* * * * *
The Ringus Sea
A sea dead in the middle of the world. Surrounded by the five continents.
To the north, the Heaven Continent.
To the southeast, the Millis Continent.
To the east, the Demon Continent.
To the west, the Central Continent.
And further southwest, the Begaritt Continent.
The sea itself was created as a result of the Second Great Human-Demon War.
The area was originally one landmass that became both the Central and Demon continents.
Now the main inhabits of this large area are the Sea Folk, in which the common language would be the Sea-God Tongue.
The seas is ruled by many pirates in the areas between the continents.
The sea is also home to one of the most difficult and dangerous dungeon to date, the Devil's Cave.
Long story short, there are many dangers to be expected while transversing these waters
* * * * *
"Huh"
"Ehhhhhh"
Rudy let's them process this information. He looks at both of them as he continues.
"That's right, Orsted says that there is a decently size island that is own by the Asura Kingdom. Due to the distance and location of the land, Ariel says she is willing to let it go"
"And according to Orsted that place is a perfect place for Teleportation Circles, this area has a high concentration of Mana ... Of course, you two will have to confirm this"
Of course, now would be a good time since Rudy has been working with Orsted and Nanahoshi to establish Teleportation Circles and Communication Tablets at key locations and allied Kingdoms.
Theorically, all we have to do is reach the island and set up the circle and we are set. Once the circle is set up, we can skip the sea travel back and forth to the island. We can simple teleport the labor force and any supplies we need to the island.
Well that is if the area can support the mana use for a teleportation circle. I guess we'll cross that road when we get to it.
Rudy says we need to try to open relations with the Sea Folk. I wonder if Rudy has any books on their cultures or something along the lines.
"But Big Brother" Aisha seems to have a problem with this development. She looked me over on the couch as she analyze me. "Wouldn't the mercenaries be suffice as my security, or better yet Leo would be more convenient don't you agree Big Brother"
Ah I guess she has a point. I'm nothing to write home about.
When it comes to the three styles in swordmanship. I know I reached Saint rank in all three at a relative young age. But I stayed at that rank to this day. I guess you can argue I'm King rank in North god style, but nothing special like that.
I mean, sure ... When the going got tough I can keep the pace with Emperor rank and even God rank opponents to a degree. I was particularly shocked afterward that I kept up with our fight with Alec and Badigadi but that was a team effort.
Actually I was working on my own personal style myself ... Hehehe
But I wouldn't exactly call myself strong.
Ughhh stop staring at me like that ... Why does it make me so uncomfortable?
I began to fidget and shrink under her gaze.
"Forgive me Big Brother but I believe you should reconsider. I should be able to handle this myself and besides ... He seems like he is afraid of his own shadow"
"Ehhhh" I covered my face in a bit of shame.
Rudy just saw the bit as he sighs and chuckled a bit.
"Now Now Aisha. Can you please stop scaring poor Arty here"
"But Big brother ... How can you expect this guy here, who seems on the verge of tears, be in charge of protecting me ... I am not a child, I do not need a babysitter"
Aisha was getting a bit agitated, almost as if she has to something to prove. "Allow me to handle this task myself ... I do not need him"
I do not need him
For some reason those words seem to cut deep. I stopped my comedic cowarding as I just looked down, not meeting anyone's gaze.
"Rudy ... Maybe she is rig-"
Rudy raised his hand to stop me from speaking.
"Aisha ... Do you trust me?"
"Of course I do, Big Brother ... But"
"Then let me ease your doubts then ... I have absolute faith in Arty here to keep you safe"
Urgh
I comedicly grabbed my chest as I grunted. Tears forming in the corner of my eyes
R-Rudy ... I don't deserve such praise ... Not after everything I've done to you
"Arthur is perfect for this job. He is skilled, trustworthy, and most importantly, available"
Wait ... What was that last part Rudy? Hmm ... I would like to take back my concern then ... Geez
"Big Brother ..."
"I know you can probably handle this task perfectly safe. But can you please just humor your brother's selfish wish. As your older brother, I can't help but worry about my little sister"
Rudy looks at Aisha, who is still looking skeptical but seems to have resigned herself to the situation.
"Alright ... Alright" Aisha says, her tone reluctant but accepting. "If you insist, Big brother, I suppose I'll give him a chance"
If I didn't know any better, I could have swore I heard her click her teeth.
Rudy nods, a relieved smile on his face. "Thank you, Aisha. I promise you won't regret this" He then turn back at me, his expression becoming more serious. "Now then, Arthur, let me brief you on the details of your mission"
Rudy turns around as he goes into his bag as he goes through some papers looking for something. He began to explain as he looks for a copy of a map.
"The Ringus Sea is a treacherous place, Arthur. The Sea Folk there are ... Well, let's just say they're not the most welcoming to outsiders. But establishing a connection with them is crucial for our plans against Hitogami"
He goes through shuffling some other places still looking for that dang map.
