Chapter 144

Chapter 144 - A Monster Among Hungry Wolves (1)

With his family having grown, Eugene moves actively whenever he catches the scent of money. Particularly, this holy war of the Apostle State has a lot to gain.

The wealth obtainable from the affluent Sicily is one thing, but it was an opportunity to form connections with various religious orders.

Since he had snatched the Moving Castle the Emperor so desperately craved, it was obvious they would eventually clash. Whether by crossing spears and swords or fighting with diplomatic rhetoric.

In such times, having even one more faction to support him was better.

Having finished their departure preparations like that, the army marched out of the castle majestically.

"Daddy! Daddyyyy!"

A baby, who seemed to be just about to turn one soon, called out anxiously to their departing father while held in a young woman's embrace.

Into that single word they could uniquely say, the conflicting meanings of 'Don't go!' and 'Please come back safely!' were mixed.

The father of the child isn't the only one stimulated by those words. It made the commander, Eugene, also resolve that he must absolutely return alive.

Tramp tramp.

Having accepted new troops several times, the scale of Eugene's army was now no longer ordinary.

Moreover, everyone was top-tier in both experience and equipment. With this much, it was a might that even lords who threw their weight around considerably in the provinces would have to walk on eggshells and be careful of.

Not only Eugene but his subordinates also felt it together. Even more strength was loaded into the footsteps of the army marching in formation.

"Are you feeling proud?"

At the sight of Eugene lost deep in thought while looking at the army, Valda smiled. His power and influence growing day by day was a great joy for her as well.

When they first left the Emerald Forest together, they were a humble party composed of merely three people, but they truly had grown immensely.

"Ah, while living rubbing shoulders with Dwarves and Dark Elves for a long time, there was something I felt, you see."

"Hmm?"

It seemed Eugene wasn't simply being satisfied with his strengthened forces.

"It seems both are superior races to humans."

"What are you saying so suddenly?"

At words she couldn't even imagine, Valda made a bewildered face. It was the same for the other aides nearby.

"It was like that during Cassandra's rescue, and it's the same for those isolated in the manor's basement this time. Despite their stench being severe, when inspected after washing, they didn't have a single skin disease."

Since they were accepting a large number of outsiders as residents all at once, their health conditions were checked meticulously. Because it would be troublesome if an infectious disease spread within the castle.

"If it had been a unit composed of humans, it would have been a disaster. Heat rashes would be the baseline, their skin festering, and their groins a complete mess with eczema."

"I heard our ancestors in the past also frequently received skin compliments from human nomads in the northeast."

Listening in, Rex nodded.

In strenuous nomadic life, bathing is a luxury. The nomads, bound to naturally emit a stench fouler than beasts, always envied the clean skin of the Dark Elves.

"It seems they believed if they received our blood, they too would possess clean skin and body odor. They proposed tribal level mergers countless times, but there was no chance."

Led by Cassandra, her close female warriors covered their mouths with 'Ugh!' faces. They despise even settled humans, so there is no need to speak of nomads.

"Isn't dry heaving with humans right in front of you a bit too much?"

"The Lord is the Lord. Even you Valda, really."

To Valda whose face hardened, Cassandra retorted shamelessly nonchalantly.

At that sight, Eugene shrugged and continued his words.

"Add to that their long lifespans and youth... Not to mention their vision that pierces the darkness."

In Eugene's army, the night watches were exclusively handled by the Blackhand Tribe warriors. Their night vision was incomparable to humans, and with their sharp hearing on top of that, their level of vigilance was on a different dimension.

Eugene turned his head and looked at the marching Hammer Brotherhood.

"The Dwarves also have many incredible aspects."

"Let's just pass over that."

Rex, who was listening with satisfaction with folded arms, waved his hand as if to say let's end it here, but Eugene ignored him.

"Humans and fairies frequently lay down sick, right? Things like spraining their backs or getting muscle cramps. However, the Hammer Brotherhood didn't have a single absence."

Once, he even suspected, 'Are they forcing themselves to stand guard while sick because they are mindful of me?' Because absurdity and harsh treatment are inseparable from mercenary corps.

However, even when Eugene inspected the Dwarves without warning, the results were always no abnormalities. Everyone was in top condition.

"Hahaha! The Lord only needs to trust us."

This time it was Rampage's turn to feel good. He lifted his hammer and made a motion of striking down in the empty air.

"From our birth legends, we are different from other races that gods molded from clay. The Dwarves were forged by God striking his hammer."

"He must have struck too hard instead of a bit gently. Seeing as you've been flattened like this."

