Chapter 94: Chapter 94

Stunned for a moment by the unexpected question, Shan wound back the clock in his mind to the past.

Were the glasses she had worn when they first met (strictly speaking, their actual first meeting was at the Magic Society) made of carved amethyst in appearance?

He also had a memory of having a conversation about them.

When he had asked her why she did not craft a new, similar pair after coming to Palles, she replied that since those were also an ancient relic, simply carving something similar was not all there was to it.

Just what kind of prank was she trying to play by doing this?

Though puzzled, Shan obediently answered the question.

“Purple, probably.”

[What was the name of the landlord where we met?]

“Madam Maya.”

[How did you hit me when you first hit me?]

“……The face. I gave you a nosebleed.”

At the final question, Shan scratched the bridge of his nose with an embarrassed expression.

After they became close, Cheryn would occasionally bring up that story to tease him mischievously.

Of course, since she had her dignity in front of others, she never spoke of it in public.

Even after that, Cheryn threw out several more questions that others would find difficult to know.

When she finally confirmed which part of his body he had injured while practicing swordsmanship alone, the spider moved its body left and right, mimicking a tilt of its head.

[Strange. I thought you wouldn’t be able to answer a few of these. You really are Shan, right?]

“That’s right. More importantly, are you in Palles Castle right now? You could control a spider here all the way from there?”

[Yeah. I’m lying in my bedroom at Palles Castle. I can only control the spider inside that box. I split a single mana stone in two and made them resonate with each other…… I doubt you’re curious about the detailed principle, so I’ll skip it.]

“By the way, why did you ask me all those things just now?”

[Because I couldn’t be sure if the person answering right now was really you. The spider you put in has rather dull senses. Normally, I add separate magic to compensate for sight and hearing to some extent, but that’s still difficult to do remotely. I can only make out the outline of your face, and your voice is analyzed by sensing vibrations.]

“Aha.”

[Just in case Baron of Lugen had opened the box first, or it had been stolen by someone else.]

Only then could he understand the reason behind her sudden questions.

Given her already suspicious nature, if such a problem existed, she naturally would have wanted to confirm who was on the other end.

“By the way, this is truly amazing. Being able to communicate from such a distant place.”

The distance between Palles Castle where Cheryn was and Shedil Castle where Shan was located was around two to three hundred kilometers, though not certain.

It was a distance that took at least ten days on foot, and more than three or four days even if riding hard on horseback.

Yet to be able to bridge such a distance so easily?

If this magical device had been made earlier, they could have received help from Palles’s army in this battle as well.

If there had been a spy in the capital who could exchange messages like this, they might have noticed the enemy’s troop dispatch in advance.

No, in the long run, considering that the King’s commands could spread across the entire nation in an instant, it might be a technology with even more tremendous potential……

[This is a technology developed while we were out on the expedition this time. This was what Master had been researching since before. Though it hasn’t reached the original goal of communicating from anywhere with a paired object.]

In fact, the device capable of remotely using spider manipulation magic was closer to something Cheryn had arbitrarily modified based on Court Count Tenon’s research materials.

It was said that the research itself still required much more progress.

[So, how is the situation over there? What happened to the war?]

“It’s mostly wrapped up. I mean……”

As Shan laid out what had happened in the meantime, Cheryn, just like Yurk had, showed a look of flabbergast at the news that he had already smashed them and returned.

Although he could not be certain since they were not face to face, judging by the spider tapping its front legs, it seemed to be the case.

Besides that, Shan unraveled the stories of what had taken place in Shedil City one by one.

Stories such as how the surrounding fiefs had joined forces to demand the annulment of his adoption out of antipathy toward an Altoan heir, or how he had personally run around to persuade them.

[Impressive. If it were me, I would have never attempted such a thing.]

“Is that so?”

[Of course. Insidious figures in power would never change their mind over a single word. Yet you actually changed it.]

“Hearing it put like that, I was lucky. Or perhaps the people here are good-natured.”

[It wasn’t luck, it’s your ability.]

“My ability? Roden wrote the script though.”

[People strangely want to believe what you say. Because your inner thoughts are shown so transparently, it actually inspires trust.]

Normally, an outstanding politician had to be able to lie shamelessly, but Shan’s type could also be called a talent in a way.

That is to say, his appeal in making others believe his words was exceptional.

[Besides that, you’ve started quite a big project. Holy Knights, was it?]

“Is that not allowed?”

[There’s no reason why not. Do you have the confidence to keep the discipline?]

“From what I heard, it’s not all that different from how I live now.”

