Chapter 280: Resolution

As I flipped through the pages of the list, the Mad Emperor spoke.

[I have one thing I’d like to discuss with you.]

Stopping for a moment, I looked towards him.

[Is this to be added to the terms of our negotiations?]

[I’d like the Forbidden Race to visit Mira once.]

……At the moment, I can’t see through his intentions.

[Can I ask you why?]

[To tell you the truth, there is a sealed door in the basement of our country’s royal castle. It’s on the same floor as our Great Underground Treasury, and it’s been there for a long time.]

A sealed door huh.

[No matter what we did, it wouldn’t open. We even tried to destroy the walls around the room, but it was ineffective. It appears that the only way to open it was through legitimate means.]

[……………………….]

[It is said that inside the room…… lies a great secret about the Forbidden Curses. If it’s possible, I would have liked to have unlocked the secrets of that sealed room before we prepare to face against the Goddess———-]

In other words……

[You’re certain that the Forbidden Race can open it?]

[That was what was written. However———— “Only those who possess the symbol can open the door”. I don’t exactly know what exactly they meant…… but I feel like it’s not enough to simply be one of the Forbidden Race. Of course, if there’s no one among them who has this symbol, we’ll just have to give up on the secret of this sealed room.]

[Even when the secret of the sealed room is excluded in the plan, you estimate——– that you still have a good chance against the Goddess?]

[As far as it goes, yes.]

This was to make assurance doubly sure huh.

The “symbol” that the Mad Emperor mentioned……

Perhaps, that would be the crest on Munin’s back.

The symbol that allows them to use the Forbidden Curses.

Those who possess this crest would be Munin and one other person.

They’re symbols that only these two have.

That means, if we were to agree with having them visit Mira……

We can’t just have someone among the Forbidden Race to take out the secret hidden behind that door huh.

The Forbidden Curses are powerful cards to hunt down the Goddess.

It’s possible that there is a new Forbidden Curses behind that sealed room.

Or perhaps……

I currently possess three Spellbooks of Incantations.

We’re able to identify one of them as a “Nullification Curse”.

However, we still don’t know the effect of the other two Spellbooks.

There exists a spell to identify the Forbidden Curse written in the Spellbook.

That enables Munin to read them.

Naturally, she could also read what the Curses were on the remaining two Spellbooks.

However, it was nearly impossible to discern the effects of those Curses.

The content of the Spellbooks was apparently———- poetically narrated.

It was like they were narrating about some person.

This is why it’s difficult to even guess the effects of the two Spellbooks.

……For now, my only means to defeat Vysis is to nullify her <Dispel Bubble>.

(T/N: Goddess’ Spell Breaker / Dispel Bubble)

Well, it would be reasonable to assume that the two remaining Spellbooks contain the “Summon” and “Repatriation” Curses huh.

However, it seems dangerous to make assumptions about Forbidden Curses.

“I don’t know how it works, but I tried using it once to see its effect”.

There’s a possibility of being accidentally sent back to my former world by “testing it out”.

———-As I was in such a state of thought, I heard about this sealed door.

Perhaps, the secret behind this door might help us find out something about those two Spellbooks with unknown effects.

[……………………..]

No matter what curses they are———- My target of revenge is that unscrupulous goddess.

The more cards I have in hand, the better it would be.

Putting my mental calculations for a moment……

[By the way…… How high exactly are his Majesty’s odds? I’ve heard that the Goddess possesses overwhelming power. With all due respect…… Even if you possess the Forbidden Curse that allows you to summon Heroes from Another World and allow them to return to their original world, that doesn’t directly lead to defeating the Goddess, wouldn’t it?]

[Within the secrets that lie within the sealed room lies the Forbidden Curse that could directly defeat the Goddess———— or so I hope.]

[But his Majesty said that “if no one among the Forbidden Race had this aforementioned symbol, you will give up on the sealed room”. That being the case, I can assume that the odds of victory you foresee have nothing to do with what you’re hoping for inside this room.]

