Chapter 38

Chapter 38 - Becoming a Commander (1)

Rex washed the Wendigo's head, embalmed it, and coated the antlers with a polishing mixture. Seeing the completed trophy, even Eugene clapped his hands spontaneously.

"It's far more splendid than I expected!"

"I, too, could not close my mouth. It's the greatest masterpiece of my life."

The giant black antlers gleamed like jewels. Even with a slight change in the viewing angle, the luster raced from antler to antler like crashing black waves.

"I even considered cutting the antlers and attaching them to my helmet, but to do so, too precious a masterpiece has emerged."

"Hahaha! It would be the best for drawing attention in battle, but it would not be good for the health of your neck."

Equally as important as achieving martial feats for a knight is appealing to one's presence on the battlefield. Thus, there were those who decorated their helmets flamboyantly.

"Monster spoils become the dignity of a warrior. In the future, if you display it in the hallway of your lord's manor, Sir Knight, everyone who visits shall surely be overwhelmed. Though it seems this shall not be the only thing hanging there."

"A lord's manor, you say. Pray, understand that I am still but a mere wandering knight."

"If it is you, Sir Knight, it's but a matter of time. You shall certainly obtain a territory and reign over it for all to see."

As Rex gestured, a Dark Elf subordinate brought a black cloak.

"Pray, look upon the hide as well."

"As expected, it was ambiguous to make it into armor."

"Its durability was only slightly tougher than a bear's. It's too much to replace your iron armor, Sir Knight. Instead, being deep like the night sky and having good wool, it seemed suitable to be used as a cloak."

Homi received the cloak and looked at Eugene.

"Pray, drape it over yourself once."

"Homi. I shall leave it to you."

Flap! By fluttering the cloak flamboyantly, she tied it upon Eugene's shoulders.

"Oh!"

"This is..."

The eyes of both Rex and his subordinate widened. As Eugene moved and the cloak swayed, the darkness flowed like a wave. It felt as if the massive weight the Wendigo possessed was added to the knight's shadow and followed him.

"The otherworldly mystery harbored by the Wendigo remains in the cloak." Valda observed as if she found it interesting.

"Sir! You need no such thing as an antlered helmet. If you charge wearing that cloak, the noble lords shall look upon you like maidens in love." Homi, who held her hands together, wagged her tail more vigorously than ever before.

"Both the trophy and the cloak... you have done splendid work on them. I must give you the proper compensation."

"It's fine, Sir Knight. We have already received ample labor costs. For the Guard Captain directly requested the Chief Magistrate to pay it on your behalf."

"..." Eugene realized that the city called Bonyard, from the bottom to the top, was completely on his side. He had established a foundation to return to and plan for the future, even if something went wrong while operating in other regions for the sake of success. He felt his mind become much more comfortable.

"What do you fellows intend to do from now on?"

"If it were up to my heart, I would wish to pester you, asking if there is no work to be had, Sir Knight, but a tribal summons has been issued." The Blackhand Mercenaries are a small society where the entire tribe is united. Inside, there are dedicated departments in charge of administration, personnel, and diplomacy. "As you know, several jobs have arisen in Roman, so it seems they intend to act big this time."

"Whether it's this person or that person, every time I grow attached, it is always a parting. It's truly a pity."

"I am merely joyful that you say so." Eugene approached Rex, who gave a military salute, and embraced him.

"Ah!" Rex, momentarily flustered perhaps because it was an unfamiliar culture to him, also soon smiled and hugged Eugene's back.

* * *

Though they did not hold a triumphal procession, a great reward befitting Eugene's great achievements was bestowed. Above all, the Wendigo and the magic stones found in the beast carcasses became massive amounts of money.

"Was there a need to bestow favors even upon the mercenaries to this extent? They would have already obtained sufficient compensation and spoils." Eugene distributed a portion of the money obtained from selling the magic stones to the Dark Elves as a reward.

"They are friends who have been of help in many ways, both in battle and in other matters. Since they treat me with favor and respect, it is only right that I, too, should repay them with silver coins." Eugene had no intention of ending his ties with the Blackhand tribe with this. He planned to become their regular customer once his foundation was established in the future.

Valda closed the pagan magician's research book she had been scanning and rested her chin on her hand. "Several letters have arrived from noble lords who desire you. Is there perchance a place you have in mind? Whether it's acceptance or refusal, you should gradually give an answer."

"I shall go here." Eugene unfolded a letter written on calfskin. It was an invitation sent from the House of the Count of Morad.

