“There really was one, an unexplored underground ruin.”

“For such a ruin to be located in a bas.e.m.e.nt of Baulburg's suburbs, how surprising.”

◆◇◆◇◆

Several days after returning from the entertainment trip, we went on an underground ruin exploration guided by Arnest.

He, who had been confined to a room deep inside my mansion, untiringly worked on the particulars of the underground ruins located in the Baumeister Earldom while we were gone.

『Although it's just a rough outline; how come that you know their exact locations?』 (Wendelin)

『Maps of the Ancient Magic Civilization's era are handed down in the demon country.』 (Arnest)

『Isn't that military information then? Are those maps available to civilian scholars?』 (Wendelin)

『Maps, which were picked up by our ancestors who went on investigations when the Ancient Magic Civilization collapsed more than 10,000 years ago, do exist. However, the maps also have parts that can not be read anymore due to the gradual fading of the printing. As aftereffect of the civilization's collapse, geographic landmarks and such had also vanished, therefore the particulars are limited to a rough estimation of the underground ruins' locations. Additionally, even if an underground ruin is discovered, there is no guarantee that we will find things in there that will please you, Earl Baumeister.』 (Arnest)

According to Arnest, it really sounds as if the Ancient Magic Civilization had collapsed and vanished in an instant.

I wonder, just what did those people do?

『It is always the same old story with those who are arrogant. A vast amount of mana that had been gathered in one place exploded. Although it was for the sake of technological progress, they paid a hefty price for it.』 (Arnest)

And I guess that's why even the demons lost any interest in the Lingaia Continent, which had many things blown away, for more than 10,000 years?

Though I don't know how it'll be from now on.

『That means the underground structures that escaped the destruction are the underground ruins.』

『That is how it is. Most of those in the Baumeister Earldom are unexplored. I suppose that is only natural, though.』 (Arnest)

◆◇◆◇◆

After having heard of those circ.u.mstances, we went out to search for underground ruins that should be located in Baulburg's suburbs today and immediately found one.

Descending into the underground with 『Light』 and starting the search for treasures apparently makes Ina and Luise excited due to it being a work which is the very definition of adventuring.

They enter the underground ruin while acting as vanguards, but…

“Wend, it looks like it's a miss.” (Luise)

“True. The 『Preservation』 is completely dead, and the dust and mold here is terrible.” (Ina)

Luise and Ina reported to me while covering their mouths and noses with a handkerchief.

“Wend, isn't this somehow far too old?” (Erwin)

“Correct answer, Erwin. This place is a historic ruin dating back several thousand years before the Ancient Magic Civilization came into existence. It looks like this place had been once excavated during the era of the Ancient Magic Civilization.” (Arnest)

Arnest begins to explain while examining the stones used for the walls and floor.

This is probably another trait of a scholar, but there was not a single one among us who was interested.

It gives me the feeling of listening to a boring lesson at school.

“Oooh! This design was used in underground temples of the heretic 『Bulst Faith』 which perished around 17,000 years ago!” (Arnest)

The patterns carved into the walls and floor had started to disappear due to their very old age, but it seems a specialist like Arnest can still make them out.

Though it's a story where I ask myself just what's gained by knowing about it…

“Wendelin-san, what's so delightful about designs carved into walls and floors?” (Katharina)

“Who knows?” (Wendelin)

I mean, neither Katharina nor I are archaeologists, and thus we don't have any interest in an underground ruin that has no treasures and is only full of dust and mold.

“If you look closely, it resembles the designs used in reliefs by the church.” (Elise)

“The Bulst Faith being called heretic is because they were defeated in a dispute with the current Catholic church. But then again, seeing that they originate from the same belief, it is only natural for them to have parts that resemble each other.” (Arnest)

“(Even though it's an incredibly boring topic, ain't Elise really a saint to go along with it?)” (Erwin)

Certainly, as Erw says, hearing about something like the history of religion, yeah…

Or rather, is it really okay for Elise, a priestess, to listen to stories about the church rising in power by brus.h.i.+ng aside other faiths?

I worried that I might get scolded by Cardinal Hohenheim.

“So, what's so valuable about this underground ruin?” (Luise)

“Ancient ruins that are this old are very rare even in the demon country.” (Arnest)

“But, there are no treasures to be found here, right?” (Luise)

“These designs, which were carved into the walls, ceiling and floor, are precious, cultural legacies.” (Arnest)

In the eyes of Luise, an adventurer, an underground ruin with no treasures has no value, but for Arnest, an archaeologist, there is value in investigating this underground ruin.

The values of both of them are completely biting each other, or rather, everyone besides Arnest had the same opinion as Luise.

“At the time when demons still lived on this continent, there were many people believing in the Bulst Faith. Fearing religious oppression, they left this continent. However, the current demons do not like religion overly much.” (Arnest)

The number of people depending on religion might have decreased, because the demons are leading a modern life nowadays.

As there were many secular people on Earth as well, it's probably the same in this case.

