Chapter 184

Chapter 184 - War of Wrath (1)

- Setting other things aside, precisely secure the magic books, items, and journals used by the two ringleaders. Covertly, so that useless rumors do not spread.

The search team faithfully carried out the order. The Orc priest's research notes secured in that manner continuously made Valda's golden eyes sparkle.

"Do you like it that much? It should be knowledge the exact opposite of the field Valda pursues."

"A magician is an existence living every moment in agony. Research notes like this are precisely those thoughts filtered through a sieve and brewed."

It's a book that looks ominous just by looking at it, but to a magician, it was something more precious than a thousand gold.

"Furthermore, a writing left by a wise monster. I would hardly enjoy the opportunity to see something like this even if I lived a whole lifetime."

As much as magicians are also human, the social phase or life the person in question belongs to also has a profound influence on their magic.

"The attainments of a magician unconstrained by morals and conscience in monster society. Thinking about it like this, it is indeed amazing."

"Right? If it went out to the magicians' market, bloodbaths would occur to occupy it among themselves."

"Rest assured. No ones would dare touch Countess Meyer."

Valda, who was meeting eyes with Eugene over the book, stealthily raised the book and covered her face.

A relationship where they even unsparingly revealed their most shameful places and mixed flesh. However, she still seemed shy towards things like this.

"By the way, looking at the records left by Ivar, that guy had almost no talent. It's called being partners, but most of what he could do was prepping ingredients or chores."

The covert records were full of jealousy and an inferiority complex, yet laments about his circumstances of having no other method.

"Yeah. Just looking at the roles, he was in a position no different from the Orc priest's disciple."

However, Raxar sincerely considered Ivar a friend. Because there was also a part where he researched how Ivar, who lacked talent, could hear the god's voice for his sake.

"For a guy like Ivar to flip through ancient books, feel some sort of guidance, and find a heretic scripture. Is that something possible by coincidence?"

"Originally it wouldn't be, but right now the times being what they are."

The era of spiritual high tide. Because it's an era closer to the other world, contacting gods which would originally be impossible became barely possible.

"Then wouldn't that book also be dangerous? I feel quite uncomfortable keeping it in the castle."

"I have no intention of keeping it either. Let's hand it over to Duke Marbas, and after he reads it all, let's offer it to the Goddess. Since this scripture is also an object containing the authority of another god."

Now, more than half of the Moving Castle's residents, including Cassandra, had become believers of Banas.

They are Dark Elves who lived nomadic lives and survived solely on their individual strength for a long time. It seemed they were extremely pleased to have an object they could spiritually rely on, whether in happy times or hard times.

At that time, shouts were heard from various places in the camp. The giant's corpse loaded on a large cart was exiting through the monastery entrance.

"If following the records, its name is Tyrant."

"Tyrant. Very appropriate."

The soldiers' reactions were a mixture of astonishment, fear, pride, confidence, etc. Regardless of status, murmuring did not cease.

"An Ogre!"

"No. The Sir Knights said it was a demonic beast summoned by evil heretics."

"But it doesn't look like a beast at all? Rather than that..."

"It feels very unpleasant because it's somewhat like a human."

What is certain is that the fear towards the upcoming battles was diluted from the faces of the soldiers brought by the vassals.

What is there to fear when the knights who took down such a terrifying demonic beast are together with them?

"His Excellency the Count was right."

The vassals who remained outside heard the testimony of the knights put into the operation and the heaviness of the Tyrant's corpse, and sighed.

- Is there a need for Your Excellency to personally step forward?

- Please ignore the nonsense spat out by the likes of Orcs.

Eugene had ignored the vassals' advice and forced the exploration personally.

It was fortunate that the strongest fighting forces went in fully prepared, but if they had sent a subjugation squad like usual, the participating knights would have all been massacred.

* * *

Because Tyrant also belonged to demonic beasts like the Wendigo, the corpse didn't have much use. However, the vassals competed to admonish preserving the corpse.

"The fact that you fulfilled the duty for Britannia's safety even during a civil war. This will be a great help in proving the legitimacy of the south and His Excellency the Count."

"There is no reason to refuse. Proceed as it is."

Moreover, because Tyrant was also a demonic beast, a magic stone existed inside its body.

Unlike the past wandering holding only Homi and Valda, right now there is no need to necessarily exchange it for money.

"Can I truly receive this precious thing."

Cassandra, who was granted Tyrant's magic stone, rejoiced sincerely.

