Chapter 91

Chapter 91 - Housewarming (1)

Although most enemies in the entrance hall were annihilated, the subjugation was not over.

Some enemies were isolated in specific areas of the castle, while others had limited movement ranges due to injuries. Their numbers were small and their combat power was weak, making them easy to clean up.

Dividing the unit into four, Eugene swept through floor by floor.

Crash!

A Living Armor wandering alone in front of a door was smashed by Rampage's warhammer.

Clatter.

A second hammer strike lodged into the struggling bastard's helmet, finally finishing it off.

"Are there any hammers left with silver plating?"

"There are none, Captain. Everyone's has worn off."

Silver acts as a reactant in battles against evil existences. Every time they slashed, thrust, or struck, the silver evaporated proportionally.

That is the reason silver arrows are considered synonymous with subjugating undead. Once lodged, the silver coated on the arrowhead continuously melts and wrecks the inside of the body.

"That is unfortunate. The hand-feel was amazing."

"It felt as if we had become magicians."

Compared to bladed weapons that severed limbs and spilled blood, hammers belonged to the dull side.

However, this time was different. Striking with a silver-plated hammer caused the hit opponent's skin to peel off as if evaporating, accompanied by grand flames or sparks.

"The castle needs repairs, and we will need soldiers to guard it, so they will extend our employment, right?"

"Isn't that obvious? Where else would they find experts in this field like us!"

The subordinates whispered among themselves.

Dwarves innately loved building and repairing things. Managing the final castle of the Ancient Kingdom was a great honor and a joy at the same time.

"Have you guys been to the rooftop? The view is absolutely insane."

"I want to install a few catapults there and try firing them. Just imagining boulders flying and bombarding..."

"Oh man!"

"Uwaaa."

At one Dwarf's words, everyone's eyes sparkled brightly.

As if wanting to go up to the rooftop and start construction immediately, they repeatedly swallowed their saliva while clenching and unclenching their thick hands.

"By the way, Captain. Who is going to move in and live in this vast castle?"

"How would I know? Even though I am a centurion, I am just a rookie who recently joined."

At the subordinate's question, Rampage stroked his beard.

He still didn't fully know the deal between Eugene and the Blackhand Tribe.

"Captain, please use some strength. Try to win an additional extension contract."

"No matter how good a house is, doesn't it quickly become an abandoned house if people don't live in it?"

Things eating away at a building, like leaks or mold, are neglected when people don't live there.

Without human presence and scent, wild animals or bugs freely enter, accelerating the ruin.

Dwarves knew very well how important it was for human eyes, hands, and body scent to reach every corner for a building's lifespan.

In some aspects, the Moving Castle was also a building where it was important for human body scent and warmth to permeate every corner.

* * *

The purification work took nearly two weeks.

Partly because the castle was vast, but they also spent more time to ensure they didn't miss a single one without suffering any damage.

"I knew you were meticulous, but this seems a bit excessive. I suppose your mercenary subordinates won't harbor complaints about being worked too hard, though."

Marbas clicked his tongue but admired it.

Creatures that were faithful to their desires like beasts and struggled desperately to avoid working. That was Marbas's concept of mercenaries.

However, watching the shield bearers under Eugene fight the evil army, he couldn't help but acknowledge them.

Especially the sight of them standing firm without retreating an inch in front of the giant Ghoul was already close to a knight's courage.

"It would be troubling if anything unsavory happened after accepting residents."

"Unsavoury events?"

"For example, children exploring and playing, then entering a secluded place only to find an unhandled monster hiding there."

"Your imagination is quite detailed."

It certainly wasn't an impossible scenario.

To Marbas, who had no wife or children, the Blackhand Tribe were like family.

He had countless memories of sitting young Dark Elves on his lap, telling them fairy tales, or buying them delicious food.

Marbas could endure any amount of fatigue for the safety of those children.

"Now the final stage of the prophecy remains."

"Do you mean inviting them as the master of the castle and observing the custom of hospitality?"

"Yes. All the troublesome intermediate steps are complete, and now all that's left is to eat, drink, and welcome them."

"It does not seem to be simply to keep your faith."

Marbas read the goodwill tinging Eugene's face.

