537: Rumors and the Golden Golem User

Upon returning from the Kingdom of Rare, which had been attacked by a one-eyed golem, the professors secluded themselves in Babylon, seemingly engrossed in crafting an exclusive Over Gear for Albus.

As always, their secretive nature persisted, and they still refused to show me their progress. I thought it wouldn't hurt to get a glimpse, but I knew it was futile to insist, so I gave up.

Well, I suppose they'll unveil it once it's completed.

Kuhn appeared to be assisting them, albeit only at a helper level, and wasn't as confined to Babylon as the professors.

He seemed to be spending time having tea with his sisters and brothers.

This time, he was present at the Two Worlds Conference to assist with the frame unit adjustments. Since Rosetta from the "Workshop" and Monica from the "Hangar" had gone over to the professors' side, we were short on manpower.

Currently, he was supporting His Majesty the Phoenix Emperor and the Steel King, who were undergoing piloting training within the frame unit simulations.

Oh, it seems the match has concluded. His Majesty the Phoenix Emperor appears to have won. As a beginner, it felt like he won through sheer button mashing, akin to a gacha game.

"I won! Tatsuma-sama, I did it!"

"Ugh, I lost..."

From the aligned frame units, the Phoenix Emperor of the Orfan Dragon Kingdom and the Iron King of the Iron Kingdom Gandiris emerged.

Representatives and high-ranking officials from various nations were gathered in the venue, engaging in conversations.

Even those from the Western Continent, unfamiliar with frame units, participated in the training without much hesitation. Though it was more of a game under the guise of training.

I discussed the incident in the Kingdom of Rare at the Two Worlds Conference and proposed that, similar to the Fraze invasion, each country should cultivate individuals capable of piloting frame gears.

In response, His Majesty the Beast King of Mismede raised his hand.

"Are you suggesting, Your Highness, that there might be a large-scale invasion akin to the Fraze incident?"

"It's a possibility. Depending on the production capacity of Chrome Lanches' 'Ark,' it's unlikely to be just one or two units. At the very least, it should match the production capacity of each country's Factory. Given time, they could amass a considerable number."

My words caused the representatives from the Western Continent to ponder deeply. Those from the Western Continent, who regularly utilized golems, seemed to grasp the situation more quickly.

The professor speculated that the enemies were extracting seabed resources to mass-produce the one-eyed golems. If that's the case, they have an abundant supply of materials. Given time, they could produce a large quantity.

Next, a question arose from His Majesty the King of Belfast.

"These 'Apostles of the Evil God,' was it? What exactly are they trying to achieve?"

"Perhaps the resurrection of the Evil God, or the birth of a new one. It's merely speculation, but it's certainly nothing good."

Whether they're attempting to resurrect or awaken a new Evil God, they likely require a massive amount of negative energy, typically found in humans and similar beings.

As was the case with Yura, the quickest way to obtain such energy is to plunge the world into fear and anxiety.

If they're mass-producing those one-eyed golems for that purpose, we must take action now to avoid falling behind.

Should the Evil God truly resurrect or be reborn, my wives and I, now officially part of the divine race, would be unable to intervene directly. We must prevent that at all costs.

Upon reflection, I realized that among the nations in this world, ours is one of the few not bordering the sea (excluding the Dungeon Island). Perhaps only the Roadmare Federation and the Lamish Theocracy are similarly landlocked.

Therefore, every nation faces the risk of invasion. To counter that, deploying frame gears is our best option.

The problem is, unlike the Fraze incident, we won't have prior knowledge of their appearance.

If we receive a report, I can use my teleportation magic to arrive immediately. However, in remote villages, by the time we get the message, they might already be destroyed.

Regarding this, Engineer Elka suggested capturing, dismantling, and analyzing one of those one-eyed golems to create a radar-like device for detection. But if we can't capture the first unit, it's a moot point.

For now, we must prepare for potential attacks.

"I see. So, you're proposing to entrust frame units to the nations of the Western Continent and have them train as frame gear pilots?"

Reinhard-niisan, the Knight King of Restia, nodded in understanding.

"Yes. Just like during the Fraze invasion, we've decided to lend frame gears to each country in emergencies. We'd especially like you to monitor the coastal areas."

