Chapter 23
Chapter 23
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: A Drastic Measure #4
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&
“I would also like to join this mission.”
The next morning, two people came to see Ingong, who had woken up after sleeping in a bit.
One was familiar, the other a stranger, yet Ingong could recall his name the moment he saw him.
‘Kadaroff?’
He was one of the concubines' children. Ingong couldn't remember which concubine's son he was, but his race was definitely Siren.
‘A male Siren.’
Sirens were a beautiful, female-like race based in the sea. Naturally able to imbue their voices with magic, they were famous for producing many powerful users of magical music.
The Kadaroff before him was also a powerful user of magical music. He was about in his mid-teens. The pretty boy with long blue hair, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, was quite cute, but Ingong wasn't about to be bewitched by some male Siren.
“Sorry, the members for this mission have already been decided. I hope you'll lend me your strength next time.”
Ingong replied with a plausible excuse, placed a hand on Kadaroff's shoulder, and very naturally led him out of the drawing room. Kicked out of the room in the blink of an eye, Kadaroff looked extremely disappointed but nodded as if he understood. That was, until he spotted Daphne still inside the drawing room.
“Huh?”
“Take care.”
Waving with a smile at the dazed Kadaroff, Ingong shut the drawing room door. Flora would take care of sending him on his way.
Daphne, who had watched the whole exchange, pursed her lips once before asking in a slightly tense voice.
“Am I allowed to go with you?”
“Of course. I'm counting on you again.”
Ingong answered readily, had Daphne sit on the drawing room sofa, and listened to how she had gotten here.
As expected, Kadaroff had latched onto Daphne, who was acquainted with Ingong, to get into the drawing room.
As soon as the audience had ended yesterday, Ingong had returned to his mansion and ordered Flora and the servants to politely refuse all visitors except for Felicia, Delia, and Daphne. This was to minimize unnecessary meetings, just as Felicia had suggested.
Ingong hadn't kicked Kadaroff out just because he was a male Siren, a pretty boy at that. It was because Kadaroff was the very definition of the unnecessary meetings Felicia had been worried about.
Kadaroff was a secret follower of the 4th Princess, Anastasia. The reason he was a secret follower, despite being one of her most ardent ones, was because his abilities were specialized in what one might call ‘espionage.’
Even when playing as Zephyr, the guy had always come to him with a brilliant smile, asking to be recruited. And as always, he had tried his damnedest to betray him at the most critical moment.
‘And that same Kadaroff came to me?’
He didn't think Kadaroff would have suddenly switched his allegiance from Anastasia to him.
To be honest, Ingong still had far too little compared to the other children of the Demon King. He had made a strong impression by causing two shocking incidents at the audience, but conversely, that impression was all he had.
Even Daphne wouldn't have come back like this if she hadn't seen and experienced things firsthand on the Anger Plains.
Ingong was currently receiving a great deal of attention and was achieving results of his own. If he kept growing like this, he could become an unexpected high-roller.
But on the other hand, he was also a risky bet who could just be a flash in the pan.
For the concubines' children, whose paths to success depended on which of the Demon King's children they associated with, the risk was still too great to make a bold bet.
‘He's the guy who stuck with Anastasia to the very end, even when Zephyr was on the verge of winning everything. There's no way he'd suddenly switch to my side. More importantly, there's something else to consider.’
Even if his purpose was to act as a spy, the likelihood that he had come to Ingong of his own volition was low. It was clearly Anastasia's order.
‘It's a bit weak to be a full-blown check… more like simple reconnaissance for now?’
Either way, the fact remained that Anastasia had started to pay attention to him.
Ingong recalled Anastasia's gaze on him in the audience hall. She was breathtakingly beautiful, but she was as venomous as she was beautiful. It wasn't for nothing that her nickname was the female Zephyr.
‘This is all the Demon King's fault.’
Ingong, inwardly cursing the Demon King—the culprit (?) behind this whole situation—sent Daphne away for the time being.
It seemed it would be better in many ways to quickly prepare only what was necessary and leave the Demon King's castle.
