20 The Priest Proclaims the Blessings of Good Fortune of the Human God and Then Goes Silent

The rising sun is akin to God’s power.

I merely bathe in the light of dawn, for I dare not keep it to myself.

-Father Felipo IV-

Morning prayers have finished. The noon smoke from the kitchen arouses my appetite. Alone, I sit in my office. In other words, I have free rein in this place.

“...And thus, we valiantly repelled the fearsome vampire raid! Oh, how vexing! I, a lowly priest, cannot do justice to that godly battle! It was a scene for the ages—nay, the very holy book itself!” Here is where I’ll tightly close my eyes and shiver as I’m overcome with emotion. Heh heh heh. I don’t even need to crack my eyelids; the gasps and furious scribbling of notes tell me just how effective I am being. Now I’ll drop my tone and draw close, as if relaying a secret.

“And the elves, why, they were so awestruck they presented us with their secret remedies and scented woods. Amazing, no? And this is a military secret so I cannot share any details, but the elf princess... Pardon, Her Highness the Elven Princess, is staying here.” The elven princess. Such a fearsome and rare phrase. It is sure to snare the hearts of the masses. Perhaps I cannot relay the truth, but that is not a problem. In fact, plausible lies suit my purposes much better. This way, my words can ride the winds of desire and become more easily exaggerated. Perfect.

“A theological perspective? That I cannot tell you. As the one in charge of this land’s church, I have sent a notice to the main church, slapdash though it may seem. I imagine that the Cardinal will eventually make an official proclamation... Oh, what a glorious, dream-like proclamation it will be.” That’s how it is. I leave the rest to you all.

Hm. I contemplate the size of the newspaper article, then decide it is time to wrap things up. For the finale, I’ll shower him with the items that must be emphasized.

“Forgive my aimless musings... After careful thought, perhaps it is humanity’s bravery that ought to be commended. In other words...” I stand and lively, proudly state: “Odysson, sorcerer of the frontier who unleashed mystical fireballs to protect the commoners at his back! A gallant hero! Agias Willow, Acting Captain of the Frontier Army, who challenged our fearsome enemies with only his armed cavalry! Our venerable leader! And I, Father Felipo, who bravely took up the spear as the belfry tower fell!” In truth, I didn’t actually do anything, but I would like some money to rebuild the belfry.

I’ve just noticed, but this reporter didn’t bring an artist with him. Why is that? With nothing but the written word to detail our deeds, I am forced to continue my speech. Honestly.

“And lest we forget, the most fantastic of anyone or anything on that battlefield was the Hare of Flame, Lady Kuroi.” I drop to a hushed voice, so that my words may secretly, sweetly wind their way into his mind.

“The tidal wave of monsters, the magic of elves, the monstrous strength of vampires... every disaster that threatens to annihilate us, she beats back. Indeed, it is like a miracle from God.” Did I hear the reporter swallow? Good. Now his fascination will lead him to admirably pen this story. Yes, the exit’s that way.

Now, what’s next... Oh? If it isn’t Odysson at the door. He looks as if he’s eaten something quite sour. And after I just got done talking him up as our hero, as well.

“What’s the matter? Why are you standing there?”

“I-I know it’s all necessary, but... damn, you really wag your tongue like an idiot.”

“A priest’s sermons are magic, after all.”

“Oh, really? No wonder!”

“I was kidding. Now, give me your report, Sir Frontier Sorcerer.” Now he looks as if he’s eaten something bitter. Such a wealth of expressions.

“...First, the dissections of the monster bodies and the production of drugs from them is going really well. The people are passionate, but I think the biggest help has been the arrival of the expert.”

“The one from the Sorcerer’s Guild? I thought they were quite exclusive.”

“They are. But the adventurers are pretty open about the dissections. As for the manufacturing, I’ve got a guy. Managed to pull in an apothecary.”

“I see. So that’s the secret of your catalyst magic.”

“Basically. Whether it’s fixing or breaking, it’s all consumption in the end.” Odysson shrugs, and I notice an unfamiliar wand at his waist. Judging from how filthy his clothes are, that must be the completed product.

“Mm? Oh, this is the finished ash wand. It’s made from the branch of a witch hazel tree. It’s really dense, so just one of these can unleash up to six spells.”

“That’s wonderful. And you can mass-produce them?”

“As long as I have total control of all the charcoal, I can produce a mountain of them.”