"Thanks to you, officer, there wasn't a single time we wandered lost or got caught in a trap. Moreover, if you hadn't assassinated the Orc priest, that guy would have continually cast magic."

In outdoor operations without particular risk factors, sufficient enemy detection could be expected just from Homi's sense of smell.

However, once it became a full-scale indoor operation prepared by the enemies, the story was different.

Cassandra's exploration, having completed professional rogue training and even wielding a witch's mystery, was not at a level Homi could follow.

Thump thump.

Cassandra was at the point of feeling suffocated by the intense mystery felt from the magic stone. Even the magic stone the Wendigo harbored cannot be compared to this.

"Lord. Do you know why there are witches but no male equivalent?"

"I suppose there's a reason it's difficult for men to learn?"

Cassandra nodded her head.

"All magic starts from feeling and accepting mysteries with one's body. It is the reason why talent is absolutely necessary. However, witches can wield magic through effort even without talent. The secret to that is precisely this."

Cassandra's two hands gathered below her belly button, as if supporting her womb.

"A woman's body can accommodate 2 or more souls. Putting this another way..."

"I guess it's a story that accepting spiritual power from the other world is also more advantageous than men?"

Those lacking talent could make up for it with herbs, tattoos, dances containing shamanic power, etc.

"I like the Lord because you understand quickly. As expected, you are our comrade."

Cassandra smiled beamingly.

Eugene, having a witch mother, yet despite being male, also wielding the authority of a mighty other world himself. To witches like Cassandra, that was a point more interesting than anything else.

"This magic stone is a treasure where the energy of the other world is condensed. It will help me step into a new realm of power."

"Just like how Homi took power from a forest spirit."

Traversing walls and ceilings against Orcs, attacking three-dimensionally, and the god-possessed nimble movements that played with even Tyrant.

That contained the talent of a monkey riding tree branches and the agility of a mongoose hunting venomous snakes. It's thanks to inheriting the wisdom concentrated in nature over long years.

"So what power can you take with this magic stone?"

"It is difficult to be certain. The absolute majority of witches are in the position of poor and powerless weaklings. There are no records of having used such a rare treasure. I'll probably find out from now on."

Currently, living under Eugene's command had optimal conditions to research and accept such power.

"I will be looking forward to it. But I hope you absolutely do not do anything reckless."

"Of course. I have watched for a long time how much Marbas suffered."

To give a lesson to young ones, a negative example was more effective than a teacher. Because something like irreversible suffering can only be realized by experiencing it, whether directly or indirectly.

Marbas taught humility and caution to countless youths of the Blackhand Tribe just by his existence itself.

* * *

Meat was bestowed upon the soldiers to commemorate the victory. It was a possible thing since it was a march accompanied by livestock in the way of nomadic tribes.

Cooking oil playfully pours into large cauldrons big enough for about two people to dip their bodies in.

Pouring, pouring, and pouring more.

"Even just combining that oil, my 1-year salary would come out?"

Befitting an era lacking entertainment, there's no way mercenaries would miss such a spectacle.

When the cleanly skinned and then chopped mutton arrived contained in washbasins, everyone clapped.

"Now now, dropping the meat!"

Perhaps liking the audience's gazes, the head cook also appropriately responded.

The mutton slid down the side of the cauldron like riding a sled. Large lumps of meat easily weighing 4~5kg are enveloped in boiling oil.

Chwaaaaaaa!

Chiyaaaaaa!

A sound enchanting just by hearing it echoed through the camp. It was the first time for everyone seeing such large meat deep-fried in this much amount of oil.

They were joyful just from that sound and visual effect. It felt like feeling an orgasm through eyes and ears.

Moreover, there were also special menus Eugene ordered.

"Head Chef! Brought the potatoes cut large!"

"The chopped onions must have been coated in flour, right?"

"Yes! It's a menu His Excellency the Lord personally ordered after all."

Chiiiiiiii!

As vegetables were dropped into another oil cauldron, a savory smell powerfully wafted out. The watching mercenaries stamped their feet and cheered at a level close to half-madness.

"Excellency. I have never seen an army with morale this high."

Even the nobles, who would normally show a reaction of 'Noisy as expected of lowly folks.', all laughed as much as this time. It seemed they liked this united atmosphere.

"It's all things we do to eat and live, isn't it? Wherever it is, if meals come out well, the strength to endure strenuous work and frightening things is bound to arise."

