Hmm?

[Azure Dragon Stones……?]

[Yes.]

Nodding her head, Munin explained to me what the Blue Dragon Stones were.

After listening to her explanation———

My thoughts stopped for a moment.

There’s no doubt about it.

Hearing her explanation, I’m thoroughly convinced.

She’s talking about them.

I’m talking about those jewels I got from the Disposal Ruins……

Back in the Disposal Ruins, I had found the remains of a man and a woman holding hands.

The jewel that one of them had was an Azure Dragon Stones.

AD

I don’t have them right now.

However, they should be in my luggage bag back at the castle.

[Belzegia-san……?]

[I have them.]

[Yes?]

[If it’s Azure Dragon Stones, I have them. I also have quite the number of them.]

[Rea——–]

Hearing what I said, Munin vigorously drew near.

She then lightly grabbed both of my arms.

[R- Really!?]

[I’m almost certain that those jewels I have were the same thing. After hearing your explanation, I became convinced.]

[Is——- Is that so…… Ah, I’m sorry.]

Taking her hand away and stepping back, Munin patted her chest.

[I never expected it, so I got a little excited…… I was thinking that procuring an Azure Dragon Stone would be the most troublesome hurdle that we would need to take.]

The two people from the Disposal Ruins who had the Azure Dragon Stones.

It’s unknown to me whether they brought it in that place, knowing that it was the medium used for Forbidden Curses.

They may have brought it in without knowing it.

But, at any rate———-

They’ve intertwined.

They’ve been brought together.

It’s just like the Great Sage’s Spellbook of Incantations.

The thoughts of those who were thrown to the Disposal Ruins by that unscrupulous Goddess.

Their will——— All of it intertwined in the present.

I suddenly had such a thought.

AD

Incidentally, it seems like Munin still couldn’t believe that I already possessed Azure Dragon Stones……

[Ehh, amazing…… That’s amazing…… I should have known…… You have it after all…… Am I not dreaming……?]

Her hands on her cheeks, she was mumbling such things to herself.

……I kind of feel like the manners she had shown earlier were disappearing.

Anyway.

It now depends on how much jewels each use of the Forbidden Spell consumes……

I’m not sure if we can figure out the range and other performance factors without trying it out.

Thus, depending on how much jewels each cast uses, I may be able to try out a shot before the crucial moment.

[By the way, Munin-san.]

[Eh? Ah——— Y- Yes. What is it?]

[You were about to say something, weren’t you? I’m sorry, I had interrupted you. I think you were talking about special skills.]

[Ah, that’s right. Yes, people like me who have the crest on her back have special skills———– I guess I should show you now huh?]

After saying that, Munin started concentrating.

Then, her body started glowing.

Soon, the light began enveloping her whole body……

[Kuwaahhh!]

—-and she became a raven.

A black raven.

The raven flew in circles around me, before coming back in front of me, landing on the ground.

[Caw.]

With another cry, the raven began glowing again.

And then…

[———–We have such an ability.]

Munin reverted back to her original human form.

[The ability to change into the form of a raven?]

[Yes. We apparently had this ability since the time of our ancestors. However, only those who possess the crest can make use of it.]

[Can you speak normally while transformed?]

[That is…… I’m sorry.]

[No, there is no need to apologize. If anything, it’s a very useful concealment ability.]

It makes it easier for her to avoid danger in many situations.

For example, just as she was about to be exposed to an unexpected crisis……

She could use that ability to become a raven, and with her size, it should be possible for her to hide somewhere.

[With this ability, I don’t think you’ll have much trouble with me travelling with you.]

[The fewer people in the group, the less chance of being spotted after all.]

[Ahh, also———]

Turning her back towards me, it looks like Munin is trying to show her appeal.

[These wings themselves can also be retracted to a smaller size, you know? It’s just that…… It’s hard for me to hide it all the time though. Keeping it hidden for too long is extremely tiring for me.]

[How long can you keep your raven form?]

[It can last for a few days.]

Munin chuckled.

[However, I’ll say this now, okay? If I use my shapeshifting ability and stay in raven form for a few days, it would inflict a lot of strain on my body…… and I will end up having to rest for a while.]

It also had its burdens huh.

I guess it really would have burdens just like Erika’s messengers could put a burden on her body.

“However……”, thinking this, I looked at Munin.

[Even the clothing you were currently wearing would transform with you huh.]

[It’s great that I can decide if I want to include my clothes in my transformation. However, if the weight of my clothing included in my transformation is too great, the burden on my body would also be too strong for me to bear……]

I thought that with such abilities, their clothes would remain on the spot, leaving their traces, and when they revert back to their original form, they will become naked———-

But that doesn’t seem to be the case.

This would be quite an advantage.

……Ahh, I see, so that’s how it is.

I guess the reason why the fabric of her clothes were transparent in some places is to reduce weight.

Putting that aside……

[Munin-san———– You’re not asking me about it huh? The reason for my revenge, I mean.]