“I see…I guess the demons don't believe in G.o.d…” (Elise)

Probably there are many among the demons who don't believe in G.o.d.

For Elise this seems to be a sad truth, even if it's about another faith.

As a matter of fact, I'm also almost completely atheistic, though.

“It is not all of them. The number of people believing in new religions owed to the stress in their daily lives is increasing as well.” (Arnest)

“Really?” (Elise)

Elise is happy, but I wouldn't be surprised if some shady new religions are mixed in there…

“Wend-sama, nothing here.” (Wilma)

“Yeah, it looks like this underground ruin having been excavated in the era of the Ancient Magic Civilization is true. That's why there's nothing here.” (Wendelin)

Ina and Wilma, who continued the exploration since there's no monster presence to be found here either, returned, but it seems the underground ruin is completely empty.

“If it's a religious facility, it wouldn't be strange for at least altars and religious tools to have been left behind.”

“Probably those were already taken out.”

“Most likely.”

Katharina also had disappointment over this ruin being a miss written all over her face.

“It is a valuable, cultural legacy! It is a precious evidence of an era where humans and demons believed in the same religion and lived together!” (Arnest)

“I see. In that case you can investigate it as much as you want, afterwards.” (Wendelin)

However, while we are not here. I have absolutely no interest in this.

“Wend, let's move to another underground ruin.”

Seeing as there are no treasures here, this place has no value to us.

We decide to quickly move to another ruin.

Sometimes things like this can happen after all.

“Arnest, we are going to the next place.” (Wendelin)

“Uh huuuuh. If I compare this pattern with the ones so far…” (Arnest)

“Come on, we are heading out.” (Wendelin)

“Earl Baumeister, you are too impatient.” (Arnest)

I dragged Arnest, who was confirming a weathered pattern that's carved into the floor with intense concentration, along and had him guide us to the next underground ruin.

◆◇◆◇◆

“Wend, it's yet another miss.” (Ina)

“Wend-sama, nothing here.” (Wilma)

“This is a normal bas.e.m.e.nt, isn't it?” (Wendelin)

Ina and Wilma talked to me with voices that lacked any kind of motivation.

As long as time allowed, we had Arnest guide us to places that might be underground ruins.

Although you might call them underground ruins, many were nothing more than very old bas.e.m.e.nts.

Sometimes there will be some winners with treasures, but there will be a lot more misses with nothing of value.

It was only natural that the tension took a nosedive for everyone except Arnest, who was the only one to be in high spirits that we found valuable, cultural legacies, when we drew several misses in a row.

“I really don't get archaeologists.”

Actually, as one of the conditions for sheltering Arnest, it was decided that we will report locations of other, unexplored underground ruins in the Kingdom to His Majesty.

It's not clear whether there are treasures to be found in those underground ruins unless you actually excavate them, but that's still overwhelmingly less effort than searching for unexplored underground ruins from the scratch.

Some time ago I was contacted through the MHCD by a big shot of the academy, which is in charge of the investigation when new, unexplored ruins are safely discovered, because of the information I had reported.

『If we investigate this valuable underground ruin from the time before the Ancient Magic Civilization now that you have found it, the mysteries of our ancestors will…』

Be it humans or demons, it seems that archaeologists are the same everywhere.

Although it's not like we discovered treasures, the voice over the MHCD seemed very overjoyed.

From our standpoint, understanding what's so delightful about this is difficult though.

“Although there are differences between races, the romanticism of archeology is the same for both sides.” (Arnest)

Being of the same kind, Arnest was very happy, too.

“I am really looking forward to the detailed report. Reading the reports of others is one of an archaeologist's guilty pleasures.” (Arnest)

Yep, I truly don't understand what so exciting about this.

“Leaving that aside, find an underground ruin that will turn into a bit of money.”

Given that we are searching the nearby underground ruins in order, I don't think that Arnest is deliberately guiding us to underground ruins that have no value.

Because it often happens that a ruin has no treasure after finally finding it, it's not like we are extremely unlucky, but the Earl Baumeister household is sheltering Arnest while bearing the risks for doing so.

“Find a ruin that will bring us some profit, based on the ruins around here.” (Wendelin)

“Since there are this many candidates, it is only a matter of time.” (Arnest)

A great number of symbols is noted on the old map owned by Arnest, and many of those seem to be unexplored ruins.

“Can't you narrow it down to an underground ruin that looks like it could have treasures from all these?” (Luise)

“It is possible to go with the specifics of the location, but unless we investigate, we will not know what is buried there.” (Arnest)

Arnest rejected Luise's unreasonable demand.

“This does not mean that the possibility does not exist, but there are many cases where excavations and investigations take a lot of time and manpower.” (Arnest)

The majority of the plausible, unexplored underground ruins are located in monster domains. Among them there were even some at the bottom of the sea and high in the mountains.

Those are no places where we can somehow manage with just ourselves.

