Chapter 54
Chapter 54
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 54
Chapter Title: Her Name is Roshiate
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"With the situation escalating so suddenly, there's no shortage of things we need. Viscount Lukens was defending the stable passage to the Habis Kingdom on the southern front, but now it's in peril. It's about 100 kilometers long. Until now, Viscount Lukens's wyvern squadron patrolled it periodically, keeping five fortresses and cavalry patrols secure enough, but that's about to change. Monsters act on instinct, so they'll exploit any gaps."
The Sky Squad had returned from a massive deal with the pirates.
After thinking things over all night, they welcomed the morning, dipping bread into the hot seafood stew made by Lucia's mother when Derbal burst in.
He immediately launched into his report.
"First, we need to deploy Baron Jenis's squadron. At the same time, we must gather the scattered cavalry and fill the empty fortresses. You'll need to approve this quickly. If merchant safety isn't secured, supply costs will skyrocket, driving up prices for food and goods."
'Derbal, work is fine, but even dogs don't bother you during meals....'
He had to listen attentively to Derbal's report with a bite of honey-smeared bread in his mouth.
"My lord, I believe we should recruit more administrative staff. Properly trained ones from the administrative academy. Looking at Denfos and the other cities, there are urgent repairs needed everywhere. Money isn't the issue, but we're short on skilled carpenters and civil engineers. Even using the construction guild, we'd have to pay double the hazard pay to gather technicians. Shall we proceed?"
"Huh? Y-yeah, handle it as you see fit."
"Understood. I'll put in the guild request right away. Next...."
'Ugh....'
Derbal's report continued relentlessly.
He hadn't slept a wink all night, laying out systematic, detailed plans.
"Hold on, Sir Derbal!"
"....."
He called a stop.
"Sir Derbal, have you eaten?"
"Ah, not yet."
"And sleep??"
"That too... not yet."
'He's insane.'
Derbal's face was flushed bright red.
"Are you that thrilled about acquiring Neruman? Skipping meals and sleep?"
"My lord.... Honestly, my heart feels like it's about to burst."
Derbal set down his report at the question.
He spoke his mind in a passionate voice.
"From childhood, my dream was managing a territory like this. Arrogantly, not as a lord, but as an administrator, I wanted to make it the empire's finest. But... reality was harsh. I graduated top of the Imperial Administrative Knight Academy, yet they dismissed my reformist thesis from the academy as impure ideology due to my low birth... No connections, so no territory would take me. Lords judged administrators not by smarts, but by how much blood they could squeeze from serfs and locals. That's how I ended up in the Sky Squad.... If I hadn't met you, my lord, I would've died a beggar's miserable death without ever chasing my dream."
Derbal's eyes grew bloodshot.
"To me, you and this place are a blessing. Skipping sleep or a meal won't kill me! I just wanted to show you my ideals, thought out until my head throbbed. If you'll let me use my talents fully, I'll give everything—even this wretched life!"
'Hmm....'
Everyone has their story.
Even I, who knew Derbal well, hadn't known this deep pain in his heart.
"There's so much to do. First, my lord, you must formally become lord and get your title upgraded. Then we can appoint knights...."
"Enough!"
He cut Derbal off loudly.
"Sir Derbal, hear my command!"
"Command me!"
"From this moment, I order one full day of mandatory rest. If you skip three meals or don't sleep tonight, I'll... cast you out."
"M-my lord...."
Derbal's face paled at the stern warning.
"I want a comrade for life, not some fool who works himself to death."
"My lord.... Sniff."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Derbal shed thick tears.
'I have to make this work, if only for Derbal. Tsk.'
Territory management, his lifelong dream.
No reason not to grant a living man's wish when even the dead's are honored.
"More soup and bread here, please."
"Yes, my lord."
Lucia's mother replied cheerfully from the kitchen connected to the dining hall.
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'Can't block those mountains. So, build fortresses along a long defensive line. Protect villages behind them....'
Shiiiiiing.
Riding an updraft, Bebeto spread his long wings, letting his massive body drift with the wind.
From Bebeto's back, Neruman's vast plains stretched out.
