Chapter 78: Chapter 78

Unfortunately, it was difficult to organize an exploration team to set out looking for the old monster detention center right away.

This was because there was no telling how the internal political situation would change right now with the resurrection of the King.

One thing that had become certain was that they needed to maintain a connection with the Kanzen Marshlands, the domain of Viscount of Treba.

Compared to going down from Palles to the Shedil region in the southeast and then climbing back up to the northeast, the geographical advantage brought by the pathway extending straight to the east was immense.

Thanks to that, Viscount of Treba, who visited Palles Castle the following day along with the members of the subjugation force, received a welcome far grander than he had expected.

“Pleased to meet you, Viscount of Treba. I am Cheryn Gizel Aste Hasra, Princess of Pendia and Duchess of Reinel.”

“I-It is an honor to meet you for the first time, Princess… Your Highness. I am Viscount of Treba, Niron Keyes.”

A mere rural noble (one who, moreover, had only just inherited his title a few weeks ago following his father’s death) the young viscount was flustered that the princess herself stepped forward to welcome him so warmly.

This feeling grew even stronger at the banquet that followed.

“Wow…”

“To think it would be like this after crossing just one mountain range.”

Looking at the banquet hall, not only Viscount of Treba but also the retainers accompanying him appeared utterly spellbound.

The lights of dozens of magic tools embroidering the ceiling, the likes of which would only exist in the royal palace of Hasra, the capital.

The cozy warmth of hearth magic tools that made one forget the winter cold.

And from luxurious white bread to fresh meat and fish dishes cooked with all kinds of herbs, well-preserved vegetables, and fruit wine.

Arranging all of these atop a massive table, over dozens of people ate, drank, and enjoyed themselves to their hearts’ content.

For those who had lived considering it a banquet to fill their bellies with muddy marsh fish and frogs while lighting candles and hearths within cold stone fortress walls, it was nothing short of a culture shock.

“In fact, even we have not always lived like this. It is all thanks to the Princess’s grace.”

“That is true. From those oil lamps to this fresh food, is there any part that Her Highness’s hand has not touched?”

As an elderly baron on the Palles side spoke while chuckling heartily, the other barons, including Yurk, also recited one after another how Palles had become such a good land to live in.

Despite praises so blatantly explicit that they bordered on embarrassing, Cheryn replied with a relaxed smile without a single change in her expression.

Having such thick skin was also one of the qualities a fine ruler had to possess.

Besides, it was not as though they were making up stories out of thin air.

After listening to the praise for a long while, the viscount conversed in low tones with his retainers.

“I felt it on the way here as well, but Palles truly is like a paradise on earth…”

“Indeed, my lord.”

While coming up along the Tesen River, they had stayed in villages and keenly felt how liveable this land was.

However, all the emotion they had felt until then paled in comparison to what they felt upon arriving at the Count’s castle in Palles City.

How wonderful it would be if even a fraction of this tremendous abundance could be brought back to their poor marshlands…

At the precise moment that thought crossed his mind, Cheryn looked at the viscount and spoke in a casual tone.

“Come to think of it, I heard from my knight. That you wish to keep and maintain the pathway created this time instead of sealing it off.”

“Ah, yes. That is correct!”

“In fact, our side is also considering it positively. However, there is something you ought to know beforehand.”

Cheryn brought up the story of the letter that had arrived not long ago to the rejoicing viscount.

That the King had regained consciousness, threw his support behind Prince Elvin, and issued a command of disbandment to all other factions.

“Ah…”

Hearing the story, not only Viscount of Treba but also his retainers showed signs of fluster.

According to those words, were they not striving to attach themselves to a rope that was about to be cut off?

“Of course, we have no intention of complying with this. It is merely that Elvin coerced Royal Father into writing the letter by force. So, I would like the Viscount to join us in this as well.”

“M-Me? That is…”

As a major decision was thrust upon him out of nowhere, the flustered viscount looked around with trembling eyes.

Toward him, Cheryn wore a shadowy smile and murmured wickedly like a snake.

“Think about it. If Elvin becomes the next king, what good will come to your domain? You will simply have to live just as you always have, but is that truly for the best?”

“That is…”

“In contrast, if you support our declaration, you will gain far more than that. Nor will your domain be placed in danger. No matter how foolish Elvin may be, he will not push an army into such rugged marshlands. After all, the heroes of the Kanzen Marshlands have a history of repelling enemies more than twice their number who invaded the domain…”

The viscount, who was a few years older than Cheryn, was swayed by her mindlessly like a greenhorn.