“Earl Baumeister, your support is indispensable. Excavations cost money.” (Arnest)

A large-scaled excavation costs money. A patron is necessary. That's the reason why Arnest cooperated with Duke Nürnberg.

“It seems like you often and generously handed various excavated items to Duke Nürnberg, but you are saying that there's nothing for us because Wendelin-san's support is lacking?” (Katharina)

Even though he provided a large amount of items to the rebel Duke Nürnberg, it's been only dusty and smelly bas.e.m.e.nts for us so far.

Katharina apparently wondered whether Arnest is taking us lightly.

She lived as solo adventurer in order to restore her household before she met us.

So far people probably underestimated and despised her because she's a woman.

For this reason she got angry at Arnest's words and deeds up until now.

She thought that being treated with contempt by the likes of a scholar, even if he's a demon, would stain the good name of herself and her husband as n.o.bility.

“Milady, that is a misunderstanding. This me has only been guiding you to unexplored underground ruins close to Baulburg.” (Arnest)

As expected of Arnest, seeing Katharina's att.i.tude, he tried to seriously dispel her misgivings.

“Is that the truth?” (Katharina)

“As for Duke Nürnberg: the underground ruin, where we found the big amount of magic tools and that jamming device, was just by chance located in the Kleim Mountain Range close to the mansion. Until we discovered that one, I investigated several miss underground ruins as I was told to do by Duke Nürnberg.” (Arnest)

Now that he mentions it, this guy was several years in Duke Nürnberg's care, wasn't he?

“That Kleim Mountain Range gave the impression that it might be a very huge underground ruin, but hadn't there been any other people who tried to excavate it before Duke Nürnberg?” (Wendelin)

“I heard from the deceased Duke Nürnberg that a quite distant family head of the Duke Nürnberg household carried out a small-scale excavation. After that he apparently coined the family rule 『Do not investigate the Kleim Mountain Range's underground! If you do, it will spell the Duke Nürnberg household's doom!』.” (Arnest)

Well, makes sense with that many weapons. The former Duke Nürnberg, who left behind that family rule, probably prohibited any excavation after this, fearing that his descendants might go on a rampage after obtaining all that weaponry.

“It was impossible for that Duke Nürnberg to obey such a family rule.” (Wilma)

As Wilma says, Duke Nürnberg didn't follow the rule and ended up destroying the household.

“Prohibitions and rules from the past often have a proper reason to them.” (Elise)

“Be that as it may, milady, if we do not push onwards at such points, neither the humans nor the demons will make any progress.” (Arnest)

Elise highly evaluated the family head of the old Duke Nürnberg household who left behind a will for his descendants to not excavate the big amount of ancient weapons.

However, Arnest believes that although there had been many victims due to the weapons once they were excavated, they also connect to a long-term growth as the technology will advance if these magic tools are researched after being published in the world.

On this point it's nothing more than a difference in opinion between religionists and scholars.

“Katharina, I'm grateful for you worrying about me, but it's still the first day of the exploration. Although it's been only misses so far, discovering this many unexplored underground ruins in one day is unusual. I'm sure an amazing one will appear among them, sooner or later.” (Wendelin)

I explained to Katharina to make her calm down a bit.

“Well, if you say so, Wendelin-san…” (Katharina)

Besides, there's one more aspect.

There's no place left for Arnest to go to.

If he escapes to the Empire from here, he will fall under Peter's rule. Peter likely won't hesitate to execute Arnest after extracting only the locations of unexplored underground ruins out of him.

If he executes Arnest, explaining to everyone that Arnest was Duke Nürnberg's accomplice, his approval rating will go up as well.

Even in regards to the Kingdom; the unexplored underground ruins have already been reported.

If he runs away, the Kingdom won't hesitate to order Arnest's elimination by several advanced magicians.

That means Arnest won't survive if he's not of any benefit to the Earl Baumeister household.

There's no way that a man as bright as him hasn't realized that. I think he understands very well that he won't be able to continue with his beloved underground ruin excavations and investigations if it doesn't bring any profit to us or if he runs away.

“Having said that, I sure would like information about an underground ruin that might be of benefit to us.” (Ina)

Ina sent a strict look in Arnest direction, telling him with her eyes, “Just so you know, sheltering you isn't for free.”

Actually because Arnest was told by Roderich, who has worked out how to pay his sheltering, that he'd like to have some kind of results in the early stages, if possible, Arnest accepted Ina's demand.

“You do have a point in that, milady. Even in the world of excavators, sponsors are important. Well then, this me shall inform you of an underground ruin that ought to be capable of satiating mine desires and Earl Baumeister's wish for profit.” (Arnest)

Once Arnest said so, he spread out the old map on the ground and started to try specifying a underground ruin that looks like it might contain treasures from among the many recorded underground ruin locations.

“Hmmmm. The traits of underground ruins in the Baumeister Earldom and other areas, including the Empire…has a remarkable difference in cultural style, thus, while also using the traits of the ruins, which had been discovered so far, as reference…” (Arnest)

Arnest examines the old map while mumbling to himself.