Good food presents a feeling of being treated well to an organization's members. Even if it was a beggar-like daily routine, if the meal is delicious, the annoyance is diluted.

Meals were truly an important element. Especially if it's a place working with physical strength and morale like an army.

"Would you like to try a bite? I guarantee it, it will fit well even to a noble's palate."

"Uh, th-thank you."

Eugene picked up a freshly fried onion ring and put it into the vassal's mouth. Very carefully so as not to touch the stylish mustache.

The baron was flustered at the action he had never received even from his wife, but the opponent is the ruler of the South.

Crunch!

Moreover, this new food was truly amazing.

"...!"

At the taste of a new world spreading in his mouth, the baron's expression immediately became good. Since it was properly sprinkled with salt and pepper for treating nobles, the taste was even better.

"Will Your Excellency also partake?"

"You guys eat a lot. Because I ate it often normally."

When the vassals were tasting onion rings together with wine, a messenger came running.

"Excellency. An envoy has come from the Louis family of Barcia for the return of Duke Albert."

This was indeed news that stimulated Eugene's appetite.

* * *

"It is an honor to meet Britannia's greatest knight. Duke Louis has also always praised His Excellency Meyer."

An envoy with a pale complexion bowed politely.

"Barcia bastards saying such flattering words?"

The vassals whispered in surprise. Although all nobles are like that, it's because Barcians were especially renowned for being stuck-up.

For a Duke's envoy to say this, even as lip service, holds great meaning. It means they recognize Eugene's faction as a target they must truly be wary of.

"We thank you for treating Duke Albert politely with courtesy."

"I merely fulfilled my duty as a fellow noble. Since he is an educated knight, there was fun in sharing conversations or playing chess."

"Those words, I will definitely convey to Duke Louis. He will certainly be pleased."

Behind the envoy, slaves brought and set down boxes filled with gold coins.

Befitting the slaves of a Barcia noble family, they wore luxurious clothes and their behavior was dignified. They were existences providing blood to their masters, not just simply doing labor.

Just as all nobles covet gastronomy, Barcia's vampires also crave high-quality blood.

Therefore, the slaves thoroughly managed what they normally ate and drank, exercised regularly, and took herbal extracts that purified blood.

At this point, rather than slaves, they are closer to high-class servants or vassals. They were several notches above even the slaves of the Eastern Empire famous for good treatment.

For reference, the gastronomy Barcia nobles value the highest is appropriately tasting the blood of the enemy general after winning a battle. Although they mostly refrain from it since it's the worst humiliation for the opponent.

"Since the custom was carried out honorably, you may take Duke Albert."

Albert, having finished preparations to depart, paid his respects to Eugene. His injuries completely healed by the sincere treatment of the tribal witches.

"Duke Albert. You were an honorable noble. I will hope that if we meet again in the future, it will be a dignified head-on clash, not a night raid."

"I am thankful for the praise, but I will politely decline."

At Eugene's verbally uplifting words out of courtesy, Albert kept a straight face and waved his hand.

"Since I absolutely do not want to face Your Excellency on the battlefield."

Albert used to grumble every single day when he was first captured as a prisoner.

- I will request a duel with the Count!

- You cannot! You are the representative of the prisoners. Do you intend to insult Count Meyer's respect?

- Damn it! Of all things, to suffer a surprise attack after fighting those Gord bastards. If we had fought properly during the day, I wouldn't have lost like this!

No matter how much he thought about it, it was too bitterly resented.

However, as the time spent in Eugene's army lengthened, his pouting lips fully retreated.

Because the more he saw, whether in non-combat situations or combat situations, it was a ridiculously strong army. In particular, Eugene riding Might and swinging a giant axe was a monster itself.

- Excellency! There is no need for you to do such chores...

- It's dangerous so step aside.

Thwack!

Woodududu.

- I-It's falling!

During camping, the sight of huge trees falling in a row with one strike was to the point of being dumbfounding.

Looking at the Orcs placed in front of such an axe blade, even though they were monsters, he even felt a thought of pity.

From the abundant logistics and equipment system, to the perfectly angled drills, it was too far from the common sense army Albert knew.

The one who saw off the departing Albert was Mirana, the eldest daughter of the Harvester family, the great lord family of eastern Britannia.

"Albert. You absolutely have to give me a letter even after you return, okay?"

"If my father finds out I'm exchanging letters with a Britannia noble, he won't leave me alone."

"So you're not going to send one?"

