Chapter 218

Chapter 218 - Morning Dew of Elysium

The subjugation of the uncharted mountain range began as scheduled. It was the public justification for gathering the army, and it was a necessary task sooner or later anyway.

The nominal commander is the Dwarf Prince. The order he gave is just one.

"If you see a subjugation force in trouble, help them regardless of affiliation."

Besides mercenaries, merchants, laborers, and hunters and gatherers acting as guides are also joining the subjugation operation.

Most are natives who have lived near the mountains all along. A neighborly relationship of mutual help with the Dwarves continuing through generations.

In a world where disregarding human life is basic, the Prince's attitude of looking after the commoners is precious. It also bought the favor of Eugene, whose roots are that of a soldier.

"He is a gentleman with great promise."

"The Prince being merciful is part of it, but that's not all. To the Dwarf Royal Family, the humans of this area are not just neighbors."

"You said the plains outside were also the Dwarves' territory once, right?"

"Yes. Although it belongs to Roman now, the Dwarf Royal Family doesn't think so. They still consider the residents there as their subjects."

The Dwarf Kingdom lost all its plains due to the invasion of a nomadic empire that crossed over from the northeast.

The ones who later drove out the nomads and reclaimed the land was a human dynasty. After going through countless frictions since then, the Dwarves still failed to recover the plains.

"The nearby residents are also favorable to the Dwarf Royal Family. Because they are good trading partners and have provided various help whenever times were hard. It is common for older people to be more loyal to the Dwarf Kingdom than Roman."

"Do the Roman Lords not feel displeased?"

"It's not like they are taking military action, they are merely bestowing favors to the commoners."

There is no justification to tell them not to help, and the power belongs to the nobles anyway. There are also many Lords who ridicule the Dwarf Royal Family's efforts, asking what's the use of trying so hard for the lowly ones.

"Prince. You have grown up wonderfully."

"You've gained more wrinkles while I haven't seen you. Do not overexert yourself in this subjugation and stick with my main unit."

"Hahaha! My stamina is still no less than the young ones."

Dwarf Prince Baran, receiving the utmost respect of old humans regardless of being hunters, gatherers, merchants, or mercenaries.

That sight is not something to be passed over simply. Because it felt like some sort of plan looking hundreds of years into the future.

However, the element Eugene was most surprised by was something else.

"A Dwarf shaved?!"

Surprisingly, the Prince had shaved his beard. He didn't shave cleanly like Eugene, but was similar to an appropriately stylish human noble.

However, that alone is a huge deal. A Dwarf's beard is a sensory organ. Shaving was not limited to cultural aspects but caused physical discomfort.

"Everyone is surprised like you when they see the Dwarf Prince."

Valda had heard many stories about the Dwarf Royal Family during her days active in Roman.

"Wasn't a beard something as precious as life to Dwarves?"

"Because Baran is a realistic Prince. He knows very well how important interaction with the outside is to the Kingdom of the mountains. He is making efforts to give a good impression in diplomacy."

Valda adorably stroked her own chin.

"Because ordinary Dwarves give off an untidy impression being too bushy."

"Is it saying relationships start from first impressions? He's a much more progressive gentleman than I thought."

"Enough to persuade the elders who throw a fit at a shaving Prince, you see."

The Dwarf Prince, who exchanged greetings with those visiting one by one, carefully checked his attire.

At that sight, Valda also neatly smoothed Eugene's clothes and hair once more.

"It is an honor to meet you. I have long heard the reputation of the Victorious Knight. I hope light is together with the future of the Mayer family."

"The honor is mine. Prince."

"If it is Sir, I believe you have already grasped the inside story of the subjugation."

It seems the Dwarf Royal Family also had no particular expectation that the knights would keep their mouths shut.

"I roughly know."

"The uncharted territory subjugation is also a necessary task, but it is not the core task. Please conserve your stamina and maintain your body's condition at its peak. Since there is no knight more reliable than you here."

"Thank you for thinking highly of me. However, my army and I came to hunt the monsters on the mountains. If you wish for more than that, I also need material to persuade my subordinates."

"I will pay 5 times the commission fee of this subjugation additionally."

'Wow!'

It was a hot sum beyond imagination, but he couldn't accept immediately.

"I have one more request."

At Eugene's words, the Dwarf Prince's eyebrows twitched.

"...It can't be you are lacking with this? I did not keep haggling in mind. I presented the maximum amount the Royal Family can pay from the start."

"I am not asking for more money. I came to pick up the families of the Hammer Brotherhood under my command. I will provide sufficient support for those who will stay behind as well, but difficulties that cannot be solved with money might also arise."

