Chapter 105

Chapter 105 - Hunting a Hero (4)

The New Year Subjugation is an annual event, but befitting an era lacking in entertainment, it always garnered people's attention.

Furthermore, this subjugation is special. It was because a Gnoll hero who formed a large tribe numbering in four digits had emerged.

While the mobilization of armies and an all-out war were canceled due to the disaster erupting in the Demonic Region, the people remained anxious.

It was a situation right before numerous mercenary groups and merchant companies were bustling about exuding the atmosphere of war, and even vassal armies were about to be summoned. The agitation of the commoners couldn't easily subside.

"Shouldn't we evacuate right away?"

"They say the Great Chieftain is dead and the army has collapsed. I heard only the remnants led by the second-in-command are left."

"Who could believe that! The nobles would tell us to hold our ground because it's fine even if a massive earthquake strikes, wouldn't they?"

The commoners were uneducated but not fools. They knew very well that the nobles treated them merely like cogs or spare parts.

"Has Count Andar ever lied about such things even once?"

"That's true, but..."

Still, because of the trust built up over time, prices and public order were being maintained relatively stably for now.

Therefore, greater attention than usual was focused on the warriors returning after the New Year Subjugation.

Because everyone wanted to gain faith in their safety upon seeing the corpses of the subjugated monsters.

Naturally, Eugene, who brought a taxidermy mount of a massive Gnoll no one had ever seen before, received the most attention.

However, there was a minor incident at first.

"Wh-what is that?! Call the guards!"

"It's a monster! A monster has invaded!"

When they brought the taxidermy mount of the Gnoll leader hauled in standing straight in a formal posture, the city people freaked out thinking the Great Chieftain's army had invaded.

However, the chaos was immediately resolved. After all, the tournament champion and dozens of cavalrymen were proudly riding their horses surrounding the mount.

No matter how easily frightened and dense they were, they could soon realize it was a taxidermy mount, not a living monster.

With the severed heads of Gnolls piled up on other carts, the city became boisterous in a good way.

"They wiped out every last one of the remaining remnants!"

"That's a Gnoll?"

"As expected, once a monster reaches the level of a Great Chieftain, it becomes a completely different creature."

In southern Gord, which bordered the Demonic Forest and the Shield Mountain Range, there were diverse records and legends about monster disasters.

Among them was a story dealing with an Orc or Gnoll hero that appeared once every long while.

It was said that once they appeared, several cities burned, and even nobles were dragged out of their castles by monster armies numbering in the thousands and beheaded.

Seeing the legend they had only heard about with their own eyes in reality, exclamations constantly erupted from everywhere.

The nobles watching from places with a good view also nodded in satisfaction.

"It's as if a champion hunted a champion."

"I heard about it from Sir Salvatore, who recovered the keepsakes of the fallen, but it is beyond imagination."

"With that size, isn't it almost comparable to an Ogre?"

Prey continued to appear after that as well.

"A Cockatrice? Has a Cockatrice ever been discovered before?"

"As far as I know, no. But as you know, this year is special."

Monsters basically live territorial lives.

Occasionally, a very powerful monster goes on a rampage or natural disasters like earthquakes occur, causing territories to tangle.

At such times, fellas rarely seen from the interior of the forest pop out.

"A Harpy! It's my first time seeing a real one."

"This year's New Year Subjugation has an exceptionally large number of spectacles."

As diverse monsters popped out from inside the forest more than usual, the number of dead and injured warriors increased as well.

However, this era brightens the world by using people's lives like firewood.

While true for all countries on the continent, in Gord especially, the lives of warriors were treated like candles.

How many people it illuminates and the safety and enjoyment it provides. That alone was the only thing that mattered.

* * *

Count Andar had to react a bit more politically.

"I just thought it would be a bit larger and fiercer than other Gnolls, but this is..."

Standing before the taxidermy mount of the leader Gnoll, the Count couldn't hold back his admiration. He repeatedly circled around it 360 degrees, inspecting it from various angles.

It was somewhat undignified behavior, but the scribes and escort knights standing nearby looked as if they were used to it.

"Oh my. My face barely reaches its navel."

The Count's daughter, Aisha, covering her lips with both hands, was delighted.

Trotting over to stand before the taxidermy mount, she went back and forth, moving her flat palm between her own forehead and the mount, giggling merrily.

Though carrying noble blood, inheriting from her father, she possessed good courage and rougher tastes compared to an ordinary noble lady.

"It truly is a monster that doesn't seem like it would lose even if it fought a Troll or a Minotaur."

Count Andar looked at Eugene.

"So, you completely cleaned out the Gnolls that were following this guy too?"

