Chapter 381: Eastward (1)

“Marbas. I support your theory. That the monsters gathered during the tide destroyed the two ancient superpowers.”

“I’m honored that Your Majesty believes me. I will do my best to assist in the events to come.”

“Can we predict who might enter our world?”

Combining all the large nations, medium powers, small kingdoms, and city-states, there were hundreds of major factions on a single continent.

The same applied to other worlds. If you filtered for only worlds dangerous enough to actively target the mortal realm, the number would shrink considerably, but it was still far too many to count on both hands and feet.

“If they’re demonic beings summoned by heathens, I should stock up on plenty of silver.”

“Haha. You’re already known as the ruler who loves silver—how much more could you possibly need?”

Marbas’s expression was quite euphemistic. In popular terms, he was more often called the Silver Ghost, Silver-Mad, or Silver Addict.

Since Eugene absorbed silver through every means possible whenever the opportunity arose and consumed it in battle, someone always ended up losing out.

“The probability of demons arriving is low, though being prepared is admirable.”

“Haha. Even now, they’re one of the staples that appear in this type of disaster, but from a summoner’s perspective, they’re just another species.”

Similarly, hell wasn’t the opposite of heaven as religions described it. It was merely a dimension where abominable species like demons thrived.

“This may sound somewhat irresponsible, but preparing and predicting this type of disaster is meaningless. It’s closer to extinguishing a fire that has already started with minimal damage.”

Though speaking of the disaster that had destroyed two great kingdoms, both Marbas and the other summoners remained calm.

“Please don’t worry too much. It’s true that every time the tide comes, a bloodstorm sweeps the world, but intelligent species have never been pushed to the brink of extinction.”

“Your Majesty has the strongest army, and you have this magical castle. Even if annihilation sweeps the continent and turns it into wasteland, Britainia will be safe. An island nation has the highest stability against all types of wild hunts.”

The summoners’ opinions were cool-headed.

They were respected because, unlike mages of similar caliber, they pursued the greater good. But the greater good sometimes showed a cruel side.

In any case, even if the world turned to hell for a while, the tide would eventually recede. Until then, protecting just Britainia was feasible—especially with Eugene, his army, and the Moving Castle.

Approaching from the perspective of preserving humanity, the summoners recognized the gravity of the situation but considered it a sufficiently manageable disaster.

“The Elven Kingdom, ruled by Her Majesty the Queen, is also safe. The Great Forest, filled with monsters, traps, mazes, and swamps, is itself a natural fortress. Hasn’t it already proven its survival through the 1st Age’s destruction?”

Even Alzhar, who usually held his tongue, added a word while checking Valda’s expression.

“A monarch must always prioritize his people first—I know that. But that thought alone doesn’t ease my heart.”

Valda had a warm heart but was no impractical idealist. She knew that trying to catch two rabbits and losing both was the most foolish thing a monarch could do.

“For now, we need to observe further. The only evidence is a single appearance. Without proper physical proof, who would believe this? And even if they did, forming a coalition army with this would be laughable.”

If Eugene went around making a fuss, he would instead be suspected of harboring some ulterior motive.

“Your Majesty, I will attempt a questioning ritual regarding today’s matter.”

The summoners each prepared to offer tributes to the beings they had contracts with, seeking information.

Unlike vague prophecies, this was a ritual that allowed precise questions—yes or no, with no ambiguity.

“First caution, second caution. Everyone knows, right?”

“Of course.”

“Strictly check the number of questions allowed, don’t get caught up in their evasions. Well, you all know better than I do.”

Though it appeared to be a simple question-and-answer format, every word of dialogue was essentially a spell—a highly advanced technique.

A common accident was a novice summoner mistakenly exceeding the allowed number of questions and paying a heavy price.

Moreover, beings that engaged in such transactions were extremely cunning. They used entertaining storytelling and dazzling verbal skills to lure summoners into making mistakes.

Of course, none of the summoners gathered here would be so naive. Eugene had absorbed only the veterans carefully selected by Gaius.

*

The Dwarven Mountain Range in southeastern Rome was a key transportation hub. Moreover, it served as a gateway for western nations to reach the east by land. Long ago, countless pilgrims and knights had passed through this road under the pretext of reclaiming the Holy Land.

