Sacrifice?　I don't know if I asked for that. I don't remember.
Me too. After all, it was five hundred years ago, before I was born again...

　The spirit of fire twitched at my question. Similarly, the ice spirit sitting next to me is also tilting his head.
　I came all the way to the spirit world to talk to the two of them again, but my memory seems to be vague and unclear.

''Is there anyone who knew about you guys back then?
Oh, then it's the Miss Fire after all. It looks like the former Atai was taken care of too.
''I, too, am the sister of water. I heard she was always listening to me.

　A fire spirit and a water spirit? I heard that the greater the spirit, the longer the cycle of resurrection, so we might be able to learn a lot about them. Alright, let's go that way.
　Let's transition to the spirit world. The spirit world is a glittering milky-white space, but there are planet-like lumps, or rather, small pieces of earth here and there. It's a small star no more than a hundred meters in diameter.
　This was something I suggested to the spirit of the earth because the empty space was uncomfortable. The earth spirit immediately accepted my suggestion, and in the blink of an eye, it created a number of small stars. Great spirits are amazing.
　It's amazing how many of these little stars are now home to genies who are close to each other.
　When I landed on the big star where they live, I was greeted by the spirit of the earth that created this star.

I'm glad to welcome you, king of the spirits. Come here.

　The earth spirit with green hair like the great tree spirit in the Great Sea of Trees smiled at me and led me into the forest.
　There was an open space in the forest and a simple quadrangle. Inside the round, wall-less building, a fire spirit and a water spirit were happily drinking tea. Fire and water spirits are so close, aren't they? Well, the spirit of light and the spirit of darkness were also like sisters. I wonder if they are attracted to each other because they have something they don't have.
　Anyway, now I have to ask the fire and water spirits about the two before they were reincarnated.
　I told them about the two countries that continue to fight on earth, and I explained that the cause of the conflict seems to be related to the spirits of fire and ice, or more accurately, the spirits of the previous life.

''Sacrifice, huh? I wonder if they would do such a bad taste. The previous flame guy wasn't that different from the current one, so he was easy to get mad at.
''Hmm, ice, too. If you're harassing her, I'm sure she could do it, but it's not that bad.
'What does it mean? Is there some kind of discrepancy...?

　The answer to the fire spirit and the water spirit was a story where things were becoming more and more inexplicable. Hadn't the two of them demanded a sacrifice?

'Oh, is that by any chance?　About five hundred years ago, the guy with the flame was shouting at you with a great sword. He said that he had found someone who was capable of becoming a Spiritual Master, but he was interrupted.
"The genie?
They are like spirits' relatives on earth. They have a strong connection with the spirits and can sometimes possess them and give them the power of a spirit. They're the upper echelon of spirit users.

　He answered my question with an earth spirit or an earth spirit. Didn't possession mean transference?　Does that mean that the spirits will take over and allow you to use all of their powers?

Then the sacrifice is....
Maybe they want you to be a spiritist. Since our words don't go over well with the non-spirit users, they might have gotten the message 'give me your body' or something like that... oh, so that's why.

　As soon as he was convinced, the fire spirit popped his hand.
　What is it then?　You thought you were going to say, "I'll make you a sorcerer and you can lend me your body from time to time," but it was conveyed to you that you were going to offer your body as a sacrifice?

'I see. When I asked him why he refused, he lied to me about being kidnapped by the other country. Lies are not for us who read emotions. It wouldn't be surprising if those boys got mad at us for being ridiculed and tricked...

　The water spirit also gave a small nod. I don't know if it was kindness or not, but I was going to make him a spirit master, but he was angry because he was told a stupid lie. I wonder if he really liked that prince or princess very much.
　Being able to read their emotions, they might have also sensed a malicious intent to use the power of a spirit to bring down the other country. That would make me angry.

"If the kings of time had been able to communicate their intentions properly, they wouldn't have been able to tell such a lie.

　I would have gladly asked him to make his own child a spirit master.
　Or if it was the surface world, where the magic culture was well developed, there might have been someone who could speak the spirit language. In the end, it's a misunderstanding, a misapplication of buttons.
　I have a general understanding of the situation. Maybe that's the truth. The question is whether the two countries will be able to agree on this.
　It's a tough call. The first step is to find out if they believe us.
　Even if they do, they may not admit it. Anyway, let's go see the kings of the two countries first.


