Chapter 118
Chapter 118
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 118
Chapter Title: The Stirring Continent
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"Is it all done?"
"Huuu..."
Lucia's mother entered the kitchen again.
With the kimchi finally complete, she let out a long sigh.
"You've worked hard."
"Hehe, next time, teach me how to make kimchi from the very beginning."
Armis's intentions were plain as day.
She knew it was my favorite food and was showing real enthusiasm to learn.
"My lord, so how do you eat this?"
Lucia's mother asked about the massive piles of cabbage and radish kimchi stacked in the large wooden tub.
It was a natural question from the head chef in charge of my meals.
'Yeah... kimchi's best with plain white rice. No ramen either...'
We'd made the kimchi, but figuring out how to eat it properly was another ordeal.
Couldn't just eat it plain, and it didn't pair well with bread.
'Pair it with pork belly, then. Better than nothing by a mile.'
When you lose your teeth, you gum it.
I was ready to head out and slaughter a pig right then.
"My lord, Zamer and the Rubis Merchant Group have arrived."
Derbal pinched his nose as he entered the kitchen, his voice nasal as he announced their arrival.
'Smells bad, huh? Just wait. I'll get you hooked on kimchi.'
Kimchi was practically a drug to Koreans.
I smirked at Derbal's wrinkled face, harboring some wicked(?) resolve.
"Tell them to wait a moment. I need to finish sorting this."
The kimchi-making was done, but we still had to neatly pack the last crock.
Right now, nothing in the world was more precious to me than this—except anything involving Armis.
"Understood."
Derbal, overwhelmed by the kitchen's overpowering mix of spice scents, left those words and hurried out.
'Why's the Rubis Group visiting in winter?'
The snow was deep enough to make travel tough, yet Zamer had come to see me.
Even as I moved the kimchi, suspicion gnawed at me.
'Could something be happening with the continental situation...'
An unsettling doubt stirred in my mind.
My body sprang into action.
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"Haha, traveling all this way in the dead of winter."
"Greetings, Lord Cayer."
Our interactions had grown natural by now.
In the past, speaking casually to Zamer—who was old enough to be my father—had felt awkward, but the habits of nobility had sunk deep into my bones.
"Have a seat."
"Thank you, my lord."
Zamer never lost his merchant's poise.
He wore that signature inscrutable merchant's smile.
"Any troubles with the caravan?"
"Thanks to you, my lord, we've risen to the ranks of the continent's three great merchant groups. Allow me to bow once more in gratitude."
"Oh, come on, I didn't do much..."
'This guy's all talk for thanks. Time to share some warm hospitality on the road(?)'
"And so, I've prepared a modest gift this time."
'A gift? Heh, the guy's got a nose for it.'
"Between us, a gift..."
My words said one thing, but my eyes gleamed like a predator eyeing prey.
Who in the world turns down freebies?
"It's nothing precious. You once asked about cotiv during a conversation, so I tracked some down."
"Cotiv?"
"Unlike wheat, you remove the husk, boil it with water, and eat it with a spoon. Ring a bell? Last visit, over dinner, you described a grain just like it."
"Oh? Yeah, right."
My memory was decent, but not for tiny details like that.
Probably something I'd muttered while eating bread and missing rice.
'He didn't miss that, huh.'
A merchant through and through.
The knack for scratching exactly where the customer itched.
No wonder he'd become head merchant at such a young age.
"It's not widely grown, but I heard it's cultivated in the eastern continent's Iratsk Empire, so I procured some. The husks are still on, so if the climate suits next year, you could grow it yourselves."
'Whoa, even thought about cultivation?'
Know one thing, infer two or three, and act.
I saw Zamer in a new light.
"Thank you. I'll gladly accept."
'Jackpot.'
I'd know once I tasted it, but rice would be the perfect gift.
Freshly steamed white rice with steaming kimchi from the crock.
Just thinking about it made my mouth water.
"Glad you like the gift."
'Heard trade with the eastern continent's tough because of the Kesmir pirates, but he got it anyway.'
The Kesmir pirates, self-proclaimed sea kings.
I'd once wondered why they rampaged unchecked.
