152. Owl Capture (1)
152. Owl Capture (1)
- 1 -
Arpina Mailtrom's life began as the cherished daughter of a fallen noble house.
Even though the family had declined, thanks to their still ample wealth, she was able to enjoy a childhood of material abundance.
But that was only superficial affluence.
"Hoho. Of course. Our Arpina is exceedingly bright."
Her mother always took pride in her, in her talents.
At least, when outside, while meeting people.
"We must return to the noblest of bloodlines, yet why did something like you have to be born...!"
But the moment they stepped inside the house, she became a completely different person.
She detested Arpina's dull black hair and deep, deep green eyes.
All because she hadn't inherited a single trace of the silver hair and violet eyes that were the proof of her own lineage and that of House Mailtrom.
"Just looking at you, I recall that man...! That bastard I want to tear to pieces. The one who ran away when he found out I was pregnant...!"
Of course, the reason Arpina had been born that way was not her own fault.
It was merely the result of her mother's clumsy attempt to continue the family bloodline.
"Why do people always lie?"
The curiosity that would pierce through her entire life had begun right there.
- 2 -
"The effect was better than I thought."
The news that the Damamolron-Matepit territorial war had broken out reached me almost instantly.
It was a far earlier start than I'd expected. I had thought they would at least take a few days to properly assess the situation.
- It is because your wisdom, Master, has touched the heavens.
- Master so smart!
The words came from a single Cerebrum Skull and Mary.
I smiled and shook my head.
"You two. Your flattery has gotten worse lately."
- Gakgak.
"All right. You've done well. Now go back to your duties."
- Yes!
A messenger dressed in the military uniform of Matepit County, or rather a Cerebrum Skull, bowed his head deeply at my gesture and answered loudly before disappearing.
'So, war really has begun.'
- Gak... gak...
After the communication ended, I stroked Mary and fell into thought for a moment, as a tide of contemplation rose up.
It was news of the war I had been waiting for, yet when I actually heard it, I wasn't particularly happy.
'Well. If someone were happy that a war had broken out, that would just be insane.'
When I thought about it, it was an inevitable matter.
What I should be happy about were the things that would come to me in the war's aftermath, not the war itself.
From a human standpoint, someone like me could be considered crazy enough, but even so, I just wanted to be selfish.
"Teacher."
"Speak, Sonia."
"The moment you took measures to ensure ordinary people could avoid harm, I believe you had already done everything you could."
"..."
Her words might sound strange, but they were the truth.
Because in this world, war inevitably demanded the sacrifice of commoners.
Collateral damage was not something that merely happened.
It was something that 'had to be paid.'
[It is an implicit war etiquette to leave proof that 'a war was fought.']
[It is not right, but most high nobles know of it and practice it.]
They clashed swords.
A certain number of casualties occurred among the armies.
Each side committed a certain amount of plunder, destruction, and massacre.
These were things I had heard from Haley and Eleanor when I had consulted them about human wars.
'When I think about it again, it's a truly fascinating culture.'
I could guess why such a culture had spread.
Outside, there was the Demon Realm, and within, dungeons could be discovered hiding anywhere at any time.
In the end, every territory needed a certain level of military strength, and...
'For that, the attrition caused by conflicts among humans must be minimized.'
Thus, most conflicts were resolved not through territorial wars but through duels via grand champion battles.
If the people's feelings toward one another were so bad that this was insufficient, they fought a small-scale war to cultivate the sentiment that 'peace is good,' each side paying a set sacrifice.
It was the sacrifice of the few for the many.
'Of course, the perspective or thoughts of the few were never considered.'
Beyond this, all sorts of 'policies for justice' existed across the continent. Such as 'the status of adventurers who manage dungeons' or 'regulations on the placement of clergy.'
Of course, from the perspective of those few, these were policies they would never welcome.
"The nobles were farming us. Compared to those nobles, Teacher, you are far better."
