Chapter 226: She’s Stronger Than Me (1)
Chapter 226: She’s Stronger Than Me (1)
‘There’s no way that guy would be satisfied with just the Flame Kingdom.’
Normally, after winning a major war, one would take a break to stabilize the nation. But Prince Sierion’s goal was the unification of the entire continent. A man like that wouldn't stop just because he’d swallowed the Flame Kingdom.
Even that childish performance of his was likely a calculated move to stabilize the country quickly.
‘He really does whatever it takes.’
Perhaps people like him were the ones who truly left their names in history. Even looking back at the history of the Central Plains, the great monarchs always had a side like this. They maintained their dignity usually, but when necessary, they threw away their pride and displayed a dogged obsession to do whatever was required.
And more than anything…
‘I’m stuck here right now.’
Patrick was essential for the stabilization of the Pioneer City, Ava. Every day, he headed out beyond the city walls to slaughter any monsters that dared enter his designated perimeter.
Of course, the growing number of Elven warriors and the knights of the Schneider Family were working hard to assist him. However, Patrick had to step in personally for the heavyweights that were too much for them to handle.
‘My combat instincts have sharpened thanks to this, but… Tsk, what a headache.’
After a moment of thought, Patrick spoke to Aaron.
“I have two favors to ask.”
“Speak.”
“First, keep a close eye on information regarding the Yuzef Kingdom and update me frequently. Second, please send a letter to Marquis Raines of the Decator Kingdom.”
“To Marquis Raines?”
“Yes. Well… I don’t know if he’ll listen, but please send it anyway.”
The Yuzef Kingdom’s next target was highly likely to be the Decator Kingdom. If so, Marquis Raines would surely stand against Sierion as a knight. However…
‘Honestly, he won’t stand a chance.’
Having fought both, Patrick knew. Marquis Raines would struggle to defeat even the close-knit knights following Sierion, let alone Sierion himself.
‘What was that guy called recently? The Black Knight? I can’t remember his name. Ca… Ca-something? Carnival?’
Regardless, Marquis Raines had no chance of victory. One never knew until they tried, but unless heaven-sent luck was on his side, the Decator Kingdom would fall. Still, Patrick felt it would be a waste for a man like the Marquis to die there, so he wanted to at least offer him a way out.
“You just need to deliver the letter. The choice will be up to Marquis Raines.”
“Understood. I shall do so.”
“Then I’ll leave it to you. It’s time for me to go on patrol again.”
Sierion had begun to move for his ambitions. Since Patrick had decided to watch for now, he would remain a spectator—as long as the prince didn't cross the line.
For now, at least.
* * *
"Changing by the day."
People often used that phrase, but it was usually a metaphor; it rarely happened in reality. Usually.
However, in the Pioneer City of Ava, that impossible feat was literally coming true.
“Waaaaagh! Break it down!”
“We have to clear it all by today!”
“Oooooh!”
The Orcs were clearing the Moana River basin to meet the quota Patrick had set. Seeing them clear hundreds of meters of dense jungle in a single day, the landscape truly was changing by the hour.
The city of Ava itself was also rapidly rising, with residential buildings going up and infrastructure being completed at a breakneck pace.
“Fifth Sage, we’ve reached our limit.”
“We need more manpower from the Tower.”
“Or at least send me back!”
Of course, in the process, the mages were being ground down to their very souls. The Fifth Sage soothed the mages, who looked ready to start a rebellion, while requesting more personnel from the Tower.
The Fifth Sage himself wanted to run away, but he couldn't. This was because research materials that couldn't be found anywhere else were being brought in daily.
As expected of the Great Forest. It was a land untrodden by humanity. Rare monsters that one might see once in a lifetime, if at all, were pouring in. Every single one was a research specimen that money couldn't buy.
Add to that the knights of the Schneider Family and the Elven warriors who were clearing the area around Ava…
Everyone was being worked to the bone to build this city. The hardest part was that even while being ground down like this, no one could utter a single word of complaint to Patrick.
The reason was simple: Patrick Schneider himself was being worked harder than anyone else.
“Whoa… what is that?”
“It’s a wyvern variant.”
“At this point, isn't it basically a dragon?”
“I heard it was actually breathing fire.”
“And the Young Master caught this?”
The people of the Pioneer City clicked their tongues in awe as they looked at the black wyvern variant Patrick had brought back. A normal wyvern was about 10 to 15 meters long, but this thing looked well over 30 meters. Furthermore, its tough-looking black scales and the protrusions all over its body were evidence that it had survived for a long time, undergoing multiple evolutions.
Patrick had sliced this thing apart. And after dragging it back to the city…
“I just picked it up on the way. Butcher it and sell it to the Elvador Merchant Group,” he had said, before climbing back up the wall to sip on his booze.
The only reason this city was being maintained was that Patrick was defending the surrounding territory from the monsters of the Great Forest. Though he usually went around meddling and giving orders everywhere, he went out at a set time every day to hunt the big game in the vicinity.
Those days continued. Even the world-renowned Double Dragon accumulated injuries every time he went out, such was the danger of the monsters in the Great Forest.