We've provided smartphones to the leaders of allied nations, and we've decided to distribute more "Gate Mirrors."

With "Gate Mirrors" in local and remote towns, they can instantly send messages to the central government. If I receive a message from there, I can respond swiftly.

Although the Western Continent has communication devices, their range is limited, and they take time.

"Given the situation, it would be beneficial for the remaining countries to join the alliance soon."

The Elf King of the Kingdom of Rare, which recently joined the alliance, expressed this sentiment. The Vampire King of the Demon Kingdom Helgaia, also a recent member, nodded in agreement.

Though we couldn't prevent the recent one-eyed golem attack, various countries have sent relief funds to the Kingdom of Rare.

The town should be able to rebuild quickly.

This time, it was a small town, but some countries have large coastal cities. The damage could be far greater than what happened at Kadan's port.

If the goal is to plunge the world into chaos, targeting major cities would be more effective.

"The Kingdom of Kyuriera seems to be considering joining, especially after the incident with their port town. I believe they'll participate next!"

Prince Robert of the Panashes Kingdom, known for his pumpkin pants, shared this. Beside him, the kind-looking King of Panashes nodded in agreement.

Previously, the Kingdom of Kyuriera had its coastal city, Alpris, devastated by fishmen, four-armed golems, and rock giants.

This was also the work of the Apostles of the Evil God. Their guerrilla tactics are truly infuriating. While it's fortunate that the Kingdom of Kyuriera is now leaning towards joining the alliance...

The countries yet to join the alliance are the Kingdom of Kyuriera, the Kingdom of Lange, the Kingdom of Refan, and the Kingdom of Gem.

Assuming the Kingdom of Kyuriera is confirmed to join, what about the remaining three?

Among these nations, the Kingdom of Gem is already being approached thanks to the efforts of the Holy Empire of Triharan. From what I hear, the response hasn’t been bad.

As for the Kingdom of Lanje, it might join the alliance as well—if its neighbor, the Kingdom of Kyuriera, joins first. After all, they'd be surrounded by allied nations at that point.

The real problem is the Kingdom of Refan. We barely have any information on that place... What's really going on over there?

I decided to ask His Majesty, the King of the neighboring Kingdom of Primula.

“Refan, huh... They indeed border us, but the Daora mountain range lies between the Kingdom of Refan and our Kingdom of Primula. Because of those towering peaks, there’s almost no interaction between our nations.What’s more, Refan has large surface-level deposits of mithril…”

Ah, right—mithril and golems are a terrible match, aren’t they? If I remember correctly, their performance drops to less than half. I've also heard mithril is used to seal away dangerous golems. It’s a valuable magic ore in the Eastern Continent.

But from the perspective of the Western Continent, where golem civilization flourished, people probably wouldn’t want to go to a place like that. Even golem-powered airships might crash there.Well, there are golems that aren’t affected by mithril, though.

“From the little I’ve heard, it seems the Kingdom of Refan is currently in the middle of a civil war. It’s likely not in any shape to join an alliance.”

So, they’re at war internally. Is it more of a power struggle? Kinda like what happened in Eashen a while back?

Apparently, the Kingdom of Refan is composed of several clan-based factions. The king doesn't seem to have much power, and one of the clans even drove him out of the royal capital.

There are clans resisting the one that took over the capital, others trying to expand their territory during the chaos, smaller clans being united under new rising powers... It’s a real mess—just like the Warring States era.

Maybe this is just what happens when the one at the top has no real power... Not that I can talk. Even in our small country, we can’t rule out the possibility of a coup d’état.

“Actually,” someone interjected, “I’ve heard rumors that the conflict is starting to settle down. Apparently, a tremendously skilled golem user has appeared as an aide to the king.”

“Oh?”

That voice came from His Highness Crown Prince Rufeus of the Holy Empire of Triharan, one of the countries bordering Refan. Sitting beside him was his fiancée, Princess Berrietta of the Kingdom of Strain.

These two are still riding around in their modified ether vehicles, huh? At this rate, the Holy Empire of Triharan might become the next great nation of magitech cars.

