overnight, and the residents are lost in surprise."
"I, is that so ... But, they're happy with it, aren't they?"
"Of course. It seems that in some places, every time it rains, it gets muddy and becomes difficult to pass, so they are very happy that this problem has been solved."
"Well then, it seems like we are contributing to improving the sentiment of the residents."
"Yes, everything is due to the power of Maou-sama, it is rumored that Barshania is bending their knees before the majesty of Maou-sama, and is presenting their Princess with the intention of forming a connection."
"No, saying that ... Although that's not necessarily a mistake ..."
There was also a plan to use my name in Barshania for handing over Seraphima.
Personally, I would like it if the friendly relationship between Resenburg and Barshania deepened, but I guess I had to be okay with it being used as the first step towards that.
"Well then, could you proceed with the arrangements so that there is no further confusion?"
"As you wish."
"By the way, Diethelm is in the Royal Castle ... ?"
"Yes, I called him."
"What about Lastock?"
"Currently, it remains a territory under direct control, but Count Gleisner is the deputy, and we plan to give it up eventually."
"Is that because you put the Calvine Territory under your direct control?"
"There is also that, and Diethelm will have to sit on the throne of the King someday. There is no better way to study for that than through practical work, so I am thinking of getting him accustomed to government affairs as my assistant."
"I see, alright. Well then, I would appreciate your help in welcoming Seraphima."
"As you wish."
After that, I heard about the domestic situation in Resenburg, and then returned to Volzard.