But Patrick didn't rest for a single day. And because everyone in the Pioneer City knew this, they couldn't bring themselves to whine in front of him.
“Ugh… my poor bones. Everything aches.”
Patrick sat on the wall and grumbled. He had fought many fierce battles since being reborn, but he had never experienced such high-intensity combat on a daily basis. Each individual monster was manageable, but wrestling with them every single day meant the accumulated fatigue was becoming unavoidable.
He felt like he wanted to do absolutely nothing and just rest for three days. But…
‘Sigh, I can’t do that. This is just my lot in life…’
Whether it was the Twin Dragon Sect or the Schneider Family, why was it that nothing seemed to work without him? Well, granted, he was the one who had initiated this Great Forest pioneering project in the first place…
“Ugh, I’m living the life of a damn plow ox.”
Patrick let out a sigh and took a swig of the strong liquor in his canteen. He felt like he needed the help of alcohol to wash away some of the fatigue. And then…
“If you’re not busy, come back later.”
Patrick spoke as if he were exhausted, sensing someone approaching. Usually, when Patrick spoke like this, people would take the hint and leave, but…
“I’m not busy, but I’d like to see my son’s face.”
“M-Mother?”
This person was the exception.
Ava Schneider.
Patrick’s mother had climbed the wall carrying a small basket.
“Mother, what are you doing here…?”
Patrick was slightly surprised. She should have been at the Schneider manor, yet she had come all the way to the Pioneer City.
“I came because I haven't seen my son’s face in a long time. Is that not allowed?”
“Hey, who said that? You can be wherever you want to be, Mother.”
“Right?”
Ava smiled and sat down next to Patrick. She opened the basket she had brought and said, “April told me. She said your meals have been poor lately.”
Inside were simple food items she had prepared herself. They didn't look like they were made in the Pioneer City. She had likely made them at the manor and carefully carried them here in the basket.
Seeing that, Patrick said for no reason, “I’ve been eating well, though?”
“You seem to be drinking well, at least…”
Ava said, looking at the bottles rolling around nearby. Patrick gave an awkward laugh and subtly pushed the bottles away. No matter how great the Patrick Schneider was, he was helpless before his mother.
Ava smiled brightly and held out a sandwich to her son.
“Say ‘ah’…”
“Mother, my age…”
“Are you not going to do it?”
“……”
This was truly difficult. Even looking back at his life as the Radiant Dragon Hero, Jincheon, no one had ever made things as difficult for him as Ava did. In a way, even his Master or his wife from his previous life weren't this much.
Before the existence of a mother, whom he dared not resist, Patrick eventually opened his mouth.
“You’re eating well. It’s a turkey ham sandwich, just the way you like it.”
“Yes. It’s delicious.”
“I also brought some raspberry juice. Since it’s your favorite…”
“Yes. Well…”
Mother, your son likes alcohol.
He couldn't bring himself to say it. And strangely enough, the food she had made herself was delicious. More so than any dish made by a renowned chef.
Munch, munch.
In the end, Patrick began to eat obediently. Ava watched her son with a satisfied expression. Once he finished eating, Patrick asked, “But why did you really come all the way here? Do you have some business?”
“Didn't I say I came to see my son? You keep asking the same strange question.”
“That’s because…”
Because it’s awkward and I don’t know what to say.
As Patrick stammered, Ava smiled and gently pulled him toward her. By her touch, Patrick naturally ended up lying down with his head resting on his mother’s lap.
“M-Mother?”
“Stay still.”
“No, I mean, a son has his social dignity to consider…”
“Shh.”
Patrick couldn't dare resist Ava’s hand as she stroked his hair gently.
‘Ah, this is so embarrassing if anyone sees.’
He couldn't push his mother away, so after fretting for a bit, he eventually gave up and lay there comfortably. The breeze from the Great Forest felt good. It was a wind that usually brought tension, but for some reason, at this moment, it felt pleasant.
His eyes began to close involuntarily. Patrick slowly let go of his consciousness.
* * *
He had slept soundly for the first time in a long while. He couldn't remember the last time he had completely let go of his body and mind to take a proper rest. Thanks to that, his physical condition had improved significantly.
“Are you awake?”
“Yes. I’m fine now, Mother.”
As Patrick sat up, Ava said with a smile, “A grown man, yet you can’t even leave your mother’s lap…”
“No, that’s because…”
Because you made me do it!
If he said that, he’d sound like a pouting child.
‘I can’t win no matter what I do. No matter what…’
As Patrick resigned himself, Ava spoke.
“It is about time you left your mother’s lap, isn't it?”
“Don’t worry. Your son will be twenty next month…”
As he spoke, Patrick suddenly felt a chill. A bad omen. His senses, sharpened through countless battles, were warning him. They were telling him to get away right now.
But Ava was faster.
“For a man to do his part, he must get married and have a family.”
“I object. That is a serious case of discrimination and prejudice against single people.”
“……”
“Please continue.”
Again, mothers are difficult. Mothers are tough. Patrick slumped as he spoke to an opponent against whom even his specialties—throwing tantrums and using sophistry—didn't work.
