Foreigner Volume 7, Chapter 105

Volume 7 Chapter 105, Magic Sword ~ 13

　At the reporting time of the fourth koku, Sheryl visited the office of the High Mentor accompanied by Isolde, the head of the Holy Sword Clan, with a report from Derek, the deputy head of her own group. After bowing to the secretary and confirming that he was in the office, she knocked on the sturdy door.

　Upon receiving a reply, they entered and found the High Mentor and three men of distinguished age in a completely tidy room. All of them were instructors of the same class. At the Academy of the Wise, the High Mentor is at the top and is classified as a Mentor, lecturer, professor, and teacher. Although the Academy of the Wise is more of a research institute, it also has a system for teaching sorcery to talented young practitioners and is a place of learning. However, the professors and above do not teach many people, and at best, they take on internal apprentices.

「Ohhh, here you are.」

　The High Mentor broke into a smile when he saw Sheryl and Isolde's faces. He was dressed in a traveling outfit. He wears a sturdy leather cloak over his long white silk robe, the symbol of the High Mentor, and several sacks on his waistband.

「I will go out ahead of you. I must draw up a camp.」

　Sheryl nodded and glanced at the men who stood aside, dressed in traveling clothes, just like the High Mentor.

　The three mature lecturers must be the operators who cooperate to put magic power into the formation. Even in his position as a High Mentor, it is difficult for him to give orders and use the personnel in the academy without permission, but if he asks them to cooperate with him, it is a different story. And the High Mentor has an extremely high reputation within the academy. There is no end to the number of lecturers and professors who believe in him and are willing to give up their lives for his sake. The three of them were chosen from among them. They must be very good at what they do.

「The matter was left in the hands of Mentor Areus. The third stone I'll use myself and the fourth to Mentor Areus, please contact me when you have confirmation of the target's movement.」

「Ha!」

　Mentor Areus, to whom he entrusted his care, is the youngest Holy practitioner in the Mentors. The Holy Arts especially require classroom learning, and since the Church is solely responsible for such learning, it is very rare to find such a senior practitioner at an institute away from the influence of the Church.

　Mentor Areus is also an unusual person who came to the academy because of the reputation of the High Mentor, Graham Coogan. In addition to his abilities, his calm demeanor suggests that he is a man of considerable character, and he is highly respected in the academy for his worship of the High Mentor and his humble attitude.

　Nevertheless ― Sheryl was surprised and nodded back. She was surprised to learn that her grandfather, who possessed one of the most powerful soul in the world, personally owned four of the most expensive relics, so expensive that an ordinary person could live with just one of them until he or she died, and he has four of them.

　Sheryl shuddered as she realized how serious her grandfather was about his treasured possessions, even as he generously contributed to them.

「High Mentor, where do you intend to draw your camp?」

　At the question of the head of the Holy Sword Clan, the High Mentor unfolded a scroll from his waist. It was a map from Ares to the site of the great explosion. His wrinkled fingers stroked the rather finely drawn map and stopped at a certain point. Between two small mountains.

「Here. Just past the Valley of Horwood. Does the Head Clan have any objections?」

　Not only are the contour lines shown, albeit roughly, but they are also color-coded so that one can tell the general topography of the surrounding area just by looking at the map. The elaborateness of this map is impressive. The map shows the roads that would normally lead to Mugere, one of the 13 city-states, and Raid, a major power, but the road to Raid is now blocked off because it is within the blast zone. It is unlikely to be disturbed, and if Satoru, who is thought to be in the blast zone, is heading to Ares, he will definitely pass through this valley. Once through the valley, the terrain is flat and endless, so it would be most reliable to wait for him at the exit of this valley.

「...... No. Just wanted to make sure. You are indeed a wise man, High Mentor. I have sent four of my clansmen to the front of the valley. All of them are one-hundred-thousand warriors. I leave it to you how to use them.」

「Ohhh. I am so grateful.」

　The High Mentor bowed his head. Satoru has interdimensional abilities, and even though it is impossible to clash with him directly, he needs to be escorted by three high-ranking sorcerers who worship him and participate in the ritual, and they can be used in a variety of ways, including as a distraction. The trip from here would be around 3-4 days by horseback. It depends on when Satoru starts to move but considering that he hasn't moved yet, he can make it work.

「Then shall we be a day late?」

「Depends on the movement of the target, but so. Sheryl, at this point, the target is」

「As usual, he is not moving. The deputy leader reported that he has confirmed the presence of an individual who appears to be Leia Löwenstadt」

　Sheryl reverently presents a report with information brought by Derek. The men standing by his side looked upset. It is no wonder. The name of the 【Immortal King】 is deeply known. And even more so when it comes to the 【Fallen Sacrificial Princess】 of Rothfort, who was also considered a genius.

　The High Mentor receives it and quickly checks it. He looks at the wording of the report and pulls out his luxurious beard. It's a habit of his when he sinks into thought.

