Chapter 48

Even though she was of the High Elf royal family, Aisha had come to the Ref Magic Empire as part of a "trade" with the magic airship, because she would naturally activate the fire magic that elves detested whenever she spoke.

Aisha, who neither spoke nor moved on her own, was treated as a mere "ornament," attending official events and existing only as a presence there.

However, her condition was controllable, and now Aisha could speak and use magic freely. This was well understood in the "underworld."

"But if that's the case, why did Reiji say that he cured Princess Anastasia's voice?"

When I made my "request" to the emperor, I explained everything about Aisha's throat and voice. Of course, I didn't mention that I had sneaked into the room.

As a result, Aisha's "value" increased, and the empire would not want to let her go. That's why I think they responded with a typical Japanese salaryman's "we'll take it back and consider it."

"…I thought that if there were any secrets or hidden things when I was about to be free, it would cast a shadow over that freedom."

"Reiji…"

Mimino looked at me with concern.

Ah, when I see this face, I think Mimino is older than me. Usually, she seems like a younger child.

Mimino must have noticed what I "didn't say."

My "freedom" was a "freedom" with "secrets" and "hidden things."

Being released from the mine was an irregular event for a contract slave, and I had hidden Lark and escaped the country secretly with Zelly.

I only wanted Aisha to avoid such feelings, which is just my selfishness.

I knew the disadvantage of telling the emperor, who would not want to let Aisha go, about the situation.

"It's okay, Mimino. I can handle my own affairs now."

Thanks to the [All-Encompassing] ability, my combat skills have improved, and I have a lot of confidence in my ability to run away. I won't be caught in the Keithgran Federation.

"Besides, I have this, so I don't feel inferior for having black hair and black eyes."

I took out my identity card issued by the Ref Magic Empire from the tool bag.

"…If anyone bullies Reiji, I won't allow it! And if Reiji wants to go anywhere, I'll follow you!"

"Thank you, Mimino. That's very reassuring."

"You can rely on me more!"

Mimino, puffing out her chest, looked cute. But she suddenly seemed younger.

The military ship equipped with a magic engine could carry over 100 people, but it was necessary to deal with the sea monk.

Dantes and Non joined us, and Zelly, who was already drunk, was thrown onto the deck. We also boarded the ship.

"…So, the Adventurers' Guild has known about the sea monk for hundreds of years but has almost no information?"

After hearing Dantes' report, I said.

As we sailed out from the port, the ship's movement became more intense, but there was no wind inside the cabin.

"Yes. In the past, several teams were formed to try to defeat it, but they all ended in total annihilation. Eventually, it became a matter of 'let sleeping dogs lie.' In fact, it usually disappears within a few months, and the next one might appear years or decades later."

"…However, Leader of 'Silver Scales,' Dantes, the fact is that during those few months, people lose their livelihood and some even die."

The mayor had also come along. He had heard about the achievements of the "Silver Scales" and looked at them with respect, regardless of whether they were knights or adventurers. Well, he wasn't looking at Mimino, so maybe he just likes muscular people—this made me think of Friedrich.

"Is the impact really that significant…?"

"Dantes, please treat me normally, openly, and casually, as you would another adventurer."

"Bu, but…"

"It's fine. I'm saying it's fine."

Dantes looked to me for help, but I nodded with a "give up" expression, and the other knights in the room nodded with a "sorry" feeling. Zelly was vomiting over the side of the ship with a loud "uuuuuuu."

"Then, I'll talk normally…"

"Yes, Dantes."

Uuuuuuu.

"About the sea monk, does it cause deaths on land?"

"Yes… Unfortunately, if it stays for several months, the fishermen who specialize in offshore activities inevitably lose their livelihood. The town provides assistance, but those with debts have no choice but to take their own lives."

"I see…"

"That's why we want to confirm if there's a way to drive it away, even if we can't defeat it."

I looked at the sea map spread out on the table. The locations where the sea monk had been sighted were marked with Xs, color-coded for the current and past sightings.

The locations were scattered, but they were a certain distance from the dikes and land—almost forming a line if connected.

Another coastline that would form a line if connected… Could it be that?

No, but everyone must have thought of that much…

Hmm.

"What's wrong, Reiji? If you have any ideas, please share them."

"Ah, um… This might be something everyone has already considered, but…"

I pointed to the X marks.

"…Could there be a continental shelf here?"

The book version will be released tomorrow!

There's a "buy the paper version and get the electronic version free" campaign, so please get both the paperback and the e-book.

(Please note that online bookstores are not eligible for this campaign!)

The store-specific bonuses are summarized in the activity report, so please check that.

I'll be quietly visiting bookstores tomorrow!