Chapter 100
Chapter 100
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: Chapter 16: The End of the Karmic Tie (8)
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There were still many more people awaiting execution.
But the moment Martin heard Sien's report, he headed straight for the mansion's reception room.
After all, he'd already personally dealt with Oliver Vitinfeld and Carline Gustin, the ringleaders of the rebellion.
In the reception room sat an elf man with red hair and turquoise eyes, alongside a dwarf woman with black hair and blue eyes.
The instant he laid eyes on them, a spark of recognition lit up in Martin's gaze.
‘Future big shots have come calling.’
The problem was, it was in the worst possible way.
The elf man and dwarf woman rose from their seats with a swish and fixed Martin with unwavering stares.
“……It’s an honor to meet you, Young Master. I’m Loran. I serve as captain of the vigilante corps in Altaire Village.”
“I’m Richia. Captain of the vigilante corps in Lanens Village.”
Loran and Richia finished their introductions.
Martin watched them with genuine fascination.
‘That’s intriguing.’
Elves and dwarves were infamous for their strong sense of pride.
They only spoke deferentially to their own kind, while using informal speech with other races—no matter the other’s status.
And Loran and Richia were prime examples of hardliners who constantly advocated for war against humans.
For people who hated humans more than anyone to use honorifics with him...
“Glad to meet you both. I’m Martin Adalbert. So, what brings you here?”
In truth, he already knew why they’d come.
But Martin pretended otherwise.
It felt more natural that way.
“Before we get to the point, allow me to first express our gratitude.”
“Gratitude?”
“Thank you for rescuing High Elf Solen.”
“The same to you for helping our kin Andrea. He made it safely back to his homeland.”
“That’s a relief.”
Martin felt a weight lift at Loran and Richia’s words.
He hadn’t known Solen or Andrea for long, but they’d clearly forged a bond.
Hearing they were doing well genuinely pleased him.
“And congratulations on your victory. Elder Armand asked me to pass along his warm regards.”
“Elder Paolo from our village feels the same. He also said let’s share a proper drink next time.”
“Please tell both elders I appreciate it. So, does your arrival as envoys mean you’ll accept my proposal?”
“No, Young Master. Many among our kin doubt your true intentions.”
“Of course, plenty trust you too, but that’s exactly why we’re at an impasse. The controversy has sparked intensifying disputes within the villages.”
“So both sides are deadlocked?”
At Martin’s question, both Loran and Richia nodded.
‘Predictable.’
Martin felt no disappointment whatsoever.
He’d expected things to play out this way from the start.
After human nations seized control of all dungeon entrances, elves and dwarves had been relegated to the fringes, driven from the continent’s heart.
Not content with that, each nation schemed to hinder their growth and tacitly banned them from dungeons.
Some humans even attacked elves and dwarves outright, desperate to enslave them.
It’d be weirder if distrust of humans hadn’t festered.
Martin addressed them in a solemn tone.
“I can’t convince every elf and dwarf out there. I’m not even sure I have that kind of sway. But my desire for all races to mingle peacefully in the North? That’s sincere.”
“We don’t view you personally, Martin Adalbert, in a negative light. You did dismantle the slave market and rescue our kin.”
“But as heir to House Adalbert, you’re hard to trust. As leader of an organization, you’re bound to prioritize your own gains. Worst case, if you pull strings in the dungeons, we’d all be at your mercy.”
Loran and Richia replied in calm tones.
The looks they gave Martin were utterly impassive.
They’d called him a benefactor, yet not a shred of goodwill showed in their eyes.
‘Well, expecting warmth from hardliners would be laughable. The fact they’re not hostile is progress enough.’
Even so, he needed to make this exchange happen.
To maximize House Adalbert’s forces, depleted by civil war—not to mention steadily declining since the previous family head.
“You came to me amid this stalemate, so you must want something. Speak.”
“The elders of each village wish to meet you in person and talk.”
“The other village elders agree. We know it’s presumptuous, but please come with us to Altaire Village. You can bring companions, just not too many.”
“Fine. I’ll go.”
His immediate agreement without a hint of hesitation left even Richia and Loran taken aback.
Altaire Village was an unknown to him.
And yet he accepted so readily—it was baffling.
‘Though he does possess commensurate strength...’
Loran studied Martin.
At their first meeting, he’d been inwardly stunned.
The young man wielded more power than rumored.
Just eighteen, yet an 8th Circle mage? Even accounting for humans’ faster growth compared to elves or dwarves, it defied comprehension.
“……Not that it’s our place, but is it really okay to decide so quickly?”
