I woke up in the middle of the night.
I thought that I would be able to sleep soundly with peace of mind when I returned to the place I should be returning to, but it seems that was not the case. The bed in my room is big, but it's not big enough for 12 people to sleep together. That's why, today, we brought in beds from other rooms, connected them, and slept together.
"...?"
Some people seem to be missing. Marl, Melkina, Karen, Sherry, Seatan's beastman three daughters, and Nera. Deborah is also sleeping in the bed next to her. Elmina-san and Rifana are also there.
"Are Flam, Tina, and Kusuha not here…?"
where did you go Quietly get out of bed. Marle, who was clinging to me, was annoyed, but I gave Karen, who was sleeping on my stomach, a pillow instead.
Karen seems to have woken up a little at that time, but when I told her to ask for Marle with a hand sign, she nodded slightly and went to sleep.
As I walked quietly through the mansion so as not to wake everyone up, it seemed that the light was leaking from the office. Looking inside, Flam, Tina, and Kusuha seemed to be having a difficult conversation.
"What happened at this hour?"
"Mm, master. I'm glad you slept well."
The three people who weren't in bed were sitting around a desk littered with papers. Come to think of it, all three of us seemed to be saving. What are you doing?
I pick up the documents spread out on the desk and look at them. It looks like some sort of research report.
"Hmm? Divine Enemy Declaration?"
According to the report, it seems that oracles have been sent down to temples in various places to say, "There is a divine enemy in the Great Sea of Trees."
It seems that the Brave Demon Federation, which includes me and Clover, is not specifically named as a divine enemy, but I can only think of the Brave Demon Federation as a "divine enemy" in the Great Tree Sea! Some nobles from Kalendale Kingdom, Miscronia Kingdom, and Goebbels Kingdom are raising their voices.
The date of the report seems to have been several days after I fought the gods and fell into the Great Forest.
"Yes, because of that oracle, the nations are in an uproar. Until now, there have been many oracles about the Great Flood and the appearance of the Demon King, but there have been no oracles that denounce a specific force as a 'divine enemy'. No. The priests of the temple seem to be puzzled by their interpretation."
"Putting aside the Kingdom of Geppels, the Kingdom of Calendil, the Kingdom of Micronia, and the Kingdom of Brave Demons have built up a very good relationship. It was an oracle."
Tina and Flamm say so and sigh.
"So, the humans are attacking in large numbers with that oracle as a just cause."
"That's why. The ones who are attacking are the nobles who have trade routes via the previous Kingdom of Goebbels, which were defeated by the Sea of Trees trade route connecting the Kingdom of Kalendale and the Kingdom of Micronia. In other words, within the two kingdoms. However, they are pro-Geppels Kingdom faction nobles.The declaration of the enemy of God itself was actually an oracle, so it seems that even the kingdom can't completely suppress it."
"Hmm? Can't you hold it down?"
"Unfortunately, it's impossible. A king doesn't have absolute power as much as Master thinks. If it's a territory under the direct control of the king or a territory governed by a direct retainer, the power of the king is tremendous. The territories governed by local aristocrats are a different story.Clover aside, even in the Brave Demons Federation, you can't directly give orders to the villages of the Oni people and the river people, right? "
"Hmm, I see."
I agree with Flam's words.
In terms of whether it can be done or not, there is nothing that cannot be done. However, in that case, there will be many troubles. In some cases, it is conceivable that the local lord will defect. It will be difficult to force it.
"Of course, it seems that both countries have strongly advised not to take arbitrary actions, but this time there is a justification for an oracle.
"I understand the circumstances. What were the demands of the attacking guys?"
"The oracle told me what to do, but in summary, we Arkenia, the demon race, the Antilles, etc. said that we should hand over the 'races that cannot be recognized as humans' and allow their forces to occupy Clover. See you."
Kusuha's unbelievable request made me feel like my stomach was boiling.
"What are you talking about? Are you an idiot? I can't accept such a request. Well, the Sea of Trees is my territory that has been officially recognized by both the Kingdom of Kalendale and the Kingdom of Miscronia. If you don't follow the warning, you will have no choice but to use force."
"Umu, I thought the master would naturally say that. We also notified those guys who were marching to open up the Great Sea of Trees. They got close to Clover a week or so ago.
Well, we can't do anything in front of the strong castle walls and we're repeatedly withdrawing, but Kusuha shrugs his shoulders and laughs.
"The castle walls and new weapons that you have built are overwhelming.
"I just used magic to make the materials, and everyone in Clover made them. Also, the weapons weren't really for anti-personnel, but for anti-monsters."
