Chapter 396: Antigone (1)

Rather than steadily accumulating solid results, leveling up through one big score — this was Eugene’s grand strategy for growing the Silver Mercenary Company.

While waiting for a major commission, Eugene enjoyed Spardia City’s exceptional hospitality. He collected landscape paintings of the Three Sisters Peninsula and the empire across the sea, and diligently purchased silver, which was cheaper compared to the West.

Among those enjoying the rest together were the Eastern knights who had followed from Veros City.

‘I was disappointed that I couldn’t bring any knights from Britainia, but is this how they’re supplemented?’

Eugene smiled contentedly at the sight of the knights chatting merrily and raising their cups.

Among the knights who had participated in the Kraken subjugation, those with families to return to had set off on the journey home.

They were essentially in possession of a barrel full of gems. No matter how dangerous a knight’s life was, they couldn’t help but feel anxious.

-Used not as medicine but as dye, it can be mixed with an extremely potent preservative. It will remain perfectly fine for over a hundred years, so you can sell it slowly.

Thanks to the Alchemy Guild Master’s preservation treatment, the knights could board ship with peace of mind. It was indeed a far more convenient commodity than troll or hydra blood used for medicinal purposes.

-How I look forward to seeing Father and Mother.

-They must be incredibly proud. Their son, who left on a journey, returns with money on par with a great house’s annual income.

The knights couldn’t hide their smiles even at the mere thought. Many had come from small estates with fewer than thirty peasant households.

On the other hand, some knights chose to remain on the peninsula.

-I wish to serve in Your Majesty’s army. Please, allow me.

-I heard you plan to grow the Silver Mercenary Company on the peninsula for a while. I’ve been wandering the south for seven years now. I know most of the routes and could be of help to Your Majesty.

Those without a family to return to, those from too humble a household, or those whose homes were in the interior of the Eastern Empire. Some knights were completely alone, without even a servant.

In such a situation, carrying enormously valuable goods made them anxious. They were difficult to transport, and if a container broke or spilled, it would be a catastrophe.

Buying slaves and hiring mercenaries for protection was also unreliable. Those suddenly hired couldn’t be trusted. While the knight slept, they might covet the treasure and harbor evil thoughts.

But traveling with Eugene’s army solved everything. The containers would be carried by royal servants with excellent strength and skill, and security would be shared by the dark elf warriors.

-Your hearts’ desires are accepted. Until the day this mercenary company plate turns from gold to Mithril, we shall remain together. What is difficult to carry, leave at the Moving Castle.

Moreover, the excitement of accompanying this knight-king on his journey to make history was its own reward. There were hungers that gold alone could not satisfy.

“A magical castle that has crossed the continent. I absolutely must visit it.”

“Your Majesty commands various warriors, but surprisingly few direct knights. If I could properly catch his eye this time…”

Some followed because of the reason that occurred to every knight Eugene fought alongside.

* * *

When the southern free cities of the peninsula safely passed the dual sea threats of merfolk and Kraken, the northern kingdoms of the peninsula were facing an inland threat.

The nomads, who had been fighting among themselves in hundreds of tribes large and small, were merging one by two into larger blocs. Their eyes naturally turned south.

“Your Majesty, nomadic raiders have invaded the Kingdom of Trokiya.”

The Spardia mayor, who briefed daily on external affairs, reported.

Trokiya was a kingdom in the northeast of the Three Sisters Peninsula. It was the only region connected by land to the Eastern Empire.

“Weren’t they said to have mountains favorable for defense?”

“Yes. Trokiya has rugged mountains to the east and southeast. Thanks to that, they maintained their safety from the warmongering previous Caliph. But not in the north. There aren’t many mountains, and there are corridors suitable for cavalry movement.”

Trokiya had held its own against not only the Eastern Empire but also northern nomadic invasions. If the mayor was reporting this, it meant the invading enemy numbers were significant.

“Not a tribal raid, but a unified force?”