It was the result of a combination of factors, such as psychological intimidation from entering the opponent’s stronghold and confusion from the suddenly encountered information.

Stammering helplessly, the viscount ultimately agreed to issue a joint statement opposing Elvin just as Cheryn desired, and even verbally promised a contract that effectively reduced him to half her retainer.

Of course, a commensurate reward was also granted.

Because she intended to develop the Kanzen Marshlands in the future to supplement lacking population and resources, and to construct a route leading to the Demonic Realm.

Although the detailed contents would have to be coordinated between subordinates, once the main framework was established, nothing would change.

“Now, comrades who will fight alongside us have arrived! Everyone, welcome them!”

As Cheryn raised her goblet first and shouted, the retainers of Palles put their arms around the shoulders of Viscount of Treba’s retainers and clinked glasses.

Though most of them appeared bewildered, harmony was always a joyful thing regardless.

*

Following the unexpected agreement, what took place next was the reward ceremony for the hydra subjugation.

Naturally, the first among them was the share of the Lord Protector and the one who achieved the greatest merit, Shan Barendil.

Cheryn declared to everyone while standing Shan by her side.

“Because of this subjugation, Sir Shan’s armor was rendered completely ruined. I promise upon my name that in the future, as compensation for this, he will be rewarded with armor sturdier and more powerful than anything possessed by anyone in the Arman Alliance!”

“I do not doubt that day will come, my lord.”

Shan answered in accordance with formality, bending one knee and kissing the back of her hand.

At this declaration from Cheryn, anticipation welled up on the faces of the knights.

If other lords said such words, it would be mere bluster, but was this not the declaration of a genius mage who personally crafted various magic tools?

Though they were pushed behind Shan this time, it was reasonable for them to expect that if they performed great deeds someday, they too could gain something.

The next recipient of merit was Ravana, who had severed no less than two of the hydra’s legs.

She too was promised armor better than what she currently used, though not to Shan’s extent.

Next, after several other knights had their turns, Cheryn’s gaze turned toward the priest who pulled her hood down deep.

“And next is… yes, Priest Asha. Correct?”

“That is correct, Princess.”

“Hm.”

Quite complex emotions were entwined in Cheryn’s expression as she looked at the priest.

In the moment several people grew flustered at the brief silence that flowed, she smiled faintly and spoke.

“I am deeply grateful to you. Thanks to you, everyone, including my Lord Protector, avoided suffering great pain.”

“As a priest of the Goddess, I merely did what ought to be done for the heroes who fought the monsters.”

“Even so, if I failed to reward you, my dignity would suffer. Speak if there is anything you desire.”

“I…”

Asha, who looked back at the viscount for a moment, bowed her head and spoke.

“I merely wish that the people of my hometown will not suffer from hunger.”

The reason she had been unable to say this right away was that she knew it could become a criticism aimed at the viscount.

Asking the lord of another domain to feed their own people well was tantamount to saying that their current lord failed to do so.

“That is no difficult task. I shall arrange for you to take a hundred pigs on your way back. Is that perhaps insufficient?”

“A hundred…”

The viscount and the others widened their eyes at a unit of reward they had not dared to imagine.

Strictly speaking, considering the cost of inviting a high priest, it could hardly be called an expensive price, but Asha was merely an ordinary priest of a rural domain socially, despite her exceptional skills.

“T-Thank you.”

Even Asha, who always seemed aloof from worldly matters, stuttered for a moment.

Contrary to what the viscount and the others had expected, Cheryn showed no further interest in Asha after promising the reward.

Those who had assumed she would naturally propose recruitment were relieved while harboring doubts.

‘Why?’

Such doubts were resolved by the words that followed.

“Come to think of it, I forgot to say this. Priest Asha, if patients in critical condition arise on our side in the future, may we call upon you?”

“If it is a patient who needs me, I will go.”

“That is a relief. In truth, I would feel more reassured if you could stay by our side, but everyone has a hometown they do not wish to leave.”

At the words subtly implying that this was consideration for Asha as well as consideration for Viscount of Treba, the viscount nodded as a sign of gratitude.

Having finished the conversation regarding the priest, Cheryn’s gaze unexpectedly turned toward Roden, who had been attending beside Shan and enjoying the banquet together.

“Squire Roden.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

“You have served the Lord Protector for a long time. You achieved many merits, such as commanding the army on his behalf, and this time, you severed a leg of the hydra alongside Sir Ravana.”

“That was…”

“Your age is no longer young to remain a squire, and the merits you have established are also outstanding, so I personally wish to bestow a heavy honor upon your house at this venue.”

