Chapter 197

Chapter 197 - Beyond the Ocean (4)

Yetis spend the winter half-hibernating when food is scarce. Being spring now, it is the season they wake from sleep and fill their bellies actively.

At this time, Eugene and the knights crashing in were disaster itself for the Yetis.

"It truly eats heartily."

Cassandra smiled watching Might tear and eat a Yeti corpse.

A World Charger is an existence simply beyond a fleet-footed fine horse. It makes the master riding on its back special.

Riding on top, you can look down on all existences on the battlefield. When chasing, no one can shake it off, and when intending to leave, no one can chase after it.

Cassandra, whose thirst for authority and power is great, felt a desire to possess Might as much as the Moving Castle.

Of course, she couldn't dare to covet Eugene's horse. Might wouldn't acknowledge any master other than him either. So she was satisfied enjoying it indirectly like this.

"It is truly convenient that Might is carnivorous."

"Because we can frugally dispose of wasted meats, it's good."

If one fights a war, one can get livestock corpses including warhorses, and if subjugating monsters, one can obtain the meat of the corresponding monster.

Sometimes during regular stationing, they release it telling it to hunt and eat on its own before returning.

The hunting method is simple and ignorant. Discovering prey from afar, it runs at top speed and rams it.

- Bang!

Individuals like Goblins, Orcs, wolves, deer, and wild boars die instantly just like that.

Since its mobility is so good, cases of it filling its belly 20~30km away and coming back were also common. Because to Might, that extent of distance was merely a stroll.

"It's a truly uniquely shaped earmuff."

"Since if it wraps my entire ear I wouldn't be able to hear sounds from afar."

The earmuffs worn by Cassandra and her special ops female warriors are custom items tailored for the Fairy tribe.

A structure that leaves the inside where sound gathers open while covering the rest. Since that is so, it became an exceedingly cute shape like the ears of an equine.

"You have a face anxious wanting to touch them, don't you?"

"I hid it in my own way but did it show."

Cassandra snorted and slyly tilted her head toward Eugene.

"The Lord is too unreserved with our ears. Originally, it's not a part to be touched carelessly even between friends."

"That's because everyone allows it like this, right?"

"..."

The adventurer, having checked the Yeti pelts, came to Eugene with an overwhelmed face.

"Everyone living in the area will praise Your Excellency's honor."

Just the Yeti pelts fluttering in the wind right now numbered 11. 5 were adults and 6 were calves or sub-adults that were in the nest they raided.

"For medium-sized monsters, they were gathered together too snugly. Thanks to that we ripped off a lot of pelts though."

"Because it is an exceptionally harsh land. Even this place is no different from heaven compared to the North. Because that place is truly nothing but ice."

"Meaning whether liked or hated, they have to live rubbing shoulders."

The adventurer nodded his head.

"Because there is plenty to eat in this vicinity, the monsters grew in physique and became strong in territorial disputes. The bastards inhabiting the upper regions cannot dare to set foot recklessly."

"Then are the surroundings safe now?"

Medium-sized monsters have a low number of individuals per area. If they swept away this many, peace will last a long time.

"Since you dried up the seeds of the Yetis in the vicinity, it should be peaceful for the next 2 years."

"Merely 2 years? That's too short."

"In a place where tigers disappeared, wouldn't foxes act as kings?"

As if comforting the dispirited Eugene, the adventurer added words.

"It will become much better than the times those Yetis ruled. Because the newly ascended monsters will be busy checking each other. The nobles will also be grateful."

"Come to think of it, you said you knew the lord nearby here?"

"He is of the incense-burner tribe like me. A person named Hakon, but since his personality is crazy for wealth, it will be easy to handle him."

Dog beastmen refer to themselves as the incense-burner tribe. Meaning 'those who find paths through smell'. Since the word dog has nuances like an underling, it's not a strange thing.

On the other hand, wolf or bear beastmen refer to themselves just as they are. Because they became a pride as they are beasts of prey also frequently used on the flags of noble families.

Eugene's envoys finished preparations for departure. Since it's a place difficult to operate horses, special mounts were prepared.

Namely, War Goats.

The War Goat offspring captured alive in the Gord Shield Mountains grew terrifyingly. Even though they just shed their juvenile state, they reached a level where a person could ride them around.

Their horns were splendid like a megaloceros and white fur 1m long hung down like a waterfall on their jaws.

Lifting their heads high in that state, that appearance looked exceedingly haughty. For a monster, they even looked like scholars with strong pride.