"There have been rumors of strange occurrences in those waters as well. Ships disappearing, mysterious storms ... I need someone who can protect Aisha while she works on diplomacy"
"Ah ha" Rudy pulls out the world map and spreads it across his desk. "The island is here, in the heart of the Ringus Sea. It's called the Sea Haven by the surrounding coasts."
Me and Aisha walked up to the desk to get a view of the island location as Rudy taps the location.
"The Sea Folk there are known for their isolationist policies and unique customs to say the least."
Rudy looks at me as he stares "Your primary objective is to ensure Aisha's safety while she works on establishing diplomatic relations. You can also help with the construction of the kingdom but remember Aisha should be your top priority"
"Hmm" I looked at the map again as I studied the surrounding waters "Ok Rudy ... I understand ... I'll keep her safe"
Rudy just gave a smile and a nod as he heared what he wanted to hear. Ever since they were kids, no matter how timid he sound, if he said he was going to do something, he will find a way to get it done.
Aisha interjects, "And what exactly am I supposed to be doing there, Big Brother?"
Huh, is she annoyed? ... Maybe it was just my imagination ... Hmmm
Rudy responds,"You have two tasks here. The first of course would be establishing this kingdom on the island, you know the works: construction, infastructure, agriculture, security, the works ... We are gonna need this place to be self sustaining. You can use the mercenaries to your discretion"
Hmm isn't that a bit too much work to put on Aisha-chan here.
I think back to all of her accomplishments the biggest example would be the creation of the Rude Mercenary Company. I heard Aisha originally founded it just to help Rudy pay off a friend's of his debt, what was her name again ... L-Linia ... Yea I think that was her name. If I recall she got a huge debt and was sold into slavery and Rudy being the nice man he is brought her and had her working as a maid. I don't think she was any good at it and gave Aisha more work then necessary so she made the company as a way to get rid of her and pay off the debt a different way.
Now look at the company, they have branch offices in the Asura Kingdom, the Millis Kingdom, and the Dragon King Kingdom. Rudy uses the company to spread his influence to help Orsted in the coming battle with Hitogami.
Technically the company is under Rudy's name, but if you were to ask anyone in the company they would say that the true leader is Aisha.
But Aisha is still human so her leading all the development of a new kingdom, even though small,I can't help but worry about her health.
I think sometimes Rudy seems to forget about that fact. I mean Rudy is amazing too but I seen him fumble many times. But Aisha ...
"Your second task, after you made you bearings on the island would be to make contact with the Sea Folk. Learn about culture, their magic, and most importantly, to gauge their potential as allies against Hitogami. We need to know if they can be trusted and if they have any knowledge or resources that could be useful in the coming conflict"
"Oh I almost forgot" Rudy reaches in his desk to grab a book he got from Orsted. "Oh, of course one of the key essentials to have to make a connection is to communicate. Here"
Rudy hands over a book to Aisha as she looks it over.
"The Sea Folk only speak in the Sea-God Tongue ... It would be wise to get fimilar with the language if you know what I mean"
"Understood Big Brother"
"Oh and can you teach Arthur here as well. He can be a quick study if he puts his mind to it"
Aisha just gave me an annoyed look as she sighs with resignation.
Rudy are you seeing this? I think you sister doesn't like me. I have a bad feeling about this. Maybe I should do my own private study to catch up.
"When do we leave?" Aisha asks, her voice now carrying a hint of excitement despite her earlier reservation
"You can leave in a couple of days as you prepare" Rudy replies. "I recommend going to see Nanahoshi first so she can give you teleportation circle formula to set at the location. I'd asked her to make a list of mages she recommends to use so we can make the circle permanent. From then, go see Ariel to discuss the deed to the island and maybe a quick brief history on it too."
Rudy now points to the map around the area of the Dragon King Kingdom. "The teleportation circles we already established will take you as far as the coast. From there, you'll need to secure passage on a ship to the Sea Haven"
The Dragon King Kingdom ... That's where I left Nyla ... I wonder if I can convince Aisha to ...
Rudy rolls up the map. "Oh .. just in case if Orsted memory is wrong about the island, take this ..."
Rudy also hands Aisha a magic crystal that he had infused with his Mana, enough to power up a one way trip home. "Please inform us so that we can plan accordingly then"
"Rudy, wouldn't it better for you to come along, with your reserves of mana you wouldn't have any trouble making this circle permanent"
Rudy told me before that to make a Teleportation Circle a permanent spot, it will have to be used everyday for about a year. That's a lot of stain on mage, I keep forgetting the massive Mana reserve that Rudy has.
"That's the thing Arty, this project in it of itself is a side project for the Orsted Cooperation. When I talked with Orsted he said he never remembered the Sea Folk involvement before in his previous loops. I had to convince him to give it a chance since it wouldn't hurt. I also said that it would make for a great example for our teleportation arguement across the kingdoms"
I think I'm beginning to understand. One of the main oppositions to the setup of the Teleportation Network is the Millis Kingdom. Rudy basically wants to form this Kingdom using the Teleportation Circles as it's backbone. Like in delivering materials, workforce, and supplies. If he can show the great benefit of these circles and how greatly it can support a kingdom, maybe it can open up some minds.