“Anyway, I wonder, is such overly convenient underground ruin going to pop up?” (Luise)

“Who knows?” (Wendelin)

“Something like the treasures found in the Demon Forest are the result of Wend's bad luck after all.” (Ina)

“Ina, isn't calling it bad luck too cruel?” (Wendelin)

“Be it good or bad, too many things happen around you, Wend.” (Ina)

“I can't deny that, I fear…” (Wendelin)

“Inchan, that's why the probability for a treasure to appear is high, isn't it?” (Luise)

Luise probably imagines that we will excavate an underground ruin, finding lots of golden and silver coins and jewels, but such riches don't show up so readily.

I wonder what Arnest is thinking about that matter?

“If it is this one, Roderich-dono will be pleased, too.” (Arnest)

Arnest stared intently at the old map with its many symbols for a while, but finally he showed us a certain place with an X-mark.

“At the foot of the Greater League Mountain Range?”

That was the location Arnest pointed at. Is there really something like an underground ruin even in such a place?

“Here we will find lots of jewels and coins?” (Luise)

“Milady, it is not that kind of treasure. If a statesman uses it wisely, it is going to have a value going beyond jewels and coins. It is a huge tunnel running through the former Carpchiras Mountain Range, combining the best public works techniques of the Ancient Magic Civilization's era.” (Arnest)

A tunnel going through those mountains, huh?

Certainly for normal adventurers that's likely beyond their capacities, but for the Earl Baumeister household it can be called a treasure exceeding money and jewels.

However, Luise had a questioning look, asking 『A tunnel as treasure? In what way?』

“Tunnel? Something like that exists? Carpchiras Mountain Range?”

We didn't remember having heard the name Carpchiras Mountain Range.

“Carpchiras Mountain Range is how it was called during the Ancient Magic Civilization's era. Now it is the Greater League Mountain Range. The first excavation project is this huge tunnel.” (Arnest)

According to Arnest's suggestion, we decided the next task to be the excavation of the tunnel said to run through the Greater League Mountain Range, and its investigation.

◆◇◆◇◆

“Eh? There's something like that close to our territory?” (Paul)

“Seems so.” (Wendelin)

“Seems so, he says…” (Paul)

Led by Arnest, who disguised himself to hide his ears, we immediately proceed towards the excavation of that huge tunnel.

The location was the base of the Greater League Mountain Range which is not that far away from Paul-niisan's territory.

Once we showed up in Paul-niisan's a.s.sociate Baron Baumeister territory, the development of the territory had advanced considerably, and the population had apparently grown as well.

Paul-niisan's former colleagues from the guard unit were together with him, who came to greet us, after having become his retainers.

“Were there any traces of such a tunnel?” (Wendelin)

“Unfortunately not in my territory. It's not like we thoroughly investigated it, so we might simply have not discovered them.” (Paul)

Ottmar-san, who had become the Junior Commander of the a.s.sociate Baron Baumeister household, and Sieghard, who is Paul-niisan's sword instructor and captain of the guards, were also present to protect Paul-niisan.

“Even if you say that, it is close-by. If the tunnel can be used, it will be a chance for our a.s.sociate Baron Baumeister territory to make rapid progress.” (Rudi)

Rudi-san, who comes from a mercantile household, seems to take care of the financial affairs and also serves as butler.

Since this place is located in the countryside, he didn't wear a butler attire like Sebastian though.

“Chance?” (Paul)

“Milord, if we can use that tunnel, it will take a bit more time than a magic airs.h.i.+p, but it will become possible to move people and goods at a cheap price. a.s.suming the entrance area is close to us…” (Rudi)

“We will gain profits by running rest and lodging facilities, right?” (Paul)

If they run drive-in-like facilities since they are close to the tunnel, it might yield them a profit.

After listening to the suggestions from Rudi-san, Paul-niisan seems to be expecting quite a bit.

“There is still the problem whether we can really find it and if it's usable once found. Huh? What about Gotthard-san?” (Wendelin)

“That guy is currently leading the reclamation work.” (Paul)

“That's an unexpected a.s.signment of personnel.” (Wendelin)

From my impression when I met him previously, he seemed to be the type who's strong in martial arts. Given that his way of speaking is quite brusque, I felt like he's not suited to command the fief's residents.

“Although that guy looks like that, he's the most intelligent among us.”

Given that he had been born into a Viscount family, he has received a sophisticated education.

His way of talking isn't broad-minded, but the residents do their work with a good efficiency without being afraid of him for some reason.

“His way to handle people is surprisingly skillful, you know? Going by just what you see, it only looks like he's lazily giving out the least amount of instructions, though.” (Paul)

“Rather than people who talk about this and that, the things needed to be done are easy to understand. Something like that?” (Wendelin)

“Maybe. Wend, go meet mother and father before that tunnel excavation.” (Paul)

“Okay.” (Wendelin)

————— End of Part 1 —————

“Also… Amelie-sister-in-law-san, Karl and the others as well…” (Paul)

For just an instant, Paul-niisan looked at Elise and my other wives, before continuing.