Could scattered island-dwellers really dominate empires and kingdoms at sea?
Derbal had explained.
Empires and kingdoms had poured massive efforts into scouring the seas, with enough warships and merchant vessels to overwhelm the pirates even now.
But the real issue wasn't the ships.
Constant battles had wiped out skilled navies and sailors—that was the crux.
The sea isn't something you master overnight; you need talented seafarers.
With them decimated in fierce fights, morale collapsed.
Plus, this continent's seas teemed with sea monsters and magical beasts.
Wander into the wrong waters, and even holy-water-armed ships sank.
Over generations, only desperate merchants chasing fortunes or the fearless ventured out.
Empires and kingdoms maintained just enough naval power for coastal defense.
They didn't need eastern trade; the continent brimmed with goods and civilization.
Such devotion to fetch rice amid those hardships.
He deserved praise.
"Speaking of which, what's the continental situation like these days?"
"Truth be told, that's why I came, my lord. Winter makes monsters ravenous and fierce, so we avoid major caravans."
'Hoo, he's got intel to share.'
"Thanks."
"Haha, no need for thanks. Neruman's steady growth is our caravan's future too."
Zamer showed the camaraderie of shared fates.
"And on the way here, I was awed by you once more, my lord."
"What about?"
"How does Neruman change every time? I fretted over rumors of Havis Kingdom nobles invading, but no war scars—just more progress. Even a grand highway nowhere else on the continent. Truly impressive, my lord!"
"Oh, that? Ahem."
They say praise makes whales dance.
I savored Zamer's compliments.
"That? Without snow, you could cross the border and reach Denfos in a day. A week otherwise, without that road."
As a merchant, Zamer knew roads' vital role in trade.
His eyes sparkled like jewels.
"Just the beginning. Next year, you'll see beyond your wildest dreams."
"I'll look forward to it, my lord!"
Zamer had earned my trust from our first meeting.
His help had shaped who I was today.
He'd enabled me to repay Luna Village for saving my life; his head merchant medallion got me to Neruman from the empire without issue.
And now, he and Rubis were the only ones openly trading with Neruman.
I'd make Rubis the continent's top merchant group.
It was my pride on the line, not just theirs.
"So, to the main point. What's the continent like now?"
I'd officially booted the info guild, so I knew zilch about continental affairs.
No bandwidth for it anyway.
Internal issues were headache enough without continental politics.
But that's exactly why I needed to know.
Neruman wasn't an island—bordered the continent, tense with two neighboring empires.
Zamer's intel drop was a godsend.
"You've probably guessed, my lord, but something big's brewing next year. As I mentioned, caravans are gearing for war profits. And the northern continent's two hegemons, Vazran and Raviter Empires, face massive upheavals."
"Vazran and Raviter?"
I'd suspected, but his confident 'next year' tensed me up.
Neruman: a shrimp between whale fights.
One slip, and paradise turns hell in a blink.
"Vazran's the worst. Rumors say Emperor Habitron won't survive winter. Our own checks confirm it."
"Hmm..."
'Emperor's on death's door.'
I'd forgotten the Vazran imperial family.
No big ties to the emperor, but the young prince and Isis princess? Different story.
'That rotten-personality crown prince bastard becomes emperor, it'll spell trouble.'
He'd said come to him if needed, but getting there was the issue.
Power games kill siblings, parents—no mercy.
"Poltbiran becomes emperor?"
"Most likely. Even if His Majesty wants Razsion the Second Prince, it's impossible now. Most nobles and knights back the crown prince."
"And Razsion and Isis?"
"The prince dies... the princess gets sold off for alliance marriage to some kingdom."
A merchant's instinct, trading continent-wide.
Had to trust it.
'Damn shame.'
I'd fly to the capital and snatch Isis and the kid if I could, but no time or means.
'Zamer can't help either?'
No caravan aid either.
"Huuu..."
Long sigh escaped.
No options now; had to leave it to fate.
"Fine for Vazran, but what's Raviter's deal? No pesky kingdoms around to provoke them."
Yukain, Berkain, Depot, Rialion Kingdoms bordering Raviter acted like vassals.
