Chapter 234 Predictions ②
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Just as Duke Roost explained, the Aglowvulture¹ is a monster that favors high altitudes. In these parts, I expect they’ve settled in the mountain range forming the border between Coalmine² and Forguson. Even within the Canaria Kingdom³, that range extends into the Badcage Territory, so they likely appear there as well. They are highly territorial creatures; normally, it would be unheard of for them to fly over the plains.”
Count Martin Popol—leader of the Pink Clan⁴ and Lily’s brother-in-law—continued his briefing on the Stampede⁵. Opposite him, Queen Cecile, Duke Roost Badcage, and the Prime Minister, Marquis Dan Samoro, listened with bated breath.
”However, Count Popol, you mentioned just now that it was flying from west to east. Not north to south…” Cecile noted.
”Precisely. That is the very point that caught my attention. It is also the basis for my prediction that the Stampede will arrive in two months,” Martin replied.
In response to Her Majesty’s inquiry, Martin offered a composed nod. Marquis Samoro had finally mastered his agitation, straining to catch every single syllable the man uttered.
”In all likelihood, that Aglowvulture was originally flying from north to south while over Forguson. However, for some reason or other, it diverted its course from west to east… It banked at a right angle and crossed into the Canaria Kingdom.”
”I see, that’s logical enough. So, what was this ‘reason’?” Cecile asked.
”Before I answer, a question of my own. Forguson hasn’t yet reported that a Stampede is already underway, have they?” Martin asked.
”…No. They reported an outbreak of monsters that could trigger a Stampede, but we were told it hasn’t reached that critical stage yet,” Cecile said.
At Martin’s prompting, Her Majesty disclosed what was undoubtedly a state secret. After a brief hesitation, she seemed to have resolved herself to give him the full picture.
”That information is likely accurate. Despite a monster of the Aglowvulture’s caliber traversing the plains, the ground below remained perfectly tranquil. If that’s the case, the Stampede hasn’t actually broken out yet.”
”So there’s no need to suspect the intel from Forguson…”
”Yes, exactly,” Martin confirmed.
With that, Her Majesty exchanged a look with Marquis Samoro. It appeared his earlier panic had been fueled by the chilling thought of a betrayal by a long-standing ally. The Marquis let out a heavy sigh at his own premature conclusion and wiped the perspiration from his forehead.
”The most terrifying prospect was the possibility that the Aglowvulture had changed course because it was being driven out by the monster at the heart of the crisis. If that were the case, the Stampede would be of a magnitude unseen in recent memory…”
”But that isn’t the situation,” Cecile said.
”No. There was likely another formidable monster blocking its path. Or perhaps the Forguson or Sylvaol⁶ military drove it off, although…”
”At the very least, Sylvaol made no such movements, did they…?”
”Correct. As far as my time in Sylvaol suggests, the situation there mirrors that of the Canaria Kingdom. Which is to say, the aristocracy is currently in the middle of a frantic military buildup…”
”That leaves Forguson, but if they had repelled an Aglowvulture, surely they would have reported it… Besides, their attention is likely fixed on the north; it would be quite out of character for them to have a military presence established in the south.”
As Her Majesty and Martin cross-referenced their data, the true situation began to crystallize. As the dialogue progressed, Her Majesty’s tremors finally subsided. It’s often said that ‘fear clouds understanding,’ but perhaps it’s just as fair to say that ‘understanding subdues fear.’ Watching Martin speak with such clinical detachment, I felt the shaking in my own hands begin to fade.
”From this point on, my projections carry a lower degree of certainty. My two-month estimate for the Stampede is based on this hypothesis. Would you care to hear the rest?” Martin asked.
”Yes, by all means, continue,” Cecile replied.
”Very well. The fact that the Aglowvulture diverted its course indicates the presence of a powerful monster south of Forguson. I can’t say for certain what manner of beast it is, but at the very least, it’s something an Aglowvulture fears.”
”Mmm. If we follow the logic established so far, that would be the natural conclusion.”
”Should the northern monsters prove to be migratory, they will likely follow the same trajectory as the Aglowvulture and move south. This makes a collision with the southern monster highly probable.”
”Wait a moment. What would drive the northern monsters south in the first place? There’s a chance they could head further north, or perhaps branch off to the west or east,” Cecile pointed out.
Her Majesty listened intently to Martin’s explanation, probing for the bedrock of his reasoning. He wore a look of mild surprise, as if he hadn’t expected to be questioned on that point; likely, the answer was considered common knowledge within the Pink Clan.
However, he didn’t disparage Her Majesty for the question. Instead, he seemed to weigh his words carefully for a moment before speaking slowly.
”…When migratory monsters are born in the north, they instinctively gravitate south. Whether they seek a warmer climate or grounds with more plentiful prey, I cannot say for certain.”
”Perhaps it’s both… However, by those same metrics, wouldn’t the west or east be just as appealing?”
