85. Countermeasures Meeting – Shestia’s Parents
After the audience, an emergency meeting on the stampede threat was convened.
The meeting room hosted the same figures as before—Prince Robert, Chancellor Patrick, the cabinet ministers, Captain Clarke of the Knights, Grand Magus Lesley of the Magi, High Priest Eric from the Temple, Princess Miradiar of the Miko, Guildmaster Lewis of the Royal Capital Adventurer Guild, and Guildmaster Jeffrey of the Magi Guild.
“Let us begin our discussion,” King Felix said, “on the potential threat of a stampede—its likelihood and our response measures.”
In addition to the previous attendees, Shiro and the others were now present.
“Let’s hear the latest report,” Sofia said.
“First, the Adventurer Guild: reports remain unchanged regarding the abnormal miasma outbreak and the unprecedented mass growth of mushrooms in the Humboldt Valley to the northeast. However, the affected area has expanded significantly since last time. It’s only a matter of time before the labyrinth is entered. In fact, it’s possible the labyrinth has already been entered. If so, the risk of monsters flooding out from the dungeon is extremely high.”
Guildmaster Lewis of the Adventurer Guild delivered the report.
Next, Guildmaster Jeffrey of the Magi Guild took the floor.
Since the last report, the Mage Guild has conducted its own investigation. The Miasma concentration within the dungeon has definitely increased. So, as Lewis said, it's highly likely that the abnormal Miasma generation is spreading throughout the dungeon. Alongside this, the number of monsters within the dungeon seems to be rising. The dungeon was previously thought to generate monsters based on Miasma, but ironically, this incident has now proven that theory. If this increase in Miasma continues, the likelihood of a stampede occurring is quite high.
Plus, a report from the knightly order.
"Your Majesty. The knights' report: the number and ferocity of the monsters we've encountered have increased noticeably compared to before. We're already seeing injuries among the knights," reported Knight Captain Clarke.
Master Lewis of the Adventurer Guild adds another report.
"Likewise, reports of monster rampages are increasing at the Adventurer Guild. The damage is growing steadily—this is a serious issue,"
"Ah, I see. Thank you. The miasma concentration is definitely increasing—along with the number of monsters, and their aggression level..." Shiro spoke.
"Ah, now that you mention it," Lewis interjected.
"Can't say if it's relevant or not, but there've been dragon sightings."
"Dragon?" King Felix asks.
"Yes. Location-wise, it's still not the capital, but heading this way from the Sotohaim direction. Three separate adventurer parties, reports from different locations—reliability is high," Lewis says.
“That dragon might be the same one sighted in Sotohaim,” Shiro said.
“Hm, sightings in Sotohaim too?” Felix asked, his tone laced with interest.
"Yes, I was spotted during the wyvern attack in Sotohaim. It turned out the report came after the assault. So, no direct connection has been confirmed. Given the timing, it’s reasonable to assume that dragon flew all the way to the capital—no, is still flying there," Shiro said, voicing his thoughts.
“Hmm, a dragon, eh. That’s a nuisance,” the knight captain mutters.
Shiro pondered for a moment, then decided he needed to verify the current situation with his own eyes, and conveyed that thought.
"First, I'll conduct a preliminary investigation myself. In the meantime, please have the knight corps, mage corps, Adventurer Guild, and Mage Guild on standby at all times," Shiro said.
“That’s right. Good. All departments are to maintain a state of readiness at all times, just in case a stampede breaks out. The palace will provide whatever supplies are needed—no hesitation there. Patrick and the ministers are to ensure all necessary responses and support are in place,” declared King Felix.
"Ha!" Everyone agreed, and we got to work.
◇
"Master Shiro, may I have a moment?" Miradie asked, approaching Shiro.
Ah, Saintess Miradia, what is it?
Call me Miradia, please.
No, no—against a princess, that’s…
No, Lord Shiro holds the higher position.
"Then, just call me Shiro, okay, Mirai? Let's keep the tone casual," Shiro said, easily giving in since he didn’t want to keep arguing.
"……Understood," Miru also agreed, a smile spreading across her face. It was a smile that seemed to carry relief.
Even a princess is still just a girl—Shiro thought it’d be better if she weren’t so stiff.
Mitoka and Shestia, who had been listening nearby, merely smiled.
“I actually have a question about potion crafting. I heard Shiro can make supreme-grade potions. I can only make up to advanced-level ones—how do you even do it?” Mira asked Shiro.
