Chapter 214

Chapter 214 - Great Return

Even nobles without blood ties or regional ties have an interest tying them together into one, and that is a sense of privilege.

Nobles are rulers.

Anyone else is someone who serves the nobles.

All nobles consider this a matter of course. Like a natural providence bestowed upon themselves, with blue blood flowing, by god and the world.

Therefore, when inferiors challenge the authority of nobles, they harbor a sense of solidarity transcending interests.

Because if they leave it be when another noble's rights are encroached upon, that aftermath could someday reach themselves as well.

Because it's Eugene, highly renowned for his noble honorableness, the envoys thought he would take the lead and help with the suppression, but the result was the opposite.

"Because we engaged in pitched battles consecutively during the civil war, there is a lot of broken equipment. You know as well that we fought while doing a concert tour spanning the south, west, center, and east, don't you?"

There were truly many excuses Eugene could make.

'Because we fought so much helping you guys, our shields and weapons are all rags.'

What can one protest against a Great Lord speaking like this?

"I know there are quite a few among the free knights who want to participate in suppressing the rebellion, so how about using them?"

"E-Excellency! My master is already heavily indebted from the civil war and the crop yields are also a mess. On top of that, it's a situation where we incurred additional debt to hire mercenaries."

The envoys are not saying this meaning they are afraid of incurring more debt.

Because in a situation where the Lord has weakened and is pressed for help, if external knights are called in, controlling them becomes too difficult.

To put it bluntly, mercenaries can just moderately abuse power, underpay wages, and potentially pocket the money if push comes to shove. However, if they did that against knights, the Lord's side could experience a harsh taste.

"Commander. Doesn't it seem those jackal-like guys are pestering too much?"

"Hmm."

Two Dwarves who noticed their Liege Lord's annoyed expression exchanged glances.

"Excellency! We know you have already bestowed too many graces, but p... Hiik!"

"Uwaaah! Get out of the waaaaay!"

A Dwarf riding a Vertigo rushed towards the direction where the envoys were, shouting as if he had lost control.

Though slower than a horse, a heavy weight that a horse cannot imitate! The envoys were frightened out of their wits by the majesty of the giant pangolins charging with thumping sounds.

The interview ended like that.

"These damn it! Because of you guys, an accident almost happened?! Until when are you going to interfere with training?"

"Enough. What disrespect to guests who visited during hard times?"

"We are sorry! Excellency!"

"Return and focus on training."

Unlike his words, the envoys also felt something from Eugene, who didn't even give a trivial punishment like probation. They already noticed the South's master's lackluster enthusiasm and found it difficult to cling on further.

If by any chance they incur Eugene's hatred while doing so, it doesn't end merely as a failure to request help. Since it means causing a diplomatic accident their own necks wouldn't be able to handle.

Envoys meeting other southern nobles were experiencing similar things.

Free knights who lack skill, are rough, or are greedy. Small and medium-sized nobles with various miscellaneous demands.

Instead of the tiger they desperately wanted, they had no choice but to bow and humbly bring back even packs of wild dogs.

* * *

While the Vagrant Castle sucked up supplies from Haven, Eugene focused on Armored Cavalry training.

"We will definitely ride on top of these fellas and return to our hometown majestically!"

"As you guys desire."

An honor that cannot be converted into money. An honor that would make even any achievements built up by seniors engaging in the mercenary business for generations shrink.

Delaying the schedule a bit to uphold the face of his loyal subordinates is nothing.

The Dwarf riders, selected through strict screening, drew the envy of the entire Hammer Brotherhood. They devoted themselves to training diligently on the plains in front of the Shadow Garden.

The reason this place was selected as the location is so they can immediately receive the best medical treatment when an accident occurs.

"So what should I call you guys? I'm going to classify your organization as a special branch called armored, though."

It was a unit too heterogeneous to tie up as one with heavy cavalry.

"It is right for Your Excellency to name something like this."

"Mmph mmph!"

"Heuu-eump!"

Dwarves who seemingly wanted to say something desperately were dragged away with their mouths covered by other Dwarves.

