[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : 14 - 4 Part 2

14-4 Part 2

The Underground Empire of Rebellion Built with a Single Shovel - What Used to be a White Wasteland of Death -

Translator : PolterGlast

However. After about an hour, there was a sound of something beyond the passage. It was something gradually approaching us.

Perhaps having sensed it with her long ears, Yumil also strengthened her light magic and peered ahead.

「Hii, hyuh?!」

「What, Abyss Ants.」

On top of that, even figures of goblins appeared additionally there. I don't know what's going on, but it seems I've connected to a place I shouldn't have dug into.

「Zirant, I leave guarding Yumil to you.」

「It cannot be helped, I shall oblige.」

The one who suggested this was Zirant. Perhaps feeling responsible, she obediently complied with the order. With this, there's no worry about the rear. I charged into the underground path crawling with monsters.

Why are there even goblins here along with Abyss monsters. Such a question floated to mind, but for now, I just have to scatter them.

「As expected, that's reckless! Retreat, Ashle—Eeeh?!」

「Kukuku... It seems you've already gotten used to Abyss Ants.」

First, I cleaned up the Abyss Ants in the front row. Giant ants are certainly a threat, but I already understand their moves well enough. Even though they are big, they are ultimately just insects. Unintelligent creatures that are nothing but a bundle of conditioned reflexes are no different from small fry once you figure out their pattern.

I pierced the joint of one leg, and when the enemy lost its balance, I rode its back and severed the nerves in its torso. Even so, they don't die for a while, making them creepy creatures. After that, it's just a matter of defeating the goblins slipping through the gaps between the struggling Abyss Ants one by one.

「Zirant, it's coming!」

「To make Wagahai deal with small fry, you have some nerve!」

「I-It froze?!」

Zirant froze the ones I failed to kill. Eventually, the Abyss Ants stopped moving, and as the goblin corpses scattered, they disappeared into the earth as if melting.

「Ashley, there's still something in the back.」

「Don't tell me the first Emperor connected the underground path even to the Abyss.」

「Don't be stupid.」

Advancing further in, the underground path connected to a wide space. There was one Abyss Ant there too, but somehow it's strange. It didn't direct any intimidation toward us. Moreover, it was a guy two sizes larger.

「That's... dead...」

「Umu, it seems this one starved to death. These guys are creatures that starve to death themselves after destroying an area.」

「But why is it in an underground path like this.」

「Most likely because of that. You should recognize it too.」

「What is that, a stake...?」

When Zirant pointed to the edge of the wall in the back, there was indeed something I recognized. It was a white stake. A miniature version of the thing piercing the earth in Ratatosk was growing from the ground. Of course, I destroyed that thing without thinking.

「The presence of the Abyss has faded... It seems that stake was the cause after all.」

「If things like these start sprouting up all over the place like mushrooms, humanity would be in serious trouble...」

It seems it's necessary to proceed while staying vigilant until the next collapsed section.

「You're strong, Ashley.」

「Who knows. Even so, Aniue is much stronger.」

「What kind of humble way to put it is that...」

「That's a lie. There's no way there are two people like you. Besides, I finally understand. This is what made the King of Kaha willing to bet on you, isn't it.」

With the letter I delivered, I had conveyed our circumstances to the Fimbul Duke House to some extent. In that letter, it was roughly noted that we want to guide the Empire in a better direction, so please become our ally.

「Furthermore, you have the power to revive these underground tunnels. It's frustrating, but I'll acknowledge it. You're a bit strange, but... you are our ally. You might really be an amazing man who can just save this Empire...」

「Kukuku... Indeed. A man Wagahai has set her eyes on. He will surely accomplish it and take back the throne as it should be.」

「Zirant, it gets confusing, so don't mix in unnecessary talk. Anyway, we will advance while staying vigilant.」

There was one more Abyss Ant ahead on the path, but perhaps wanting to show off her good side, the intrusive Zirant froze it in one shot. Then, after repairing a collapsed section that appeared again, we eventually arrived at a fork in the road.

「Advance or go up. I'll leave the judgment to you.」

「Go up. I want to confirm where on the surface it connects.」

The upward path drew a spiral and continued to the surface. Following the path from the deep underground, when we emerged on the distant surface—surprisingly, it was in a forest enveloped by vegetation.