"..."

In that time, whether they became close, they were even holding hands together. Eugene watched the two men and women and stroked Might.

"I wonder if the siblings who sent you to me are doing well? I'd like to meet them again."

The more he knew about Barcia nobles, only the evaluation of the siblings Marcus and Maria rose.

"What kind of expression would they make if they saw you now."

Grrrng-.

Might rubbed his cheek against his master's palm as if he wasn't interested.

* * *

[His Excellency the Count. We have recovered the fiefs of the Titus family and the Bymon family has also surrendered. Right now, we are heading towards the Killian family. As soon as the West is settled, we will send reinforcements.]

In the letter sent by Philip, the wailing sounds of the nobles were flowing out just from a glance.

Even wooden palisade castles are a blessing enjoyed only by nobles wealthy to some extent. Many lords lived in mansions towering tall amidst villages.

Of course, just with that, a lord is no different from a king in the manor. Since serfs eating grass porridge in shabby houses consider working at the splendid lord's manor as God's grace.

Philip, who secured food, attacked starting from such vassals.

In a situation without a single person to help, the only thing to rely on was a single garden fence. The lords came outside the manor and knelt begging for mercy.

Eugene's army, having completely sorted out the matters of the West, advanced towards the Center. Naturally, the Kruger family also didn't just spectate.

"They say a small-scale unit came down and advanced south, whether aiming to plunder."

"It seems they probably intended to induce agitation among the mobilized lords."

The vassals hearing the messenger's report let out chuckles.

- Wh-What the hell is that?! Why is something like that here?!

The central nobles who came down leading swift soldiers lost their words in front of the giant castle blocking the road.

Being already a chilly place with fierce winds blowing, taking up all the shadows, it felt even colder.

- Lord! The castle gate is opening!

- Retreat! Retreat!

There were also nobles who were pursued by the entirely cavalry inner-castle defense force and became prisoners.

Whenever such news was heard, the vassals laughed heartily and rejoiced. Because there were many grudges built up through large and small plunderings since the times of their ancestors.

Rather, rear disruption was being done by Eugene's army. The central nobles had achieved a great victory against the western army and even confiscated their food. Giving them peace of mind regarding that direction.

But out of nowhere, the southern army appearing in King's Field kept occupying the empty mid-western territories. At the news that their families were captured and their lord's manors were robbed, the Kruger family's vassals were greatly agitated.

On the other hand, the morale of the southern army, whose pockets even grew thick from easy plundering on successive victories, pierced the sky.

"Plundering is limited to the lord's manors. Do not touch the residents where no money would come out anyway even if you rob them. This is not a simple civil war. It is re-establishing Britannia's order under the names of Meyer and Philiamor."

Eugene controlled his command's nobles using his honor as the cause.

- Aigooo!

- I was blinded by wealth! Please, mercy...

A few disobedient mercenary captains received flogging and made wailing sounds, and a noble pressed by debt was banished from the mobilization and returned to his territory. The order became solid.

For Eugene too, this was quite a risky treatment. Because the right to plunder enemy territory during war is a custom even nobles cannot carelessly control.

It was a control possible because Eugene's authority had reached its peak and the supplies and meals were also abundant. The body of Tyrant displayed in the camp also played a big role.

"Excellency. Will there be a need to do this much?"

Hind asked cautiously.

When the vassals had agendas burdensome to speak directly to Eugene, they often conveyed it subtly through Hind.

Because he was Eugene's closest aide, a fellow human, and a knight with a noble mindset, he was the best messenger.

"It's all necessary work. Are the complaints big?"

"Not up to the point of being complaints, it's closer to worry. As they say, right now the soldiers are following well, but if the atmosphere becomes bad later, the accumulated hard feelings will burst out."

"It's not wrong."

Commands worse than this could be given in a situation where they keep winning and the atmosphere is good like now. But military strategy must always assume poor situations.

"However, I have no intention of changing the policy. Driving out the Kruger family and embracing the native nobles will be much harder than when we took the South."

"Since the central families are the nobles most deeply assimilated with the heterogeneous races from across the sea."

The circumstances will be different from the southern nobles who were smoothly integrated under Valda's bloodline and Eugene's cause.

"Nobles entangled by blood ties or vested interests don't easily come over just because I treat them with tolerance. Then I should at least gain the support of the commoners for the aftermath to be comfortable."

