Chapter 155
Chapter 155
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 155
Chapter Title: The Visit of the Black Fox
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Boom!
The golden handle shattered into pieces.
"You dare..."
Hardveria, the emperor of the Raviter Empire, ruler of the continent who rarely showed his emotions.
The audience chamber filled with a suffocating killing intent at the rage of this Blade Master.
"..."
Unbelievable news of defeat arrived right after the morning council began.
Such an enormous event had occurred that the information guild rushed the message to the imperial palace without even collecting their fee.
"Not a single Sky Knight returned! All my proud knights defeated?!"
The emperor's furious shout, revealing his inner thoughts for once.
Dozens of high-ranking imperial nobles gathered in the chamber turned pale and bowed their heads.
One wrong move, and ten heads wouldn't be enough if his wrath turned on them.
They waited silently for the emperor's murderous fury to subside.
"Grrrr..."
Hardveria ground his teeth so hard the sound echoed through the chamber, his anger palpable.
Whoosh.
Chilly mana poured endlessly from his entire body.
"From this moment, Neruman is declared the Empire's greatest enemy. Any kingdom, merchant group, or entity that communicates with Neruman will be regarded as enemies of the Empire!"
The emperor's decree named the top enemy of the state.
War was declared until the foe's utter destruction.
"We obey Your Majesty's command!"
The nobles, reeling from the heart-stopping shock, hurriedly bowed.
"The full mobilization order will be issued to the entire army. All forces from the Southern and Northern Legions, minus the minimum required, are commanded to relocate to the Western Legion!"
The emperor's commands continued in succession.
"We obey!"
The nobles bowed once more.
"You dare humiliate me and the Empire like this..."
Neruman, a mere baronial territory not even comparable to an imperial barony.
In less than a year, it had been declared the Raviter Empire's foremost enemy.
Whoooosh.
A cold wind whipped through the imperial audience chamber, impervious to any draft.
All because of that one man called Kaier.
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"The sculptures for the garden should harmonize like this."
"Hoh, the more I see, the more impressive you are. How does a human know more about architecture than dwarves?"
It wasn't his first or second battle, so cleanup was over in a flash.
Wyverns that would have died or been discarded had their hides stripped and neatly stacked in warehouses. Usable ones underwent intensive treatment with holy water and reconditioning.
'Added two hundred this time.'
He'd heard Derbal had captured over two hundred wyverns, though some had eye injuries that couldn't be fully healed.
With more time, he could have saved even more, but circumstances didn't allow it.
'Heh heh, once the Sky Knights are replenished, they're done for!'
Fully operational, that would mean over four hundred wyverns—unthinkable for a single territory.
That number alone could confront any foe without him.
Securing the might of a small kingdom.
"Longlegs, that's not it! That side needs the gate artistically. How can you set the frame so crudely!"
"Hmph! Shorties talking art. This looks way better, no matter how you slice it."
"Argh, you're killing me! Do you all eat nothing but grass up in the mountains? Why do you sound like orcs munching grass!"
In front of the dwarf cave village, on the plains where the dwarf village was ninety percent complete.
A modest fortress, but the dwarves were pouring their hearts into it.
And a dozen elves assisting with spirit magic.
Elves and dwarves, who had bonded through manual labor at the Neruman construction site, bickered as they worked.
"To think I'd live to see dwarves and elves unite again. Our ancestors birthed masterpieces with elven aid, they say."
Clan Chief Cassias gazed warmly at the elves.
'Masterpieces... heh heh heh.'
His expression unchanged, but inside, joy bubbled uncontrollably.
Even at current levels, they'd produce the continent's finest weapons, jewelry, and goods. Add elven magic and spirit arts, and the results would be unimaginable.
And all of it meant money.
Enough to fill the territory's coffers and his pockets to bursting satisfaction.
"Found the iron mines?"
"Of course. With elven help. Even at this rate, they'll last a century—top quality, abundant veins."