「Hmmm, one more person. At least the target is surrounded by Minerva, the daughter of the Flying Dragon, Leia Löwenstadt, and.......Wasn't there a half-elf who guided them through the Dark Green Forest?」

「Now that you mention it.」

　Raymond failed to make contact with her to let her escape to the World Tree Village ― The truth is that this is not the case, but they do not know that much ― they received information the day before Raymond was killed in the explosion that a half-elf girl had led Satoru into the Dark Green Forest. Considering the circumstances, it is highly likely that they are still working together.

「Perhaps she was threatened by Leia Rewenstadt. I pity her.」

　The High Mentor's tone was one of heartfelt sympathy, but then cold water was thrown on it.

「The High Mentor is quite hostile toward Satoru and Leia Löwenstadt, aren't you?」

「!」

　It was Sheryl, rather than the High Mentor, who was surprised by the ruthless voice of the head of the Holy Sword Clan. She pointed out exactly what Sheryl had been unable to say even though she had been concerned about it. The High Mentor's eyes narrowed and he looked coldly back at the head of the Holy Sword Clan.

「 Leia Löwenstadt is indeed the 【Immortal King]. After the incident that became the anecdote of the 【Fallen Sacrificial Princess」, she has been secluded in the depths of the 『Deepest Labyrinth』 for a little over 200 years and has never shown hostility toward anyone other than those who attacked the labyrinth.」

　Right. Leia has caused a public uproar once. The incident at that time became an anecdote called the 【Fallen Sacrificial Princess】, which has been spread around the world and is even feared, but she has remained in the depths of the labyrinth since that time and has never once made her notoriety known to the world.

「The same is true for Satoru, who is considered the most problematic. How did the magical tremor occur? Why did it explode so much? It wasn't necessarily decided that he was evil.」

「...... that the Head Clan has had a change of heart.」

　The High Mentor, with a bitter tone in his voice, asked back, but the head of the Holy Sword Clan shook her head from side to side in a rather dignified manner.

「No. I have no doubt about Satoru's abnormal soul, and I am aware of the dangers of those who possess soul that can only be called outsiders. Your opinion that it should be eliminated is quite reasonable, and in the first place, I will not change my mind about what I have already agreed to do.」

　Sheryl gulped. She herself was the one who described Satoru as a tiger who you mustn't fight. The other side calmly warned her. It was her side that was ignoring the warning and trying to mess with him.

　Why did this happen ― this is what happened at the direction of the High Mentor, who pointed out the danger of Satoru.

　The head of the Holy Sword Clan is still speaking up her mind.

「However, I feel that your attitude is based on the premise that "they are evil". So far, there is no clear evidence that they are evil. Who is to say that your eyes are not blinded?」

「.........」

　The High Mentor silently replied to the head of the Holy Sword Clan, who pointed out the facts in a matter-of-fact manner. With a humph, he removed his gaze and picked up his beloved staff.

　He either doesn't want to answer or can't answer.

　Sheryl was not a little surprised to see her grandfather's stubborn attitude, which he rarely showed.

　A heavy atmosphere pervaded the room. It was the head of the Holy Sword Clan who broke through it. Fuuh, she breathed and shook her head from side to side.

「No, I apologize I am talking too much to someone who is about to set out on a mission to defeat him. Satoru indeed killed an adventurer sent by the academy. I will do everything in my power to deal with Satoru. I promise you that without a doubt.」

　Again, the High Mentor glanced back at her silently. The head of the Holy Sword Clan still speaks fluently, receiving his gaze.

「The only thing is, the adventurer's relatives have sent out an army to avenge him. How Satoru will face them will also be seen. If Satoru is as strong as we have heard, an army of that caliber would be no match for him. But we do not know why Satoru killed the adventurer, do we? Perhaps it was the adventurers who did something to deserve to be killed. It is good that you are so eager to avenge the death of the adventurers, but if it is the result of wrongdoing on their part, then there is no cause for an army of avengers.」

　Sheryl cannot interject. Sheryl and the High Mentor share the understanding that Raymond was short-sighted. That is why he called for that huge explosion and died ― that is what they think, but they have not told the head of the Holy Sword Clan about it. They had only spoken of the results.

　The Head Clan pointed out that High Mentor hated Satoru because of his one-sided jealousy of him, and he also pointed out the possibility that the avenging army would be without a cause. It seems that the head of the Holy Sword Clan has a good grasp of what is going on. We must be on our guard ― so says the face of the High Mentor.

「Even so. It is a fact that he murdered a person who is related to the nobility of Ares. And for that reason, the house(?) cannot be stopped from avenging his death.」

「I am sure it is. I pity the mercenaries involved. The question is, do you feel guilty about them?」

　Zuki, a thorn in Sheryl's heart was pierced. Of course, she did not show it on her face, but she personally felt guilty about the mercenaries and adventurers who were participating in the army to avenge Raymond. She bit her lip and turned her head down ― you are much worse than them, she pointed out to herself, and she couldn't even reply with guu.