Since the Apostolic Nation was established and the campaign ‘The gods dwell only where faith exists’ ended the pointless religious wars, that was ancient history.

“Welcome!”

The dwarven king welcomed Eugene with his usual booming voice.

“King to king! Now we’re truly equals. I knew this day would come, but it arrived much faster than expected. Yes, Your Majesty is always fast.”

“That’s our family motto.”

“No one can predict us. Correct?”

“I’m honored you remember.”

The dwarven king grinned and stepped aside to open the path.

“Come in. I have fine spirits to offer and many stories to share. It seems the world is changing very rapidly lately.”

Both Eugene and the dwarven king were the type who preferred getting straight to business. As the banquet began, Eugene immediately asked what he was curious about.

“On the way here, the crowds seemed to have increased significantly. And many of them were heading east.”

“Rome’s civil war has ended, and the aftermath is proceeding much more smoothly than expected. Mercenaries who had gathered from around the world during the long war have effectively become unemployed.”

Within mercenary companies, mercenary captains were treated as nobles, but only as long as they consistently produced results.

If they couldn’t secure decent work and their accumulated wealth dwindled daily, their subordinates’ complaints would boil over instantly.

To avoid rebellion, they had to find new sources of income no matter what.

“So they’re heading east to find new work?”

“Not just those who earn their keep. Merchants, skilled workers—many are trying to seize the opportunity. No matter how you look at it, Rome will need to tighten its belt for the next five years. There’s nothing to be gained by staying.”

“But it still seems reckless. If Rome’s silver coins have dried up, wouldn’t it be better to visit Barsia, Gord, or the Free Cities?”

Eugene didn’t understand why they would go so far away instead of staying in familiar, nearby places. With different languages, cultures, and skin colors everywhere, local hostility would be tremendous.

“There’s a reason. Recently, the Caliph of the Eastern Empire has changed. It was a succession by death.”

“…I didn’t know that.”

“Your Majesty’s domain is on the complete opposite side, isn’t it? I just sit here and news flows in from the east.”

The dwarven king chuckled.

“So what was the official cause of the Caliph’s death?”

“Officially, it was announced that a reckless assassin attacked in the lavatory.”

The dwarven king looked like his mouth was itching. Eugene asked again at his ‘hurry, ask me more’ expression.

“So what really happened?”

“There was no assassination attempt. How could the Caliph not have thorough protection? The old man seems to have strained too hard in the outhouse on a cold day.”

The dwarven king made a gesture near his head like something popping—a blood vessel bursting.

“That’s why old people need to be especially careful in cold weather. Many go like that without realizing it.”

“Oh…”

Eugene and the Caliph had never met, but they were connected through the battle at Sicily. He sent appropriate condolences for the undignified end.

“The important thing is that the new Caliph is progressive and has strong will for reform and opening. He advocates expanding exchange with Western nations and has lifted many restrictions on foreigners.”

This changed the picture. Even if not on the level of elven trade goods, the Eastern Empire’s products commanded high prices in the West.

“He’s not just encouraging trade with the West. He’s also recruiting those who sell military force. He’s even personally declared that anyone who achieves merit will receive territory and become a vassal.”

“Territory for foreigners? With conditions like that, quite a few knights would rush over as if bewitched.”

“Just yesterday, thirty left. Today, maybe twenty more. Mercenary captains with many troops under them would be even more tempted. They’re more likely to secure lordships.”

Since the Holy Land reclamation war ended, there was little ill will between West and East. Though they once pointed fingers at each other as heathens and were ready to fight to the death, “heathen” was now a descriptor reserved for more terrible enemies.

If it was profitable, they could shake hands. Moreover, if territory was offered, there was nothing they wouldn’t do. They would even become the Caliph’s dog and plunder Western nations if ordered.

“What could he possibly want to gather so many warriors for? Even the East is wealthy, but armies are money-draining ghosts just by existing.”

“Recently, there’s been increasing war clouds. The nomadic tribes’ attacks in the north have intensified—several villages have already been burned and residents kidnapped.”