"You mean for us to help when they experience hardship?"

"As expected, your understanding is quick."

The Dwarf Prince nodded his head. That is not a difficult task.

"It won't be easy to make Dwarves abandon their hometown and leave."

"I know the stubbornness of Dwarves well. However, there is no parent who can win against their child."

"It would just be fully grown sons begging to live together."

"Then when grandchildren are born, they'll come back to persuade them again, I suppose."

To Eugene speaking nonchalantly, the Dwarf Prince made a subtle expression. Because he felt a sense of déjà vu from the flexible yet long-term approach.

With this, the issues of additional compensation and treatment of Rampage's tribe were resolved.

- Serving while following Your Excellency is what we desire. But we are worried about those who will remain in the hometown.

If the Hammer Brotherhood, their spouses, and the families who will additionally follow them leave, the hometown's population will drastically decrease in an instant.

However, since the Dwarf Royal Family guaranteed they would look after them, there would be no worries.

Anyway, for those who want a spouse separately from their existing family, they have to drop by Dwarf settlements at least once. Even if it's not necessarily this mountain range.

After the official transaction with Eugene was concluded, the Dwarf Prince looked at Valda.

"Noble one. I sincerely welcome your visit. Please forgive the neglected hospitality due to the circumstances."

The Prince bowed his head politely. It's the first low posture shown since his appearance.

"I saw the people smiling at the help you guys have bestowed. That itself was the best hospitality, so please do not mind."

"...The descendants of the mountains have always kept their loyalty towards Lue'amoir in mind. Please accept the gift we have prepared."

When the 1st Era Elven Royal Family fell, the Dwarf sovereigns responded to the summons and fought bravely. The Royal Family of the mountains is one of the descendants of those loyal subjects.

As a long time passed, the loyalty of sovereign and subject gradually faded and changed into friendship. However, it is never a tie that can be cut off. Because Dwarves are stubborn.

"Bring the gift."

A Dwarf holding a splendidly decorated box came to Eugene and his wife.

Click.

When the lid opened, silver stars rose in Valda's golden eyes.

"Beautiful."

A brilliantly shining necklace enough to captivate even Valda, who always valued moderation, is contained inside. However, she was not swayed by material greed.

The gem itself was amazing, but the emotion dwelling inside it. The loyalty towards the Elven Royal Family cherished across generations captivated Valda.

"We haven't even started work yet."

"Count. This has nothing to do with the request. Because it is a gift for the most noble wedding. It was just a news heard suddenly from a place too far away, so we couldn't give it on time."

The Dwarf Prince held out the box to Valda.

"It is the Morning Dew of Elysium."

Valda looked at Eugene. As if she couldn't touch it without his permission.

"Prince. We will receive the gift after finishing the work. A treasure this precious cannot be made with goodwill alone. Whether big or small, emotions beyond that must be contained within. However, Lady Valda has not yet carried out any duties."

"If you go so far as to say that."

Afterwards, they exchanged stories regarding the subjugation operation. After the Prince withdrew, Eugene took his wife's hand and offered a kiss on the back of her hand.

"Gold isn't the important thing now, I see."

"It is merely a single necklace."

"But it is the most precious necklace in the world. I will definitely put it around your neck. It will suit you really well."

"...You debauchee."

Eugene saw Valda's ears sagging limply. Having formed a marital tie and living mixing flesh, he knows what that means.

A reaction subtly different from drooping when depressed. It was an appearance that only showed when she fell into ecstasy.

* * *

Since it was attacking un-united monsters, it was practically close to a large-scale hunt.

However, it is not an easy task. Over a long time, settlements were built in all the prime locations.

Even if unpopulated, if it's a minimally developed region, mercenaries and hunters frequently climb the mountain.

Therefore, the areas classified as uncharted territories inherently have a greatly increased density of dangerous creatures.

Shall we say it feels like a calm sea that suddenly becomes deeply plunging not long after entering?

'Keep Out.'

'You are entering a zone sealed off by the King.'

'There is no such thing as getting rich quick. Turn back.'

'If you have the skill to earn money beyond this point, numerous nobles will invite you over.'

Large warning signs appeared successively.

"These Dwarf fellas are quite kind?"

"They're just worried that small fries making a mess would drag dangerous monsters over."

The mercenaries walked past murmuring.

"Don't be too scared. Those signs are strictly written for guys entering one or two at a time with shabby equipment to see."

"Y-Yes, sir!"

"You guys just have to do as us veterans tell you. Then you'll grab silver coins in your hands without a single scraped wound."