“Let’s make something more dedicated. This situation requires a more modern kiln.”

“Yeah, there are more people now... despite how dangerous this area is.” In spite of his tone, he’s smiling. Heh heh heh. I can understand. It was a happy miscalculation on my part to see just how many people flooded to the Frontier in such a short amount of time. They were driven to gather here despite the hardships that may await... Hope is such a sweet, piercing nectar. People will risk their lives for something merely if they can see it with their own eyes.

“So, uh, about the people and training needed for the Fire Corps...” Hm. This face is quite difficult to describe. Surely he is not constipated.

“Whatever the results, it’s fine. The planned reinforcements from the fort will include enough for military sorcerers and the Fire Corps. In an emergency we can even ask the adventurers. For now, if you could continue your aptitude tests...”

“A hundred, wasn’t it? The number you wanted.”

“Yes. If we can get that many, we can mobilize them as a platoon. However, the army’s main strength is ultimately its cavalry. An army of sorcerers is but a dream and an ideal.”

“366.”

“...Sorry?”

“I said, 366. Of the people I’ve tested, over half of them have shown aptitude. Normally we’d be lucky to find one among a hundred.”

“That is, err...”

“Well, once they actually start casting spells we’ll see the wheat separate from the chaff. Mana pools, control... there are a lot of variables. But they can all shoot fire from their fingertips. Depending on their training, they’ll grow.” What sort of face am I making right now? Let’s just make sure my mouth is closed for the moment. I push up on my chin.

“By the way, the military guys all passed. A one hundred percent success rate, you could say.” I’m speechless. I can hardly think. Did someone just come in? Oh, the reporter from earlier. Perhaps he forgot something. He meekly does a right-about-face. I don’t blame him. He just walked in on two grown men staring at each other, struggling to find words and expressions. I cough, and somehow manage to regain some composure. This is my stage, after all.

“Call Lord Willow. This requires an emergency council.” My word, how long has it been since the last time my voice got so husky with emotion?

“Depending on how things go, our battle tactics may have to change.” God. Oh, God. May His influence be feared.

This reminds me of how Lord Willow mentioned his sword skills had increased after receiving a blessing. His horse also became lighter of hoof. Come to think of it, I haven’t run out of breath once so far. I’d simply chalked it up to my excitement helping me surpass my exhaustion.

“Talk to the Sorcerer’s Guild, too. Remember what I went through?”

“Yes, indeed. This could be a good chance to embrace.”

“Mm. Don’t need to waste time anymore.” Time in this land of destiny has been moving incredibly quickly. First the repeated battles, now the gathering of people... various wills are flying about at high speed, creating a swell. This place is the hypocenter of the shaking of our times. And so, people we may not wish to see will be coming. Yes, indeed.

“Oh, you two are here? Good.” Well, isn’t this rare. Irritation is on his face. Normally he is so calm and composed, but I sense some internal struggle.

“I know this is sudden, but I need 200 cavalry for a training drill. We’ll be back in three days. You’re in charge while I’m gone.” His tone is quite serious. Well, well.

“W-Wait, Captain! Where’s this coming from?”

“I must crush them, or this will never end. For any of us.”

“Uh... Who?”

“My younger brothers. They’ve just arrived.”

“Y-You’re gonna use 200 cavalry for your sibling rivalry?”

“They have a thousand. We’ll be using practice spears, so no one will die.” But people will be hurt, it sounds like. And how fast he walks! I have to jog to keep up. Oh, there’s a knight in front of the church. I don’t recognize this young man.

“There you are. That’s my brother for you. If he’s going to die, it’ll be on a horse.”

“Be quiet.”

“I will not. Those who would chase a woman in a group while dancing are but perverts. I refuse to listen to such a person.”

“...Then on the battlefield we shall have our exchange.”

“Yes. That’s exactly what I want. In the name of House Willow, I shall punish this gang of perverts.” I see. Yes, I see. I see it all.

I watch the horses ride off nobly into the distance, a cloud of dust in their wake, then move on to a new task. There’s nothing that can be done about such an unexpected situation.

“Maybe we should stop the soldiers from joining in on Kuroi’s weird activities. All that hopping and sliding around is really gross.” You ask the impossible. Once Lord Willow has set his mind on something, he cannot be deterred.

I’ve just had a thought.

I didn’t see anything. I didn’t hear anything. That is how it is. So, I’ll go back to work. No, don’t stop me!