[That’s all I need to hear after all.]

With an air of maturity, Munin smiled.

[If Goddess Vysis was involved, any cruel story you say is most probably true. Just know that it’s about “revenge” is enough for me.]

Perhaps, she may have been trying to be considerate.

She may be thinking that some people don’t want to talk about their painful past all the time.

However……

[Is Anarveil’s existence part of the reason why you can trust me so much?]

“”

[Zect-sama sincerely respects and trusts Anuel-sama. And Zect-sama has decided that you are worthy of his trust. That’s good enough for me.]

I contemplated again.

Erika’s existence in their lives really is great huh.

Not once did I ever take off my mask since I entered this country.

Not once did I ever reveal my true identity to her.

And yet———— She completely trusts me.

Perhaps, it’s because of Erika.

……When we meet again, I’ll make sure that I return this favor to her.

[Most of all, this is a battle we also have to fight for ourselves. If you present a solid reason for you to be on my side, I think that would be enough for me.]

Thereupon, the tone of her voice slightly changed.

[……As I told you earlier, we Kurosagas are in danger of being killed by the Goddess. Because of our presence in this country, the people who live here may also be in danger…… Perhaps if we, the Kurosagas, were banished, the Goddess may leave the other residents of the Faraway Country alone…… I, as well as the former heads of the Kurosaga, had such concerns.]

Therefore———- that’s why.

She wants to crush the Goddess.

So that they would be able to live without such worries.

[However…… Even though we had such worries, Zect-sama said that he would continue to shelter us Kurosagas in this country. He said that we were his comrades…… That even though we were from different races, if all of us were walking on the same path, then we are all “comrades”. That is———-]

Her voice deeply filled with gratitude, Munin spoke.

[—–what the Faraway Country is.]

The Immortal King Zect——– is a magnificent person.

Simply speaking, that’s what I think of him.

Yes.

The first priority of the Heroic Sword’s mission was the elimination of the Forbidden Race.

In this case, the people living in this country would either——

“Give up the Forbidden Race, so that they could save themselves”

“Banish the Forbidden Race from the country, so that they won’t have to worry about them”

It wouldn’t be strange for them to think about things like this.

It’s very likely——— At least, it’s very likely in the Human Realm.

However, King Zect didn’t do that.

“The Goddess is obsessed with eliminating the Forbidden Race.”

There must have been a limited number of people who know about this information.

It’s just that…… He may have been naive.

The people here tend to be too kind.

It’s good that you’re considerate.

I also like them for that.

However, I don’t know if I should say that they seem to believe in other people too much……

Or perhaps, I should say that they hardly doubt others.

It’s great for me.

“”

It’s great for me but———-

People like them are also the ones that are easily preyed upon.

I’ve seen how Erika had become so skeptical after being in the outside world for so long.

Well, she was a tremendously nice person at heart.

However, those who have grown up here all their lives……

[…………………]

[It’s not just Zect-sama. The people of this country have treated us very well.]

I could see conflict etched on Munin’s face.

Eventually, she opened her eyes and looked straight at me.

[Belzegia-san…… I will, of course, lend you my power for your revenge to the Goddess. But before that, there is one thing——— I’d like to ask.]

[The Faraway Country will now intercept Alion’s forces, which includes the Sixth Cavalry. What you are about to ask…… is that you would like to join us, the Fly King Squadron, right?]

Munin looked somewhat surprised.

However, her expression quickly changed to a fleeting wry smile.

[You’ve seen through me huh.]

Based on how she has told me how King Zect took them under his wing beforehand, I could somehow guess what she’s thinking.

That also includes how she’s trying to convey how virtuous of a person he is.

[We have trained ourselves to be able to fight to some extent. Including the Four Warlights, there are brave men and women who are ready to fight for our country. All of us didn’t let the peace get to our minds…… and have always been preparing for battle.]

They have a country-wide universal conscription huh.

[But even if that’s so, we do not know the current outside world.]

I guess they’re anxious.

They’re feeling worried if their way of fighting will still work in the outside world or not.

[That’s why, you guys are asking the help of someone who knows the current outside world. And then, you’re asking for us to join you in the fight huh.]

[May I request you that? No…… Please, lend us your strength.]

Munin deeply bowed her head.

[——Alright. I accept.]

Munin raises her head.

[Would that be alright?]

[In any case, the people invading the country will eventually become an obstacle for me after all.]

Or rather———– That’s what I was going to do all along.

I’ve always planned to cooperate with the Faraway Country in intercepting them.

I was going to bring it up to King Zect after this matter was settled.

The people attacking this country are the Goddess’ forces.

Since a chance presented itself, I should cut them down.

It’s definitely better than having to deal with them all at once later.

I should steadily reduce the Goddess’ war potential as much as possible.

Especially———– the Sixth Cavalry.

They are people that even the Heroic Sword described as “strong”.

There’s no better way to finish them off than here.