At the words that she would dub him a knight, Roden wore a flustered expression.

It was certainly a moment he had desperately wished and wished for in the past, but he knew better than anyone that he did not possess the qualification for it.

“Your Highness, I…”

“I know why you cannot answer. I guarantee that anyone who denies your knighthood for the reason you are thinking of shall be regarded as tarnishing my honor. Your valor and loyalty lack not the slightest bit to stand as a knight of Pendia.”

At the words implying the fatal flaw he possessed (his phobia of edged weapons) Roden widened his eyes.

Looking instinctively at Shan, he could see his long-time friend subtly shaking his head.

‘It wasn’t Shan who told her, but she knew? How?’

Amid his deep confusion, Shan stood up from his seat.

“I swear at this very venue. Anyone who considers my squire Roden lacking as a knight shall have to prove that fact through a duel to the death with me!”

It was tantamount to a declaration that if anyone raised an objection to Roden’s qualifications in the future, Pendia’s strongest knight would personally take their life.

At this, without exception, everyone present welcomed Roden’s knighting.

This was because all the retainers of Palles knew Roden’s fairly useful martial prowess, as well as his outstanding leadership and meticulousness.

Rather, a few among them showed expressions of not understanding why something so completely obvious had to be pushed along to this extent.

“Doesn’t Young Master Roden have nothing to criticize, from skill to character?”

“That is right. If he strikes with that flail, a troll or the like would crumble and die in a single blow.”

“Rather, it was strange that he was still a squire. Though we understood since the master he serves is that Shan Barendil.”

As the atmosphere became like this, Roden could not express an intention to refuse by using his flaw as a pretext either.

Because doing so would damage the prestige of both Cheryn and Shan at the same time.

At the moment he was about to rise from his seat, thinking that he truly did not want to but had no choice but to accept, Roden realized that he had been deceiving his own heart all along.

He did not want to be satisfied with being a mere squire.

He wanted to become a knight.

Otherwise, why would he have trained relentlessly instead of being content with living as an adjutant behind Shan?

He was simply afraid of showing an unsightly appearance on the battlefield as a knight and receiving everyone’s condemnation.

Along with realizing this fact, Shan, who was beside him, put an arm around his shoulder and whispered softly.

“It’s fine.”

“Really? What if I…”

“Sometimes, you only achieve something when you corner yourself with nowhere to run. You might be like that too, right?”

This was also a story coming from Shan’s experience.

In the past, only after the sword of a mercenary disguised as a bandit approached right in front of his nose was he finally able to make the decision to fight someone.

After listening to Shan’s whisper, Roden dropped to one knee before Cheryn.

“Roden Weavers obeys Your Highness’s will.”

Everyone in the banquet hall clapped their hands to congratulate the success of the young man who had once given up on his dream.

*

The day after the banquet ended, Shan and Roden visited the blacksmith shop in the Count’s castle together.

Shan came to discard Kamad’s armor, which had become completely unusable, and take measurements to forge new armor, while Roden also came to commission the crafting of plate armor to wear as a knight.

Basking in the stifling heat of the blacksmith shop, the two sat in chairs and conversed softly.

“Damn it, when on earth did you plan this?”

“Just yesterday. It would be ridiculous not to be a knight after performing such a great feat.”

What became most comfortable as Squire Roden became Sir Roden was that they could now speak without formality even in front of others.

Shan, the Princess’s Lord Protector, possessed a delicate rank half a step higher than a knight and half a step lower than a titled noble.

At that level, he did not have to hear bad words even if he spoke casually with a peer knight with whom he shared deep friendship.

“I was completely taken in. I really don’t know if this is right…”

“I’m telling you, it’s fine. You can do it. I know it.”

Shan slapped the worrying Roden on the back and chuckled.

At the attitude of his friend who believed in him even more than himself, Roden also let out a sigh, ‘Ha,’ and burst into laughter.

What could be done now that things had turned out like this anyway?

He had no choice but to somehow overcome a petty problem like that and stand tall admirably as a full-fledged knight.

What gave strength to such a Roden was the image of Callion shedding tears while watching him dubbed a knight.

He swore that it was the first time in his life he had ever seen his father cry on the spot.

Neither the stern appearance shown to his children and subordinates, nor the servile appearance shown to knights and nobles, but simply the tears of a father rejoicing in his child’s success…

What other factor could draw out strength and courage for a child more than this?

“Yeah, let’s give it a try.”

Roden spoke in a low voice while watching the hammer and anvil sparking with clanging sounds.