- If you have business near the territory, by all means, seek us out! It is a promise!

The face of Benjamin, who did not let go of his hand even while sporting a dying look from a hangover, came to mind. There was a high probability that this invitation was the work of that gentleman.

"Having said to surely drop by, it seems it was difficult for them to wait. To send a letter immediately."

"Since it's an invitation bearing the Count's signature, it means they intend to entertain you formally at the familial level. It's a tremendously splendid opportunity." If a great noble possessing wealth and military power that are counted among the best even in Roman summoned him, it would not end simply with a commendation.

Homi brought several more letters. "Those were not bad either. One that came from a viscounty even offered to grant you a territory immediately."

"You must not accept rashly before confirming through a map. For there are many who offer lands where their effective rule does not reach or lands that lack nourishment, as if doing a favor."

"Naturally. Moreover, I have already made my decision." Eugene placed the letter from the House of Morad between his index and middle fingers and shook it. "If I am to choose, a place where reliable allies of mine support me is better. Furthermore, they say Roman shall soon be swept up in the flames of war."

There were already regions that had entered into small-scale battles. Soon, a large army would be gathered, and the noble lords would begin to clash with one another. A prestigious great noble family, the goodwill basically accumulated, and a war. If these three elements were combined, there would be that much to gain.

"It seems you have prepared yourself to be swept up in the wars of others."

"Is that not what a knight's life is anyway? I never had the thought of settling comfortably with safety and tranquility from the very beginning." A knight's life is a gamble at every moment. The stakes are unconditionally all-in. For they bet not only their wealth but their lives. He had been prepared for that since a very long time ago.

When he said he would go to the House of Morad, the Chief Magistrate showed a reaction of having expected as much.

"Since you stuck together like lovers at the banquet, I thought they would unconditionally summon you. Upon our next meeting after this, I know not if I should address you as Lord. Hohoho."

Panis, who had followed along, could not say a single word with a sad face. For if Eugene left this time, the probability of him returning to the frontier that is Bonyard was low.

"I believed you would spread your wings in no time, Sir Knight, yet you are already departing."

"I am also sad to part with you, Chief Magistrate. You have treated me truly well."

Panis was a helper who became a great bridge for Eugene's success. He connected him to a stage where his martial power could be utilized for the highest price and provided conveniences in many ways.

"To think the proud Chief Magistrate of Bonyard would show tears."

"P-Pray, forgive me."

Because he never thought he would even cry, Eugene was also flustered. The Magistrate sitting beside him had an even more surprised face. Because he knew just how fiercely Panis had lived while crawling up from the bottom. Among the members of the Grand Meeting, he was the one closest to the title of a human without blood or tears.

Panis only said his farewells while bawling aloud after drinking the wine Eugene brought out to the point of turning drunk.

* * *

Thereafter, Eugene busily traveled all over the city.

Now, it would not do to be a mere knight. He had to equip himself with the dignity of a commander. While safety is safety, only if there are those he leads could he gain many things, even if it were but one thing.

"No! I did not know that you would come seeking me directly, Sir Knight." One mercenary captain, who was drinking beer at the Undine Tavern, stood up abruptly and bowed respectfully.

"Everyone, remain seated." Eugene brought a chair, calming the subordinates who tried to stand together. "I shall buy the wine you are drinking now, so may I join your table for a moment?"

"By all means! Where in the world would there be a mercenary who refuses free alcohol?"

Whenever the subjugation force camped, Eugene had looked around everywhere in the camp. It was to search for capable talents with skill and military discipline. The mercenaries before his eyes now were elite soldiers deployed on the right-wing, and commendable individuals who trained by swinging their weapons even while resting.

"It is an honor that you sought us out as your first priority. We shall serve you with our utmost sincerity." Even if it were not so, to gather money before winter approached, they needed new work. The strongest knight they had seen said he would hire them; there was no reason to refuse. Moreover, the candor of exchanging jokes while clinking beer mugs shoulder-to-shoulder with mercenaries! The typical arrogance of knights was nowhere to be seen.

"They say that of Brandon's gang, only two have survived."

"We were next after them. Those are lives that you saved, Sir Knight."

Everyone had witnessed from close by the veteran mercenaries being massacred by the bandits' attack spearheaded by the Wendigo. Since they, too, had been on the right-wing, had Eugene's arrival been delayed even a little, more than half of them would have become corpses. There was respect for his strong martial power, but it was akin to having their lives saved. Everyone harbored a feeling of gratitude toward Eugene.