　　　　　　　　　　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.


　It's a country we have never had contact with. We would like to ask some country to mediate between the two countries.
　That's where the Holy Kingdom of Arendt, which is in contact with both countries, comes in.
　It's the same as the two countries in the past that habitually call the spirits holy spirits and worship them like gods, but this country has no history of being directly involved with the great spirits, so it still has an image of serenity.

''Our country has a history of accepting people who originally fled from those two countries. We can't help but be cautious in our treatment of the Holy Spirit-sama. But Fuyao-dono, ho, can you really call the Great Holy Spirit Lord?
I can call you. Do you want me to call you now?
'No!　Good!　Not now!

　The Holy King of Arendt, sitting in front of the golem carriage, turns blue. As expected of a genie, when it comes to a great genie, he seems to be depressed. Well, it can't be helped.
　The Golem carriage is heading all the way to the Flame City Burn, the royal capital of the Flame Country of Dauburn. Looking out the window, we see desert, desert, desert. Sand as far as the eye can see. I can see what looks like an oasis in spots, I guess that's where the spirits' power is weak.
　This golem carriage that goes there is not a wheel or any other carriage, of course.
　It was the so-called multi-legged golem carriage that Sancho-san, the merchant I met for the first time when I came to the underworld, was riding. He walked firmly through the desert on his many centipede-like legs.
　It seems to have flat boards on the toes to prevent them from being buried in the sand. But to be honest, the shaking is severe and the ride is hard.
　Since I've already gone to both Dowburn and Zardonia with [Fly] (although I only passed through it), I could have transferred the entire line to the Flame City Burn. However, as expected of a first time country, we were stopped from doing so because there were various problems with doing so, so this is how we came from the desert on the way to the transition by carriage here and there.
　 [Refreshment]........

Are you all right, Lord?
《Oh, it's okay, it's okay. I'm fine.

　Amber in her baby tiger state, rocking beside me, was unconcerned. Don't you get motion sickness?

''But, King Brunhild. As I said the other day, my country and Dauburn - and Zardaniah, too - are not exactly friendly countries, even though we have a good deal of contact with them. Doesn't mean you're welcome here, eh?

　There were five golem carriages, two in front of us and two behind us, traveling like a caravan through the desert. Even if the king himself was going to a country that could never be called a friendly country. A certain amount of escort will be necessary.
　I'm also accompanied by not only Amber beside me, but also Nicola-san, the deputy leader of the Knights, and about five other people. I'm riding in the golem carriage behind you, but I'm worried that you're not drunk.

''As long as we can meet and talk to the king on the other side, we don't need to be welcomed. After that, it's up to them. I'll try to make as little trouble for the Holy Kingdom as possible.''
Well, you're the hero who defeated the evil one. I'm not worried about that. It's a very good idea to be able to have a good time with the king of that place. Well, I'm sure it would only destroy Dauburn if a mistake were to be made.

　Oh, that's nasty. I'm just going to put up with it. As long as they don't do anything really bad, I'll put up with it.
　But sometimes there's a king who does something so stupid, you know? For example, the pig king of Sandra. I hope he's not at that level.
　Finally, the Golem carriage reaches the flaming city of Burn, and heads straight for the royal castle through the big gate.
　Inside the town, the royal capital of Mismid, the houses built of dried bricks like Berge, stand out. However, compared to Berge, the townspeople are less lively. They look somewhat weary. Is the long war with the neighboring country wearing out the people?
　Children in rags sit in the shadows of buildings, nodding their heads. It seems like a bad idea to have a country that doesn't have smiles on its children's faces....
　The royal castle of Dauburn was built on the banks of a large spring in the flaming city in the oasis zone. It was an old brick castle, with no spires, and looked like it was made of square blocks of wood. There is no glamour, and it has an image of sturdy and solid.
　The golem carriage went through the gates and into the field, stopping in front of a garden with a fountain.
　Following the Holy King, Ember and the golem carriage got off the golem carriage. ''It's hot!　It's heaven and hell compared to the air-conditioned Golem carriage.
　It's not the sizzling heat of Japan, but what's hot is hot. I'll secretly use the [cooling] of the water magic method. Hah, it's comfortable and comfortable.
　We got out of the carriage and were greeted by a great man wearing red leather armor and an old man wearing a red robe as well.
　To the entrance to the castle, Dauburn soldiers with spears and golems in red aircraft are lined up on either side of us. This is a sight to behold. Is this by any chance an act of demonstration?