It was still within the domain of the local lord’s responsibility. But if the scale continued to grow, the Caliph would also need to intervene for face as the leader of the East.

Whether out of fear of the nomadic tribes’ power or to build a massive army to enhance his authority after ascending the throne, this young reformer seemed to want to recruit Western warriors as well.

“Why don’t you go there yourself?”

“Me?”

At the unexpected invitation, Eugene’s eyes widened.

“The Caliph is young. No matter how fierce his exterior, there’s still a boy’s sensitivity inside. Longing for the mysterious and fantastical beings in fairy tales. The legendary Moving Castle and the wonders within—his face would split from ear to ear!”

The dwarven king thumped his chest as if to say, trust my words.

“If Your Majesty visits, you’ll receive luxurious treatment. Moreover, if you sweep up the East’s trade goods with the Moving Castle and sell them in the West, the profits would be beyond imagination.”

“I appreciate the advice, but I think he might hold a grudge against me.”

Eugene had wiped out the Immortals sent by the Eastern Empire during the Sicily war.

“That was the previous generation’s matter, wasn’t it? Return the seized military flag and talk nicely—the path will surely open. Your Majesty is only in your mid-twenties. Your reign ahead is long and bright. Excluding the East from your stage of activity would be truly regrettable.”

This wasn’t wrong either. The knowledge, technology, and goods sleeping in the East were unique. Opening an opportunity for exchange when they had just begun to open up was worth attempting.

The dwarven king also knew information about the nomadic tribes.

“One more thing—the nomadic tribes’ unity is beyond imagination. Normally, purges where leaders kill leaders should be happening in succession, but the one currently uniting them is incorporating the defeated chieftains into a single coalition.”

“The new Caliph must be restless. I wonder how far the nomadic tribes will grow their power.”

The terror of a united nomadic people needed no explanation.

*

After the banquet with the dwarven king ended.

‘I want to make connections in the East, but I don’t want to fight the Nomadic Empire. What to do?’

Whether Eugene’s subordinates understood his dilemma or not, they all crowded around and clamored.

“Your Majesty! What are you worrying about? The situation right now is like heaven pushing us forward!”

“I’ve traveled every corner of the world, but I’ve never been to the Eastern world. Finally, the chance has come.”

These were Rampage and Rex, who loved adventure simply for its own sake.

“The ones heading east now are mostly free knights from various nations, second and third sons of noble families, and mercenary companies. They’re virtually without noble blood with both power and authority. If Your Majesty goes, you could reign as their center of gravity.”

This was Hind’s advice.

“Now is the time of the tide. The birth of the Nomadic Empire is a threat severe enough to be called a great calamity, but on the other hand, it could also be a key.”

The last to speak was Marbas.

“Using poison to counter poison—isn’t that what you mean?”

“The forces from the otherworld that arrived with the tide destroyed the two great kingdoms. But the Nomadic Empire is fully capable of doing the same. In that case, this could indeed be the ultimate poison versus lethal poison.”

“The idea is good, but whether it’s feasible…”

Using one enemy to strike another was a basic principle everyone knew, but actual implementation was far more difficult than imagined.

“I don’t think it’s bad to keep in mind. For that, we need information—information we can’t obtain just by staying in the West.”

Whether fighting unknown entities or confronting the rising Nomadic Empire’s invasion, obtaining even a bit of information in advance would be enormously helpful later. And there was no more information to be gained in the West.

Eugene made his decision.

“Good. First, we need to get a picture of the local situation.”

“Good thinking. It should be easy here.”

The Dwarven Mountain Range and the peninsula below were the conduit for trade between West and East.

“Find villages where Easterners live. Whether they shipwrecked or settled, there must be at least one place where those who crossed over are living.”

“We’ll check the auction house. To see if there are any paintings depicting the East.”

Eugene’s subordinates had long become experts in searching for paintings. Going back and forth between the Dwarven Mountain Range and the peninsula, they combed through everything.

Among numerous paintings of imagined landscapes, ‘real’ ones were discovered one by one, and Eugene succeeded in obtaining coordinates heading east.

The moment had arrived when the flow of history shifted momentarily from West to East.