Chapter 227
My words thawed the icy atmosphere in the room, and Queen Seribea turned to me with a serious look in her eyes.
「The unification of the dark wilderness is already a grave matter. If there are invasions, we can’t be at ease.」
Unlike the other Lamias with their stern expressions, Queen Seribea had a gentle smile on her face indicating her rather relaxed state. Beside her, Selina’s father hardened his expression as well, but I could see that he still had the capacity to be considerate of his partner’s feelings.
Neogio moved to distribute more documents to the Lamias after a single glance of mine. While we waited for him to finish handing out the papers, I spoke once more. The words that left my mouth were not pleasing, but it was a matter that had to be discussed.
「There have been telling signs ever since last summer. I’m sure you’re aware of them, and you’ve been preparing for the brewing threat even though it’s still hard to tell when trouble will break out. I understand your heightened awareness of the potential crisis.」
After all, hordes of goblins were pouring into the area for the first time in a long while. Although Mores mountains were far off the path of the goblin campaign, Jarla, with their vigilance network of snakes in the dark wilderness and riverside, could not have failed to notice these goblins.
Queen Seribea’s expression did not even falter once as the smile remained on her face. Perhaps she was examining my words. I looked down at the documents we prepared and spoke once more.
「After last year’s raid, we have not just taken a passive stance. We have repeatedly explored the dark wilderness using golems and familiars, and we are doing to same even now. Based on past experiences, their first target will likely be Bern village or the Romal Empire.」
In the documents which I had prepared, the images captured through insect and bird golems were printed with such precision that it seemed as though they had been replicated without a flaw. This was a technique called memography, where magic and superhuman powers were utilized to copy scenes from memory onto paper or other materials.
「Oh my, I didn’t realize that your preparations regarding the dark wilderness have progressed this far.」
While I was rummaging through the shelves of memories from my past life, I heard cries of astonishment from Queen Seribea and the other Lamias who had looked through our documents.
As I had predicted, they were probably conducting reconnaissance while being well aware of counterintelligence in the dark wilderness. Hence, it was hard for them to undertake concrete military measures. By providing such detailed reports, I was hoping that they would recognize Bern’s information-gathering superiority and ease negotiations to our advantage.
On the special memography paper meant for precise image replications, goblins and orcs, clad in metal armor and carrying long spears, were lined up in neat rows. Among them were a number of large birds and reptiles meant to be used as mounts, while guns were also prepared for battle. There were others in wizard attires, giant tortoises, oxen towing cannons, griffins on the ground with their wings folded, manticores, wyverns, and the riders of these beasts.
In addition, there was a small number of humans. These folks were clearly from a different tribe, a community that was born and raised in the dark wilderness. It was hard to tell whether they had surrendered to this military force or simply pledged their allegiance, but there was no doubt that they were part of the demon clan’s army.
That was not all. The army included several monsters and beasts not seen in the vicinity of Bern village, humongous golems, and even low-ranking demi-dragons that had lost the intelligence to speak or use magic.
Evidently, there were some very talented beast tamers and golem creators with them. Similar to the goblin soldiers, these creatures were lined up in and orderly fashion, and they did not seem excessively wary of each other. Wild beasts were often bloodthirsty and ready to kill upon confrontation. However, these were disciplined, preventing any loss of precious combat power.
Wolves, boars, bears, eagles, ravens, centipedes, moths, ants, and quite a number of demi-humans were captured in the images as well. Though, the most prominent among them was a wide variety of demons with blue or red skin, horns on their heads, and a pair of eyes on top of the regular pair.
These were the descendants of the demon clan that had once migrated to this earth from the great demon realm, resulting in the loss of much of their powers. It was a blessing that they had lost their divine powers and spirituality, but they were still superior to humanoid creatures in individual strength. Demons with a strong lineage of ancestral blood remained overwhelmingly powerful, and might as well be termed a subsepecies of the gods.
「This is the demon clan that unified the dark wilderness. In the past, powerful goblin and ogre clans battled bitterly, but from the looks of things, they seem to have been successfully subjugated. Such skill is truly commendable.
Evidently, all the inhabitants of the dark wilderness have been mobilized to strengthen the army. Large farms have been cultivated to secure food supplies, while weaponry facilities and mines have been set up to produce large quantities of armaments and raw materials. Moreover, a command structure and tactical plans have been established for an army of mixed species.
They must have spent years or decades preparing in advance for the invasion of the wilderness. That’s probably how they unified the dark wilderness in such a short time.」
「Your Excellency is speaking too lightly of matters. The images show an army of not less than 100,000, or even 200,000 strong. The dark wilderness has grown more fertile over the past decade or so, but there is no way they could have ever attained the unified strength to feed such an army.
We might be unsure of their time of attack, but it is certain that they will move in search of food and territory to sustain their army and empire. No, they are probably already on the move. Such a unified army from the dark wilderness is unprecedented, and it poses a tremendous threat to neighboring regions.
