Samariar.

We were finally able to arrive at that place called the Land of Prayer.

It's been a struggle to get to this point, but it's safe to say that it's time for me to get to this point. After all, unlike in the case of Luxvis, this time I have to give the letter to the person who rules Samaria.

 

When we arrived at the outer gate of Samaria, we first talked to the guards to let us inside the outer gate.

On that occasion, Amako was asked to wear a white cloak and Nea was transformed into a human form—the girl who welcomed us as a village girl. And I asked Bullyn to take the position of a familiar instead of Nea.

Seeing Bullin, the guard seemed to be bracing himself for a moment, but he managed to get me to enter the city by appealing to him that he was a harmless monster. However, I was concerned that the guard's behavior at that time was somewhat strange.

 

"...... from the Ringle Kingdom...... Tsu! Endorsement. You can proceed, the monster will not be allowed into the city, but you can leave it with your horse in the stables near the outer gate."

 

One of the guards, who looked at me from Bulllyn and rolled his eyes in astonishment, let us through with surprising ease.

I'm glad that they let me through, but I was a little creepy that they didn't say anything and didn't ask me what I came to the country for.

 

「...... It's kind of weird. I wonder if he knew me......

 

In the stables near the gate that the guards had told him about, he mutters to himself as he and Mr. Alc prepare the straw so that they can let the horses into the stables.

The guard's reaction was obviously that he had changed his attitude when he saw my outfit.

 

"I can't say it's not a possibility, right? The topic of the advance of the Demon King's army should be known throughout the country, so the activities of the rescue team must have been conveyed to many people along with it."

 

...... Even so, it doesn't mean that the content is believed.

After all, healing magic is a magic that is not very well thought of. Can you believe that a person who uses such magic has used his extraordinary physical abilities to run around the battlefield and save a lot of people?

...... There's no point in worrying about it every time.

Let's rest assured that we have entered the kingdom without incident.

 

「...... Sigh. Anyway, I'm glad Nea didn't have to do ......."

"Aren't you worrying too much about her?"

"It's no exaggeration to say that I brought him here, so I'll take care of that."

 

It saved her life, which had accepted death.

It's also the responsibility of the rescue team to take responsibility for my own life and the lives of others, so in a sense it's only natural that I should be responsible for her for saving me.

 

"They seem to be doing well on the journey, but in reality, they are filled with anxiety about the outside world, which they have never been out of since they were born."

"Certainly, yes."

"That's why I--"

"Hey Usato, it's late!"

 

...... I was talking about you just now, but he was drunk.

When I heard her cheerful voice, I let out a sigh of dismay.

 

「...... Sigh."

"Hahaha, I'm sure Nea and Amako will be waiting for you, so let's get it over quickly."

 

After clearing the straw to make room for Bullin to move freely, Alc and I move outside where Nea and Amako are and put Bullin and the horse in the stables.

Bulllyn let out a languid cry and lay down in the place that Alc and I had made, curled up like a bun, and began to goo-goo.

 

"Well, what's next?" Do you want to go to the castle as it is?"

 

I went into the stables and saw Bullyn fall asleep, so I turned to Alc and asked him about his future plans.

I thought that I could find a place to stay later, and that it was not something that should be prioritized even if I was looking around the city, so I should go straight to the castle as it was, but Aluk shook his head.

 

"No, I have a place to go first."

"Huh? Where?"

"I have to go tell the Lingle Kingdom that we have arrived in Samaria......

 

How do I tell them that we have arrived in the faraway kingdom of Lingru?

Mr. Alc has a suspicious expression on his face at my reaction, but when he immediately guesses the reason, he looks sorry.

 

"Ah, it seems that Lord Usato didn't have a chance to use it in the Lingle Kingdom, and it was kind of natural that he didn't know about it because Richie-sama sent it to him in Luqvis."

 

Utilization? Send? What?

If you tilt your head and look at Amako and Nea, you will see Amako muttering, "I didn't know that......," and Nea, like me, tilting her head and putting her index finger to her chin.

Okay, I don't know about Nea. As expected, he's a reclusive vampire.

 

"It's quicker to have them look at it than to explain it to them, so follow me."

 

So saying, he reloaded his luggage and led to the cityscape of Samarian and a large silver bell with an uncanny presence hanging from the top of a prominent tower.

 

●

 

I followed Mr. Alc who was ahead of me and entered the city.

The streets of Samaria were different from the commercial ones of the Lingle Kingdom, and there were a lot of craggy tools for sale.

The people are as big as the Lingle Kingdom, and they are full of life.