Moreover, since the opponents are part of the Alion’s 13 Cavalries———

I might even get revenge for Liz and her village.

Also, the number of opponents they would send probably wouldn’t be small.

The Faraway Country may not be a big country, but they would still be sending enough forces to attack a country.

So, if that’s the case——–

There’s a lot of merit for me in fighting together with the forces of this country.

It would be tough for the Fly King Squadron to take on a large army by ourselves.

But if we have numbers on our side, the battle will be easier.

Rather, my concern was that this country didn’t have the strength to fight.

I was concerned that there wouldn’t be anyone who could fight in this country at all.

[Th——- Thank you, Belzegia-san!]

Munin’s face lip up and she held my hand.

[Let’s do our best~~]

[I’ll cooperate, but I have one condition.]

[A condition? Y- Yes——- If it’s something I can do, please tell me.]

[You are not to participate.]

[Eh?]

Calmly pulling out my hand, I headed for the door of the room.

[It would be troubling if you die before you can cast the Forbidden Curses on the Goddess.]

[Ah, errr——— I- I understand. If that’s what Belzegia-san said…… I understand your concern. My presence on the battlefield would just be a distraction, isn’t it?]

[Thank you for your understanding. Well then…… I’ll go tell King Zect that I will cooperate with all of you.]

[Ummm……. Can I ask you a question?]

As I put my hand on the door, Munin called out to me.

[What is it?]

[Errr…… how old are you? Ah, no, it’s not like there’s any other meaning to it, okay? It’s just that, from the way you speak……. I couldn’t tell how old you are……]

Looking back to her, I told her my age.

Hearing what I said, the emotion on Munin’s face became hard to read.

It seemed like she was lost in thought……

Leaving a few words, I left the room and walked down the hallway.

Thereupon, as I turned towards her home’s main corridor———-

[……Hm? Hm—–……Hmmm? Eh? …….Eeehhh!? No way! H- He’s that young!? He’s lying, right!?]

It feels like she was quite confused, or rather…

It was as if her mind had just finished processing what I said.

Even as I was leaving her home, I could hear her puzzled voice, shouting from the back of her room.

▽

When I left the Chief’s home, Armia was waiting for me.

No, rather than waiting for me———

She was sleeping outside the Chief’s home.

Her long snake-like body skillfully curled up……

She’s asleep.

It seems like my arrival woke up the Lamia Knight though.

Yawning, Armia stands (?) up.

[Fuwaaahhh…… You finished your business here huh? How did it go?]

[It went well.]

[Un, that’s good. Well then, let’s go back to the castle.]

Leaving the village, we exited their cave.

As we walked through the city, I spoke to Armia.

[I have something to say to King Zect, so could I ask you to please talk to him about it?]

[Hmmm, why ask me?]

[Because you are the easiest to talk to among the Four Warlights.]

[Un, as expected of m——— wait a minute! Aren’t I the only member of the Four Warlights that you’ve met!?]

[Yes.]

[Good grief! How brazen! Aren’t you ashamed of yourself!?]

[Even if that’s so, it’s a fact that you’re easy to talk to though.]

[————, ……well, I’ve always known that was the case! Alright! This easy-to-talk-to me will speak to His Majesty!]

[You have my gratitude.]

Since the conversation is flowing well, I let it continue and got information once again. The Four Warlights would be……

Armia Plum Lynx (Lamia)

Kokoroniko Doran (Dragonewt)

Qir Meiru (Centaur)

Gio Shadowblade (Leopardkin)

And with the addition of……

Zect (Lich)

Gratora Mellowheart (Harpy)

Lieselotte Ornick (Arachne)

They form the Seven Lights.

Speaking of which……

There are also other Leopardkin here besides the Speed Tribe huh.

Also, if I remember correctly——–

Arachnes are those fellows with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a spider.

Armia’s eyes suddenly squinted her eyes, looking up into the sky.

[Hmm? That is…… Gratora-dono?]

Up in the skies, I saw a harpy flying towards us.

Indeed, that seems to be Gratora.

It doesn’t seem like a harpy flying around is unusual.

The people passing by on the street didn’t seem to be surprised.

Her arrival gathered the curiosity of the onlookers though.

Gratora landed in front of us.

It seemed like she was slightly impatient.

……Something must have happened.

Taking a moment to collect her breathing, Gratora spoke.

[Seras Ashrain has lost consciousness and collapsed.]

[———————-]

Seras did?

[Did something happen?]

[With His Majesty’s permission, the girls left their room and took a tour around the castle.]

And it seems like something happened there.

[According to those who were present, she had collapsed while they’re touring the fields. Her complexion became worse before she collapsed, or so they say.]

Did all the fatigue from our travels come rushing to her body at once?

……Or was she sick?

Or perhaps, there was some other reason———–

[She has been brought into the castle and is currently asleep. It seems that she was having nightmares though…… Something about gigantic earthworms or something like that……]

[…………………….]

That’s the reason huh.

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