Chapter: 524
The First Queen I know is someone who starts all her thoughts with the benefit of the kingdom.
To put it another way, she can’t stand when something harmful happens to the kingdom.
Of course, being someone who understands the greater good, the First Queen will bear losses if necessary, but she will mobilize everything she can to minimize those losses to the very end.
Knowing this, I decided to reorganize the information about the Fairy Forest once more before meeting the First Queen.
It’s true that the memories of the opponent behind the monitor are vague, but it’s a bit tricky.
The Fairy Forest only existed as background in the game.
While there were various settings scattered in the game, none of them had any impact on the game, so over time, it was naturally forgotten.
The only reason I remember anything at all is because of the anticipation that a DLC would be coming out during those days when we were throwing around various theories.
If I hadn’t been stirring up a fuss on the forum back then, I wouldn’t even have these fuzzy memories.
If I went to meet the First Queen in this state, despite having a valid reason, I might end up getting torn apart instead.
So, let’s整理信息（reorganize the information） one more time.
I’ll combine the data left at the Academy and the memories I have, and finally seek advice from Grandpa to prepare for the negotiations.
Having made up my mind like this, I told the fallen Perverted Apostle to contact me when he wakes up, and then returned to the Academy.
But who would’ve thought I’d get a chance to talk to someone who actually investigated the Fairy Forest directly?
I truly didn’t see this coming.
After all, in the game, I could check the content of the book, but it’s rare to confirm the author.
Especially if it’s a setting that has no relation to the main story.
“I can’t believe I’m alive to have a chat with Allen!”
Following Joy’s guidance, the professor ran up to Benedict, his eyes shining the moment he saw him.
He exclaimed how he admired him from long ago, how he felt a thrill watching him slay dragons, and that if permitted, he’d like to write a book featuring him as the protagonist.
Benedict remained perfectly calm in front of the professor who expressed admiration in every way possible.
“Those are all things from the past. Right now, I’m just an ordinary uncle.”
“That can’t be! Even now, there are so many who consider you the strongest in the continent!”
“If it were my prime, it might be a different matter, but right now, it’s hard to say I’m at the top. There are just so many formidable people out there.”
Benedict’s demeanor while accepting the admiration with a smile seemed seasoned. He must have experienced such things more than once.
“Let’s head inside! Ah, I should prepare some hospitality.”
“Shall we prepare some snacks, Professor?”
“Of course we should! No, I’ll go myself! I’ve saved up for this day…”
Seeing the professor so excited, I couldn’t help but think bringing Benedict along was a good idea. At this rate, he really might spill everything.
Honestly, I didn’t bring him along because I wanted to, but because he had those puppy dog eyes that made it hard for me to refuse.
Anyway, the result is good, so it’s all good.
Hrum. Ahem.
As the professor left with a researcher, Benedict cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders. Although he didn’t open his mouth, it was clear he wanted to say something.
He probably wants to boast about how great he used to be. Make me praise him.
“Seems like you were amazing back in the day, unlike the pathetic adult you are now. Silly Papa?”
“Nothing much. Just remnants of a passionate time.”
Benedict tried hard to act humble, but he couldn’t hide the melting smile. He really is an honest guy.
Not long after, the professor returned with expensive-looking snacks and tea in front of us.
As Benedict said how delicious it was, the professor let out an honest laugh just like he did moments ago.
“Now that I think about it, I forgot to ask the most important question. What brings you here?”
“My daughter has something she wants to ask you, Professor.”
“Your daughter?”
The moment the professor’s gaze shifted from Benedict to me, his eyes trembled.
Did I do something to this guy before? I can’t recall any such thing.
Why is he scared of me? Maybe he heard some rumors and got spooked?
Whatever it is, it’s not something I need to concern myself with.
“It’s quite unpleasant to breathe the same air as a coward like you. So, answer my questions quickly. If you tremble and sweat while speaking, I’ll step on you.”
“Y-Yes!”
Puhaha. Look at the poor old man all tense. Is it okay for an adult to be this pathetic?
The professor, unable to handle the situation while staring at his thighs, looked just like a great toy. Extracting information from someone like this should be easy peasy.