“No issue. The war’s over, so I’ve got time on my hands. If it suits you, we can leave tomorrow.”
Kurt Steinhoff would’ve been floored to hear this, but Martin felt no guilt.
He knew from the start their goal wasn’t mere ‘talk.’
‘They’ve got a real request for me. Nail that, and I’ll earn the elves’ and dwarves’ trust.’
Before his regression, during the height of the conflict with the branch families, elves had sought him out.
They’d asked one favor back then, but he couldn’t deliver.
Subduing the branches had consumed him entirely.
‘A grave mistake.’
A massive calamity had then struck the North, ultimately bolstering House Gustin’s influence.
The bastards were gone now, but he had zero intention of repeating that blunder.
He’d use this chance to complete Phase 3 of Northern unification and seize total control.
“Understood. We’ll depart tomorrow, then.”
“Good. I’ll have rooms prepared—rest easy.”
“Thank you for your kindness.”
Loran and Richia bowed their heads, and Martin turned away.
He headed for his office.
Someone else desperately wanted to speak with him too.
* * *
-Congratulations on the victory, Young Master.-
The light-formed Claudia smiled as she spoke.
A smile tugged at Martin’s lips as well.
“It was only possible thanks to Your Highness’s aid.”
-Aw, c’mon. That was all your orders. I just followed them faithfully.-
“The foes were the Second Prince and Marquis Royce. They must’ve brought immense pressure, yet Your Highness endured with sheer grit. That alone was invaluable help.”
-It sounds like flattery… but I’ll take it.-
“This is sincere.”
Marquis Royce’s main force had been formidable.
Nearly five thousand troops.
Including not just 8th Circle powerhouses, but several 7th Circle ones too.
How many could stand firm against such might?
Yet Claudia had seen it through decisively.
She deserved praise.
At Martin’s emphasis, Claudia’s smile deepened.
But soon enough, as if by cue, both grew serious.
Now was the time to discuss the future.
-This victory solidifies our alliance. We’ve also bought time to build our strength. Meanwhile, Brother Theodor’s side is wobbling. He’s never lost directly, but Marquis Royce has taken repeated hits from you.-
“Even so, we can’t let our guard down. The marquisate’s forces remain intact.”
They’d lost two Black Night Knight squads, but those hadn’t been officially under Royce.
The main force retreating from the North empty-handed had dented morale, but they’d suffered no losses.
Vigilance was still required.
Though other concerns loomed larger.
“The biggest winner from this war is His Highness the First Prince.”
-True. Our weaker rivals bled each other dry. Though I doubt Brother Richard will send us thank-you notes.-
House Adalbert had lost two branch families.
House Gustin, the strongest among them, dealt a hefty blow.
Marquis Royce took no real damage but faced shaken prestige from back-to-back blunders.
Nobles were already drifting from the Second Prince toward the First Prince or First Princess.
For First Prince Richard Alteria, it couldn’t get better.
He hadn’t lifted a finger while his two rivals mutually weakened.
“We’ve gained time to grow stronger, but that clock isn’t wholly ours. They won’t sit idle while we build.”
-Sigh. I know. Unlike Adalbert, which once declined, House Ferdinand has grown steadily.-
“Exactly. Closing the gap is no small feat.”
The First Prince’s faction was rising steadily.
Even allied with Claudia, Martin lagged in raw military might and economy.
Without dungeons, the Second Prince and Marquis Royce couldn’t catch the First Prince—let alone shake off the First Princess’s pursuit.
-In the end, this contest boils down to toppling Brother Richard. The silver lining? Full civil war will entangle all three factions, diluting his edge somewhat.-
“Still, we need strength to face his faction alone. And not after two years.”
-You think we can never catch him past that?-
“Precisely. Even at Adalbert’s peak, Ferdinand outdid us in wealth. Nestled in the East, they traded easily with other nations.”
-Adalbert compensated with military might.-
“Yes. But even that lags behind Ferdinand now. Time will widen the gap further. So I’ll focus on securing funds and bolstering forces within two years—while squeezing Ferdinand’s coffers.”
-Can you? Matching them, even temporarily?-
“I’ll give it my all. That’s why I’m constantly scheming.”
-Whatever mischief you’re plotting… I’m glad I allied with you.-
“Well, I’ve got my own ambitions. Your Highness, just keep your end of the deal.”
-Ugh, killing the vibe when I’m grateful! I won’t forget—don’t worry.-
Claudia pouted in response.
Martin chuckled at the sight.
For all her complaints, she was holding strong in the capital.
Which meant he had to play his part.
‘I definitely need to make this elf and dwarf exchange work.’
He’d see it through, no matter what.