Chapter 152

Chapter 152 - A Millennium Plan (1)

As Eugene gave a look, subordinates removed the ropes.

"Eugene of the Meyer family. The commander who took charge of the left wing in this battle."

Truthfully, an introduction was unnecessary. As the sight of him running rampant on the battlefield was seen by all the nobles including the Count.

Above all else, there is Might. Like a crown symbolizing a king, this monster warhorse in itself is a symbol. Like an identification proving he is the leader of the army.

"Lord Count. You must speak..."

"Your Excellency Giovanni."

When no answer returned, the Sicilyn nobles rushed their Lord. Since the opponent showed goodwill, he ought to duly respond. Disregarding holding the power of life and death, it was respect toward the victor.

"The rightful ruler of Sicily, Count Giovanni."

The Count spoke biting his lip.

"It is regrettable to meet like this."

"If you were like that, shouldn't you have just not invaded from the beginning? After becoming the d... dog, no, sword of the religious orders and smashing everything to pieces, what are you saying!"

The Count barely managed to correct himself after almost calling him a dog of the religious orders. Though he had lived formidably like a king on the island, he was currently in a situation practically with his neck halfway hung on the gallows.

"Therefore, you shouldn't have provided the cause. The Blackhand Tribe under my protection was nearly annihilated due to the pirates."

When the story of pirates, the culprit of the entire situation, came out, the captured vassals frowned. Their suppressed anger was directing toward the Count, not Eugene.

"Do not think of backing out. Because I know everything about you trading maps and supplies, and even processing stolen goods. Truly amazing. You probably aren't even that intimate with your spouse."

"Goddammit."

The Count muttered quietly. He could protest as much as he wanted against the false charge of heathen worship, but colluding with pirates had evidence far too clear.

Just then, beastmen male and female servants came out from the castle. Carrying trays containing large water pitchers and glass cups.

"It was a turbulent day, no? Everyone must be severely thirsty, so quench your throats first."

Glug, glug, glug.

At the scent of white wine filling up with a golden hue, the nobles licked their parched lips. Suffering a major defeat on the battlefield and fleeing frantically, their appearances were a mess.

There is no need to decline such goodwill. Since treating and being treated between nobles whether winning or losing is a natural occurrence.

Glasses tilted from all directions.

Gulp, gulp.

The sounds of Adam's apples swallowing rang out loudly hither and thither. At the pleasure tasted for the first time after suffering all day, the corners of the nobles' eyes trembled slightly.

Due to limits in preservation technology, the baseline for wine in this era is red wine. Being able to taste easily oxidized white wine intact is a difficult matter even for kings.

The nobles hadn't even imagined tasting a luxury hard to enjoy even staying in their respective territories on a battlefield like this.

"Would you like more?"

"Th, thank you."

To a noble regretfully holding an empty glass, Eugene personally brought a bottle and poured him some.

Nobles are not fools. The calculation on what destiny awaits the Count was already finished. Up to the point where the knight before their eyes who led a mighty army would rise as the new ruler on this island.

"Could I receive another glass as well?"

"As much as you desire."

Consequently, they split into factions: nobles smacking their lips and reading the room, and nobles willingly extending their glasses. The latter visibly had many martial boneheads.

In the meantime, the main force and reserve forces shared stories regarding their respective victories. The majority was exchanging congratulations, but slight troubles also occurred.

"Mother, you came out too?"

"Our daughter-in-law is going out to fight, would I stay put quietly inside the house?"

"But you aren't even a target for draft."

"Do you not remember riding a horse and shooting a bow catching meat to feed the grandchildren just last week? I recall catching more than you."

A flustered young man and a middle-aged woman placing both hands on her hips. They definitely possessed enough age difference to be felt as a mother-son relationship.

However, that wasn't due to wrinkles. Befitting their renowned reputation as the race of beauty, Dark Elves do not sadly wither like humans.

It's a feeling like an exuberantly bloomed bright red rose ripening into a purplish black rose.

Like a mother's velvet coat carefully hung inside a closet, you could say. Where the fabric is fine and a calming scent wafts out gently.

A gaze harboring countless stories. A figure that, despite standing side-by-side with a robust youth twice as thick as herself, seemed more fitting to embrace him rather than being embraced.

'Is this what aging gracefully is?'

Due to racial characteristics they must have seen a lot of sunlight and suffered many hardships, but sure enough, elves are elves.

"To mobilize the elderly and women. Just what sweet things did the Apostle State bastards promise you?"

The Count of Sicily, looking around with a trembling drained glass. The Count had also mobilized conscripts, but it centered strictly around prime-aged young men.

Glug, glug, glug.

Eugene smiled softly and filled the Count's glass with white wine.