As for Amelie, hmm, I guess, I was busy with various matters after returning to my territory, so I didn't go to meet her yet.

“I also have souvenirs which I bought in the Empire.” (Wendelin)

“Thanks for going out of your way despite all the difficulties after being dragged into the civil war.” (Paul)

Afterwards we headed to the completed mansion while guided by Paul-niisan.

Thinking of the future, it has quite the large construction.

Father was immersed in training my nephews Karl and Oskar the sword in the front garden of the mansion.

I'm seeing them for the first time in roughly a year, but I must say, children grow up quickly.

My two nephews had become considerably taller compared to the last time we met.

“Father, Karl, Oskar.” (Wendelin)

“Wendelin, huh? Great for you to have come visiting.” (Arthur)

“Wendelin-ojisan! Please tell us stories about your time in the Empire!”

“Is it really true that you took very actively part in the war? I want to hear the stories, too.”

No matter how much I gloss it over, for my two nephews I'm no more than their father's enemy.

Even so, being idolized like this still felt comfortable.

I probably have to thank Amelie for it.

“Karl, Oskar, that has to wait for later. Earl Baumeister-dono is busy.” (Arthur)

It looks like father took my circ.u.mstances into consideration.

After he interrupted their chatter, we were immediately guided to the parlor.

If it's a war, a n.o.ble has to fight by swinging their sword.

However, those two are still children.

Children love hearing about stories of wars that took place in far away places.

In j.a.pan there are many people who don't approve of that, but children consider tanks and fighter planes cool if they are shown on TV. The festivals at JSDF bases are always crowded with parents taking their children along.

After all there are many adults who love stories about wars where they won without incurring any damages to themselves.

As long as they don't see the mountains of corpses, most people behave like that.

“Karl, Oskar, I'm sorry. I bought souvenirs in the Empire, but the stories have to wait for next time, okay?” (Wendelin)

“”Thank you very much.”” (Karl & Oskar)

After I pa.s.s them their presents, father sends them out of the room.

And, at almost the same time Amelie entered while carrying a tea set.

“It's been a while Earl Baumeister-sama.” (Amelie)

“Long time no see, Amelie-san1 .” (Wendelin)

It's a barefaced greeting, but it's really true that it's been a while.

It's for the first time in a year, but it looks like she hasn't changed much.

“Elise-sama, Katharinsama, Insama, Luise-sama, Wilmsama, it must have been difficult in the Empire, right?” (Amelie)

Amelie chats them up casually while placing tea in front of Elise.

“It was hard, but it's the duty of a wife to share the hards.h.i.+ps together with her husband.” (Elise)

“I think that it also deepens the bonds with your husband.” (Ina)

“There might be that as well.”

“I will follow Wend-sama anywhere, so no problem.” (Wilma)

“Thanks to that we are happily acting together like this even after coming back.” (Katharina)

With Elise's statement at the beginning, Ina and the others also reply to Amelie while smiling.

“It's very enviable for you to be on such good terms.” (Amelie)

Due to Amelie likewise answering with a smile, my stomach starts to hurt.

In the eyes of Elise and the others, Amelie is an eyesore who still continues her relations.h.i.+p with me.

But they don't show those emotions. Probably they are thinking that it would be their loss if they did.

Amelie has skillfully warded them off, too. I think women are really strong-minded.

Only I'm on tenterhooks.

No, I guess it's different.

Every member of the male group was on tenterhooks.

“Oh, those tea cakes are delicious.” (Erwin)

“Replenis.h.i.+ng a moderate amount of sugar before an excavation is indispensable.” (Arnest)

Knowing of the circ.u.mstances, Erw immerses himself in wolfing down the sweets that had been served since he doesn't want to get dragged into the cat fight.

Even Arnest, who has no interest in anything besides the tunnel which we are going to excavate from now on, ignored me and drank mate tea while eating tea cakes.

“Uhum! Come to think of it, is there some kind of job today?” (Arthur)

As he probably feels uneasy as well, Father, who's the princ.i.p.al offender as he hitched me and Amelie together, changes the topic while looking at Paul-niisan.

“They say it's the excavation of an old tunnel.” (Paul)

Paul-niisan explained to father and the others the main reason why we came to this place today.

“A tunnel from long ago, huh? I'm an amateur, so I don't really know, but is such an ancient tunnel something that stays around without collapsing?” (Arthur)

As a matter of fact, I felt doubtful about that, too.

After all, it's a tunnel from roughly 10,000 years ago.

“Even if it's still around, a tunnel, where you don't know when it might collapse, is of no use to anyone, is it?” (Arthur)

Everyone showed consenting expressions on their faces upon father's comment.

