War Tribe.
The tension that started from their first visit was largely resolved by the apology from the war tribe and its acceptance.
However, the revelation of the truth about the war tribe’s “prophecy” brought more anxiety than relief.
After all, they said they were extracting information from the “collective consciousness of the dark demons” through the corpses of the dark demons. Moreover, the information about me might have been intentionally distorted.
This might be a different opinion if the war tribe had knowledge about my Door of Wizardry.
There is also a possibility that the “collective consciousness of the dark demons” confused the corridor that calls the dark demons, the “focal point”, with my Door of Wizardry.
If possible, I would like to provide information from my side and grasp the situation accurately at some point, with the help of Miko or Kambelis.
To do that, I need to strengthen the friendly relationship with the war tribe.
When I proposed to visit the war tribe’s base… their term for it is “lodging”, Miko girl was very happy.
Rather, she said, “I would like to borrow your insight, wizard-sama, to verify the truth of the prophecy.”
The war tribe’s top priority is this, no matter what. After all, the credibility of the prophecy of Miko, who they entrusted their fate to, is shaken from the root.
To improve this situation, they have no choice but to invite outsiders to their “lodging”, according to the intention of the war tribe’s elders council.
…That’s what Kambelis told me, but I feel like there is a difference in temperature between him and the elders council.
Finally, I received the apology gifts from the war tribe and ended the meeting with Miko.
They said they would return to their “lodging” tomorrow, so I decided to join them right away.
I was a little worried if they would accept me if I suddenly wanted to visit, but judging from Kambelis’ reaction, it seems like this was expected.
That night.
I managed to serve a lavish dinner to Miko and the warriors of the war tribe, thanks to Mora and her helpers.
I was glad that the warriors, who had been living in the Jiiteias castle for the past two months, had become more friendly with us.
I wanted to go to bed early to prepare for tomorrow, but…
“What? My power and advice are absolutely necessary. Sedam can stay behind like last time, right?”
“This time it’s a negotiation with the war tribe, a bunch of people who are out of common sense. And we also need to investigate the mystery of the dark demons. We need someone with broad knowledge and good judgment like me, a veteran adventurer.”
Claura and Sedam started arguing in front of me.
They were trying to decide who would accompany me to the war tribe’s camp.
They both knew that I was planning to leave one of them behind to guard the Jiiteias castle. They looked determined not to back down.
…If this was just a picnic in the neighborhood, I would love to take them both with me.
“I have enough knowledge as a mage about the dark demons. And they may look barbaric, but they are a clan with history and tradition. My social skills will be useful, you know.”
“There is always a possibility that they will betray us. In that case, I can survive without getting in Margils’ way better than you.”
“…”
Leiha was standing by my side as usual, but she didn’t join the argument. She looked calm and confident. She probably believed that she would go with me no matter what.
Well, I couldn’t think of leaving her out, considering her abilities and role.
“Enough! Both of you, stop being selfish! This is something that Gio should decide, right?”
Mora, who had been quietly making tea, scolded the two adults who were acting like children.
“…”
They looked at each other, then turned to me at the same time.
“You agree that it would be better if I go, right?”
“I’m more useful for this kind of puzzle solving, right?”
“Um…”
I rested my chin on my hand and stared at them for a while.
I knew very well that they both meant well for me. …Sedam’s motives were a bit transparent, though, driven by curiosity.
But I had already made up my mind.
“I’ll take Leiha and Sedam with me.”
“Okay, got it.”
Normally, as the lord of the castle, I would need a decent number of attendants to go on a diplomatic mission, like I did when I went to Filsand.
But Kambelis asked me to keep the personnel to a minimum, so this was it.
Sedam had a wide range of knowledge about legends and such, so I wanted to take him with me. He winked at me slyly with his one eye.
Of course, it wasn’t that I thought Claura was inferior in terms of knowledge…
“What do you mean? Don’t tell me you don’t want to hear my nagging…?”
“Claura?”
I was surprised when Claura, who I thought would get angry, lowered her head and spoke in a dark voice.
Did she realize that she was nagging all the time…? No, that wasn’t it.
“It’s not like that. It’s just that you’re the one I have the most confidence in to entrust this castle with.”
This was not an excuse or anything.
Sedam could also act as the lord’s deputy, and in terms of practical work, Irudo alone would be enough.
But what if a big crisis came, like when the war tribe attacked while I was away?
Diane couldn’t make a big picture judgment yet, and the old residents of the castle wouldn’t obey her.
Lord Sandall might have enough ability, but he wasn’t an official staff member anyway, and he wasn’t used to the castle yet.
Claura, who was born a noble and understood what it meant to stand above others (better than me), was the best choice.
And more than anything…
“You’re the one who understands what I want to do the best. That’s why I think you can lead everyone well if something happens to me.”
“Really? Are you saying that from your heart?”
“Of course, I’m serious.”
“…”
Claura turned her head away and closed her mouth.
Did I say something wrong again?
I looked around and saw that Mora was pursing her lips, Sedam was smirking with one eyebrow raised, and Leiha was looking at me and Claura with a kind and loving gaze.
What is this?
“Well, if that’s the case… I guess I have no choice.”
Claura finally faced me again.
Her blue eyes seemed a bit moist. It was very rare for her to show such an expression.
I was glad if she was happy, even a little, that I trusted her.
“I’ll take good care of the Jiiteias castle for you. You can go and do your duty without any worries.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
In fact, I had to consider the possibility that the “will of all dark demons” or the “king of dark demons” (they were probably the same entity) would attack the castle while I was away.
I decided to leave my “Wizard Staff”, the staff of the great wizard, with her.
“Anyway.”
“Hm?”
“It’s not appropriate for the head of a clan to talk lightly about his own death. Just because I’m your partner… just because we’re family, doesn’t mean you can say such weak things in front of others. Besides, you…”
There it goes. The nagging started.
My sleeping time was slightly reduced.