NOVPUBA moment later, the scene flashed through the new guy’s mind. He remembered the time he visited Baroque’s house when he didn’t show up for work.
That person, Baroque, had been recommended for the position of dock master, but that position had been handed to someone else instead of him.
And because Baroque failed to become the dock master that he had dreamed of for so many years, he was so heartbroken that he ended up committing suicide.
“Oh, what? Why did I…? Yes, why, why did I forget…?”
“You, where are those kids now!”
“I don’t know! If there is no boat, there is no way they can leave…!”
“You idiot! If we’re dealing with the ghost of Baroque-san, we’re in big trouble!”
“Isn’t he a nice guy!?”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about!”
The veteran man shoved the newcomer away from him and raced towards the harbor.
The newcomer, exhausted, followed him, and saw a ship across the dark sea.
“That ship… I don’t recognize it?”
There was no way for the two men to know if X-Piece was on that ship. All they could do was watch as the ship moved out of sight.
***
“I am Heilman of the Theocracy from the country of Restona. I’m pleased to meet you…”
“Go away. We don’t have time for this.” (Redner)
At the north entrance of the royal capital, Redner ruthlessly informed the messenger along with his entourage from the country of Restona, who were now gathered in a row in front of Redner.
The messenger had already informed the King of their intention to visit, and the King had agreed to that as well. Heilman probably did not expect to face such a cold treatment.
And it was Redner who did so, alone. He was on his own with no guards surrounding him, and he was not even wearing his armor.
“…Huh. I’m sure we have a meeting arranged.”
“You crossed our borders straddling that monster after all.”
The Named Monster, the Great King of Rage, had three long snouts hanging down its face. Tusks large and small bared at the side of the base of those snouts. It also had ears reminiscent of a moth with its wings spread wide.
Such a monster that resembled an elephant, was looking down at Redner who was staring at the monster with stern eyes.
“I see. So did you come here to wage war?” (Redner)
“Please wait. Paom is a very docile creature, and I’m sure that other nations have already accepted it. Seriously, why can’t you accept such a cute pet… hohohoho.”
The Adventurers’ Guild even designates it as a 1st Rank demon, but in the country of Restona, it was considered to be a divine messenger, and regarded as a very valuable creature.
Despite the “Rage” in its name, it was possible to make it friendly as long as they did not make it angry, but it was still considered a very dangerous monster.
Although Heilman said that many countries accept them, it was more like the other countries could do nothing about it.
The Mathias religion, which originated in Restona, had spread throughout the continent, and there were numerous churches and branches in various countries.
Because of the large number of believers, they contributed to the economy significantly. If a portion of the funds obtained from their activities were paid as taxes, the government could do nothing but remain silent and ignore their activities.
After the Adventurers’ Guild, the Matthias religion was the next to take root in many countries.
“Riding a monster, and then straddling it to the borders of another country… I would definitely recognize this as an act of invasion, I cannot allow you to proceed.”
“With all due respect, the outburst is from your side. If it became known that Saint Clarine (Hero’s party member) was imprisoned for an unjust cause, the country you love would eventually not be safe.”
Redner’s weapon smashed the ground, gouging it in the shape of a crescent moon, causing the shaved off ground to fly almost right in front of the monster’s snout.
Heilman, a member of the Priest Class, did not seem to be able to connect words with Redner, who was now in a battle stance.
Redner said, “I already expected things like this to happen at some point, you know? Well… I didn’t want this matter to escalate but I guess that’s just the way it is. But you know what…. It doesn’t matter… I just have to make sure that our country survives… but you…!”