As I walked down a crowded street, being careful of Amako and Nea so as not to get lost, Mr. Aluk, who was walking in front of me, spoke to me.

 

"Samaria is better known as the Land of Prayer, but it's also one of the most famous countries for making magic tools, isn't it?"

"Wow, it's pretty much ...... here."

"It's a magic tool, and it's designed for everyday use, so it's not that expensive."

 

It's not very familiar to me because I lived in the Ringle Kingdom, but it's a masterpiece to see so many of them lined up in front of the store.

Isn't it a magic tool that starts fire? Also, even if you are in distress, you can live quite a bit as long as you have fire.

 

"I've also been able to use the magic tools here, which is useful because it allows you to spend a lot of time with less magic."

"You've never left the village, have you? How did you buy it?"

"Tetra said he had an errand to go to Samaria, so he bought it for me."

 

Isn't it a grandson who asks his grandmother for a souvenir?

As I was stunned by the vampire who was walking happily looking around, someone bumped into me from behind.

If you stagger a little and turn your back--

 

"and...... Amako? What's wrong?"

「......」

 

Amako was leaning against me and clutching the hem of her dress.

I can't see it because it's hidden by my cloak, but I look somewhat nervous.

I looked around at her unusual appearance, and soon found the cause.

 

"Is that the ......?"

 

What I found was a boy wearing beautiful clothes.

He's not just a boy.

The boy sitting in a well-behaved chair had an iron collar around his neck.

 

"Slaves...... How?"

 

Placing his hand on Amako's head over his cloak as if to reassure him, he confronts the otherworldly reality that he had never faced in the Ringle Kingdom or Luxvis.

A human being bought by a human being.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't have anything to think about, but this is also a reality that I have to accept in order to live in this world.

As I was thinking about this, I suddenly met the eyes of a boy who seemed to be a slave. The boy smiled friendly and waved at me.

With an awkward smile on her face, I waved back, and Amako, who had been trying not to look at the slave behind her, squeezed the hem even tighter.

 

"If you're worried, you can hold on to it all the time."

「...... yes."

 

Besides that boy, there were no slaves or merchants.

Perhaps the boy already belonged to someone else, and it could be seen as after he had been bought.

Amako ...... the reason why Amako is so nervous is because she imagined the commotion that would occur if she found out that she a beastman.

Until now, because I have lived in the kingdom of Ringle, which has nothing to do with the reality of slavery, I am afraid of the country of Samaria, where the existence of slaves is integrated into everyday life.

 

"I'm sorry, it wasn't my lack of consideration, it wasn't a place where slaves were so openly present before......

"No, because it was something I had to face."

 

Alc notices Amako's condition and feels sorry for her, but she can't blame him because it's something she will have to face at some point.

 

"So, Mr. Aluk, where are you going now?"

"Oh, yes, it's already in front of you--"

 

For a moment, Aluk's words were interrupted, and multiple blue shadows crossed his vision as if gliding from the sky.

I couldn't help but look in the direction the shadow crossed, and I saw a blue bird perched on the roof of the second floor of a house a short distance away.

 

"Pigeons?"

 

A blue dove-like creature. There were many more than that one, and they all carried a small backpack on their backs.

As I look at the pigeons with a curious gaze, I find something like a sign a little below the second floor where the pigeons are.

It was marked with a pigeon holding a letter, and next to it was written "Hoobird" in large letters.

 

"Hoo, Bird? Mr. Alc, you can go over there."

"yes, that's the first place I'll go."

 

I see, was that what you meant by "sending" that Mr. Alc said?

 

"Sending you home, Hoobard, so we will first inform you that we have arrived in the Lingle Kingdom."

 

When I heard the name, I looked at the blue pigeon again and let out an exclamation.

 

●

 

Hoobird is a general term for organizations that send letters, etc., and it seems to be a group that uses hoobirds, a monster that closely resembles a pigeon that uses it.

In the original world, a sender is a post office, and a hoobard is like a delivery man, and it is said that it is possible to exchange information over a long distance by having a letter and other items carried in a backpack attached to the back of the hoobard, which plays the role of a delivery person.

 

"Is it different from ordinary birds?"

"Hoobirds, unlike ordinary birds, are birds that are as fast as the wind, and because they are also monsters, they are powerful and can easily carry a certain amount of weight."

"Wow."

"Besides, the name "Sending Inn" does not mean that it is an inn where humans stay, but also a house where Hoobard stays."

"It's not for humans, it's for hoobards, I see."

 

While Mr. Alc was sending out his letter, I was waiting outside and asked Amako about Hoobird, which was very interesting.

