Chapter 194
Chapter 194. The Next Turmoil
──Continuing, Hermes ponders.
…Although Nina’s situation was shocking, as she said, it’s not a situation where they can afford to focus solely on that right now. Of course, he will continue to think about her matter, but he won’t neglect everything else either.
With that resolve, Hermes first organizes his thoughts and assesses the current situation.
The northern rebellion has ended.
In addition to the soldiers from the Harvest territory, the northern rebellion has also brought the Third Princess faction into their ranks. A large number of soldiers, increased military strength, and a secure base of operations. On top of that, they’ve even gained the support of that extraordinary hero, Lucius, making their increase in power immeasurable.
The morale of their soldiers is also excellent. Many of the northern soldiers, who had often been treated unreasonably, resonate with Lilliana’s ideal of ‘equal magical blessings and opportunities for growth for all people’.
Furthermore, thanks to Lucius’s arrangements, Hermes’s demonstrated strength has elevated their loyalty to him and to Lilliana, who leads them, to an unquestionable level.
…Of course, not everyone is like that.
The roots of this country’s values run deep, and there are still those who doubt Hermes’s unreasonable strength, labeling it as deceit, or who gleefully participated in the northern rebellion solely for personal gain. …Among them, there are even those who, taking advantage of their secured positions, had attempted to assault Nina.
However, perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise. Through the northern rebellion, the true nature of such soldiers has become visibly clear, and from now on, it seems Lucius will mercilessly correct or eliminate such individuals. His skills as a knight commander are undeniable, so leaving it to him will undoubtedly result in a fair and formidable army being rebuilt.
As for the various procedures and negotiations that inevitably increase with the rise in numbers, Jurgen has been demonstrating remarkable skill in handling them all. …Once again, Hermes is witnessing the awe-inspiring capabilities of Jurgen as the head of the ducal house. Though he doesn’t stand out, he is undoubtedly the backbone of this “army”, and Hermes can’t help but feel deeply respectful.
Therefore, overall.
Everything the Third Princess faction aimed to gain from this northern rebellion has been achieved beyond expectations.
Without a doubt, it’s a great success. From the depths of being just six people, they’ve made a tremendous leap forward to becoming a major force.
(…But…)
However.
Naturally, that’s not all.
First, they are still only halfway there. The road to reclaiming the royal capital remains steep, and it’s important not to forget that many significant obstacles still lie ahead.
Moreover… through this northern rebellion, new mysteries have emerged.
First, regarding the church. In the end, they couldn’t clearly understand the circumstances under which Archbishop Johann initiated this northern rebellion.
While asking Johann himself might provide answers, he is still unconscious, and even if he were awake, it’s hard to imagine he would answer willingly, so the mystery remains.
Including the connection to the organization Laplace belongs to, there are still many mysteries surrounding the church.
What kind of organization is it? What is its structure?
And above all… what is that incomprehensible power they occasionally display?
At present, the most prominent example of that is──
(…That artifact..)
Guided by Nina, Hermes and the others also saw that artifact: Skaldrogia.
…At first glance, it was clear that it was something terrifying.
He was certain that it couldn’t be touched carelessly, that it must not be touched. It was something entirely beyond comprehension, an unidentified, extraordinary magical tool that even Hermes couldn’t fully grasp.
Knowing it was undoubtedly dangerous, they’ve kept it under distant surveillance for now, and that decision is likely correct.
But eventually, they will need to unravel its secrets.
What is that magical tool? Why does it have such effects? Where did it come from? What is its purpose?
First, why is it in the form of a magical tool──no, even before that.
(That’s right.)
Before thinking about all that.
Hermes arrives at a fundamental question, something that had always been taken for granted and, not being his area of expertise, he had never deeply considered.
That is.
(──What exactly is a “magical tool”?)
…Without a doubt.
At the same time Hermes reaches this question, one that touches the very foundation of this country and its magic──
Knock knock
A polite knock accompanies the opening of the door.
After hearing the response, the one who enters is…
“Duke.”
“My apologies for disturbing you during your recovery.”
Jurgen von Trakia.
His usual gentle expression is… slightly more stern than usual.
“There’s an urgent matter I need to inform you about, so please listen carefully. I’ve already informed Katia and the others, and they’re waiting in the meeting room.”
With that unsettling preface, he delivers the news.
“Just a moment ago, a messenger arrived from the church──not from the archbishop’s faction, but from a higher authority within the church. They delivered this message.”
“!”
Instantly, Hermes’s premonition is confirmed.
Jurgen solemnly declares.
“──’We have matters to discuss regarding Archbishop Johann. The Third Princess faction is to visit the church headquarters immediately.’.”
The next destination for Hermes and the others.
And likely──their next battlefield. In this moment, it has been decided.