Rex riding on his horse looked down sarcastically, but Rampage let it go in one ear and out the other. Because he knew there was no malice as they ate from the same pot every day.

Eugene, who watched the two who had gotten quite close pleasantly, nodded his head.

"I can clearly understand why Dwarves are unrivaled in construction or mining. It wasn't solely due to their dexterity or spatial sense."

During the internal repairs and remodeling of the Moving Castle, the dwarves often experienced accidents.

- Uh oh, I'm falling!

Eugene, while inspecting the castle, once saw a dwarf fall from a ladder.

- Oops!

Thud! The dwarf who smashed into the ground with a loud noise rolled about 3 times, then simply dusted himself off and stood up. At that sight, Eugene, who was rushing over hastily, had his jaw drop.

- ...Are you truly okay?

- Pfft, if I throw a fit over this much, the name dwarf would be a waste.

They are a race born intrinsically with a sturdiness like boulders.

A toughness that doesn't even budge after experiencing safety accidents that would have properly broken several bones if it were a human. It was natural that they were unrivaled whether as architects or blacksmiths.

Because outstanding technicians continue building their careers without retiring due to accidents.

Considering how easily technicians of this era die or become crippled in poor working conditions, it is a massive advantage.

"Because of this and that, the more I lived together with them, I could understand the pride of the Dwarves and fairies. I thought them looking down on humans was understandable as well."

"Among human nobles, there won't be a single person who speaks like you, Lord."

Cassandra said while twisting her hair.

"Separate from the fact that I am human, I must face reality as it is."

Eugene looked back at the receding Moving Castle from atop Might.

"Those who can step into paradise are limited. And in the future, you all will also bear descendants. Since there are already many tribesmen who entered as family units, and pregnant women are common."

"An eventual day might come where that spacious castle becomes full."

At Cassandra's words, Eugene nodded.

"As my thoughts reached there, I was troubled. Wondering what would be wise on how to fill the empty spaces. Regarding how many spaces it would be right to permit for humans like myself too."

Rex and Rampage, whose faces had been overflowing with pride consistently, also stiffened.

They know that Eugene consistently maintains a neutral mindset in all fields. But to think there would be no exceptions even when evaluating the race he himself belongs to.

The ruling class of this era naturally inflated and completely whitewashed the class they belonged to by giving all sorts of nonsensical reasons.

Moreover, he is a knight wielding such tremendous power and authority. It wouldn't be strange even if he harbored a sense of chosen people greater than grand nobles, yet he always maintained a bizarrely cynical attitude.

Such an aspect of Eugene imparted tension to his subordinates whenever they were about to forget it.

Because even though they lived together rubbing shoulders seeing his face every day in the Moving Castle, he sometimes felt unfamiliar. Like a person standing alone in the fog far away.

* * *

The headquarters of the Apostle State was located in the holy land, New Canaan. However, it was called much more by a different name than its official designation.

"This is my first time going to a holy land."

The mercenaries all had expectant faces regardless of who it was. As a life soaked in greed and blood, they possessed a thirst for an opportunity to wash their murky souls.

No matter how much they lived for today, people of this era inherently could absolutely not escape the fear the afterlife provided.

"I have been to the holy land in the north, but this is my first time here."

Marbas also had an expectant face. Just as there are various religions, the holy lands are also not solitary.

There was one in the north and one in the east across the sea as well. It was just that New Canaan of the Appen Peninsula was considered top priority in terms of awareness or value assessment.

At a certain point, the highway expanded greatly, and the number of people travelling surged. Due to the circumstances, heavily armed mercenaries were seen everywhere more so than travelers or merchant groups.

The annual pirate invasions, the war between the Apostle State and Sicily, and even the Roman civil war to the north.

It was the optimal condition for Sellswords to make money. They were warriors one notch above the mercenaries of the Bonyard in various ways.

"Hey miss. Can you give a word of encouragement to your oppas going to earn money?"

Mercenaries sent flirtatious remarks to prostitutes riding in a mule-drawn cart. It's an occurrence as common as the chirping of birds in the morning at the battlefield.

"The rookie here is too frozen stiff... Blow some spirit into him."

Veteran mercenaries forcefully dragged a thoroughly tense young man next to the cart. It was a youth with a youthful face full of freckles.

"My goodness! Such a baby is already going to the battlefield? Has the kid even had a wet dream?"

"Exaggerating much... In my hometown, guys like this are already fathers! A father!"

The youth caught between the two couldn't snap out of it.