“But doesn’t mithril make it impossible for golems to function freely in Refan?”

“Apparently, that golem isn't affected at all. Maybe... the device developed by the Magitech King of Aizengard has somehow leaked out.”

The old Magitech King developed something like that…? Oh right, based on the legendary Beast King Units once used in the long-lost Kingdom of Rewe. That device made golems resistant to mithril’s effects.

Wait a second. Could it be... that the golem this girl is using is a Beast King Unit?

There were supposed to be twelve of them. Most were destroyed during the war with the Empire of Gardio, but maybe one of them survived.

“They say the golem she commands is golden. And its master... is a little girl, barely older than five.”

“......Heh.”

My eyebrow twitched at Crown Prince Rufeus’s words.

A golden golem. It immediately reminded me of the golden ‘Crown’.

In truth, golden golems aren’t all that rare. Nouveau riche types love building them. I remember when I searched for the golden ‘Crown’, I found tons of hits.

Gold-plated golems are kind of a flashy symbol of success. Tasteless, maybe—but hard to ignore.

Then again, we’ve got a golden Frame Gear ourselves, so I guess I shouldn’t throw stones. I could be considered a bit of a nouveau riche myself...

Maybe that Golem user who’s helping the King of Refan is the daughter of some rich family? Backing the weak king with her family’s wealth?

“They say this girl—probably around five—hasn’t been touched by a single enemy. Her golem is said to possess a complete defense barrier.”

…Huh?

“They say the wielder herself dashed across the battlefield like a gust of wind, scattering the enemy forces in one swift sweep. Apparently, not a single person managed to even touch that girl.”

Mmm…!? Wait a second, that sounds like… No, no, that can’t be. That’s ridiculous.

“Father. I have a very strong suspicion about who that might be.”

I really wanted to deny it. I wanted to. But then came a voice from behind—Kuhn, of course—throwing that denial straight out the window. Oh no… Don’t tell me.

“What was her name again…? Staff? Step?”

So close! Prince Rufeus, the correct answer is Steph! Or properly—Stefania. That’s my daughter!

No way. Why the hell is my kid taking part in a civil war!?

“How on earth did that even happen…?”

“Knowing Steph, she probably didn’t think too hard about it. Likely just helped out because someone offered her food or something like that.”

Hold up, is she being fed like a stray animal!? Is she okay? Is someone using her for their own gain!?

“That part should be fine, I think. That girl has a sharp eye for people. It’s like an animal’s intuition… or more accurately, it’s on the level of Mother Yumina and Kuon’s ‘Eyes of Insight.’”

What the heck!? My daughter’s basically a wild child!?

If I go by what Kuhn’s saying, Steph helped out King Refan of her own will. Which means… King Refan’s not a bad person?

When I asked King Primula and Crown Prince Rufeus about it, turns out that the monarch of Refan Kingdom is a queen, just like in the Strain Kingdom.

She’s apparently nearing sixty, but there aren’t any bad rumors about her as a person. Though… as a king, there are plenty of whispers.

Just because someone’s a good person doesn’t mean they make a good ruler. Refan is a kingdom where many clans are gathered. If you can’t manage disputes and clashing interests between them, you can’t rule.

More than anything, a ruler needs presence—the strength to make subordinates fall in line. And unfortunately, it seems the current Queen of Refan just doesn’t have that.

Is Steph covering for her? …Wait. Hold on. Is my daughter about to become the next Queen of Refan or something!?

This is getting way too serious.

I don’t even know what’s up with her controlling a golden golem, but either way, I’ve gotta go bring her back.

That said, I can’t just abandon the Second World Summit either.

Steph’s mother, Sue, is also here at the summit, but if she finds out now, there’s a real chance she’ll panic. I’ll wait until the summit is over before telling her.

Hours passed. Even though I was fidgety and frustrated the entire time, I somehow managed to get through the summit without a hitch.

Now… It’s go time.

As soon as it was over, I gathered everyone and shared what I had heard about Steph. Their reactions split cleanly in half, almost comically so.

Yumina and the other wives:

“Ehh!?”

Kuon and the kids:

“Ah… yeah, that sounds about right.”

