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Chapter 329

As Lenia caused a commotion in the scorching sand and hot winds of Shandia, Dran, who had sent her on her way, was visiting for an inspection with his maid and knight-errant, Lynette. The area surrounding the Caravis Tower had become a bustling metropolis, one of the largest in the Bern territory, due to people flocking to benefit from the tower.

As the steward of Bern and second only to Lady Christina, Dran’s periodic inspections were not unusual, considering the economic and religious significance of the Caravis Tower. After receiving reports from the deputy overseeing the city around the tower and confirming no issues firsthand, Dran would visit the Dragon Succubus, which was responsible for managing the tower itself.

The Dragon Succubus, all vassals of Dran, the Ancient-Celestial Dragon, welcomed his visits as a significant event. Publicly, these visits were framed as meetings between human allies and internal tower forces. After concluding the regular tower meetings, Dran and Lynette’s next target was to inspect the northern frontier of the first floor of the tower.

They instantly moved from Inraen, the largest base for adventurers and developers exploring the tower, which was governed by the Dragon Succubus, to the city that serves as the base for northern development using a transfer device portal.

Although Lylyeltiel and other Dragon Succubus earnestly offered means of transportation such as carriages and magic carpets, Dran and his group declined these and chose to move on foot, just the two of them with Lynette.

Explorers had opened up the wilderness with their own feet, wisdom, and armed force, traversing pathless roads, and thus, countless large and small cities and villages had been built in various parts of the first floor, investing enormous personnel, materials, time, and funds.

The road that Dran and Lynette walked side by side on had also been opened up over the past few years, with rest areas and inns set up at intervals, and they occasionally passed by explorers.

Some of them realized who Dran was and were surprised, but they didn’t call out to him and just saw him off. Experienced explorers were well aware that Dran regularly conducted inspections as the lady’s deputy.

Above all, because the Dragon Succubus showed unusual respect to Dran, people considered that careless contact might lead to cold treatment from them, who managed the tower. Therefore, only eccentrics or those who had deep connections with him tried to interact with Dran.

「The northern wind has become quite cold, Master Dran.」

Regardless of the season, the wind blowing from the ice-locked north cuts the skin with its coldness. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say it hurts rather than just being cold.

Lynette, dressed in her usual maid outfit combined with metal breastplates and armor, with short maces at her hips, made the observation. Dran, with his customary long sword at his left waist and a simple but high-quality outfit, acknowledged her remark. By the time they reached the northern frontier city, they would need to don thick fur coats for warmth.

「Ah. A coldness that pierces the skin. It’s an icy land broader than the Kingdom of Arkrest. Even incorporated into the Tower, it remains an extremely cold region, but I think having such places makes it more adventurous.」

「Though the Arkrestt Kingdom also includes diverse terrains and environments within its borders, we can’t move around as freely as in the Caravis Tower, and there aren’t as many elements for adventure.」

「That’s because each region’s lord governs properly. It’s the reason why our country has fewer adventurers than others, but I think it’s a good reason. Thanks to that, the Tower is lively」

「Indeed. I fully agree with Master Dran. The tower’s allure has attracted people from other countries, enriching its international flavor.」

Lynette’s observation was accurate. The benefits gained within the Caravis Tower were so immense that people from neighboring countries were more invested in investigating the tower than Bern itself. As long as they adhered to the regulations set by Bern and the Dragon Succubus, they were allowed to operate, but any illegal actions were swiftly dealt with.

With Lylyeltiel, who could wield divine authority inside the Tower, and her subordinates present, wrongdoers would likely be arrested without Dran and the others needing to do anything, and all sorts of information would be extracted from them.

After all, they were dealing with Dragon Succubus who could exert their full power. Human ethics, laws, and abilities didn’t apply. Although the Dragon Succubus had become mild-mannered as Dran’s subordinates, it was a different story when it came to those they were allowed to punish.

「It may take some time for people to realize that cooperating openly yields the best results. We’ll need to establish stricter land ownership rules within the tower, but that’s a decision for Bern.」

「If it comes to forceful measures, I, along with Gandios and Kilrind, will do our utmost to assist.」

「Thank you, I appreciate your support. If things can be settled peacefully, that’s best. Speaking of which, weren’t the knights from Lenia’s group involved in the northern development?」

「Yes. I believe Kusheli and Aznal, who trained here before, are also there. They must be fighting ice serpents and ice demons in the frozen sea and snowy mountains.」

Both ice serpents and ice demons were unique monsters adapted to extremely low temperatures, formidable foes for adventurers who had to rely on equipment and magic to survive the environment.