[With the Forbidden Curse that allows me to return them to their original world, I can persuade the S-rank Heroes to join my side. We can fight together. Perhaps———- We could even skillfully arrange it for the Great Demon Emperor to get rid of the Goddess, for I don’t have just a single plan that could lead to such an outcome…… Though those plans were too much of a gamble, and may be unrealistic to rely upon.]

[……I don’t mean to be rude———- but I’m afraid that doesn’t sound very persuasive.]

I said in a slight questioning tone.

It may be a bit rude to say considering that the other party is an Emperor.

However, the Mad Emperor smiled back, looking as if he was pleased……

From the atmosphere around him, it seems like the Mad Emperor had something in mind huh.

Thereupon, Wright and their counselor looked at the Mad Emperor.

Looking as if they were wondering if he’s going to reveal something else at this point.

[That would be———–]

Readily……

[———the person waiting over there.]

Despite the concerned looks on the people on his side, he revealed the true nature of his winning card.

Pointed out by the Mad Emperor’s hand was——–

Ikusaba Asagi.

[Whoehh? Me? Hello there~~]

Seeing that the attention was turned towards her, Asagi bowed.

As usual, she’s a fellow following her own pace.

Being that I should be completely unaware of Asagi’s true identity……

[That girl is?]

[Asagi Ikusaba…… A Hero from Another World.]

Hearing his declaration, a ruckus arose in our group.

Of course, being that I should also be surprised by his words……

[A Hero from Another World……? Don’t tell me——– she betrayed the Goddess?]

[There have been heroes who have rebelled against the Goddess in the past. It’s not without precedent.]

The Mad Emperor continued.

[I see her special power as a trump card that could defeat even the Goddess. Depending on how you see it, she had “a power that could take down Gods”, equivalent to the Forbidden Curses. And…… Depending on the compatibility of her power with the secret of the Forbidden Curse lying within the aforementioned sealed room, the certainty of its power can be increased———- or so I hope.]

If I remember correctly, Asagi is a B-rank.

[…………………….]

Her inherent skill huh.

Immediately after we were summoned, it was explained to us that only A-ranks and above were originally capable of acquiring it.

But even the E-rank me, who was considered to be at the lowest rank, acquired an unprecedented amount of Abnormal State Skills.

Perhaps, Asagi’s “B” doesn’t just mean “B-rank”.

Thus, it wouldn’t be any wonder for the B-rank Asagi to have acquired it.

The Mad Emperor didn’t seem to be willing to reveal what her power was.

The expression and atmosphere around him clearly indicated that he wasn’t going to reveal anything anymore.

Just then, Seras behind me gave me a signal.

The words the Mad Emperor had said so far……

According to Seras’ signal———- everything is true.

He didn’t say any falsehoods.

Taking Seras’ ability to judge lies……

He isn’t lying, but there’s a possibility that the words he said may have a slight deviation from the truth.

For the time being, I could trust his words.

At that moment, the Mad Emperor sharply looked at me.

[One more thing…… It’s related to our current topic, but -regarding our alliance with the Faraway Kingdom. The official signing ceremony will take place in Mira. This is the intention of the three Elected Imperial households, they who hold tremendous authority in our country. Of course, even without a formal signing ceremony, we would still consider it an alliance and act accordingly. However, in regards to the aforementioned provision assistance———-]

[Is it because the land held by this three Elected Imperial household is the one that supports Mira’s abundant food supply?]

[You really understand very quickly. You are one with excellent mind. It feels comfortable talking to you.]

The verbal alliance was concluded for the time being.

However, the food assistance would only be resolved when we visit there.

……He’s trying to invite us to his country huh.

I suppose it would be obvious why.

Even though he said earlier that he’s willing to give up……

It’s natural that he would want to strengthen his prospects against the Goddess.

That being the case———– He’ll want to get the secrets of that sealed room at all costs.

What he’s suggesting is that we visit his country along with the Forbidden Race.

With this in mind, I looked at Liese.

