Chapter 62: Restricted Area

“A restricted area? Does that mean there’s a place with entry restrictions or something judging from the name?” 

In response to a term he heard for the first time, Isamu questioned Selfers.

“Yes, that’s right. The ruins in the Kalenberg territory are vast, spreading like a huge labyrinth underground. And there isn’t just one entrance or one underground labyrinth. Many entrances connect to many underground labyrinths.”

Answering Isamu’s question, Selfers explained about the ruins.

About 300 years ago, ruins were discovered in the low mountainous area near the capital of Kalenberg, Belcoure.

Due to a landslide, part of the entrance to the underground ruins was exposed to the surface by chance. Upon conducting a thorough investigation, it was revealed to be a massive underground ruin.

A joint academic survey was conducted by the Kalenberg family, the owners of the ruins, and the royal family. Once the survey was complete, the ruins were opened to the public.

Since then, numerous adventurers and artifact hunters, like Willem, have entered the ruins, bringing back artifacts.

However, the so-called academic survey was a pretext, and it was evident that it was a preliminary investigation to monopolize valuable artifacts. Since it was the Kalenberg Family’s territory, other families turned a blind eye to some preliminary investigations, excessive actions would lead to various retaliations. Therefore, the open areas gradually increased year by year.

However, due to the enormous size of the ruins, even the Kalenberg family has not fully grasped the entire picture. As a result, there are still many unreleased areas. According to one theory, it was said that only about half of the ruins had been opened to the public.

Within such unreleased areas, the term “restricted area” referred to areas where the outline was known but not made public, distinguishing them from “undeveloped areas” where the outline was not even grasped.

“I see… If it’s a place not visited by many people, we might find good artifacts.”

Understanding after listening to the explanation, Isamu remarked.

“Ah, and in our case, it’s essential that even if it’s not the form of an artifact, just the magic circle alone is good.”

That was the biggest advantage of having Isamu. Even if an artifact was found, it would soon become a registered item, so discovering a readable magic circle alone might be better.

“Regarding the eligibility to enter this restricted area, has it ever been opened to other families?”

“Ah. It’s impossible for areas that haven’t even grasped the outline, where incredible treasures might be sleeping. As for the restricted area, although the hurdle is not low, it has been opened as a reward or in cases where there is a cooperative relationship with noble families. A clear example is that it’s open to Marquis Felker.”

“Felker? … Ah, the one with red hair! But isn’t it open to the family rather than the Marquis himself?”

Isamu asked while thinking of the red-haired man who was in charge of the place when he was teleported here.

“Exactly. Although both families have had good relations for a long time, the current heads of the families are particularly close. In addition, Marquis Felker, Samuel-dono, is said to be the kingdom’s top magician. For the Kalenberg family, who wants to advance the exploration of the ruins, the magic ability of Samuel-dono is attractive.”

“… I see. It’s because Samuel-san’s power is needed, so it’s a right given to an individual rather than a family. If the right is given to the family, even if Samuel-san passes away, the right remains…”

“That’s right. That’s why, in the end, our proposal will settle for a limited right only for the current generation.”

“But, Father, even if it’s limited to the current generation, can you get the right with just the compensation for the previous matter?”

Annemarie asked anxiously after listening to Selfers.

“It would be impossible with just compensation alone.”

Selfers answer to that question was clear.

“But we don’t plan to rely solely on the compensation card. We have another card, the improved refrigerator. Since it surpasses the existing ones in all aspects, once it is released, the existing ones will no longer sell well. Moreover, we have already entered into an exclusive sales contract with Zambrotta Trading Company, so they will monopolize the sales. If that happens, it will be a significant blow to the Kalenberg family, which holds a considerable share of the existing refrigerators. After all, they won’t sell any more in the future… So, we deliberately propose to include the Kalenberg family. The situation will no longer be a complete monopoly, as before, including sales. Still, it’s better than nothing.”

“Well, originally, it wasn’t a joint development proposal for this negotiation, so I apologize to Isamu-dono for that…”

Saying this with a wry smile, Selfers looked at Isamu.

“No, originally, it was a joint development proposal to earn favor. I think it’s best to play the card in the most effective situation.”

As Isamu had no intention of making the joint development proposal out of goodwill in the first place, there was no issue.

“Alright, let’s go with that as the basic policy then. We’ve informed the Viscount Jansen’s family that we plan to visit about 10 days after this negotiation. We should receive a schedule from the Viscount’s family soon, so please be prepared to go on a trip around two weeks from now.”

“Understood. I’ll also prepare the improved refrigerators to bring as souvenirs.”

“Yeah, I’m counting on you. Um, is that all for the discussion about this incident?”

“Selfers-sama, what about the introduction of Isamu-dono? How will you handle it?”

As Selfers sought final confirmation, Diluc asked.

“Oh, right, right! We had that discussion, didn’t we? I plan to publicly announce that Isamu-dono is a wanderer to the residents in the near future. We can’t keep hiding it forever, and it’s a good timing since he played an active role in the defense this time.”

“Yes, I have no problem with that. Regarding the explanation of the ability skill, The residents are aware that wanderers have special skills, right?”

“Yeah, let’s go with that. I plan to publicly announce that Isamu-dono’s ability skill is the ability to ‘use magic more efficiently than others.’ It’s fast to learn, consumes less magic power, and has no strengths or weaknesses. If I had to compare it to a regular skill, there might be something similar, but having all three together is unique. I can explain it as a unique ability skill, and since he actively used magic this time, I don’t think there will be any doubts. Well, more than half of it is actually true. I’m just not saying everything… What do you think?”

“Oh, that explanation works well! The association from the skill’s name isn’t unnatural either. Old magic can produce the same level of power with less magic power than new magic. So, please go with that.”

With this explanation, it’s convenient for Isamu to use magic in public without any problems.

“Got it. Let’s go with that. Oh, by the way, I also plan to publicly announce that Orihime-dono is Isamu-dono’s precious familiar and has received blessings from the god of Isamu-dono’s world. She’s not actually a familiar, but as an explanation, it’s the smoothest way.”

“Nyaa~”

In response to Selfers’ explanation, Orihime, who was curled up on Anne-Marie’s lap, wagged her tail two or three times and let out a small meow.

“Most likely, it should be fine.”

Seeing that, Isamu was reassured and bows.

“Thank you. I was hesitant about the blessing of the goddess… Since there’s no guarantee that those who want to obtain it won’t appear. However, Orihime’s achievements and hiding her any further will become difficult, so I decided to boldly make it public. I’m sorry…”

Saying that, Selfers lightly bowed his head.

“No, it’s not something that can be hidden, as you said. I have no problem with it. I’ll do my best to protect Orihime. Although, facing someone who can take on a Mage Ogre and somehow manage, I don’t think there’s anyone… Hahaha.”

“…Certainly, that’s true.”

Selfers also couldn’t help but smile wryly.

Thus, the sudden monster incident came to a temporary resolution, and the unveiling of Isamu and Orihime was also decided.

The next day, while Isamu was adjusting the schedule for the unveiling and the mass production plan for the Felis series, news of a visitor arrived. The visitor was Benedict, the head of the church in this town and the chief priest.

When Isamu went to meet Benedict, who was waiting in the reception room, Benedict bowed politely and spoke.

“I informed you the other day that Orihime-dono’s divine object is complete, so I thought it would be wonderful if you could confirm it…”

With a slight smile, Benedict glanced at something placed there, covered with silk-like cloth, about 30 centimeters in height.

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