“A warband led by Neruva Khan.”

The vast grasslands known as the Green Sea. The nomads who roamed there were broadly classified into two types.

One was the Nest. Like the name suggested, they had clear bases and also engaged in trade — a hybrid nomadic group. Their primary goods were furs available only on the grasslands, plunder, and captured slaves.

The Groja Khanate, which had intervened as Gaius’s mercenaries during Rome’s civil war, fell into this category.

The nomadic groups that constantly wandered and lived on the move were called warbands. As the name suggested, their entire membership was a warrior race, so belligerent that the Vikings of Midgard looked cultured by comparison.

“What is the warband’s numbers?”

“What’s been confirmed is an advance force of five thousand and a main force of thirteen thousand in preparation behind them. All cavalry. They appear to have close to seventy thousand horses.”

‘Lost my mind.’

Hearing this as a nomadic horde made him dizzy.

“Truly a remarkable scale.”

“With not a single one sowing seed — every last one wielding whips, swords, and bows. But they’re a sand castle.”

The mayor was cynical despite acknowledging the warband’s strength.

“A Nest khan tends to reign for a long time, but a warband khan who lasts ten years is considered to have endured quite well. Whether falling on the battlefield, rotting in a sickbed, or dying in a fight with subordinates.”

The strong become the leaders! This was a culture the grassland nomads revered even more than Midgard.

“What happens to a warband when its khan dies?”

“They’re reborn under a new khan or absorbed by a neighboring warband. If the warband was large enough, several leaders might emerge and negotiate a split.”

“That would make them a temporary disaster but unable to reign as a permanent ruler.”

This was also why Trokiya had endured for so long between the Eastern Empire and the nomads.

“Still, this Neruva Khan who invaded this time is certainly a significant threat. Trokiya’s king has been urgently seeking help from neighboring nations, but the results haven’t been good.”

“This too shall pass. That’s what everyone is thinking. They don’t want to help and then be marked by the nomads as the next target.”

Besides, these weren’t just any forces — they were all cavalry. Even sending relief forces, their deployment would be incredibly difficult. A neighboring country could exhaust itself arriving, only to be unable to escape if they encountered the enemy wrong, resulting in total annihilation.”

“That’s exactly right. They’re so desperate that a diplomatic envoy has apparently departed for the Eastern Empire as well.”

“Are they gambling on the character of the newly enthroned Caliph?”

“In my view, it’s a worthwhile gamble. Unlike the previous expansionism, he’s the type to build friendly relations. But the Trokiya nobles’ reaction is…”

These were enemies who had killed brothers, fathers, grandfathers, and uncles on the battlefield over generations. Even when facing a dangerous enemy, such cooperation would inevitably provoke fierce resistance.

“Yet he’s pushing ahead. Quite a determined ruler.”

“Yes. The southern free cities also seem to be urgently recruiting mercenaries. Though no official notice has reached our city yet.”

The mayor spoke as if probing Eugene’s interest.

“I love the south dearly. My territory in Britainia is also in the south. The weather is warm and the sea is beautiful — I want to make this land a little safer.”

“I am humbled. I am pleased that Your Majesty values our friendship so highly. Indeed! With a king present, it’s only proper to send a carefully prepared delegation to seek your grace. You needn’t concern yourself with the general notice sent to multiple cities.”

Eugene’s intentions were conveyed with perfect clarity.

Queen Lamia, hydra, Kraken, dragon. Eugene didn’t hesitate to face legendary monsters head-on.

But he had absolutely no intention of spending intimate time with eighteen thousand maniacal horse riders. Dangerous as ghosts or monsters might be, humans were still more dangerous. And he wasn’t confident that defeating them would bring it to an end.

The atmosphere among the grassland nomads was not ordinary. Both the Three Sisters Peninsula and the Eastern Empire were monitoring the tense situation.

* * *

As mentioned before, the thing Eugene liked most about life on the peninsula was being able to eat rice to his heart’s content.

