The Ugly Orc Strikes Back ~ Reincarnated as the Cruel Crown Prince of a Twisted Doujin Eroge with No Happy Endings, But as an Inexperienced Guy, Cruel Play is a Hopeless Challenge, So I'll Give My Best to Break the Flags and Strive for Survival ~ - Chapter 54: Let's Save the Town of Porga!

Chapter 54: Let’s Save the Town of Porga!

“So, the people who drank the water contaminated by the ‘Stone Dragon’s Magic Gem’ can’t be saved…?”

“No, of course, there’s a way to save them.”

Upon hearing the answer, everyone showed a sigh of relief. Naturally, the petrification effect caused by the “Stone Dragon’s Magic Gem” is a typical debuff, and even Ludwig’s units sometimes suffer from it.

So, naturally, there are items that can cure it.

“The ‘Stone Dragon’s Magic Gem,’ in essence, is like a side effect of absorbing the magic of the stone dragon. Therefore, if you can extract that magic, the petrification should be reversible.”

Furthermore, in the game, there was an item called the “Magic-absorbing Gem” that looked like a pebble. It was used to cure status ailments caused by magic, such as petrification. And just to clarify, it doesn’t involve needles or anything like that to cure it.

However,

“…as of now, many residents of the town of Porga have been petrified. It’s questionable whether we can secure enough ‘Magic Absorption Gems’ to save everyone.”

“Hmm…”

Upon hearing this, everyone’s expressions clouded once again.

It would be great if everyone could be saved, but obviously, it won’t be that simple.

All we can do is what’s within our power.

Then,

“…Hey, Lu-kun.”

“Gill-senpai, what’s the matter?”

“I… will go back to my family home and speak to my father. I want to ask for all the ‘Magic-absorbing Gems’ we can get.”

Gill-senpai, who had been looking down, raised his face and stared at me intently. His emerald eyes were filled with determination.

Ah… perhaps, Gill-senpai has realized it too. 

That the “Stone Dragon’s Magic Gem” plaguing the Kingdom of Borgonia was sold by the Gabelot Maritime Kingdom.

Because, who else but the “Merchant of Death,” the Gabelot Maritime Kingdom, would deal with such an item?

“…Understood. I’ll wait, believing that Gill-senpai will secure the ‘Magic Absorption Gems’.”

“Ah! Y-Yes!”

I extended my fist towards Gill-senpai, and he also bumped his fist against mine in return.

◇

“…I hope Gilbert can safely bring back the ‘Magic Absorption Gems’…”

While watching the ship depart from the port of the town of Porga towards the Gabelot Maritime Kingdom, Ophelia muttered softly.

“All we can do is trust Gill-senpai and wait. Let’s also reach out to the Empire and the United Kingdom of Brinth to try to secure as many ‘Magic-absorbing Gems’ as possible.”

“But Louie-sama, in that case, shouldn’t we first explain the cause of the illness to the people of the Kingdom of Borgonia and the Minerva Holy Church?”

“I don’t think they’d believe us, even if everyone here does. We’re better off acting on our own for now.”

What I said may sound reasonable, but the truth is different. As we discussed earlier, we don’t know who planted the ‘Stone Dragon’s Magic Gem.’

If we say, “The cause is the water contaminated by the ‘Stone Dragon’s Magic Gem,’ and it can be cured with ‘Magic Absorption Gems,'” those responsible might escape.

…No, there’s even the possibility that we could be targeted.

I understand that we should do everything we can for the suffering residents of Porga. But, I’m sorry… I don’t want to put my loved ones in danger.

So, we first need to eliminate all potential threats. Doing so may cause many people to suffer, and even die.

When that time comes… I will bear the guilt.

“That’s why let’s first contact the Empire and the United Kingdom of Brinth to urgently send us ‘Magic-absorbing Gems.’ And also…”

I whisper softly into Ilse’s ear.

“…Understood.”

“I keep asking favors of you; I’m really sorry…”

“Louie-sama, please don’t make such a face. I am truly happy to be so needed by you.”

Saying that, Ilse showed me a gentle smile, as radiant as the moon in the night sky.

Ah… my heart feels warm.

“Alright… let’s move quickly!”

“Yes!”

“Indeed!”

First, we decided to each return to our own countries through the gates and make arrangements to have the “Magic-absorbing Gems” sent to us. When we emerged at the gate of the United Kingdom of Brinth, that scary King Richard was ominously waiting for us, but Ilse and I quickly transferred to the Empire, not having the leisure to deal with him.

And then.

“Hmm… ‘Magic-absorbing Gems’ for the Kingdom of Borgonia, you say?”

“Yes. If the Empire can do a favor here, it could prove advantageous in the future. After all, the basic principle in diplomacy is to attack nearby countries while maintaining friendly relations with those far away.”

This concept of being aggressive with neighbors and friendly with distant countries is something I am familiar with because I enjoyed reading “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms” and “Records of the Grand Historian” in my past life.

“Hahaha, I never knew you were so astute. Very well, do as you please.”

“Thank you!”

Great! I’ve got Emperor Otto’s approval! As expected, it’s not for nothing that he’s soft on Ludwig!

“Louie-sama, well done.”

“Ilse, things went smoothly on this end.”

“As expected of Louie-sama. And… you can leave the rest to me. I will definitely accomplish the mission you’ve entrusted to me.”

“Yes… but don’t overdo it, okay? There’s nothing in this world more important to me than you.”

No, that’s not quite true. Including my previous life, Ilse is the most important to me.

“Really, you are…”

“Ah, ahaha…”

Ilse gripped my hand tightly and her blue eyes moistened. Being stared at by her beautiful gaze, I found myself blushing and gave an awkward laugh.