Few peaks over 500 meters elevation; just gentle hills of 100-200 meters dotted the flatlands.
Small streams and wide meadows, thick with brush, welcomed him.
'Five hours from Denfos at average speed. At 40 kph, about 200 kilometers. Defending this expanse needs careful planning.'
He'd ordered Derbal to rest, sent Baron Jenis and his Sky Knights on urgent patrol flights south.
Also assembled 20 skilled blademasters and 500 horsemen into a cavalry unit.
'By now, the defecting private soldiers should be organized.'
Raiker proved surprisingly useful.
Knowing imperial structure well, he'd volunteered to organize the troops.
In exchange for a month's advance pay upon perfect formation.
'Land, money, population.... Everything but people.'
Exact census needed, but clearly short on locals.
'Need to attract them. Artisans, artists, farmers—gather them all.'
High school knowledge from Korea alone outpaced locals' thinking.
Plus Master's vast injected knowledge.
Just pull it out.
'Elite troops: 10,000! That's the goal.'
Neruman, the unlucky land now his to rule.
He embraced its expanse, sorting plans one by one.
Like sketching a blueprint before building— for his ideals and the people's peace.
'Shall I check the south?'
He'd crossed Neruman west to east from the empire to Denfos.
Flown north to aid Count Yaiks recently, but not the vital southern lifeline.
Shiiiiiing.
He turned Bebeto's reins south.
Toward Habis Kingdom's border, Neruman's flattest link to the continent.
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Tadak, tadadak.
"Heh heh. Roasts nicely."
Even amusement parks close after meals, they say.
Heading south, he spotted a group of wild boars wandering a ridge.
With bad memories of boars, he maneuvered Bebeto to capture a large sow.
Chiiiik. Chiiiik.
Gutted it immediately, skewering from tail to snout with a Blessed Spear for barbecue.
"Stabilized by magic—no better spit."
Mages or Sky Knights would foam at the mouth.
Using a priceless Blessed Spear as a skewer—madness to any rational soul.
"Good thing I brought salt and spices."
Prepared for this, he carried waterproof leather pouches of fine salt and spices on Bebeto's saddle.
Sprinkled generously, savoring the meat's subtle cooking.
"Salamander, gentler! Yes! Perfect."
Hwarrr.
Salamander, the low fire spirit, lounged on dry wood kindling like a hot coal.
Pleased by praise, it wielded spirit power for an hour.
'Aw, cute little thing.'
Spirits were endlessly useful.
Obeying their summoner.
Like TV and rice cooker—essential.
"Heh heh. Done."
Perfectly roasted whole pig, golden without burning.
No booze was a shame, but field gourmet.
Kuoouuu....
Bebeto, dozing after orc binge, perked at the aroma.
"Bebeto, exercise. You're getting belly fat. Advice? That gut'll get you scorned by females, stolen by young studs. Fly diligently, snag a blind ogre—obey, and I'll arrange a merger."
Kuoouuuuuo!
Bebeto flapped wildly at "merger."
Gone was the scrappy wild vibe from first sight.
'Males, all the same. Tsk tsk.'
Pararararak!
"Shield!"
Bebeto's takeoff kicked up dust; shield blocked it thoroughly.
"Now, taste test."
Dust settled; he rubbed hands, grabbed a thick boar leg.
Gulp.
Thick saliva swallowed unwittingly.
Mana cooled the heat as he tore a chunk.
"Crunch...."
Craved beer and well-fermented kimchi, but content with reality.
'Oh!!'
Self-roasted, but killer—could fell a group.
Oak-like dry wood infused subtle aroma throughout.
Hot, chewy, juicy fat.
Sow—no musky boar taint.
'Anbin-nakdo paradise. Bite of meat, glance at sky.... Huh?'
Savoring, he looked up—and froze mid-chew.
'Sky Knight??'
A gray wyvern approached from south.
Sun-glinting magic armor; straight for him.
'What's this?'
About to dig in properly.
Bebeto nowhere in sight—likely flown off; attack would ruin meal.
Rising irritation.
Glared at incoming wyvern.
'Habis Kingdom wyvern?'