'Preparations are perfect.'
Iron ore, the biggest consumable.
A century's supply brought relief.
"Good work."
"Work? Never been happier in my life. Breathing fresh air, doing what I love. Ha ha. All thanks to you."
It could sound like a complaint about extra work, but Chief Cassias's eyes shone with genuine gratitude.
"I'm always thankful for the chief and brothers' sentiments."
"No need for thanks. Speaking of, when do you want the glass? Give dimensions, and we can start now."
"From tomorrow, if possible."
"Got it."
Nearly a thousand dwarves were sleepless for Neruman's sake.
Dwarf women, heirs to ancestral blood, excelled in fine sculptures and jewelry, joining to supply the territory.
"And take a look at this."
"What's that?"
The chief showed interest in the blueprint handed over.
"What's it for?"
"Carve it meticulously. Not one or two—about a hundred per design."
"A hundred?"
The intricate blueprint.
On a plate the size of a ten-thousand-won bill: a soaring black wyvern, Neruman Grand Castle, Kaier Avenue as backdrop, and his handsome face.
"Numbers engraved too."
"Any additive for paper to make it tear-proof for long storage?"
"For paper? Sure. Boil darknak tree sap—it makes paper tough as anything."
"Easy to get?"
"Plenty. Hardy things, growing in groves across the mountains."
'Perfect!'
A beaming smile at the chief's words.
The gods truly loved him, granting every wish.
"With your clan's superb skill, a month should suffice?"
The question implied utter faith in their ability.
"Naturally! We're the rock clan, finest craftsmen among dwarves! Trust us!"
Dwarves who never uttered complaints, no matter the praise.
Truly indispensable treasures to him.
'Wait, merchant guilds and Empire. I'll shake you to the roots!'
A wicked scheme forming in his mind.
Vicious 21st-century economic sabotage tactics humans devised.
Unstudied, yet deeply imprinted from Master Gandalf's knowledge transfer.
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'Busy, busy!'
Neruman Grand Castle, still unfinished.
Elves, dwarves, and Raviter Empire Marvasa prisoners—not returned—finished construction feverishly.
Unlike impractical wyvern hangars or grandiose temples oozing presence, his residence needed precise design.
For Earth-level convenience, he constantly reviewed blueprints.
Scribble scribble.
He signed various documents from Derbal.
No longer a corner shop territory, but nearing mega-mart scale.
Soldier salaries, wyvern expenses.
Taxes, construction materials—all needed his approval.
He wanted to delegate to Derbal, but the steward insisted lords know operations, forcing him to review reluctantly.
"Another huge profit this month. Heh heh heh."
Tributes(?) arrived automatically at times.
Wyvern numbers swelled despite no new hatches; high-end supplies like spears overflowed in storage.
Half a month since repelling the Empire's special forces.
Fields sprouting green now bloomed fully.
The territory ran peacefully.
Save ill omens: Bazran Empire accelerating war prep on Neruman, wyvern units massing near Rual Mountains.
'Mages gathering at the Magic Tower, they say.'
He expected the Tower—punched once—wouldn't stay quiet.
As predicted, they leeched to the Empire, prepping to invade Neruman.
'Now tactics exposed, they'll counter...'
Sonic and light magic yielded gains, but smart foes would limit chances.
Continental Tower mages joining? Could disadvantage him.
'Emperor's enemy declaration blocks big guilds; now truly on our strength.'
Relying on Rubis Guild's Lumicar from Bazran for intel.
Informal network yet.
Settling for guild info.
'Just a bit more time. Before spring ends, Neruman will be an ironclad fortress.'
Dwarf mega crossbows.
Sky Knights replenishing.
Captured Raviter wyverns all regained sight via holy water.
Swift pre-blindness treatment paid off.
'Salt piles daily; spring wheat sown in fall nears harvest...'
Amid busyness, his mind raced faster.
Everyone gets the same day.
No time for fatigue.
Awake hours? Allocate smartly, enjoy.