「Phew... The air is fresh, and it's a beautiful place...」

「What's wrong, Zirant, hurry up and come.」

「Umu... But this place... I feel like I've seen it somewhere before...」

「Unfortunately, I haven't. By the way, isn't that rocky mountain strangely white?」

「You're right, not a single blade of grass is growing on it. Despite being so full of greenery, I suppose it is a bit strange...」

Leaving behind the slow-footed Zirant, we approached the rocky mountain. Then, on that rocky mountain, there was a tattered, decayed wooden door attached to it. Someone lived here. That's what it meant.

「Even though they could have just built a house, what a strange fellow he must have been...」

「There's also a possibility it's a shrine or something.」

「No, this is, different... Don't tell me, this place is...」

Zirant has been acting strange since coming to Fimbul. Well, there's probably no need to put on airs every time. I kicked down the decayed door and entered inside.

What was inside were the remains of daily life. A decayed bed, an empty bookshelf, a simple kitchen. And, a strange Shovel that had been leaning against a wall. Only that Shovel remained unrusted and undecayed, beautifully left forgotten there.

When I picked it up, the weight was just right, and it fit my body. I don't know why, but it felt awfully right.

「This is usable.」

「A mysterious Shovel, isn't it. I wonder what it's made of...」

It was a sturdy-looking black Shovel. Looking at it, there were no chips on the blade anywhere, and when I tried piercing the bedrock earth with it as a test, a small elasticity returned, as if poking jelly with a spoon. The pitch-black Shovel pierced the earth with utter ease.

「This is usable, with this I might be able to cross swords with the Abyss magic sword!」

「Ashley, that is a matter of course... There's no mistake, this place is—this is the first Emperor's old nest! The former Emperor, rejected by humans because of his abnormality, lived in a cursed, white land!」

She was quite excited. Of course, me too. It was my first time finding such a wonderful treasure. With this, I feel like I could go anywhere.

「Then it seems there might be more useful treasures sleeping here. Are there any other places like this?」

「W-Wait a minute, isn't that tomb raiding...」

「What's wrong with a descendant using his ancestor's treasure.」

「Th-That's true, but...」

「If I recall correctly... the next door was supposed to be a warehouse. You may investigate it.」

Just as Zirant said, when I went outside and looked for the next entrance, beyond it was a vast warehouse. Old antiques, decayed paintings, toys that children would like, treasures using jewels and gold and silver—from junk to valuables, a massive amount of everything was sleeping there.

「It is Ausar's legacy. You, a descendant and an atavism, have the right to do as you please with this.」

「Although most of it is junk.」

「It's not junk, they are splendid antiques! Hey, can I have this seven-colored vase too...?」

The young lady Yumil has a refined taste. Since I don't think they have commercial value, I'll let her do as she pleases with the antiques.

「However, if we are to take these treasures back, we have to proceed westward while maintaining the path like this.」

「That was the original plan, wasn't it. These will add to our war funds. Make a transport route.」

「Nn... Then, I'll return once to report. After all, you don't need a Shovel anymore, right, I have to tell the Blacksmith-sama too. Fufufu... Besides, there are other antiques I want, I have to call Father and the others♪」

「I suppose that's true... Then I leave that side to you. I'll try imitating the first. With my ancestor's Shovel, this thing, bedrock and the like is already like jelly.」

I was starting to have fun, unlike myself. Watching the young lady Yumil's back as she left, I proceeded with the maintenance of the underground tunnel to the west.

If this underground tunnel continues all the way to the outskirts of the Imperial Capital, this will become the best loophole that only we can use. It will become possible to immediately transport our reinforcements to the Imperial Capital and respond to unforeseen circumstances. There was no loss in connecting it.

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[WN] A Hero From a Remote Village : Chapter 247

Chapter 247

Instruction

Translator : PolterGlast

Wrapped in wings like a black cloak, the face peeking through the gaps resembled a deep-sea fish. While the main body of the 「Curse Mystery」 possessed an appearance similar to its clones, what set it apart was its overwhelming wickedness. It delegated the kidnapping to its clones and forced the captured humans to do its bidding. Perhaps because it had gorged itself on human flesh, its flabby, bloated body evoked an indescribable sense of revulsion.