None dared irk the brutish, aggressive Raviter; it'd erase what's left of their realms.
"That's... because of you, my lord."
'Guessed it, but really me?'
Wanted to ask, but words stuck.
If I were their prince, I'd have razed Neruman with a huge army ages ago.
"Any group with decent intel knows: Raviter's next emperor, Second Prince Alskane, nearly killed—and the empire's symbol, the Gold Wyvern, stolen by Neruman's fearless lord."
"Yeah? Rumors are spot-on."
No denying it.
Excuses wouldn't change squat.
"Spring?"
"Probably. Reports of troops massing near Havis border for war prep. Timing's certain: next spring when snow melts."
All too clear.
"Their forces won't be a joke..."
"Of course. Empire's honor on the line—two legions at least, plus ambitious nobles currying favor with the Second Prince."
'Hah, next spring might be my funeral.'
Two imperial legions: 200,000 troops.
Attached wyverns: minimum 300.
With nobles? Up to 500.
Enough to raze Neruman or a decent kingdom.
"You're okay? They know about our trades—not just other caravans, the empire too."
Neruman was trouble, but Rubis could catch fire too.
"We're fine. That's why our name's endured centuries. And I act accordingly."
Zamer's eyes brimmed with trust.
"Havis Kingdom might not fare well."
"Dangerous. They won't stop at Neruman with that force. They're after continental hegemony anyway. Conquering Havis is key to exploiting Vazran's weakness."
"Vazran just sits? Not idiots—they won't tolerate Raviter at their doorstep."
"Idiots they are. Post-emperor, massive chaos. Smart ones wouldn't have let Neruman stand."
Even without Derbal, we opened up.
"Bottom line: Neruman blocks Raviter alone."
"Yep. Especially you, my lord—Second Prince Alskane swears to skin you alive."
'Regret it. Should've culled the beastkin back then.'
Not just cave him up—crush it.
"Gonna be fun."
"Pardon?"
"Facing off Raviter sounds thrilling. I never liked them anyway."
"Haha, hahaha. Only you on the continent would think of sparring Raviter, my lord. True eccentric."
'How to cook these bastards.'
Prepping anyway.
Sea invasion? Too vast. Land attack via Havis.
Time to craft a killer counter.
"Know this?"
"What?"
"Temples are stirring. After Neran's holy knights lost in the uprising under their high priest's name, other temples' high priests are convening."
"Why?"
"Heretic judgment."
"Heretic judgment?"
'Sounds familiar.'
Medieval inquisitors torching innocents in witches' name.
Mood soured instantly.
"Rumors you're wielding demon power, spread continent-wide. From Neran holy knights who survived and testified."
"Whoa..."
True Neran knights stayed to serve Armis.
The corrupt, god-mongering scum? Politely booted.
And they stirred shit.
"Heretic judgment means not just Neran—all major temples declare holy war. First since Black Mage purge 250 years ago."
'All temples! Crazy.'
Neran plus about ten more.
Dispatching holy knights? Headache.
'Damn, wanna live right, but they itch to devour me.'
Pure soul wanting virtue, yet they can't stand it.
I'd punch any nearby.
"Heretic judgment strips Vazran-granted title and rights; no merchant, mage tower, or mercenary aid. Helpers punished too. Includes us."
"Immediate?"
"No. Inquisitors come judge you in person."
"Thanks for the heads-up."
Vital intel.
'Must push territory independence fast.'
Didn't want to, but if world isolates Neruman, gotta adapt.
Not scared, though.
I ignore empires; one more enemy changes nothing.
"We'll resume caravans soon as snow melts. List needed goods."
Prepping for worst, his courtesy maximal since not Neruman-exclusive.
"Got it. You need anything, say so."
"Understood, my lord."
"Anyway, pre-dinner still?"
"Yes, but..."
"Then dine with me. Got plenty to thank you for."
"Honor if you invite me, my lord."
"See you shortly."
"Understood."
Sharp Zamer bowed and exited.
'Raviter after heretic judgment? Heh, entertaining.'
Might end up fighting the whole continent.
'Bring it. I'll bury 'em.'
No fear.
When'd I ever live easy?