"It's good because it's been a great help in the end."
"Come to think of it, what was that stupid explosion? I don't think they made a weapon with that kind of power."
"Ah, that's a magic nuclear landmine made by your sister. It seems that it was made by tampering with the explosion circuit of the flying magic bullet you made."
"Something was carved into a magic core of this size."
The size Kusuha pointed out was about the size of a baby's head. It depends on the object, but if you explode the magical power contained in a magic core of that size, it's understandable that it would explode like that.
"Egetsu, huh... well, well, they're safe, aren't they?"
"Hmm? You're not safe, are you? We lost a considerable amount of strength and were routed."
"Ah no, it's not like that. You marched across the Sea of Trees from the Goebbels Kingdom side, didn't you?
"Oh, that's what it is. It's a strange story, but for some reason they don't get attacked by monsters very often."
"What did you say?"
"It seems that the invading army is whispering that it is because of the divine protection."
"Though today's crushing defeat will probably shake that as well."
God bless you. I'm in trouble because you may not be wrong.
"What's wrong? Suddenly shut up."
"Well, maybe it's not a mistake that you're the divine protection."
With that in mind, I briefly talked about the process from the battle of the gods to returning to Clover. In particular, it focuses on God's intentions, stories related to God heard from the real world, and stories of gods who met to obtain blessings. As expected, I avoided talking about spending time as a god after the end of my life.
"Fumu, I was able to confirm the story of the dream that Marle's daughter said."
Kusuha seemed to be interested in such a tone, but Flam and Tina's faces were a little pale.
"Antagonism with the Lord God Vault..."
"Fighting with God of War Dior..."
It seems that it was a very shocking content for those girls who have a general belief in the gods of this world. Yes, this is definitely SAN checked. Is it alright?
"What is it, both of you? Isn't it strange for the master to be like this?"
"That may be true, but please wait a moment now. We are probably facing an unprecedented shock, or rather, a crisis of faith."
With a pale face, Tina looks down, sticks out her right hand and rubs her temple with her left hand. Yeah, it's a crisis of faith that the flood that threatens people was the self-made performance of the god that I believed in, including the oracle of advance notice.
"Well, the claims of the gods are not wrong, are they? Actually, there are humans attacking this capital like this. Isn't it?"
"In that case, there would have been no clovers, so I can't say anything about it. The world we lived in was exactly that kind of world."
"Is that so...?"
"Yeah, that's right. But that's why I don't know what to do with the vault. As I said earlier, the gods actually have different opinions. Don't worry so much, do it properly. has hit
I said that to Tina, who couldn't hide her anxious expression, and smiled. The vault should have lost a lot of power, and this time there is also an aurora sword that can destroy the avatars of the gods. It seems that he was able to build a cooperative relationship with a non-real god who regained his power, so it won't happen that often.
"In the first place, I feel like it's putting the cart before the horse if that god incites humans to fight each other."
"I can say that.
"I attacked because I knew that Master was not there. It seems that information was leaked during the transaction with the Kingdom of Kalendale, which began before the Kingdom of Miscronia..."
"Ah, well, it's my fault for suddenly disappearing. Information control would be difficult."
I, who used to show up every day, suddenly disappeared one day, so everyone in Clover would know that I had gone somewhere.
In that case, it would have been unavoidable to prevent the information from leaking to the merchants who came to trade, and it would not have been possible to prevent rumors from spreading within the Kalendale Kingdom by those merchants.
"Well, the fact that I'm back will soon spread."
I got my hands on my clover. I'll make you regret it to the point of death... Kukuku.
"Master's evil smile..."
"Hohoho, you look good."
"Um, you? If you overdo it, it will be troublesome later, right?"
"Hahaha, that's right. But speaking of overdoing it, wasn't Marle's mine bad?"
As soon as I brought up this topic, Flam and Tina's eyes went like dead fish.
"It's really bad..."
"Hey, I don't want to get angry, so..."
"Originally speaking, the reason why we gathered at this time is because of how we should deal with it."
Kusuha also gave a wry smile.
"The timing of my flight was also bad."
That magic landmine detonated after the monsters were scattered with explosive light bullets. They probably think that the attacking noble army is my work.
"Anyway, tomorrow... my lord, are you planning to visit the Kingdom of Miscronia and the Kingdom of Kalendale, you know? We'll probably need to report back."
"It's troublesome... By the way, how is the situation with food and supplies?"
"Putting aside the meat, I am a little unsure about the vegetables and grains.
"Let's go buy some while we're visiting."