Welcome to Dauburn. His Majesty the Holy King Arendt. And His Majesty King Brunhild?
'Yes. My name is Fuyao Mochizuki. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule today.

　When I greeted the red-robed old man who spoke to me, the person next to me, who looked like a general in red leather armor, looked wide-eyed and surprised.

'What is it?'
No. I'm sure the king would be very modest if he were not-- Oh, I beg your pardon.
I'm an adventurer by nature, so I haven't developed an arrogant attitude. I'm sure you'll forgive me for that.

　The general rolled his eyes again and then suddenly lost his composure. Oh, I have a pretty good impression of you.
　I'm not sure if he's in his 40s or not. The short black hair, the hazel eyes and the scar on the chin. I'm sure you've got the atmosphere of a veteran warrior. I think this person is not a nobleman. It's not a good idea to be beaten up from the commoners.

"Once again, welcome to Dowburn. I'm General Glen, First Officer in charge of Dowburn's First Division.
Nice to meet you, General Glenn.

　There's no family name. A commoner, after all. The old man next to General Glenn also bowed his head.

'Prime Minister Dowburn, this is Rosso Poinix. Please get acquainted.

　The old man, who called himself Rosso, put back his round glasses that had almost slipped off. This one looks like a nobleman. It's natural that he is the Prime Minister.
　This old man here is unable to read emotions. He doesn't smile and seems to just go about his business.

The king is waiting for you. His Majesty the King is waiting for you.

　Vizier Rosso and General Glenn lead me and the Holy King, followed by Amber.
　Nicola and our knights, the Holy Knight of the Holy Kingdom Arendt, and the two-meter-long silvery golem knights following behind us.
　The inside of the castle is not as flashy as the outside, but it is a simple and robust structure. It's rugged but still exudes a calm atmosphere. However, overall, what can I say about it.......to put it bluntly, it's ragged. I can clearly see how it feels like it has been used while being renovated. You could say it's getting old.
　I've always felt that this country is poor.　No, if you think about it for a minute, you'll understand. If you're going to have a series of skirmish wars all year round, and the country is mostly desert, and you don't have much to do with the neighboring countries.
　No matter what happens in negotiations, I'm going to order the flame spirits to do something about this scorching temperature, though.
　In front of a secluded room, two red golems open a large door. General Glenn seems to be up to here and seems to be waiting outside the room.
　Inside the large room was a large vertical table, decorated with silver candlesticks and flowers. At the far end of the room, on either side of the room, people in red leather armor similar to Glenn's waiting in the corridor, as well as people who look like aristocrats, are lined up next to the chairs. They are probably some of the most important people in the country.
　At the back of the room, by the window, there was one fine chair and a man was sitting in it.
　He was between forty and fifty years old. He had a curly moustache and beard, and on his head he wore a bowl-like ring of cloth like the kind of cloth Arab men wear. That was a kufiya, or was it?
　He was dressed in a gleaming, loose-fitting, red-and-gold embroidered gown, with a cloth like a bellyband wrapped around his puffy belly. At his waist was a golden dagger.
　Undoubtedly, this man was the King of Dauburn, Jaharade Bia Dauburn.
　And beside him sat a young man dressed in a similar robe. He was about twenty years old?　He still wears a kufiya, brown skin and dark eyes. At his waist is a golden dagger like the king's. Is he a prince of Dauburn?

'Welcome to Dauburn. Holy King Arendt, and Duke Brunhild. We have nothing to offer you, but we can offer you some hospitality.