“Ah, potion grades… Wait, Mira, you’re a princess, yet you’re into alchemy?” Shiro asked, genuinely surprised.
“Yes. I’m not really good at offensive magic. I think I’m better suited for support. So when I asked myself what I could do to protect the people, I thought about my strengths. I like cooking, so I figured alchemy would be a good fit. If I can help everyone this way…”
Mira spoke with a serious expression.
“Huh, I see.”
Shiro was impressed—thinking about protecting the nation, that was truly royal thinking.
“So, you’re using magic water from the temple?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Then, probably, you’ll need to start by figuring out how to handle the magic water. My potions use magic water I make myself—so the magic infusion is stronger,” Shiro said.
“Wait—*you* make the magic water? I thought magic water was produced by an artifact in the temple.”
“Wait—*an* artifact like that exists?” Shiro blinked, genuinely shocked.
“Shiro, no one else can infuse magic at your level,” Mitoka explained.
“Huh. So… how about this—let me supply you with magic water? Not in huge amounts, of course. But I’ll just hand it over to you for now.”
“Really? Oh—well, I’ll buy it at a fair price, okay? Please!”
"Got it. I'll bring you some mana water next time," Shiro said.
"Thank you so much!" Miru beamed, clutching Shiro's hand with glee.
Shiro flinched slightly, his face flushing.
Beside him, Mitoka and Shestia listened in silence, their smiles unchanged—though their eyes might have sharpened a fraction.
Afterward, Miradia used the mana water Shiro had given her, along with a few minor recipe tweaks, and managed to brew a top-tier potion.
Miru prepared a large stock of potions for the upcoming battle, becoming a vital support force—and earning even greater reverence from the people as the Princess Miko.
◇
Shiro, unusually, visited Shireina and Altia's room alone.
"Shireina-san, Altia-san, how are you feeling these days?" Shiro asked.
"Fine, absolutely no issues," Shireina replied.
"Yeah, me neither," Altia added with a smile.
"Um, today I brought you this," Shiro said, pulling a magic sword and a cursed staff from his inventory.
"…What is this…?" The two stared at the gifts, speechless.
"This staff, Shireina, is made of sacred wood and mithril. It grants a 20% boost to magical manifestation efficiency, stores reserve mana, and enables precision surface mana coating for mana blades. Altia, your sword is forged from orichalcum and mithril. It also features precision surface mana coating and attribute manifestation capability."
Shiro explained.
"Wait—this is incredible! Did Shiro make these…?"
"Yes. Exactly the same as the ones I gave to Shestia, Aria, and Albert. Usage ease and performance are guaranteed. Ask them if you don't believe me," Shiro replied with a practiced sales smile.
"Thanks," Altea said, gazing at the sword with delight.
"Thanks for letting me use it, Shiro," Sherina said with a smile.
“Anyway…” Shirena looks at Shiro, her expression serious, and speaks up.
About Shestia… Shiro, can you keep looking after her from now on?
"Yeah, I'm asking too," Altea also bowed her head.
Shestia’s always been one with a strong core—she’d try to do everything on her own. After we disappeared because of the seal, she’d been alone all this time, doing something for Firumia-sama, I think. She felt the weight of bearing Firumia-sama’s blessing more deeply than anyone else. She missed out on the age when I, as her mother, should’ve been there for her—completely.
Shelina spoke with distant eyes, a hint of sadness in her gaze.
"But you know, both Mother Sophia and Aria said it’s been different since I met you. Like the shadows vanished, and everything got brighter—like I could finally see what’s around me. It’s almost as if a light named Shiro appeared."
And with a smile that seemed genuinely pleased, Sherylina says.
From our point of view, it’s like they were just children yesterday—suddenly, both Shestia and Albert are grown up. It’s bittersweet, really. But then again, thinking about their actual ages, we’re past the point where parents have any real role to play. It’s wonderful to see children grow up, of course. Just… a bit sudden, isn’t it?
“That’s right,” said Altea. And then,
"You, Shiro, are someone we all rely on—rank or title doesn’t matter. Ever since you broke the seal, we’ve been watching you, not just me, but all of us. We’re deeply grateful for having you as a solid center to anchor ourselves to."
Looking him straight in the eye, she said firmly.
“Thank you. That means a lot—though it does make me a little shy. But I’ll take care of Shestia. The path she’s walked… no, the fate she’s about to face—I’ll carry it. I’ll see it through.”
Shiro looked them both in the eye and declared, confident.
Altea and Sherina smiled, eyes glistening slightly, and said, “Thank you,” to Shiro.
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