"We ask for a special name. Isn't it a cavalry unit the only one of its kind in the world?"

"Actually, there is one I had in mind. How about Stone Cavalry?"

Rampage and the centurions stroked their beards and called it out repeatedly.

"Stone Cavalry... Stone Cavalry, huh."

"Ooh! That's a name that looks incredibly sturdy somehow."

Looking at their expressions, it seems they like it.

"Charge, breakthrough, crash, clash (The Korean word 'stone' is included in these words). It's a name included in everything that smashes and destroys. Isn't it a name fitting for you guys who will become the strongest shock cavalry?"

"It truly is. It's simple yet good."

"The armor of the Vertigos is like something carved from stone. Unlike other cavalry that become dangerous the moment they stop, you guys are like fortresses even while standing still. Are you not truly rock itself?"

Unanimous on the spot. Eugene's new branch was named Stone Cavalry.

* * *

Dudadadada!

Dodododo!

The sight of giant pangolins running was similar to hippos. A cute appearance unsuited to their bulk. Of course, thoughts would change if one gets hit by that.

"They are riding livestock only in name, their adaptation is much faster than I thought."

"Both the rider and the mount are close to the ground, so their balance is well-caught and there is little shaking."

Beside Eugene, Hind also watches with admiration. Cavalry is a branch where crash-course training is impossible, but that common sense was collapsing.

"Looks like a roly-poly toy that separated and reassembled. Upper body Dwarf and lower body Vertigo."

"Excellency. Please do not say that in front of them."

"Why? I think they'd rather be happy?"

"...That also seems likely."

Perhaps because it's their first time riding, there are riders who tilt, but there is almost no one who falls.

"Euheot!"

Even if they occasionally fall, the Vertigo's height is under 1m, and its speed is slower than a horse.

Roll roll roll-.

Due to the Dwarves' body type, they fall to the ground starting from their chubby sides and roll exactly as it is.

"No serious injuries will come out during training."

Eugene let out a chuckle at the sight of them brushing themselves off, getting up, and running back to the Vertigos. The medics who were about to rush out hurriedly also returned with awkward expressions.

As days passed, the Dwarves quickly became accustomed to armored training, and gradually those who used weapons also appeared.

At first, they used swords or spears, but what the Dwarves ultimately chose was, predictably, blunt weapons.

"You're going to try using flails?"

"Yes. We plan to try using long flails with both hands. Though we wouldn't dare reach Your Excellency's."

In mounted combat, even for knights, sword and shield or spear and shield are the basics. Cases of using two-handed weapons are not as many as one thinks.

"It is not that we are trying to live up to our name, nor are we trying to show foolhardy courage. It's because it's absolutely necessary. Because having a low center of gravity doesn't only have advantages."

"That is true. With a tall soldier, their eye level is practically at the same level as you guys."

The attack power of cavalry is partly due to the striking point, besides mobility.

The overhand attack of striking down a spear from above the head drew tremendous destructive power.

Being able to aim for armor weak points like shoulders, collarbones, or necks is also a big advantage.

However, Dwarf Stone Cavalry has difficulty seizing the striking point advantage against infantry. In a stationary state, it will all be blocked by shields guarding the front.

"Our arms are also short, so there is no answer with one-handed weapons. We must use polearms with both hands to properly act as cavalry."

"Because the armor is thick and the hit area is small, you're going to try omitting the shield?"

"We are thinking of using about a targe."

A shield attached to the arm is a defense method preferred by warriors using two-handed weapons.

"Seems alright."

The long flail is a weapon that matches well with Dwarf Stone Cavalry. First off, since it's a blunt weapon, it is familiar to the Hammer Brotherhood. The low striking point can also be supplemented with the characteristic of striking bypassing the shield.

"And there is one more thing we must show you. Garp!"

"I'm coming!"

At Rampage's call, a Stone Cavalryman ran over. What was held in the rider's hands was a Dwarven heavy crossbow used in siege warfare.

Shuwaak!

