Chapter 87

Chapter 87 - Time of Purification (1)

When the castle that appeared suddenly vanished just as suddenly, the remaining people's reactions were varied.

"As expected, you have to follow when Dwarves start running out. I almost got swept up in the storm up close, didn't I?"

At the sight of large equipment rolling around like toys in front of the castle gate, the mercenaries working on opening the gate felt their hearts sink. If they had been caught up and crushed there, they would have died or become crippled.

"I heard the castle moves, so I thought it had legs, but that wasn't it."

"How would that giant hunk of stone walk around?"

"To me, it looked much more like a huge ship than a castle. A ship riding lightning—no one would believe it even if I told them in Bonyard."

Travelers and adventurers excitedly chattered about the sight they had witnessed. They came to watch a tournament and saw a much rarer spectacle.

The northern nobles also breathed a sigh of relief.

"It is said that the reserve forces and reinforcements gathering at the capital have gone down to the south."

An era without concepts of systematic supply or standing armies. Gathering troops, drawing in merchants and laborers to provide supplies, rumors spread in all directions.

"Hmpf! With what means are they going to chase a castle that appears in a flash and disappears in a flash?"

"Looking at the roof like a dog chasing a chicken is exactly what this is."

"It seems the Emperor's faction nobles in the south also have many complaints about the wavering appearance of the army."

As the weather warmed up, the war in the south was just about to resume. In a situation where even immediate help would be insufficient, reinforcements were not coming due to the Emperor's personal greed, so the nobles' resentment was tremendous.

The Emperor eventually had no choice but to bend his stubbornness and focus on the southern front.

"There were twists and turns, but I am glad it became a successful banquet anyway. They say God always gives trials and blessings together."

At the Duke's words, his subordinate nobles all nodded their heads.

The tournament fizzled out, but nobles flocked in from all directions transcending regions and countries.

Lords also newly employed knights who came up from various places, filling the positions lost in last year's Great War, so the purpose of the festival was successfully achieved.

But there is one thing.

"Sir Eugene could not be found in the end."

At the Duke's words, the lords who had been adding a word of congratulation excitedly turned quiet.

Because the new knight of high renown, a newly joined noble of the North, was dragged inside while investigating the castle.

He was a meritorious contributor who played an active role in wiping out pirates and even uncovered terrorist acts by arresting the Emperor's magician and knight.

"There is still no news of return from Northfork either."

"It is a lamentable incident. He was a knight who would become a role model newly supporting the North."

"Then what will happen to the territory?"

However, the nobles only expressed brief and formal condolences before immediately showing interest in the treatment of the remaining territory. Northfork is one of the top villages in the North.

For a territory left hovering having lost its owner, numerous nobles, merchant groups, and religious orders were bound to drool and intervene.

"How long has it been since he went missing to discuss a new owner? What we should do is pray for his safe return, not political worries."

"You are correct."

At the Duke's cold words, several nobles agreed with awkward faces. But they couldn't help the greed rising in their hearts.

Those who sincerely worried about Eugene's safety were the Blackhand Mercenaries.

"The Knight will be fighting hard inside the castle. He is not someone to be taken down easily. The Forest Magician is also beside him."

Rex spoke in front of Chieftain Allesa.

"I do not doubt that point either. The important thing is where the castle is right now. Even if we try to rescue him, we need to know its location first to do anything."

As the Chieftain and Sub-chieftain looked at Marbas, he shook his head.

"I know it's somewhere between the west and south of the continent, but I don't know the detailed location. However, it will definitely exist somewhere within the present world."

Marbas, one of the greatest summoners of the era and more sensitive to the aura of the other world than anyone else.

He could sense a massive mystery ascending while tearing the space of the present world, and also descending.

"Are there any disturbances in Sir Eugene's territory? Jackals taking advantage of this gap will try to tear pieces off it."

At Allesa speaking with a cold face, Rex nodded.

"I plan to take my subordinates and station there. Because we can't show him the village being swayed by scoundrels when he returns."

"That is matching. I will operate the intelligence network as much as possible. Since it is such a large castle, news will be heard soon if it appears somewhere."

It was much easier work than finding a missing person. Since asking, 'Have you heard the story that a giant castle suddenly appeared?' would suffice.

Even without particularly making inquiries, if it's within the civilized sphere, rumors will naturally be heard.

* * *

Meanwhile, Eugene's party was suffering while crossing the barren wasteland after escaping the castle.

Because they had lost their way a few times from the sandstorms in a dry land without a single milestone.

'Damn it.'

He tried to teleport the castle as close to the village as possible, but it didn't go as thought.

Because the massive mystery involved wasn't capable of precise operation, and Eugene was a novice captain in the first place.

"Do not worry about it too much. Isn't everyone inexperienced at first?"

Valda warmly comforting him was in a state practically no different from a beggar. Eugene's heart ached at the sight of her ears, which she cherished like her pride, dirtied with grime and dirt.

Tap tap.

Homi's tail, which she took off her shoes to dust, was also dyed a murky brown.

"!!!"

Homi, who was dusting her shoes, perked up her ears and immediately threw her body forward. After a short pursuit, she caught something and came back.

