Chapter 175
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 175
Chapter Title: Friends Close, Enemies Closer
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With a massive infusion of funds, the once-quiet Armian began to bustle with activity.
The head of the Armian family and Duke, Perdicas Armian, made a swift judgment.
“No matter how much we develop our current lands or find new sources of income, we will never be able to repay this debt.”
The money Aint had borrowed was enough to buy the Armian lands several times over.
Of course, the territory held a value that couldn't be measured in money alone, but still.
There was a limit to how much they could develop such lands. Though the interest rate was low, the principal was so large that even repaying that would be a struggle.
“Besides, Aint, what you need is not a vast territory, but an army to support you.”
Therefore, he decided that aside from a moderate level of development, all funds would be used to build and maintain military forces.
“Becoming emperor and reclaiming all of Armian’s former territories, then using the spoils from the war against the demons—that is the only way to repay this debt.”
If Gismond had heard this, he would have said, “Bet it all to pay it back? The Duke has the heart of a beast.”
But from the moment Aint borrowed a sum he couldn't possibly repay, this was the best solution available to them.
“For now, the goal is to expand to three knight orders and three corps of mages, and increase our troops to three thousand.”
Then, gradually expand until their military strength was at least on par with the other Electors.
That was the Duke’s ultimate ambition.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. It’s only natural.”
Aint accompanied the Duke, observing the process of selecting knights and recruiting soldiers.
He also learned how to manage the domain, handle administration, and command troops.
The Duke intended to teach Aint everything he knew.
“Becoming emperor is a different dimension from ruling a fractured Armian territory, but it won’t be entirely unhelpful.”
“Of course.”
While learning most things, except swordsmanship, from his father.
- You should have countered more calmly there.
- Relax your grip. You’re too tense. Your sword becomes fierce, not fluid.
And with Gardner's advice.
“The Young Master wins!”
“The Young Master even defeated Apen!”
“He’s completely different from a year and a half ago, isn’t he?”
“I guess it’s not for nothing they call him a hero for slaying the Vile Breed.”
“At this rate, no one but the Captain will be able to beat him.”
He further honed his swordsmanship by sparring with the Saint Bird Knights.
“I want to befriend Silver, too!”
“To think a Saint Bird has returned to the Saint Bird Knights!”
“It’s so cute!”
It was a very productive summer vacation.
* * *
Clip-clop-
A pure white steed galloped across the snowfield.
Dozens of knights followed behind it.
Ruina pulled on the reins. The horse snorted impatiently as it slowed to a stop.
A smile naturally formed on Ruina’s lips as she scanned the vast, snowy plains, seeing no trace of demonic beasts anywhere.
“We’ll head back for today.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
At her command, the knights turned their horses around.
They hadn't seen a single demonic beast during the entire dawn patrol.
Since the death of the 66th-ranked demon, Kimaris, much had changed in the northern territories of Bercefe.
The natural environment, where it snowed for nearly half the year, remained the same, but the demonic beasts that had settled in the demonic realm and slowly expanded their influence were no longer seen.
Since most of the monsters had been killed by the demonic beasts, an unprecedented peace had come to the north.
Naturally, smiles bloomed on people's faces. In the peaceful daily life of Bercefe, Ruina felt immensely grateful to Pernyan.
‘If it weren’t for Pernyan…’
If he hadn't found Kimaris's egg, if he hadn't hired the Mercenary King, the peace they enjoyed now would likely not exist.
In fact, it would be the opposite. Bercefe would have fallen, and the Empire would have been thrown into chaos.
‘I should get him a gift before the break ends…’
Whatever she gave him would seem insignificant to Pernyan, but she wanted to express her gratitude.
Clip-clop-
The patrol had returned to the castle and was passing through the blacksmiths' district.
‘Armor? No, he’s a mage, so armor would be useless…’
As Ruina pondered gifting him armor, she noticed something odd.
Clang, clang, clang-
Sssss!
Fwoosh-
“Hot, careful!”
The sound of hammers striking, the hiss of metal cooling, the shouts of people, and the intense heat.
Every forge in the blacksmiths' district was blazing with activity.
With Bercefe currently rebuilding, it wasn't strange for the forges to be lit, but what was being piled up outside was unusual.
‘Weapons and armor?’
Every single forge was making the same things.
‘Didn’t Father say we had no plans to produce weapons in large quantities for the time being?’
With Fallenberg’s large-scale investment, new cities and workshops were being built on the undeveloped lands, and the blacksmiths' district was supposed to handle most of that production.
She remembered hearing her father say they wouldn’t have the capacity to make weapons for a while.
“His Excellency is waiting.”
Upon returning to the lord's castle, Ruina entered the Margrave's office and gave a brief report.
It was an unremarkable report, stating that there was nothing out of the ordinary.
“Good work.”
“I’ve only done my duty.”
Bowing her head, she asked.
“On my way here, I saw the workshops and forges were quite busy. They were making weapons. Is something going on?”
