Chapter 168: Persuading Father

Using Teleportation Magic, I returned to Northernford with Sophie. First, I had to persuade my father about fighting in the Woodpole Barony. I went to my father’s office with Sophie.

“It’s rare for Will and Sophie to come here together.” “Yes, we have a request for you, Father.” “It seems to be an extraordinary situation.” Seeing the demeanor of Sophie and me, my father’s expression turned serious as well.

“Yes. We received news that Mabel‘s hometown was attacked by monsters, so Sophie and I teleported to Woodpole to check.” “To Woodpole? I heard that the Waterford Earldom was attacked by a massive horde of monsters and the Royal Knights went to provide aid, but…”

“Since nearly a thousand monsters are surging toward Woodpole, it is likely they invaded the territory neighboring the Waterford domain.” “What? Did the Royal Knights not make it in time?”

“It seems the Royal Knights fought the massive horde, suffered heavy casualties, and are currently besieged in the capital of the Waterford territory.” “I see… so that is the situation. However, with the Woodpole family’s military strength, they cannot possibly intercept a massive horde of monsters.”

“Baron Woodpole told Mabel, ‘You must return to Northernford,’ and asked Brother to take care of his daughter.” “I see… I thought Baron Woodpole was a magnificent person, but people’s true worth really shows in times like these. He is also the noble who first recognized the value of Will‘s Production Skill, so I want to do something, but…”

My father’s expression was filled with bitterness. “Since our house is a Margraviate, we cannot dispatch troops to another noble’s territory on our own judgment like a Ducal house.” “Yes, that is correct. I understand that.”

“Father, however, if it is a small number of people, there is no problem even if nobles fight in another territory, correct?” “Ah, if one goes to provide aid based on personal friendship, His Majesty’s permission is not needed… Will, you don’t mean?” “Yes. I intend to head to the Woodpole Barony with a small group and, if possible, buy time until reinforcements arrive.”

“But there are over a thousand monsters.” “Yes. It is impossible to take on a thousand at once, but His Excellency the Baron repelled a vanguard of several dozen. We have defeated dozens of monsters many times in the southern undeveloped lands.”

“Umu. Will and the others did defeat many monsters in the undeveloped lands.” “If it gets dangerous, we will escape with Teleportation Magic.” “True, with Teleportation Magic, the risk might not be that great. But as a parent, I do not want my children going to a dangerous place.”

My father thought for a while before opening his mouth. “If you can promise to escape with Teleportation Magic if it becomes dangerous, I will allow Will and Sophie to go to the Woodpole Barony.” “”Thank you, Father.””

I’m glad my father agreed. Now we just have to prepare quickly. I went to the workshop and stored the Magic Gun and Magic Stones. Since we are facing a massive horde of monsters this time, I’ll bring the Magic Stones Sophie imbued with composite magic before. In situations like this, I wish I had made more Magic Stones. I replenished the ones used when I went to the undeveloped lands with Her Highness Flora, though. Ah, there’s no use dwelling on it. I’ll make use of this reflection next time.

Sophie also returned to her room, brought her Mithril staff, and wore the clothes I imbued with multiple resistances. I also wore clothes with resistance. The defense should be higher than poorly made armor.

Sophie and I then spoke to our exploration companions. First, we went to the knight order’s training grounds, found Ophelia and Gilbert, and spoke to them. “If Lord William and Lady Sophie are heading into danger, we will accompany you.” When I said we were going to the Woodpole territory to buy time, the two said they would go with us before I could say anything.

“Thank you. But this time Sophie and I are acting personally, so it isn’t an action as the Fairchild house. So you two don’t need to come along as part of your job.”

“What distant things are you saying, Lord William. We are exploration companions, aren’t we? True companions are those who share in crises.” Gil declared flatly. While I felt apologetic, I was happy.

“Lord William, for once Gil is right.” Ria, who is usually strict with Gil, surprisingly agreed with him. “Thank you both so much.”

“It is very reassuring to have you two come along.” Sophie also looked happy. “”Leave it to us.””

Next, I went to the workshop and explained the situation to Theo. “I will go with you too. I want to be by Lord William‘s side as an Apostle who can fight, and I want to help Mabel-san.” Theo also immediately said he would accompany us.

“I am very happy with your feelings, Theo. But even if we have Teleportation Magic when push comes to shove, it is dangerous.” “I am aware of the danger.” “Thank you. It is reassuring to have Theo come along.”

In the Sea of Trees, I once changed the terrain of the battlefield together with Theo. Besides, unlike me, Theo can fight as a vanguard, and it seemed he had become even stronger since becoming an Apostle. “I’m sure May will be very happy too.” Theo looked a bit shy at Sophie‘s words.

At the workshop, I also explained the situation to Oliver. “I would like to go with you, but I will dedicate myself to rear support this time as well.” “Yeah. If we need additional equipment or a carriage, I’ll ask you.” “Yes, leave the arrangement of supplies to me.” It is reassuring to have someone supporting us in the rear as well.