“So, where are we heading first?”
Karak, who had returned after seeing Daphne off on Ingong's orders, asked. Ingong replied quickly, as if there was nothing to think about.
“Let's go to the Merits Department first.”
&
“Greetings, Your Highness the 9th Prince.”
“Hello, Isabella. You were pretty shocked yesterday, weren't you?”
As Ingong spoke with a grin, Isabella gave a smile filled with mixed emotions.
“I was. Incredibly so. Are you alright, Your Highness?”
It was a question tinged with a slight worry. That's how drastic the Demon King's actions had been yesterday. Ingong answered with a sigh, feigning hardship.
“I'll leave it to your imagination.”
Still, it was a playful response, so Isabella only furrowed her brows in a worried V-shape but didn't express any deeper concern. And in truth, looking at it from a distance, it was a joyous occasion in many ways. It had once again proven to everyone that none other than the Demon King himself was showing a deep interest in Ingong.
Composing her expression, Isabella asked with a friendly smile.
“Which would you like to prioritize: finalizing your merit points or reviewing information on the new mission?”
“Let's start with the merit points.”
“Understood.”
[9th Prince Shutora Ignus]
[Merit Level: 5 -> 10]
[Accumulated Merits: 15,000 -> 35,000]
[Currently Usable Merits: 33,000]
[Merits Related to Participation in the Cassius Subjugation]
- Discovered the true nature of the Guardian Spirit Green Wind's temple.
- Repelled the Cassius horde.
- Repelled the Drake Ogre horde.
- First resolution of the abnormal situation.
- Annihilated the entity presumed to be the cause of the abnormal situation [Unidentified/Undead presumed].
- 1st Class Merit in the Cassius Subjugation.
[The 9th Prince's Merit Level has risen to 10.]
[The number of facilities available for use within the Demon King's castle has increased.]
[Monthly stipend has increased from 500 gold to 900 gold.]
‘Oh, this is more lucrative than the Red Lightning tribe subjugation.’
In truth, he had expected as much. Although Ingong had accomplished various feats in the Red Lightning subjugation, only a few of them were solo missions. Moreover, with a high-ranking general like General Bandal involved, the evaluation was bound to be stricter.
On the other hand, the Cassius subjugation was a mission where Ingong had acted as the one in charge, as Felicia had emphasized several times. Furthermore, unlike before where he had only provided indirect support, he had directly led the resolution of the incident, so the evaluation was bound to be positive.
‘It also means the Demon King's castle places that much value on this recent abnormal situation.’
The mysterious violet energy that appeared beyond the northern border.
Isabella clasped her hands together and said.
“I was truly impressed by Your Highness's actions this time as well. No one could have predicted the Cassius subjugation would become such a major incident.”
She was right. Even Ingong hadn't imagined things would turn out this way.
But there was still one thing that bothered him.
Was it the same for the Demon King? Was this incident an unexpected outcome for him as well?
He lacked the information to make a proper deduction. So, as always, Ingong focused on the task at hand.
“Your Highness, shall I have the Merit Level rewards sent to your mansion as before?”
“Please do.”
His Merit Level had risen by 5, so there would be plenty of rewards this time too. He had no intention of showing off his inventory ability, so choosing delivery was the right move.
“Understood. Will you be using your merit points for anything else?”
“Not here, but elsewhere. I'm thinking of visiting the armory and the blacksmith.”
“I see. With your high Merit Level, it is indeed time for you to use the various facilities of the Demon King's castle. I hope you find many fine items.”
“Thanks. Now, may I have the details regarding the mission?”
“Of course. The mission overview is the same as I mentioned yesterday.”
[Exploration Mission: Dwarf Ancient Kingdom's Thunder Doom Fortress]
[A passage leading to the Thunder Doom Fortress was discovered during mine development. Secure the passage to the Thunder Doom Fortress and explore its interior.]
[* Depart from the Demon King's castle within the next 7 days.]
Following the few lines of text, a map made of light unfolded. It was a place Ingong knew well.