"You have to pay for the meals fed and raised all this time, right?"

When Eugene lightly pressed the horns, the War Goat bleated pleasantly. Because they are horns in the midst of growing, their roots tickled, and when Eugene stimulated them it felt truly refreshing.

"Homi. I'll leave it to you. Squeeze them tight so these bastards can't run wild."

Homi, included in the envoy group, nodded her head.

Even though they were tamed, monsters are monsters. The disciplinarian of beasts, Homi, had to accompany to control 100%.

* * *

Including Hakon, the majority of the people in his fief are dog beastmen.

Since it's harsh weather, not having sweat pores and possessing a double coat is a great strength. Unlike humans, they can survive consuming only meat excluding grains.

Thanks to that, they succeeded in forming their own force in the Southeast where it is hard to grow crops.

"Walwal-!"

"Be quiet, you mutts! We're not going to play right now!"

At Hakon's roar, the dogs pulling the sled immediately shut their mouths.

In the Southwest where there are pastures albeit small and farming is possible, one can occasionally see horses. However, in Hakon's land, dog sleds are the root of transportation.

True to their relationship split off from a common ancestor, even more detailed commands than humans were possible.

When the sturdily deployed Dwarven army came into view, Hakon grit his teeth.

"Don't tell me you came to conquer this place?"

"No, Chief. Among the many places to do, would they bring a large army to eat this kind of shit land?""What did you just say?""O-Oh no. So what I mean... hehe."

At the Chief's murderous glare, the subordinate scratched his head awkwardly.

The army Eugene brought was about 700 men, but in the Land of Snow, this is also a massive military force. Let alone not being half-baked bastards either, but a heavily armed Dwarven army.

"Even if they search here, they won't even get the labor costs for those bastards."

An army costs money just by its existence. Let alone this place is a place depending 100% on local supply.

With a single misstep, it's a dangerous region where non-combat losses could occur in droves. He couldn't understand at all the reason for leading such elite troops.

"Chief, make a decision quickly!"

"We must send a request for assistance to nearby lords before it's too late!"

The subordinates seemed to have already considered that the opponent had the purpose of invasion.

"Do not act rashly. The opponent is Dwarves, I say. They are bastards who smash and occupy even castles built with stone. And you want to make my manor a battlefield?"

Even if they call the lords, a fight will break out in Hakon's fief, which is the front line anyway. If that happens, regardless of whether they win or lose, the future waiting is only destruction.

At that time, a rosy color returned to Hakon's face seeing the army's flags.

"Look at that. Aren't they holding multiple white flags?"

"I-It's really true?"

"This is not the time for this. You quickly go back and prepare to welcome the guests..."

That moment, both Hakon and his subordinates stiffened their faces. They realized that what the stranger's army was holding were not white flags.

"I-Isn't that a Yeti?"

"My goodness!"

The white objects hung on poles and fluttering in the wind were Yeti pelts.

At that sight, the snouts of the dissatisfied subordinates went right in. Because trying to fight an army that butchered Yetis like that is an act of madness.

"Hey, you idiot! Why didn't you report that?"

Hakon pressed the butler. In an emergency situation like now, even a single trivial piece of information was important.

"If I had said it, would you have believed me?"

"..."

Honestly, he had nothing to say.

At that time, the envoys approached. Hakon urgently restrained his subordinates who were trying to draw their weapons at the pressure given by the War Goats.

"I-I am Chief Hakon, who rules this region."

Normally the outsider introduces themselves first, but that is a story when mutual strength is similar. Hakon responded politely so the opponent wouldn't unreasonably pick a fault.

"Count Meyer came to this land with a peaceful purpose. As proof of that, he subjugated the evil Yetis threatening the area."

Behind Hakon, murmuring of 'It really was Yetis!' was heard.

"We wish to obtain food and information. If the Chief welcomes us as guests, we too will do our courtesy as guests."

It meant they wouldn't cause harm if the custom of hospitality was honored.

"Count Meyer!"

"Oh, do you know our lord?"

"I earn a living through trade with Britannia, of course I know!"

'Even if half the rumors are true, he is a monster among monsters.'

Hakon knew well how the state of affairs of his trading partner rolled.

"I welcome the great warrior's arrival in the Land of Snow. Putting my family's name on the line, I will treat you!"

It is the moment the intangible power fame possesses is exerted. Just the name of Meyer made a lord of a distant foreign country decide on polite treatment.

