Chapter 124
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 124
“It’s a bit awkward.”
Lucian muttered with a reluctant expression.
Being the son of a tribal chief certainly wasn't a low position. Starting off with a status like that as an outsider wasn't a bad deal either.
The problem was that Lucian’s goals were far more ambitious.
“I came here to bring the entire tribe under my command. I didn't come to serve under a chief. If I’m going to be treated as an equal to the chief’s son for something like this, I’d rather be treated as a foreign sovereign.”
There would be plenty of opportunities for Lucian to prove himself later. However, first impressions were always the most important.
To be treated as second-in-command immediately upon arrival?
He would rather be viewed with suspicion as a stranger—even if it meant shedding blood—as long as he could seize a fitting status.
However, Helen shook her head at his words.
“My Lord, it is quite the opposite.”
“Opposite? Are you saying it’s better for me to accept the offer and become equal to the chief’s son?”
“When one subdues a warrior, they gain more than just respect. They acquire all the rights that person possessed. Everything from the right of command to the right of succession.”
“…!?”
Lucian’s eyes widened at the unexpected revelation.
If that were true, Lucian could become their ruler in Gunstein’s place.
No matter how much skill he displayed, the label of 'conqueror' would always follow him as an outsider. But to be recognized as a legitimate ruler according to tradition, rather than a conqueror…
“Does such a rule really exist? It’s not just some ancient law that isn't actually practiced, is it?”
“It is the Blood Rule observed by every tribe in the snowfields. No member will disobey it, regardless of Your Highness’s origins.”
“If that’s the case, then it’s fortunate, but it’s also quite absurd. To give up everything to an enemy just because you surrendered.”
At Lucian’s doubt, Helen explained with a faint smile.
“Your Highness, this is a land where the population is desperately scarce. In a place like this, killing everyone just because they were once an enemy would result in a devastating loss. Conversely, even if you want to spare them, you have no choice if the enemy refuses to submit.”
Only then did Lucian understand the reason behind the rule.
To a ruler, the population under their command was a source of tax revenue, labor, and military power. Naturally, the more the population grew, the more it benefited the ruler and the entire faction.
However, unlike the Empire, it was impossible to bring in people from the outside in this land.
‘They’re likely just bickering over a fixed population, whether they’re friends or foes. In such a situation, if you reduce the population just because they’re enemies, the entire interconnected trade network would collapse.’
A bitter smile played on Lucian’s lips.
Unless there was a new population to settle in the vacated land, there was nothing to gain from winning a war of annihilation. Rather, since the quality of life would decline due to the loss of trade networks, a victor would naturally want to cut off only the leader and absorb the enemy’s people.
But no matter how much one wanted to accept former enemies, if they fought to the death, there was no other choice.
“So it’s a sort of social contract. In exchange for recognizing the victor as the legitimate ruler, they are promised their lives and equal treatment.”
“Exactly as you say.”
“I see. If that’s the case, there’s no need to worry.”
It wasn't a mere formality; it was a rule created to prevent the total annihilation of the tribe. Since it was a matter directly linked to survival, they wouldn't dare break it lightly.
“Fine. I shall accept it.”
Lucian’s party decided to stay one night at the final outpost before leaving, as originally planned.
More time had passed than expected, and in these snowfields, nothing was more important than preserving one's strength.
What differed from usual was the increased number of people and the meal that changed because of it.
Sizzle—
The smell of roasting meat filled the cabin.
While everyone was salivating at the mouth-watering aroma, Gunstein cut off a piece of meat and chewed it.
“Mmm.”
With a satisfied expression, Gunstein took the meat out and carefully placed it on a plate. Then, holding it with both hands, he offered it to Lucian as if presenting a tribute.
“It is ready, My Lord.”
Lucian took the plate without a word and put a piece of the bite-sized meat into his mouth. Unlike the bland flavors from before, it had a sharp, tingling kick that was quite pleasant.
“The taste is unique. What spice did you use?”
“Spice? I do not know what that is, but this is the dried and powdered liver of a black marten. It makes any food taste quite good.”
“Not bad.”
“Here, the rest of you should eat as well.”
Gunstein personally cut and handed meat to the others. His previous arrogant attitude had vanished, replaced by utter politeness.
The party members accepted the plates Gunstein handed them, looking somewhat bewildered.
One of his subordinates, who had been watching Gunstein with unease, stepped forward.
“Brother, let us handle that.”
“Enough. This is my duty.”
Gunstein remained unmoved despite his subordinate’s consideration.
While personally cutting and serving food was considered a high mark of courtesy even in the Empire, it seemed to hold an even deeper meaning here.
Helen watched Gunstein quietly before speaking only after receiving the plate he offered her.
“Sir Gunstein, it’s time you explained yourself.”
“Explained? What do you mean?”
“Don’t play dumb. Why did you ignore my mediation earlier?”
Helen’s sharp gaze pierced Gunstein, who looked puzzled.
“The man I knew was not such a reckless person. You knew how to distinguish right from wrong, and you showed respect to my Master.”
“…”
“And yet, you suddenly acted as if you couldn't hear me, and you even ignored my Master’s guest. Why on earth did you do that?”
The question was more than direct; it carried a hint of coldness.