‘So it really is that Thunder Doom Fortress.’
He had already visited the place in *Knight Saga*. The only difference from the game was the timing of the fortress's discovery.
‘It can't be exactly the same.’
There were already quite a few differences from *Knight Saga*, starting with the Elder Dragons.
“General Kashubal lost his life while investigating the Thunder Doom Fortress. According to the report from those who later recovered his body, poisoning by toxic gas seems to be the primary cause. You will need to prepare countermeasures.”
Ingong nodded. In *Knight Saga*, it was standard procedure to go into the Thunder Doom Fortress loaded up with all sorts of detoxification items.
‘The mine itself was closed down because of toxic gas in the first place.’
The story fit perfectly. But for some reason, he felt something was off.
General Kashubal. Ingong had never met him even in *Knight Saga*, so he didn't know what kind of person he was, but was he completely unaware of the toxic gas? Or did he suffer an unfortunate accident despite having prepared for it? Either way, for a mid-rank general, it was a rather hollow end.
‘I'll have to hope Delia can find out more.’
Giving a slight nod, Ingong concluded his conversation with Isabella.
“Thanks for the advice. I'll be on my way now.”
“I will look forward to Your Highness's next visit.”
&
After leaving the Merits Department, Ingong headed straight for the eastern part of the Demon King's castle, where the blacksmith and armory were located. Since he was traveling in the carriage Felicia had provided yesterday, he didn't run into anyone along the way.
The Demon King's castle armory could be broadly divided into two sections. One was a storehouse for mass-produced equipment for common soldiers, and the other was a kind of treasury where equipment for commanders, like the castle's military officers and nobles, was kept.
Ingong, of course, headed for the latter.
Igor, who had been in charge of the Merits Department with Isabella in *Knight Saga*, was for some reason working as the armory's keeper.
“Greetings, Your Highness the 9th Prince. With a Merit Level of 10, you may access the first treasury. As a rule, purchasing equipment consumes merit points, but it is also possible to purchase them separately with gold.”
Following the imp, Ingong entered the first treasury and couldn't help but smile.
The treasury was enormous. It was nearly ten—no, almost twenty times larger than the treasure keepers' armory he had found in the Anvil that Birthed Thunder dungeon.
Moreover, unlike the treasure keepers' armory, which had been empty in places, the Demon King's armory was packed to the brim without a single empty spot. It felt like walking into a weapons department store.
It was a sight that surprised even Ingong, who had already seen it in *Knight Saga*. Karak and Karma, seeing it for the first time, could only stare wide-eyed, letting out gasps of admiration.
Karma, in particular, was panting as if she were about to have a heart attack.
“A-Am I really allowed to take all of this?”
Karma stammered as she looked at herself in a mirror, fully equipped with items Ingong had picked out for her. A suit of chain mail enchanted with a lightening spell, a silver helm, and gauntlets that looked luxurious at a glance adorned her body. It was splendid equipment she could have never even dreamed of during her time as a soldier.
But Ingong replied with a cool indifference.
“You are.”
From Karma's perspective, the equipment was so incredible her eyes could pop out, but from the Demon King's castle's standpoint, it was just run-of-the-mill gear.
‘Of course, that's because this is the Demon King's castle.’
It was none other than the center of the Demon World. Apologies to the Centaurs, but it was incomparable to a frontier region like the Anger Plains.
Karak said slyly.
“Don't be shy, just take it while he's offering. The better equipped we are, the more help we can be to the prince.”
He had a point, so she couldn't argue. Karak wore a black helm that matched his armor and had a rather large magic shield slung across his back. Ingong had already given him any items they found during missions, so there wasn't much else to add.
For himself, Ingong chose a suit of leather armor enchanted with resistance to various elemental attacks. Heavy metal armor that restricted movement was not suitable for the Divine Beast Authority, which specialized in explosive movements. It wasn't for nothing that Caitlin and Chris only wore leather armor.
The merit points used to outfit the three of them came to exactly 15,000. Most of it was spent on Ingong's armor and Karak's shield.
