Chapter 96

"Are you the envoy from the Kingdom of Relirex?"

"Yes, that is correct. However, this is an unofficial visit, so I apologize for the suddenness."

Among us, who were still in a daze, Magilka, the only one who had recovered, began to speak on behalf of everyone.

"Since we're standing here, why don't we sit down?"

The prince, noticing our dazed state, suggested we sit on the sofa, and we obediently took our seats.

"So, what brings the envoy here?"

Once everyone was seated, Magilka began the conversation.

"Yes, the princess has instructed me to deliver these invitations to all of you."

With that, the envoy handed each of us a wax-sealed note.

"An invitation... Why?"

Magilka, puzzled by the ominous tone, glanced at the note, and I, too, looked at the note I had received, my eyes drawn to the princess, hoping it could all be undone...

The princess, meeting my gaze, smiled despite her troubled expression and began to speak.

"This is a confidential matter, so please do not disclose it."

To emphasize the point, the princess paused and looked around at us.

(I can't say, 'Please don't tell us such things that we shouldn't disclose.')

"Regarding the recent attack, I will skip the details, but our investigation, with the help of our mages and the dark elves, revealed a very faint trace of 'Liberal Matera' at the scene."

"Liberal Matera! Isn't that the greatest taboo in our country?"

Magilka, surprised by the princess's words, blurted out, then quickly apologized for her rudeness.

'Liberal Matera' is a magic item used in the forbidden summoning ritual we learned about in class. In the past, this taboo ritual caused a historical incident where a large number of people were killed. Unlike regular summoning rituals, this one involves offering a human (draining their magic power) to summon an unknown monster, a cruel and inhumane ritual.

The stronger the summoned creature, the more sacrifices were required, and the sheer number of victims in the historical incident left a deep impression on me during the lecture.

In the Kingdom of Aldia, the use of 'Liberal Matera' is strictly prohibited, making it extremely difficult to obtain within the country, and such information would not escape the ears of the royal family.

(Still, it means that Magilka used it back then...)

I shuddered and instinctively held Magilka's hand, feeling the warmth of her skin. Magilka, surprised by my action, looked at me, but understanding my thoughts, she smiled softly and placed her other hand over mine.

"This suggests the involvement of another country, and it is highly likely that the neighboring 'Einhorus Holy Kingdom' was behind this intervention."

The 'Einhorus Holy Kingdom' is a religious country located to the north of our Kingdom of Aldia. Despite its small size, it has a significant influence on the world because it is the headquarters of the religion widely practiced in this world. Of course, our church is also under its jurisdiction.

The Holy Kingdom is very hostile towards the Kingdom of Relirex, as the myth places Einhorus as the light and Relirex as the darkness.

The Kingdom of Aldia, situated between the Holy Kingdom and the Dark Island, inevitably gets caught up in these conflicts.

"Why do you think the Holy Kingdom is involved?"

Magilka asked after confirming that the princess had finished speaking.

"Worldwide, 'Liberal Matera' is considered taboo, but before that, it was used in the Holy Kingdom's rituals because it was believed to summon angelic beings from mythology. The act of sacrificing humans was seen as offering oneself to the gods to become an angel, and devout followers had no qualms about it. Even after it was declared a taboo worldwide, the Holy Kingdom did not approve of the designation and has lax enforcement. There are even rumors that a secret organization within the Holy Kingdom possesses it."

"So, the target of the attack was likely the princess, who came here unguarded and vulnerable?"

Magilka's words were met with a wry smile and a nod from the princess.

"That's one possibility, but I also have a personal grudge against the higher-ups in the Holy Kingdom. It might have been a two-for-one deal."

The princess added with a troubled expression, and the atmosphere became awkward. After all, the princess's fame as the 'Dancing Maiden of the Divine Spear' came from resolving an incident involving the Holy Kingdom.

To put it simply, when the Holy Kingdom launched a second holy war, known in my previous life as the Crusades, against the Kingdom of Relirex, the princess-led alliance of Aldia and Relirex pushed them back based on a treaty. The first holy war, which involved surrounding countries, is said to have been repelled by a single silver knight. Since then, the surrounding countries have been less enthusiastic about the holy war.

"Still, without concrete evidence, we cannot strongly protest to them... But that aside, you are being credited with protecting Emilia. According to her account, she was visiting the school festival incognito, so this is an unofficial invitation... but"

Her voice trailed off, and the princess sighed deeply.

(No, this is definitely a last-minute addition. The princess must have come up with this just to invite us, right?)

I couldn't say it out loud, so I could only hang my head and plead silently.

"Please read the letter for more details. We will send someone to fetch you later."

With that, the envoy, giving us a sympathetic look, stood up and left. Watching his tired back, I felt a surge of sympathy.

(Ah, surely many people were suddenly thrown into chaos by this. If we don't go, it won't be fair to them...)

Holding the letter in my hand, I sighed deeply.

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