"Doesn't it look nice? Seeing all family members gather together feels more like a festival than a battlefield. Furthermore, you must have felt properly through your skin that each and every one of them is an excellent warrior, right?"

"..."

The Count of Sicily closed his mouth. Actually, the combat power of those who sortied from the castle was fierce.

Knowing exactly what being taken prisoner here meant, the Count and his vassals violently resisted, but were subdued in an instant.

Surrounded before they realized and struck by arrows from all directions, they were reduced to powder as the Dwarven shield formation charged in.

"Count. Do not judge from your standard of leading a flock of sheep. Somewhere in the world exists a shepherd leading lions too. If you touch a pride, everyone excluding the cubs springs out. Whether young or aged, claws and teeth are sharp. Easily enough to tear apart something like wolves."

The lives of Dark Elves within the Moving Castle are like an eternally continuing family gathering.

Countless elders, uncles, aunts, siblings, and cousins interact endlessly.

Being a culture with high fertility rates, sisters who became mothers wet-nursing their nieces or nephews is not an uncommon sight.

Children learn writing and etiquette from their grandfathers and grandmothers strictly from a young age. Thanks to that, they are also the unique mercenary corps where every member can read text.

They learn love and how to manage the family from mothers and aunts, and learn how to fight and valor from fathers and uncles.

Extended family.

From Eugene's perspective, the ones who forged that concept into the most radiant and beautiful form in the world is the Blackhand Tribe.

"Isn't it truly dazzling?"

"I only see murderous knife-ears."

Eugene paid no mind even at the Count of Sicily's vile curse.

"Oh my. If you get to know them, they are individuals overflowing with aegyo and so cute."

"Crazy bastard."

Eugene's gaze viewing the Blackhand Tribe is warm beyond comparison.

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

Words the Moving Castle whispered to Eugene sometime in the past. However, much like the Dark Elves being bound to the castle, Eugene was also being captivated by them.

- Grandfather!

- Ho ho ho. Grandfather's back will get hurt if you jump at me like that.

- Uwuup!

- Our new daughter-in-law's morning sickness is too severe.

- It, it's fine, Mother. It got a lot better after drinking the medicine Canna made. It seems she's diligently learning from Valda saying she'll become a witch.

- We greet the Lord!

- Sorry for intruding. You looked so joyous passing by, I thought I'd watch a bit...

- Not at all! If you are fine with it, would you like to come in for a moment? We will serve you our Paulson family's 500-year traditional tea.

- Oh!

- And while you're at it, if you could please bestow a name for our youngest grandchild too... ho ho ho!

Recalling a single joyful memory, Eugene raised the glass containing white wine toward his army.

The harmonious daily lives encountered every day within the castle. Hoping that will continue surrounding him going forward as well.

The Sicilyn expedition was the second button to solidify that.

"Count. I have no personal feelings. But for the sake of myself and my beloved family members, I need you to exit from history. Just as you sought profit holding hands with pirates, I merely held hands with the religious orders."

Eugene put the struggling Count of Sicily onto a prisoner transport carriage.

* * *

"It seems certain that the gods' protection is with you. For this expedition as well, and your martial fortune as well, Sir."

The expeditionary force commander Cain smiled satisfyingly at the sight of the captured Count.

Even though bandages wrapped tightly here and there around his body were soaking in blood, he paid it no mind, joyous at the result before his eyes.

"What will happen to the Count?"

"He will be hauled to New Canaan to stand a religious trial. Whatever verdict comes out, he won't be able to step on this island ever again."

"And his family? From what I heard, I know he has two daughters."

"After vowing to renounce succession rights before the gods, they will be sent to a nunnery."

Befitting the Apostle State, an alliance of multiple religious orders, various options were possible in these areas.

"Since you are a noble as well, Sir Eugene, you will understand. Having been born a noble and lived treated as a noble, fulfilling the family's responsibilities is an unavoidable law."

"Considering the blood shed by the peninsula's people, it's quite a merciful treatment."

With even the false charge of heathen worship pinned on top of colluding with pirates, he expected radical punishment, but it was surprisingly moderate.

Perhaps having read Eugene's expression, Cain let out a bitter smile.

"What happens when one only wields power without tolerance when carving out a new land? We have learned that sufficiently. Since we were chased out failing to maintain the holy land in the East after reclaiming it in the past. We will not repeat a mistake twice."

"It is a wise judgment. Because rebellions would break out everywhere if you did."

Being the Apostle State where multiple faiths fused, the failures experienced so far were diverse as well. Thanks to that, they were much more strategic than the image of a medieval religious group Eugene vaguely possessed.

"Then what is left is the disposal of the remnants."

They crushed the enemy's main force and captured the boss and high nobles, but it wasn't the end yet.

