They bought all the supplies they needed under Bilderna Castle on the Kingdom's behalf, borrowed guards from the Kingdom, and headed first to the Zalto Strait, which lies between the Kingdom of Bilderna and the Jiral Union.
"The Zalto Strait has strong currents, so we'll have to make a big detour to cross it. There are no regular ships, and this route is out of the question. It would be more realistic to travel clockwise along the continent."
Sepro muttered as he looked at the Zalto Strait. Trasteria and Bruno agreed.
"There's also the risk of pirates when you go out to the Orbis Sea," Trasteria said, based on her own experience.
The three traveled clockwise around each country in a carriage, meeting with leaders and related parties, taking into account the situation and circumstances, and wrote a realistic hero story along the way, over the course of a journey that lasted a little over six months.
The three works were seen by the leaders of each country and the representatives of the hero countermeasures organizations at the final Hero Countermeasures Conference.
"This work by Trasteria Geo from the Organov Empire is interesting both as a story and as it satisfies the hero's need for recognition."
"I also think that this scenario is good as it is in line with the current situation in each country."
"As a young playwright, he seems to have flexibility and stamina."
Claude Organov was in high spirits, touching his Kaiser mustache as his country's writer was praised.
"In that case, let's have Ms. Trasteria Geo keep an eye on the hero's party. We need a commander to guide the hero and to match monsters to the hero. Let's leave that to her."
Tania Fuji, former prime minister of the Ittsukuni Democratic Kingdom, raised her hand. "It's a technology that was put to practical use in our country three years ago, and we've developed something called wireless. Using it, the hero's party and Miss Trasteria Geo will be able to communicate over long distances. We're currently working on miniaturizing it, waterproofing it, and other technological developments. It will be available to the party by the time the hero departs."
The meeting room was in an uproar over this technological innovation from a small country in an age where letters are the main means of communication.
Kratos' eyes lit up.
"Musen, you say? That's an incredible technology that allows long-distance communication. It is certainly useful. I will send out one of my best warriors to give it to him."
There was a glint in Kratos' eyes, as if he wanted to buy or steal the technology if he was lucky.
However, Tanya Fuji didn't seem to mind, and nodded in approval. He raised his black-rimmed glasses with his index finger and asked.
"King Raniester, have you finished repairing the legendary armor?"
"I asked master craftsmen from all over the world to repair it, but they can't repair the metal parts and it's giving me a hard time. It seems to be made of a metal that no one has ever handled before. Also, it's quite heavy, so I wonder if it will be useful to give it to the hero... But I think its strength is excellent."
"For now, we'll just have to wait for the right timing and try to get the hero to obtain it as per the scenario."
"By the way, Lord Ronoir," Albeini spoke up, which was unusual for him. "I heard that the monster farm collapsed due to the current economic downturn, but will this have any impact on our neighboring country?"
Former Head of State Ronoir answered while wiping sweat from his brow.
"I'm sorry. Since the current administration came to power, the recession has gotten worse, and because of tax cuts, we have been unable to raise funds for our anti-hero organization, so my plan has fallen apart. The current administration has realized this and is taking emergency measures. It seems that the border areas are well defended, so I don't think it will affect your country."
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
"That's fine, but please."
Kratos muttered quietly. "More importantly, there is the Demon King..."
Everyone in the council fell silent at his words. An oppressive atmosphere hung in the air.
Without any conclusion being reached, the final meeting ended.
Three months before the Hero was expected to awaken, Trasterina was summoned by Kratos, King of the Kingdom of Bilderna. The performance he had written was in the middle of being performed. Kratos began speaking while they were alone in the audience.
"I'm sure you've heard the outline from Emperor Organov, but the Hero is real."
Trasterina nodded. "So, I want Miss Trasteria to lead the hero party according to the scenario. The other day, I received something called a radio from Lady Tanya Fuji of the Democratic Kingdom of Ittsukuni. This is a rare item that allows us to contact people far away. I will be sending a spy into the hero party, so I want you to keep in contact with him while you travel."
"Yes, I understand."
For Trasteria, this mission would become a part of her flesh and blood, and she was sure that it would be a journey that would break down the wall.
Two months had passed since Elliot's fifteenth birthday.
Ralph, Emily, and Kana were worried about when he would awaken as a hero. They sincerely hoped that he would never awaken as a hero. Clare, who was a teacher and magician, returned to Brannor Lawful Kingdom about two years ago, when Elliot had mastered magic to a certain extent. At the time, Elliot was heartbroken, but she told him that she would come to see him again soon, and he saw her off with tears in his eyes. Elliot had acquired considerable knowledge and skills in magic from her. Even after Clare returned to Japan, he never missed practicing magic as well as sword fighting.
That day came suddenly.
After the family dinner, it was time to go to bed. Ralph was having a drink alone in the living room. Elliot was supposed to be asleep already, but he slowly appeared in the living room.
"Wow, what a surprise! What's the matter, Elliot? Can't you sleep? You're already fifteen, do you want a drink?"
Ralph put down the glass he was about to drink from and tried to ask softly.
Elliot's eyes were green, unlike usual, and a light flickered in them.
"Elliot?"
"Dad, I have to go."
"Where? It's late at night. The store isn't open."
"No, I have to defeat the Demon King."
"Demon King?"
Ralph pretended not to notice.
"Yes. I can sense the presence of the Demon King. I have to defeat him."
Though he had imagined the words he might hear many times, these words shook Ralph's heart.
"Well, there is no Demon King."
"Yes, there is! I'm the only one who can defeat him!"
Ralph sighed at Elliot's heated eyes and words.
"...I understand. I'll report to the King tomorrow. Get some sleep tonight."
Elliot, who had a determined look on his face, relaxed slightly, nodded, and returned to his bedroom.
"So he's come..."
Ralph gulped down the rest of his drink in one gulp and held his head. He was completely sober.
Ralph felt bad about entering the bedroom, but he gently shook Emily awake.
"...What is it, Ralph?"
"Elliot has awakened as a hero."
"What!?" Emily's eyes, which had been half-open, turned into ones of surprise. "So, what's the matter?"
"Anyway, I think I'll take Elliot to see His Majesty the King tomorrow."
"I'll go with you."
"Yeah. Even though he's an adult, he's still a child. If we don't accompany him, it might be disrespectful to the King."
"But just as Kana and the King said, you've come after all."
"I couldn't refuse when you showed such a strong will. But the King and the anti-hero organization are supporting us, so let's pray that you return to Suwari Village safely."
"...Yes."
Ralph went to bed too, but in the end, neither of them were able to sleep and the morning came.