“Fallenberg placed a large order.”
“Fallenberg, you say?”
“This is this morning’s paper. Have a read.”
The Margrave handed her a newspaper.
【King of Esrin, Dnern Esrin, Gravely Ill…】
“It seems Esrin is in an uproar.”
“Can the king’s illness be reported in the newspaper?”
Typically, the health of royalty was controlled by the royal family. For a king, that control would be even stricter.
“Read the next article as well.”
【First Prince Valbe Esrin, ‘Rumors of His Majesty’s ill health are baseless speculation. It is merely a mild case of anemia…’】
“Anemia?”
“Two days ago was Esrin’s founding anniversary. The king is said to have collapsed while giving a speech in front of everyone.”
“Ah.”
An incident of that magnitude couldn't be controlled by the royal family, no matter what they did.
“They’re trying hard to deny it, but no one believes them. In any case, the King of Esrin is old enough that it wouldn't be strange if he died at any moment.”
Rumors about the King of Esrin's health were nothing new.
At 88, he had lived a long life for an ordinary man who was neither a knight nor a mage, and he wasn't particularly healthy.
“It feels like what was bound to happen has finally come.”
“But hasn’t the crown prince of Esrin already been decided?”
“That’s what I thought, too.”
The Margrave crossed his arms.
“It seems Fallenberg thinks differently.”
Otherwise, there would be no reason for them to place such a massive order.
“They’ve lost their minds, right when the demons are descending.”
The Margrave clicked his tongue. They were being complacent just because the Vile Breed hadn't caused trouble in Esrin.
Most humans don't understand the true threat until they've been hit by it themselves.
“It’s good for me, though…”
He wasn't a particularly greedy man, but he owed a great deal of money to Fallenberg.
Though their relationship had changed, a debt was a debt. To avoid being collared again, he had to work hard to repay it.
The Margrave had no intention of letting this opportunity pass.
* * *
Clang, clang, clang-
Rumble, rumble-
“Reinforce the supports over there!”
“We’ve hit a layer of hard rock!”
“So what if you’ve hit it? Get the equipment and break through!”
In the underground city of the dwarves.
The dwarves had accepted the new agreement Pernyan brought, and the largest civil engineering project since the city's founding had begun.
“Hmm.”
The mayor, who was inspecting the supplies Pernyan had brought, was taken aback by two additional conditions he presented.
“I can accept taking Ahgrot to the academy.”
Ahgrot wanted to go as well, and it could serve as a fitting symbol of a new beginning for the dwarves.
In fact, he wanted to ask Pernyan to take more of them.
“But I don't understand the meaning of this at all.”
The mayor twirled his pen as he examined the blueprint Pernyan had handed him.
“Making a shield from the shell of a Terhel.”
He acknowledged that the shell of the 2nd-class demonic beast, Terhel, was harder than most metals.
So, it was plausible to refine and process it into armor or weapons.
Most of the dwarves had also judged it to be quite useful.
But.
“You want it made into a shield in its original form?”
A Terhel was a large demonic beast, typically over five meters in size.
Since its shell covered its entire body, it meant the diameter of the shell was also over five meters.
“Honestly, making it won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. However, there are two things I can't understand.”
“What are they?”
“One is that you’re mixing all three of the great metals, even if in small quantities.”
The mayor looked at the blueprint again.
The Terhel’s shell would be processed and mixed with an alloy of Mithril, Adamant, and Orichalcum. Then, various engravings would be carved to enhance it further.
“I know you have the three great metals, but isn't it a waste?”
“It is not a waste.”
Pernyan shook his head firmly.
He knew these things would make him safer.
“Mixing in Adamant will add to its hardness, and Orichalcum will keep it from being too heavy.”
Orichalcum, also known as floating stone, could lighten an object's weight when mixed in appropriate amounts.
“Then what about the Mithril?”
“I cannot tell you that.”
It was, of course, for size alteration. Since Wooden would be using it, it needed to shrink when Wooden did.
“Fine, all fine. It’s your item, and you want it made. It's a terrible waste to use the three great metals like this, but…”
The mayor’s eyes grew wistful for a moment.
“That too is yours to decide. But what on earth do you plan to do with such a massive shield? Can it even be used?”
“Yes, it can.”
“Is it for a golem, perhaps?”
“Something similar.”
Though comparing it to other golems was an insult, Wooden was, technically, a golem.
“Peculiar. Isn't golemancy almost a dead art on the surface?”
“The lineage is still being maintained.”
“But it’s not very good for combat, since the caster is left defenseless, isn’t it?”
“There is a way.”
“…Well, if you say so.”
The mayor nodded his head as if he had no choice.
“Anyway, I understand. But you know you’ll have to participate, right? We dwarves are the best in the world at crafting equipment, but we can't do these kinds of engravings.”
It wasn't that they couldn't engrave equipment, but the magical engravings Pernyan required were on a level far beyond what the dwarves could achieve.
“Of course.”
“Then, as for the commission fee…?”