“How about it, Arnest?” (Wendelin)

“Wendelin, he is?” (Arthur)

“An archaeologist I got to know in the Empire. From now on we will work on excavation in the Baumeister Earldom, and he will be the one in charge of that.” (Wendelin)

“I see. I hear it's lucrative if you draw a winner from among the underground ruins.” (Arthur)

If there's something so wonderful within a territory, it's only natural for the lord to excavate it.

Father seemed to harbor that kind of impression.

As Arnest's disguise is perfect, he most definitely doesn't suspect him to be a demon.

“A normal tunnel would have definitely collapsed, but the tunnel we are going to search for from now on is special.” (Arnest)

Arnest shows something like an old leaflet to us.

“It's old paper, isn't it? A leaflet?” (Wendelin)

“To be precise, it is the government's public information during the era of the Ancient Magic Civilization.” (Arnest)

For an old paper that's said to be older than 10,000 years to still be around is amazing.

I wonder, was it left in the demon country?

“According to this, 『A huge tunnel making it possible to cheaply send a large amount of people and goods through the Carpchiras Mountain Range』. Earl Ischrubak, who was not only renown for the most famous magic tools in the era of the Ancient Magic Civilization but also in other fields, and Republic Akitsus.h.i.+ma, which existed in the current Baumeister Earldom and possessed technological strength that was not inferior to the central nation during that era; given that it is a tunnel dug and sponsored with money as well as technology by those two, it will not collapse in a mere 10,000 years. The entrance has been buried, so searching for it will be difficult.” (Arnest)

“Earl Ischrubak, that was the owner of that underground ruin which made us terribly suffer during our adventurer debut fight, wasn't he?” (Erwin)

“Yeah.” (Wendelin)

“That amus.e.m.e.nt park's…” (Erwin)

“Yeah…” (Wendelin)

Naturally Erw remembered it.

Even though that underground ruin was a facility from at least 10,000 years ago, it hadn't deteriorated at all.

Even the amus.e.m.e.nt park, which is still floating in another dimension, is the same. The 『Preservation』 magic, which had been used, was excellent after all.

If that magic had been used for the tunnel as well, it's very likely that the tunnel can be used right away as soon as we clear away the earth and sand once we find it.

“Of course, this me, who provided the information, will be the first to investigate it.” (Arnest)

“Don't worry, I know that.” (Wendelin)

It's no wonder that Arnest, who doesn't forget to give a reminder even at times like this, could join up with Duke Nürnberg…I wonder whether it's fine to consider it like that?

However, one thing I can say is 『You do have some nerve』.

“As I don't know whether we will find it in a day, can you please let us stay here?” (Wendelin)

“That's okay with me, but you won't find such a huge tunnel in a day?” (Arthur)

“Sir father, the rough location has been recorded on a map from the Ancient Magic Civilization's era, but it is also a fact that 10,000 years have pa.s.sed since then. It is very possible that the location has largely deviated from my a.s.sumption due to the changes in the terrain and such.” (Arnest)

“That sure sounds troublesome.” (Arthur)

After obtaining the permission from father to stay here for a while, we depart to the actual site.

“These accelerator, break, gear…hand brake; what are they for?” (Erwin)

It's a slight distance away and I can't use 『Teleportation』 since it's a place I haven't visited yet, thus I decided to head to the actual site, using one of the magic four-wheels we excavated before.

As it was a car that runs with mana and not fuel, Erw does a test drive while looking at the manual.

Driver's licenses or such bulls.h.i.+t don't exist in this world. This area is a gra.s.sland with no one in sight anyway.

It doesn't matter even if he learns driving by making it move all of a sudden.

Fortunately, or should I say it's because Erw has good reflexes; he was able to drive skillfully in no time.

I also possessed a driver's license in my previous life. I was a paper driver as I had a bit of a blank period where I didn't drive a car, but I should be able to drive normally if I practice a bit.

Unexpectedly it's something the body remembers.

If I don't practice a little bit more, I don't believe that I will be allowed to drive on a j.a.panese street, though.

“I want to learn it, too.” (Luise)

“Let's practice in order.”

“The people from the past sure created some handy things.”

If you want to call it handy, then it might be, but since it's a kind of car its user-friendliness actually becomes unexpectedly bad if the roads aren't maintained properly.

With the apparent premise that they would be used on bad roads, the vehicles that were discovered in the Demon Forest's underground ruin are mostly those resembling jeeps and large trucks.

If that wasn't the case, it might have been impossible for them to be usable on bad roads or roads that are close to it.

“Wend, it's handy, but I kinda feel sick…” (Luise)

Since the base of the Greater League Mountain Range is mostly untouched no-man's-land, the magic four-wheeler shakes terribly if you make it drive across that terrain.

Since it looks like even Luise feels bad due to motion sickness, it goes without saying that it applies for the others as well.

“The pa.s.sage of 10,000 years is really cruel. A place that achieved a development competing for the first or second rank on the continent turned into wild nature.” (Arnest)

As Arnest wasn't afflicted by car sickness, he worked hard at drawing up a report by himself.

