Chapter 48
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: Oops! Hand Slipped and Cracked His Skull (1)
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Comprachicos had been subjugated.
But the request wasn't over yet.
Negotiations with the Dwarven Duchy still remained. All sorts of flowery words flew back and forth between us, but the sticking point was whether to classify the Comprachicos as low-grade or as a Blood Tide.
This was a pretty important issue. Because the reward for a request varied enormously depending on the demon's rank—sky-high differences. Even in the game, rewards could differ by three or four times.
However, there was one difference from the game: there, you got paid right after completing the job. Here, payments were delayed due to negotiations and other reasons.
And that's where the Dwarven Duchy's unique problem came in.
Sure, no matter how impressive demons were, if a nation admitted to being toyed with by low-grade ones instead of a Blood Tide, they'd face ridicule. Unfortunately, the opponent was none other than the Dwarven Duchy.
A race utterly indifferent—bordering on oblivious—unless it involved their reputation for craftsmanship. That was the Dwarven Duchy. Ravaged by low-grade demons?
So what? Do something about it.
We didn't even have money to eat and survive right now.
In short, they were telling us to shove it. Their shamelessness gave me chills; I could only stick out my tongue in disbelief. No wonder they'd been wiped out early in the original story with attitudes like that. Damn it.
But sadly, right now, we couldn't do a thing about the Dwarven Duchy. Because we were too weak. The Royal Knights' name had already plummeted to the ends of the earth.
Even the places sponsoring us were limited to the human kingdom for the time being. The elves and beastkin—who had bad relations with the Dwarven Duchy—were just watching from afar.
The best approach would be for both sides to show mutual consideration and propose the most conscientious solution possible. But they were being stubborn. No choice; we had to give ground here.
"So, you'll rate it as Blood Tide rank, but take the low-grade reward?"
"That's right. A deal that benefits us both, don't you think?"
"Hm, well, as long as we save money, we don't care."
"Then the deal is struck."
Money mattered to us now, of course. But above all, regaining our lost trust was crucial. In that situation, succeeding in subjugating a Blood Tide-level demon—not some low-grade trash—would?
Restore even a sliver of the Royal Knights' prestige. That could lead to more requests. Sure, it'd be tough on us right now. But we'd grit our teeth and endure.
Thank goodness it was the Dwarven Duchy, who didn't care about any reputation except their tech. If it weren't dwarves, this cheap negotiation tactic wouldn't have flown.
Only after all negotiations ended and we received payment from the Dwarven Duchy could I finally rest. I tried to loosen my stiff shoulders, but then someone appeared behind me.
"Your shoulders seem really knotted up."
"Busy lately."
"Let me work them out for you."
"...Your hands feel a bit rough."
"Don't mind the age."
It was Cluna who'd appeared behind me. She gave a faint smile and reached out to knead my shoulders. Honestly, it felt a little off. Like getting a massage from grandma...
But that guilt didn't last. Soon, an unimaginable cool relief washed over my back. No joke—it felt better than a massager. My voice trembled as it escaped my lips.
"Ugh, that's incredibly refreshing. Did you learn some technique?"
"At my age, you can do anything."
"Impressive. Helped a lot."
"Captain, are you really okay?"
"What do you mean?"
"You're the one who lost the most, aren't you?"
"..."
Cluna's eyes were fixed on me now. But what dwelled in them wasn't suspicion—it was concern. I was glad; it seemed I'd earned a bit of trust. I racked my brain.
Sure, I'd lost one eye. And my organs were badly damaged. Thanks to Cluna's treatment, the organs had mostly recovered. But I needed rest for a while. And my eye was still uncomfortable.
But it was fine.
"If this body settles it, it's a bargain."
This wasn't even my real body anyway. My ultimate goal was to return to my original world and reclaim my own. Plus, this body was trash—not even worth fertilizer.
Better if it helped a little this way; good for everyone. Of course, from my perspective using it now, it was damn inconvenient.
"...Something I've been curious about since before..."
"Hm?"
"No, nothing. Not the right time."
"What're you suddenly on about?"
"I misspoke."
With that, Cluna fell silent. What was she about to say? Curiosity piqued a little, but I didn't pry. I slowly stood up.
"That's it for today."
"Still a lot left, though?"
"We need rest too. It's only been three days since we subjugated the Comprachicos."
"True."
"Besides, Cluna, didn't you expend even more stamina treating Captain Yuren and me?"
Cluna gave a quiet smile. I clicked my tongue watching it. Hiding her own hardships—that screamed grandma to me.
Anyway, overworking the team was utterly undesirable. Not mid-sized company mentality—that was straight-up trash mentality. So rest when it's rest time.
More honestly, I wanted to rest. Pendant this, whatever that—too much work today.
But that didn't mean ditching mid-sized company mentality. If anything, it was just starting. I'd made a sort of company rule for Royal Knights members.
One was: meals together, no exceptions. No matter what, everyone gathers at mealtime. Skipping meals? No way!
In the military, skipping meals is grounds for discipline!
"Mealtime soon."
"Food's already prepared."
"When did you...?"
"I prepped it in bits."
Unlike basic chores, we couldn't use fairies for cooking. Their tastes differ vastly from ours; fairy food was literal grass.
Elves were fine with it, but diets vary by race. Cluna understood all that and personally made three meals a day.
She was helping in the kitchen first, so soon the Royal Knights members, fresh from training, filed into the dining hall. Unlike usual, they looked utterly exhausted.
I quickly figured out why. Spotting Yuren striding confidently at the center.
Oh right—she'd started rehab training today.
"Captain Yuren, you okay?"
"Of course. Feels like I could fly right now."
"Don't actually fly. You'll really die."
"Don't worry. Dragons are tougher than you think."
She said that, but according to Cluna's diagnosis, she was much weaker than her prime. Well, she took a proper hit to the heart. Makes sense.
She avoided instant death precisely because she was a dragon. Be grateful she's alive. About half a year left? She'd captain till then.
After, hand it to Yuren. Those who've eaten the meat know it best. She'd lead the Royal Knights better than me. That's what I think.
Moments later, Cluna emerged with fairies carrying food tailored to each race's tastes. Everyone gathered cozily—quite a sight.
"Eating together like this isn't bad."
"Thought forcing it would sour moods."
"Didn't you say we're family? What's wrong with family seeing each other?"
"...R-Right."
I glanced around. Ruby and Clara still bickering, Helia and Bayard finally holding normal conversations...
It was unfolding differently from what I'd imagined. Doesn't eating with the boss feel awkward? That was the point. Wait, just me?
But I couldn't declare 'Feel uncomfortable around me!' in front of everyone. So I shoved food in my mouth. Then Yuren looked at me and asked.
"By the way, no blacksmith in the fortress, huh."
"Looking for one now. Turns out good ones are hard to snag."
"Figures. Everyone's barricaded, prioritizing safety over cooperation."
"Blacksmith..."
"Hm? Something wrong?"
"N-No, nothing!"
I questioned Ruby mumbling blankly, and she startled, shaking her head furiously. Mouth said nothing, but that screamed something.
Come to think of it, even during past counseling,
she'd really hated mentioning her history.
No way... is it related?