「...... Well, it's a little late for that. Sorry, I shouldn't have spoken so much.」

　Yes. It's too late. The point made by the head of the Holy Sword Clan is a new one when the Academy of the Wise and the Holy Sword Clan have so acknowledged that Satoru is a dangerous being and have agreed to fight together.

　She (Isolde) seems to be a really straight warrior, again Sheryl thinks. It is heartbreaking to watch an honest warrior give her opinion to a High Mentor who is a sizable figure on the sea and in the mountains. She wonders how the three men standing by his side, who are cooperating with him on this mission, really feel about it.

　The High Mentor gave a small shake of his head.

「No. It was fortuitous to have such a point of view.」

　As one would expect, the High Mentor is familiar with the world. He welcomed the words of the head of the Holy Sword Clan, which would normally have been considered rude, as a new perspective. Whether it was his discretion or mere vanity, the head of the Holy Sword Clan's face was still covered with a rugged mask, and it was impossible to tell from her expression how she had judged him.

「I am glad to hear you say that. In any case, it will be difficult to defeat Satoru without your magic circle. If we are at odds with each other, we will not be able to defeat him.」

「That is true. Well, Head Clan, I will see you on the battlefield.」

「Mm.」

　The three lecturers followed the High Mentor, who bowed and left. Sheryl kept her head down until they walked away, but Isolde just stood tall. Fuuh, Isolde's breath sounded loud in the room where the master had gone.

「Isolde-sama ......」

　Sheryl looks at Isolde with concern. Now that it's just the two of them, there's no problem saying her name. A muffled laugh echoes from behind the mask. A little self-mocking.

「I said the very same boring thing ...... I can't stop myself. I'm still immature.」

　Shrugging her shoulders in disgust at herself, Isolde walks over to the window. From the corner of her eye, she sees the High Mentor about to advance on horseback, three instructors assisting him to form a formation, and two of his secretaries. The secretary of the High Mentor consists of five people in all, and they are expected to have clerical skills and swordsmanship rather than sorcery skills. They are also the High Mentor's bodyguards. However, the departure of the High Mentor this time is not in his capacity as High Mentor but is treated as a private battle within the academy. Therefore, it is not right that he should have a secretary following him, but they are probably devoting their loyalty not to the academy but directly to the High Mentor.

「If he is evil just because he had an unimaginably large soul, then the High Mentor is evil, and I am also evil because I have the power of the Holy Sword, which should not exist.」

　That's true ― Sheryl thinks so, too. The 【Immortal King】 is feared not only because of their immortality and the fact that they will never die but also because of the fact that their soul will be four times the size it was before they were born when they manifest.

　Fear of the powerful is something every human being has. It is fine as long as it is just awe. When it becomes jealousy or fear, people try to get rid of those who are powerful.

　She wonders if the first generation of the Holy Sword Clan, the heroes who defeated the Demon King, also chose to go into seclusion early because they were afraid of being excluded by their fellow human beings.

「I feel that the High Mentor's thoughts are a little too jealous. If you have a chance to talk to him later, tell him that I said too much.」

　This person is too honest―again, Sheryl thought so. Honestly, she is too bright for her dirty self. Sheryl gave a small shake of her head.

「......No, I don't think that is necessary. I had a similar concern to the one Isolde-sama felt. Due to the difference in our positions, I have not been able to say anything until today, but Isolde-sama spoke for me. I hope my grandfather felt it in his heart as well.」

　Twitch, Isolde's shoulders moved. She looked away from the window and looked at Shery.

「...... grandfather, you say.」

「Oh, I didn't mention that. High Mentor Graham Coogan is my paternal grandfather. For various reasons, my family name is different from my grandfather's.」

　She didn't have any other intention. Even though it is an open secret, Sheryl tries not to think of Graham Coogan as her grandfather while she is working. She treated him as much as possible as the head of the Academy of the Wise. Graham, too, kept his public life separate from his private life and did not coddle Sheryl any more than necessary. This was disrupted by a story involving her father, Edward, which developed out of the Satoru explosion.

　Come to think of it, that foolish father was also in the mix with Baron Dantes' army. I don't think he'll get away with it.

「It is not a good thing for a grandchild to have such fears and not be able to tell her grandfather about it.」

　Sheryl felt ashamed of herself when she sensed the tone of serious concern in Isolde's voice. She should have pointed this out earlier. If she had pointed it out earlier, Isolde would not have pointed it out to her.

「Well, forget it. Nip the danger in the bud. Nip Satoru and the like in the bud while he's still in the bud(?)...... and you're not wrong in that decision, either.」

　Once again, Isolde turned her gaze out the window. Six horses galloped off into the approaching dusk.

　Steadily, the battle with Satoru was approaching.

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