In truth, rendering such an oath meaningless, there was no opportunity for him to do anything grand as a knight right away.

This was because what the Palles domain needed right now was not the exercise of armed force, but intelligence and domestic administration.

The most important thing in domestic administration was precisely utilizing the by-products of the hydra.

First of all, the beast’s mana stone was so huge that it could not be compared to monsters of the same rank.

However, that did not mean this was superior to an ogre’s mana stone, for the quality of a mana stone did not stem solely from size.

If what species the owner of the mana stone was determined the output, size was an element that determined sustain power, so to speak.

Therefore, Cheryn decided to divide the hydra mana stone, swap it out with the mana stones used in other knights’ armaments last time, and utilize the extra mana stones generated thereby in the crafting of smaller magic tools.

A considerable portion of them was also used as materials for armor made from the hydra’s scaled hide.

Hydra leather armor, which completed tanning through special magical processing, was tremendously tough as well as possessing excellent poison resistance.

Thanks to the hydra’s body being so huge, enough could be crafted not only for all knights to wear beneath their plate armor, but even to distribute to soldiers.

“If one mentions an army wearing magic armor made of hydra hide as a material, everyone will lose their minds.”

Cheryn spoke like that and laughed as if happy from mere imagination.

Meanwhile, the Palles domain began full-fledged trade in earnest with Treba right next door.

Fitting for the breadbasket that fed all of Pendia, grain was exported in large quantities, filling the bellies of the marshland residents.

In return, the residents of the marshlands constructed the mountain cave connecting the two domains.

Closing off side paths through which monsters might cross over, paving somewhat rough roads, and attaching lamp magic tools.

Since it was originally a cave large enough for a hydra to pass in and out of, that alone made it a sufficiently wide and convenient pathway for people to use.

Erecting a wooden fortress at the exit side to prevent monsters from crossing over into Palles was an added bonus.

While Palles prepared for another leap forward like that, major changes were also occurring on the Pendian mainland.

“His Majesty the King has awakened?”

“I heard he said he would support Prince Elvin.”

“Mmm…”

Unlike Palles, which passed through relatively smoothly, Prince Conrad’s faction took a heavy blow from the King’s disbandment declaration.

This was because the lords of western and central Pendia had been governed under the King’s influence for a relatively long time, making that influence powerful.

Thanks to Duke of Ranpel and Marquis Abel, who could be called the two wheels of Conrad’s faction, steadfastly supporting him, the faction did not collapse immediately; however, compared to before, the cohesion had weakened to a degree that could be clearly felt.

“The King of Pendia came back to life? How fortunate. If that old man had woken up just a bit earlier, there wouldn’t have been a chance for us.”

“It is as you say, Your Highness.”

In contrast, Duke of Morayen in the northwest naturally did not suffer even the slightest blow.

Because he was already expanding his power by driving out and exploiting a significant portion of the existing vested interest forces in the region he had seized.

His troop strength, which had originally been around a thousand and then decreased through battles with the Palles force, had expanded to nearly two thousand before anyone realized it.

Naturally, not all of them were properly armed troops; it was closer to having inflated the numbers by conscripting young men and merely handing them weapons.

Considering the long-term prosperity of a domain one governed, it was something that should never be done, but there was no need to care about such a thing.

For this was not the Morayen region he had to look after, but the foreign nation of Pendia.

His elite soldiers, who had become adept at training and absorbing troops forcibly conscripted like this during the past Libert civil war, harshly put the new recruits through their paces to instill combat techniques and discipline.

Even while holed up in Palles to the north, Cheryn was able to receive such information in full detail.

It was precisely thanks to utilizing the influence of the Altoan Brotherhood.

Although their influence had been expelled from most Old Faith cities including Hasra in the past, among them were those who possessed appearances resembling westerners and secretly infiltrated.

Under the identity of a Brotherhood executive he had disguised himself as in the past, Roden mobilized some of the Altoan mercenaries under his command into trade while steadily communicating with them, gathering information, and passing it to Cheryn.

Thus, it was about three months later that the uneasy coexistence following the King’s disbandment declaration was shattered.

It was around the time when winter ended and spring sprouts grew greenishly.

“We shall defeat the rebel Conrad and place Pendia once again under the rule of the rightful King! Advance!”

Beneath Elvin’s shout, a combined force mixing the army of southern Pendia and the army of the Kingdom of Ruman began its march.

Crossing over from the Southern Continent via the Kingdom of Ruman, an elephant unit shook the earth with four legs thick as pillars as it trumpeted, “Pooo-!”