「Rest easy, for I shall kill you immediately.」

「Gu-gyaaaaaa!」

Incapable of speech, it let out a shrill, piercing scream like a death throe before lunging at me. It seemed to be employing magic, as its form blurred into multiple layers... but its execution was far too sloppy. Employing 「magic power」 simultaneously with the start of a movement is a novice mistake. The magic itself lacked proficiency, and its basic physical coordination was mediocre at best. Considering its clones moved with more grace, it was evident that the main body hadn't participated in actual combat for a very long time.

I decided to toy with it using magic, treating the encounter as a final lecture before its death. As its massive, swaying body entered my range, I activated my spell. Illusory magic and other such tricks are only effective against formidable opponents if used at the very last possible second. However, the 「Curse Mystery」 was no such opponent; it didn't even realize it was attacking a mere afterimage I had crafted.

I slipped behind it, watching with cold eyes as the 「Curse Mystery」 essentially declared its own victory, then I severed its head from the rear. Even as its head was taken off, it didn't seem to register its defeat. As its head spun through the air, its eyes met mine, and it wore a look of pure confusion. That expression quickly morphed into rage, then back to confusion as it realized its body would no longer move. As the head rotated again and its face eventually pointed back toward me――it had finally changed to an expression of utter despair. With that look of despair etched into its features, the head hit the ground, and the body slowly, limply collapsed.

I had taken its high vitality into account, but the sheer difference in our power made for an anticlimactic ending. After confirming that I had snuffed out the life of the 「Curse Mystery」, I immediately shattered the ice wall. The people who had been trapped were shivering violently from the cold, but realizing they had been saved by my hand, they began to weep with joy. They repeatedly cried out 「Thank you,」 but before responding to their gratitude, I used fire magic to provide them with warmth.

「It's safe now. I'm sure you don't want to stay here, but please wait until your bodies have warmed up.」

「Thank you very much! ...Thank you truly!」

「There is no need for thanks. Are there only three of you left?」

「...I'm not certain, but until three days ago, four of us were working here. One of them was... eaten the other day...」

「So only three remain. It must have been incredibly painful for you.」

The middle-aged man broke down, likely overwhelmed by the memories. Following his lead, the young woman and the youth, who appeared to be in his teens, also dissolved into tears. I silently watched over them, keeping the fire at a careful distance to avoid burns while they let out their emotions and regained their warmth. Even though they are safe, the mental scars will likely haunt them for a lifetime, and the impact on their futures will be immense.

「Do you three have families?」

I asked once their sobbing had quieted down. If they have families to return to, it will undoubtedly serve as their greatest support moving forward.

「I have a wife and children waiting. ...Ugh, I never thought I'd see them again.」

「I have parents and a younger sister. I also... thought I'd never see them again. Thank you so much.」

「As I said, there is no need for thanks. And... what about you? Do you have family?」

When I addressed the young man, his face darkened as he looked down. From his reaction, I suspected he might be alone.

「...I lost my parents about five years ago. I became an adventurer after that, and I had companions who were like family to me... but when we were attacked by the 「Curse Mystery」...」

He couldn't continue, his voice lost to a fresh wave of tears. He had already lost his blood relatives, and now his found family had been slaughtered by the monster. If the 「Curse Mystery」 were still alive, his hatred might have given him the drive to keep going, but now even that was gone. He is still so young; it might be best to take him under my protection for now.

「That must have been hard. Truly difficult. For now, I will ensure the two of you reach your families. As for you, I'd like you to stay with me for a while.」

「...Ugh. ...N-No. I can't be any more of a burden.」

「I insist. If you feel indebted to me, then please do as I say. What is your name?」

「My name is Lucas.」

「Lucas, then. I am Graham.」

「Graham-san. Thank you truly for everything.」

Once I was certain they had regained enough warmth, we left the dwelling of the 「Curse Mystery」. Since they lacked the strength to walk, I carried all three of them. I avoided running at full speed to keep them comfortable, making our way carefully back toward the 『Dungeon City』.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 333

Chapter 333

(Kyle Calendar Year 514: Age 21)

Infiltrating Enemy Territory

Translator : PolterGlast

Around the time Takuhir and the others were staying in Kylar, the Royal Capital of the Kyle Kingdom, a party of trade merchants was heading from the Westlights Demon Territory Dukedom to the Istoria Imperial Kingdom via Empire territory. They were aiming straight for the border barrier gate of the Imperial Kingdom, their 30 horse-drawn wagons fully loaded with foodstuffs and weapons—goods whose distribution is normally hesitated upon. And they had reached the point where they would arrive at their destination border in just a little while longer.