"She is right. Even if they are human, if everyone came to know this, those who would turn to you, Master, would become far more numerous."
I could see this truth even in Sonia's near-tearful voice and in Maria's reaction, as she spoke in a hardened voice of agreement.
If I merely publicized this fact with suitable evidence, I suspected that nobles and royalty would be rejected all across the continent, and something like a republic might even be born.
'I have no intention of doing that, though.'
The sentiment of rejecting a despotic rule by someone would do me no good.
Because that, in the end, was what I aimed to do.
"Yes. Thank you both for saying so."
When a war is fought in this manner, the 'etiquette' is to always produce casualties from at least two villages.
And the civilian damage caused by the war I had started would be less than the sacrifice dictated by that fabricated 'war etiquette.'
Because I had arranged for the messenger just now to ensure that the news of war would spread faster.
It was a choice to multiply the chaos itself, but to reduce the sacrifice of the uninformed commoners.
'Naturally, more nobles and soldiers would die.'
However, that was damage that 'could not help but occur' once war broke out.
It was not something that 'should have been collateral,' like the damage to innocent civilians.
The current state of humanity was that they killed civilians to keep armies alive, and not even for the sake of soldiers, but for their commanders and nobles.
Up until now, the positions had been reversed.
'What a ridiculous bunch.'
I didn't know whether this practice had started from the human side and spread, or if the demon tribes had started it first.
But the sight of both humans and demons, without distinction, guarding against 'unrestrained war' and fighting by attaching formalities to it...
It was laughable.
Should I say it was like the child's play of those who do not understand the weight of the word 'war'?
'All human lives are of equal value.'
I didn't agree with that statement one hundred percent.
But I wished it were so.
Because only then would the sins I had committed in the past not be justified.
One who commits evil must recognize that what they are doing is evil. That is the rule.
Because only then would they not cross the final line.
Here I was, the enemy of humanity, agonizing over ways to further reduce casualties in a necessary war, while those very humans...
"They were buying peace by offering 'sacrifices.'"
At Sonia's words, I returned from my thoughts to reality.
She had repeated my thoughts almost verbatim.
"Now that you mention it, didn't you have something to report?"
"Ah, yes."
At my question, both of them nodded and straightened their posture.
The first to state her business was Sonia, who wiped her tears and calmed her expression.
"Queen Kamaya informed us that she has succeeded in securing and temporarily taking control of Lady Viola Aisap."
"So she must be the daughter of the lord of Damamolron."
"Yes."
To declare war the very moment they confirmed the evidence of the young lady's abduction.
I could guess how much the lord had cherished his daughter.
Though I had my doubts about whether he cherished his territory's people even half as much, as his reputation might suggest.
"What kind of person was she originally said to be?"
"Among the territory's people, she has the reputation of being a gentle and lovely young lady to everyone. I'm not sure if that's true, though..."
Ever since learning about this 'war etiquette,' Sonia seemed to have developed a distrust of the existing noble powers.
'I hope it ends at simple distrust.'
As an attitude toward an enemy, it was not a bad thing, but I would need to watch whether it caused conflicts with her fellow nobles.
"I see. Then she is worth seeing in person."
"Understood. I'll arrange for her transfer."
"On your way to inform them, would you give Mary some food?"
"Ah, yes. Come here, Mary."
- I want food! Sonia!
"Yes. Let's eat. What would be good today?"
- Sweet stuff!
"No. You had that yesterday too."
I watched as Sonia, who had bowed with her hands clasped, left together with Mary to make the contact, then I turned my gaze toward Maria.
"State your business, Maria. This is the first time you've come to see me since that day."
"Yes, Master."
Of course, I could meet her inside the dungeon at any time, but this was the first time she had come to my personal room like this since the incident with Mire that day.
For a while, I had left them alone so they could focus on building their time together.
For that purpose, I had not assigned any external missions to Maria and Mire at present.
"How have you been lately?"
"I can't say it's been very good, but I'm all right."
"And with Mire?"