Your kingdom is truly blessed to have the baroness of Bern and Your Excellency. I must confess that we did not expect this level of military readiness from them. If they are serious about their territorial ambitions and have their eyes on this hidden village, it is only a matter of time before we fall into their hands. No matter how much geographical advantage we may have, we will be defeated. Understandably, the people of Bern would naturally seek alliances with the forces in Mores mountains.」
Queen Seribea repeated information that was not particularly necessary for us. Rather, she was probably organizing the details of this situation and relating an explanation for the comprehension of the other Lamias present.
Queen Seribea took a deep breath and hardened the expression on her beautiful face. Once again, I was reminded that she was adopting an attitude as the queen toward me rather than viewing me as her daughter’s partner.
「Forgive me for sounding rude, but do the people of Bern have any confidence in winning against such a well-equipped opponent? We Lamias are feared and despised as monsters. Wouldn’t you assume that we would align with the demon clan rather than humans? Perhaps you and your delegation may not think so, but those in the other kingdoms who are unfamiliar with us may be driven by such fears and doubts, wouldn’t they?」
I stopped Selina from replying to her mother by grabbing her hand under the desk. Nonetheless, she answered, unbothered that she might turn the atmosphere in the room foul. The words that left her mouth expressed her clear awareness that she had already expected such a situation.
「Of course, we certainly have a chance against their military. The dark wilderness is bordered by Arkrest Kingdom, the Romal Empire which is currently in the midst of a war, and the Rohan Empire in the far northwest. We are geographically positioned to enclose the dark wilderness. Whether the army of the dark wilderness moves southward or westward, it is unlikely that they will expend their entire might.
There are many aspects of the kingdom’s measures that I can’t speak about right now, but I can talk about the plans of the barony of Bern. Through a coalition with Mores mountains and Ente forest, we will resist the forces of the dark wilderness. Although we’re outnumbered, we have formed an alliance with the dragons in Mores mountains, including the wind dragons Oxis and Winchant, the thunder dragon Klaubord, the water dragon Wedro, the earth dragons Ganton and Giorda, the fire dragon Fyola, and the crimson dragon Vaje.」
「Unbelievable! The dragons of Mores mountains?!」
That being said, Vaje was the only one among the dragons mentioned who knew that I was an Ancient-Celestial Dragon. Slightly over a year had passed since I was acquainted with the dragons of Mores mountains, and they had become familiar faces to me by now.
「Yes. We have a consensus on assisting each other in fending off military threats. We also reached an agreement on trade within the barony of Bern. Our allies do not only include the dragons but all lower-ranking dragons under their jurisdiction as well. These encompass all wyverns, worms, and drakes. Having the dragon species joining forces with us should be reassuring enough, wouldn’t it? Moreover, the crimson dragon is lending us her strength. She is a force comparable to a formidable kingdom’s army. Dealing with demi-dragons from the dark wilderness would be no problem at all.」
「I see. In that case, numbers won’t matter much. We’ve seen dragons from time to time while living in Mores mountains, but we always hope they fail to notice or find us. Even though dragons aren’t a ferocious species, they’re far too strong compared to other species. I can’t help but marvel at your ability to establish an amicable relationship with them. What astonishing courage you must have.」
「For the sake of my hometown, I will do all I can, even suppress the trembling of my limbs in fear. However, I can only leave Jarla’s decision to ally with us or the demon clan up to you. This is my personal opinion, but the prosperity that they may bring will come with tyranny, destruction, and bloodshed. Moreover, the negative reputation of Lamias will only be reinforced. I can’t help but think that this would be a disaster for the people of Jarla and other Lamias.
On the other hand, it is true that fear and hostility toward Lamias have yet to be dispelled throughout the kingdom. Nonetheless, it is against the law to harm Lamias within the barony of Bern. Such an act will be equivalent to harming a human. Though, it is impossible to erase the impression of Lamias rooted in mankind within a day or two.
Therefore, Baroness Christina and I hope to use Bern as an example to spread the notion of coexistence between Lamias and humans. This step will help you pursue love more openly rather than live in hiding for the rest of your lives. It is progress that will benefit Lamias.」
「I see, though is that just your opinion?」
「I’m not the only one with such thoughts. Baroness Christina, Bern, and those who spend time with Selina wish to establish friendly ties with Jarla and all other Lamias.」
「That’s… No, it’s not something that will happen overnight. Lamias, too, have varied perspectives on matters, and some may not be willing to accept your hand of friendship.」
「Even if they brush off my efforts, I won’t give up. I, and certainly Baroness Christina, are persistent folks. Well, I may have to resort to more forceful means to gain their cooperation…」
「The sincerity of the people of Bern has reached me. I’m sure you’ll receive a positive response. For today, please rest after your long journey to our village. We have prepared a hearty meal to relieve your fatigue. It’s almost sundown. Please put all thoughts of work aside and enjoy our hospitality.」
With a shuffle, Queen Seribea uncoiled her tail and invited us into the hall where a welcome reception had been prepared for us.
Comment (0)