Naturally, the side dishes to accompany rice were also far more developed than in the West. It had been a long time since he’d truly enjoyed the power of rice.

Not only the dark elves but also his entourage, unaccustomed to rice, picked up their spoons alongside Eugene.

“There’s no need to force yourselves.”

“No, sir. As you said, to maintain smooth supply lines on the peninsula, we must become accustomed to rice. The empire across the sea is even more so, I hear.”

Hind spoke while holding a steaming bowl of rice. However, today’s menu was a bit intense.

“So what is this?”

Eugene asked, looking at the brown sauce sprinkled over the rice grains. The aroma was strong, and within the thick liquid, occasional pieces of decomposed entrails and shellfish meat were visible.

“It’s called Carum. It’s also known as the essence of the sea — a fish sauce. Apparently, it’s a remnant from when the Ancient Kingdom came east during their conquest wars.”

Hind was a fanatic of Second Era culture and artifacts. That it was an ancient food preserved in the East when it had vanished from the West — it was impossible not to be intrigued.

“Fish are soaked in saltwater, finely chopped, and fermented in jars with large quantities of salt. Depending on the region, shellfish or small squid may also be included.”

‘Something like fish paste?’

For Eugene, it was a familiar ingredient, but for his subordinates who had been raised on bread and meat, the difficulty level was high.

“You actually managed to bring this?”

Incidentally, Hind was the one who had selected today’s side dish.

“As you can see, you just pour it over a bowl of rice and mix — done. Cooking and cleanup are simple. Rice is dried food and Carum is pickled, so both can be preserved for a long time. There’s nothing better for military supply purposes.”

Hind was a knight with a rare mindset like Eugene’s — ‘logistics over tactics.’ Separately from personal interest, he had chosen a food ingredient suited to the theme of smooth supply lines.

Recently, Eugene and his close associates had been sampling various foods to find rice side dishes suited for Western warriors.

“I want to try it today, and if it’s acceptable, place a large order.”

“So you ordered it without trying it first?”

“That’s right.”

‘This doesn’t seem like a taste my subordinates can handle.’

As Eugene mixed the rice, the rising aroma made him look around uneasily. Sure enough…

“…”

“…”

“…Damn it.”

With just one spoonful, everyone’s expressions rotted.

“Gyaah!”

The first to bolt was Homi. Her nose had been warning her fiercely before she even tasted it, but as a soldier and the king’s retainer, she couldn’t flee from the start.

-This is going to be worse than fermented soybean paste. Just eat out separately.

-Eating is also a soldier’s duty. I can’t do that.

Eugene’s warm words had actually strengthened her resolve. But what was the difference if she took one bite and then ran out?

“Wh-what is this…”

“Turn your head. Don’t breathe on me.”

“Your breath smells just as terrible! Who picked this in the first place?!”

“Ahem.”

The only ones still enduring were those from families famous for their patience — the grim-faced Hind, the wronged Henri, and the sweating, wide-eyed Balan.

“Where’s that merchant?!”

“You no-good merchant!”

The tribal warriors went wild. Hind bore primary responsibility for ordering the Carum, but the merchant who had downplayed how terrible this ingredient was also at fault.

Gag.

Ptoo!

“Damn it. Rinsing my mouth won’t get the smell out. Just breathing makes the fishy stench bore into my brain?”

Rex, who couldn’t bring himself to blame Hind directly, blamed the merchant instead.

Chomp chomp.

“S-sorry. Next time I’ll try it first…”

The fierce dark elves, not blaming him but only cursing the merchant, seemed to move Hind somewhere.

Chomp chomp.

Eating steadily all this time was Eugene. He had already emptied half his rice bowl.

“???”

“My Lord?”

“That… that goes down your throat?”

The subordinates, who had been making a ruckus, gaped at Eugene eating calmly.

“The flavor is strong, but it’s quite edible?”

