Chapter 225 — Part 4

We followed Queen Seribea down a gentle slope and walked toward a rock door made of a large boulder. On the path leading up to the rock door, there were many dangerous holes and blind spots under the shadows of rocks that one could easily fall into. Without keen eyes, death would be waiting at one’s door. For a hidden village, such traps were certainly a mark of excellent security.

The sound of gears meshing resounded underground and to our left and right. Finally, the rock door parted to both sides to reveal a path. Farther ahead, houses made of stone walls or built underground could be seen. These houses were constructed in this manner to deceive any eyes gazing down from above. In these houses, residents were peering out from the windows.

Wyverns, griffins, and other flying magic beasts and fierce animals from Mores mountains could be seen in decent numbers. Lamias were not easy prey, but there were certainly vulnerable young children or elderly folks around.

「Selina, is this where you were born and brought up?」

「Yes, we live and work in harmony, just like in Bern village. Hm… Seems like nothing much changed after I left. Thank goodness.」

「Fumu, that must be a relief to you. There will be time for you to chat with your mother and your family. Do you think you can hold yourself back just a little more until then?」

「I’m a grown adult, all right? I’m capable of that much. Goodness, when will you stop treating me like a child?」

「I don’t see you as a child. I’m taking your feelings into consideration because you’re my treasured partner. I hope you can grasp the difference.」

「Oh? Heh heh, in that case, I’ll forgive you.」

「Fumu, I’ll be glad if you do. Seems like some thoughts have to be put into words in order to be conveyed.」

Soon after, Selina and I were led to a stone building erected near the center of Jarla. On a polished wall, a caricature of Lamias and their male partners of other races was depicted. Evidently, this was a painting that reflected the Lamia way of life.

「The elected queen lives here. Presently, Mama, um, Queen Seribea and her husband, Clyde, live here. I used to live here too.」

「Selina, this place isn’t just your birthplace filled with memories, but your home.」

「If I only returned home with a husband, an ordinary welcome would be enough. My homecoming this time is rather unprecedented, with my role as the delegation’s guide.」

It was natural that the other Lamias were piqued by Selina and me, leading them to glance at us time and again. However, Queen Seribea only looked back at us once. It was a true wonder what she thought about her daughter’s return.

After we were ushered into the building, we passed through a room with an embroidered carpet of the flowers and animals in Mores mountains. A faint fragrance from lit candles filled the room as we walked through it.

A long table separated Queen Seribea from Selina and me. Two young Lamias were situated by Queen Seribea’s side, one on the left and the other on the right. Queen Seribea coiled her tail under her and used it in place of a chair. This action was a common habit of Selina as well. The remaining Lamias and their husbands stood by the doors and walls, keeping an alert eye on us. Such caution was understandable and not a particular cause for worry.

「Please have a seat. This may be a Lamia village, but we do have chairs.」

Hearing Queen Seribea’s words, I sat down in the chair prepared for me. Selina coiled her tail just like her mother had done.

Fumu. 

I was well aware of my own frazzled nerves, but Selina’s unexpected homecoming was certainly a shock for Jarla as well. They, too, must be figuring out how to best deal with this situation. In that case, we could both help each other establish the most ideal resolution for this unusual event.

A steaming red drink was on the table. Even though we were halfway through spring, the mountains were still cold. I was rather eager to offer hot drinks to the rest of the delegation waiting for us too.

「Thank you. I believe that you are aware of the purpose of our visit, but let me convey it personally. Presently, our lord, the baroness of Bern, believes that the development of the dark wilderness, as well as interaction with Ente forest and the tribes of Mores mountains, are essential to the progress of the land and prosperity of the people. Hence, I have come today with the help of Lady Selina, a member of this village.」

「Your Excellency, we are aware that the people of Bern have once again taken up interest in the dark wilderness. Though, this information was not related by Selina. Snakes living in the dark wilderness and Ente forest often act as our eyes and ears, so it is not difficult to gather information from the surrounding regions.」

Fumu. Are they trying to defend Selina from accusations of leaking information from the barony of Bern?

「Is that so? In that case, are you also aware that we have established relationships with the Lizardmen and the water dragon, Lord Wedro, for their protection?」

「Yes. It is rare for people to climb the mountains. A group would certainly draw even more attention than usual. More so if this group consists of folks who have kept their distance from us.」

「That’s true, you’re absolutely right. In that case, I would like to proceed with discussions. We have compiled some documents on potential plans and conditions to establish friendly relationships. Please take a look at them.」

Selina took out three sets of documents from the bag I had left in her care and handed them over. These documents were similar to the ones used during our negotiations with the Lizardmen and Uara residents.

The agreement included the establishment of embassies in each other’s villages, the freedom to conduct trade, the granting of jurisdiction to those who broke the law in the respective territories, and conditions for employment and residence.

Moreover, it also stipulated that Lamias, who were generally recognized as magical beasts, were to be treated as equals to humans. The use of violence and discrimination were also prohibited by law. This condition was one that was most important to me.

On the other hand, Lamias were forbidden from using any form of magic to bewitch others and take away their will. Although there would inevitably be differences between races, leading to inconveniences or disadvantages, Christina and I would work out acceptable compromises.

After reading through the document provided by Selina, Seribea put it down on the table with an unreadable smile on her face.

「I understand Bern’s offer, but the fate of Jarla is a grave matter. Please give me some time to consider. I don’t need long, just a few days. In the meantime, the rest of the delegation can enter Jarla. The villagers might be excitable, so I hope you can forgive them for that. We have never had so many visitors from outside the village entering at the same time.」

「Thank you for your generosity. I will convey this to the delegation and emphasize discipline. This is their first time visiting a Lamia village like Jarla, so they might behave rudely. Many of them are single men without families, and meeting Lamias might be a little too stimulating for them. If they behave inappropriately, adequate punishment will be dealt.」

Queen Seribea chuckled in response with an amused exclamation.

Fumu. 

It seemed as though she was hinting that a little mischief would be tolerated as long as such deeds did not reach her ears.

There were men in the delegation who had never even held hands with a woman before. Even though Lamias had lower bodies of snakes, their charms would certianly be irresistible to these men.

Fumu. Well, let’s leave that be. Fumu, fumu.

「Your Excellency sure is a serious man. Please make yourself at home and have a good rest. A room has been prepared for you. Though, I wish to speak to you and my daughter not as the queen of Jarla, but as a mother.」

Despite the smile on Queen Seribea’s face, there was no friendliness in her eyes. Clearly, rejecting this request was impossible. She was no longer facing me as the queen, but as a parent. For some reason, the other Lamias in the room seemed to be staring at me more grimly than before.

A strict assessment of my suitability as Selina’s partner was awaiting. I gently grasped the hand of Selina as she reached out to me from under the table.

Fumu, Selina’s support has emboldened me with courage! Now, it’s time for the greatest battle of my personal life!

That being said, I wondered what kind of man Selina’s human father was. Moreover, I was curious about Queen Seribea’s deamenour in private, as a mother. My heart felt like it would burst at any moment.

NEXT CHAPTER

01d 20:56:43

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