“Arnest-san, you haven't gotten sick at all, have you…?” (Katharina)

Suffering the most of car sickness, Katharina was surprised at Arnest being completely fine.

“In my childhood I had terrible motion sickness. Nowadays I am alright with it.” (Arnest)

Arnest doesn't talk overly much about his home, but occasionally he drops some fragments of information.

In the demon country magic four-wheelers have apparently become popular as if it's the most natural thing in the world.

“What do those who get sick do?”

“They take anti-motion-sickness medicine. Do you need one?” (Arnest)

“It would have been great if you had handed it out in advance…” (Katharina)

Arnest pa.s.ses the medicine around to everyone. Once they swallowed it, all of them were promptly released from their motion sickness.

We also pa.s.s the medicine to the members that have boarded the other four-wheeler, the one driven by Erw.

At any rate, it's quite the effective medicine, isn't it?

The demon country seems to fairly advanced in medical technology, too.

“Wendelin-san, it looks like you haven't gotten sick either.” (Katharina)

“I guess it's because I'm driving?” (Wendelin)

I remember that I had awful motion sickness in my childhood during my previous life.

And yet it's strange because it vanished when I got my driver's license and started to drive a car myself.

“We have arrived.” (Arnest)

We have arrived at our planned destination in around 20 minutes, but the local terrain was nothing more than a mountain slope.

It's impossible to imagine that a tunnel from the Ancient Magic Civilization's era is supposed to sleep below this area that's densely overgrown with many trees.

Given that 10,000 years have elapsed, it's probably been completely buried below the mountain.

“I know that it should be roughly around this area, but please do not ask me where exactly.” (Arnest)

“Is there no other option but to dig up the entire area…?”

Just being able to specify the location to some extent makes it already better than for other adventurers and archaeologists.

While thinking that, I begin working.

However, it's not like all will be fine by recklessly blowing away sand and earth with magic.

First I cut down the large amount of trees crowding the slope with 『Wind Cutter』 and collected them into my magic bag.

“I guess they will serve as firewood and lumber…” (Wendelin)

Next I shaved off the rocks, earth and sand, and stored it away as well.

“Wendelin-san, are you not going to get rid of a greater amount at once?” (Katharina)

“No, if I do that, it might damage the tunnel below.” (Wendelin)

Among my friends at university there was one guy who majored in archeology. He said that one must proceed carefully when using heavy machinery during excavations.

If you dig out a large amount all at once, considering it bothersome to go slowly, it could turn out badly with rare remains and artifacts getting broken, causing the archaeologists to clamor about their precious materials being lost.

Still, we might be better off as we are not carefully sc.r.a.ping off the soil with a wooden spatula.

“How boring.” (Erwin)

“It's not boring for you and the others, now is it?” (Wendelin)

Katharina, Arnest and I search for the tunnel. Erw and the others entertained the flying dragons and wyverns that occasionally turned up here.

The Greater League Mountain Range is a place that should also be called a quasi-monster domain. That's why wyverns will show up, thinking that prey has come, if humans kick up a fuss in their territory.

Compared to other monster domains, the distribution of monsters is irregular, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a monster domain either.

I should probably prepare a method for traveling other than across dangerous mountain roads or via magic airs.h.i.+ps with their expensive s.h.i.+pping fees, even if that's a safe method.

“The tunnel is finished. Thus, if the Earl Baumeister household maintains it, it will be profitable.” (Wilma)

It's as Wilma says.

People don't move readily if there's no profit to be gained.

“And, this me will be acknowledged, allowing me to increasingly focus on excavation.” (Arnest)

Because the tunnel is convenient for me and will enable me to profit from it, and because Arnest wants me to acknowledge further excavations, we are eagerly working here like this.

“Dear, you're also collecting the dug-out earth?” (Elise)

“If it's Roderich, he will likely find some way to make use of it.” (Wendelin)

I remembered him talking about there being places he wants fill up before.

If I take it there and use the soil to fill up those places, no useless sand and earth will remain here either.

If we pile it up at some bad spot, I would feel anxious that it might turn into a landslide due to becoming slushy from rain.

“Hhmmm. This place is a miss as well.” (Arnest)

We tried to dig quite the range until evening, but we didn't find the all-important tunnel.

After deciding to do the rest tomorrow, we leap to the a.s.sociate Baron Baumeister territory with 『Teleportation』.

The reason why we didn't use the four-wheelers was because everyone would have doubtlessly become sick due to the bad roads.

Since I have come to the actual place once now, it's no problem as we will be able to instantly teleport on-site starting from tomorrow.

Even though they are valuable, convenient vehicles, I know of the risk of them being hated because the infrastructure has to be improved first. Cars feel very sickening if the roads are bad.

As for other issues, there's also the problem of countermeasures against theft.

I think normally they would be stolen with a magic bag if we left them on-site.

“Looks like it's quite difficult to find that tunnel, doesn't it?”