The first few bites had been intense, but Eugene had always loved fermented fish products. The characteristic pungent and fishy smell was gradually transforming into pleasure.

“Urgh!”

Even Valda couldn’t hold out. With her dignity to consider, she couldn’t just spit and rinse her mouth like the warriors.

“Your Majesty!”

Covering her mouth, Valda hurried out, with worried maids following behind.

“Ho.”

“Hmm.”

A few subordinates briefly wore expressions of ‘Oh? Really?’ but quickly shook their heads. This was ninety-nine percent the Carum’s fault.

Eugene lifted his spoon with a satisfied face. Noisy as it was, this too was a joy of travel and a page in the book of memories.

Long years from now, when everyone present had retired from the battlefield, this would be a story they’d mention with laughter between curses.

Nom nom.

There was one other person besides Eugene who ate well. It was the young lady Dampier, kneeling neatly beside him.

“Maria? You also find it eat… no, you don’t.”

Above Maria’s upper lip, whiter than her already pale complexion, was a powder applied. A stench-blocking agent made by mixing various compounds centered on menthol. The kind applied when examining corpses with foul odors like drowned bodies.

Maria’s expression was composed, but her small toes kept twitching, showing she was indeed in pain.

* * *

-In the name of the king, I command: Righteous men! Assemble! Defend your nation and families from the evil savages!

When the Trokiya king’s mobilization order reached the nobles and they marched out from their territories:

Eugene had secured a major commission that would promote the Silver Mercenary Company to Gold rank. A unique commission on par with, or perhaps exceeding, the previous merfolk subjugation and Kraken hunt.

“A ghost ship?”

Before the interested Eugene, the Spardia mayor pointed to the nautical chart on the table.

“That’s right. As you can see, to the southeast of our peninsula, countless archipelagos are connected like stepping stones.”

It was a region called the Net Archipelago, so named for the many interwoven islands.

“Unlike the peninsula’s warm continental climate, the central sea has deep waters and strong winds. As a result, small settlements have been established on various islands as waypoints for merchant ships.”

“So the ghost ships have been sighted at those islands?”

“Yes. Here, here, and here.”

It happened to be the very routes that mattered most.

“This would seriously hinder trade.”

“Sailors are among the most superstitious people. With ghost ships roaming around, everyone’s taking long detours.”

Not surprising at all. For all their tough talk, seamen bought more talismans than anyone else in the world.

“Is this area always this rough? Everyone must be having a hard time.”

“W-well. Not to this extent before.”

Eugene suddenly wondered if this was his doing. Though kept strictly secret, the cause of the Kraken’s rampage at Veros City had been the annihilation of the merfolk.

Call it a butterfly effect, perhaps.

The bullies of the Three Sisters Peninsula’s waters — no, the wave bosses — had disappeared, and in the vacuum, other creatures were moving up.

“The Net Archipelago has no unified ruling power. Multiple free cities and kingdoms each occupy an island and use it as a base.”

“Like an international crossroads? There wouldn’t be just one or two factions suffering losses from the ghost ships.”

Due to the Net Archipelago’s characteristics, it wasn’t just the quantitative scale of damage that was the problem. Petitions about losses would be flooding the leadership of every faction. That was why the subjugation request had come so quickly.

“When the enemy is a ghost ship, the existing navy won’t suffice. Beyond skill with sword and bow, countermeasures against the supernatural are needed.”

It was natural that Spardia City had sought out Eugene. No group had expelled as many evil entities as Eugene’s army.

“But this goes even further than the merfolk subjugation. We can’t avoid naval battle, and as I said before, we’re not experienced at sailing.”

Moving Castle did have docked ships, but they were for use as supply vessels in places like the southern continent. They weren’t suitable for naval combat.

“Naturally, navigation will be handled by specialists in that area. What the commissioners desire is Your Majesty’s experience and martial power alone.”

“If I accept, who will I be working with?”

The mayor pointed to a city near the archipelago.