「Even so... Boss, you are a bold person. To think that a Baron himself would disguise his identity and do something akin to a spy... I never would have imagined it.」

「Hmph, rough business is my true calling. I merely call myself a Baron occasionally when unavoidable, and even then, reluctantly. Because even I am sometimes bewildered by things unsuited to my stature.」

The man who answered so laughed a little self-deprecatingly.

「Pardon me, but you are a strange person. And His Majesty the Archduke as well... Of course, I mean that in a good way.」

Feeling Raphael's gaze sharpen as the conversation turned to the Archduke, Handler hurriedly added that. However, in his opinion, the Archduke, just like this Baron, was a very mysterious person. He was so approachable that he absolutely didn't look like the King of a nation, no, not even a noble, and he behaved naturally that way. Because he carried an atmosphere unsuited for a hero who had thoroughly crushed the First Prince's army—elites of the Empire Army—and the rebel army of the Fearalt Principality.

『Birds of a feather flock together... An eccentric attracts eccentrics, is that what it is?』 He admonished himself and kept these words only in his heart.

Actually, for Handler himself, this accompanying journey is the third time he has actually met this eccentric Baron. The first time was when Handler went to convey the trends in the Istoria Imperial Kingdom, staking his future business on it. The second time was when he went to report a breaking news update after infiltrating the Imperial Kingdom carrying a new mission. The third time is this journey.

During the first time, after meeting with the Archduke, the three of them—including the Minister of Internal Affairs highly rumored to be a shrewd man—held a meeting regarding the future. From the Minister of Internal Affairs, he was told the request for additional accompanying personnel, the contract terms, and that they wanted him to conduct the initial infiltration in a short period, probe the trends and actual strength of Archbishop Castro's army, and report back. At that time, Raphael merely spoke sociably while occasionally bringing up derailed topics, and Handler never thought he was a noble.

During the second time, after the report, Raphael invited him for a drink. Probing each other at a drinking party is a common occurrence for merchants. However, he merely drank alcohol and made various small talk bloom at the drinking party, to the point where it felt foolish to be on guard. And after barhopping a few places, he was informed for the first time by other customers that Raphael was a noble holding the title of Baron, an experience that instantly blew away his drunkenness.

And the third time, on this journey, Raphael only talked about the alcohol and women of the Imperial Kingdom along the way. Toward his constantly natural and sociable demeanor, before he knew it, Handler had come to call Raphael 'Boss' and interact with him just as casually.

「Even so, Boss, is the cargo this time really okay? Food is one thing, but to bring in this many weapons, if you get scolded by His Majesty the Archduke later...」

「Is there a problem? Business means stocking up on what the other party wants as cheaply as possible and selling it as high as possible; I thought that was the case.」

「I mean, that is true, but... even if we have informal consent, this is quite a massive amount. The weapons smuggled out this time might be turned against you and your people next time, you know.」

「Hahaha, if those swords don't reach us, they won't have any meaning. Besides, most of the ones brought in this time are cheap ones carried by common soldiers, and they're all damaged goods. Our pockets won't hurt.」

That's not what I meant... Handler was about to say, but gave up. The people of that country are far too unconventional in various ways, and thinking too deeply about it would just wear him out. Coming to terms with things—that, too, was a necessary quality for a merchant. He decided to leave it at that.

Actually, Handler didn't know that the massive amount of swords brought in this time were merely a portion of the weapons and armor Takuhir had in storage—or rather, was troubled with disposing of. Because under him, who had now become the Archduke, there was an enormous amount of weapon spoils obtained in past battles.

·         Spoils from Marquis Bradley's army in the Battle of Teigoon.

·         Those abandoned by the First Prince's army during battles with monsters and their retreat.

·         Those abandoned when Viscount Hiyorimi's army was defeated at Gaia and Teigoon.

·         Spoils from annihilating the Imperial Kingdom army in the battles over the eastern border.

·         Spoils from destroying Count Goyoku's army in the Battle of Burg.

·         Spoils from when the First Prince's army suffered a near-annihilating defeat.

·         Those abandoned in the final decisive battle at Kleirat and the battle on the western border.

·         Those captured when disarming defeated soldiers in the siege of Salaam.

·         Those captured when defeating the rebel army in the final decisive battle on the outskirts of Fearalt.

Of course, some of those were distributed to subordinates as rewards, but the number obtained was far too large.