The intent to act frivolously evaporating at Eugene's mightiness was one thing, but the reputation that he treats opponents with tolerance and fairness also gave great comfort.

* * *

"That guy is Hakon."

The warriors of the Land of Snow came out wearing the pelts of fierce beasts they had hunted all this time according to tradition. Because each of them was wearing wolf, seal, or bear heads like hats, they also looked like barbarians.

It is a tradition showing off, 'We have defeated this extent of enemies!'.

This wasn't simply ending at being cool, but also functioned as a tool mediating disputes between warriors.

They competed over which side caught fiercer beasts or monsters, and if they were of the same type, whose catch was larger in weight class.

As going to war is a luxury due to the barren environment, it is the result of a culture developing to settle victories and defeats in roundabout ways without crossing blades.

In Hakon's case, he possessed pelts recognized even in the area, but the opponent was bad.

"Heup!"

Because the Hydra armor worn by Eugene and his royal guard knights had no match in this kind of battle of nerves.

The aura of a tyrant dwelling in the viper pattern was incomparable to the wolves or bears they had caught.

"Chief Hakon. Thank you for the hospitable welcome."

"I only did what was natural. We must live helping each other in this barren land."

"You must have been greatly surprised at the sudden visit, but will you accept a gift of greeting coupled with an apology?"

Eugene received a Yeti pelt from Homi. Since its volume was so large, even a single pelt had to be folded 4 times and tied with a rope.

"Are you truly giving this precious thing?"

Hakon asked with a trembling voice.

A Yeti pelt this intact couldn't even be obtained by a Great Chief. If hung in the family's lobby, all visiting guests would send gazes of marvel.

"My army doesn't have a foundation in this region. I feel hesitant saying it's in exchange, but I hope you bestow favor with supplies and information."

Hakon promptly received the Yeti pelt from Eugene and nodded his head continuously.

"Count Meyer's grand name is famous even here. If I can treat you, it is indeed an honor for me."

Since it's a situation where he has to meekly give if the opponent tries to take by force anyway. If he can receive a gift and build friendship, there's nothing more left to wish for.

"However, may I just ask exactly one thing?"

When Hakon knew Eugene truly had no intent to fight, he carefully brought up words. There was a topic he was dying of curiosity about from the moment they met.

"Anything. Since you are the master and I am the guest, please ask comfortably."

"Just how on earth did you come down from the North? Above there is abandoned land and ships cannot be moored either. To think you brought not just one or two, but a military force of this size, how..."

Truth be told, he was more curious about this than them beating up over 10 Yetis.

* * *

A banquet was held in Hakon's fief.

Basically, he was treating, but Eugene also set the mood by bringing out wine and fruits he brought.

"Damn it. What is this sudden disaster on a banquet day?"

"They will leave portions for us too, right? They will, right? Please..."

When everyone was enjoying the banquet, the two unfortunate hunters selected by Hakon had to go on an exploration to the place where the Moving Castle was.

- Hearing a hundred times is not as good as seeing once. It's difficult to explain with words, so it's best to send fleet-footed hunters to make them see directly.

It was because Eugene answered as above to the question of how they came.

- The Chief too probably would have considered it an exaggeration if I said an army butchered dozens of Yetis before seeing it directly. The means by which I crossed over to this land goes one step further than that.

Even if he said he flew riding a magic castle, the people of the Land of Snow would consider it a lie. It was easier to just show them a castle sprouting in an empty place.

- Indeed! This too must be entertainment!

Perhaps Hakon also looked forward to the fun of waiting, he laughed readily and agreed.

"What I prepared is lacking, but please have a lot!"

Sizzle.

Large chunks of lean meat sizzled and cooked. Due to being a harsh region, despite treating precious guests, the menu wasn't as splendid as the continent.

However, if the main dish is a whale filling the dining table by itself, the story is different.

"S-So there was this kind of fish!"

"Strictly speaking, it's not a fish. Because it's a mammal that gives birth to young instead of eggs and nurses them. But Homi. Is it okay to waste a rare remark like this?"

But Homi didn't look like it was a waste at all. If it was the whale dish in front of her eyes, it had that much value.

"Yesterday we caught a baby whale, and this was all a revelation of god to treat precious guests. In particular, the boiled meat made from this guy's tongue is a delicacy only of this place. The place where mothers raise their young is the sea off the coast near here."

Boiled tongue meat was placed only in front of Hakon and Eugene sitting at the joint seat of honor.

Rex and Valda, etc. were waiting in the Moving Castle. Since it was a land of exceedingly hostile environments, a competent commander had to remain to support in case of emergency.