Ruul Mountains' end bordered Habis.
Black rose and crescent flag of Habis on its chest.
Flutter flutter flutter.
Halted 30 meters overhead.
Wing-wind cooled like a breeze.
"Air Shield!"
Meat mattered more than attack.
Hungry food tastes best.
No reburning hassle.
Shiiiik!
Thud!
Shield up, wyvern descended near 10 meters; Sky Knight dismounted smoothly.
Mana-users scoffed at 10 meters.
'Woman?'
Border patrol possible.
But Air Plate silhouette screamed female.
He watched the approaching female Sky Knight, meat in right hand, silent.
"Sorry to interrupt your meal."
Unsure her bold intent, but she removed helmet apologetically.
"No, why apologize if you...."
Knew and bothered anyway—lips froze.
'Who the hell is this!'
Short life, many beauties met.
Ye-rin, holy priestess Armis, silver-haired fairy Countess Irene, cute Highness, androgynous Lusel, dignified Princess Isis, exotic Crisia.
Yet another resetting beauty standards.
First: wavy, shimmering gold locks.
Not frizzy, dull—pure 24K, sun-breathed, intensely glossy.
Hair alone enough; below, translucent white skin.
Powdery smooth baby skin begged a touch.
But not just that.
Jade-glow face: long lashes, sunny huge blue-diamond eyes, pert cute nose, tiny adorable red lips.
'Jackpot!'
No other words.
Wingless fairy from childhood tales—Jade Emperor's joy.
"Sorry for the disturbance."
Blushed at his cold tone, bowed gracefully.
Elegant poise in tiny gesture.
"Haha. Not aimed at you, lady—pay no mind. I mutter nonsense eating alone sometimes."
Pretty woman with manners? Diamond on gold ring.
He laughed heartily, standing.
"Chased black wyvern, found knight instead—rude of me. I'm Roshiate of Habis Kingdom."
'Roshiate? Rings a bell?'
Even her name pretty.
"I'm Kaier of Neruman."
She gave no full name; neither did he.
"Pleased to meet you. First time encountering foreign Sky Knight mid-flight."
White even teeth in smile.
Flawless stunning beauty.
'Shy yet bright personality.'
Excitement and joy in her words.
Newly appointed Sky Knight vibe.
Didn't want to steal her fun.
"Honored to meet Roshiate, blessed by beauty goddess Barshua."
She saw knight; he acted as one.
"Too kind—don't know where to put myself."
Humble despite his lacking praise.
'Whoa, that aura in this setup.'
No clue why this elaborate noble courtesy mid-barbecue.
Handsome noble etiquette clashed with thick boar leg.
"Um... haven't had lunch yet?"
"Y-yes...."
Blinked innocent eyes at direct question.
"Join me?"
Pointed to perfectly roasted boar.
"....."
"Haha. Sit here."
Mantled ground for shy, silent Roshiate.
"Try it."
Set leg down, tore prime bits, offered.
She stared awkwardly, hastily ungloved gauntlet, took meat.
"No regrets."
Ripe spring.
Fields bloomed wildflowers dancing wind; before him, flower-fair woman with pork.
'Tsk, zero mood.'
Even he admitted poor first-impression vibe.
"Thanks. Dig in."
But Roshiate smiled fresh, bit into small mouth.
'Eh, whatever.'
Fate brings reunion; else, done.
No need forcing charm for her.
Crunch crunch.
Her eating stabbed his hunger; he merged boar into self busily.
Sarrrrarara.
Earth breeze softly blew.
Roshiate's gold hair wafted toward him.
'Ah.... Bliss!'
Wine would perfect it.
Meat taste faded; violet-like scent enveloped gently.
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"Delicious!"
'Ugh!'
Just polite one bite offered.
Unforeseen encounter.
Roshiate requested mid-boar roast-meal.
Hesitant first bite, then devoured.
Prime slices vanished instantly.
'That tiny belly held it all?'
Astonishing: nearly whole hind leg gone.
Ogre-weeping appetite.
Thought Habis Sky Knights starved.
"Haa...."
Last rib bite, long sigh.
'Kuh! Cute!'