"Yes, Count. I went on a reconnaissance beyond the Demonic Forest just in case, but no other Gnolls were seen."

"You went inside the forest?"

Even for an additional reconnaissance, the Count had expected him to just patrol around the Shield Mountain Range at best. To think he actually went into the Demonic Forest and came back.

"I didn't go in deep. I just wanted to perfectly confirm if there were any remnants of the Gnolls left."

"The moment you set foot in hell, whether you went in deep or shallow doesn't matter. Meaning, that alone is incredible."

Then, Aisha approached and said in an amiable tone.

"Typically, the corpses of monsters caught during the New Year Subjugation are purchased by our family."

To provide motivation, bounties were offered even for monsters lacking commercial value.

"This year, there are exceptionally many varieties of monsters, and my father was also pleased."

The very culprit who caused that incident was speaking of it as if it pertained to someone else's affairs.

"Normally, we would converse with you regarding the purchase of your prey, but this time it's difficult."

Aisha reached out her hand as if mesmerized by the pitch-black fur, but couldn't dare to touch it and withdrew her hand.

"Because trying to obtain such a magnificent prey from a knight is an insult in itself."

"I am merely grateful for your consideration."

Unlike his daughter, who had already given up, Count Andar's face was full of lingering attachment to the mount. What man wouldn't covet something like this?

However, no matter how great the difference in status was, he couldn't dare to demand Eugene to hand it over.

"Could you leave the mount in this city just while we celebrate the New Year Subjugation?"

"It seems there are still many who fear the rumors about the Great Chieftain's army."

"Indeed. Seeing once is more certain than a hundred words. Anyone who sees this will know there is no need to fear anymore."

But he could ask for this much of a favor.

* * *

Thus, the banquet celebrating the success of the subjugation continued.

A point of difference from other banquets was that the processed parts of the subjugated monsters were displayed as if encircling the banquet hall.

Because many distinguished guests were attending, things like Goblins or Orcs weren't even considered. They had to be at least at the level of a Direwolf to even receive an evaluation.

It was an old tradition of southern Gord, but in a way, they were eating and drinking with the severed heads of monsters hung up.

-Anyway, they are barbaric bastards.

-I heard that across the sea, there is a race that drinks alcohol while hanging the severed heads of defeated enemies on spears. What's the difference between them and those guys?

-To think we have to indulge these sorts boasting that we're fellow nobles. If it wasn't for the trade contract...

Nobles attending as guests from Roman or friendly domains in Barcia would secretly curse among themselves when alone.

However, this time, no one could utter a single word of complaint.

Since a massive Gnoll twice the size of an average noble lady was standing in a majestic posture, everyone's gaze couldn't help but be stolen.

Underneath the mount, over a hundred Gnoll skulls, cleanly stripped down to just the bones, were piled up.

If it had been just skulls piled up, it truly would have been a barbarian's festival, but with the Gnoll leader's taxidermy mount standing there, it transformed into something like an art piece.

The monster army threatening the human world. Like a symbol compressing its subjugation directly into it.

"Indeed! It has to be this much to be able to lead monsters by the thousands."

"A lot of blood and tears would have almost flowed. It is the protection of the gods."

Everyone who entered the banquet hall stared with their jaws dropped.

With vassal contracts established between the active free knights and lords, the long festival finally ended.

* * *

"It's a strange feeling."

Rex said on the way back to the Moving Castle carrying the bounty bestowed by Count Andar.

"What is?"

"As you know, Sir Knight, we have always lived a wandering life without a fixed destination."

As Eugene looked around, not only Rex but the other tribal warriors also wore similar expressions.

"Even when we finished a big job in the city like now, we couldn't rest comfortably. We had to set out on a long journey again to return to the embrace of our tribe."

"But this time, there is no need to make a long march."

Eugene gestured with his chin in the direction of the Moving Castle.

"Exactly. Should I say it feels like returning home after finishing work?"

"I thought it was a sensation we had no connection with."

The tribal warriors feeling the same sentiment each added a word.

"How is it? Do you like that feeling?"

"More than I imagined."

Rex grinned.

Though they had ample experience staying in cities or nobles' castles working as mercenaries, those places were merely transit points.

They didn't suit the aesthetics of Dark Elves at all, and the deeply ingrained scent of humans was unbearable.

Even the places the tribe anchored at were ultimately nothing more than temporarily pitched tents.

But the Moving Castle they were heading to now was different. A comfortable nest where their scent permeated, which they could decorate while thinking of the distant future.

"To grow attached to a place is an unspeakably pleasant thing."

"I have been feeling it properly these days."

"It's truly nice seeing you all decorating your respective living spaces in the Dark Elf's way."

Hanging traditional tribal ornaments, laundry drying, and potted plants decorating the place with flowers.