“You guys don’t seem all that surprised.”

“Well, it’s not exactly the first time Steph’s done something outrageous… That girl is free-spirited—both in a good and bad way.”

"Outrageous," huh. That just makes her sound like she’s constantly doing weird stuff. …Well, she does, but still.

As I sat there, trying to wrap my head around Kuon’s deadpan reaction, Sue suddenly burst out, no longer able to contain herself.

“That doesn’t matter now! We must go to Refan Kingdom at once! I must see Steph! I’m sure she’s lonely! I, her mother, shall go and bring her back!”

Of course, we should go. But… I’ve never actually been to Refan Kingdom before, so I can’t use [Gate].

I asked Yakumo, who also knows how to use [Gate], if he’s ever been there—but nope. No dice. This is a problem.

We’ll have to go the long way. I can’t use [Teleport], since we don’t know where it’ll drop us—could end up in the middle of a battlefield, or worse, inside someone’s private quarters. That would be an international disaster.

We can use [Gate] to go to Primula Kingdom. From there, we’ll just have to cross the Daora Mountains and enter Refan Kingdom the old-fashioned way.

“Naturally, I’m coming too,” Sue declared without hesitation.

Right after her, to my surprise, Yoshino raised her hand.

“I’m good at catching Steph. I’ve got both [Absorb] and [Teleport], after all.”

“I see. So even if Yoshino is trapped inside a [Prison], she can absorb the magic with [Absorb] and nullify it. And if someone tries to escape using [Accel], she can chase them with [Teleport]. She’s basically Steph’s natural enemy.”

It seems Kuon often managed to stop Steph’s rampages using her Mystic Eyes, too.

Still, “capture” sounds a bit too much. It's not like we’re hunting wild animals or anything...

“If Yoshino is going, then I’m going too.”

Apparently, Sakura was worried about her daughter, so she insisted on coming along. Well, I can understand the concern — we’re heading into a conflict zone, after all.

For now, I opened a [Gate] to Babylon’s “Hangar,” and asked Monica, the manager, to prepare the high-speed flying ship Gungnir.

Gungnir also acts as a support unit for Sue’s Ortlinde. Since it’s equipped with stealth functions, it’s perfect for sneaking in unnoticed.

I could have just flown around by myself using [Fly] and searched, but Sue looked like she couldn’t sit still any longer.

“Alright then, let’s go! Hold on tight, ‘kay?”

As soon as we stepped through the [Gate] I opened, Gungnir, piloted by Monica, burst into the skies over the Kingdom of Primula.

It quickly shifted into stealth mode, becoming completely invisible from the ground.

“So? Once we enter the Kingdom of Refan, where exactly are we heading? Should we go straight to the capital?”

“No, word is that the capital has already been occupied by another clan. I doubt she’s there. The king... no, the queen is probably wherever the royal authority resides…”

I tried narrowing down the search to the Kingdom of Refan and looked up “Her Majesty the Queen,” but… multiple results popped up. That many people look like queens? Or maybe, since it’s a clan war, each clan has a female head who’s being referred to as “Queen-sama”…?

“How about searching for the golden golem?”

“Tried that before. Ended up with a ridiculous number of hits…”

“But if you limit the search to this country only, wouldn’t that narrow it down?”

Now that she mentions it, that actually makes sense. No offense, but most of the hits last time came from big, rich countries on the Western Continent — places like the Kingdom of Strain or the Holy Kingdom of Arent.

I don’t recall getting many responses from the Kingdom of Refan.

Just as Sue suggested, I limited the search to this country, and bingo — three results. Two of them are located in the capital. Meaning, the remaining one has to be the golem near Steph.

It’s in the eastern part of the Kingdom of Refan. Quite a distance from here. We’ll have to move fast.

“Monica, set our course east.”

“Got it. Heading east, ‘kay?”

Gungnir soared across the skies, flying past the Daora Mountain Range and continuing steadily eastward. I just hope we’re not already caught up in something troublesome… no, we probably already are.

“Why is it that our kids always get wrapped up in trouble?”

“And you’re the one asking that, Touya?”

“It’s absolutely inherited from their father. No doubt about it.”

...I apologize.