They had to appease those reading the room, and conquer loyalists resisting to the bitter end even if it meant waging siege warfare.

"The Apostle State is organizing additional reinforcement units. Because there are so many volunteers, we even have to weed them out to select."

Since the biggest threat was heavily damaged, the work left to do from now on was closer to pulling somewhat annoying weeds. On top of that, many among the mercenary captains and nobles who handled the right wing died in battle.

With low danger but sweet rewards, there wasn't just one or two people trying to participate.

* * *

Thus the Count of Sicily was transported across the sea under guard. However, the captured nobles were Eugene's property.

Envoys flocked to pay their ransoms. Commuting gathered in threes and fives, they discussed the upcoming future throughout.

"It is said a newly dispatched Bishop-Count will rule the Count's home castle. But the true power..."

Unless one is an idiot, anyone can tell it's Eugene. He was a target they had to be much warier of compared to monks who are replaced with a term limit.

"You mean that mercenary captain bastard who will soon become a Viscount?"

"Watch your mouth. What if someone hears."

When a merchant family noble grumbled, a knight family noble placated him.

Aside from those who came to pay ransom, there are also those who came just to greet in order to form a friendly relationship with the new conqueror. If they snitched, they would catch hell.

"It's not like I'm saying anything wrong, so why? Isn't it a situation where a knight without a single title dragged mercenaries here and is about to swallow the island? Aren't you displeased that Sicily with its deep history is being occupied by a horde of bandits?"

"You're only saying that because you weren't on the battlefield."

"Are you insulting me right now?"

Harsh words popped out from an inferiority complex of subtly being looked down upon as a merchant family in a macho noble society.

"Are my words wrong? Honestly, I dislike you blathering on when you haven't even swung a sword once by the Count's side."

"What's with the talk when you hurriedly ran away while the Count was getting captured..."

The two nobles flared up at each other and began arguing.

"If you saw how that knight fights, such bullshit wouldn't come out! Every time his arm swung, a black storm raged and knights were smashed to pi... huh?"

"Oh..."

The fight between the two halted at the sight of a massive castle revealing its figure from afar. So did the other envoys nearby staring with their mouths gaped open.

"There really is a castle?"

"I thought it was an exaggerated story referring to the garrison's tents being large."

"My goodness! How does a rock lump like that supposedly move?"

"..."

The merchant noble who was cursing Eugene just a moment ago shut his mouth.

A magical castle towering like a mirage upon the desolate land. Looking at that, words like 'a rootless mercenary captain' simply couldn't come out.

Matching the tale of a hero acknowledged as king after pulling the holy sword from the lake. That massive castle was bestowing the authority and legitimacy as a ruler to its master.

* * *

"Welcome."

Eugene cordially welcomed them all.

He expected hostile reactions as he was an invader, but most came in looking around hither and thither with wide eyes. Because wonderment swallowed all other emotions.

Valda giggled covering her mouth.

"What did I tell you? Stripped bare, nobles are no different from commoners. That's why they obsess over blue blood, complex etiquette, aristocratic speech and such."

"In some aspects, they seem like individuals weaker to mystery than anyone else. Almost seemingly worse than farmers or mercenaries."

Among them, there are envoys who visited harboring genuine goodwill.

"A pirate bastards' hideout, you say?"

"It's here. Unsold stolen goods will also likely be hidden."

A certain envoy pointed at several locations on a map with his finger.

"I appreciate it, but why are you informing me? Do you not hate me?"

"Watching all sorts of scoundrels like pirates and smugglers coming and going in this land was an eyesore. Even though I offered loyal advice, the Count ignored it..."

Nobles of upright character acted favorably toward Eugene during individual meetings. They were in a state of fury over drawing in the East Empire's foreign power, not to mention pirates.

Thanks to that, the banquet atmosphere was excellent overall. Preparing foods matching Sicilyn methods took major effect as well.

"So that's why they looked for chefs so much in Messina Port..."

"Conversation flows smoothly only when the tongue is satisfied, after all. Wouldn't it be better to treat them according to their own methods?"

Various fruit and fish dishes, pickled meats and seafood soups, and types of fried foods were splendidly set at the banquet hall.

In some aspects, it was similar to what was eaten in Trifold of Samur, but possessed the difference of having noodle dishes and fried squid(!).

Valda particularly fancied pasta among the various dishes.

"You just twirl it round and round like that."

"It's somewhat fun."

Valda holding a fork and winding the noodles giggled.

"If you wind too much it'll be hard to put in your mouth in one bite, you know?"

"Ah!"

Forks used in this era have two prongs, but the ones set at the banquet hall had four prongs. Eugene specially requested Walker and his apprentices to make them.