"The help I received from the Blackhand Tribe is immense. Not only in the battle inside the castle, but throughout the entire process of my rise to prominence."

Godfrey, Homi, and Valda. They were the ones with the next largest share after the trio of founding contributors.

"I must certainly take care of my people."

"Even though they are quite arrogant and picky, they are good people to become friends with somehow. They will be a great help to your life as a monarch."

"They were always kind to me, though?"

Marbas let out a hearty laugh.

"And it is not strictly just a matter of repayment."

When Eugene placed his hand on the wall, Marbas followed suit and touched the wall.

Both of them felt the castle's body temperature and magical aura flowing along the wall.

"Since it harbors a strong mystery, there will be existences drawn to it. Whether ghosts, spirits, or anything else belonging to the other world."

Just as bugs rapidly appear when a house becomes empty. A magic castle has the possibility of attracting things more bothersome than bugs.

"If hundreds or more people reside here, the miscellaneous things won't dare enter due to the thoughts and life force they emit."

"That is exactly it."

As a summoner, Marbas immediately understood what Eugene meant.

"Since people are needed to protect and maintain the castle anyway, wouldn't it be better to fill it with competent individuals while we are at it?"

The fact that their uniformly beautiful appearances pleased the eyes was a bonus.

"Now that you mention it, there would be no worries about defense if you station the Blackhand Mercenaries as the garrison."

"I plan to offset the employment cost with rent."

"Numerous nobles will envy you."

At that time, tribal warriors pulling a cart loaded with empty water barrels saw the Castellan and politely paid their respects.

When Eugene stepped aside, they began collecting water from a nearby water intake.

The most important yet bothersome thing in army supply is precisely drinking water. However, since water could be obtained in the castle, they only needed to solve the food problem.

That was the reason they were able to operate for two weeks without additional supplies after crossing the barren wasteland.

"Where does that water come from?"

"There is a massive water reservoir. It supplies water through waterways connected throughout the castle."

"And how is the water gathered?"

"It absorbs rainwater and moisture in the air. When transmitted near a water source, it also sucks it up directly."

"What an incredible technology."

Marbas couldn't contain his admiration.

"Come to think of it, the food is slowly running out."

"The supply unit will come in from Northfork soon."

"Cannot food be self-resolved in the castle like water?"

The summoner's eyes sparkled brightly with curiosity. His face showed he was dying of interest at every single story about the Moving Castle's functions.

"There are aquatic farms, plant cultivation rooms, and indoor ranching facilities. However, the production volume is severely lacking. It only produces enough for the leading class to eat well and to show off by treating guests to fresh food."

Marbas laughed at Eugene's cynical attitude.

"Then perfect independence won't be possible. You will have to periodically stop by bases that can supply you."

"That is what I desire. It will actually be possible to make money with that."

"Make money? Ah!"

The word 'trade' popped into Marbas's mind.

Territories focusing on inland transportation hubs or bordering the sea were granted several times the value of other places.

Squeezing serfs yielded obvious silver coins, but the gold coins pouring from trade and tariffs were an enormous amount.

"The amount of cargo it can carry won't even compare to transport ships. Since there are no worries about bad weather or pirate looting, the success rate will also converge to 100%."

"That is a distant story for now. For the immediate future, I want to fully grasp the castle's various functions and prepare to welcome new guests."

Eugene stopped a tribal warrior passing by after filling the water.

"Could you give me a cup of water?"

"H-here it is."

He received the water cup offered by the awe-struck tribal warrior.

Whatever the principle was, water clearly purified without a single floating particle was rippling in the cup.

Eugene knew the castle absorbed and stored water, but he did not know the principle of purification.

Regarding light and safety, it was an area 99% brightened, but it was still a castle submerged in darkness in terms of information.

There were far too many areas Eugene needed to uncover by wandering around on his own feet.

* * *

Among those areas, there was a place Eugene paid the most attention to.

"You have a place you want to guide me to?"

"Yes. Lady Valda will also like it."

Valda took off the hood she always wore and was dressed in traditional Elf clothing.

Because the status of a forest magician or an Elf doesn't cause trouble here. Things like unreasonable magical demands or nobles flirting.