[Well, if so then. Besides, the clause about not marrying an eastern noble is!]

For some reason, the spider controlled by Cheryn suddenly stopped while writing that part.

Then, as if erasing the text it was trying to write, it swept its front legs back and forth across Shan’s palm.

“Come to think of it, how are things on your end? Has anything unusual happened?”

[Nothing much. Mourning the troops sacrificed in this battle, reinforcing new ones. Ah, I decided to send spies toward Ajun. Knowing the timing of their invasion would be helpful after all.]

“How so?”

[I plan to pass through the Demonic Realm via Treba territory.]

“Oh.”

Treba territory, located beyond the Blade Mountains to the east of Palles, was a place adjacent to the Demonic Realm.

Entering there, heading north, and then turning west again allowed one to quickly enter the Ajun Kingdom.

Naturally, as the Demonic Realm was no local hill, it was an extremely dangerous method.

However, Cheryn had a way to resolve this.

[For now, I will proceed by sending the former explorers brought along this time together with knights to secure the movement route. In the meantime, we’ll also look for the path leading to that city I mentioned before.]

The city where Shan and Green Eyes had found Thousand Shapes in the past.

She was saying she would dispatch explorers to that place.

Shan was also quite interested in that.

Because the underground laboratory where monsters like the hydra he had hunted in the past were confined was very likely left unexplored.

Even after that, while they conversed for quite a while longer, the spider stumbled slightly.

Apparently, Cheryn had grown fatigued from continuously writing text while possessing it.

[I should stop here for today. In any case, whenever you use this in the future, catch a fresh spider each time and put it in. I’ve set it up so a signal reaches my end when a spider enters.]

“Understood.”

Along with his answer, Shan stroked the spider’s abdomen with his finger.

He felt the texture of short, dense fur.

*

News that Elvin’s army, sent to ‘calm’ the unrest in eastern Pendia, had been annihilated was delivered to Hasra before long.

Elvin, who had been enjoying a banquet, flew into a rage upon hearing the news and threw down the wine glass he was holding.

“Dispatch an army this instant! Chop off that traitorous Altoan bastard’s head and bring it to me!”

“You must not, Prince!”

“Please reconsider……”

The Prince’s advisors clung to his trousers and pleaded fervently that he absolutely must not.

With the factions of Conrad, Duke of Morayen, and Cheryn still remaining, if they mobilized all their troops toward the east, it would not be surprising if the capital were taken back.

Wasn’t this expedition itself not intended for a proper clash, but a surprise attack to seize the initiative by taking advantage of the opponent’s defenseless opening?

Above all, rumor had already spread widely that Conrad was marrying Princess Cassia to the Prince of Ajun to borrow their army.

If that news was true, the numerical superiority they currently enjoyed was by no means absolute.

Although Elvin’s advisors were greedy flatterers, not all of them were complete fools.

Thanks to his impressionable nature, which was both his virtue and flaw, Elvin eventually suppressed his anger and accepted his advisors’ counsel.

“Fine. Then for now, I will send someone to negotiate the ransom. More importantly…… how is Father’s condition?”

“It remains the same.”

“Is that so……”

Gizel III’s condition was identical to when he had met Conrad or Cheryn in the past.

Although it was difficult for him to walk on his own, his consciousness was fairly clear, enough to converse.

Hearing the report, Elvin clicked his tongue with a ‘tsk.’

“He needs to hand over the throne quickly for this chaos to end.”

“Indeed, Your Highness.”

“We shall try our best to persuade him actively, Prince.”

Even with the country reduced to such a state, Gizel III still refused to let go of his throne.

As he had revealed in past talks, he intended to recognize as successor whoever claimed Pendia through their own power.

Consequently, Elvin was forced to request more support from his maternal grandfather, the King of Ruman.

Although he would have to concede even more interests than what he had offered so far, if he failed to become King, he had no future.

Because neither Conrad nor Cheryn would ever spare his life.

“Honestly…… Ugh.”

“Are you alright!?”

“It’s nothing. Don’t make a fuss!”

As the grumbling Elvin suddenly clutched his chest and groaned, his startled retainers raised a commotion.

After dismissing them, Elvin summoned a trusted confidant and commanded.

“Call High Priest Kaizal.”

“He was treating His Majesty the King this morning, so……”

“Tell him I need treatment as well. And tell him that starting tomorrow, he doesn’t need to go treat Father.”

“……Understood.”

High Priest Kaizal was the most skilled priest among the court priests of Pendia.