“The range of the location labeled as roughly being the right place is extensive after all…”

We return to the a.s.sociate Baron Baumeister territory and take dinner together with father and the others.

As expected, the menus has improved substantially, turning into something that's no inferior to that of other n.o.ble families.

I continue to talk about today's excavation work with father.

“I guess it's because the tunnel is also buried on top of the forests and mountains above it now that 10,000 years have elapsed.” (Artur)

“If it hadn't been buried to such an extent, someone would have likely discovered it in the past…” (Wendelin)

“If you manage to make it usable after finding it, I suppose many visitors will arrive in this territory. It's something that would have been unimaginable in my youth.” (Artur)

I can't imagine it either.

Father was absorbed in maintaining the small Knight Baumeister territory.

He was probably desperate to accomplish that much.

“The current me is really no more than a retired geezer who is supporting Paul who went independent as new feudal lord. I think helping is the most I can do. Come to think of it, what about Klaus?” (Arthur)

“He's behaving obediently…” (Wendelin)

I hired Klaus temporarily after he started a rebellion, but in the time when we had been in the Empire he had received a.s.sorted jobs from Roderich, and was apparently focused on only carrying out those.

Since he received a large reward in the disturbance with the Margrave Browig household, that must have been sufficient for him.

“It seems Roderich is somewhat keeping an eye on him, but…” (Wendelin)

For a person of Roderich's level, Klaus, who has perpetrated terrible deeds in the past, likely is a person requiring high precaution.

Him a.s.signing a.s.sorted jobs to Klaus also serves as way to monitor him.

“I think there's no need to worry too much, though.” (Arthur)

“Why?” (Wendelin)

“Klaus and I were unable to cooperate, but recently I have become capable of understanding his viewpoint.” (Arthur)

According to father Klaus seems to have already fulfilled his ambitions.

“Including the Knight Baumeister territory, the development of the Savage Lands is advancing, and exchange with the outside has started as well. This was his ambition. Being able to calmly think of eliminating me and Kurt as no issue for the sake of this aspiration, that's Klaus.” (Arthur)

“So you're saying that he has already achieved his objective?” (Wendelin)

“That man wasn't picky with his methods, but now that he's achieved them, that's the end of it. He's more intelligent than many others. He's at an advanced age, too, so he should stay obedient from now on.” (Arthur)

Father's face turned bitter for an instant.

I suppose that intelligence of Klaus is a part that he doesn't like.

He ended up losing his own son, but the lives of Klaus' grandchildren has improved after becoming governors of new villages.

Maybe father is jealous of his difference in ability with Klaus.

Klaus was able to save his grandchildren, same can't be said about father, who couldn't save his son.

“Either way, that's all in the past now. Klaus and I will grow old and die. However, a tunnel, eh? According to the map it's very probable that it's connected to the Breithilde Margraviate, but I wish it will be helpful for this territory to prosper successfully. Personally, it will likely increase my pocket money, too.” (Arthur)

Finis.h.i.+ng dinner while holding such a conversation, I go to enjoy the evening's cool in the mansion's back yard.

Outside Erw trained swordsmans.h.i.+p with Karl and Oscar.

“Erw, how it's going?” (Wendelin)

I try asking Erw about my nephews' swordsmans.h.i.+p talent.

“They are actually more talented than you and Erich-san, Wend.” (Erwin)

“Hmmm. I don't quite know if the comparison targets are way too bad to make a judgment.” (Wendelin)

There's no need to talk about my talent in swordsmans.h.i.+p.

And, the one who exceeds me in being terrible at it is Erich-niisan.

“If they do their best, I think they will be able to reach the third or fourth round in the Martial Arts Tournament.” (Erwin)

“That gives me a peace of mind then. I guess their mother's blood is strong in them, huh?”

“I don't think that their blood matters. Even my father was defeated in the second round of the tournament in his youth.” (Amelie)

Before I realized it, Amelie stood next to me.

Originally I wanted to talk with her much earlier, but previously Elise and the others were present as well as other onlookers.

In front of us Erw is practicing with my nephews, but right now there's no one else nearby.

I guess this means we can have a private chat.

Elise and my other wives might be considerate of us.

“Arthur-sama practices swordsmans.h.i.+p with them if he has time.” (Amelie)

Father has no talent in swordsmans.h.i.+p either, but if it's at the level of teaching them the basics, he should be able to accomplish that.

“Johannsama and I teach them writing and calculation, too. Artur-sama also reached the point where he's capable of calculating with almost no discomfort.” (Amelie)

While helping with the a.s.sociate Baron Baumeister territory which is still in the middle of expansion, despite having retired, he's training archery and swordsmans.h.i.+p with my nephews.

Himself studying albeit being busy to all outward appearances might be owed to him feeling something akin to his own incompetence due to the matter with Kurt.

“I see.” (Wendelin)

However, I don't voice out my deduction.

It would be rude towards father.

————– End of Part 2 ————–