Eric’s Request

  “What is it? Tell me. I will do whatever I can.”


  I said to Eric.

  I had no reason to reject any request from him.

  However, Eric’s expression was hesitant and troubled.

  “Thank you…… But I beg you to listen before making any decision.”


  “So, what do you want me to do?”


  “The thing is……”


  Just then, Shia stood up frantically.

  “I am sure that it would be better if I do not listen?”


  Shia was expecting us to talk about top-secret matters.

  “Ri-right. That’s right.”


  Luchila realized it from Shia’s attitude and also stood up frantically.

  “Gr-rrrr.”


  Even Grulf got up.

  Though Grulf could hardly understand what we would be talking about, so I didn’t think there could be any harm in him listening.

  Eric looked to Shia and said calmly,

  “No, I would like for you all to hear it as well.”


  “But……”


  “Grrr……”


  “The secret that I want to tell you, is that there is a way to break through the divine protective barrier. And also about the protection of the god of the dark ones. You two know about, don’t you?”


  “Yes, I do know about it.”


  “Yes. I know.”


  The divine protective barrier was a giant barrier that surrounded large cities.

  If any strong monsters tried to enter it, they would be ravaged by intense pain and not be able to show their full strength.

  This was why the vampires could only send lesser vampires into the palace.

  However, near the end of the battle with the vampires, it was discovered that arch vampires had also infiltrated the palace.

  Arch vampires were powerful monsters. Normally, they would not have been able to enter.

  And yet Serulis and Luchila, who had fought them, said that they were strong.

  In other words, they had somehow managed to trick the barrier.

  Shia and I had experienced the protective barrier of the god of the dark ones during our fight with the Vampire High Lord.

  It had restricted my powers greatly and made the fight difficult.

  “Cluck-cluck.”


  Gerberga clucked on my lap.

  Gerberga had been there when I was assaulted by the effects of the barrier.

  It must have been very painful, even for the God Fowl himself.

  Everyone present recalled what they had experienced, and their faces became dark.

  “Groof?”


  Grulf looked puzzled.

  Grulf had been there when the barrier had activated. However, he was sleeping.

  He probably didn’t remember.

  Refi petted his head as he wagged his tail.

  Eric waited for everyone to sit down again before he continued.

  “I had the Palace Sorcerer and Alchemist inspect the magic tools that the arch vampires were carrying.”


  “Did they discover something?”


  “Yes.”


  It had only been two days.

  The palace Sorcerer and Alchemist must be very skilled.

  “It has to do with the ham that you talked about earlier……”


  According to Eric, the cursed ham was one of the ingredients used to break through the barrier of divine protection.

  I had one question.

  “Before we knew that there was a way to break through the barrier, it was forbidden to even own the ham, wasn’t it? Why was that?”


  “It was originally banned as a cursed tool used to summon devils.”


  I could see why it had been banned then.

  Summoning a devil meant that you would be opening a gate into a different dimension.

  It was a very dangerous thing to do.

  “Something must be done now that it is used for breaking the barrier and not just summoning.”


  “Yes. I had not thought that there would be people within the palace who were connected to the dark ones. Humans no less.’


  “You also said that this Kabino had his hands in the slave trade?”


  “I did.”


  “The thing is, even if you had many slaves within the capital, it would be very difficult to take them outside.”


  “That might be.”


  “And it would be nearly impossible to sell them within the capital.”


  “Hmm.”


  “.……Could he have been trying to use them as sacrifices?”


  There would be no need to take them outside the city if they were used for sacrifices.

  It was a frightful thought. It was unforgivable.

  “I wish I could use my officials to start an investigation immediately.”


  “.……But some of them have interfered in the past.”


  “And I wonder about these great nobles who are backing them. I do not know who the traitors are.”


  “I see. And so you want my help.”


  Eric nodded.

  “Exactly. Who these nobles are and what their aim is. I want you to find that out.”


  “Nobles, huh? Tricky.”


  “If it’s necessary, you can use your position as Grand Duke.”


  “If I told them, it would hurt me in the future……”


  “I suppose you are right. Then I shall give you a necklace that will prove that you are the king’s representative on this matter.”


  “You have such a thing?”


  “I do.”


  So saying, Eric stood up and left the room.

  He returned quickly.

  “Here it is. Take it with you, Locke.”


  “You’re very prepared.”


  My name was engraved in the necklace.

  “I had a feeling that something like this would happen soon.”


  “I see.”


  He really was well prepared.

  It might have been too late if he started acting only after I returned.

  He must have predicted this would happen.

  “I will do what I can.

  “Thank you. Shia and Luchila. I want you to help Locke as well.”


  “Certainly!”


  “I understand!”


  Shia and Luchila replied vigorously.