「I agree. Kusheli struggles with the cold, but Aznal’s combat style isn’t as affected by the environment. He’ll likely thrive.」

「Aznal is probably motivated to impress Lenia. I hope it doesn’t disrupt the team’s harmony.」

White flakes began to mix with the wind, turning into teardrop-like droplets on Lynette’s cheeks, which Dran gently wiped away. His gesture was more like a brother’s kindness to his sister than a lover’s touch, causing Lynette to smile softly.

「Thank you, Master Dran.」

「You’re welcome. Though traveling in the snow has its charm, we still have a long way to go. Let’s use a wind shield spell.」

As Dran spoke, the wind diverted around them, and the cold and snow became irrelevant.

「Speaking of the snow, it reminded me that Lenia should now be in a very different environment.」

「Ah, Shandia, right? A country with limited trade, mostly desert, and strong spirit worship, ruled by powerful clans.」

「That’s how it’s recorded. Lenia seeks unique individuals. I wonder how many she plans to gather. Kusheli and Aznal must not be enough for her.」

Kusheli and Aznal had made a name for themselves in their school days, recognized domestically and internationally as promising talents. They were highly sought after upon graduation, eventually joining Lenia’s household, although Aznal had additional motivations.

「She seems inspired by Selena, Chris, Deirdre, and Dramnia, aiming to gather talents of a similar caliber. Perhaps four individuals to match them.」

「Finding individuals comparable to those four would be near impossible. Lenia must know recruiting Merle or the three dragon emperors is out of the question.」

「Lenia understands that. But by her standards, she’ll still gather capable individuals, at least on par with Aznal.」

「Recruiting talent from other countries might make Lenia infamous.」

If Lenia were to draw talent away comparable to competitive festival participants, it could lead to international conflict. Lynette’s concern was valid.

「Lenia considered disguising herself, but she knows her nature too well. She has other plans to address this issue.」

「Hopefully, it’s not too drastic…」

「Lenia tends to inherit more of Calavis’ traits when scheming. While she won’t involve innocents, her presence will stir up trouble.」

Expecting minor to significant disturbances along Lenia’s path, Dran and Lynette quickened their pace to the northern frontier city. Upon arrival, they engaged in a fierce battle against a giant, multi-headed serpent attacking the city. Dran’s combat prowess, likened to Merle’s successor, would soon become widely known among adventurers, but that is another story.

****

While Dran and Lynette worried about Lenia’s potential for causing chaos, Earthima and Hadiya stayed with her at Zebe’s mansion. Zebe, preoccupied with gathering information about what Lenia had told her, was seldom seen. One day, as the three gathered in the guest room, Earthima addressed Lenia.

「Lenia.」

Seated by the window, Lenia turned from her grapes to face Earthima, prompting her to continue.

「You seem serious. Is there something important you need to discuss?」

「Yes, it is important. We have come to trust your words through your actions.」

「I’ve said from the start, but I understand your reluctance to trust a stranger with high combat abilities. So, are you here to declare your trust in me? If that’s all, I’d just think of you as a dutiful person.」

「No, I feel it is time to explain the circumstances that led us here, as a matter of courtesy. Hadiya and I have discussed this, and we wish to share our story.」

「This involves your country’s secrets, doesn’t it? Zebe and that Shija fellow expected you to keep quiet. Are you sure?」

Earthima exchanged a look with Hadiya and nodded before speaking.

「It is long overdue. Besides, I suspect you already understand most of it. You might even know more about us and our country than we do.」

Lenia grinned. With her powers and spiritual rank exceeding her previous life, reading memories and observing from afar was easy. She could know anything on this world if she wished.

「If you want to talk, I’ll listen. I intend to get more involved, so don’t hold back.」

「Very well. Let me start with the history of this country and my story.」

Earthima took a deep breath, readying for a long explanation.

「This country was formed by various clans, who sometimes allied and sometimes fought, staining the oases with blood. As powerful clans emerged, they realized the folly of internal strife and the threat from outside. However, the land was too dry to unite and enrich the country.」

「So, they turned to spirits?」

Lenia’s guess was correct, as Earthima nodded. Earthima felt this was more of a confirmation than a question. Lenia had already figured out Shandia’s secrets.

「Yes. At the largest oasis, they summoned a water spirit and made a contract for perpetual water. Even a great spirit can’t create an endless supply of water under normal circumstances. The ancestors devised a special contract and ritual. When the spirit’s power wanes, they sacrifice the specially raised “gifted child” to the spirit as a medium, reviving the spirit’s power to produce water. This water enriches the country and sustains it. This tradition continues from the country’s founding to the present.」

「Is the gifted child chosen by bloodline? And does the title “Great Warrior” mean you’re a dedicated guard for the child?」

Lenia’s questions were accurate, as Hadiya’s surprise revealed. Earthima had expected Lenia to know this much, so his expression remained unchanged.

