第８８４堀：現在の新大陸魔力情報 (Part2)
It seems these two are just as much at odds as a certain divine couple I know. Well, at least they aren't dragging politics or their nations into it, which makes them far better than those two.
"Your Majesty. We are short on time, so please conclude your pleasantries with the Queen. Providing information to Yuki-sama is the top priority."
"Indeed. As I mentioned, the only thing that comes to mind is the goblin village. If I recall correctly, in Yuki-dono’s continent, goblins are classified as monsters, correct?"
"Yes, that is the classification. Though, there are good ones and bad ones."
"Archbishop Enol would know more about the ruins and such mentioned in historical texts. If I am to offer the most promising lead from my own knowledge, it would be the village of those goblins, who are called monsters on other continents."
So that’s how it is. Well, I’ve already asked Archbishop Enol to look into the documents and records, so the goblin village I heard about is likely the strongest candidate.
"Indeed. Until now, there have been various urgent matters that prevented me from visiting, but since I have the justification of maintaining the Gate, a visit should be possible."
"Where is this goblin village located?"
"They are scattered here and there. Unfortunately, however, there are none within the Haiden territory. If I recall, weren't there some in Findar?"
"Ah, yes, there are. Though, they are near the Great Mountain Range. Isn't that right, Stasia?"
With that, the King of Findar looks at Stasia.
"Yes. As His Majesty says, in our country, a goblin village does indeed exist at the foot of the Great Mountain Range."
"Then, I entrust the guidance of Findar to you for Yuki-dono. However, you are a married woman now; make sure you follow the proper protocols. Understood?"
"Yes, sir! Leave it to me."
Stasia gives a sharp salute.
Hmm. So this means I’m expected to take Stasia along as a guide. He intends to show the nation that the woman he mentioned earlier is capable of performing her duties admirably. Well, that’s not a bad deal for me, so I have no objections there...
"Do you have a grasp on where other goblin villages are located?"
"Hmm, I don't know the details. Is it necessary?"
"Yes. Knowing where they exist would be appreciated. The more information, the better."
A distribution map is important. It’s quite a mystery why, while so many monsters vanished due to the Hairen "Eradicate Unreasonable Monsters" barrier, only the goblins managed to slip through it and survive. In the New Continent, magic stones don't solidify, so there are certainly no magic stones serving as monster cores, but goblins aren't the only monsters that can live as biological entities without using magic power. The key to solving that mystery might lie in the terrain or other factors. We did find a large-scale magic circle in the layout of cities on the If Continent, after all. I can't rule out that possibility.
"Then, please leave the tracking of the goblin village locations to the Haire Church. We have influence in every country. I will also search for literature regarding the magic power depletion phenomenon."
"Thank you."
Since the Haire Church has built churches in every country, they might be the most effective for investigating something on a continent-wide scale. In that sense, the Ritea Holy Kingdom on the Rogari Continent, and the Enaria Holy Kingdom and Hify Theocracy on the If Continent, are the major religious nations. It might be most efficient to request their cooperation.
As I was thinking that, Queen Emerald spoke up...
"Hmm. I don't have much knowledge regarding that magic power depletion phenomenon, but what comes to mind is, as expected, the monsters that appeared in the sea."
"Ah, come to think of it, that’s how you came to us in the first place. You brought weapons with you, so I thought you had finally come to pick a fight."
"I don't have such short-sighted thinking as you. I merely wanted to negotiate on equal footing first. So, what does Yuki-dono think?"
Let’s see... I already know that the cause of the sea monsters' appearance is the Magic Gear left behind by Aquenoki. Well, if I go to the trading nation of the Gusdo Kingdom, I might be able to obtain different information, but... we don't have the military resources to spare for that right now.
"As Queen Emerald says, the sea is also concerning, but it would be preferable to look into that after we have established contact with the Gusdo Kingdom."
"True. Things are quite ambiguous when it comes to the sea. In that case, it really is back to the land."
And so, we decided on the policy of starting with the places that are easy to travel to. For this side, it’s the goblin village. Well, the reason why the goblins built a village there is also an important hint.
Now then, Rogari has the Dragon Mountain, the New Continent has the goblin village, and all that remains is the If Continent, but...