If the Kingdom of Kalendale and the Kingdom of Miscronia can't procure a sufficient amount, the Kingdom of Geppels or the Second Continent can buy them. In this situation, the caravan from the Kalendale Kingdom might be stuck on the crossroads, so it's an ant to go to the crossroads.
"Tomorrow, please pick up the goods I was going to use for trading. Who was in charge of the transaction? Yamato?"
"Yes, That's right"
"Then I'll leave Yamato and some guards on the crossroads with the goods."
"Oh, that's good. There are no holes in the deal."
"Then go in that direction. See, the work is over here. Let's go to sleep."
He kidnaps Flamm and Tina, who seem to be still working on something, and returns to the bedroom. I don't want to see people working overtime even in another world.
☆★☆
The next day.
"Ehehe, Taishi-san. Ehehehehe."
"I've been working hard since morning."
Marle won't leave me even during breakfast. She thinks she's probably a little emotionally unstable because she's pregnant, but she's okay.
"Well, I did my best. Let me spoil you a little."
Melkina says so and smiles like a loving mother. You're shrewdly on the other side of Marl, aren't you?
"It can't be helped because I was late from the beginning... Ugh."
"Taishi won't judge who got pregnant first. This kind of thing is a gift, so don't worry too much about it."
"Muu, even so, regrettable things are frustrating."
"(kokukoku)"
Nera looks at the mama group on both sides of me with regret, and Deborah reprimands it. Karen, Sherry, and Seetan seem to share the same feelings as Nera.
"Even if you don't regret it, if you do it at this pace, everyone will get hungry in no time."
"Let me know how to say it."
Elmina-san, let's stop talking graphicly at dinner. I'm scared of everyone's eyes.
"What are you doing today?"
"Where did you start? Last night, Tina, Flam, Kusuha, and I had a little talk, but for the time being, I told them that I had returned to the Kingdom of Miscronia and the Kingdom of Kalendale. It was nice to talk to you."
"That's important, but it's not something we should do right now. I think the first priority is to let the residents of this clover and the whole of the Demon Federation know that Taishi-san has returned."
"Mmm, is that true?"
"Fumu, well… if you think about it, that might be the first thing. It's probably the post-war process that requires pressure from both countries, and the supplies are so tight that we have to do something right now. It's not like I'm there."
Kusuha also agrees with Marle's opinion. Tina and Flam don't seem to have any objections.
"Then, in order to appeal to my presence, I would like you to quickly take it to the troublesome group outside. Do you have any opinions, Elmina-san?
"Me?
"Is that so... hmm? What's wrong?"
For some reason, Marle was staring at me with a sulking expression. Melkina also has a strange expression.
"Taishi-san, you rely on Elmina-san a lot, don't you?"
"Huh? No, yeah, right?"
"Besides, I'm kind of polite to you."
"Well, that's your mother-in-law, isn't it?
"Hmm…would you like to get your hands on Mama next time?"
"No, no. No one will be happy with an affair."
Above all, if you do that, you'll be cut to death by an old man who has turned into an asura.
"Let's stop talking about this. Hi! Stop it."
"... You ran away."
Rifana whispered. I can't hear you.
"Mmm, well, that's fine. For the time being, it's the village of the demon tribe and the residence of the river people. Mr. Enki and Mr. Buiti are on guard in their respective villages, so I'm going to say hello with a gift. That would be good. What about Arkenia Village?"
"The chief's concubine is here, so it's fine. It's far from here. Well, if you have extra time, it's fine to show your face."
"How are the Antilles doing?"
"They are doing things at their own pace. Right now, they are digging underground to procure clay that can be used to make bricks."
"Ah, I see. Well, they feel good as long as they have meat."
Even though they look like giant ants, they make cute squeaky voices. Would you like to go to pick up your mood once in a while?
"Fairy tribe... well, it's fine."
"Appropriate"
"It's useless to care about them, they'll be here before you know it..."
It seems that their fighting ability is quite high with that, and they are relatively vigilant.
"How are the beastmen and the centaurs doing?"
"The morale is high.
"I see"
I feel itchy. I'm weak in this kind of thing, I.
"Then, first, let's go around Clover again and show everyone that I'm safe, then repel the troublesome guys outside, then visit the village of the demon tribe and the residence of the river people and go with the flow. "
"Right. I really want to go with you, but..."
"You can't do it. If something happens, it'll be a problem. Keep Marle and Melkina calm."
"Well, it can't be helped. Something shouldn't happen to the child in my stomach."
