Sounds like the king will die from this illness.
Then, the successor will be christened.
If we drag our feet, Ariel might not get a chance to join the fight.
Even so, I also worry.
Orsted spoke of a troublesome character in Asura Kingdom.
Senior Minister Darius Silva Ganius.
According to Orsted, as long as he lives, Ariel's chances of victory remains slim.
That's why we need Darius's Achilles Heel, by getting in touch with Tris.
If Tris is here, we can take down Darius.
A mere Senior Minister of a country should be nothing when we have Perugius's backing.
That's what I think, but if that's the case, Orsted wouldn't need to point him out in particular.
With Perugius's support, we're evenly matched against the First Prince.
But if we get rid of Darius, we will have the advantage.
Victory comes to those who make the first move.
"Ariel-sama. About the magic teleport circles, how about we ask whether there's one by the borders of Asura Kingdom?"
"Eh, why?"
"As the princess of the kingdom, if you don't cross the border formally, wouldn't that raise a lot of questions? Moreover, teleportation magic is a forbidden technique. It would be obvious if we use it in the kingdom. I think, we are better off traveling by foot from the borders to the capital and showing your person to the public."
"I see, that does make sense."
Alright.
Well, then all I need is an excuse to make contact with Tris's organization.
I haven't thought about the details on how to make contact yet, but that shouldn't be hard.
When it comes to those organizations, money talks.
"I disagree."
The person that interrupted the conversation is Luke.
"His Highness is ill. We don't know what traps First and Second Prince will set for our route back. Magic teleportation circles may be forbidden. But as long as we're not seen, we can make up excuses."
"Right... that also makes sense."
"This wasn't like before. We'll have Rudeus-sama's support as well, so we're fine combat-wise. But according to rumors, the First Prince has hired North Emperor as mercenary. We should be safe once we reach the palace, but on the way we'll be in danger if attacked by North God Style assassins."
I can sense the fear in Luke's words.
"Being targeted... I'll pass..."
From looking at their expressions, Ariel's and Sylphy's feelings lean toward Luke's argument.
These three struggled in their escape from Asura Kingdom.
They must be scared to be targeted again.
In that case, what then?
Can I find an excuse somewhere, as early as possible, and make contact with Tris?
No, Ariel won't be pleased if I disappear anytime in the journey.
I still have not determined whether Luke is Hitogami's apostle.
His suggestion might also be under Hitogami's guidance.
"Both Rudeus-sama and Luke make good arguments, so.. Sylphy, what do you think?"
While Ariel was worrying, she drew Sylphy into the topic of conversation.
"Well, for me, I think it's better if we teleport in the country. I don't know where we'll arrive at, but if by avoiding the border crossing we can avoid the First Prince, I think it's worth the risk."
Yikes, Sylphy leans toward Luke too?
"Besides, we didn't make a huge scene when we left either. So I think it's fine to return quietly. From the border to the capital will take at least a month... so there's travel fatigue to consider as well."
"Is that so... Understood. Then, accordingly, let's teleport inside Asura Kingdom."
Those are good reasons.
Hard to disagree.
Did I make a mistake by not sharing what I know with Sylphy?
It can't be helped.
I'll just have to figure out another way to make contact with Tris.
Maybe I can ask someone else for help?
Ghyslaine... will probably fail in negotiations.
Speaking of which, I need to introduce Ghyslaine to Ariel before we head out.
Elinalise... is pregnant.
In that case, I can't ask Cliff either.
Who else do I trust and can negotiate?
Zanoba doesn't seem to have much negotiating skills.
Maybe if he brought Ginger along...
No, I shouldn't involve the prince of another country in this.
While I was thinking.
'Knock knock,' a rattle from the door.
"Come in."
"Please excuse me."
The one that entered is Sylvaril.
She examines the room and lightly fluffs her wings.
Then, she says.
"We have just confirmed that all the magic teleportation circles inside Asura Kingdom have been destroyed."
"What?"
That came out of nowhere.
All the magic teleport circles, destroyed.
"How did that happen?"
Sylvaril explains plainly.
After the audience with Perugius, she received immediate orders to activate magic teleportation circles.
Inside the Sky Castle, there are many magic circles pointed inside Asura Kingdom.
But when Sylvaril checked them, the magic teleportation circles were unpowered and unresponsive.
Finding this strange, Sylvaril requested Arumanfi to investigate, and he discovered the magic circles there destroyed.
Accordingly, Arumanfi investigated other locations and found all of the ones Perugius can access inside Asura Kingdom destroyed.
Thus, Sylvaril says.
"It is impossible to teleport into Asura Kingdom."
The closest available magic circle is near the border of Asura Kingdom.
From there we will have to travel by foot.
Someone did this on purpose.
But who could have done this?
Is it Hitogami, or Orsted?
Tomorrow I should check with Orsted about this.
But right now, it's hard to clear my name on this.
Luke looks at me suspiciously.
This happened right after I made my proposal.
As if to say, [Do you know about this already?]
Sylphy too, looks nervously in my direction.
Their distrust of Orsted grew.
Only Ariel looks unwavered.
"In that case, it can't be helped. Let's go with Rudeus-sama's proposal instead."
"Yes, but Ariel-sama..."
Luke has a voice of dismay.
Ariel ignores him and continues plainly.
"Luke, inform Elmore and Kleene and prepare for travel. Sylphy will come with me to make our rounds with the luminaries in Ranoa Kingdom. Rudeus-sama, I'm counting on you. Everyone, please make your goodbyes."
"... Yes."
Luke quietly nods.
We disperse, each holding our own reservations.