“The question I’m asking is about the Chicken Queen’s Forest.”
“…I’ve never heard of the Chicken Queen before.”
“I’m talking about the Fairy Forest, Professor.”
Once the term “Fairy Forest” was mentioned, the professor finally nodded his head.
“If it’s about the Fairy Forest, it’s a field I can speak confidently about. What do you want to know?”
“Everything.”
“W-Wait, are you saying I can tell you everything I know!?”
The professor got so excited he jumped up but immediately glanced around and sat back down.
“S-Sorry. I just realized there are limits to what I can say.”
“It’s fine. Cowardly professor. I never expected anything valuable from someone as pitiful as you anyway.”
I didn’t even think I’d be able to hear everything about the research of the Fairy Forest.
If that had been possible, I wouldn’t have even thought to ask the First Queen anything about the forest.
“…B-But! I will answer everything I can!”
Maybe my tone bothered him; the professor’s voice trembled, and he suddenly stood up and revealed various papers.
“First, about the history of the Fairy Forest!…”
“Oh, that’s okay. It sounds as boring as your pathetic appearance.”
In the past, asking Grandpa would have been enough for that.
“…Then what kind of explanation do you want?”
“Isn’t it obvious? We can only talk about the present now.”
Hearing my words, the professor seemed flabbergasted.
“I apologize, but please indulge my daughter’s whim as well.”
“If that’s what you wish, gladly!”
Before Benedict could finish his sentence, the professor was already grinning and relaxing his expression.
“Currently, the Fairy Forest has been designated as a restricted area by the Church. The reason is clear. About twenty years ago, the Evil God’s Energy started leaking outside the barrier.”
The professor pulled out a simplified map which was more barren than what Karia had given me and continued to explain.
“When the kingdom confirmed this, they contacted the Church and requested personnel to check the barrier. It would be a huge issue if there was a problem with the barrier.”
At that time, the professor, who was part of the investigation team, confirmed the barrier along with several renowned wizards, and they concluded that there was nothing wrong with the barrier itself.
“Wait? But the barrier has been there for hundreds of years, just like our Academy’s barrier, right? How could there be no issues?”
As Joy asked about this puzzling part, the professor nodded as if he understood.
“As the Young Lady Partlan said, if it were a normal barrier, it would have already weakened and crumbled. However, this barrier was enhanced by the blessing of a Holy Knight, believed to be at the peak of power, crafted by the Wizard Erginius, called the greatest genius in history.”
The Great Wizard Erginius devoted everything to create a magic circle that stood the test of time without decaying.
“Then why is the Evil God’s Energy leaking out?”
Exactly. According to the professor, if the barrier was fine, the Evil God’s Energy shouldn’t be leaking. Erginius would never allow that.
“…I’m sorry. I can’t answer this part.”
The professor bowed, asking for understanding as this part was designated as classified.
Seeing him unable to speak despite my Mesugaki Skill prodding him made it seem like he must have some kind of contract in place.
In the end, although the professor didn’t say anything about the most crucial point, he ended up rambling about several trivial things to prove his knowledge due to the provocation I caused.
Thanks to that, I was able to reconfirm that my memory was quite accurate, but I didn’t gain any significant insights.
Other than that, what the professor mentioned were just the negative effects caused by the leaked Evil God’s Energy and various trivial things meant to counter it. Nothing useful at all.
I started to find it bothersome just listening to him, and I left the professor’s office, thinking that I wasted time expecting anything.
“My daughter might say otherwise, but you were very helpful.”
“Ah! I’m honored that I could help you!”
Seeing the professor holding Benedict’s hand and shedding tears, I turned my head with a heh while walking with Joy, who was lost in thought.
‘Grandpa. Any guesses?’
[You’re wondering about how the Evil God’s Energy leaked out, right?]
‘Yeah.’
[There are a few things forming in my mind. When I meet Erginius later, I’ll tell you then. It’s too soon to make conclusions based on the meager information.]
Hmm. Looks like I have to meet that skeleton again.
[And Lucy. From now on, just listen to what I say and don’t react.]
‘…What? What do you mean by that?’
[There are those watching you. And they’re quite capable.]
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