After the final decisive battle with the Empire, among the captured weapons, some of the valuable ones were sequentially sent to blacksmiths in Gaia to be repaired or reforged. Because of that, blacksmiths gathered from all over the Kingdom, and the blacksmith town in Gaia achieved great prosperity. And those were supplied for their own army or sold through merchants, bringing massive revenue.

『Cheap version swords won't fetch much even if we sell them as damaged goods anyway, and if even things like this can become money, we might as well sell them to those guys. According to Handler's report, they seem overwhelmingly short on weapons. If we can win the upper echelons' favor with this, subsequent espionage should become easier. Besides...』

Raphael had also received such unofficial intentions from Takuhir. Therefore, in reality, he is merely diverting them 'officially' receiving orders from his lord.

「If we can make contact with the upper echelons using these souvenirs, it would be a very welcome development for me.」

「Well... it is exactly as you say, Boss, but.」

Regarding that matter, Raphael dared not speak much. Knowing nothing will also protect the person himself. And the position as a country too...

「Even so, Handler, are you fine with proceeding as planned for your business?」

「Hahaha, Boss, I'm a merchant too. Even if I lose a client, I can obtain a client with a much bigger dream. For us, who have always taken a backseat to large trading companies and could only aim for the gaps, this is a big gamble. Because of that, please use them to your heart’s content... but as for the compensation, I’ll be counting on you.」

「Yeah, His Majesty the Archduke is also aware of that point.」

「Now, it's almost the barrier gate. Boss, I'm counting on you as a merchant from here on. Though, the role of an unscrupulous merchant partaking in diversion might be perfect for you.」

「Hahaha, isn't it a role perfect for me. Well, leave it to me.」

Exchanging light banter before their important mission, staring at the barrier gate with strong gazes, the two stepped into the barrier gate of the Imperial Kingdom's border.

※

Tria, a regional city located at the southernmost tip of the Istoria Imperial Kingdom. This place once prospered as a trade window with the Griffonia Empire, but in recent years its former prosperity had faded into the shadows, becoming a rustic regional city. However, that situation had now completely changed.

Since Archbishop Castro, who has now become the Pope of the Istoria Orthodox Theocracy, visited this city, people seeking salvation have gathered from the neighborhood, receiving the blessings (food rations) of the Pope. Therefore, the city where the savior descended regained its former momentum and was now experiencing extreme prosperity.

「Your Holiness the Pope, according to a report from the guards just now, a trade merchant claiming to have received a request from Your Eminence has visited the city fully loaded with food and weapons, and desires an audience. How shall we handle this?」

「A trade merchant... the sugar merchant from the Empire?」

「Yes, it is the Handler Trading Company. It seems he wishes to introduce an interesting man as a souvenir...」

「Oh, I have been eagerly awaiting him. There are many merchants doing business extensively, but few are useful men like him. Tell him an audience is permitted and have him wait at the cathedral. Let us hope it is a souvenir that aligns with my intentions...」

Saying so, Castro showed a magnanimous smile. And shortly, the merchants in question were invited into a corner of the cathedral, which was newly under construction.

Arriving late, Castro, as the Pope, appeared on the dais.

「Handler. Does your prompt return mean I may have expectations?」

「It is a direct word from His Eminence. Direct answers are permitted.」

At the instruction of a close aide, Handler, who was prostrating himself, slowly raised his head. Even so, so as not to be disrespectful, his gaze remained fixed at his feet.

「Yes, the food and sugar requested are fully loaded in 20 horse-drawn wagons. And, although it took some trouble, about 100 first-class swords...」

「Oh, I heard there were 30 wagons?」

「Oh, your ears are quick as expected. The others are cargo related to the one waiting here, named Raul, a humble souvenir from us to Your Eminence.」

「Hmm... it will be fine as long as it aligns with God's will. The one named Raul, direct answers are permitted. What have you brought?」

「Yes...」

Answering briefly, the man called Raul raised his face. And slowly, he stared at the Pope and floated a smile.

「We possess a connection to a certain supplier. We humbly considered that what Your Eminence needs right now is the means to realize judgment, to give to the warriors protecting God's teachings.」

「I see, an interesting deduction.」

「Therefore, I arranged with Lord Handler 100 swords suitable for Your Eminence to bestow upon those who have newly become Holy Knights. However, I believe that is still insufficient for the people seeking to protect Your Eminence.」

「So about how many swords have you managed to arrange?」

「Yes, for the immediate future, about 1,000. If you can give me time, I can arrange several times that number.」

「Oh...」

Uttering a word of surprise, Castro narrowed his eyes. Suspicious... he thought.