Reprimanded by Deborah, Marle and Melkina drop their shoulders.
"Taishi-san, please definitely come back."
"Of course.
☆★☆
After breakfast, Elmina-san, Rifana, and three beastkin daughters are accompanied by a clover walk.
"Ah! I found it! 』
As soon as I started walking, I encountered one of the Antilles standing by the roadside. He approaches with a clatter while raising a voice that echoes in his head.
"Yo, it's been a while. Tell everyone that you're back. This is a souvenir. It's a rare piece of meat caught in the Great Forest. It's salted, but is it okay?"
"We also use salt pickles for preservation when we get a lot of goodies, so it's okay! 』
"Right. Then I'll greet the other guys, so see you later."
"Understood! 』
Throw the last salted Behemoth Meat on the Antilles and walk away.
"There are races like that."
"I saw it for the first time"
"It seems to be a rare species that even Arkenia, who lived in the Great Sea of Trees for a long time, didn't know about."
While talking like that, I walk to the castle wall. On the way he found a soup kitchen intended for those on the defense.
"Oh, would you like to take a peek?"
"Nn, I'll help you."
"Let's help!"
With Karen in the lead, Shitan and Sherry run to the kitchen. The residents who are receiving rations also noticed my existence and gathered.
"You're really back. Where have you been?"
"I was wandering in the great northern forest."
"What is that?
"But I was in a state where I could barely use magic. It's gone."
"If you listen to it normally, you can only think it's a joke, but it's the general..."
"No, seriously. It was a great adventure to explore the ancient ruins to regain my power. Also, I went to the beastman village in the Great Forest."
"Heh, are you a brother of the great forest in the ancient ruins? Next time, let me hear it slowly."
"Okay, for the time being, let's get rid of the idiots outside. You can rest assured that I'm here. I'll blow them away with one fingertip."
I chat while the beastmen pat me on the back and shoulders. Yeah, after all these guys are nice to talk to.
"Oh, our king. We've been waiting for you to come back."
"Chissu, you're back."
"Penelope and Charataur?"
"Wait a minute, what is a charataur? I'm Gerd."
Charataur's true name is now revealed. However, it is relatively insignificant and quickly disappears into oblivion. You can be a charataur.
"Yeah, I was worried. Is there something wrong?"
"It's not profitable, but Yamato-dono was complaining that the inventory of flying magic bullets was running low."
"I see, well, there's no problem. I'll be there."
"That's right."
If I'm here, the chances of using flying magic bullets to intercept enemies will decrease. However, it might be better to increase the stockpile amount a little. Let's discuss it with Marle and Tina.
After chatting with the beastmen and centaurs who had gathered, I instructed them to take care of their injuries before leaving the kitchen. It seems that Karen and the others will help out with the soup kitchen, so I decided to leave it as it is.
The next stop is the central water tower. A stone tower made of black marble that towers right in the center of Clover, and uses a magical power crystal called soul crystal that boasts an out-of-the-ordinary magical power output to spread clean water throughout the city.
Actually, as a hidden function, it is also possible to put up a magic barrier that covers the city by operating from the lord's mansion. It was also because of this magic barrier that I was repelled when I tried to transfer to Clover.
"It's a big building."
"I spent three days making it with earth magic.
"Beautiful water... it looks like it's good to cool off when it's hot."
Rifana happily looks up at the water tower. In fact, there is also a swimming pool facility for the river people who live in the fief capital.
"This area is a commercial area...well, it's changed a lot again."
I came to take a peek at the only general store in Clover, the Palmiano general store, but the Parmiano general store has changed class from a simple and cozy wooden store to a splendid stone store. Well, I really grew up without looking at it for a while.
"here?"
"It's the city's first grocery store, but it's a lot bigger than I know."
A number of large warehouses have been newly constructed, and this is more of a trading post than a store. Isn't it possible to rank up to a branch of the commerce guild someday?
"Are you coming over?"
"I don't have anything I want right now, and it looks like it's before the store opens, so let's stop. If you want to shop, I'll bring you next time.
"I'm looking forward to that."
"Yes.
Rifana and Elmina also seem to be very interested in shopping. Yes, when the situation calms down, let's take her. The royal capital Cron of the Kingdom of Miscronia is rare to travel by canal and floating board, so I think they would be happy.
In order to enjoy such things, I have to get rid of the rude people first. Other than that, there seems to be a lot of problems, and it looks like it's going to be busy again.
But probably nothing to worry about. In this way, I was able to return to Clover, and I did my best to deal with the gods.
From here on, the counterattack time payback time is.