Chapter 57
Chapter 57
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 57
Chapter Title: The Usurper Has His Uses
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The next day, at the territory of Baron Zelkard.
Thanks to Selina's cooperation, Beonald had fortunately managed to locate a ley line the previous day. After returning, sleeping, and gathering his party, he headed straight to the blacksmith's shop. There, he bought up everything used in smelting: unrefined iron ore, coke, limestone, coal, and more.
"My lord, what will you use this for? Um... I have some iron ingots I smelted myself. Wouldn't it be better to buy those, at the very least?"
"I have places for it all, so just hand over the goods. I have the money, you see."
"Ah, understood, my lord."
An ordinary person wouldn't buy such things so readily, so the blacksmith asked out of curiosity. However, Beonald ignored him completely, checked the quantity of the received items, and nodded.
He then bought a few more tools like pickaxes and hammers, leather gloves, and some hides, loading them all onto the horses he bought yesterday and Alterio. After transporting them, he stopped by a general store and bought a large amount of various tools, medicinal herbs, food, and cloth before heading back to their base.
"By the way, Young Master, what do you plan to do with all this?"
"Steel smelting."
"Huh? For something like that, couldn't you just entrust it to the blacksmith? They had iron ingots there, you know."
"There's an old saying: if you want to acquire good things, you must not spare the effort. Besides, I intend to put my alchemy knowledge to use. You know well what the academic foundation of 'Alchemy' is, right?"
Whether it was refining metals and substances to elevate one's soul to a higher state, creating elixirs and miraculous medicines, or producing perfect metals... the goals varied slightly, but 'metal refining' was essentially a mandatory subject in alchemy.
And he, an alchemist who was also the lord of a territory and a powerful figure in the Empire, had realized that 'metal technology' could overwhelmingly improve the quality of military strength. He had actively invested in and developed 'metal smelting technology' in connection with alchemy.
'Thanks to that, Benofis prospered even more. Although the research costs were enormous, we produced the so-called "Benofis Steel," a high-quality steel, and perfectly recouped the investment.'
'Benofis Steel'. It was the finest 'steel' of that era, perfected over about a decade by pouring staggering sums of money, alchemists, and blacksmiths into it.
Through continuous improvement and development, 'Benofis Steel' was made into various series for different purposes, becoming one of the masterpieces that made the name Beonald von Neumel known throughout the world.
'Of course, the truth is... it was only possible because of the dragon vein.'
The metal smelting and alchemy Beonald understood ultimately came down to a battle of 'energy' quantity and intensity.
The more capable one was of supplying larger and more stable amounts of energy, the more stable the metal smelting process became, allowing for the acquisition of higher purity materials.
Obtaining high-purity materials formed the foundation for creating extremely precise synthesis formulas, combinations, and manufacturing processes, the result of which was Benofis Steel.
'I thought something even better would have emerged after 500 years... but instead, it regressed? Well, I did manage the manufacturing process extremely tightly to prevent leaks, but to think not a trace would remain...'
One thing Beonald didn't know was that even if someone knew his combination formulas or manufacturing methods, they were impossible to implement without alchemical knowledge on his level.
Most of those involved were executed during his own purge, and the internal conflict within the Magic Tower led to further executions, causing the manufacturing methods to vanish completely.
'Of course, they might only have disappeared within this Empire, so it would be a mistake to be certain. But judging by the level of weapons and equipment in the Callermain territory, it's clear that the standard of iron weapons in this vicinity isn't very good.'
If the standard in Callermain, the most prosperous city in the area, was like this, then the surrounding territories' standards couldn't possibly be better—they could only be worse.
Against equipment of this level, even if he couldn't produce Benofis Steel at 100%, it would overwhelmingly surpass them. Beonald was confident he could show iron shattering against iron like glass.
"Good. We've arrived. Let's see... Heidi, take Alterio and explore the surrounding area while hunting. Sein, assist me with my work and report on what you observed yesterday. Selina, you will also assist me. First, let's examine the ley line flow and decide where to install the furnace. Selina, mana detection?"
