Chapter 46: 45 Fairy Coffin
In the Mediterranean, near its heart, lies an island named Gozo, part of the European Malta. Renowned for its scenic beauty, it attracts tourists from around the world.
Simultaneously, the island is dotted with numerous ancient ruins, drawing visitors eager to explore these historical remnants.
The island features subterranean tombs and circular stone arrangements reminiscent of the famous Stonehenge.
Yet, upon investigation, these stone structures have been found to be among the oldest in human history, predating the Neolithic era.
Such miraculous phenomena have led to speculation about how such structures were built in ancient times and whether their purpose was to honor some deity.
...
On Gozo Island, an excavation team is working diligently at a site of historical significance.
Security personnel patrol the area, vigilant for any potential dangers.
A man in his forties, with brown skin and an unkempt appearance, sits by the campfire, roasting a sausage.
"Dr. Akatsuki, aren't you going to oversee the excavation? If the diggers accidentally damage any part of the ruins, it would be a tremendous loss for human civilization!"
A tall Caucasian woman, dressed in a white researcher's robe typical of an archaeologist, approaches slowly.
Her skin appears paler than most, lacking the usual flush of color—an indication of vampirism to those familiar with the demon kind.
This kind of appearance typically signifies a vampire from the Warlord Empire the most traditional type of vampire.
Descendants of the Second and Third Primogenitors exhibit different traits.
"Oh, it's Miss Liana. Don't worry; the diggers are not mere hired hands but professional archaeologists."
"...Their excavation techniques are flawless. We simply need to wait here."
Dr. Akatsuki, the man in his forties, responds indifferently, his seemingly careless demeanor causing Liana Caruana to frown slightly.
Despite her mild irritation at his lackadaisical attitude, Liana refrains from commenting.
Regardless of his demeanor, his numerous legendary achievements are well-documented and genuine.
It is precisely because of these achievements that he was invited to participate in this archaeological excavation.
Dr. Akatsuki is a renowned archaeologist who has traveled the world, with profound research in the Cleansing.
He is also the only recorded person to have ventured into the Netherworld and returned alive.
While his experiences in the Netherworld remain a mystery, he, though still human, possesses an immortality surpassing ordinary vampires, earning him the title The Returnee from the Netherworld.
To Liana, the character of the individual is secondary to the completion of this archaeological work. The Caruana family has invested heavily in this excavation, and any misstep is unacceptable.
"By the way, my lovely daughter seems to be in the vicinity as well. It's been quite a while since I last saw her. I wonder if she still remembers me as her father."
"...Hmm, it might be best to meet her in person. Let's call her over."
Dr. Akatsuki seems to have remembered something suddenly, murmuring to himself.
Liana's concern deepens as she advises, "Dr. Akatsuki, you should be aware that this excavation is dangerous."
"...Many ancient or even prehistoric ruins contain unknown magical technologies that could pose a fatal risk if not handled carefully."
"Though I don't know how old your daughter is, if she's not a professional, I would strongly advise against bringing her here."
Dr. Akatsuki waves his hand dismissively, "Thank you for your concern, Miss Liana."
He then adds with a mysterious smile, "...Perhaps it is precisely because of the danger that I want my daughter to come."
Liana is somewhat perplexed by Dr. Akatsuki's words but decides to let him have his way, given his willingness to proceed.
...
A massive floating battleship was en route from the Nordics' Aldegia Kingdom to the Mediterranean.
This colossal airship, adorned with the Aldegian royal crest, was named the Bifrost, serving as the royal family's official vessel for overseas visits.
Since the First Princess, La Folia Rihavein, came of age, many of the royal diplomatic missions have been entrusted to her.
In this regard, the battleship had, to some extent, become the princess's personal transport.
Unlike conventional combat ships, this vessel, while equipped with a multitude of magical weapons, boasted opulent interiors that catered to every royal need.
Saigou sat in the lounge of the battleship, his feet resting on a plush carpet interwoven with gold and silver threads.
The walls around him were adorned with various crests, blending grandeur with luxury.
This was one of the reasons Saigou had agreed to accompany Princess La Folia.
When a princess traveled, especially one destined to be the future heir to the kingdom, the occasion was always grand and far from modest.
Saigou relished the opportunity to enjoy such a luxurious journey, unlike the more utilitarian travel he had with Natsuki Minamiya, who employed space manipulation magic.
This made Saigou ponder whether he had made the right choice in contracting with the 'impoverished' witch rather than the affluent La Folia.
Despite the lavish décor, Saigou paid little mind to it.
In truth, compared to the opulence of the Nazarick, this ship's interior seemed somewhat lacking.
After all, the Nazarick was once a guild base in a game, and its extravagant materials and gems were merely game data, entirely worthless in reality.
Naturally, the treasures of the Nazarick, measured in mountains of gold and jewels, were of unimaginable value once they became real.
"Mr. Zarathustra, I am here representing the kingdom on a diplomatic mission to Malta. During this visit, I received a piece of information from the upper echelons of Maltese society."
"...Recently, the heir of the Caruana family from the Warlord Empire invited the world-renowned archaeologist Gajaou Akatsuki to conduct excavation work on Gozo Island in Malta."
"Since the excavation is taking place on foreign soil, Malta naturally stands to gain some intelligence that others might not have."
"...It is said that the excavation concerns something called the Fairy's Coffin."
"In the past, we might not have known what this item was, but from the name, we can surmise that it is related to the 12th Kaleid Blood"
Princess La Folia sat elegantly beside Saigou, her demeanor poised and composed as she relayed the information she had acquired. Her royal attire, reminiscent of military uniform, spoke to her status and authority.
"Gozo Island—there's something familiar about that name." Natsuki Minamiya murmured, her brows furrowing in thought.
Smilingly, Saigou replied, "Gozo Island was once the site of the world's first special demon zone, though it has long since been abandoned."
Having researched extensively, Saigou was more knowledgeable about this world than its native inhabitants.
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