The book only listed their names and ecology, so I didn't think they were helping humans as familiars in this way.

While I was intensely interested in the life of Hoobard, Nea pushed Amako away and spoke to me.

 

"The life of the hoobard is interesting, but it's the familiars of those kids that are interesting."

"Hmm? Is there something different about the Familiar's Contract?"

"It's full of different places."

 

I thought they were all the same, but from Nea's point of view, they were completely different.

 

"In their case, it's not a one-on-one contract, it's a contract shared by the person who is the lord of one hoobird, and the covenant is shared by a lot of people, so no matter what country you are in, the lord is there for you."

"Because we share it, we can pass on letters...... Why? Or rather, how do you know that?"

 

Did you do your own research?

Or did you look at Hoobird and realize how the Familiar Contract works?

 

"A while ago, I caught the staff of the inn, and I remembered when I saw those boys."

"You're ......."

 

Is it a story that I forcibly asked?!

Wait a minute. When I heard about Hoobard's biology and how it works, I realized that I didn't have to hand him a letter.

If I had sent it normally, I would have been able to let Rose know in advance that Knack was coming......

......。

I'm sorry, Nak. Maybe he will do something unreasonable to you without bothering to read my letter, but I ...... do my best.

 

"Sorry to keep you waiting, I have sent a report to the Lingle Kingdom. I brought something interesting with me."

 

As I was praying for the good luck of my distant disciple, Mr. Aluk, who had sent me a letter, came out of the building with a piece of paper in his hand.

 

"Interesting stuff?"

"This is it, it's about a friend of Lord Usato's."

"Really!?"

 

It's about friends, that is, senpai and Kazuki!

Surprised, he looks over the paper that Alc showed him.

It contains the stories of Inugami-senpai and Kazuki, who are active in their respective countries. There are very few details, but we have advanced to the main round of the dueling tournament! Or, the Demon Cow Defeat! There are some noisy words, and it seems that the two of them are also on an epic journey.

 

"When I see an article like this, the evil dragon is not a big deal, yes."

"I don't think so......

"That's not ......."

"I don't think so."

 

You don't have to do that .......

But the two of them are also doing their best.

Watching them in action makes me feel like I have to do my best.

 

"Hey, what kind of people are brave?"

"Hmm, yes...... The two of you—"

"After all, a monster like Usato!?"

"Who's a monster?

 

Immediately, Nea, who was interested in the two heroes, approached me with her eyes shining like a child, but she tried to treat me, who was supposed to be a pure human, as a monster, so I put a weak decoupin in it.

Of course, we have taken care not to unravel her transformation.

Nea presses her forehead and growls ~.

 

"What the hell ~! What are you going to do?! I thought my head was going to fly somewhere, didn't I?!"

"Don't worry, I'm careless."

 

Rose has a level of decoupin that blows people away.

 

"Usato's hands aren't sloppy...... And you did it before you said it ......."

"Hmm? What is it, Amako?"

 

When I turned to her who muttered something, I was deeply covered with a cloak to protect my forehead.

...... I can't help it, I'll overlook it for now.

It seems that he can afford to say light things, and on the contrary, he is a little relieved

 

―――Goo-n!!

 

"Uh-huh!?"

 

His shoulders shake in surprise as he looks in the direction from which the loud noise came.

Gowon, gowon, gowon, ringing over and over again came from a bell in a tower as tall as the castle.

 

"I was surprised...... What?"

 

As I scowled at the sound of vibrations transmitted through the air, I noticed that the surroundings, which had been noisy earlier, had become quieter.

When I looked around, I saw that the people of the country of Samarian had begun to kneel on the spot and pray in silence.

 

"What, what's this......"

 

When I was completely confused by the sight of everyone except us praying, Mr. Aluk, who had walked up to me, whispered in a small voice.

 

"This is what the Land of Prayer is all about."

"Honestly, it's weird......

「...... Let's see. For those of us who have been in other countries, this scene may be a little unfamiliar."

 

It's more like faith than prayer.

Even children put their little hands together and pray desperately for something.

When I first heard about the Land of Prayer, I didn't think anything of it, but now the sight of all the people in my eyes bent their knees in silence in front of me seemed strange.

 

"Oh my God...... It's disgusting."

 

Nea, who was looking at the tower with a somewhat disgusted face, muttered.

 

"What's wrong? Are you about to be purified by the sound of the bells?"

"It's not that evil...... Whew."

 

I'm aware that it's reasonably evil......

Just as you are startled by a small fact, the bell suddenly stops ringing. At the same time, the people who had been praying began to move, and the lively cityscape returned to the previous one.