"Hehe, don't worry. I memorized it yesterday."
Thus, under Beonald's direction, they began installing a smelting furnace on top of the ley line's focal point.
Blacksmiths originally had furnaces, but this one utilized the mana of the 'ley line' to ignite flames and generate heat. This method was faster than using firewood or coal and had the characteristic of lasting until the ley line's mana was depleted.
'The proper ones were installed on dragon veins... but I'll have to be satisfied with this. I was worried it might not work... I'm glad it did.'
Beonald knew the structure, so he could build it. The enchantment incantation for absorbing mana was entrusted to Selina.
Naturally, there were many trials and errors and structural issues that consumed a lot of time. But Beonald and Selina persevered diligently, and they finally completed the furnace late that night.
Looking at the furnace radiating heat that overwhelmingly surpassed the blacksmith's, Beonald wore a satisfied expression.
"Phew~ Excellent. As long as the mana accumulated in this ley line lasts, this heat output will be maintained. It's very good heat."
"It certainly seems stronger than the blacksmith's. But... Young Master? How will you withstand that intense heat while working? Just bringing your hand close seems like it would burn away without a trace..."
"Originally, one would wear fireproof suits made from the hides of monsters like salamanders that live in lava zones, hire spirit contractors who have pacts with fire spirits, or cast flame resistance magic before working... but I have this now, so it's no problem."
"Aura!"
Aura glowing with a deep purple light. Not only did it strengthen the body, but with accumulated training, it also provided physical protective abilities.
Beonald had trained his body with mana breathing techniques since a very young age. Although his swordsmanship progress was still lacking, he could confidently say that the accumulated power of his aura was second to none.
'However, being short-handed and having to do everything myself... is quite frustrating.'
Thanks to his aura, he no longer needed to fear the scorching furnace. He proceeded to carry out the process for smelting steel in earnest.
Meanwhile, within the Callermain Earldom, a storm was brewing internally. This was due to letters condemning Beonald of the Royen Viscountcy and reports of military preparations, as well as the unresolved issue of Lady Meira's face, which had not healed.
In particular, Lady Meira, whose face remained unhealed despite receiving treatment, vented her hysteria on the servants and other ladies, making it extremely difficult to control.
"Why won't you allow it? You! I am one of the pillars of this Callermain Earldom! To have done this to me! I'm not even asking to use the Earldom's troops, just my own family's troops and knights, and you won't allow even that?"
Under such circumstances, it was only natural for her to be furious upon hearing the words of Acting Head Rengel, who refused to permit military action by the Royen Viscountcy.
Acting Head Rengel had worked hard to grasp the situation shortly after the incident occurred. He was rightfully angry upon learning that Beonald had left and that the proof was the six knights from the Royen Viscountcy's mansion whom Erasol had brought to his own estate.
"Didn't you strike first, my lady? That's the pot calling the kettle black. Moreover, you brought six knights from the Royen Viscountcy without a word to me, the Acting Head? Even with my father's permission, that's treating me like a fool. And now you have the audacity! To plan military action intended to kill our blood relative? It's preposterous! Even my father deceived me!"
Acting Head Rengel was in a state of great anger over this matter being advanced without his knowledge.
Although he was the Acting Head, the Count was elderly, making him effectively the Count. Having his authority ignored was no different from a direct challenge.
"So you intend to let this matter be buried just like that? After what he did to me?"
"Didn't they say it will heal? Besides, if the six knights you summoned entered a situation where their own lives were at risk, not killing them was an act of mercy. Though I must say, I didn't expect that boy to be a knight. To think he hid it while joining hands with Sir Maldrov. Tsk tsk~"
Upon learning through Sir Zed that Beonald was a knight, Acting Head Rengel interrogated Sir Maldrov. However, Sir Maldrov's loyal statement—that he was worried Ralt would feel the "wall"—left him with nothing more to say.
After all, if it had been known from the start that Beonald was a knight, Ralt's despair would have been even greater.
