Chapter 129
Chapter 129
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 129
Chapter Title: 12. Survival Competition (7)
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When it comes to exchanges between nobles, there are two problems.
One is that the speeches by the host of the meeting or party are incredibly boring, and the other is that most of the content is utterly useless.
In the end, we safely reached the dwarves' dwelling, but most of the troops meant to escort the emperor were made to stay in the village at the foot of the mountain. Only the elite personnel were precisely selected and allowed to enter.
And the first meeting with that dwarf king. This was another headache—instead of a formal reception room for diplomacy, they insisted on talking over drinks in the party hall.
Thus, in the party hall with alcohol and food laid out, we had to endure the boring sermon from the dwarf king I mentioned earlier.
"Your Majesty. You can't just lash out when you're angry."
"I know."
"And drink in moderation."
"...I won't make the same mistake as last time."
He remembered causing that ruckus in my café.
Anyway, keeping his distance from the alcohol, he sat in the seat of honor, gazing down at the crowd with an air that was truly imperial.
I also put on a moderately dignified performance, careful not to overshadow the main figures of the occasion: King Dver and Her Majesty Alina.
The party hall was a bit noisy, but His Highness Dver—who had drunk some alcohol—asked us with a face showing no sign of intoxication.
"The letter and the magic communication mentioned a threat from the demon tribe, so what's going on?"
"Simple. The imperial family confirmed that some funds and military supplies were leaking from within the palace. Tracking them led us to discover that demons have set up base nearby and are gathering weapons and foodstuffs."
"So that's why you came? I thought the Empire only saw us as thorns in their side."
"I can't say that's not the case. It would be nice to open diplomatic channels... Anyway, right now, cooperating to fend off the demon threat is the most important thing."
"If that's true, we'll cooperate."
"It is true. We also know your population is low. Even just receiving military supplies would be enough."
"Very well. Whew, it's certainly threatening, but we still have time, right? For now, enjoy yourselves."
"Honestly, I don't think it's the time for that, but out of respect for your sincerity, perhaps I will."
"Of course. An emperor friendly toward us is rare, so it's a meaningful day in its own way."
His words were laced with barbs.
A being rooted in the western Empire, immovable, with military might that's impossible to use, yet possessing technology of immense value.
How much saliva must past emperors have drooled over them.
And how frustrated they must have been at never being able to devour them.
Her Majesty Alina has grand ambitions, but she's focused on consolidating imperial authority by adjusting the emperor-vassal relationships within the Empire. She's not the type to dream of external expansion.
That's why things ended with a friendly relationship with the southern elves through me, and she's not showing greed toward the dwarves now either.
"Very well. If that's how you see it, I make one promise. At least under my reign, the Empire will not treat the dwarves as enemies."
"...You seem quite sincere."
"The current situation isn't simple. The demons are moving in an organized manner, and their damage is already surfacing. Fortunately, Imir Kingdom and Pallan are on friendly terms, and we're prepared to coordinate if an emergency arises."
"And now we're to be included in that?"
"Yes. As I said before, I can fully guarantee it under my reign."
Her Majesty is remarkably proactive when it comes to her actions. Just recently, she forged a friendship treaty with the elves—who had been hostile over plundering—in one fell swoop. And it seems she plans to advance relations with Niber, where it's eat or be eaten, just as swiftly.
She has a clear vision. Of the ideal world she envisions.
And everything is part of the effort to make it reality.
That must be why she has that authoritarian streak.
Since their conversation seemed to be going well, I considered excusing myself and started to stand, but Her Majesty grabbed my hand from an angle hidden from the other party.
Her hand, gripping mine, was damp with sweat—she must have been quite tense.
Of course. Facing the dwarf king, who could be seen as provisionally hostile, with only me as her guard was bold indeed.
Unlike humans, dwarves crown their greatest as king, so even a one-on-one duel here between Her Majesty and King Dver would be dangerous.
"Then, as one way to confirm our mutual friendship."
"What is it?"
"The skill of that guard. Might we test it?"
"...Who is the opponent?"
I didn't wait for Her Majesty's answer.
I don't plan on losing to just anyone.
And if stepping forward solves the problem, nothing could be easier.
"I like your decisiveness."
I didn't respond. The partygoers parted in a line, creating a space where King Dver and I faced each other.
No weapons—just bare hands.
He was shorter than me. No, that's not right. I'm tall even among humans.
I moved first against him, who was much shorter, gliding lightly across the ground.
Lowering my stance to align our eye levels as I advanced.
My opponent spread his feet to steady himself firmly, then thrust a punch from his right upper body pulled back.
His stance was certainly stable, and his speed was fast.
A perfect opening strike before descending into a muddy brawl.
The best way to block it and demonstrate power...
Bam!
Countering with my fist drawn later than his, but with greater force.
Even though it was a clean strike drawn from maximum power in a perfect stance, being pushed back by a punch started later from an unstable position seemed to fluster him—I could sense his surprise.
The goal isn't to kill.
So the next move is simple.
Confirming his foot had lifted off the ground as he was pushed back, I extended my outstretched fist further, grabbed his collar, and slammed him down.
Thud. The king landed safely and let out a sigh.
"Sol, you're something else. It's not just talent—feels like the result of long, hard effort."
"Thank you for the recognition."
"And from what I can tell, you fight with weapons in both hands, right? The calluses suggest dual swords."
"Yes. Correct."
"I lost. Completely lost. Impressive."
I bowed my head and even helped straighten the king's disheveled clothes.
"Your Majesty. You've placed a fine blade as your right arm."
"Ahem. Indeed. Strong yet dignified."
"Well said."
The surrounding dwarves poured me a drink. As always at banquets, I checked for poison out of habit. Seeing it was fine, I took a sip.
True to dwarf make, it burned fiercely, but I forced a smile without grimacing.
Seeing me drink steadily must have excited him, as the king laughed heartily and began speaking not just to Her Majesty but to me as well.
I'm tired.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Dras moved slowly. Among the dwarves, there was no one who didn't know him.
A body that had turned its back on home. The reason was clear and logical, but human emotions don't move on reason alone.
If someone harboring resentment came at him, it wouldn't end simply.
And if the shopkeeper stepped in, no one could stop it.
Thus, Dras wandered the dwarf mountains in plain clothes that hid his face.
Unlike humans, long-lived races like dwarves and elves don't change much in appearance or lifestyle.
Even after time enough for humans to be born and die had passed since he left, the scenery looked no different from before.
Slow.
Everything.
Slow enough to make him want to leave again.
"A rolling stone gathers no moss. An unsheathed sword rusts. We, made of stone and iron, stand still."
Dwarves had to move forward.
The world changed too fast, and with demons stirring now, it was a time of upheaval.
Stagnation meant extinction.
For elves and dwarves alike.
That was why they had settled in Astraea, the fastest-moving city.
"And I found him. Someone who wants to stop more than anyone, yet can't—bound by fate."
And he had come all the way here with him.
Because of the demons, but this would turn into an opportunity instead.
An opportunity for dwarves to see, feel, and change with a new world.
"Well now. I've finally found my old friend I've been looking for."
In the distance, an old dwarf was visible, not working like the others but just guzzling alcohol.
A smile crept onto his lips at finding the friend he'd been close with since his ordinary dwarf days.
It was the perfect time to introduce that fine young man like a son of his.