Chapter 5: To the Benan Region
Alright, we’ve decided to go on a honeymoon, but where should we go for our memorable first “holy site pilgrimage”?
When I asked Fina, she just smiled and said,
“Wherever you’d like, Renas.”
She’s always lacked a bit of initiative, and on top of that, she’s head-over-heels for me, so she has a habit of respecting my wishes.
So it’s probably best if I just decide myself.
With that in mind, I took out a map.
It was an old-fashioned map. Of course it was; it’s 100 years old. It even lists several countries that were already extinct back then. But even if nations vanish, the shape of the continent doesn’t change. The same should be true for famous landmarks and historical sites.
Thinking that, I pinned it to a tree and prepared a berry.
I threw it like a dart, and it stuck to the map with a splat.
The place the berry indicated was the Benan region of the Ishtar Kingdom.
“Oh, Benan. Super nostalgic.”
“Yes.”
“It’s where you and I first met.”
“Yes. You took me in, Renas, when I ran away from my home in the Forest of Dawn in Benan.”
“Yeah, you were staring around the town like a wide-eyed country bumpkin.”
“Yes. I had only ever known the forest, so the stone-paved streets were a novelty.”
“I mean, as far as honeymoon spots go, this is perfect.”
“Yes. I think so, too.”
With no objections from either of us, we decided to head for the Benan region.
“Ah, by the way, where are we right now?”
“This is the Logaria region of the Fortuna Federation.”
“Fortuna Federation? Never heard of it.”
“While you were frozen, Renas, the kingdoms that once formed the Alliance of Kings united into one. Now, the former kings, nobles, great merchants, and the descendants of the Seven Heroes have formed a council and govern it.”
“Huh, they really made it big.”
“Yes. As they are the ones who defeated the Demon King, they are held in high regard and respected by the public.”
“Good, good. They went through a lot. They deserve at least that much of a perk.”
“They are now called the Five Great Families.”
“Hmm, hmm—wait, what? I get that you and I are counted separately, but did Murdock leave behind children?”
“No, he did not have any children either. There was another hero who remained unmarried their entire life as well.”
“Then why are there five great families?”
“Because one of them established multiple branch families. Sir Legars the Knight founded both the West Elvance and East Elvance families.”
“That elite sure was vigorous.”
I recalled the straight-laced knight, Elvance. As a poor noble, I, and the elite noble, Legars, honestly didn’t get along. We fought more than once or twice. —The fact that he had a crush on Fina was also annoying.
“Lady Celis the Warrior founded the Blandia family.”
“That tomboy, huh? Getting a noble-sounding surname and all.”
“I heard it was bestowed upon her directly by Lord Duram of the Alliance of Kings.”
“Oh?”
“Also, Lord Ark the Thief established the Zelganon family, and Lord Yux the Priest also left behind a house.”
“Wait, wait, Ark I get, but Yux was a priest, wasn’t he? What happened to his vow of celibacy? I can’t imagine that hardcore virgin ever changing his beliefs.”
“Lord Yux remained celibate his entire life. However, his disciples, lamenting the loss of his fame and skill, founded the Saint Yux Family. It was after his death.”
“Hmm.”
“They choose the most excellent among the disciples who faithfully uphold his teachings to be the head of the house.”
“I see. So it’s passed down through generations of boiled-down virgins.”
“…”
My wife’s words became fewer, so I decided to refrain from crude language.
“I’ve got the general picture. I’m sure I’ll have a chance to meet my companions’ descendants someday, but that’s not now. First, our holy site pilgrimage to the Benan region.”
“Yes. You’re right.”
Fina agreed and suggested we head for the main road first.
Of course.
We could summon a Roc and be there in an instant, but for something like this, it’s better to walk.
This isn’t a journey to be rushed.
We could conquer every post town and even make up our own stamp rally if we wanted.
And so, as slowly and leisurely as possible, we took our first step.