"That's exactly it! He was a black-hearted scoundrel from the very beginning! Who knows what schemes he's plotting even at this moment. So we must capture him immediately, skin him alive, and rub salt into his wounds!"
'This is strange. The lady... has strong pride and can get angry when insulted, but she's also someone who hides her true intentions for practical gain. Yet she's this furious. That boy left the territory on his own, so he's no longer an obstacle in the succession picture. Why is she going to such lengths?'
Her obsession was strangely intense, making Acting Head Rengel feel uneasy.
The plot to eliminate Beonald had failed, but looking at the result, Beonald had left this place on his own.
Of course, losing two valuable knight talents was a significant blow. But considering Ralt was now confirmed as the heir, it wasn't such a bad deal.
"My lady... might you temporarily remove the bandages on your face?"
"Ah? Wh-what are you suddenly saying?"
"We have an inspection at the territory of Baron Jess soon, don't we? And we must go to the capital before long. So I thought I should check the progress of the wound."
"Ah, they say it will take time to heal. So I cannot show it. Ah, anyway, that's not important right now! What's important is dealing with that half-breed named Beonald. That boy is a seed of calamity. We must eliminate him beforehand."
Caught off guard by Acting Head Rengel's sharp questioning, Lady Meira panicked momentarily but soon skillfully made an excuse and brushed it off.
Her face was currently in a hideous state due to a botched initial treatment mixed with the priest's healing. To fix it would require almost completely removing the facial skin, realigning the bones, and then proceeding with treatment—a level nearly impossible with the medical arts of this era, making it practically irreparable.
'...It seems there really is something wrong with her face.'
To Acting Head Rengel, who had lived half his life with her, her excuse was tantamount to admitting there was an issue with her face.
Acting Head Rengel suddenly wondered if he should use Beonald to deal with her.
'Hmm, if there's a problem, it should be handled... but doing it myself is burdensome, and the Royen Viscountcy isn't a small family either... Perhaps I should leave it to Beonald? If the Royen Viscountcy gets hurt, eliminating this lady wouldn't be too difficult either.'
"What are you thinking about so deeply?"
"Hmm... I was thinking that if you truly feel that way, I could grant permission."
"Really?"
"However, it must be handled solely by you and the Royen family. Understood?"
"Th-that is more than enough!"
She didn't know what had happened, but with the approval of Acting Head Rengel, who was effectively the master of the Callermain family, it was a perfect green light.
Although she felt slightly uneasy about Acting Head Rengel's sudden consent, the thought of capturing Beonald and Sein, who had betrayed her, and taking revenge quickly erased that unease from her mind.
'First, once I catch that bastard, I'll make him just like me. I'll skin that pretty face! Pluck out his eyes and teeth, cut off his limbs, and throw him into a beggar's den. Next is that bitch Sein! How dare she betray me after all I've fed and sheltered her? I'll torture her by pulling out all her fingernails and toenails first, then make her a sex slave for the territory soldiers before selling her off to a backstreet brothel. How dare she... how dare she!'
"My lady, it is I. I have located their position."
In the midst of her burning hatred, welcome news came from behind her. One of the spies she had spread around the Earldom had finally uncovered the location of Beonald's party.
"Sir Zed! Good! Where are they?"
"As expected, they entered the territory of Baron Zelkard. It's the only place they can rely on. Lord Royen says he will begin preparations immediately."
"Hehe, contact him right away. With the family's permission granted, tell him to move immediately. And this time, you and I will also go. I must... I must see the moment he is captured! And hire more mercenaries! As many as possible! A great many! Hire them! I don't care how much debt I incur. I'll just recover the money from him anyway."
"Yes, understood."
Thus, following Lady Meira's command, Sir Zed immediately sent a messenger to the Royen Viscountcy.
With the Earldom's approval, they could now move in earnest, on a military scale, to capture Beonald.
They still didn't imagine that Baron Zelkard would take Beonald's side. They believed they could capture Beonald quickly, but it wouldn't take long for them to realize that assumption was a grave mistake.