"I've heard that there are quite a few mercenary groups splintered in such a manner from this battle. I intend to sift out useful individuals from among them. Could I ask for your help?"

"If it is that, pray, leave it to me. I have a wide network in this city."

Eugene looked with satisfaction at the mercenary captain pounding his chest.

"All of those gathered in such a manner shall be placed under your command. If they do not follow orders, you may punish them at your discretion."

"I thank you!"

Recruiting capable individuals is something that raises the status of a mercenary group. However, it also has the disadvantage that initial control is difficult because they are those whose heads are as big as their skills.

'There will be no imbecile who raises his pride beneath this Sir Knight.'

If Eugene backed them up, they could easily absorb veterans without such side effects. The mercenary captain had no intention of missing such a twofold blessing.

* * *

A few days of gathering capable mercenaries and stockpiling food and supplies necessary for marching passed. Eugene's party, having finished all preparations, lined up outside the city.

"Phew, I must pull my wits together." Eugene took a deep breath.

It's different from when he traveled alone with Homi. From now on, fixed expenses had arisen, so he had to constantly earn money. The money he had earned from the Palace War and the subjugation of the bandit pack was considerable, but the feeling of money leaking away even just breathing gave him goosebumps.

The veteran mercenaries, composed of 23 men, were wealthy in experience, and their credit and equipment were also excellent. Having secured even four donkeys for transporting supplies, a fairly decent appearance was formed.

"Sir Knight. I have served many employers, but it's the first time I have seen a person who is so sincere to those below him like this."

The mercenary captain was joyful as he looked at the loads on the donkeys. For they were filled not with luxury goods for a noble's dignity, but with supplies for the mercenaries. Medicine, camping supplies, and various preserved foods were loaded.

"Is it not work we do to eat and live? A person only gains strength when there is something to look forward to in life, even if it is small." At the employer's response, speaking as if it were obvious, the mercenaries were moved even before departing.

"Those are right words. Things that give hope while being as simple as eating are rare."

"Lady Valda, I also thank you. To think you would step forward and help, though it's not work a magician should do."

Eugene bowed his head to her. While he was recruiting mercenaries, Valda and Homi had gone around procuring donkeys and supplies. The eyes of the Elf and the nose of the Beastkin successfully picked out products of the highest quality. The results were as follows.

* Hardtack, the eternal companion of infantrymen across all ages and lands, responsible for filling bellies.

* Dried dates, a specialty product crossing over from Samur, which will be responsible for the party's sweetness.

* Pickled and fermented cabbage.

* Sacks filled with various types of grains.

* Smoked herring, a specialty of Gord.

* Salted pork, similar to jamón.

* Rum, to be used for boosting morale after battles and mental care for the wounded.

Since the focus was placed on preservation and transport, the taste would be lacking, but to mercenaries who are camping, it was no different from a grand feast.

The mercenary captain, beyond being joyful, was even slightly worried.

'These fellows won't become intoxicated by the Sir Knight's mercifulness and show themselves relaxing, would they?'

It is the providence of mercenaries that if they are treated well, they lose their wits. He did not even want to imagine bearing the thunderbolt of the Victorious Knight's wrath as the responsibility for negligence in management. Fortunately, neither the original comrades nor the newly joined mercenaries showed any such signs.

- You must treat this employer truly carefully, eh? I myself will crush any fellow who does anything foolish.

When he firmly warned the newly joined ones, everyone nodded as if it were obvious.

- You worry too much. Everyone here saw the Sir Knight pluck the neck of the demonic beast. What imbecile would dare rebel?

- I found the javelin throwing scarier than that? Even a ballista wouldn't fly in such a straight line.

- Indeed. What manner of javelin flies more than a hundred meters and skewers two armored fellows? It's the first time I have seen a knight who halted a battle where hundreds were entangled with a single javelin throw, god damn it.

- And for me, the fellow right in front of me was torn apart, and then I locked eyes with the demonic beast; right at that moment, the Sir Knight appeared. I practically owe him my life.

No one dared to even think of falling out of line. The mercenaries looked at the back of the knight riding the warhorse in front.

Flap! When the black cloak fluttered in the wind, it felt as if they were being swallowed by its coercion. At the same time, they also felt pride.

That terrifying Sir Knight is leading us!

Passing the border of Bonyard, the plains leading to Roman became visible. The steps of everyone were light yet overflowing with energy.