Since it's a subjugation requiring a lot of hands, everyone had recruited rookies. Veterans patted the frozen youths everywhere.

Soon, a gate guarded by heavily armed Dwarves appeared. Even multiple siege ballistas being installed strongly gave off the vibe of 'It gets incredibly dangerous from here.'

"Open the gate!"

"Glory to the Prince!"

When the gate opened under the guard captain's instruction, a bloody scenery appeared.

Monster skeletons killed by ballistas are left abandoned everywhere. Among them are those that became skeletal scarecrows, pierced to the ground by spears shot from the walls.

Not only that, but the skeletons of humans who secretly sneaked in, were chased by monsters, and murdered are also scattered.

Whether they scratched the walls or gates asking for salvation, pieces of fingernails are stuck with blood acting as glue.

Eugene guessed the intention behind leaving all of that exactly as it is.

"It's a kind of example? To drive away monsters and to make people trying to intrude secretly give up."

"It's a useful method. During our nomadic days, we also skewered the corpses of wolves we caught exactly like that and hung them in front of where the horses and goats slept."

The tribal warriors, including Rex, had faces with memories springing up anew. As their settled life grew longer, routines that were daily life in the past were gradually turning into memories.

Children born recently and starting to talk were born strongly with the mindset of settled people altogether.

"It's a Goblin!"

Smack!

A rookie who shouted at the first appearing monster got hit on the head.

"Wh-Why did you hit me?"

"Damn it!"

The rookie pleading as if wronged shut his mouth as the veteran's hand went up again.

"With this many personnel moving together in a bunch, are you going to shout one by one at the likes of Goblins? Huh? Wouldn't we look like a group of greenhorns to other mercenary companies or noble sirs."

If it were a request undertaken by a dozen or so people, warning about a single Goblin or a single wolf is correct. However, for a large unit of this level, it brings useless confusion and rather draws glares.

"If you discover a place suspected to have a vein, fire the provided signal flare. An investigation team will be dispatched immediately. Gold, silver, copper, coal, anything is fine. I will give a generous reward to those who discover a mine site."

To the promise of the Dwarf Prince, the employer, the gathered people replied with cheers.

"Now, let's go!"

"It's time to earn money!"

Because it was such a wide area, despite a large force being mobilized, they fragmented and scattered.

The Dwarf Prince's main unit took the central path, which is the most dangerous yet best place to establish merits.

The place Eugene's army was assigned to was a place slightly away from the center. Being the utmost elites, it's to provide support in all directions if push comes to shove.

In the early stages of the subjugation starting, Goblins, wild boars, or wolves were all there was, but dangerous enemies began to appear in half a day.

"Excellency! Count Excellency! We need help right now!"

A messenger breathing roughly rushed and asked Eugene for salvation.

"Cockatrice! A Cockatrice has appeared!"

It's a mid-sized monster known to have the head of a chicken and the body of a reptile.

"I will go immediately. You guys don't overdo it and follow along."

The speed of Might is not something other warhorses can keep up with.

"Lord! You can't go without an escort!"

"If we all move together, I feel several will end up dying while we arrive?"

However, the stopping attitude of the tribal knights did not change.

"They aren't even our family members, what does it matter whether they die or not?"

"Hey?"

At the Dark Elves speaking as if it was natural, the Hammer Brotherhood members were dumbfounded.

It's not particularly strange. Them becoming friends while living together is an amazing thing; originally, this is exactly what the relationship between Fairy folk and Dwarves is.

"You're being too harsh. Perhaps there might be those who will become artisans or brothers-in-law of the Hammer Brotherhood among them, no?"

"Excellency!"

"Lord."

Unlike the Dwarves who choked up, the Dark Elves smacked their lips in dissatisfaction.

"Don't rush and follow along. If you push yourselves on this kind of terrain, the warhorses' knees will go out."

Eugene ran alone on a single horse towards the direction the messenger informed him of.

'A Cockatrice. It's a monster I've only heard of a few times by word of mouth but never seen once.'

It's a subtly hard-to-see bastard as it doesn't inhabit plains or forests and only appears deep inside large mountain ranges.

It's a place he's visited for the first time, but a guide isn't necessary. Having run to some extent in the direction the messenger informed, Might's sense of smell and hearing found the fierce battleground on its own.

"You human bastards! What kind of nuisance is this, coming all the way here with a Cockatrice attached?!"

"Let's see after the work is done. I'll beat you up extremely soundly!"

"Retreating in the face of the enemy is hanging! Hold your ground!"