And Ava said, “I liked Princess Isabella when I saw her in person. She’s a girl far better than you deserve.”
“Eh… well… um… eh… uh…”
“And you must take responsibility for April, of course.”
“Why me?”
“Why? Are you saying you won’t take responsibility after living with her for years at the Academy?”
“No, we just lived together as roommates. Strictly speaking, our rooms were separate. I didn't even lay a finger on her.”
Patrick protested his innocence. But Ava was not to be trifled with.
“According to April, you’ve seen her entire naked body.”
“When did I ever…”
Ah, come to think of it… He had. Yes, he had. During the coming-of-age ceremony birthday, back then…
“A pure maiden has shown her naked body to a man; where else is she supposed to get married now? Right?”
“No, Mother, that was…”
“Right?”
“This is a bit unfair, don't you think?”
“Right?”
“If you’d just listen to your son for a second…”
“Right?”
Patrick felt himself shrinking. He’d rather deal with his Master. His Master was easier. The pressure of a mother made even the great Patrick Schneider shrivel up. It was something the Sword Saint couldn't do, the regular army of the Caesar Kingdom couldn't do, and even the Demon Clan couldn't do—but a mother could.
“And one more thing.”
“What now?”
“That Elven lady named Elione.”
“Mom, she scares me.”
In his desperation, he called her "Mom" instead of "Mother." To that Patrick, Ava said, “Oh, that’s perfect.”
“……”
“I was worried because both of those girls are too soft on you.”
Girls? What girls? Wasn't that a term for infants who couldn't even walk yet? But where were there any "girls" near his mother? There shouldn't be any.
But Ava continued regardless.
“So many Elves have entered our territory. I wonder whose fault that is…”
“I wouldn't know. Whose fault… Ow! Ow! Mom, it hurts when you pull my sideburns.”
“Honestly, this boy… where did you learn to be so sly?”
“It really hurts, Mom! Aaaaah!”
Ava glared at her son with a rare, stern expression and said, “The Elves have entered our territory in droves and started to settle down. If so, what is needed for both sides to blend in well without conflict?”
“Violence?”
“……”
“Blackmail?”
“……”
My son, oh my son, what am I to do with you? He was a reliable son, but his tendency to try and solve everything by beating the world into submission was the one flaw. Ava embraced her son with a benevolent smile and said, “In an alliance, nothing is more certain than a marriage bond.”
“No, Mother, that’s…”
“Fortunately, she currently holds the status of an Elven Princess.”
“Damn it.”
Who was the one who made Elione royalty and created this troublesome crisis?
‘Ah, it was me.’
It was a classic case of spitting while lying down. No matter what he did.
Actually, now that he thought about it… Who was the one who realized April had the Nine Yin Blocked Meridians and quickly snatched her up?
‘That was me.’
Who was the one who realized Isabella was in a bad spot within the Royal Family and accepted a nominal engagement to maintain smooth relations with the King?
‘That’s me too.’
The source of all chaos and misfortune in this world. His name was Patrick Schneider. And the karma he had recklessly accumulated was now coming back to haunt him.
Ava looked intently at Patrick and said, “Take responsibility.”
“No, I mean, that’s…”
“……”
This wasn't right. This was going to be a problem. Patrick eventually squeezed his eyes shut and said, “Mother, as you can see, I’m a bit busy right now. No, actually, I’m very busy.”
“……”
“If I don't go out every day and clear the monsters, countless blood will be shed in this Pioneer City. And if the Pioneer City falls, our territory will go back to the way it was.”
“……”
“Marriage… well, I might do it someday. I don't know when, but at least now doesn't seem to be the time.”
“Children who want to delay marriage always say things like that…”
“No, I’m serious, it’s really not the time. Truly.”
“Hmm…”
“I’ll do it later. Later. Once the development of the Pioneer City is complete, I’ll definitely do it, okay?”
“Will you really?”
“Yes. I really will. Do I look like the kind of guy who would despicably go back on his word?”
“You do.”
How did she know?
But Patrick put on a thick skin. He could deal with the future when it became the present; what did he care about right now?
“Hahaha. Your son is the Double Dragon. The winner of the Arcana, the genius swordsman who is always mentioned when discussing the strongest on the continent.”
“But that has nothing to do with your character, does it?”
Why is she so unnecessarily sharp?
Patrick thumped his chest and said, “It means I value honor that much.”
“Hmm…”
“In three years—at most, within three years—I will definitely get married. So please, just wait for now.”
“Fine. I see.”
As Ava looked convinced, Patrick’s face brightened. But that bright face crumpled when Ava pulled out a small crystal ball.
“Mother, that’s…”
[In three years—at most, within three years—I will definitely get married. So please, just wait for now.]
The words Patrick had just spoken flowed out of the crystal ball. Ava tucked the crystal ball away with a satisfied look and said, “The mages certainly make some wonderful things.”
“…Those bastards.”
“My son, you’ll keep the promise you made to your mother, right?”
“……”
“Then I’ll be going now.”
Watching Ava’s back as she walked away with a smile, Patrick slumped down.
He’d been played.
Completely…