‘As they say, one should never skimp on equipment.’
And this was why he'd raised his Merit Level in the first place. After completing this mission, he would probably be able to access the second treasury.
‘Good, good. Now I finally feel like a prince. This is what *Knight Saga* is all about.’
Just as Ingong, feeling satisfied, was about to leave the armory.
‘Master, is there nothing for me?’
‘Master, I feel like I'm being discriminated against.’
‘We're both green, but Master only likes that Orc.’
Green Wind's voice hammered into Ingong's ears one after another. Hearing the increasingly sulky tone, Ingong chuckled and asked, a little mischievously.
“Is there something you want?”
‘Uh…’
When actually asked, she couldn't answer, just as he'd expected. Although Green Wind could materialize, it was just a possibility, not a constant state. She didn't really need armor or weapons, and even if he gave them to her, they would only be a burden.
As the speechless Green Wind let out a groan, Ingong smiled again and said.
“I'll praise you when we get back.”
‘Master, I haven't done anything to deserve praise.’
“Then don't.”
‘O-On second thought, I think I deserve to be praised for not pestering you and enduring it so well.’
Instead of asking if she hadn't just been pestering him, Ingong struggled to hold back his laughter. Igor, unaware of Green Wind's existence, looked at Ingong with pity.
Leaving the armory, Ingong headed for the blacksmith. Karma had imagined a huge forge like the armory, with dozens of artisans sweating profusely, but in reality, it was a neat office that felt similar to the Merits Department.
There was no need to have the ordering and crafting areas in the same place, after all.
The lizardman in charge of the blacksmith, Kator, jotted down Ingong's requests one by one before asking for confirmation.
“Greaves, you said?”
“Yes, greaves.”
What Ingong requested was somewhat different from ordinary greaves. It might have been better to call them a type of combat boot.
The techniques of the Beast Authority and Divine Beast Authority were not limited to hand-to-hand skills. There were just as many foot techniques, including various kicks.
The standard greaves stored in the armory were, as the name suggested, armor for protecting the legs, which actually hindered the use of fast foot techniques.
As light as possible, in a form that wouldn't obstruct the movement of the legs, including the ankles, and with as many different enchantments as possible.
Kator reviewed Ingong's requirements once more before presenting a work order and replying.
“Hmm, understood. The structure itself is simple, so it shouldn't take too long.”
“How long do you think it will take?”
“Two days should be enough.”
At the mention of two days, Karma's eyes widened again. Not just any greaves, but enchanted ones, would only take two days to make? That was unimaginable on the Anger Plains.
But to Ingong, it was perfectly normal. He tallied his remaining merit points and asked.
“Do you have any materials you'd recommend?”
“How about making them with dragon leather and scales?”
“Huh?”
Ingong couldn't help but ask back at Kator's reply. Dragon leather and scales? Those were top-tier materials that were impossible to afford with his merit points.
‘Is he messing with me?’
But Kator was serious. He glanced at Karak and Karma standing behind Ingong before speaking in a slightly lowered voice.
“Some materials came in this morning under the 9th Prince's name. There's enough to make the foot guards you ordered.”
“Materials came in under my name?”
“Yes, that's correct.”
This was a common occurrence in *Knight Saga*. Zephyr's sponsors, including his maternal family, often sent him gifts and such.
But a gift for Shutora?
‘Could it be the Gandharva?’
No matter how weakened, they were a race that once held enough power to produce a queen. Expectation flickered across Ingong's face.
“Can you tell me who sent it?”
Instead of answering immediately, Kator took a breath. He said in a low voice.
“It was from Lord Ishgard.”
In that instant, both Karak and Karma's eyes widened. It was a name that even the two of them, who came from the frontier, couldn't help but know.
Sword Duke Ishgard.
A martial artist from a bygone era who could only be described as a legend.
He did not belong to any maternal family.
The place that served as the paternal family for all the children of the Demon King.
He was an elder of the Sura, the strongest of the combat races.