　As we sat in our chairs, King Dowburn urged us to sit down as well. He laughed, but I could tell he was looking at me as if I were a price-taker. Well, I wouldn't trust such a young man to be the king, would I? And he's looking at me like I'm blatantly stinking up the place.
　His Majesty the Holy King and I are sitting side by side on the other side of the long table, in front of King Dauburn. So far away.....

''The kings of two countries took the trouble to visit us. So?　Do you have something important to talk about?

　Without preamble, King Dowburn cut in. The king of a distant small country seems to be trying to say what the purpose of his visit is.
　Anyway, I told him the story of Shroff's Progress and the events that led to the conflict between this country and its neighbor Zardonia.
　As I told the story, the faces of those seated at the other side of the table became grim, and eventually, as if they couldn't take it anymore, a general with a kaiser beard slammed his fist on the table.

''Nonsense!　Are you trying to taunt my country, Lord Brunhild?　All of this land is cursed because Zardonia foolishly stole an offering that she was going to offer to the gods!
'No, so that's a mistake. In the first place, the king of the time in this country mistakenly thought that God was asking for a sacrifice...
''How dare you insult my lord's High Ancestor as well!　A small country with the air of a king.　Don't think you'll make it home safely!

　The kaisel-bearded general put his hand on the curved sword at his waist. Nicolas and my knights also reached for his waist.
　I restrained Nikola-san and the others with my hand and turned my attention to the general, who was once again furious.
　They are staring at us, but we are also angry. Sorry for being a small country," he said.

''I'll say it again. The king of the time is the one who misinterpreted the words of the spirits, blamed them for their actions and deceived his people. I don't blame you. Zardonia did the same thing. But now that the truth is known, there is no longer any reason for these two countries to fight each other.
'You want me to join hands with Zardonia!
You're kidding me!　Why do we have to go hand in hand with those guys!
'You want me to forgive a nation of thieves!

　As the heavyweights began to shout at each other, King Dowburn slowly stood up.

''King Brunhild. The story is quite interesting, but you have reached a point where you are in over your head. There is a saying in our country," he said. A gossipy recruit cannot live long. A man who sniffs around a lot of things and gets involved in unnecessary things is more likely to die. That's true in many ways.

　I understand. In Japan, it's called 'the pheasant is never shot without a whimper'.

"Zardania is a mortal enemy. We can't fight each other.　Only when our nation destroys Zardonia, who stole our offerings to the gods, will the curse on this land be lifted!
When was that?　Ten years later?　In a hundred years?　We're just going to get exhausted after hundreds of years of skirmishes. The only thing beyond that is a future in which both countries will be destroyed.
Let him say it!

　Before King Dauburn, the Kaiselbeard general snaps, draws his sword, and runs towards us.

'Stop!　General Jahagir!

　Ignoring the prince's restraint as he hurriedly stood up, General Jahagir or something like that swung his sword at us.

''Amber.''
I will.

　The amber underneath my feet instantly reverted to the form of a large tiger and roared at the general who was heading towards us.

''Guhee!''

　The shockwave released from Amber's mouth blew the Kaiser Bearded General backwards.
　The heavyweights of Dowburn rattled and stood up from their chairs when they saw Amber suddenly grow larger.
　The loud noise caused them to open the door to see what was going on, and Glenn and the others who had been waiting in the hallway jumped in.

''I'm telling you, you're the one who pulled it out first. I'm not going to apologize.''
You were the one who taunted me first!
Father!　Please don't!

　Slamming the table, King Dowburn yells at him. But that doesn't mean you can't slash at him. Sometimes it's not enough to get mad and go along with it. The prince beside me seems to understand the situation much better than he does.

I don't mean to taunt you. I'm not trying to taunt you, I'm just telling you the truth. Even if I had lied to you about the sacrifices I made in the past, do you think you would still be fighting with Zardonia and have a future in this country?　Let's put it this way, but if the Holy Kingdom Arendt wanted to, they could crush a country like this in a heartbeat, right?
Oh, dear. Don't drag me into this, King Brunhild.

　His Majesty the Holy King, sitting next to him with a bitter smile, shrugs his shoulders.
　It's easy for Arendt to destroy Dauburn. Go to Zardonia and say, 'Let's destroy Dauburn together! You can call it that. And vice versa, though the opposite is also possible.
　Hence, Dauburn and Zardonia cannot neglect Arendt.
　And yet, they cut down on the king, who is a friend of Arendt's. I can only assume that he wants to destroy himself.