Hmm ... If we are transporting supplies and such wouldn't we need a larger circle and hence a mage with a large Mana reserve like Rudy then. Especially since they have to cast the spell every day.
Maybe Aisha should just hire the whole list of Nanahoshi recommended mages then. They have their work cut out for them.
Just then the door slams open. It was Eris as she arrived after finishing up her training with Ars.
"Arty! ... " She stomps towards me as she began to wrestle me into a headlock
"Eh ... Eris-chan ... Ahh!"
"All this time and you never come and visit ... I'm mad, you deserve punishment" she began to place her fist into my hair.
"Ehhh ... Eris-chan ... Wait stop ... Ow ow ow! I yield .. ow ow ... I'm sorry ... Ow ow ... I'm sorry"
Eris doesn't release me, but stops messing with my hair. "You better visit more often, or next time I won't go so easy on you" she warns me.
As Aisha was in deep thought, completely ignoring the nice moment, she was already planning for the trip ahead when ...
"Aisha-nee"
"Ars" Aisha expression immediately softened
Ars came running towards Aisha, he clung to her leg as she bent down to pat his head. "Did you work hard today?"
"Yes ... I'm all sweaty now so can we take a bath together?" He asks, looking up at her with pleading eyes.
Aisha's stern demeanor melts instantly. "Of course, Ars. Just give me a moment, okay " Aisha has always had a weakness for Ars, whatever he requested of her, she would do it without question.
Aisha rose as he placed her hands on his shoulders.
"Big Brother, if you will excuse me, I need to take care of Ars now. I will begin the preparations for the coming days"
"Of course. We can finalize the details after dinner."
Aisha leads Ars away, she gave me one last demeaning look.
Now it was just me, Eris, and Rudy.
"How long will you be staying" Eris said as she finally released me.
"He will be leaving with Aisha in a couple days"
Y-yea so if you'll excuse me ... I need to go find an Inn and -"
"What! ... Nonsense, you will stay here until you leave" Eris commanded, leaving no room for arguments
"Yes I agree, I insist you stay until you head out." Rudy says as he pats my shoulder.
"Besides ... This is the perfect opportunity to introduce you to my children."
"Ehhhh ... Ummm Rudy I'm not too sure I'm good with kids ... Huh wait stop"
Both Eris and Rudy gave me a smile as they began to push me out of his office, leading me to the living room.
"Nonsense you will be great with them"
Emmm ... I hate it when he gets like this.
I turned to Eris as she had the same smile as him. And it looks like he has converted you to Eris-chan.
"I can't wait to show my family to you"
* * * * *
Splash
The sound of water hitting the floor can be heard echoing in the bathroom. Aisha has just dump water onto Ars, rinsing him off as she began to wash his hair.
"Aisha-nee"
"Hmmm?"
"Who is that guy?"
"That's Arthur. He is apparently a good friend of your papa" Aisha explains, working shampoo through Ars's hair.
"If he's a good friend, then how come we're never seen him before"
"I don't know"
Ars closes his eyes as the soap began to drip on his face, he tilts his head back to stop it a bit ... Splash
"Aisha-nee?"
"Hmmm?"
"Do you know him?" Ars turns to face her naked form as he looks her in the face. "He said you two go way back"
Aisha brought her finger to her cheek as she looks up to the side. "Hmmm ... It's odd, he seems familiar but I can't quite place him ... How odd"
Ars looks down real fast as he faced her again.
"S-So ... What exactly is he doing here then?"
Aisha quickly made an annoyed look that quickly disappeared.
"Sigh ... Your papa believes I will need some extra protection for this upcoming task he wants me to do for Orsted-sama. So he wants him to act as my personal guard" Aisha expression held a bit of skepticism.
Aisha was now currently washing his back when -
"Wait! ... Your gonna be leaving Aisha-nee?" Ars gave a worried expression. "How long will you be gone?"
Aisha gave a assuring smile as she tries to deflect his question.
"Awww ... Ars is gonna miss me" Aisha stopped washing his back so she can bring her hands to her cheeks "I'm so flattered"
Ars just kept staring at her with his worried expression and pleading eyes.
"Sigh ... Sadly yes, it's one of Big Brother request so I must"
She then places a finger to her cheeks. "Hmm let's see, if there are no complications
We should have that place fixed up and running on it's own in a few years. Ohhh ... That should have just enough time to spare to make it to your 15th Birthday ... I'm motivated now"
Ars looks forward, he head turned downed as he was deeply saddened. "Emm"
Splash
"Oh don't be like that. It's not like I won't have breaks to visit and besides I'll be back, who else is going to take care of you"
Aisha wraps her arms around Ars as she hold him in her embrace. She usually does this to cheer him up. But inside it seemed to fill him with courage.
"Come on let's finish up ... Everyone is probably waiting for us for dinner"
Splash
As Aisha rinsed him off one final time. Ars made a determined face hidden in his hair as he decided to do something before she leaves.
I'll tell her ... The night before she leaves ... Papa is trying to marry me off to someone I don't even know ... But the one I want to marry is ...