A lizard the size of an iguana was desperately struggling. The bastard collapsed limp, fainting from a single flick to the forehead from Homi.

"Today's lunch, it is."

"We are always indebted to you."

To make matters worse, they lost their food and water during the escape process. It was the worst situation of having to be self-sufficient in the barren wasteland, but they could endure somehow.

"I always do, but I truly realized how amazing our party is."

"Aren't you merely a gigolo right now?"

"You are too harsh."

"Hufufu."

She hunted small animals captured by Homi's sharp senses, and drinking water was solved with Valda's magic.

-As a traveler, I yearn for grace. Lend us the water you have gathered from the earth.

Valda chanted a spell and scored the branch of a tree they encountered. Clear water trickled out from it.

The tree had gathered the water stored in its roots, trunk, and leaves into one place and presented it.

-I promise you fertilizer filled with even more water and nutrients in the future. On the name of Valda, Magician of the Emerald Forest.

Even if it didn't seem like much, from the tree's perspective, it was an act of giving up its lifeline. Even Valda could only obtain water after making a vow.

"I will make sure you absolutely do not break the vow."

"Please. It's not just for my sake. Because one must give a precious return to those who helped during difficult times."

Even though they had somehow solved the food and water, they couldn't be relieved.

The continent overflowed with unexplored territories untouched by the light of civilization. Wild beasts and dangerous monsters roamed such places, and the barren wasteland was also no exception.

"A scorpion?"

A giant scorpion close to the size of a bull approached craving blood and flesh.

It was too disgusting seeing it hastily move its multiple legs while glaring with pitch-black eyes.

"It is a monster mainly appearing in the desert regions of Samur. I did not expect them to inhabit this place as well."

"I can understand why people don't travel this way at all. The environment is damned and such bastards are popping out."

Eugene and Homi split left and right holding their weapons.

While the two warriors drew its attention, Valda took out the few remaining seeds and chanted the spell of thorny vines.

No matter how sturdy an armor it was equipped with, there was soft flesh in the gaps of its joints. The giant scorpion struggled at the thorns digging into those places.

"Shwiiiiiiak-!"

Screaming at how painful it was, it flipped its body over and rubbed against the ground. As if removing the thorns was a more urgent priority than the enemies right before its eyes.

'A bug is screaming?'

Eugene was flustered despite being in the middle of battle.

It wasn't a sound made using wings like cicadas or crickets; it was clearly a scream bursting out from a hideous mouth.

Thwack!

Crunch!

He thrust his sword into the head of the giant scorpion laid bare from pain, then twisted it a full circle.

Then, the disgustingly wriggling legs spasmed and came to a stop.

Swish!

Not stopping there, Eugene severed the remaining legs and stinger. Valda was puzzled at the sight of him cautiously confirming the kill more than necessary.

"Is there a need to go that far?"

"Because it is a bug. We cannot be relieved unless it is completely smashed to pieces."

"The head is already pierced."

"A bug does not die immediately even if its brain is destroyed. Because there are nerve ganglia acting independently throughout its body..."

Eugene stopped speaking.

A bug that makes sounds from its mouth and reacts sensitively to pain. Like a mammal.

"No way."

Eugene swung his sword at the scorpion's chest. The etheric blade, still sharp even after numerous battles, instantly cleaved the bastard's thorax.

Rip.

Inside the cleaved chest, there were 2 large lungs. Lacking ribs unlike mammals, perhaps due to the carapace supporting them, they were clearly visible.

"To think a bug would have lungs."

"Is that a wondrous thing?"

"It is a given that bugs do not have lungs and respire through their entire bodies."

"It is an interesting story."

Eugene shook off his sword.

'It seems trusting my knowledge too much is problematic.'

His knowledge is far ahead of this era in many aspects. Honestly, he couldn't say he had no pride in it, but encountering such marvels naturally brought forth humility.

Hurrying their steps like that, the familiar sight of the river finally appeared. They had returned to Eugene's one and only territory.

"Everyone has worked hard. Leave it to me from now on."

Now all they had to do was cross the river. But it was not as easy as thought.

Swaaaa!

Large merchant ships didn't even cast a glance at Eugene, and small boats rowed by fishermen also didn't approach.

'A person crossing from the wasteland, a person wearing a sword at that. They have no idea what mishap they might suffer.'

Because those risking their lives crossing from the wasteland had a high probability of being fleeing criminals.

"No, wait, I am the lord here..."

The boldly stepping forward Eugene ended up with an embarrassed face. Because no boat approached even when he waved both arms, jumped up and down, and put on a show.

"Ugh."

Lacking leg strength, Valda crouched down. Seeing that pitiful sight, the man's pride was thoroughly wounded for some reason.

"M-My lords. Shall I give you a ride?"

"Thank you!"

Thanks to that, when a fisherman appeared to give them a ride, Eugene was genuinely delighted.

He was an old fisherman anxiously scraping together medicine money for his sick spouse.

"Umm, the fare is... Huh?"

The fisherman who was about to bargain the fare turned pale in astonishment seeing Eugene's bulk, Homi's tail, and Valda's ears, and prostrated himself flat on the ground.