The confidant widened his eyes at the demand to detach the person who had been treating the King’s chronic illness for decades, but soon bowed his head and obeyed the order.

Once he left, Elvin let out a sigh and stared into the mirror.

“Damn it……”

The handsome face of a young man with reddish hair and freckles characteristic of Ruman people was reflected.

Staring at it silently for a short moment, he rubbed beneath his chin vigorously, causing the powder coating his skin to flake off and reveal darkish skin underneath.

It was a color similar to his father, Gizel III.

*

Officials and engineers who came from Palles began maintaining Shedil City as previously planned.

The very first thing they did was the installation of water supply and sewage systems.

Although Shedil lacked a massive river like the Tesen River in Palles, it had a few decent streams serving as water sources.

The magical devices installed there sucked up the water and delivered it to the water supply, pouring water across various parts of Shedil City, while used water drained out toward the Demonic Realm via the sewage system.

“Now then, dig the ground faster!”

“If you fail to meet your quota, there’s no meal today!”

“Damn it……”

Pirate prisoners from the Kingdom of Ruman secured this time were actively mobilized for this labor.

They were far too ferocious and cruel to be mobilized as soldiers, nor did they bring in money.

Should they not be put to use like this at least?

Of course, since the doctrine of the Goddess Church strictly forbade treating humans as slaves, they received money for their labor.

To be exact, it would be more accurate to say that a record was kept of how much money they had earned.

Later, if the money earned this way exceeded their ransom, they could buy their own release.

Until then, they would have to traverse every corner of Shedil City and serve as excellent all-around laborers.

What about the pagan soldiers from the Southern Continent who were in a similar situation?

The precious individuals who were promised more than five gold coins per head were isolated in a separate residential zone prepared in one part of Shedil City.

Those noble gentlemen would be released after calculating the costs of their food and drink once contact was made with the lords of the Selim Republic.

Of course, what changed Shedil’s landscape simpler and faster than the installation of water and sewage systems was the installation of lamp magic devices.

People were astonished at magical devices being installed in streets and various public facilities, not even in the Count’s castle.

“Huh, is it because it’s the Explorers Guild? What kind of magic device……”

“You’re slow on the news, pal. It’s already spread all over Shedil. It was even installed in the plaza.”

“Then won’t someone steal it?”

Naturally, there were people who attempted to steal them.

Unlike Palles, a small society isolated by a river, wasn’t Shedil a place where drifters who gathered from all over to strike it rich in the Demonic Realm assembled and scattered?

Not a few thought that if they somehow stole them, fled hastily, and sold them off elsewhere, they could make a fortune.

However, such attempts were thwarted faster than expected.

“Hey, over there!”

“We’re caught! Run!”

In the midst of detaching a lamp magic device in the dark, the gang fleeing after being spotted by night watchmen realized that their escape route was far too eye-catching.

Unlike in the past when it was dark and gloomy, Shedil’s night was now brightly lit.

And the night watchmen chasing those thieves were none other than the semi-horse archers from Horais.

Allowed to ride horses in the city center in the middle of the night, they swung clubs to beat and catch the thieves.

Some of the lucky ones succeeded in fleeing, but most were caught and thrown into the sewage labor sites.

They would not be able to come out until performing labor equivalent to ten times the price of the item they had tried to steal.

Refrigerator and heater magic devices, which were not even that plentiful in Palles yet, were presented as gifts to the Count’s castle, retainer families, and nearby lord families who had cooperated in this war.

They rejoiced at being able to drink cool beverages even in midsummer and enjoy food cooked with fresh ingredients.

And in the process of handling all these matters, the people of Shedil territory and the dispatched officials learned an unexpected fact.

“Part of the magic device introduction costs we discussed last time will be processed as long-term loans. I will use mana stones as collateral.”

“Will the Princess permit that?”

“She will permit it. And as for the issue caused by sewage pollution this time, consult with Elros…”

That was none other than the fact that Shan’s domestic administrative ability was far superior to expectations.

From finance, engineering, politics, to law.

Whenever they brought something requiring judgment, a clear answer came out within a day at least.

Even Count of Shedil, who had initially intended to stay beside Shan to assist with lacking areas, stopped attending after a few meetings, saying Shan could do fine without him, and entrusted everything to him.

Officials who came from Palles in particular saw Cheryn’s image in Shan.

Although it was not to the level of perfectly grasping and instructing even minor details, his intuition for grasping problems and offering solutions was similar.

Of course, the reason Shan was able to display such ability was thanks to consulting Cheryn through the magic device.