「Even within the Empire, the demand for swords is tight. I haven't heard that you could arrange such numbers overnight, though?」

That is only natural. The Third Prince's camp is seeking to bolster their military force under the pretext of settling and defending the new territory. The First Prince's camp was trying to prepare their military force secretly, but they cannot procure weapons publicly. Therefore, they were cornering the market on weapons secretly. For that reason, the price of weapons skyrocketed, and obtaining a substantial number of swords was extremely difficult.

In the Istoria Imperial Kingdom, because they placed more emphasis on archers (longbows) than foot soldiers holding swords, domestic production capacity and surplus inventory were scarce. Actually, this was the seed of Castro's worries.

「Yes, it must be said that items out in the world are currently in a difficult situation to obtain due to the recent circumstances. However, it is a different story for items that are not out in the world. They are meant for common soldiers and have some scratches, but they exist where they exist in reasonable quantities.」

「If so... are they things like stripped goods?」

「Yes, there are countries storing massive amounts of those stripped goods with no use for them, letting them sleep. I formed a connection with the manager of that warehouse and obtained them.」

「Hmph, diverted goods. We serve God. Did you think we would be pleased with swords of such origin!」

Hearing Raul's words, one of the close aides raised his voice roughly. The men standing around also did not hide their contempt for Raul.

「We serve His Eminence and God. We can confiscate items obtained through wicked means, and hand down punishment for the sins. Or perhaps, in exchange for donating those 1,000 swords, do you seek God's salvation for the sins you have committed?」

「Hahaha, I think that would be fine as well. However, don't you think that’s a bit of a waste?」

「What do you mean?」

「There are three points I wish to state. If Your Eminence makes a judgment after considering them, that too would be God's will.」

「Oh, to me? Speak. And you lot, hold back for now.」

At Castro's words, the close aides who had raised their voices bowed once and fell silent.

「I thank Your Eminence for your mercy. The method everyone just mentioned is no different from what the church of the Imperial Kingdom has done in the past. It would be unsuited for Your Eminence's army, which seeks to correct that.」

「Hmm...」

「Secondly, regarding weapons (power), I believe what matters is how they are exercised, rather than the means by which they were obtained. Giving the means to realize that will to those who protect Your Eminence's teachings by God's guidance—I believe this takes priority.」

「I see, a very apt saying... indeed.」

「The third point is the realistic 'profit' for everyone. Even if you judge me now and confiscate the merchandise, it is merely 100 and 1,000 swords. But if you give us the path to serve God, that number will swell many times over.」

「Hahaha, the one named Raul, you are quite an interesting man. You have quite the nerve for a merchant. For this time only, God will surely grant mercy to a servant he also loves and respects. I will ride on your proposal. And by when can those several times more swords be delivered?」

「Please forgive my rudeness in daring to return a question with a question. Conversely, by when should I have everything prepared? Based on that, the amount of the "hush money" we let the other party catch a whiff of... no, excuse me. I shall adjust the way I preach the teachings of God accordingly...」

「Hahaha, you speak of preaching our sublime teachings? What an interesting thing to say. Let's see... the coming new year will surely be our new dawn. Have everything ready by spring. Can you do it?」

「Yes! It is no trouble at all.」

「Very well. For this delivery, I will pay a sufficient price after inspecting the contents, so you should strive hard. The swords needed by God's apostles are at least five times more... no, even double that is fine... can you do it?」

「Yes! Of course. Grateful for Your Eminence's mercy, I will strive even harder.」

Closing his eyes respectfully and prostrating himself, Raul muttered only in his heart.

『By spring... which would mean that next summer, before the harvest, would be the opportune time? Based on the words alone, that would be at least 10,000 in addition to the current military force... but there is more to it than just that. I will likely need to investigate a little further.』

Holding one result and a new doubt, Raul took his leave from them and exited together with Handler.

「Boss...」

Handler deliberately didn't say what came next. But what his words meant, Raul, aka Raphael, understood accurately.

「First, we properly deliver the current delivery and receive the payment. Things are going to get busy from here on!」

Saying so, he nodded. As if to say, I know...

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