Chapter 962: Arriving at Salisbury
My diary, the one hundred and twenty-eighth volume.
Such words were written on the cover.
It felt subtly heavy.
Mash noticed it too, her expression growing somewhat complicated, but even more filled with admiration.
How many years had she persisted in order not to forget important matters? How many times a day did she flip through her diary?
Night fell, and the sky was veiled by a blanket of stars.
Eiji and Mash casually ate some canned food before laying out two bamboo mats to rest.
Just before falling asleep, Eiji suddenly remembered something very important.
"By the way, how much do you know about the Child of Prophecy?"
"We haven't encountered them, but I know of the prophecy of Einsel."
Grim replied, reciting the prophecy in a rhythmic tone.
"—Now listen as I tell of a future, where the mystical island becomes a land of fairies, and I shall reveal its end to you.
Offer a welcome back to the innocent, for this is the city of the deep and bottomless Queen.
Like rain they gather, like dust they pile, like snow they melt, like lies they vanish.
Our hopes remain shelved, still in the palm of the Queen's hand.
But endure just a little longer, for after two thousand years, the Child of Salvation shall appear.
Uniting fairies and humans, the Child of Salvation will save the world.
Though at first their light may be faint, unnoticed and unrecognized, they will still fly toward it like moths to a flame.
In the Iron Town, by the Coal Sea, when calamity is repelled, the pilgrimage shall be welcomed.
Guided by the chosen staff, watched over by the foreign traveler, the Child of Salvation will finally reach the throne.
The one who sits upon the throne is the true king, crowned with a blood-stained crown.
Like the wrath of thunder, like the sorrow of flames, six tolls of the bell will announce the rise of the true king's path.
Before the crimson calamity catches up, before the black calamity bites down.
It's alright to slack off a little, for we are the descendants of free fairies.
Hope has never been enough, yet we sincerely yearn for a brilliant tomorrow."
...
After traveling across the plains for two days, covering over 500 kilometers, the party of four finally entered the southern plains.
The sky remained the same twilight hue as always, unchanging throughout the day, whether windy or rainy.
Eiji was growing tired of this yellowish-brown sky and began to miss the azure skies of Pan-Human History.
Fortunately, by evening, they finally arrived at the southernmost city of Britain.
Salisbury.
A city ruled by the chief of the Wind Clan, known as "Britain's only free city."
With a total population of about 200,000, it was home to members of various clans, naturally born fairies, and humans who had gained independence.
Though it was over 200 kilometers from the southwestern coast of Cornwall—the location of the Nameless Forest—it was still the southernmost city in Britain.
If Chaldea wanted to reunite with the separated Mash, they would surely come here to gather information.
"Before we enter, there's one thing we need to confirm."
About two kilometers outside Salisbury, the group stopped at Grim's call.
"Fairies cannot distinguish Servants. They will mistake me and young Mash for fairies, but Eiji, you are a genuine human. The fairies will recognize you at a glance."
"So, we need to determine your identity before that—specifically, whose attendant you are, or whether you're a human with autonomy?"
"Then I'll naturally choose the latter."
Eiji replied without hesitation.
In this Britain Lostbelt, the human population was strictly controlled.
And the one responsible for this was none other than the Queen!
However, since humans could enhance the happiness of fairies, they were undoubtedly a coveted resource. Back in Sheffield, Kurma had mentioned that only high-ranking fairies were qualified to have human attendants. For lower-ranking fairies, humans could be considered a luxury.
It was easy to imagine what lower-ranking fairies, who lacked any sense of morality, would do upon encountering an unclaimed human.
According to Habetrot, it would be fortunate if they merely swarmed in to snatch the human. It was commonplace for internal conflicts and killings to erupt among fairies. If a deranged fairy on the verge of death were involved, it wouldn't be impossible for them to chop a human into a hundred pieces just to revel in the happiness brought by their agonized screams!
In short, it was utterly chilling.
Fairies, as beings, were far too extreme!
This could easily provoke envy and snatching among some lower-ranking fairies. Of course, I'm not worried about you, but I am concerned that this city might be destroyed because of you. If you show your face, it could even incite internal strife among the fairies of Salisbury. I hope you can exercise some restraint."
"...Sounds like you're blaming me for it."
Eiji put on his hood with a speechless expression, then casually pulled out his trio of essentials: sunglasses, a face mask, and a camera. Anyone unaware might think a paparazzo from Proper Human History had invaded.
Don't ask why he carried these things—the answer was simple: caution!
Grimm spread his hands helplessly.
What else could he do?
I have to consider the safety of the fairies and humans in Salisbury, don't I?
"Mash needs to change her clothes too. You might be wanted by the Queen right now."
"Ah, right! I didn't even think of that!"
Mash suddenly realized.
"In that case, why not wear the wedding dress I made! After all, you'll be meeting the groom soon, won't you?"
Habetrot suddenly grew excited.
"G-Groom and all that..."
Mash, her face flushed red, stepped into the carriage.
Once everything was prepared, the four of them released the two horses and headed toward Salisbury.
Fortunately, Grimm, Habetrot, and Mash all appeared to be fairly powerful and high-status fairies. Even though they were accompanied by a human, the city guards didn't give them any trouble, and the group entered Salisbury without any issues.
"It feels a bit like a rural European town from Proper Human History."
Eiji surveyed his surroundings.
The roads and buildings were mostly constructed from stone bricks. There was a small bridge over a flowing river by the water's edge, with street vendors and poets along the roadside. In the distance, a large-scale church could be seen, exuding a unique sense of tranquil elegance.
It was said that the Wind Clan was famously rational and peaceful, which aligned well with the atmosphere of this city.
There was a stark stylistic difference compared to Camelot, which was clearly built to flaunt the nobility of high-ranking fairies with its extravagant and opulent architecture.
"Mr. Eiji, have you been to Europe before?"
Mash asked with a mix of innocence and admiration.
"Nope, only seen photos."
"Then what are you even talking about?"
Grimm rolled his eyes and retorted.
"It's almost evening. Let's find an inn to settle in first. We'll officially start searching for information about Chaldea tomorrow."
"Sounds good."
Eiji nodded in agreement.
Though Mash was somewhat anxious, she suppressed her impatience upon hearing this. The group had been traveling for several days straight, and she ought to be considerate of everyone's fatigue.
After asking a fairy for directions, they found a shop tucked away in a deep alley.
It was called Mike's Bar.
It seemed to double as an inn and had only opened a few days prior.
"Owner here? We've got business!"
The moment they stepped inside, Grimm let out a blunt shout.
"The owner isn't in, but there's a lovely shop assistant here. Are you guests here for a meal or to stay—Huh? Mash?!"
A petite girl emerged from behind the counter. Her long black hair was tied up, revealing a smooth forehead, and she wore a beautiful blue-and-white dress. A bright smile never left her face, and she carried herself without any airs, giving off an immediately approachable and angelically adorable vibe.
But the moment the girl caught sight of the group, she let out a strange cry.