It's a surprising speed of changeover.

 

"Well then, Lord Usato, we will take you two to Bullin and then we will head to the castle of Samaria."

"What...... Ah yes that's true. I also sent a letter."

 

Oh yes, don't forget to give them a letter.

The intensity of Samariar's impact almost made me forget.

Make sure you have the three letters in your luggage and a spare amount.

Okay, there it is. Okay, let's send Amako, Nea, and the extra luggage to where Bulllyn is.

 

"Well, Amako, Nea, I'm going to leave you where Brulyn is, but--"

 

I look behind me, but Nea and Amako are nowhere to be seen.

Huh? That? Both of them had been talking for a while now, but suddenly they were gone.

 

"No way, somewhere wandering around like Inugami-senpai?"

 

No, is it possible that Amako will go somewhere without telling us anything?

Could it be that someone smitted you? No, it's not just him.

It's different from when I was a senior, this is a country that abhors subhumans in Samaria.

I will not be somewhere in such a country--a disgusting image passes through my mind.

 

"Alc, the two of you!"

「...... Bad, isn't it? Let's put the letter on the back burner and look for the two of them."

 

I nodded at Aluk's words.

It's too late for something to happen.

Letters are important, but it's more important to find a friend who is not there now than to give it to them at any time.

I was about to move away from the spot to find Amako and Nea, but as I walked out, Alc grabbed my arm.

 

「...... Usato-dono, please stop."

"What's the matter, hurry up the two of you--"

"Look behind you."

 

At Aluk's urging, he turned around and saw several knights walking in formation from the direction of the castle.

That alone was not a reason for Mr. Arc to stop me, but the gaze of the knight at the front of the line who was advancing towards me clearly caught me and Mr. Alc.

A man with a long sword, dressed in what looked like a combination of a robe and armor—a dark-haired man with a mixture of gray—walked up to me and Mr. Alc and spoke slowly in a low, heavy voice.

 

"May I have a moment?"

「...... yes."

 

What are these people?

It was clear that he was approaching me and Mr. Alc when he saw me.

I just want to listen to the story and go find the two of them. He replied, and the man bowed reverently.

 

"--I see you as Usato-sama, a healing wizard who belongs to the Lingle Kingdom, the Life Rescue Corps."

「...... What?"

 

How do you know who I ......?

He hadn't even been to the castle yet, and he hadn't told the guards that he was from the Lingle Kingdom.

What if these people have anything to do with their disappearance?

 

"Usato-dono, please calm down."

"Mr. Alc...... Oh, but."

"They are the knights of Samaria, and ...... them."

 

His gaze, which had been grasping my shoulder and giving up, turned to the sword at the waist of the man standing in front of me.

At the hilt of the long, ceremonial sword, there is an awkwardly large sphere that flashes at regular intervals.

After looking at the sword for a few seconds, he hushed his voice so loud that the men in front of him couldn't hear him.

 

「...... Now I understand why Amako left here."

"What......?"

"I can't tell you why in front of them, but they're safe, so please take it easy here."

「...... Yes."

 

Release your clenched fists and relax your shoulders.

Based on Aluk's words, Amako left here with Nea on her own.

...... Is it because I've met these people? It makes sense to think that Amako had some kind of foreknowledge and came to the conclusion that she and Nea should not encounter these people, and that she and I separated from Aluk.

At the very least, they certainly aren't people you can trust so easily.

For the time being, if you just talk and take some kind of hardline measure, you just have to respond accordingly.

 

「...... What about you?"

「...... Excuse me, my name is Phegnis, the Knight Commander. This time, I came to pick you up from the Lingle Kingdom, who came all the way from the Ringle Kingdom."

"Pick-up? Well, what the hell is going on?"

 

It's a different position than a knight commander or a legion commander...... Is he in some kind of senior position?

Either way, it's too suspicious that he fully understands who I am.

In response to my question, the person who introduced himself as Fegnis deepened his gentle smile and slowly opened his mouth.

 

"My King, Lucas Ould Samariar, wishes to meet you."

"Huh?...... Huh!?"

 

The king of Samaria wants to meet me.

The story was so unusual that not only I but also Mr. Alc was surprised.

　

____________________________________________

The two heroes also had quite a great adventure.

The next episode is an encounter with the King of Samaria.

 

The origin of the name of Hoobird, which is a means of communication to each country, appeared this time.

 

Wind Bird→ Wind Bird→ Fu Bird→ Hoo Bird

 

...... ...... overwhelming lack of naming sense.