Since he could not show her things like drawings, it was difficult to offer opinions on concrete aspects like city design, but merely describing the situation and receiving answers produced the effect of borrowing her administrative capability.

Shan’s development naturally raised Roden’s suspicions.

Because he was the person in this world who knew better than anyone else that Shan lacked such capability.

“What on earth is going on?”

“Huh?”

“You know.”

“Ah, that’s……”

“If it’s something difficult for me to know, it can’t be helped.”

Shan groaned softly at the conversation that carried clear meaning even without a subject.

He did not want to keep secrets from Roden, but revealing it meant exposing a secret that Cheryn, not he, wished to hide.

As Shan worried about what to do and asked through the spider, an unexpectedly readily willing answer returned.

[You can tell him.]

“Really?”

[It’s about time, since we’ve worked together for a few years. I don’t want the relationship between you two to grow distant because of me for no good reason.]

“Keeping this secret wouldn’t make things bad between Roden and me. Though he might feel a bit hurt.”

[That is growing distant. However, you must not tell him the answers to a few questions that can identify you as yourself. Like the location of my scar.]

“Ah, of course!”

At Cheryn’s permission, Shan unknowingly grinned with joy.

He was glad to have built enough trust for his closest people to share secrets they had not shared before.

Having obtained permission like that, Shan called Roden into his room and personally demonstrated communicating with the spider.

The moment Roden learned everything, he looked around.

“Wait, then don’t tell me all that time when we were together in the capital or in Palles……?”

“She says don’t worry, she has no hobby of peeping at naked men.”

“No, I didn’t even think that far.”

Afterwards, Roden also attempted to communicate by placing the spider controlled by Cheryn on his palm just like Shan, but unexpectedly, it was no easy task.

“Uh, so…… does that mean ‘nice to meet you’? Is that right? It’s not?”

“Can’t you tell?”

“It’s seriously difficult. How on earth do you understand this? No, should I say feeling it rather than hearing it?”

Unlike Shan, Roden could not easily understand the letters written by the spider on his palm.

Was it because the sensation of the spider’s front legs moving back and forth was far too light compared to his thick hand?

Still, after practicing patiently several times, even if it wasn’t as natural as Shan, he managed to understand roughly by intuition.

Though he could not use small baby spiders and had to use quite a large house spider.

Normally Shan took charge of communication, and if Shan was in a state where communication was difficult due to being away or other reasons, Roden was to take his place.

Thanks to establishing such a new contact network, Palles and Shedil were able to achieve literally perfect coordination.

The two distant territories traded by exchanging what goods were needed by each other in real time, and prevented trial-and-error of previously attempted policies in various ways.

All kinds of inefficient administrative systems were revamped, and the few vested interests who suffered losses as a result dared not stand up against Shan, who possessed both might and status.

As a result, Shedil City literally changed rapidly day by day.

For the people living there, those were truly days nothing short of mysterious.

“Hah……”

“Indeed, the Princess’s promise was no empty statement.”

Cheryn’s prophecy that everything would change with the formation of a full-scale cooperative system and the introduction of magic devices came to pass one by one.

The city grew bright even at night, clean water was supplied across the entire city, and wastewater drained out, causing filth to disappear without a trace.

Additionally arrived refrigerators were deployed in storehouses throughout the city, boosting food preservation capability.

Soldiers distributed with combat magic devices actively subjugated monsters, maintaining public order in neighboring areas.

Mana stones and monster byproducts obtained in the process were delivered to the Palles region, then processed and returned transformed into magic devices.

Whenever a specific resource ran short, that fact was conveyed to Palles in an instant and replenished.

As months passed and autumn arrived with the end of summer, the residents of Shedil City felt that their homeland was continuously improving.

Naturally, all of this led to support for Princess Cheryn and Young Master Shan, the Count’s heir.

“Long live Princess Cheryn!”

“No, long live the Queen!”

To the extent that no one criticized them even when shouting such things while laughing heartily in taverns, the support of the people of Shedil grew steadfast.

While the two regions deepened their friendship like that, Pendia was unexpectedly peaceful.

Elvin, who thought that losing more troops would make it hard to face the army of Ajun brought by Conrad.

Conrad, who found it difficult to act before reinforcements arrived due to excessive losses.

Even Duke of Morayen, who was busy converting profits earned through pillaging into military power.

It was because all the remaining factions were in an uncomfortable state to clash for their own different reasons.

The downfall of this uneasy coexistence approached at the end of autumn, along with the gradually cooling wind.

[Ajun is moving.]

The spider controlled by Cheryn wrote letters on Shan’s palm.