[When it comes to the official signing ceremony…… As expected, I don’t think the three Elected Imperial households wouldn’t be satisfied with me as their representative. I’m not officially a citizen of the Faraway Country after all.]

Hearing how the conversation was directed towards her, Liese straightened up, before she nodded.

[You’re right.]

Upon her words, the Mad Emperor spoke.

[Even if your King wouldn’t come, I’m sure those households would be satisfied if the Prime Minister, Lieselotte-dono, were to visit. I have heard that your country has been closed for a long time…… then, it might be a good idea to visit the “outside” world———- is what I think but…… what does Lieselotte-dono think?]

Looking straight at the Mad Emperor……

[I think——— Yes, I can go to your country for the signing ceremony as our country’s Prime Minister. As you said, it would also be necessary for us to see the outside world in the future.]

Lieselotte feels different from before.

There was no hesitation in the way she spoke.

She seemed to have become less self-conscious.

It seems like she’s somewhat gotten used to it.

She may have gotten used to the atmosphere that the Mad Emperor gives off.

It’s like she’s one of those new artists who was performing their live performance.

At first, they are nervous, self-conscious, and sometimes awkward.

They may not even be able to sing or perform to their full potential.

But as time goes by, their nervousness and self-consciousness will gradually disappear.

They will then be able to perform to their full potential.

As long as they don’t feel like they were completely defeated———- The time where they would be able to do their best would eventually come.

[However, there’s just one thing you need to keep in mind.]

The Mad Emperor said, to which Liese waited for him to continue.

[In the outside world, Lieselotte-dono’s species———– Arachne’s were quite rare. Many people now consider your kin as a species from folklore, just like the Dwarves. In other words…… You may be exposed to strange looks.]

[————Even if you say that.]

Liese flinched a bit but……

[I don’t think I can continue being afraid of it. We have to get used to that kind of gaze, and your people would also eventually get used to our presence…… If I don’t…… I think nothing will progress.]

[And for such a future, you’re prepared to receive their gazes first?]

[I intended to be ready for that now——– Your Majesty.]

Hearing her declaration, the Mad Emperor smiled.

[I’m somewhat relieved then.]

[ ? ]

Looking like she doesn’t know what he’s talking about, Liese turns towards me.

Thereupon, propping his chin on his hand again, the Mad Emperor’s white cheeks loosened a bit.

[At first, you were noticeably agitated and awkwards due to the unfamiliar atmosphere and place…… I saw Lieselotte-dono as no less capable as a negotiation partner. That’s why I rebuked Wright and the people behind me earlier…… and it seems like I wasn’t wrong with my assessment. The point is———— I’m relieved to have proven that my eyes haven’t become clouded.]

Looking somewhat ashamed, Liese lowered her head with her face flushed red.

[……T- Thank you very much.]

Rather than bashful, I got the impression that she was feeling happy instead.

Putting aside whether or not this was the Mad Emperor’s plan to make a good impression for the future———-

It’s not a bad thing that Liese has regained the initiative as a negotiator.

I had originally judged that she would regain control of herself at some point.

Thereupon, with a smile kept on the Mad Emperor’s lips……

[Well then, can I assume that we’ve reached an agreement upon this matter?]

[Yes. I think we’ve reached an agreement on the basic points. It’s just……]

After answering, Liese looked at me.

Yes.

Lastly, we have to make sure.

[It’s necessary to confirm the intentions of the Forbidden Race——— the Kurosagas to visit your country. Liese-dono, please allow me to leave for a moment to acquire confirmation……]

[I understand. I’ll leave it to Belzegia-dono.]

Confirming with Lieselotte, I turned towards the Mad Emperor……

[And thus…… Your Majesty, would you mind waiting for a moment?]

The raven behind me began flying away.

After the Mad Emperor glanced at the raven……

[Acknowledged…… We’ll take a short break.]

▽

Seemingly returning into the door to get the opinion of the Forbidden Race, I left the meeting area.

I’ll leave that place to the people left there.

Liese is regaining her initiative quite well, and Seras is also there.

