Three months had pa.s.sed since refugees that numbered more than ten thousand arrived from the Ruined Continent, now known as the continent of Grand Dream. Put it another way, three months had pa.s.sed since the continent's existence was properly acknowledged.

It was the height of summer. While Vireocean's summers were hot, the cool wind blowing from the sea prevented the atmosphere from being humid.

Next to Ville Zentra was a town built in a hurry named Ville Dream. Housings that could hold seven thousand people were built and even now construction was still ongoing at a quick pace.

「Today's schedule, Your Majesty.」

「Ah, yes. Kindly dictate it for me.」

Dream Maker's king, Doriachi, lived together with the refugees in Ville Dream. His subjects still addressed him as Your Majesty as he was the people's emotional support.

They had grown accustomed to life here. At first, people were surprised at the soft bread—white bread being the staple food of Vireocean—and the light seasoning did not suit their tastes. However, they did manage by using their own kind of seasonings.

「First thing in the morning, there's a meeting regarding the housing allocation in Ville Dream, and a report on the progress of the construction. Next is a lunch meeting at Lady Patricia's residence in Ville Zentra. After that is an informal discussion with emissaries from different countries.」

「Schedule is packed as always, I see. Let's do our best so we can get back by dinner.」

「Hahaha. Of course.」

They were already getting used to the language, due to their desperate efforts to make sure that at least a few of those who held higher positions, including Doriachi, who might be potential negotiators, could speak it.

Doriachi rightfully acknowledged himself as a “refugee”. Despite the circ.u.mstances and their military power, refugees, at worst, could be enslaved. He considered the possibility of being taken advantage of. However, that didn't happen.

The other countries wouldn't allow Vireocean to rise in power alone. Also… Silver Face helped as well.

Every country kept Vireocean in check, so it wouldn't monopolize Dream Maker's technology. Silver Face—Hikaru—played a big part as well. He knew Kudyastoria, Marquedo, and Kaglai, and asked each one of them to return the favor they owed him.

Hikaru saved Kudyastoria back when she snuck into the Order's training facility and the building collapsed. Marquedo owed him for his help in Forestia's first step to uniting the seven nations. As for Kaglai, Hikaru still hadn't received his payment for escorting him to Vireocean.

Doriachi didn't expect Silver Face to actually have that many connections to different countries.

「The construction of the housing complex for unmarried people is almost finished. It's estimated to be done in less done a month.」

It was the Sanitation Department chief who gave the report in the morning meeting. Doriachi gave a smile, seemingly relieved.

「Thank you. Most of the citizens can rest on land soon.」the king said.「You haven't taken a break since we arrived here, have you? You should take a day off.」

「But I…」

The man cast his eyes downward. Everyone present knew he worked with Ludend, the man who planned the revolt. They also knew that Doriachi told him to work hard to atone for his crimes.

「Why don't you take a nice and quiet vacation?」Grucel said, placing a hand on the chief's shoulder.「If you fall ill, people will question His Majesty's leaders.h.i.+p skills.」

The chief nodded, bowed slightly, and left the conference room located in Doriachi's residence.

「A new environment, hard feelings from the past, fear for the future… We have a lot on our plate.」Doriachi said.

「Indeed.」Grucel replied, nodding gravely.「But we can overcome them all.」

Everyone's face, including Doriachi, brightened.「Exactly. All right, let's get things done quick. Who's giving the next report?」

A cheerful atmosphere filled the meeting room.

The carriage carrying Doriachi from Ville Dream to Ville Zentra was clearly visible even from the coast.

On the coast, citizens of Dream Maker—their once purple skin now dark from the heat of the sun—and Vireocean mingled together. People worked on and outside the large s.h.i.+ps docked on the hastily-built dock harbor.

『What's the matter, Sir?』

『It's nothing. I told you, I'm no longer the head of the Sorcery Department. Just call me Ludend.』

『It's quite difficult to change that after all this time.』

The Sorcery Department staff gave a shrug. A huge blueprint was spread out on the table that lay right beside them under the blue sky. Citizens from the two countries were discussing things.

『There are a few things they don't understand, and they want to talk to you about them.』

『Which part?』

『Here.』

The staff pointed at a formula that functioned as a navigation aid. Ludend glanced at the woman who asked about it, a researcher from Vireocean, and switched languages.

「This one's closely related to the sorcery used to repel sea monsters, so it'll be difficult to understand by looking at it as a separate item. I'll tell you about the mechanism to repel sea monsters first. There's a wavelength that travels unabated even in salt.w.a.ter, and we—」

Vireocean's researchers listened attentively, frantically taking down notes as Ludend spoke fluently. Members of the Sorcery Department listened closely as well, not letting a word escape their ears. As a result, they learned the language faster more than anyone else.

(Hey, did you know about that sorcery formula?)

There was a reason why the members were desperate.

(Of course not. Only his own research team is privy to that information.)

(He's divulging it without hesitation.)

What Ludend was explaining was something new to most of the staff.

(That rumor might be true after all.)

(What rumor?)

(You haven't heard of it? They say that after this job, Sir Ludend is going to kill himself.)

(What?)

(That's why he's teaching us everything… It's possible.)

(For real? d.a.m.n.)

It was only natural for them to make such a.s.sumptions. After all, Ruden used to be so secretive, and yet now he disclosed everything he knew.

「That's it. Any questions?」

The female researcher blinked a few times.

「W-Well… most of these are things we don't know about. I think we need to verify what we know first.」

「I see. Well if you have questions, don't hesitate to ask me.」

「Thank you!」

The researchers started actively discussing things among themselves. Casting a sidelong glance, Ludend stepped away from the place. No one went after him.

Work was underway at the docks to repair the wars.h.i.+ps damaged by the long voyage. Vireocean had prepared all the materials for the restoration, but Ludend didn't know why they did all that. However, he was vaguely aware that their “knowledge” was also the price of the materials.

What do we do once we've paid the price? he wondered.

He walked wearing his usual frown. He had long forgotten how to smile. On the night of the rebellion, they fought to the death, fueled by their emotions. It wasn't until later he learned they were being influenced by an evil being. Still, after such a fulfilling experience, the days he spent here were dull in comparison.

I cannot possibly wish for a normal life.

Doriachi was too soft on Dream Maker's citizens. He had already declared that Ludend and the rebels wouldn't receive the death penalty. However, many of them killed their countrymen with their own hands on the night of the rebellion, and they spent their time aboard the s.h.i.+ps, unseen to the public.

The people of Dream Maker were not forgiving enough to keep people who had killed their own around. Conversely, they were magnanimous as long as one did not cross the line.

Deena, the secretary, had committed an evil deed unprecented in Dream Maker history—luring monsters in from the outside—and was currently being held in a Vireocean prison. Apparently, the investigation had been progressing slowly.

I suppose we can just cross that bridge when we get there.

The sky was just as blue as the one in Grand Dream.