Gunstein hesitated for a long time before finally sighing as if giving up. No matter how he thought about it, only pathetic excuses came to mind, so he figured it was better to just be honest.
“I wanted to bring the Guide to my side so I could become the Chief.”
“What does that mean?”
“My father has grown very old. He isn't at the point where he can't move, but he has reached a stage where it is difficult for him to proudly call himself a warrior.”
When a Chief can no longer fulfill their duties as a warrior, it is a long-standing tradition to elect a new one. Anyone could see that a competition between the brothers would soon break out.
As one who carried the Chief’s blood, Gunstein could participate in the competition, and he had ambitions for the position.
“But unlike my other brothers, my foundation is too weak. The history we’ve built, the time we’ve spent—it’s all different. My brothers have led groups and built their reputations for over a decade.”
If the competition were a pure one-on-one, Gunstein might have had a chance. However, one's reputation and the faction they commanded were also crucial elements of the trial.
Unless he had another ten years, there was no hope of victory if the competition started now.
“My brothers don’t even consider me a rival. And in reality, I’m not. But there is one person who could overturn all those disadvantages at once.”
“You mean my Master.”
“Indeed. If only the Guide stood by my side, I could compete on somewhat equal footing. But there was no sign of that happening, so…”
“So you tried to use us when we happened to cross paths. You planned to claim us as your property by citing tradition, and then demand we become your allies in exchange for your release?”
At Lucian’s interrogation, Gunstein nodded with a flushed face. Having been caught in his own scheme, he seemed embarrassed to recall it.
“…Still, I think it is rather fortunate that I have come to serve My Lord. None of my brothers possess the qualities of a Chief.”
He was saying it was better to serve Lucian than to serve one of his brothers. Gunstein’s expression looked relieved, suggesting he wasn't just making excuses.
“Well, if you think so, then that’s good. By the way, that competition—do you really think it will happen soon?”
“Pardon? Ah, yes. It will likely happen within three or four days. My father has been dropping hints.”
“In that case.”
Lucian set his plate down and spoke with a smirk.
“Can I participate in the competition in your stead?”
“…!?”
The next day, Lucian’s party left the cabin and headed toward their destination.
Now, Helen didn't need to struggle to guide them using memories from years ago. They had locals—Gunstein and his subordinates—acting as their guides.
“If we keep this pace, we should arrive before the afternoon.”
“That’s a relief. I was starting to get tired of walking through nothing but snow.”
“But My Lord, do you truly intend to participate in the competition?”
Lucian simply gave a single smile and quickened his pace. Gunstein, who was about to ask more, closed his mouth. He couldn't force an answer from the Lord he served if he wished to keep it a secret.
“The blizzard is dying down.”
Lucian, following Gunstein’s lead, muttered as he looked around.
This was a land where the blizzard raged so fiercely that no human could survive without a path opened by a mage. But from here on, the surrounding blizzard was growing calmer the further they went.
It wasn't long before the blizzard subsided entirely, and the environment became uniform in every direction.
“This is where my tribe lives, the ‘Dragon’s Jaw.’”
Gunstein, who was walking ahead of the group, said as he pointed down the hill.
Lucian, following Gunstein up the hill, let out a gasp of admiration.
“What a sight.”
Beyond the snowfields, at the edge of the frigid land, there was indeed a village. It wasn't just an ordinary village; every resident living there was a giant, two or three heads taller than a citizen of the Empire.
The giants, clad in furs, were busy with their respective tasks—repairing damaged houses, skinning hunted beasts, and so on.
He thought that people lived the same way everywhere, but the scene before him was too bizarre to simply brush off like that.
“…That person is carrying a log in each hand?”
“The animals they are skinning are all apex predators.”
They possessed the physical strength to lightly lift weights that an Imperial citizen of the same height would struggle to move. Their movements were so dexterous that they flipped massive beasts around with one hand as if they were handling rabbits.
And the residents passed by without a second thought, as if this were all perfectly normal.
It felt as though any one of the residents here could overpower an elite soldier of the Empire like a mere child.
“My Lord, please wear this before we go down.”
While everyone was dazed, Gunstein took off his outer coat and handed it to Lucian. Lucian’s eyes narrowed slightly at the excessively thick and large fur garment.
“Must I wear this? It’s so big I’m afraid I’ll become a laughingstock.”
“It is proof that all my rights have been transferred to My Lord. You might take it off later, but you must wear it when you first enter.”
“Whew, I suppose I have no choice.”
Lucian sighed and wrapped the fur coat around himself. Fortunately, the hem didn't drag on the ground, so he felt he could at least maintain some dignity.
The moment the prepared party descended and encountered the villagers…
“Gasp!?”
“M-My goodness!”
“This can’t be!”
“Oh, finally!”
As soon as they saw Lucian, screams erupted from all directions. Lucian blinked at the unexpected reaction.
‘What’s with them all of a sudden?’
He had considered a hostile reaction, but this was closer to shock and terror than hostility. Yet, among them, there were those who cheered with expressions mixed with a ray of hope and expectation.
While he was tilting his head in confusion, not knowing what was happening, one of the villagers shouted.
“Our King has arrived!”
“…!?”