Sisyphe

　The day after I met with Memor, we took a boat up the Kish River.
　The sky was clear and the sunlight reflected off the water.
　The wind blowing over the river is pleasant.
　But the people at my side don't seem to be so.

'Totally Sisyphe likes things too, don't you? Why are you taking on something that is of no benefit to you? And why would they take me out too?

　Novis, who is at my side, blurts out to me.
　He's still unhappy with the details of this request.
　The reward is actually low, and it's certainly not profitable at all.
　Besides, according to Master Toles' doctrine, two people should not be sacrificed to save one; it is right for one to sacrifice to save two.
　This request is a case where two people may be sacrificed to save one.
　That's why Novis, who is a member of Master Toles' congregation, is not happy that I have received this request.

''I already told you it was a bad idea!　I'll pay you later!

　I say angrily.

'I don't want that. I'm a member of Sisyphe's warband, for one thing. I'll go along with whatever the leader decides to do. But let me at least complain about it.

　Novis waves his hand and refuses to accept the reward.
　Novis is a member of the warrior corps, of which I am the leader, in case you were wondering.
　The reason why this guy joined our warrior group is because he can't read or write.
　I'm sure we practiced with him on the clay plate when he was little, but he hasn't learned it at all.
　According to Novis, a good warrior doesn't need to learn to read and write. So this guy will never learn to read and write.
　However, because of that, I had to get Novis to join our warrior group.
　There are two ways to register as a member of the Freedom Fighters Association.
　One is to register as an individual. The other way is to create or join a warrior group and register through that group.
　Either way, you will have to submit documents to register.
　If you register as an individual and you are unable to read or write, you must hire someone to write for you.
　In fact, there are people in the Republic of Ariadia who run a substitute bookstore.
　And when registering through a warrior group, the organization of a warrior group is always obligated to have someone who can read and write for them.
　For this reason, when the leader of the corps cannot read or write, it is necessary to have a secretary to join the corps.
　Incidentally, some of the larger and more famous warrior groups have members who do not fight.
　The Free Fighters Association also encourages the formation of warrior groups to reduce the administrative burden.
　There are many benefits to forming a warband.
　There are only six of us, including Novice, but we are also forming a warrior group.
　The name of the warband is "Beautiful Maiden Warband".
　When you register as a warrior group, you have to give your group a name, so we came up with this name together.
　When we came up with the name, we didn't mind it, but now that I think about it again, it's a very embarrassing name.
　That's why it's sometimes a drawback that we can't say our names very often.
　Novis is so called a brave man, so he must have money, so why not hire a substitute writer?
　But Novis wanted to join our warrior group.
　Perhaps it was too much trouble to find a substitute writer. You're spoiling me.
　Well, since I'm not a stranger to him either, I allowed him to join the group, thinking that he would work for free when he was in trouble.
　That's why I asked him to come with me this time, but I didn't expect him to complain so much.

''Novis-kun. It's a favor from the lovely Sisyphe. I think you should do her a favor, I think.

　Perhaps she was listening to the conversation, but Shenna-san, who was on the boat with her, chided Novice.

''If you say so, Shenna-san, it can't be helped. Of course, I'll do my best!

　Novis says, deliriously. His lack of motivation from earlier seems to be a lie.

'Totally this guy is ......,'

　I get a headache.

'And I'm thrilled to be able to go with you, Shenna!

　Novis makes a clenched fist and says with effort.
　That certainly surprised me. Because I didn't expect Mr. Shenna to be in the boat with me.

'By the way, what are you doing today, Miss Shenna? Are you going somewhere to give a lecture?'
No, it's not work. I've got a few things on my mind, so I'll just say I'm traveling. So what's up with you, Mr. Sisyphe?
'Oh, we're at work. We're on our way to rescue the child who was kidnapped by the Harpy.

　I'll explain what I'm asking.
　It's not a job that needs to be kept secret. It would be okay to tell.

"I see. I hope you make it.
Yes, sir.