Might as well go big.
Tremble in fear? Nah, bold showdown suited me.
Man's word over fist? Nah—fist over word.
That summed my life.
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Sizzle.
Scrape.
'Music to my ears!'
Lunchtime.
Called all my beloved key knights for once.
Sedlian, Liker, Jenis—endless patrols against winter-hungry monsters—plus Berkes, Artisian, Derbal and pals Andriaf, Tebedian, even Armis and Zamer. All gathered.
Before them, I dazzled with salt sprinkles on thick pork belly.
'Heh. Kimchi demands pork belly.'
Bossam was great, but not this.
My deep Korean roots had seated these knights and guests.
They gawked at pork belly sizzling on thin stone slabs from Skywing Unit.
'Hang tight. Killer taste incoming.'
Reinforced slabs against fire-cracking; below, salamander-lit charcoals blazed red.
"Haha, looks about done."
Pork belly crisped golden, sizzling.
Pepper-salt seasoned, tormenting my stomach.
"What're you waiting for? Raise your glasses."
Pork belly and soju's classic, but beer matched it.
Dwarf-brewed beer always overflowed.
Sharp black beer chilled perfectly in cold.
"M-my lord? What's this?"
Brave Liker spoke for all on the pork.
"Can't you tell? Pork."
"Not that—why grill it like this? Boiled or smoked tastes better, no?"
"Oh, try it."
"..."
No words needed.
Tong-ed perfect piece into Liker's mouth.
"Chomp..."
He smacked lips reluctantly, opening wide.
"Chew."
Crunch crunch.
Chew command given, he obliged.
Face scrunched like orc meat.
"...!!!!"
But brief—shock bloomed after chews.
"D-delicious!"
Burst forth.
Crunch munch crunch.
No more words needed.
Liker chomped pork belly furiously.
"Drink."
Toasted with ice-flecked black beer wooden cups.
Gulp gulp.
"Kya..."
Liker fell to pork then beer terror.
Drunkard's 'ahh' escaped.
"M-my liege, heavenly! First time for pork this tender, juicy, flavorful!"
'Heh. Fresh salt-pepper belly—you die happy.'
"Guess I'll..."
Second brave: battle-hardened Sedlian, fork ready.
"Hoo! Divine. No pig stink—fat and meat harmonize in nutty bliss."
Nailed pork belly essence.
Clatter.
Fork swarm ended his words.
"Hah..."
"Ooh..."
Sighs erupted.
They only knew boil, smoke, soup—simple.
Grilled sometimes, no special cuts, no salt sprinkle.
Salt-pepper pork belly? Unheard bliss.
'Miss ssamjang, lettuce, oil dip.'
Lacking setup.
'Heh. But I got...'
Wishing more in this world? Greedy.
Hand-made spicy kimchi, Zamer's rice-cooked white rice.
Iron pot steamed.
Dwarf-forged spoon scooped fluffy rice.
Scoop.
Fluffy rice in mouth.
'Hah...'
Tears-welling at the sensation.
Chewing grains, lost in nature's gift.
Sizzle.
Mid-chew, tore cabbage kimchi strip from wooden plate.
Rustle.
Into mouth.
'Mother!'
Heart-screamed her name.
Kimchi evoked her.
Late-night ramen, kimchi.
Tear beaded.
Swipe.
Grabbed pork too.
Sacrificed two sows special for this feast.
Honoring their noble sacrifice, bit in.
"Groan..."
Unheld moan leaked.
Forgotten celestial taste.
A hundredfold bliss.
Drip.
Tear trailed cheek.
Hand to final sharp black beer.
Gulp gulp.
Rice, kimchi, pork, black beer.
God's feast today.
Savoring beer's after-wash of greasy pork, eyes fluttered open unwittingly.
'Huh?'
Mid-pork, all eyes on me.
'Never seen pork eating before?'
"Eat more..."
Armis, eyes teary at my tear-streaked rice-pork devouring, offered piece.
Her eyes—no, everyone's—brimmed infinite pity.
They wouldn't get it.
Any Korean would.
But fine.
Today, kimchi with white rice.
Happier than owning the world.