"However, is it fine for me to sit next to you? For an official event like this..."

Valda sitting next to Eugene looked around slightly feeling burdened.

The serving beastmen maids, guards, and the hundred-commanders sharing the table bore faces acting as if it were obvious.

However, the invited Sicilyn nobles stole glances at Valda harboring curiosity from everywhere.

"She's an astonishing beauty just as heard. The King of Roman's desperate attempts to invite her wasn't solely because of her skills."

"By the way, the Lord... she should still be single."

Every time such whispers were heard, her long ears twitched.

"When I am absent in the future, Valda will have to proceed with major and minor affairs and greet outsiders. To do that, you need to show your face in advance."

Under Eugene's command, there were many trustworthy subordinates regarding loyalty and strength. However, the only one he could entrust dealing with nobles with peace of mind was ultimately Valda.

"To think I'd be handling such a position right up until I stepped out of the Emerald Forest."

"Oh my. It seems I couldn't give you that much trust at the time."

"Th, that's not what I meant."

"The food will get cold. Hurry and eat."

"...Okay."

As the banquet's atmosphere ripened, Eugene conversed with the envoys one by one.

"Mantra family, correct?"

"Yes. Your Excellency."

"Your Excellency... I still don't have a noble title."

"As someone who will soon form an axis of this island, what's the problem calling you Your Excellency in advance? Furthermore, this castle itself is already equivalent to a single title. The title of the ancient kingdom's final treasure is truly fitting. I feel genuinely enlightened today."

"I'm only delighted you welcome me like this. I am still single, but if I hold a wedding later, I shall definitely invite your family."

"Thank you! Though lacking, I will definitely participate and brighten the occasion!"

First-come, first-served was a rule applicable anywhere. The envoys staring with faces like 'Ah, that's a bit much' also slowly started showing urgency rising in their expressions.

"Arlington family, yes?"

"It is an honor you recognize us."

A man with a sword scar on his cheek stood up. Each envoy wore a crest symbolizing their family on their chest.

The head of the Arlington family barely succeeded in escaping, but vassal knights trying to buy time were captured.

"I heard it's a recognized knight family even in Sicily."

"Compared to the Lord, no, Your Excellency's renowned reputation, we are merely ashamed."

"Do not act humble. Because it's one of the flags that distinctly caught my eye in this battle. You fought truly bravely."

As Eugene gestured, a Dark Elf maid brought a cleanly wiped sword and scabbard resting on silk. The sword the Arlington family head dropped, being the family's sacred article and a master sword forged by Dwarves.

"Take it. I am returning it as meaning to praise your family's valor."

"...Thank you."

The Arlington family's envoy carefully received the sword.

The already favorable knight family envoys nodded their heads with touched faces.

Because they were tense hearing an arrogant conqueror from Roman came, but he was a monarch infinitely more generous and warm than imagined.

As the mood ripened, wine of the Morad family saved for a time like this poured out, and the banquet concluded successfully.

* * *

"You are extremely skilled. Such an experience must be your first time."

"Because there is no need to rule the entire island. I only need to manage my share of the 3 cities well. Since I don't have to encompass all the nobles, what would be difficult about it?"

Being good to everyone is what's difficult; choosing and focusing simplifies the story.

Because especially the knight family envoys acted favorably, untangling the relationships revolving around them made things easy.

However, not everything resolved perfectly.

"A surrender envoy also arrived from the city of Palermo. But it seems the city of Titania intends to resist."

It was a port city built below a volcano in the southeast of Sicily floating island.

"That's a place where the Count of Sicily's younger brother went to as acting Lord, I suppose. I heard he was the one taking charge of trading the stolen goods and slaves pirates plundered."

"There is a reason for them to resist risking their lives."

Middle managers receiving harsher punishment than high-ranking figures was the same then and now.

Much less not even possessing a title like Count of Sicily, yet he was the one who dirtied his hands the most. If caught by the Apostle State and put to trial, the possibility of preserving his life was low.

"I was slowly wanting to go on my own path, so it worked out well."

It's not bad to have a good relationship with the Apostle State, but being too attached is troublesome too.

In the midst of that, a siege war against a city was a perfectly suitable justification.

"My Lord! Just trust us!"

Rex shouted thumping his chest.

"Do you knife-ears even know what siege warfare is?"

Rampage thumped his chest harder as if not wanting to lose.

"The castles we have captured number over 10. Do not treat us identically to pale weaklings. Because we captured Duncan Castle in just 1 week too."

"Ah, that was famous. Setting fire to the forest behind it and invading while the garrison suffocated from smoke."

Eugene, who was intending to stop them, shrugged his shoulders at the sight of the two races reconciling on their own. Nothing was more convenient than a common enemy to attach the constantly bickering two together.