Thwack!

The steel bolt flying in with a sound piercing the air lodged deeply into a scarecrow set up in advance.

"Amazing. Handling not a light crossbow but a heavy crossbow in a mounted state is a difficult task."

It's the advantage provided by a low center of gravity and little shaking. Because even when running, a Vertigo always has 1 or 2 soles touching the ground.

"Hehehe. It's still early for you to be surprised."

"Hmm?"

The Dwarf Stone Cavalryman named Garp laid halfway on the Vertigo's back after firing.

If he was horseback riding, it would have been dangerous acrobatics, but with a stubby Dwarf lying on top of a giant pangolin, there is a sense of stability.

"Come to think of it, the saddle is also special."

"As expected, your perceptiveness is good."

Assuming lying down from the start, it's a special saddle extending to the back part of the Vertigo.

Garp lifted both feet and fixed them on the head of the heavy crossbow, then nimbly pulled the bowstring with both hands.

"This crazy!"

"Wahahaha!"

At Eugene's dumbfounded reaction, the Dwarves laughed satisfactorily. In the meantime, Garp, having finished loading, bent his waist and shot the scarecrow again with the back-shooting method (shooting while lying on one's back).

Shuk!

However, regrettably, due to lack of training in mounted archery, he missed.

"Hey you idiot!"

"You miss that? What kind of disgrace is this in front of His Excellency?"

"S-Sorry!"

As the centurions scolded in unison, Garp lost his spirit and shrunk back.

Actually, Garp is a sharpshooter acknowledged as a Snipe killer among the Dwarves.

However, being suddenly called in front of Eugene and ordered to do armored archery, it was natural to miss due to tension and inexperience.

"No. I'm sincerely impressed. To think you've reached this level when it hasn't even been that long since you started training. Truly amazing."

As Eugene clapped and continuously let out exclamations, the Dwarves also stopped nagging and felt proud.

"Actually, the reason we used heavy crossbows is also just in case. Although things are working out unbelievably well so far, since we have no actual combat experience."

"Since everything is for the first time, anything could happen."

"Charging with a Wah! right from the start and fighting on the front lines has too many variables. We'd like to first keep some distance, get used to the battlefield, and coordinate our teamwork with the Vertigos."

Dwarves may look reckless due to that honesty and sturdiness, but they are actually extremely intelligent people.

Whether rolling on the battlefield or working in the mines, they had to be able to calculate numerous numbers of cases. If they can't do that, they won't live long, whether dying at the hands of the enemy or suffering an accidental death.

"There's nothing more for me to intervene in this."

"Your Excellency's attention is always welcome. But we have waited for a day like today for generations of our ancestors."

Not only did they wait, but they have riddled it with all sorts of imaginations and delusions. From the point they obtained the Vertigos, hundreds of pages of training plans were already prepared.

"I will add as much budget for saddle and stirrup development as you want, so research to your heart's content."

"Thank you!"

Pangolins cannot use common horse tack due to their scales and the body type of Dwarves.

Moreover, considering the operation as heavy crossbow cavalry like just now, an even more special dedicated horse tack is needed.

As much as they are developing everything that didn't exist before anew, it will eat up time and money, but that is something fully worth bearing.

"The imbalance of shock cavalry force compared to horse archers was severe, but thanks to you guys, it will be resolved."

"...From now on we are also capable of being horse archers though?"

Rampage said looking at the Dark Elf cavalry helping with the training.

"Don't establish a sense of rivalry until a pleasant day like today."

"Ahem!"

Ever since using the back-shooting method with the heavy crossbow, he kind of got a feeling.

Apart from strengthening their capabilities as Stone Cavalry, the competitive psychology against Dark Elf horse archers also seems to have played a big part.

It's a relief that it's now a positive sense of rivalry somewhere between a love-hate relationship and friendship, though.

"Over there they are coming again!"

"It's because our kids are quite the gluttons."

Seeing the carts loaded full of sweet potatoes passing by in a line from a distance, the Dwarves smiled.