「A Great Warrior guards the child and serves the clan council. They are selected from the country’s top warriors. The gifted child is not chosen by bloodline but by their abilities.」

「Hmm. While some cultures pass spirit blessings through bloodlines, it seems your country doesn’t. That makes being chosen as a gifted child quite unfortunate. I suppose they’re indoctrinated with the idea that it’s a great honor to be selected?」

Lenia’s blunt words lacked tact but were insightful. Hadiya answered, confirming Lenia’s assumptions.

「Yes, though not born as gifted children, those likely to be chosen are taught repeatedly about the honor, the national service, and the support they provide to many people. I was taught this too.」

「While the ritual sustains the country, you both agreed to it initially, right? But after surviving once, the desire to live took over.」

「Yes. During the first ritual, I was scared and had many thoughts. But when I survived, I felt relieved and realized I didn’t want to die.」

Hadiya’s embarrassed laugh prompted a sigh from Lenia. She was exasperated with Hadiya’s previous lack of self-awareness and the country that created such an environment.

「So, when a second ritual was demanded, you refused, and Earthima helped you. Earthima, as the child’s guard and monitor, how did you let her escape?」

「…I won’t hide it now. I knew the candidates, including Hadiya, since they were children. Seeing them grow, I became emotionally involved. Previous Great Warriors fulfilled their duties despite their feelings, but I couldn’t. I took Hadiya’s hand and fled. Even if this brings calamity to the country.」

「You’re the first to refuse a second sacrifice. There’s no shame in that. Only someone in your position can criticize you, and I prefer you. As for the country’s fate without the ritual, Hadiya.」

「Yes?」

「You refused the second ritual because you instinctively felt it wasn’t necessary, didn’t you?」

「Now that you mention it, yes. I didn’t think much about other candidates or the ritual failing.」

「Indeed. Being closest to the spirit’s will, you sensed it. If you’re not worried, that’s the answer.」

「Does that mean…」

Realizing something, Hadiya looked shocked. Lenia, finding the topic mundane, explained.

「Your country’s current state is unsustainable. The way things were is over.」

As Lenia delivered Shandia’s grim prognosis, Zebe entered, looking exhausted.

「That was a disturbing statement. What do you think will happen to this country?」

「You’re sharp and quick-witted. You’ve probably guessed from what I said. But do you really want to hear it? It’s suicidal. Fine, I’ll be clear. Your water-producing rituals are collapsing. Whether the spirit or the land itself, something’s wrong. The sacrifices are over.」

「…I’d like to dismiss your words, but hearing Hadiya’s account makes it hard to do so… It’s troubling.」

「You don’t seem like the humble type. Your country’s elite have repeated power struggles instead of addressing this. Now, faced with a crisis, they’ll scheme to gain control. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re thinking about how to benefit from this.」

「You’re surprisingly experienced and cunning for someone I thought had a muscle-for-brains. But you’re right. If Shandia must change its course, I can’t help but think about it.」

Zebe’s troubled expression was genuine. As she weighed Lenia’s words, she was also strategizing her next moves.

「Well, that doesn’t matter to me. As long as whatever you think or do doesn’t interfere with me, I have no need to intervene. But, well, Hadiya, Arsima, aren’t you tired of this endless game of escape?」

「Tired isn’t quite the word, more like we’ve had enough. To be honest, we want to end this life-threatening chase as soon as possible. Listening to Renia’s words, it’s clear that simply leaving this country won’t be enough, right?」

「It won’t be resolved immediately, that’s for sure. There will still be those who cling desperately to the gift child tradition, and fools who see potential in you returning alive after being offered. It’s clear they’ll persistently send pursuers after you. We need a more fundamental solution.」

As Earthima listened to the conversation, he sensed Lenia was withholding the solution and decided to speak up.

「Lady Lenia, unlike us, you seem to see the whole picture of this situation. Could you please stop being so cryptic? Aren’t you usually more straightforward in your speech?」

「Hehe, well, you’re right. Alright, Zebe. There’s no benefit in continuing to chase after Hadiya and the others. You’ll just end up having your elite forces crushed by me or Arsima. If you reduce your military strength like that, don’t blame me if neighboring countries decide to invade.」

「Please don’t say things that are seriously not funny. The fact that some stubborn individuals might actually do that… it’s really not amusing at all.」

「Kukuku, the consequences of not trying to change this country’s customs have exploded in your generation. Well, knowing the exact nature of these consequences might lead to a slightly better future. Zebe.」

「What is it? I’m starting to feel a pain in my stomach…」

「Take us to the place where the ritual was performed. Gather your important people too. It’s troublesome to explain multiple times, so let’s have the spirit tell them why it’s pointless to keep chasing these two anymore. Shall we?」

When Zebe understood the meaning of Lenia’s words, she heard a sound from within her body that she had never heard before.