Chapter 26: The Forest of Monsters
For a while, peaceful days continued. I would think of magical tools at Marcel-san's place, help with household chores, go to the forest with Marie, Nicola, and Luke, visit food stalls, and study by reading history materials.
And recently, the temperature has become hot, to the point where it's difficult to stay outside for a long time, whereas when I was reincarnated, it was only slightly chilly.
While living such a peaceful daily life, I couldn't shake off thoughts about the forest of monsters.
I asked Marcel-san about it, but he didn't know any more details than what was written in the teaching materials, and he seemed to be unaware of recent information about the forest of monsters. It seemed that when Marcel-san was a student, the forest of monsters wasn't much of a problem yet.
Although I wanted to ask Frederic-san, I didn't have the courage to visit the Duke's mansion on my own, so I had no choice but to wait for Frederic-san to come to my place.
As I spent those restless days, Frederic-san finally came to the dining hall.
"Welcome... Frederic-sama! You finally came!"
"Huh? What's wrong, Leon? Did you have something to discuss with me?"
"There was something I was really curious about while reading the history materials, but I didn't have a chance to ask because Frederic-sama wasn't here..."
"I apologize for that."
Frederic-san smiled wryly.
Oh no... I wanted to ask about the forest of monsters for so long, and I ended up saying something accusatory.
Frederic-san has no obligation to come to me...
"I-I'm sorry! I just... got carried away..."
"It's fine. I apologize for not being able to come. It would indeed be better if there were a means of communication from Leon."
Saying that, Frederic-san handed me a slightly larger coin with an emblem carved on it.
"What is this...?"
"It's proof that you're associated with the Duke's family. Show this to the gatekeeper, tell them your name and who gave it to you, and you'll be allowed inside. If you leave a message with Alban or someone, it will reach me."
Isn't that quite amazing?! Can I really accept this? I'm a bit scared to have something like this...
"Is it okay for me to receive such an amazing thing?"
"Yeah, just make sure not to lose it. I'll inform the gatekeeper about Leon's appearance and name, so the chances of someone else picking it up and using it are quite low."
"I'll make sure not to lose it, absolutely!"
It's the one thing I must not lose... I'll keep it close to me in my wallet.
"So, what is it that Leon wants to ask?"
At that moment, I realized. I haven't even shown Frederic-san to his seat yet!
"I'm sorry! Please take a seat first! Would you like to have lunch?"
"Ah, thank you. Then let's have lunch first."
After Frederic finished his lunch and the other customers had left, the lunch service came to an end.
Since my parents said we could use the dining hall, we decided to have a conversation there and sat facing each other.
"So, was there something you didn't understand?"
"Yes. While reading the textbook, I became curious about the Demon Forest. What is the Demon Forest?"
"The Demon Forest, huh..."
When I mentioned the Demon Forest, Frederic's expression became quite stern.
After organizing his thoughts for a moment, he began to speak.
"The Demon Forest is a forest where demons reside, unlike an ordinary forest. Demons are animals capable of using magic."
"Animals that can use magic...?"
"Yeah, weak demons can be defeated even by ordinary civilians, but strong ones can't be defeated without several knights. They can be quite troublesome."
"Where is the Demon Forest located?"
"The Demon Forest is at the eastern edge of this country. It takes about two weeks by carriage from here. So, there's no need to worry about demons coming all the way to the capital city."
Animals that can use magic... It sounds scary. He says it's far away, but is it really safe?
"However, it's mentioned that the knight order is stopping the invasion. That means the Demon Forest is expanding, right?"
"Well... it's true that the Demon Forest is expanding, but the knight order cuts down trees and regularly defeats the demons at the outskirts, so it's fine. The power of expansion and the power of containment are evenly matched."
As Frederic said that, he gave a smile that seemed somewhat fake. It might have fooled an ordinary child, but I'm not easily fooled.
This could mean that the power of the Demon Forest's expansion is actually stronger... If that's the case, it means that the places where humans live are gradually being engulfed.
I want more information. However, Frederic doesn't seem willing to tell me more, or maybe there are information restrictions?
It would be troublesome if it became known to many people and caused panic.
But if villages or towns are being swallowed up, how are they hiding it?
Maybe they relocate people under some plausible excuse and declare it off-limits.
Well, it's pointless to think about it now. I need to gather more information. I don't know if there's anything I can do, but I have all attributes and abilities, at least.
"Thank you very much for telling me, Lord Frederick. I feel relieved knowing that the knights are keeping us safe."
I said that with a smile, trying to reassure him like a child.
For now, it's better to pretend that I haven't noticed anything. If it were known that Frederick-san leaked the information, it would cause trouble.
Even after Frederick-san left, I continued to think about the conversation we had earlier.
To think that there are creatures like monsters in this world... I thought there were not many threatening beings in this world, so I never bothered practicing offensive magic. But maybe I should start now.
Since I can use magic from all attributes, I might be able to create powerful attack spells by combining them. I should have learned how to protect myself first.
Anyway, I'll go to the forest alone when I have time and practice magic.
Also, this is just my speculation, but I feel like my magical power increases little by little when I use it to the limit and then recover it.
I don't know if this phenomenon is unique to me or if it happens to others as well, but probably only to me. Marcel-san also said that the innate magical power doesn't change.
It's my unique special ability, but I should be grateful for it. Anyway, if I can become stronger, I should. It's always been the case that my abilities are extraordinary compared to others.
In any case, I'll practice magic in the forest! Let's do our best!
Just as I was organizing my thoughts, Marie's voice came into my head.
"Big brother!"
I was deep in thought, so I was startled when Marie called me. I got surprised~
"Big brother, why are you surprised?"
"It's nothing. I was just a little surprised by Marie's voice."
"Is that so?"
Marie was peering curiously into my face.
"Yeah, I'm fine. So, what's up?"
"Did big brother forget? Today, father said he has some errands to run, so he and mother are going shopping together."
"Uh, sorry! That's right."
I looked around and saw my mother standing there, holding a shopping basket.
"Leon, why are you lost in thought with such a serious face? We're going shopping."
"Yeah, um, okay! Where's the basket I'm supposed to carry?"
"It's on the desk."
I hurriedly grabbed the basket and followed my mother and Marie as we left the house.
I pushed aside the thoughts I had just been contemplating and focused on the shopping, walking beside my mother.