“You will be received by Antigone City.”

“‘Descendants of Resistance.’ What a cool name.”

“They were those who resisted to the last against the Ancient Kingdom’s conquest.”

Antigone was a historic city where democracy had first been born. Its citizens had fiercely resisted the massive invasion during the Second Era.

What made this possible was their powerful navy, which could travel between islands and conduct guerrilla warfare.

A rival military city had focused entirely on land forces and was unable to help. In the early stages of the war, it had been devastated by a charge of Worldcharger-mounted knights.

Even now, after so much time, Antigone boasted one of the central sea’s most formidable navies.

“I’ll accept the commission on one condition.”

“What might that be?”

“When a ghost ship is sighted, full operational command must be transferred to me.”

“That’s…”

It wasn’t an easy demand. It was essentially handing over military authority.

“What we’re facing isn’t pirates — it’s a ghost ship. Against an enemy of the supernatural, you need those who understand the supernatural to respond properly. This isn’t just about fighting well. It includes judging whether it’s a trap of evil spirits and whether the timing is right to engage.”

Failure in the operation was possible. But failure in retreat was unacceptable.

“Whether to strike or withdraw against a ghost ship — that decision is mine. If you don’t agree, I won’t accept.”

“Please wait a moment. Antigone’s envoys are on the floor below. I’ll consult them immediately.”

“There’s no compromise. Bring me only a yes or no.”

“Understood.”

The mayor returned in just five minutes.

The Antigone envoys who accompanied him prostrated before Eugene. They wore togas of a different style from the Ancient Kingdom.

“We will gladly follow. You are the one who overthrew an External God, a dragon, and even a Kraken. With your martial power and wisdom, please protect the safety of the central sea.”

“So be it. I accept your call.”

Thus, the third commission heading toward Gold rank was decided. Eugene’s first naval battle would make its debut against a ghost ship.

“Do you know what the ghost ship looks like?”

“According to witnesses, it resembles a ship fashioned from evil clouds by a wicked god. Its black sails, riddled with holes, seem capable of blotting out the sky, and it moves at tremendous speed without using a single oar, even when there is no wind.”

The new client’s honesty passed muster. They didn’t seem to think Eugene would take the commission and run.

“Is there anything else you can tell me about the ghost ship’s characteristics?”

“Beyond what I’ve described, we know little. That is why we seek Your Majesty’s aid.”

“What about the sea routes and conditions around the archipelago?”

“The waters are treacherous — strong currents, hidden reefs, and frequent fog. Many ships have been lost even without any ghost ship involvement.”

“And the settlements on the islands?”

“Small fishing villages and trading posts. Some have modest garrisons, but none could stand against a supernatural threat.”

Eugene studied the nautical chart, tracing the routes between islands with his finger. The Net Archipelago was exactly as its name suggested — a web of interconnected waterways and landmasses.

“We’ll need to gather intelligence first. Send scouts ahead to the settlements where the ghost ships have been sighted. I want detailed reports on the timing, frequency, and any patterns in their appearances.”

“Understood. I’ll make the arrangements immediately.”

“One more thing. I want to meet with the captains of any ships that have encountered the ghost ships and survived. Their firsthand accounts will be invaluable.”

“Your thoroughness is commendable. I’ll see to it at once.”

The mayor bowed and departed. Eugene remained, studying the chart.

A ghost ship. In a world where gods, monsters, and magic existed, it wasn’t the most outlandish concept. But the specifics mattered.

‘Is it truly a supernatural entity, or something using the supernatural as a cover?’

The possibilities ranged from actual undead spirits to cleverly disguised pirates or even a scheme by a rival faction. Each scenario demanded a different response.

Either way, it was a commission that would test not just martial strength but judgment and leadership. And that was exactly the kind of challenge Eugene sought.

He folded the chart and stood. Through the window, the lights of Spardia City glittered like fallen stars.

The Silver Mercenary Company’s journey to Gold had begun.