A sight that wouldn't be seen if they considered it merely an inn to stay at temporarily. Eugene, the Castellan, also often felt his heart warmed by the scenery he saw while walking past.

"We only ask that you continue looking favorably upon us in the future, Sir Knight."

"I should be the one saying that. I happen to like your clan more than you guys think. You're competent, cool, and easy to talk to."

"No, why this sudden sappiness inducing goosebumps?"

Contrary to him waving his hand dismissively, Rex and the tribal warriors looked deeply moved.

Because the twilight was slowly fading, their flushed faces didn't stand out much.

However, Eugene was sincere. It was a separate matter from respecting them as an employer and friend.

The desire to completely possess the destiny of this powerful and dignified clan.

Started from goodwill and at some point transforming into possessiveness, the desire grew stronger every single day.

[Guide them to the castle.]

Perhaps having grasped that feeling, the Moving Castle whispered to his soul.

One soul and two physical bodies. Just as Eugene felt the Moving Castle, the Moving Castle also felt Eugene.

Subtle chemical reactions flowing through his endocrine glands. Because it was an existence that could understand Eugene's hidden emotions inside them better than anyone else.

[The longer they stay, their destiny shall be bound to us.]

-...

No matter how close they were, Eugene didn't reveal his innermost thoughts to Rex.

* * *

"A little more to the right."

"Like this?"

"Hmm... Just a little more. And can you pull the left arm a bit further?"

"No problem."

After returning to the Moving Castle, Valda brought Dwarf warriors and fully immersed herself in one task in the central hall.

The setting of the second trophy that would boast the glory of the Meier Family in the future: the taxidermy mount of the Gnoll leader.

Dexterous veteran Dwarves, including Rampage, used ladders, scaffolding, and very thin iron wires to move it around and fix its posture.

"This is not the feeling. Return it to its original position."

"S-sorry."

"Hmm? This is not something for you to be sorry for."

Valda with her arms crossed, her usual gentleness nowhere to be found, was extremely meticulous.

Even though they were already adjusting it for the umpteenth time, no one dared to voice any complaints.

Unable to bear watching her subordinates suffering any longer, Eugene eventually stepped forward.

"The Wendigo trophy only has the head, but the taxidermy mount is a full-body figure. Trying to place the two side-by-side makes it difficult to balance. How about we just put it separately?"

Valda stood her long ears straight up in an 11-shape, making an expression that said his words made no sense.

'Those are her ears when she's being stubborn.'

As the time spent together lengthened, Eugene had become able to read the emotions revealed through the Elf's ears.

"What do you mean? Look at those majestic black furs. They both happen to have the same color, but it would be a shame not to stand them side-by-side. It is an insult to art and not showing respect toward your family."

"But it's already been over two hours..."

"Shush."

Valda raised her index finger and blocked Eugene's lips.

Some of the overseeing mercenaries, servants, and slaves looked surprised, but the majority calmly let it go.

That single finger, seeming trivial yet somehow holding immense meaning.

Because they knew it was an implicitly granted privilege exclusively for Valda.

Aside from her reputation and skill as a mage, this was the reason she was considered untouchable in this castle.

"Leave this matter to me. Since olden times, it has been said the head of the family does not personally handle matters decorating the insides of the household. It is the work of women, the butler, and the servants."

Valda's expression was warm, but there seemed to be no sign of her compromising at all.

Because in these aspects, she was a conservative Elf lady who valued tradition.

"Please go easy on them. Aren't those friends' shirts entirely soaked in sweat?"

"I will handle it with discretion. But I cannot compromise on your family's dignity, can I?"

The sheer force exuding from her beautiful face made even Eugene, who had executed numerous monsters, step back.

All he could do was look at the Dwarves with a pitiful face.

It was only after the sun fell to the west that Valda finally gave a satisfied OK sign.

* * *

While the New Year Subjugation and banquet were taking place, the tribal merchants were also working busily.

They procured food and supplies from the city and sold the trade goods they brought from Bonyard, leaving a margin.

Just around the time they were pondering their next schedule, they received contact from Chieftain Allessa.

"A request for help? Is it a serious situation?"

"It's not that. Please rest assured."

Rex smiled as if telling a surprised Eugene to calm down.

"There are those who fell into trouble while carrying out a commission in another region. However, they happen to be the city faction, meaning those who are reluctant to join us here."

"You're suggesting taking this opportunity to show the majesty of the castle and simultaneously build goodwill."

"It's very convenient because if I explain one thing, Sir Knight, you understand two. That is exactly what the chieftain said."

There were still far too many places left conspicuously empty in the castle. Gathering people to fill those places was also something Eugene desired.