A merchant caravan that received Eugene's purchase order is currently going around the south and buying sweet potatoes in large quantities.

In the Vagrant Castle, there are refrigerators and freezers, and sweet potatoes have no toxicity even if they sprout, so mass storage was convenient.

For stable supply and demand, tenant farmers will also start sweet potato farming on the farmlands directly controlled by the Mayer family.

"Becoming a Great Lord is convenient in this aspect. Since I can establish a logistics line according to my conception."

"Excellency! We also ask for carrots. Perhaps because of the dry taste of sweet potatoes, when we mixed in a little carrot and fed them, the fellas liked it very much."

"Leave it to me."

For a topic that is smaller in build than horses, Vertigos eat at least 40% more.

It was a relief that there was no need to prepare hay separately and they drink little water.

However, unlike horses which can be locally supplied to some extent by letting them graze on grass, there is also the burden of having to airlift 100% of their feed.

"How should we plan the transport plan. We'll have to organize it separately from the feed for the horses pulling the wagons."

"We plan to organize the transport convoy into 3 groups. If it's a friendly territory, buying cows from farmers and using oxcarts is also..."

Hind showed the logistics plan he was holding to Eugene and entered into a discussion.

"..."

"..."

Glance.

Nod nod.

The Hammer Brotherhood stealthily slipped away.

Supply.

And more supply.

Fucking supply.

As the army becomes stronger and diversified, soldiers are guaranteed safety, but the Lord suffers headaches over the problem of feeding and clothing them.

The Dwarves, knowing how painful a matter that is, didn't want to get involved even a little. They just want to charge into the enemy camp on top of Vertigos and smash heads with hammers.

* * *

While Eugene strengthened the army, Valda was providing domestic support in her specialized field.

"To invite us to such a precious place!"

"I do not know what to do with my body at this underserved treatment."

Munch munch.

Yum yum.

Gathering the village chiefs, independent farmers, and merchants of the villages attached to Haven, a corn tasting event was held.

Simply steamed corn.

The flat cornbread tortillas eaten like staple food while staying in the Divide.

Corn soup boiled continuously dissolving cheese after turning it into powder.

A salad reinforcing the chewing texture by mixing corn kernels into mashed potatoes.

These are dishes that are simple yet can easily show off their potential.

When distributing a crop that didn't exist before, there are bound to be big and small troubles.

In the case of potatoes too, when they were first brought in from the Eastern Empire, they received tremendous exclusion saying it's an evil food eaten by pagans.

- It's a bug from under the ground that transformed!

- You're going to eat something that looks like leprosy? Stop it. You'll catch a disease.

Particularly, many fell ill after eating toxic sprouts, so grim rumors circulated.

Corn had a better appearance and cultivation method than potatoes, but naturally, there couldn't be no backlash.

"How are everyone's impressions? Even though lacking, I have demonstrated my skills."

"!!!"

"P-Princess, did you make this with your own hands?"

However, if the organizer is Valda, the story is different.

A highly renowned Forest Wizard even on the continent, and an Elf Princess of the 1st Era Royal Family.

Her authority is already at the momentum of piercing the sky, but with radiant beauty and a beautiful voice added, that persuasiveness was like magic.

Coincidentally, the color of corn is also similar to Valda's hair or eyes, creating synergy.

"Unlike potatoes, even though it was merely steamed, it has a savory taste!"

"If boiled with sugar water, corn alone becomes a delicious single meal. However, since we are discussing it as food for the commoners right now, I purposely didn't cook it like that."

"Indeed! Its appearance is a structure where sugar or seasoning will seep in well, Princess."

"...Countess is sufficient."

The merchants already seem to like it. When turned into powder, apart from potatoes or wheat, it is a crop that increases the diversity of taste.

It can exert broad marketability from poor commoners to mercenaries or nobles.

"You say it only grows in the south?"

"To be exact, it is recommended to grow it in the south. Unlike potatoes, it grows well in warm climates, you see."

"Oh!"

It seems the independent farmers were hooked on the point that cultivation is difficult in other regions of Britannia.