''d*mn........''

　You can see the impatience in King Dauburn's face as he finally realized the magnitude of what he had done.
　As I had heard from Silhouette in The Black Cat, he seems to be a short-sighted king who doesn't think about the future, or rather doesn't think about the future. I've been cursing with the king of Zardonia, so I thought that was the case. So I wonder if it's the same for them.
　I'm not sure what I would do next. If I were you, I would punish the general who tried to cut me down and ask him to forgive me by getting down on his knees or whatever. But the thing is, it's a fool's errand.

"Seize these men!

　King Dauburn does exactly what he thinks of as he acts. I wonder if King Arendt is included in that 'These People'.

"[Prison]
Geez!
Buhaha!

　The Dauburn soldiers who jumped at me fell on the spot when they were hit by the ward magic I had activated.
　The holy knights of Arendt were surprised by the translucent warding that enveloped them, but my knights and the deputy commander, Nicola-san, were unconcerned. Yes, getting used to it is scary.

The first thing you need to do is to think about what we've talked about. We are heading to Zardonia now.
"Wait!　Are you going to invade our country with Zardonia and Arendt?
'Stupid..... We just need to get them to listen to the same story. Instead of putting so much effort into petty squabbles, they should look at the people in their own country.
Ggghhh...!　You young man...!

　The king of Dauburn, red-faced, is gnashing his teeth and ruffling the fingers of his hand. A dexterous man.
　His Majesty sighed as he looked at it and opened his mouth.

King Dauburn," he said. His Majesty's Majesty, King Dauburn," he said. This proposal will do no harm to the country. Whether you will be called the Wise King or the Foolish King," he said. Consider yourself at the crossroads.

　As we got up, we left that room as it was. The only things that [Prison] blocks are hostile humans and golems. I can pass through the door without difficulty.
　When we left the room, General Glenn bowed to me. There are decent people in this country too. It's time to put an end to this futile warfare.
　As we walked back to where the Golem carriage was parked, we heard someone running up behind us.

''Wait!''

　I thought it was the pursuer, but it was the brown-skinned prince beside the king. Behind him is General Glenn.

''What is it?''
'Please forgive my father's rudeness. I ask you to do so. If you are going to Zardonia, let me accompany you!
What?

　I looked at His Majesty the Holy King beside me at the sudden offer. From Dauburn's point of view, Zardonia is an unmistakable enemy. What do you want to do in such a place?

''Prince Akeem, we are going to Zardonia. We are going to talk to Zardonia about the same thing we were talking about," he said. It is possible that the other side will react in the same way as we did. And you, the prince of Dauburn, will accompany them?
'I know, Your Majesty, Your Holy King. But I want to stop this conflict. To do so, I need to know my opponents. There must be others in Zardonia who want to stop the conflict as much as I do. I want to make a connection with that person.

　Well... Compared to that king, you're much more decent. When I turn my gaze to Glenn behind me, he is also nodding small. He seems to be serious.

''Won't they take him away and say he's kidnapped a prince or something?
'What do you care about that now?　It would be like having war declared on the king of this country just now.

　His Majesty the Holy King let out a dumbfounded voice. So that's it. It's not like I'm going to have a peaceful relationship with this country. For now. If anything, it's more of a brawl.

Well, I'll see what I can do. Will General Glenn come along as the prince's bodyguard?　Well, I'm not going to let them do you any harm, by any means.
I'd be happy to do it myself.

　Good. Then let's transfer the entire golem carriage before there are any strange side effects. I snapped my fingers and opened the [Gate] under the feet of all those involved.
　What appeared after the light floating sensation was a snowfield as far as the eye could see, just like the desert I saw a few hours ago.
　It's so cold that I hurriedly invoke the Warming Magic [Warming] on everyone.
　From the scorching heat to the extreme cold. At any rate, Zardonia should have been contacted some days ago, so shall we quickly get on the golem carriage and head to the Ice City Zard, eh, eh, eh, eh?