His life, no one else's.
Maximize this irreplaceable moment.
No staring blankly like an idiot, wasting it.
Thud thud.
Knock knock.
Derbal's light footsteps, then a knock in the office.
"My lord, Derbal here."
"Enter."
Creak.
Derbal entered at the word.
'Something up?'
Derbal looked slightly troubled.
"What is it?"
"My lord, a guest has arrived."
"A guest?"
If Derbal called it a guest, no ordinary person.
'From Raviter Empire?'
About two hundred captured Sky Knights.
Survived crashes, treated swiftly, imprisoned.
Empire might send prisoner negotiators.
Most held noble titles.
Nice side income.
"But it's that woman."
"That woman," from Derbal.
Someone he knew.
"Who? Someone you know?"
Not "lady," so no noble or worthy respect.
"The Black Fox you met before coming to Neruman with us, my lord."
"Black Fox... ah!"
Her face surfaced at "Black Fox."
'Why's the Shadow Consortium here?'
Key figure in Bazran capital's Shadow Consortium, asked to call her Black Fox.
Seductive gaze at minor him; black leather suited her.
'She smelled opportunity.'
Shadow Consortium dives fiercer than merchants where money is.
Neruman's money scent drew her.
"Let her in."
"Yes!"
Familiar after meetings; no awkwardness.
Without her spear sale, no today.
Mutual benefit.
World calls evil, but like crocodile and plover, needs arise.
'Something tasty here too, huh. Heh heh.'
Sexy beauty with black hair like his, striking red eyes.
Thinking of her, knock sounded.
"Hee hee, coming in."
Bold smile as she opened the door.
'Huh?'
Shockingly, Black Fox on an air plate, arriving.
Upturned eyes, body radiating sultry aura.
"Count Kaier~ Long time no see. Hee hee hee."
'What the? This vibe.'
Winking, coquettish charm unleashed.
Nasal tone, scattering allure.
"Ha ha, indeed, long time."
He played grand noble.
"Truly shocked. Barely over a year since we parted, and you're continent-famous... I respect you."
'Look at this lady.'
Flirt then praise.
Sexy beauty's sweet words gilded his mood.
Youthful blood boiling, her praise surged vigor beyond tonics.
"No need for such words. Nothing to boast about."
He feigned humility, ill-suited virtue.
"Oh, that much? Everyone knows only fools or kids don't know Kaier. This Fermoyan truly admires you. Knew it then—should've deepened our bond. So much regret. Hee hee hee."
Deep bond hint, eyes scanning his body suggestively.
'Charmed many men.'
Her siren power could unravel most with words.
"Meeting again is fate. Sit and talk."
Lordly, great territory master, he offered seat.
"Office so cozy, antique. Pure, tidy aura like its lord."
'Tidy my ass...'
Elegant phrasing hid "bare-bones, no useful items."
"Using till new office ready; nothing special."
Wealthy don't cling to appearances.
Casually dismissed the space.
"Saw massive castle under construction on way..."
Trailing off, probing question.
"Wyverns increased; this place cramped, so built small castle."
Casual boast of grand scale(?).
"Congratulations. Hearing your news afar, I toasted joyfully."
Black Fox lied smoothly, no spit needed.
'Lady, "girl" at your age?'
Rice bowls eaten outnumbered his thousands; oxygen breathed could fill a field—much older sis.
Close look: faint crow's feet.
'Irene's age, yet no skincare?'
Grasped her flaw, steadied mind.
"But what brings you so far? Shadow Consortium business in Neruman?"
No need prolonging with sly fox.
Stared into gleaming red eyes, cut to chase.
Smile.
No answer, enigmatic smile.
"You seem to know, my lord..."
Testing him.
"Don't."
Flat denial.
No fool to reveal hand early.
"Shadow Consortium's a guild too. Guilds appear where profit lies. Especially us—profit-sensitive."
'Whoa, eyes sparkling.'