"I think we've said everything that had been left unspoken. ... To be honest, just being able to talk like this feels like a dream."
In her eyes, I saw a toughness that had grown even more solid.
The tears she had barely held back seemed to have turned directly into jewels in her pupils.
Except for the fact that what lay at the base of it was not a natural thing, but the artificial flame of soul I had breathed into her.
Dalkak.
I averted my gaze from her eyes and set down the tea I had been holding.
"Is what you want to ask related to that?"
"Yes. That's correct."
Maria nodded firmly, then closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.
What was contained in that sigh was not fear, but anticipation.
"I believe that soon, Master, you will promote Mire. Is that correct?"
"Yes. It is."
There was no reason to deny it.
'Mire' was my second Skeleton, and it was certain that she would be the next monster from the dungeon to become elite-grade as soon as I reached the elite level.
"I want to prepare the sacrifice for her with my own hands. ... Alone."
I shook my head.
It was not that I would not allow it, but that it was impossible.
"It will be immensely difficult."
"I will definitely accomplish it."
"It is not a matter of will, but of ability."
I knew that this act of hers was mixed with a sense of duty, a feeling of unfulfilled responsibility as her older sister.
But that did not mean I could permit a suicidal act.
Even Daniel's mercenary group, which specialized in hunting elite monsters, was reportedly suffering considerable casualties. How could I send her alone?
"Even if you do not pester me so, a sacrifice will naturally be prepared soon. Daniel is working hard on it."
"But..."
Maria still looked at me with intense eyes.
For a long while.
In the end, I let out a sigh.
"If that is truly your wish, then go and work alongside Daniel's mercenary group. Do not think of objecting. That is my condition."
This was the best course.
Maria looked somewhat disappointed, but she also seemed to know it was realistically unreasonable, and she agreed before long.
"Thank you, Master."
"Good. Will you leave right away?"
"I have made my preparations."
"Return safely. So that Mire will not be sad."
"Yes, Master."
As she stepped out the door, through the 'Eye of the Necromancer' I saw Mire grab her hand and try to stop her.
Maria embraced Mire once, said something to her, and then quickly slipped away while her sister stood there in a daze.
Tok-tok.
"Come in."
After that, as expected, Mire knocked on the door of my personal room.
- Master.
"I know you want to go with her, but wait for your sister, Mire."
- But...
I understand how desperate you feel, but I cannot permit it this time of all times.
Because Maria is an individual, but she is not.
"What would you do about your unit? Do not forget that a potential enemy is targeting the dungeon. Even aside from that, you have plenty to do."
Under normal circumstances, I might have been able to send her and her entire unit along with Maria and tell them to focus on the hunt.
But right now, a potential powerful enemy was approaching.
An enemy so strong that even mustering the dungeon's full strength might not be enough.
If my first strategy succeeded as planned, that would be one thing, but if it failed, Mire's unit had to stand by for the second strategy.
So that even if I died, everyone else could be saved.
"When a crisis is at hand, I intend to hand you all over to Serica or others as much as possible. But that might not be possible, don't you think?"
The loss of me and my core would mean Mire's 'feralization,' and whether a Mire who had become a feral monster in that way could maintain her current intelligence was unknown.
Because my power and the dungeon core also influenced the dungeon's monsters.
That meant there was a risk that the driving force allowing her to move freely, and the very feelings she held toward Maria, could be lost.
- Ah. ... I'm sorry, Master.
"There."
Mire, who had frozen for a moment, eventually offered a military salute and apologized.
I nodded in response and clearly confirmed for her what she had been overlooking. It was to reinforce her shaken resolve.
"The problem we face is one of survival. So, please endure just a little longer. For your sake and your sister's."
- Yes!
"You may go. You're busy, aren't you?"
- Excuse me. Until then.
Even for the dungeon's monsters, the effect of training existed.
To cope with the coming threat, it was time for everyone to grow even a little stronger.