　We then talk about a lot of things.
　It was hard to shut him up because Novis was pestering Ms. Sienna about whether or not she had a girlfriend.

'Mr Siszfe. How's the boat trip going?

　Regena-san walks over from the other side.

'Thank you, Regina. For taking me on board.

　I thank Mr. Regena for his help.
　Mr. Regena is the captain of this ship.
　Yesterday, when we were looking for a ship to take us to our destination, we happened to meet Regena.
　From what I heard, I found out that Mr. Regena was going to load up and go near our destination.
　And when I asked for a ride on the boat, she gladly agreed. And it was free of charge.
　I'm really grateful for this request, as it's a request that costs more than it's worth.

'No problem. And it's not just Sizefe and the others who are taking you on board.''

　'I saw a group of freedom fighters aboard this ship besides us, as Rigena said.

'It seems so. What kind of warrior group is this?
'They're from the New Green Warriors. Mr. Sisyphe.
The New Green Warriors?

　I can't help but shout out.
　The New Green Warriors is the warrior group that Phineas belonged to. I didn't expect to meet him in a place like this.
　Because I suddenly shouted out, Regina-san looks at me with a surprised face.

''What's wrong? What's wrong with the new Green Warriors?
No, the fact is: ......

　I explain the situation.

'So it was.'
I never thought I'd have to deal with that situation: ......

　Ligeena and Shenna look at each other.

''Um, what kind of people are the New Green Warriors?''

　I'm a little concerned about the Warriors.

'No matter what you say. It's only with a warrior group that Tormarkis-san knows: ....... Oh, speaking of which, today is different from the usual, and we are accompanied by someone who looks like a sorcerer. I'm sure Madia-san would know about it.

　Rigena says with a troubled look on her face.
　Surely it would be quicker to ask Maddy about the sorcerer.
　Wouldn't that sorcerer's information tell us anything about the warrior group?
　That Maddy is in the cabin. I'll go get her.
　In fact, Maddy has Nola watching her and Leiria because she got sick from being drunk on the boat.
　By the way, Kayna's sister is also drunk and asleep. I'm having this one looked at while I'm at it too.

'Right. I'm going to ask Maddie for a bit.

　I leave Mr. Regena, Shenna and Novis and go to the cabin to call Maddy.

'Siz. I don't really know all the sorcerers. ......

　Maddy gives me a subtle look when I return to the cabin and explain the situation.
　Although the number of sorcerers is small, there are still nearly a thousand in the populous Republic of Ariadia.
　As expected, Maddy probably doesn't remember them all either.

''Still, can you take a look at that person, just in case? Maybe you know someone who does.
Yeah. Well, yes. It's probably rude not to say hello when there's a wizard on board who knows you, isn't it?

　I go with Maddy to the New Green Warriors.
　There are about 18 people in the New Green Warriors. Some of them are boy warriors, about 12 or 3 years old.
　We watch them from a little distance.
　The person who seems to be a sorcerer is easy to spot. Rather, the person was clearly dressed as a sorcerer, so it was easy to recognize him.
　The person was reading a book some distance away from the other freedom fighters.

'How do you know him?'

　But Maddy shakes her head.

'Nah, I don't know. But judging from those robes, it could be Master Imam.
'What?　Are you a mage?

　I asked and Maddy nodded.

'Yeah, it's not like the robe I'm wearing, is it?'

　A mage is a title given by the Mages' Association to those who have the ability to guide the mages.
　A mage is in a position to guide other mages. Therefore, it is considered to be a high-ranking mage in the world.
　By the way, a higher title than a mage is a sage. The black-haired sage Chiyuki-sama, whom I recently met, is the same.
　And there seems to be a difference in the robe between him and the mage who does not have the title of mage. I compare it to Maddy's robe, but I can't see the difference.

'But it's odd. I don't think that person was among the imams belonging to the Society of Magicians in Ariadia.

　Maddie nods her head.
　There are fewer mages than sorcerers, and even in the Republic of Ariadia, I'm told there are less than ten of them.
　Since there are so few of them, Maddy seems to know the faces of all the mages.