Manhwa-style mind control; demonic light from pupils.
"Profit? Neruman's meager; nothing for Shadow Consortium... wrong place?"
Pulled poker face.
She'd sold spear at markup.
Early slip meant loss.
"My lord~ No pretending. Hee hee, Neruman overflows goodies to us. Raviter weapons, armor, supplies left behind; captured wyvern hides, dead ones; wyvern gear; nonexistent fine salt; dwarf wares. You're greedy, my lord. Hee hee hee."
Soprano laugh, pleasing ears.
'Comes well-informed.'
Shadow ops mean fast intel.
He controlled Neruman, but spies lurked.
"No idea what that has to do with Shadow Consortium."
"Heard the rumors, right?"
"What rumors."
Poker face firm.
"Raviter Emperor declares all contacting Neruman enemies?"
"Was there?"
"Oh, you didn't know."
Pitying tone.
"But how's that concern me?"
"Why not? Hee hee, they'll rust useless anyway. Sell via us, get fair price. Raviter legion armor-weapon set: 10 gold each."
'10 gold...'
Decent deal.
Guilds wary; won't buy Empire gear.
Rubis silent on captured supplies.
'Territory troops get dwarf custom arms soon; no need.'
Dwarf weapons scarce yet for full arming, but warehouses overflowed Raviter gear.
"Heard salt piles high—sell that too? Rubis won't show awhile."
Pinpointed valuables.
"Armor-weapon set per soldier: 15 gold. Salt: 1 gold per 10 kilos."
Direct pricing.
"Oh, too high. 10 gold's courtesy for top client..."
"Take it or leave. Rare chance; won't last."
Not desperate for cash.
But needed guild for Empire-guild sabotage plan.
"12 gold; salt as is."
Haggler extraordinaire.
"Fine."
'Yes! More money!'
Over 100,000 usable Empire sets.
Plus Habis Kingdom gear overflowing.
Selling all barely buys one wyvern—over 1 million gold.
But compare F-15 jet to rifle? 21st-century math: rifle under 100k won; jet billions.
Here similar.
"Lord's so bold."
"Sell others too?"
"Sure. Name it."
"Blessed Spears then."
"Wow! Exactly what we want. Hee hee hee hee hee."
Exclaimed at Blessed Spears.
Likely her true aim; small fries tested intent.
"Tower standard: 1,000 gold each."
"Oh, we'd welcome that."
Overflow item: Blessed Spears.
Attackers aimed to honeycomb Denfos; wyverns carried 30, not average 20.
Idiots crashed without firing.
Stock surged 15,000.
"Combat-ready spears: 5,000 first."
"Thank you, my lord."
"All payment in Raviter-issued gold only."
"Gasp! Th-that..."
First shock; cash, not guild gold plates for big deals.
Millions in coin? Dozens wagons.
"No deal if impossible."
"No, my lord's generosity demands our sincerity. But why Empire gold?"
Already asked, coyly seeking permission.
"My whim."
"..."
How sparrow knows phoenix mind.
"Whim" froze her smile to grimace.
"How transport under Empire blockade? Habis border tough too..."
"Hee hee. Thanks for worry; we'll handle. Drop at Habis border; we'll vanish it."
'Tough guts.'
Bold as him, Shadow Consortium.
Shadow plotters, but Empire retaliation hurts.
Yet calmly deals in his territory.
Rumors: leaderless.
Tightly knit, devouring continent's dark.
Arguably scarier than Empire.
Mess with him? Chase to hell's end, bite ass.
"Derbal awaits outside. Handle rest with him."
Deal done; no lingering awkwardly.
Hungry youth or not, no poisoned apple nearby.
"Your grace unforgettable. For ongoing trade, leaving Shadow Info Guild agent for continent intel."
'Shadow Info Guild?'
Nailed his need.
Brazen spy plant in territory.
"Graciously accept."
Needed it.
Agent won't touch vitals.
Wrong move? Dead.