"Unlike potatoes, it consumes soil fertility tremendously, so you must be careful."

"We will have to grow it together with beans. The corn will also serve as a support for the beans to climb."

"With farming methods that preserve soil fertility, the production yield might not come out as much as expected."

"Of course. You cannot have everything."

The independent farmers are not stupid. Having accumulated knowledge about farming for generations of ancestors, they are the top intellectuals in this field.

They paid attention not to the production yield of corn, but to the point that it's a newly distributed crop. Since supplying it by preempting the market would allow them to touch a considerable amount of money.

Since Valda is also currently putting emphasis on spreading it to the world for the time being, she nodded her head. This is just the beginning. Besides corn, there were many new crops or medicinal herbs.

* * *

"Eugene."

"I am listening."

"I have interacted with various nobles or merchant caravans until now."

Valda, held in Eugene's embrace, whispered.

The place the two people are in is the Lord's bathroom in Haven. Immersed together in a beautiful ivory-colored bathtub.

"Every time, I bestowed great graces upon them. Since the reputation of Forest Wizard wasn't obtained for nothing."

"I assure you. I feel more rewarded recently introducing corn and medicinal herbs to farmers than everything I've achieved until now."

Valda lay comfortably using Eugene's back as a cushion while held in his embrace. As if representing her satisfaction, her long ears twitched, tickling Eugene's neck.

"Right now only a small number of people will enjoy it, but how about when 10 years, 20 years pass? The number of people saved by this will become innumerable."

"Indeed, the girl walking above the wheat field. The kindness from back then remains exactly."

"I'm not a girl anymore."

"Then the maid... um, this is not it either."

Splash!

Valda scooped bathwater with her hand and splashed it on Eugene's face.

"It means married woman."

"...Yes. I am your wife."

'Does being called a married woman sound good?'

The long ears in front of Eugene's eyes relaxed.

Squeeze squeeze.

Valda grasped her husband's hands with both hands and caressed them in front of her chest.

"Sasha's tribe needs a new name too. Because it's the first button to escape from the fetters of infamy Rakshas have built up."

"Somehow it feels like I'm only receiving requests to name things consecutively lately. Is there nothing Lady Valda has thought of?"

"It is not my place to step forward. Naming is the privilege of men chosen by history. The right and duty you must shoulder."

Valda's voice is not a tone meant to sound pleasing. Strictness was imbued as if when Grace was educating her.

Slosh.

However, only the tone is strict. Beneath the surface of the bathwater, Valda's soft sole affectionately caresses the top of Eugene's foot.

"Please stop. I want to be romantic right now. Embracing in the bathtub and sharing body heat is a long-standing romance of mine."

Even though they are newlyweds, since both are busy, spending such leisurely time together was surprisingly not easy.

"What happens if I continue?"

Valda's whisper mixed with curiosity, anticipation, and affection.

"Won't the water level of this bathtub rise? It might even overflow."

"Exaggeration! Anyway, the bravado!"

Valda laughed happily, even shedding slight tears.

However, as a result, the bathwater truly generously overflowed out of the bathtub.

"Heu-euk!"

Chwa-ra-rak.

"Where did the Princess acting playful until a moment ago go?"

"W-Wai... my fault..."

Splash splash.

Traditionally, the virtue considered most important in the marital relations of the Fairy folk is intensity.

Unbefitting her usual antique and elegant appearance, Valda also rejoiced the most in affection based on intensity.

A long time later.

Valda, sitting down while stepping out of the bathtub unsteadily with trembling steps. She went outside held in Eugene's embrace.

The water that was full in the bathtub had lowered to a level merely wetting the ankles.

* * *

The warehouse in the Vagrant Castle was filled again, and the Dwarf Stone Cavalry also became capable of minimum close-order drill.

They can lightly perform to the extent of advancing and stopping while keeping files and ranks, and under Homi's command, quite tactical movements are also possible.

"It's a beautiful place."

Eugene smiled looking at the landscape painting of his hometown Rampage presented.