Chapter 107
Chapter 107
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 107
Chapter Title: Ortoss's Oath
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"Not feelin' bad about it, are you?"
"Th-that's not it at all-nikka! You saved me yourself, sir. It was my own stupid misunderstanding-nikka. I don't feel bad at all-nikka."
Ortoss had recovered quite a bit, thanks to being such a sturdy-built orc and getting a mana crystal to boot.
But the way he kept glancing nervously at Eugene without a moment's rest made it clear the trauma from his beatings lingered.
"I just got worked up hearing such nonsense, you know? Anyway, sorry about that, Lord Rodric."
"N-no, it's fine."
His forced smile somehow looked even more pathetic. It was hard to believe this pitiful figure was the sole surviving heir to a lordly house that had ruled these isles for generations.
"Um, sir."
"Yeah?"
"What happens to me now-nikka?"
Even as the last scion of the Rodric house, he was little more than a lord in name, ruling an island long abandoned by the Brantian mainland.
And his opposite number was no Brantian, but a knight from the continent proper.
Ortoss wasn't fool enough not to realize his fate hung on Eugene.
"Happens? You're gonna lord it over this place, obviously."
"Ah, so as a prisoner, I'll be shipped off...? Guk!?"
Startled, Ortoss flared his snout wide.
"Y-you mean make me lord of Rodric-nikka?"
"What's stopping that? You were lord here originally."
"That's true, but... why me specifically...? Couldn't you just take over yourself-nikka?"
"I'm not here just for this one island after crossing the sea, you see. And they say your father ruled this place well, right? That diligent, honorable streak of yours isn't going anywhere. I trust you."
"L-Lord Eugene..."
For a moment, Ortoss's eyes grew distant. Any lingering resentment from the pirates' abuse—and the pervert remark right to his face—melted away like snow.
Of course. Who wouldn't get mad hearing that called out directly?
Especially a knight as honorable and wise as this.
'I made a huge mistake!'
"Kuhum! Lord Eugene! I, Ortoss of Rodric, swear on the honor of Kamun to give my all!"
Chicken-shit tears plopped from Ortoss's beady eyes.
Convinced he'd half-won the orc over, Eugene hid his scheming thoughts and spoke magnanimously.
"Yeah, yeah. You'll do great, I'm sure."
"Of course-nikka! Just watch!"
Ortoss's face darkened slightly as he wiped his tears and smiled.
"But Lord Eugene, there's hardly any residents left anymore—just a few hundred Poka folk. I'm not sure I can rule this place properly."
"Ah, don't worry about that. Ships from Maren and Mofirn will be coming here soon enough."
"Wh-what? Maren and Mofirn-nikka!?"
Born the son of a lord, Ortoss had known those famed port cities since childhood.
Ships from eastern kingdoms and cities had occasionally called at the island back then.
"Yeah. Both port cities are backing my expedition. That ship there? They provided it. And..."
Eugene casually mentioned that Earl Winslon and Margrave Archbold of Kalsbeggin supported him.
Neither could offer funds or troops due to their circumstances, but words could be packaged to sound impressive.
For Ortoss, who'd endured miserable captivity for so long, tales of great port cities and mighty nobles from Eugene's lips were irresistible.
"You truly are blessed! Lord Eugene! Not just great cities, but renowned high nobles too-nikka!"
"What blessed? Anyway, from now on, the Rodric Archipelago serves as our midway supply base. Think you and I have the friendship to pull that off, Lord Rodric?"
"Of course-nikka!"
Rescuing him from pirates was one thing, but handing him a chance at resurgence? Refusing would be idiocy.
'The gods haven't forsaken me, House Rodric! Lord Eugene is the messenger they sent!'
Ortoss beamed, heart pounding.
"Good. Then first, let's use the Poka to send a ship to Maren. The pirates left a few vessels—we can refit one. Have the Poka push it along, and it'll be way faster, right?"
"Ah... yes, definitely-nikka. But that's a bit..."
"Yeah? What's the problem?"
Ortoss's face fell sharply as he ventured cautiously.
"You don't know yet, do you, Lord Eugene? There's a jagged isle called Pering behind this one. A massive monster they call the sea demon haunts the reefs there..."
"Sea Dragon Bomagelle? That thing's already dead—by my hand."
"Whaaat!?"
Eugene explained to the gaping Ortoss—big tusks bared—how he'd slain the sea monster and how Romari and the crew were butchering its corpse.
"So now, nothing threatens the Rodric Archipelago anymore. The Poka can sail the seas without issue, right? All you have to do is rule properly with support from Maren and Mofirn."
"......!"
Shuddering, Ortoss let fresh tears spill despite himself.
Not just the huge opportunity, but slaying the terrifying sea devil that had foiled countless warriors since his father's day—corpses never even recovered!
'W-wait. But what if, just maybe, this Lord Eugene turns on me later? What if some misunderstanding sours things between us?'
Chillbumps erupted across Ortoss's gray-green skin.
His savior hadn't just offered opportunity. He'd slyly signaled that refusal or hesitation meant a hell worse than death.
"Whoops! I lost myself in shock and joy there, Lord Eugene."
Swiftly wiping away tears—and the fear from his dark imaginings—Ortoss shot to his feet.
And he made his choice for himself and his house's future.
He dropped to one knee before Eugene.
"Lord Eugene! I, Ortoss, son of Batru of Rodric, swear on the honor of my house and the Earth God—until I return to his side—that I and House Rodric will serve beneath your banner! Make Rodric your vassal!"
'Jackpot.'
A bit surprised but never one to let opportunity slip, Eugene whipped out Wolfslayer and laid it on Ortoss's shoulder.