"E-e-excuse me..."

"Oh my! So cute."

The heavily made-up prostitute winked, then grabbed her top and flash! Gave him a service. From all around, the mercenaries roared in cheers.

"Lowly things."

There were also noble lords who frowned at such a sight. Naturally, they were also leading armies.

Faith, expected spoils, a piece of land that might fall to them if they establish merits, anger towards Sicily that colluded with the pirates who tormented their territories, and the desire to smash the pirate connections this time to suffer less from piracy hereafter...

The reasons for the nobles of the Appen Peninsula to participate were overflowing.

The Apostle State welcomed all of them, but it was natural that a subtle current flowed among those gathering like this.

Those whose purpose was merely gathering spoils would be one thing, but beyond that.

For those desiring territories or noble titles, everyone they saw around them was a competitor.

"I heard the Apostle State has properly sharpened their knives?"

"They say they will properly crush Sicily this time. Wanting to set an example for nobles who join hands with pirates."

"Four lords emerged in the last holy war too... This one is big. I think at least ten positions will emerge."

"Especially if the opponents are the Sicilyn bastards..."

Due to the characteristic of being an island, Sicily had always taken a step back from the flames of war raging across the continent.

Because they were wealthy, there was much to plunder, but the lords were fat. The knights lacked real combat experience, and the soldiers' abs were flabby.

For those aiming for a big score while minimizing danger, this holy war was a godsend.

Competing for limited positions, they calculated probability cases and earnestly weighed who had the upper hand.

As this flow continued, those trying to appeal their competence to the religious orders even before the invasion inevitably appeared.

"A battle broke out a bit away from here."

"Did a fight break out among mercenary corps?"

At the scout's report, Eugene found it strange.

Since beasts overflowing with hot-bloodedness and desire were all moving in one direction, it wouldn't be strange for them to clash with each other.

"No. Pirates who failed to escape in time have occupied a nearby wooden fort and are holding out."

As revealed this time, the pirates attacking the peninsula had connections with the island of Sicily.

Rather than recklessly stirring things up, they checked the situation going on in the peninsula and aimed for when there was the most to plunder.

Consequently, to ensure their paths didn't overlap, they allocated areas like 'You here, and I there' and struck from all sides.

However, mistaking the disaster caused by the forest spirit for a 'terrible infectious disease' going around, the pirates broke off simultaneously.

"Meaning only the bastards who happily dug deep inland to plunder got isolated in an instant?"

"Aren't those guys retards?"

At Eugene's words, his subordinates laughed as if dumbfounded.

The mercenary corps heading to New Canaan, thinking what a windfall this was, were banding together and attacking. Because it was the best present to offer to the Apostle State.

"That's the one."

Following the highway, a wooden fort surrounded and under attack entered their view.

Though not as sturdy since it was built of wood, a castle is a castle nonetheless. Moreover, knowing that only the gallows waited for them if they lost here, the pirates resisted desperately.

"Sir Eugene?!"

At that moment, a monk who was blessing passing people on the highway ran over hurriedly.

"Are you perhaps Sir Eugene, the Beast Executioner of the Bonyard?"

"That is correct... But how do you know...?"

"I heard the story from Priest Gardner. That you rescued him while he was surrounded and under attack by pirates. And that you bestowed peace to the village residents who met with disaster."

The monk looked at the horse Eugene rode with awe.

"As I heard, it is an incredible warhorse. I thought the story of ramming a pirate and sending him flying high into the sky was a brag, but indeed!"

"It seems there is no need for separate identification when riding you around."

As Eugene stroked its neck, Might growled softly.

"You must also be coming to join the holy battlefield, Sir?"

"That is right."

"Please speak comfortably."

As if finding it excessively gracious, the priest waved his hands.

"This too is the guidance of God. If it is fine with you, I shall escort you to the holy land."

This area was within the powerful sphere of influence of the Apostle State. Some cities and villages existed entirely as their direct territories.

Receiving a priest's escort was convenient in various ways compared to going alone. Whether it's procuring supplies or getting good lodgings.

"I will gladly accept your goodwill."

The moment Eugene nodded, a roar erupted from the wooden fort currently under siege.

"It has finally fallen... Ah..."

The face of the priest, who turned around joyfully as if overlapping happy events occurred, stiffened rigidly.

The mercenaries who were attacking the wooden gate were routed and retreating. The roar was shouted by the pirates shaking their weapons looking down at them.

Only a destroyed improvised battering ram and the corpses of mercenaries were left abandoned alone.

"Do not worry. We will step forward."