Ji-hyun noona could down 10 pork belly servings fine.
Pretty woman's eating was art.
"Glad you enjoyed."
"Truth is... wyvern aside, aroma filled skies. So...."
Full now, confessed.
Blushed like glossy lips.
'Innocent? Brave?'
Noble lady obvious.
Ate freely before him, bared true heart.
Unlike pretentious noblewomen.
"What's Habis Kingdom like?"
No teasing her embarrassment.
Shifted to Habis.
Vital for Neruman's growth—absolute Habis aid needed.
Blocked logistics? Neruman trapped ant.
"Sad place."
'Huh?'
Instant pity.
Her tone turned autumn sunset—heart-aching.
"King wise and kind, nobles inept; hungry foes ever eyeing last flesh.... That's Habis."
Loyal Sky Knight's gloomy reality.
Truth rang in sorrowful words.
"But truly beautiful. Spring: warm winds over Ruul and Kobiran mountains wake earth; plains farmers sow, pray ancient songs to bounty goddess Sepir. Ho ho, summer: cool mountain breezes, cold beer festivals. Unlike others, we revere victory goddess Orimion most. She granted our once-top-empire history."
Heavy rhythm lightened to spring freshness, bard-like on traditions.
Blue-diamond eyes sparkled starry joy.
'Beautiful.'
No adjectives needed.
Roshiate outshone all.
"Invite you for memories like today's treat, Kaier. See for yourself—my words true."
Childlike worry he'd doubt.
Smile crept unbidden.
"Peeh, don't believe?"
Sudden closeness: pouted, round-eyed interrogation.
"Haha. No. Seeing you tells me all about Habis."
"Teasing my big appetite?"
Knew "big" understated, preempted.
"Good you know. Thought of catching another boar."
"Eek...."
Slim white hand hid shy face.
"Joking, joking. Hahaha."
Tough front, but her feminine nature won.
Kuoouuuuuo!
'Bebeto, no tact!'
Mid-fun, Bebeto returned with two limp trolls.
Kuoooooo.
Roshiate's gray wyvern growled at Bebeto.
"No worry. My wyvern."
Stopped Roshiate heading to hers in alarm.
"H-hybrid wyvern!"
Closer look shocked her.
Flap flap flap.
Smartest wyvern Bebeto sensed rapport, landed.
'Prejudiced too....'
Continent taboo: hybrids.
Sky Knight especially.
"Wow! First time. None in our kingdom.... Black with gold stripes! Ho ho. So majestic!"
'What?'
Enthralled admiration, contrary expectation.
Kuoouuuuo!
Sharp-eared Bebeto preened at praise, beak skyward.
'Huh?'
Offered one troll to her gray wyvern.
'Ah, female....'
Damn, Bebeto's color—unknown mimicry.
Crisia's wyvern farewell mere nights ago, now gifting new female.
'Sigh, can't judge.'
Not blameless himself.
Just long sigh.
'Huh? Those?'
From Habis: 10+ wyverns incoming.
"Must go."
Roshiate bowed politely farewell.
"Honored to meet."
"Thanks Romero for this bond. Then...."
Elegant long neck bow.
Sarararak.
Her scent wafted.
"May Bormio's care be with you...."
Favorite Sky Knight god: wind-freedom Bormio.
Clack.
Pop!
Helmeted Roshiate mounted like bird.
Parararararak.
Gray wyvern soared, wings flapping.
Shiiiik shiiiik.
Soon high altitude, sped to Habis with dozen wyverns.
Vanished blue sky nonchalant.
"....."
Short-long dreamlike night-meet.
Roshiate gone, but violet scent tickled nose.
"Time to move."
Thanks her—got tasty meal.
"Bebeto, who taught you! Real men win with charm! No bribes!"
Warned tactless Bebeto, staring gray wyvern blankly, on poor courtship.
Kuo kuo kuoou.
In one ear, out other; scanned skies pretending innocence.
As if "you first."
'Damn, all Neruman wyverns gold-striped soon?'
Sudden vision.
Plausible.
At least Bebeto wyvern, not human.
If man, no friendship possible.