"Master. I've prepared for our sparring..."
"Good. Let us go."
Of course, I was no exception to that.
- 3 -
The affairs I was currently facing were not limited to human wars.
While I was conducting schemes to expand my territory on the lower level, on the upper level, I was guarding against an approaching enemy.
To ensure both succeeded, I ultimately needed to strengthen my elite forces.
Starting with the most critical one: myself.
『Attributes
Stamina 57(◀ 43)
Technique 75(◀ 57)
Durability 57(◀ 46)
Mana 83(◀ 74)
Resistance 71(◀ 60)』
"Hoo."
Ppajik!
"Haa...!"
Since a Dungeon Lord's power could be strengthened by utilizing the core that had devoured sacrifices, what remained was to quickly grow accustomed to the rapidly strengthened body.
It was a process to stage the desperation that would successfully lure in the enemy.
Sarak...!
"You are magnificent, Lady."
Through practical learning with Mure, the invited teacher, I attuned myself to the sensation of moving my strengthened mana.
"Let's begin right away...!"
Tung!
Through sparring with Shue, I honed the sensation of moving my even stronger body and reinforcing it with mana.
"「Wendigo's Thirst」."
Ssawaaak...!
Kwang - !!
The combination of darkness and ice.
The life force and mana that had temporarily vanished from the surroundings made Shue's bombardment falter, and at the same time, the absorbed mana strengthened my body.
Thus strengthened, my body was sufficient to withstand Shue's amplified mana.
"Good... As expected of my master!"
Kwarung - !!
"Let's finish this soon."
"Fine by me - !"
Her characteristic swift and ferocious style was the perfect opponent to practice close-to-mid-range engagements that utilized magic.
The method of completing a spell within moments that had to be counted in decimal seconds, in situations where distance from the enemy could not be maintained.
The way to shake off an opponent desperate to cling to you and block their approach entirely.
Sometimes, even the manner of fighting by utilizing mana itself.
Clearly, my base technique and mana were superior, but she had experience beyond that.
『Traits - ... Magic Combat,...』
And sparring with someone like her was more than enough to transform my contemplation into traits.
"Well done."
"Yeah... I've thought this since long ago, but Master, you're always so immaculate even after a fight..."
At Shue's words, I felt a slightly guilty prick inside.
Because the riding habit I was currently wearing didn't have a single speck of dust on it.
No matter how I thought about it, this pathological cleanliness was something bordering on a supernatural power. It was clearly the power of 'Nobility,' which still felt ambiguous to call my own strength.
"So. Do you dislike it?"
"No, I absolutely love it..."
"... I see."
When I said that with the intent of changing the subject, Shue, as ever, answered with frank expressions of her heart.
Finding it hard to meet her eyes, I averted my gaze, and a stray thought came to mind.
'No, that's not right.'
Come to think of it, they were all quite direct in expressing their feelings.
It was just that their ways were slightly different.
"Hoo-ah..."
Letting those idle thoughts drift away came with a light, full-body sense of release.
Fighting with her was always so dazzling and intense that it was only when the intoxication faded that the effects came rushing back.
"Master. Regarding the part earlier where you responded to my attack..."
"Yes."
Immediately after, Shue's feedback began.
The advice she gave was extremely practical.
It probably wouldn't suit an ordinary mage, but for me right now, it was helpful in multiple senses.
Because it was precious advice that filled in my lack of practical experience.
- Master.
So if something interrupted that precious time, it had to be an even more important matter.
- Excuse me.
"What is it?"
I turned my head toward the direction of the call, and the Skeleton mage was shining its eye-lights at me.
"Speak."
- A message from Talhan, the representative of the Cerebrum Skulls.
As expected.
The Skeleton mage's message was of the utmost importance.
- They said, 'We have found the thicket where the owl hides its head.'
"Is that so...?"
News that they had found the nest of the information merchants, and what they were after.
Upon hearing the mage's words, I felt a smile of anticipation spread across my face.