“We are providing you with a place to live and a title, are we not?”
“Trying to get a free ride! Aren't these two completely separate matters?”
The mayor, after bellowing, cautiously asked again.
“Do you happen to have a little of the three great metals left?”
“I heard you took everything I gave to Ahgrot. I believe you can do this for the sake of our friendship.”
“Ahem, that loose-lipped fellow must have blabbed already.”
*Fine, I’ll do it for free.*
The mayor gave an awkward smile.
“I’ll be counting on you.”
“I’ll show you why the skill of the dwarves is praised as the best in the world.”
- *Thump!*
*My. Thanks!*
A small golem, delighted at the prospect of getting a large, sturdy shield, offered its thanks, but the person it was meant for didn't notice.
* * *
On a warm, sun-drenched afternoon.
Ludger sipped his tea while reading the newspaper.
【Golden Turtle Merchant Guild Acquires Development Rights in Friedien Territory…! First to Set Foot on Friedien Land!】
【Where Did the Golden Turtle Merchant Guild Acquire Development Rights? Judged Unprofitable, Filled Only with Rocky Cliffs…】
“Development rights in Friedien?”
When did this happen? Ludger let out a hollow laugh.
It didn't matter much that the acquired land was just a rocky mountain. What mattered was that the Friedien family had given up a piece of their territory for the first time.
This could be seen as Fallenberg having, to some extent, joined hands with Friedien.
“…Pernyan. Are you really planning to make Aint Armian the emperor?”
*And you think that’s possible?*
Aside from his bloodline as the adversary of demons and his inherited swordsmanship, the man had nothing.
No matter how he thought about it, it was impossible.
It was then.
“Your Highness, the First Prince has arrived.”
At the attendant’s voice, Ludger’s face stiffened.
“Let him in.”
A moment later, a man with the same blond hair and striking green eyes as Ludger, but with a gentler gaze, entered the garden accompanied by a guard.
“It’s been a while, Ludger.”
He was the First Prince of the Empire, Ruben Schwaben.
“I wanted to see you sooner, but I’ve been busier than I expected. How is it? Is life at the academy treating you well?”
*It's been almost a month since I returned to the palace for the break, and you’re only coming now?*
Ludger replied without a change in his expression.
“Not at all. I had heard that you were busy, brother.”
“Your words seem to have a bit of a sting.”
“Not at all.”
“Were you upset?”
The First Prince pulled up a chair and sat in front of Ludger.
“I’d like to speak with my brother alone.”
Ludger’s guard glanced at him for permission. When Ludger gave a small nod, the two guards left the garden.
“I myself only recently learned that our family possessed the Armian’s secret sword art. I was so surprised when His Majesty told me it was in our hands.”
The First Prince's hand gently brushed his younger brother’s shoulder.
“The reason I couldn't tell you was because you were at the academy.”
“That is not what I am upset about.”
*No, it is. But if you were to ask if there was something bigger, yes, there was.*
“Why on earth did you target Aint Armian? That was the worst possible move.”
Ludger had predicted the attempt would fail, and in the end, it did.
Because of Pernyan.
If only they had sought his opinion on the relationship between Aint Armian and Pernyan in more detail, they could have handled things much better.
“We’ve only made Aint more wary of us for no reason.”
“I agree. Antagonizing the current Aint Armian was by no means a good idea. Above all, I didn't know Pernyan Fallenberg was backing him.”
But.
“Our relationship with Aint doesn’t matter. It might be different if they continued to hide away in their shrunken territory as before, but now that they’ve emerged, we and the Armians cannot coexist.”
Because the empire is vast and its powerful figures are many, but there is only one emperor.
“In that sense, there is something I would like you to do.”
“…Me?”
“Yes.”
If we cannot be together, then we must be the victors, mustn't we?
“Neither His Majesty nor I wish for that boy to distinguish himself any further. At least, not until the time is ripe.”
“You mean, until you have properly mastered the Armian sword art, brother?”
“It is not Armian’s. It was created by the Schwaben family, who have diligently stood guard against the demons for a thousand years.”
“No one will believe that.”
“You are still young. It doesn't matter who believes it and who doesn't.”
It will take some time, but eventually, the Armians will disappear, and the one who remains will become the truth.
“So, what exactly do you want from me?”
“There is an old saying. Keep your friends close. And your enemies closer.”
“…Are you telling me to become friends with that bastard?”
“You are of different ages, so you cannot be friends.”
Perhaps a close senior-junior relationship.
“Isn’t it a fine picture? The friendship between a rising new hero and the prince of the empire. It’s a story everyone would love.”
“Then why don’t you try it, brother? I think it would make for a better picture than I would.”
“That’s not a bad idea, but I have little connection to the boy, do I?”
The First Prince poured tea into an empty cup.
“Why.”
He smiled, inhaling the warm aroma of the tea.
“Can’t you do it?”
It was a gentle smile, but the chilling sensation it exuded made Ludger’s fingertips tremble involuntarily.