”The assumption there is that Forguson will likely intervene. To the west lies the Forguson capital, and to the east is the territory of their ally, the Canaria Kingdom. They will do whatever it takes to hold the line, and their nation will inevitably herd the monsters southward.”
”I see. Unless Forguson intends to foist the Stampede onto our country, or if the situation simply spirals beyond their control… is that it?”
Voicing the grimmest possibilities, Her Majesty let her thoughts race. One never wishes to doubt an ally, yet only a fool fails to prepare for the worst. Such complex internal conflict was written plainly across her features.
”Do you think that is a possibility?” Martin asked.
”No, but accidents are a reality of life. I’ll keep the worst-case scenario in mind, just in case. So, what follows in the pattern you’ve envisioned?”
”Right. Assuming the northern monsters are herded south as predicted, they will clash with the southern monster as I mentioned earlier. I estimate the journey and the subsequent resolution of the conflict between the northern and southern threats will take between one and one and a half months.”
”Depending on the tenacity of Forguson’s defense, that sounds about right…” Cecile muttered.
As we visualized the map in our minds, we traced the anticipated route. Inevitably, the path of the northern monsters would cut through the towns and villages of Forguson, and at that stage, the trade artery connecting the Forguson capital to the Canaria Kingdom would be severed.
There is a dense forest region to the south of Forguson; the southern monster likely calls it home. I have no idea how powerful this creature is, but I wonder… is it possible that even this beast could be displaced by the northern swarm?
”It would be ideal if the southern monster emerged victorious, but if the northern threat wins out, it will gorge itself on everything in the vicinity. After that, it will likely set a course to the east… No, if the southern monster is the one to flee, its path would be far harder to project…”
”Could you elaborate on that as well? If the northern monster defeats its southern counterpart, why wouldn’t it continue westward or further south?” Cecile asked.
”…Because the east offers the most ‘flavor.’ By that point, several minor Stampedes will have already occurred. The monsters displaced by the northern threat will have collided with the southern one and been funneled from west to east.”
”Just like the Aglowvulture you discovered this time… And following their trail, the northern monster will head east—straight toward our borders. Which puts the timeline at roughly two months…” Cecile summarized.
”No, Your Majesty. The primary northern monster itself will likely only cross into the Canaria Kingdom in two and a half months. It’s the Stampede—the preceding wave—that will reach us in two months. Or more accurately, there will likely be smaller, weaker pulses hitting us in stages before then…”
”Either way, it’s a massive headache… Though there’s always the chance things won’t play out exactly as expected…”
As Martin stated at the outset, this was a low-certainty projection built upon layers of conjecture. What if the northern monster wasn’t migratory? What if the Forguson military managed to neutralize it? Or what if it was so overwhelming that it overflowed to the west or east immediately?
There were countless variables and branching paths at every turn. Yet, despite his cautious phrasing, Martin seemed to possess absolute conviction in his forecast. It was, I realized, the refined instinct and experience of the Pink Clan’s leader—the man charged with holding the northern reaches of Coalmine, where the world’s most formidable monsters prowl.
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Summary:
Count Martin Popol explains how an Aglowvulture’s diverted flight path signals an impending disaster. He theorizes that a powerful monster in the south is redirecting a northern migratory swarm toward the kingdom. Queen Cecile and her council realize they have approximately two months before the Stampede hits. The group remains wary of whether their ally, Forguson, will actually help or simply divert the threat onto them.
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Character Insight:
Martin displays the sharp, clinical intuition of a seasoned monster hunter, proving his worth as a strategic advisor. Queen Cecile shows her pragmatism, moving from visible fear to cold calculation as she digests the tactical data. The narrator experiences a shift in perspective, finding that logical understanding serves as a powerful antidote to the paralysis of dread.
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Behind the Scene:
The Aglowvulture acts as a biological indicator for ecological shifts, highlighting the author’s focus on monster ecology over simple power levels. The political tension between Forguson and Canaria suggests historical complexities that influence current military strategy.
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T/L:
Notes:
• Roost – Duke of Badcage and father of Tina Badcage. He has long silver hair mixed with some white, a cool-headed expression, and red eyes. Despite a relatively slender build, he possesses a strong fighting spirit.
• Cecile – A high-ranking, powerful woman in the capital who possesses the authority to regulate business and commerce, particularly concerning moral or public order issues. She is currently investigating Kento’s shop, ‘Harvest.’ Have long golden hair, elegant, and wearing expensive white dress with gold accesories.
• Martin – Lily’s non-blood-related younger brother. Considered the strongest candidate to succeed the Popol family due to his lineage and manifested ‘power. He has pink hair.
• Samoro – A middle-aged Marquis and Prime Minister with a lot of white hair, a magnificent mustache, and luxurious attire. He is a key figure in the court who has supported the Queen since her enthronement.
• Lily – the sl*ve and primary experiment subject for the magic shop, ‘Harvest.’ She has striking pink hair, Blue eyes, medium breasts, which the Protagonist associates with being ‘wanton’. She has a working knowledge of magic, which she kept hidden from the slave trader.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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