Hakon's vassals and Eugene's knights, sitting in a line on the left and right respectively, picked up their knives and forks.

"This is a man's meal."

They tore off a chunk of flesh one by one from the whale laid across the dining table and brought it to their plates. It was a wild yet enjoyable experience.

"But is it okay to catch the baby?"

"Is there any reason we shouldn't catch it?"

Hakon asked as if puzzled.

A little distance away, Cassandra was tasting a snow crab filled with roe.

'It's certainly a comfortable era for a gourmand.'

Since concepts like prohibited fishing seasons or protected species didn't exist, those in power could taste delicacies to their heart's content.

"What is the real reason a hero like the Count came to this desolate land? The achievement of catching so many Yetis is truly amazing, but you wouldn't have come a long way just for that."

"I came to this place wanting to find a painting."

"A painting...?"

It was a story Hakon couldn't even think of.

"Chief. I am certain that far away to the West, there is another continent. I heard the explorers of the Land of Snow bravely challenged beyond the ocean since the past."

"There's nothing as strong as the heart of parents wanting to pass down warm and fertile land to their children. The souls of countless heroes sleep beneath that cold sea."

Throughout the banquet, Eugene praised the pride of the ancestors of the Land of Snow.

Since the sweetness provided by the Morad family's wine was even added, goodwill toward Eugene welled up in Hakon too.

"With that long history, someone must have been there. Is there perhaps anyone who came back drawing a painting of that place? If there is, I intend to pay a fair price and purchase it."

"Uh, that's..."

Hakon seemed to know something, but he showed signs of hesitation.

"There are too many fakes for that kind of product, you see."

If Eugene, having received a fake, got angry and went wild, a bloody wind might blow. However, Eugene nodded his head gently.

"Isn't that obvious? To find a single gold mine, one must search 100 useless caves."

"Then go to Dry City. It is the only port city in the South. Those who challenged beyond the ocean in the past always left through that place and returned through that place."

Hakon, his mind at ease, laid out the story.

Like that, the banquet was successful. He obtained sufficient supplies and also heard this and that about recent surrounding trends.

Eugene, who obtained more than he expected initially, gifted pepper, silk clothes, and 2 barrels of wine. Hakon also, though falling short, did his best to repay with a corresponding gift.

* * *

Afterwards, the journey marching to Dry City was smooth.

"It's rewarding to have caught the Yetis."

Eugene looked at the Yeti pelts hung on the poles with a pleased smile.

Since an oddly heterogeneous army was traversing the Land of Snow out of nowhere, the panic of the lords along the route was inevitable.

However, no one abandoned their fief and ran away or locked their gates and hid.

- To think it's an army that butchered Yeti bastards! We must treat them fittingly as benefactors of the region!

- If even Yetis were dragged here and caught like that, what use would it be if we hid?

Whether for positive or negative reasons, everyone came out cooperatively.

However, the closer they got to Dry City, the darker Eugene's complexion became. Because the more he talked with local lords, the smaller his hope for the painting of the new continent became.

"Those who set out to find a new sea route cannot go directly west from Dry City. Since if they do, they will enter the habitat of the Sea Serpent."

"Sea Serpent?"

"It's a bastard known as a descendant of sea dragons, and it's large enough to swallow a shark in one bite. Since our ancestors launched ships to the sea, those bastards have never granted passage even once."

The lords talked about various threats blocking the ocean.

"Then I guess we have to take a long detour to the south?"

"The south isn't safe either."

"Are there Sea Serpents there too?"

"No. There is a Mermaid habitat in the south. They bewitch sailors with songs, sink them in the water, and then eat them."

"..."

All sorts of dangers were lurking everywhere, such as Sea Serpent habitats, doldrums, Mermaid waters, Kraken haunts, etc.

Compared to this, the warm and isolated Mediterranean of the Apen Peninsula and the shallow North Sea near Britannia are akin to playgrounds.

"Would there indeed be a painting in Dry City? Hearing what the lords say, it's doubtful whether there are even people who properly reached the new continent."

It's exactly as Cassandra said.

Just crossing the ocean and coming back is also a tremendous thing, but there were too many obstructing elements.

- Still, the Mermaid waters are better than the Sea Serpent habitat. Because you just have to hire a deaf navigator and entrust him with the steering. It's safe if you just lock up the rest of the crew when passing by the Mermaid waters.

- That's interesting.

Since it was fun to listen to, could that be considered a comfort?