"An audience with the Lord!"

Even if he had never seen the new lord, the Beastkin squire and Elf magician were famous in the territory. The fisherman wiped his chest in relief after almost billing his master.

"Bring the boat this way!"

As the small boat arrived across the river, the mobilized guards guided the mooring location.

Due to the characteristics of a commercial village, troubles are frequent so their training level is high, and military discipline is strictly enforced due to the emergency situation of the lord's disappearance.

From the moment Eugene started frantically waving both arms because he couldn't find a boat, the guards had been paying attention across the river.

"Crossing from the barren wasteland, reveal your identities!"

"If you have carried a smuggled criminal, you will receive severe punishment!"

The guards who were about to inspect as the boat settled were startled out of their wits and fell to their knees.

"My Lord!"

"W-We apologize! We committed rudeness because we could not recognize you..."

No one had imagined their liege would appear from the wasteland side in such a beggar-like state.

"It is not so. Seeing your sharp military discipline instead makes me relieved. Everyone is excellent."

Eugene pointed at the fisherman as he got off the boat.

"Because we came comfortably thanks to this person, reward him according to the regulations."

"Understood."

"We will escort you back to the Lord's estate."

A similar situation repeated thereafter. Everyone they encountered was greatly surprised and paid their respects.

"Look at this! What did I say? I said he would definitely return unharmed!"

"The Knight has returned!"

His subordinate mercenaries had not a single one deserted and welcomed Eugene in the territory.

Ting!

Eugene flicked his finger against the black horn of the Wendigo trophy hanging at the entrance of the Lord's estate corridor.

"Have you been guarding the house well in the meantime?"

The fact that the Wendigo's evil-looking face felt welcoming made him finally realize he had returned home.

* * *

"Knight!"

"Rex. It hasn't been long, but it feels like I am seeing you after a really long time."

The Sub-chieftain of the Blackhand Tribe also welcomed him with a smile full on his face.

"I believed you would be safe. I wanted to rescue you immediately, but there was no way to enter."

"I saw through the castle's window. The tribal warriors were patrolling even at night while carrying torches. Perhaps to not miss it in case I was asking for help?"

"You observed all of that?"

"Except for a short while at first, I spent my time quite leisurely. Sir Marbas also worked hard."

Even amidst siege weapons not working, Marbas attempted to open the castle gate with magical power every day.

"If you were watching, you should have at least shouted you were safe. How worried we were."

"The windows are structurally unopenable. I thought about smashing them and then shouting..."

Marbas was startled out of his wits at Eugene's words.

"What a dangerous thing to say! How could you ruin such a precious treasure?"

"Because I thought you would react like this, I just held back."

Marbas swallowed his saliva. It was time to ask the most important question.

"So, what happened to that castle? What happened to the castle? Since you escaped safely like this, you must have..."

Everyone here knew the meaning of the trailing end of his ambiguous words. Rex also pricked up his ears showing a look of intense concentration.

"The Moving Castle is mine now. The castle disappearing from Rostock is also my doing."

To Eugene answering with a shrug, everyone responded with an expression mixing astonishment and joy.

* * *

It took about a minute to calm down the highly excited people.

"The castle is stationed across there."

Eugene pointed towards the barren wasteland across the river.

"I succeeded in being acknowledged by the castle as its master, but there are still many monsters inside. Because it is difficult for me to clean it up alone, I came out alone first."

"Let us go there immediately!"

"Please give the order, Knight!"

Eugene calmed Marbas and Rex making a fuss.

"Give me a break. I want to have a wash first." "Ah!"

Everyone awkwardly laughed at the appearance of Eugene's party, practically no different from beggars.

"There is nothing to worry about. The castle gates are tightly closed, and it's not a location where anyone would approach. Following a brief reorganization, we will set out immediately."

Following the safe return of their employer, the new sortie plan made everyone roar out.

"Rex, prepare all silver weapons you can mobilize. Most of the enemies remaining there are non-living creatures."

"Understood."

"The mercenary captain must pack the largest and sturdiest shields possible. I need shield bearers completely dedicated to carrying just the shield. I will put them at the forefront to clear the path."

"Leave it to me."

Rex and the mercenary captain each offered a military salute.

"And Butler."

"Yes?!"

The butler replied, startled out of his wits. He came out to welcome the master, but never thought he would be pointed out for a military operation.

"Prepare 2 jars filled with cleanly purified water and 2 sacks of high-quality fertilizer. Put the landscaper and laborers who will assist him on standby. Because we need to cut off dead branches and eliminate parasitic pests."

"Huh? Ah, yes! Understood."

To Eugene, who issued incomprehensible orders, the butler bowed deeply. It was enough for someone like him to simply follow instructions loyally.

'I returned home after so much trouble, yet I have no time to rest properly.'

Eugene sighed.

The purification operation alone will be busy, but the possession of the Moving Castle will cause a huge stir in noble society in itself.

'I often thought I wanted my own castle, but now that it's in my hands, it's a headache in its own way.'

Eugene was a person who thought the Emperor in the capital would have a fit if he heard about it.