''What do you mean by that?　Are you from outside the Ariad Alliance?
'I don't know about that, Ciz. Maybe it's just that I don't know. If I may say so, a lot of sorcerers are shut-ins.
I see. ......

　I've heard that sorcerers are more eccentric than others.
　I've heard that some of them hide in their own laboratories and never come out.

''But it would be rude not to greet the imam-sama, so let's go see him, Siz.
Yeah.

　Maddy and I approach the man who is probably the mage.
　As we approach, the mage stops reading and looks up.

'What about you guys?'
'I am pleased to meet you, Master. My name is Madia. Like the guru, I am a seeker of knowledge. It is a coincidence that we have met here. Would you mind telling me your name?

　Maddie politely interjects, then reverently curtsies.
　Then she waits for a response.
　However, the mage doesn't answer and ponders for a bit.

''Um, imam-sama?''

　Maddie is baffled by the lack of response.

'Oh, I'm sorry, sorcerer Madia. I am a student of magic in Saria and have been certified as an imam. And I have come here in secrecy. Hence, I am not allowed to tell you who I am. I hope you will forgive me for my dishonesty in not identifying myself.

　The mage apologizes.

'Yes, no!　Imam!　I'm sorry to hear your name without knowing that there was such a reason!

　Maddy bows her head.
　This mage seems to have come from the magic city of Saria. And it seems that he's here, probably for some reason.
　It's no wonder Maddy doesn't know him.
　But still, what are the circumstances that prevent me from even being allowed to say his name?
　Is it because of that circumstance that they are working with the new green warrior group?
　If that's the case, then we can't ask about the New Green Warriors.

'How about you?'

　The mage looks at me.

''Ah, this is my friend Sisferia. She is a warrior maiden blessed by Goddess Raina.
Oh, she's the warrior maiden of Renna!　You do indeed wear a war maiden's helmet.

　The mage looks at the helmet with wing decorations on either side that I wear.
　I don't mind looking at it, but I think it's impolite to call out Lady Raina. Should I be careful about that?

Does the imam know about her?
No, I don't know.

　I almost skid.

'But I remember the miracle of repelling the black storm of the goddess Raina. That dark knight's magical surge of power was tremendous. With his power, he could destroy not only the Republic of Ariadia, but also the nations of the Minon Plain. What was the magic that defeated that dark knight? Very intriguing.

　Saying that, the mage looks into the distance.
　Perhaps he is remembering the miracle of Reena-sama's miracle.
　When I remember that time, my heart is filled with emotion too.
　Because of Lady Raina's power, that dark knight had no choice but to bend forward, suffer, and retreat.
　That image was apparently seen by people all over the world. That's why the mage must have seen that miracle too.

''That Reena war maiden must have great power. If I had the chance, I'd love to find out what that power is.

　The mage looks at me with interest.
　But I don't want him to look at me like that.

''It is true that I have power. However, this is not my power, but the power given to me by Raina-sama. Lady Raina's power is not material for the study of magic.

　I say in a slightly harsh tone.
　It's too impolite to want to check on Lady Raina's powers. I manage to repress my anger.

"Restrict your thinking. That would be crushing our chances.

　The mage says ruefully.

'Always be free in your thoughts. Don't make contraindications to your thoughts, but explore all possibilities. ......

　Maddie mutters.
　I've heard those words before from Maddy.
　The sorcerers' belief in the doctrine of Totona-sama, the goddess of knowledge and books, insists that the inner heart should be absolutely free.
　So, to my surprise, according to her doctrine, even doubting her is permissible.
　Honestly, I can't believe that I doubt God.

'That's right, Madia the Magician. To create a taboo is to crush the possibility. If you want to ascend to greater heights, you should be allowed to use your demonic powers.

　The mage says with a laugh.
　There's a hint of madness in his eyes.

'Oh no!　Demonic powers!　It's the biggest contraindication!

　I shake my head.

'But, Lord War Maiden. That great sage Magus was a great Damon messenger. He used his power to perform all sorts of miracles.