"Very well, Ortoss Rodric. From this moment, you are my vassal, Jan Eugene's, and your fief is the entirety of the Rodric Archipelago. Do you swear and accept?"
"Yes-nikka! I swear and accept!"
"Good."
Eugene helped Ortoss to his feet, a satisfied smile on his face.
* * *
"So, House Rodric has sworn fealty as your vassal?"
"That's right. The oath's already done. Isn't that so, Lord Rodric?"
"Indeed-nikka. I, Ortoss of Rodric, shall rule this archipelago as Lord Eugene's vassal! I swear it on my house and the Earth God!"
"......"
Everyone stared, dumbfounded, at the orc who'd been squealing like a stuck pig just an hour ago, now playing the ultimate loyal retainer.
They all knew Eugene planned to use this place as the expedition's foothold and supply route.
But taking the lordly house as vassal and swallowing it whole? No one had dreamed it.
"Why the long faces? Hey, Captain. You catch that? Rodric Isle's now my vassal's territory—and a friend to Maren City. Make sure the crew spreads the word when you send them back."
"Yes, sir! Lord Eugene!"
"Good. By the way, how do we handle the Poka? Teach 'em our language?"
"Pardon? What do you mean-nikka? The Poka can speak."
"Huh?"
"Whoa."
"No way."
"Seriously? I thought they just went 'kwit-kwit' or whatever."
As everyone chimed in, Selena asked disbelievingly.
"Ah, well. They've been abused so much, they default to that pitiful act with strangers-nikka. Makes 'em look cute and pitiable, softening folks up. Truth is, plenty understand human speech fine—even the kingdom tongue... Huh? Why the faces-nikka?"
"I feel so betrayed. Just you wait!"
Selena sulked alone.
Anyway.
Matters on the Rodric Archipelago proceeded smoothly, and four days later, every last pirate was wiped out.
* * *
"What?"
"If you send us back to our houses, we'll never forget your mercy and reward you greatly."
"Please, Lord Eugene."
Emaciated and haggard, the nobles bowed before Eugene—aristocrats captured by pirates while aboard supply ships during the Prayer Book War.
Most had died from starvation and abuse, but a stubborn few survived, mobility restored by the mana crystals Eugene provided.
"Of course you'd want that. But if your families planned to ransom you, wouldn't they have come by now?"
"Th-there are circumstances..."
Eugene cut off their excuses coldly as they squirmed.
"Sending you back's no trouble. But I'd rather you not tarnish my honor with talk of 'rewards' and such."
"......?"
All eyes widened at Eugene in shock.
Why the sudden change from the guy who'd seize any profit?
"I'll send anyone who wants to return home, no strings attached. Go on, then."
"Ahh!"
As the nobles teared, overcome with emotion, Eugene raised a hand.
"But."
"Yes?"
"If you want to lend a hand to the Brantia Expedition of Jan Eugene—backed by the cities of Maren and Mofirn, actively supported by Margrave Archbold of Kalsbeggin and the famed Earl Winslon of the kingdom... Well, I could always make room."
"......!"
The nobles' eyes shook wildly.
Nobles by birth, but none held real status.
Who with prospects rides a supply ship to Brantia?
Most aboard had hoped to rise by clinging to the Central Church's push for the expedition.
'...Or so Ortoss told me, locked up with you lot. He said you griped plenty about your lots too.'
"It's your choice. So, what'll it be?"
Eugene eyed them leisurely.
Their deliberations were brief.
Better to join the man who'd crushed the pirates outright, backed by thriving cities and great nobles, than families who'd clearly forgotten them.
"We'll serve you if you'll have us, Lord Eugene!"
Suppressing a grin, Eugene replied sternly.
"Good. You'll wield your fine talents for me and Rodric. I shall value you highly. I'm quite looking forward to it."
"Ooh!"
Rodric was an odd side branch, but the nobles cheered anyway.
From death-row prisoners yesterday to valued by the expedition leader? They were thrilled.
Once the jubilant nobles left, Ranslo murmured.
"No ransom at all, really?"
"We need hands here. Put 'em to work first—if they're no good, ship 'em to Maren and collect then."
"Oh ho! Most merciful, yet pragmatic, my lord."
"Sounds familiar."
"Haha! That's your style then, isn't it, Lord Eugene? Both compassionate heart and leader's reason. That's how I see it, at least."
Eugene paused at Ranslo's words.
Just a year ago, he'd toiled for proper status—now casually called 'lord.'
Pride swelled, mingled with disbelief.
'My own land, my own fief. A realm where a vampire like me can live without worry.'
A concrete goal took shape.
Composing himself, Eugene addressed those who'd trusted and followed him on this expedition, plus Ortoss.
"Alright! Let's settle accounts first. Then decide how we storm Brantia."
"Settle accounts?"
Galpredic tilted his head, and Eugene nodded emphatically.
"We've got loot from the pirates, right? Sea dragon byproducts too. Gather it all and sell."
Those who'd briefly doubted Eugene disliked money reflected on themselves.
"You all worked hard, so we'll split the profits fair and square here. Tell the crew the same."
Ooooh!
They reflected again.
No one hated money—not even them.
* * *
"Best way's using the Poka to slip in quiet via this coast. I recommend here."
Ranslo pointed to a spot on the Brantia map.
House Rodric, long-time lords of Brantia, held fairly detailed maps including their archipelago.
"Then on to Mungard?"
"Yes. Not sure now, but when I left Brantia, it was the most open city to other races and foreigners. No way centuries of history change overnight—perfect for intel. And..."
Ranslo shot Eugene a meaningful smile.
"Rumors say Mungard's home to the Dark Clan—vampire nobles."
(To be continued)
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