"It is truly wonderful."

The naturally flowing curves of the dress emphasized her voluminous figure.

The shoulders and arms featured embroidery stitched in the shape of leaves. It was a see-through material revealing the skin of her arms and shoulders.

A sapphire ring attached to the end of fingerless opera gloves was worn on her delicate middle finger.

She wore a silver tiara atop her golden hair, and crystal earrings hung on her haughtily rising ears.

"That is the secret to having countless flower crowns thrown at you in tournaments."

"Flattery will get you nowhere."

Contrary to her words, Valda trembled her fingertips gathered in front of her navel with a thrill.

"Before meeting you, I always had to be someone's guest the moment I stepped out of the forest."

"Weren't you warmly treated wherever you went? You are the Sage of the Emerald Forest in name."

"Even so, a guest is only a guest. I always had to be mindful, force a fake smile, and sometimes receive gazes filled with resentment. I was often on a bed of thorns."

Bow.

Mercenaries appearing from across the corridor offered a military salute, stepped aside, and stood at attention.

Only after Eugene and Valda passed them did they relax their posture and continue on their way.

"From Northfork to this castle. Now I have places where I can be comfortable."

"Because there will be no one in my territory who will treat the Court Magician poorly."

"Court Magician?"

Looking at Valda's widened eyes, Eugene opened his palm and pointed down the corridor.

"It is a castle lacking nothing compared to a royal palace. If there is a court, there must naturally be a Court Magician as well."

"To think a knight without even a Baron title would appoint a Court Magician."

Valda covered her mouth and laughed elegantly.

"Do you dislike it?"

"...That cannot be."

Valda turned her head away from Eugene. Being so pale-skinned, her subtle flush was immediately evident.

After walking silently for a while, a luxurious door appeared before them.

"Where is this?"

"Let me introduce it. It is the First Research Building."

When Eugene opened the door, a large laboratory revealed its dignified appearance.

"Oh my God!"

Valda gathered her hands at her chest and widened her eyes.

'Does she have a habit of going on her tiptoes when she's deeply moved?'

She scanned the inside of the laboratory while standing on her tiptoes.

"Go in and take a look."

"Y-yes!"

A cute sight walking on tiptoes like a dancing ballerina. Eugene laughed silently.

"These are all created with the secret arts of the Ancient Kingdom!"

Special reagent bottles that seal not only potions but also simple spells.

Various tools for alchemy.

Storage boxes supporting refrigerated and frozen storage.

A cultivation room where medicinal herbs and magical crops grow several times faster thanks to the castle's flowing magical power.

A glass tube that shows objects magnified or minimized.

An astronomical observation telescope that aids in prophecies reading the heavens.

A supply pipe that draws magical power from the castle so the magician doesn't have to use their own power during research.

In addition, bizarre research equipment of unknown purposes. This place was an area where the dreams and fantasies of every magician in the world were concentrated.

"I would like you to express your thoughts?"

"I am happy just standing here. There are more than a few magicians who would sacrifice their lives for a single night here."

"You are exaggerating."

"I am serious! Much of the technology and knowledge preserved here has been lost."

Valda pointed to the over a thousand books filling one side of the wall.

"Taking just one book from that bookshelf to the academy would yield several times its volume in gold. Of course, they must absolutely never be sold, it is just a figure of speech."

Valda swiftly moved her feet and stood in front of the magical power supply pipe.

"Do you know that despite overflowing academic zeal, research is greatly restricted for magicians and alchemists due to magical power depletion? With this, you can conduct any research you want for 10 or 20 hours. If combined with the reagent bottles stacked over there..."

Once the floodgates opened, she became a chatterbox and started blabbering cheerfully.

"I am glad you like the gift, please enjoy it."

"Gift?"

Eugene bent his knees slightly in front of Valda and turned both his palms upward.

"This is Lady Valda's private room from now on. Thank you for always looking out for me. I am glad I can finally give you a decent gift."

"!!!"

Valda froze on the spot. Her thoughts seemed unable to catch up with the situation.

Her wide eyes didn't even blink. Her trembling lips moved, but no words slipped out.

Twitch.