At the face of the priest staring earnestly like an abandoned puppy, Eugene laughed brightly.

"Will you use ladders? Or will you use a battering ram?"

Rampage asked as if having waited.

Due to the nature of the weapons they used, the Hammer Brotherhood wasn't only proficient in combat. They could whip up equipment to take down a wooden fort like that locally on the spot.

However, Eugene gave no answer.

"Lord? Your eyes..."

Only then did Rampage realize that Eugene and Might's eyes were burning like purple candles.

"No, I don't think we need to go that far."

Having pierced the long distance and confirmed the wooden fort's gate, Eugene shook his head.

It wasn't a sturdy gate like the Codon Castle. It was a door made by overlapping thick planks and logs.

"Because we already have a siege weapon that will smash that level of thing."

"Pardon? What do you..."

"Might? Shall we show them?"

At Eugene's low whisper, Might raised its front hooves high.

Because it was such a massive beast, for a moment, the surrounding subordinates felt an imposing pressure as if a towering mountain was rising.

As the two front hooves slammed the ground strongly, the beards of the dwarves trembled vividly. They truly felt the immense power contained in the shockwave.

To think a walking mini battering ram was right beside them and they hadn't recognized it!

* * *

"Damn it! What are you all doing unable to even drop a single shoddy castle like this?"

"No, Captain... When have we ever built a battering ram before."

At the temper-throwing mercenary captain, his subordinates glared back as if dumbfounded.

Because clumsy mercenaries hurriedly improvised it, the impact force relative to the effort put in wasn't great. Its durability was also terrible, so while pounding, the wheel axle broke, forcing them to even hurriedly repair it.

"Captain! Another army is coming up!"

At the messenger's report, the mercenary captains furrowed their brows menacingly.

"Madison! What is he doing not blocking properly?"

There were more than a couple of people wanting to look good to the Apostle State. Naturally, the number of people jumping into this fight increased.

The number capable of participating in the castle attack is already sufficient as it is. They had to stop latecomers from cutting in and snatching slices of their glory.

Madison was the captain of the mercenary corps selected for such a role and stationed at the bottleneck. However, Madison felt it was unfair.

"Take a look at the army coming up right now before you blabber."

"Since they're guys coming up here anyway, it would be obvious so what..."

Pushing his subordinates aside and stepping out to a place with an open view, the mercenary captain rubbed his eyes as if in disbelief.

An army corps composed of dwarf warriors holding heavy hammers, heavy cavalry, and horse archers all carrying bows was coming up.

Every single one was an elite soldier, yet estimating their numbers safely exceeded 500. At their forefront, knights exuding a murderous momentum were approaching.

"I-is Count Bordeaux here too?"

"Isn't that gentleman down with a severe illness and heavily in the midst of a succession struggle?"

"And their relationship with the religious orders is extremely bad too... There's no way he was called here."

The mercenary captains thought of the most powerful lord in the vicinity, but no matter how they looked at it, it wasn't him.

"Where on earth did they appear from?"

Even for them who had rolled around the Appen Peninsula for a long time, it was an unprecedented flag and an unprecedented military force.

The commander of the suddenly appearing army was a strikingly young knight.

He gazed at the battering ram blocking the path to the gate. Several mercenaries were sticking to it and struggling to repair it with their clumsy dexterity.

"Clear it."

Immediately, the dwarf warriors stepped forward and dragged the battering ram away with powerful hands.

"Hey! What are you doing..."

A mercenary captain who reflexively tried to argue shut his mouth.

Dudududu!

Because a massive warhorse dashed forward with immense momentum.

"Wha-what is that?"

"It's a monster!"

Its speed was so fast that even the pirates atop the wooden fort were at the point of being unable to react.

In an instant, arriving in front of the wooden fort, Might then loaded all its power into its hind legs and kicked off the ground.

A dirt storm surged explosively, and the two front hooves like steel pillars smashed the gate.

Rumble!

With a thunderous noise, the shattered wooden gate bounced backward.

Two unlucky pirates in the path were struck and sent flying skipping like stones across water before smashing into the wall.

"Gurgle."

Looking at the corpse of their comrade who died spewing bloody foam, the pirates froze stiffly.

Even highly experienced veteran pirates forgot to issue orders to shoot arrows or block.

"Woooooooooooooo!"

A roar like thunder rang out, and the Hammer Brotherhood charged in through the wide-open entrance.

The other mercenary corps, who had been desperately trying hard while encircling it, were unable to step in or block them, and were just staring blankly.