Chapter 5 – Tapestry of Gods and Devils
It was another day of fine weather.
From the pier, the sea looked calm, without any great waves, and seagulls could be seen flying up above.
“Mayor. There you are.”
Sacosta looked at the young male attendant and nodded. And then he turned back to the sea.
The deep green robes fluttered in the wind. It was the formal clothes of a mayor when greeting nobles at official events, but the weight of the cloth on his shoulders now filled him with sadness.
“So, he’s returned.”
“Aye…”
Far into the distance of the sea, a large ship was approaching rapidly. And on its white sails he could see the crest. A single book and a feather pen.
A fleet of ten other military ships followed from behind.
“It is quite strange. Every time the Hero visits, the sea becomes calm and the weather fair.”
“Strange? It is merely one of the god’s miracles.”
The voice from the bearded lips sounded bitter. The young man quickly bowed his head.
“So, about future plans…”
“Just do things the usual way. There is no need for greeting ceremonies or feasts. And get rid of these spectators too.”
“…Certainly.”
The man replied as he moved back. He then turned to the soldiers, who had already started to disperse the crowd that had gathered to see the ships.
Eventually, they could hear the sounds of the ships breaking through the waves.
It had been two months ago, when the Hero’s fleet had first come to the giant port of Zaneji, on the Morania continent.
After that, things had changed.
This place now belonged to the Seer, Furukamuto, and was a base for the Hero.
“Mayor, it’s time to prepare for the mooring. Please step back.”
The head of the dock, a man with sunburnt skin creased with a bitter smile, shrugged apologetically. He raised one hand to the sailors behind him, stepped back, and then watched as the ship was moored alongside the pier.
I really was a huge ship. An unprecedented giant with three sails and a five-tiered hold.
Shipwrights who once went to inspect it were left speechless by the complex design and the extraordinary precision of its construction. They all agreed that even with a hundred years, they would never be able to replicate it.
“Anchor ready!”
The voice boomed, and the mayor looked up. He saw a figure already nearing the ship’s side. Backlit and obscured, but it was likely him.
Eventually, the ship settled quietly against the pier, and the bridge was lowered.
And then they descended.
“Welcome back, Hero.”
Cold eyes turned towards Sacosta.
The short black hair, brown eyes. The Hero wore robes of white and blue over a body that looked rather frail.
“What do you want?”
“…Nothing. However, it is my duty to see the Hero upon his return.”
“I see. Thank you.”
The Hero continued to walk without expression, as if having no interest in speaking further.
“As I said before, when it comes to the matter of management of the cities, and sharing of technology, please leave it to us.”
A sorcerer, who followed after the Hero, turned to the mayor with an apologetic expression.
“I’m sure it isn’t easy, but that is how the Hero is like. Please don’t take it personally.”
After that, the Hero and his attendants continued on their way to the lodging. There was some shouting from the crowds, but they were all ignored.
“What a repellent fellow he is.”
Words that sounded like they had jumped out of his heart. He turned pale and looked in the direction they had come from. The head of the dock stood there with a smile.
“Don’t do that. You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“Bah. I just said what was already written on your face, mayor. It is nothing.”
“I see…so it was that obvious.”
“As are other things. Should I read more of it?”
He had been mayor for nearly twenty years now, and they had been on friendly terms for most of that time. Sacosta smiled back and continued to walk away.
The Hero had always acted like that.
Ever since he arrived in this city.
‘So you are the leader of Zaneji. Mayor Sacosta.’
‘Ye-yes! We are honored to have a Hero travel from so far away…’
‘From today, this city will obey the orders of Yasuharu Hanuma, the Hero of Seer Furukamuto.’
‘What? …Bu-but this is all so sudden… Our city has remained neutral with Morania…’
‘You will be allowed to hold your position and keep things in order within the city. However, my army will be stationed here, and you will obey any demands we have without objection.’
‘Bu-but, this is tyranny!’
‘What we need now is military supplies, lodging for the soldiers, and food for the horses. The details are all written here. We will not require much else from this city. Additionally, if you accept us, our military ships will escort the merchant vessels, allowing you to recommence trade with the Efalea continent. That should have a tremendous effect on the economy and raise profits. We have made predictions as you can see in these documents. As soon as you agree, send us a messenger.’
The very one-sided negotiation had taken place in his office, without any special reception or banquet.
The Hero plainly said what needed to be said and thrust the documents forward. And then he stormed out of the room.
As for the documents, they were calculated with such precision. He had never seen books like that before, and it made him sick.
He gathered together the leaders of the guilds, and they discussed the matter for three days and nights.
Whether it was with the three royal families of Morania, or the Efalea continent guilds, or even the Demon King’s army, they had always stubbornly protected their rights and freedom. And yet now, the Hero’s army was causing division. At one point, the mayor was worried that they would start killing each other.
In the end, they decided to believe the Hero’s words, that they would be able to function as they always had, and they accepted the army into the city.
But when he visited the Hero to tell him the news…
‘I see.’
The Hero said boredly in his room.
‘Is-is that all you have to…say?’
‘Yes… Thank you. I am grateful for the decision.’
He had no emotion. The words were dry.
‘…By the sounds of things, you did not really need our help.’
Sacosta could not help suppressing his anger. The young man answered.
‘Yes. Of course, we always have other ways.’
Ever since then, the Hero had been someone Sacosta both feared and hated.
Still, the city was reinvigorated as predicted. Grains and cotton sent from Efalea began flowing into the markets, while iron ore and timber crossed the sea once again. Merchants, craftsmen, and the townsfolk all prospered as a result.
The Hero’s army alo exterminated monsters in nearby regions, and the city’s crime rate plummeted.
The people praised him. With the same mouths they had once praised the sea god.
“…Lady Ayano…”
He suddenly recalled that girl, who was no longer here.
She had not looked like much. But she had been brave.
“Unfortunately, not all Heroes are like you…”
Sacosta lamented while looking at the working sailors.