Eugene wasn't just refraining from plundering. He was subjugating bandits and monsters that ran rampant during the war, and also bestowing charity such as food. Under his name and flag.

- God's blessing will be with His Excellency!

Even the priests whose silver ritual implements and tableware were requisitioned wept and gave thanks to Eugene's donation.

"Bestowing mercy is a virtue, but what power would serfs and priests have? It's not like they are going to join Your Excellency's army and fight."

Hind's words were not wrong either. The master's actions were honorable, and the voices of praise coming up from everywhere made Hind proud. However, right now is wartime.

"I'm not hoping to the extent of them fighting for me. They wouldn't be helpful anyway. But when there are suspicious plots or army movements, they could at least inform on them to me."

"Ah, there would be that too."

"Because sometimes, one person's tongue decides the battlefield more than hundreds of soldiers. Tell me my ruling motto."

"Entrust them with the work they can do."

The words Eugene said like a habit were firmly engraved in Hind's mind.

"Excellent."

Eugene smiled brightly. Around the time this civil war ends, there would be several territories without masters arising in Britannia.

And Hind is a knight faithful to noblesse oblige to a rare degree. Through accompanying him thus far, he was refined into a noble perfectly fitting Eugene's taste.

Since Eugene has many places to rule and many places to roam, many trustworthy new families were needed in central Britannia. Hind was a man appropriate to stand at the forefront of that.

Perhaps if his father in Roman had heard Eugene's inner thoughts, he would have thrown his arms open to the sky and cheered hurrah.

* * *

Eugene's army, which had been chewing, biting, and tasting the masterless mid-west, slowly entered combat preparations.

"Engagements will start from here."

The vassal who is the chief of staff pointed at the map.

The main army led by King Kruger was in a standoff state with the army of the Harvester family, the great lord of the east.

A situation where Eugene hit their rear from the West via King's Field before they properly clashed.

If they tried to hastily turn their army around, Earl Harvester would not miss the opportunity. Because there is nothing as appetizing as hitting the rear of a retreating army in all ages and countries.

However, if Eugene enters further than this, King Kruger will also make a decision. Even if the agitation of his vassals over their territories being trampled grows larger, it's the same that the army would collapse either way.

"I will stand by here and watch the situation. There's probably no need to expend strength in advance. I will wait starting with the food the Harvester family promised."

"It is a wise judgment."

The vassals were relieved that Eugene was moving pragmatically without being swayed by hot-bloodedness or desire for merit.

Because he is so young and his valor on the battlefield is so great, they were worried he might command to advance out of the blue.

Eugene occupied and stayed at the lord's manor of a certain central noble who was mobilized and absent.

"Thank you."

Eugene grabbed the hand of Homi, who was taking off his armor, and put it to his cheek.

"How does such a soft hand produce that kind of destructive power?"

"..."

Homi's fists and kicks that smashed the Orcs' skulls were fearsome. Going beyond simply fighting well, she supported the knights by utilizing the combat space three-dimensionally.

The knights, who had been wondering why a beastman girl was Eugene's squire, treated her with respect right away at once.

However, despite her master's admiration, the person in question stealthily withdrew her hand.

"Are you shy about stone fists?"

At Eugene's surprised face, Homi gave a small nod. Having received the sunlight from the window behind the office, a red tint stood out on her healthy skin.

As Eugene's squire and first vassal, Homi is someone who pursued only diligence and competence. However, recently she had come to harbor an interest in feminine charm.

Following Eugene, who rose as the southern administrator, interacting with various noble ladies, and seeing Valda who became a new bride closely, she couldn't help but be influenced.

- Oh my! The dress suits you so well.

- ...

- Whose idea was the ribbon tied on your tail? His Excellency the Count? Really? Goodness! How delicate he is!

Fists that beat even monsters to death in one blow were far from femininity.

"Being strong is not something to be ashamed of. If they hear your heroic tales, the young ladies will probably look at you with sparkling eyes? The life of a noble lady is surprisingly boring, you know."

Moreover, Homi was even beautiful. A strong and beautiful person enthralls regardless of gender.

"You'd be surprised if you knew how much the young knights talk about you?"

Flap.

At Eugene's praise, Homi's fluffy tail jumped up.

"Other people's gazes don't matter. Just, if you would..."

With her eyes cast down, Homi's ending words were cut off caught by the one-a-day restriction. But even an idiot could know what the ending words were.

Within the warm sunlight. Ahead of a big battle, the knight and squire spent a peaceful time.