Instead, her long, white ears moved.

"Do you not like it?"

"Th-th-that cannot be!"

Twitch, twitch.

Valda's face was flushed to the maximum. Proportionately, her ears flapped like a butterfly.

She was someone who had never shown a greedy appearance since they met. But at this moment at least, she could not hide her desires at all.

"You don't need to make such a greed-filled face. Since it is already Lady Valda's."

"When did I ever... say that..."

Unable to deceive her conscience, Valda covered her face with both hands in embarrassment.

However, her pretty fingers were spread wide enough. Through them, her golden eyes eagerly peeked at every corner of the laboratory.

'She can just look openly.'

It seemed she still couldn't believe this great treasure trove had become her possession.

"I never thought or imagined I would receive such a gift."

Eventually bursting into tears, Valda even staggered as if her legs lost strength.

For the first time that day, Eugene hugged Valda in his arms and patted her.

The holy touch reaching his firm chest, the soft skin felt from her entire body, the Elf's perfume scent wafting from the ears close by.

Even Eugene, who remained unfazed no matter how much strong liquor he downed, felt the sensation of being drunk for the first time.

* * *

Most cats hate water.

However, very rarely, there is a water-attribute cat that likes water. A rare child that one is said to meet only after three generations accumulate virtue.

Homi fell under the water attribute.

Homi welcomed Eugene at the aquatic farm inside the castle.

It was called a farm, but it was a beautiful place that looked exactly like a mountain valley moved as is.

"You want to go in together?"

Nod nod.

An intense mystery was exuding beneath the water surface Homi pointed at. It seemed there was something she wanted to show him.

The two stood side by side on a rock looking good for diving.

Squeeze.

Eugene's right hand and Homi's left hand held each other affectionately. They dove straight into the water surface.

Splash!

Below the surface was much deeper and wider to see.

Beautiful corals and seaweeds spread everywhere, and colorful fish played, creating a fantastic sight.

Large oysters, sea urchins, scallops, mussels, and various other shells were attached to each rock. There was even a large shell that seemed filling enough eating just one.

'To think above the surface is a mountain valley, while below the surface is an ocean scenery.'

Beyond aquatic farming, it was also an excellent place for purifying the mind.

At the center of that floor was a giant shell blooming like a flower. To be exact, it was a magical structure in the shape of a flower and a shell.

It was the source from which an intense mystery was felt.

Homi grabbed Eugene's hand and led him there. Inside the structure, hundreds of large pearls rolled around.

Homi picked one of them up, showed it, and smiled radiantly.

It seemed she wanted to introduce a beautiful place and the gems she found to her lord.

'This was the reason the water was clean.'

Eugene immediately grasped the principle of how the water absorbed by the castle was purified.

A pearl is a substance created by wrapping secretions around sand, parasites, and other foreign substances when they enter a shell.

Depending on how one thinks, it can be called a gem crafted from garbage.

'Whether it's technology or magic, or both. Anyway, it's incredible. To purify water quality by imitating the mechanism of a clam.'

This will also be a technology lost in ancient times. There will probably be a few more besides here.

Having uncovered another secret of the Moving Castle, Eugene kissed Homi's forehead with gratitude.

"Is there anything you want?"

Just as he gave the laboratory to Valda, he wanted to give something as a gift to this young lady who was always loyal.

'Please play with me.'

But as always, the wish she desired was only one thing.

Eugene played a game of tag with Homi, who swam underwater like a mermaid.

She playfully dodged around Eugene's face and wagged her tail just out of reach.

Grab!

However, Eugene's grasp always cut through the empty water.

He laughed it off the first few times, but as he kept failing, he slowly became irritated.

"Okay! You really want to go at this?"

"Kkarr."

Crack, pop! As her irritated lord limbered up his body, Homi quickly hid underwater.

Her healthy legs disappeared into the water, and her beautifully arched feet provoked Eugene.

"Knight! The supply unit and noble envoy have arrived..."

The mercenary captain running into the farm progressively slowed his steps looking at the shoes and clothes scattered wildly on the floor.

Then he froze at the sight of the man and woman playing happily in the water.

"Sh-shall I come back a little later?"