A human mercenary company and a Dwarf infantry unit were facing the Cockatrice together.

Seeing the situation, it seems the ones who encountered it first were a human mercenary company from another area. It seems they hastily fled and joined up with the Dwarves.

The 4m-sized monster smacking its lips in front of them had considerable intimidation.

"That's a Cockatrice?"

The appearances of monsters are mostly passed down by word of mouth. However, the bastard was vastly different from the appearance Eugene had heard and imagined.

'It feels more similar to a Terror Bird than a chicken. Doesn't even have a crest on its forehead.'

The Cockatrice was an appearance reminiscent of a large terrestrial bird that went extinct in the distant past.

Both wings were severely degenerated like those of a Tyrannosaurus, making the description 'toddling' appropriate.

Instead, the two legs were incredibly sturdy. They were shaped like a reptile's like chicken feet, but the thickness was at an elephant's level. Looking only at the lower body, it was literally a dinosaur itself.

Lastly, the bastard's sole attack means, the giant beak, was a living, moving battering ram and guillotine.

"It's coming again!"

"Block it! Raise your shields!"

The Cockatrice did not shrink back even in front of the shield walls set up successively. Rather, as if finding it ridiculous, it pecked at a tremendous speed like a woodpecker.

The warriors somehow endured the impact, but there was nothing to be done about the shields' durability.

Crash!

Crunch!

Seeing the yellow snout and bloody face beyond the shields getting tattered in an instant, everyone's knees trembled.

Crack!

Eventually, one shield was completely smashed. It was a human mercenary holding a shield weaker than the Dwarves'.

"Hiiik!"

The gaze of a predator looking down from an eye level more than twice his own. The mercenary got scared and broke away from the formation.

"Idiot, don't show your back! Guys who show their backs get targeted first!"

His comrades' warning didn't even enter his ears. Instead, he felt the world suddenly go dark. The Cockatrice, having caught up in an instant, had bitten the mercenary's head.

However, luckily, as the helmet loosened appropriately, the mercenary succeeded in escaping.

The Cockatrice, with an empty helmet in its mouth, was bewildered by the suddenly disappeared weight.

Crunch!

The sight of the helmet made of iron being crushed like an egg. All the mercenaries on the spot felt a chill down their spines.

Step step.

The Cockatrice, which approached with agile footwork unsuited for its giant bulk and legs, looked down at the shield wall.

Arrogance was seeped into the gaze looking down on people despite being a monster. It was an attitude of firmly knowing that it itself was the predator of this place.

And behind the bastard was the duo of Might and Eugene, who had approached killing their presence identically.

"Shiiik-?!"

The Cockatrice hurriedly turned around at the presence suddenly felt from behind.

For the first time since being born, the bastard discovered an existence looking down on it. It was the axe blade of Blackout soaring high into the sky.

Slash!

Everyone witnessed a black flash bisecting the entire body starting from the back of the Cockatrice's head.

"Wh-What? Just now?"

"What happened?"

Everyone had not yet discovered Eugene, hidden by the Cockatrice's body.

The stationary bastard swayed slightly left and right, then blood began to drip from its crotch.

Drip drip.

The amount of falling blood rapidly increased, and a moment later.

Sploosh!

The bisected corpse of the Cockatrice fell to the left and right. In between, the appearance of a knight with a sturdy frame emerged.

"..."

"..."

The rescued people all lost their words and stared at the sight. That was the same for the Dwarf Prince who arrived late.

Baran, seeing the scene of slaughtering the Cockatrice in one blow, skyrocketed his evaluation of Eugene in one breath.

'Dear God. The story of him going around butchering the champions of evil gods was not an exaggeration.'

Meanwhile, Eugene rummaged through the Cockatrice's corpse here and there with the black axe blade as if it were nothing.

"Did it not have a crest because it's female? Or does it originally not have one?"

Gulp gulp!

Might was preoccupied holding his face into the spilled stomach and cracking open and eating fresh eggs. Just like with the Lamia, the fella seems to truly like monster eggs.

"Ah! You're here too, Prince! Fortunately, it seems there are no casualties!"

Seeing Eugene swinging the giant bloody axe round and round, Baran smiled awkwardly.

Piiiiing!

With good timing, a signal flare announcing the discovery of a candidate mine site soared from afar.

"Prince, catching one already, it seems we're having a lucky day."

Despite the retainers' words mixed with joy, Plan B had already disappeared from Baran's mind.

'If it's with that knight, it's worth a try!'

Plan A.

The hope to defeat the ancient existence lurking in the deep underground of the Royal Palace was passionately blooming.