　The mage smiles fearlessly.
　The Great Sage Magus is one of the founders of the Society of Magicians; he has lived for over eight hundred years and still instructs the magicians who live in the magic city of Saria.
　I've also heard that the Great Sage Magus is an apostle of Tona-sama and can use demons to help him.
　It is said that some people have actually been helped by the power of that demon.
　As a follower of Feria-sama and Raina-sama, who forbid the power of the devil, I can't believe it.

'What's wrong?　A sorcerer?　What's the matter with you?

　Perhaps it was my shouting, but someone was approaching.
　It's a man who looks just like a warrior.

"It's all right, Commander. I was just having a little chat with these guys.

　The mage says, waving to the man who approached him.
　I look at the man who is called the Commander. I guess this man is the leader of the New Green Warriors.

Is that so? I'm Warlath, the leader of the New Green Warrior Clan. What's your name, young lady?

　Walrath looks at me as if he is priced out.
　He's smiling, but he's not smiling behind his eyes. Surprisingly, he's more difficult to deal with than a mage.

'I'm .......'

　Oh no, I don't want to say the name of the warrior group!

'She is Lady Cisferia, the warrior maiden of the goddess Lena, Commander.

　The mage will introduce me to you. It's helpful.

''Ho, that goddess. What did the warrior maiden want with the sorceress?
'No, a fellow sorcerer saw the imam-sama and came to greet him. I'm his chaperone.

　I say and look at Maddy.

'I see. By the way, are you working, War Maiden-sama?
'Yes. I can't tell you what it's about because of my client, but I can tell you what it's about: ......

　I can't say I'm going to help the boy you abandoned.

You can't say that. We can't tell you what we're doing.

　Walrath laughs hahaha.
　Apparently he wasn't suspicious.

Then we'll be off. May Lady Raina be blessed. Let's go, Maddy.
'Yes, Siz. So, imam, if we have another chance, let's talk about knowledge.

　We leave.
　I was curious about the New Green Warriors and tried to make contact with them, but there was nothing I could find out about them.
　But I was curious about that mage.

'Ummm, Maddy. About that mage, aren't you curious about that mage?
''Eh, I guess so. Most of the imams I know are like that too, but when it comes to magic, I'm not so sure if I'm going to lose sight of it: ......

　It is said that the higher-ranking sorcerers are, the more indifferent they become when it comes to the study of magic.
　For this reason, I've heard that many sorcerers have gone astray from the path.

'No, no, it's not that, I just smelled something awful when I was approaching that mage.

　When he approached the mage just now, he smelled an amazing smell.
　And the smell was a smell that was many times more intense than the potions that Decius-sama had. Could it be a coincidence?

'Oh, so that's what it is, I'm sure it smells like potions. I know many other magicians who smell similar.
'Oh, really?'
Yeah. Well, the smell was a bit strong, though.

　I don't know as many sorcerers as Maddy does. If Maddie says it's normal for a sorcerer to smell like that, then maybe it's normal for a sorcerer to smell like that.

'If that's the case, it must be my imagination. Shall we go back?'

　We were going back to the others.





Kilius the Magician.

　The sorcerer Madia and the war maiden Cizferia leave.

'I didn't expect to find that Raina's war maiden riding with you,'

　The Commander looks at the women who have left and says.

'Indeed it is, Commander Walras.

　The reason I am suffering this is because of Raina.
　Master Tarabos was killed by Raina's brave men of light.
　And I hear that Atrana, the former master of Walras, was also wiped out by Rena.
　That warrior maiden can be considered an enemy.
　I was a little curious about the Harpy, so I followed the Commander and the others, but I didn't expect to meet the war maiden.

''d*mn it, that goddess has cost us a lot of money, dammit.

　Walrath clicks his tongue.

But, Commander. It's not a good idea to mess with these women. We must keep them in check.
I understand.

　Walrath gives him a look that says he has no choice.

'Well, good, then. Now, Commander, let us continue our journey.'