Although he is somewhat prone to getting hotblooded, Gio is also there.

The basic points of the negotiations were already settled, so they should be alright over there.

Incidentally, it’s like Liese and the others won’t do anything until I return.

I asked them to look at the Great Treasury’s list.

I had them check to see if there were any other items of interest.

Seras herself has been reading the “Encyclopedia of the Forbidden Arts”.

She should be able to judge the level of importance almost as well as I can.

Liese and the rest of the Faraway Country may also find something they want themselves.

They did say they’re willing to give those items to us.

The battle against that sh*tty Goddess is drawing near.

If it’s useful, it would be better if they receive them.

And as for me, who had left that place———

[———You’re going to Mira, aren’t you?]

[Yes.]

After walking back for a certain amount of time, I met up with Munin, who had flown here earlier.

In the end, it was a good thing that Munin was there.

I think it’s easier for her to make a decision since she had met Mira’s people and listened to what they had to say herself.

Of course, we didn’t want to expose her to them as “a member of the Forbidden Race” too easily.

[I think that———- if we can add any winning factor towards the final battle against the Goddess, we should acquire it.]

Now, Munin was back in her humanoid form.

Thereupon, she smiled at me……

[And you’re coming with me.]

[……Well, I can’t really let you go there alone. However, don’t you want to hear what the rest of the Kurosagas have to say?]

[Even like this, I’m still their Chief?]

[Well, an irresponsible one at that……]

[Fufufu, don’t worry. I’ve already told everyone what happened and my intentions. They’ve already agreed with me. They also know the history of the Kurosagas, so they were already prepared to a certain extent. That’s why, you need not worry. We are——— the Kurosagas after all.]

[……It’s not like we could have the other crest bearer come along either.]

[You’re right…… If it’s possible, I’d like to finish this battle with the Goddess on my own…… is what I think.]

The other crest bearer is a girl named Fugi.

She is 13 years old.

She’s still young.

[However, she is also prepared for this. If my “blade” doesn’t reach the Goddess, and if I fall along the journey…… I think she herself is prepared to be the next one to risk her life.]

With the slight smile kept on her lips, Munin sadly looked down.

[As far as I’m concerned, I don’t want her to force herself…… That’s the kind of child she is after all. Even at this matter, saying “I’m also going on the journey”, she won’t listen in the beginning……]

Thereupon, Munin’s small smile turned to a wry smile.

[You know how hard it was to convince her?]

Honestly, for me……

I’m grateful for that kid Fugi’s fighting spirit.

No——– I’m also grateful the resolution of the Kurosagas.

Perhaps……

“Don’t get Munin involved in your battle! Don’t take her with you!”

“Because you came here, the peace that the Kurosagas finally got is broken!”

If they had said something like that, I think there may have been another dispute in the Faraway Country.

Well, this is all———- thanks to Munin’s efforts, isn’t it?

[You must have a hard time too.]

[Fufu, well yeah? It’s just, that’s right…… That’s why I want this battle to end with just me, their Chief. If we can defeat Vysis here, we may not even need the Forbidden Curses after that…… If that happens, Fugi’s burden———- the Kurosaga’s burden would finally be lifted.]

As I thought, this person……

She’s got a strong heart.

[Alright.]

She made up her mind.

[Then, let’s go there once———– Mira.]

The Gem of Teleportation in the Great Treasury.

The material for Pigimaru’s final enhancer———- the Purple Beetle.

The secret of the Forbidden Curses that lies within the sealed room.

Once we have acquired them, it’s finally time for the real deal——-

[………………..]

The battle to settle the score with that sh*tty Goddess would finally begin.

<Afterword>

We have received one new review since the last update. Thank you very much.

Also, the manga’s chapter 25 has been updated and is now available for free at Comic Gardo. Eve is finally getting involved with the party, and I’m now looking forward to reading that scene and that scene from the light novel’s Volume 3 in the manga. Seras, disguised with the identity “Misra”, also has a refreshing cuteness when seen in the manga.

Also, it may have been late, but I’m also in your care this year.

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