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Chapter 132
Chapter 132
Chapter 132 – Home (2)
The first night in Black Swan.
“Are you sleeping?”
Marquis Foltaine visited my tent.
For the record, humans, including the knights of Verdant Vale and Duke Herman’s knights, were staying in temporary tents.
It was a gesture of consideration for the dwarves.
“Still awake?”
“Heheheh. They say you sleep more as you age, but for me, it seems quite the opposite.”
“……”
I silently observed Marquis Foltaine as he spoke.
“Do the nights still torment you?”
“Enough nonsense. I didn’t come here seeking words of comfort from you.”
Even as he waved his hand dismissively, the faint smile on his lips remained.
“Do you know the true reason why this land of death led to a war between our Hart Kingdom and the Meeke Principality?”
I tilted my head.
“Well, isn’t it because this vast and fertile land is rich in natural resources? Border disputes aren’t anything special, after all.”
Black Swan was evenly split between the two nations, east and west. In terms of size, half of it rivaled a duchy in most kingdoms.
And now, I have been appointed as the lord of this expansive land by both nations.
Though the title was one of a baron, the territory I governed exceeded the size of two duchies combined.
“That alone isn’t enough to spark a war, wouldn’t you agree? Besides, our relations with the Meeke Principality weren’t particularly bad before this.”
Looking back, he was right.
Even in my past life as an imperial citizen, the relationship between the two nations was relatively amicable.
After Swallow became the sole empire, their bond likely grew stronger.
History bore testament to that.
For the past 20 years, other nations had united in fiercely opposing the empire.
“The reason you mentioned is a weak pretext for war. No matter how blessed the land, its resources couldn’t even be harvested because of the monsters and non-human races.”
“Humans have always been famously arrogant. They likely believed that a large army could subdue the monsters. As for the dwarves and elves…… If they resisted, well, maybe they would have thought it made things more convenient, too.”
The non-human races—especially elves and dwarves—remained in high demand in the slave markets even now.
“I’ll cut to the chase. There’s a greater reason behind it.”
“I’m curious.”
“Rumors spread. There was bits of intelligence claiming that an immense quantity of Prisia and Rune could be found in the elven forest.”
“……!”
My eyes widened.
Prisia was the key ingredient in the highest-grade elixirs. Likewise, Rune was an extremely rare material essential for crafting mana pills.
“Is that…… True?”
The methods for the production of mana pills varied by nation and family. As such, each produced vastly different results.
Like swordsmanship and mana cultivation techniques, these recipes were treated as closely guarded secrets.
However, a common factor in all recipes was the inclusion of ‘Rune’.
Its unique ability to condense highly concentrated energy made it indispensable, which is why it had the highest value of any material in existence.
“So, the war broke out to claim that?”
“Yes.”
“If that’s true……”
A smile crept across my lips.
Blessed land, indeed.
And since I already needed to venture into that forest for that elusive herb called Panella……
“……Would this be what they call ‘killing two birds with one stone’?”
Marquis Foltaine smirked.
“I figured a greedy fellow like you would appreciate this story.”
The western region of Black Swan.
In the heart of a vast forest.
Nestled in the tallest tree, stood a hut where elves had gathered.
“Erina, no matter how much we warn them, they don’t seem inclined to retreat. What do we do now?”
At the sound of her name, Erina slowly opened her closed eyes. She had long silver hair and pure white skin.
However, the eyes she opened were an ominous shade of red. It wasn’t a brilliant ruby-like red, but a deep, bloody crimson.
“If they refuse to retreat despite the warnings, we must crush them for good this time.”
Her delicate voice rang out, and the gathered elves made a sour face. For context, all those present were elder-level figures of significant age.
“Still…… Any more, and it feels too extreme.”
“Indeed, especially given what we did to the dwarves not long ago……”
For a moment, Erina’s gaze turned icy.
“What we did…… It seems you’ve forgotten, elders, about what humans did to us in the past.”
Flinch.
The gathered elves’ brows furrowed.
Though they cherished peace and harmony with other races, ‘humans’ were the exception.
“The dwarves made an unforgivable mistake. Blinded by revenge, they allied with demons they should never have trusted. They will target our forest again.”
“……”
The elders’ expressions darkened further.
They had recalled the memory of that terrible day. The humans had indeed assembled an army to invade their lands.
Driven purely by greed.
“It seems the elders feel guilty toward the dwarves…… But let’s not forget—they’re no different from humans. We’ve learned our lesson—never trust anyone outside our kin.”
“Hm……”
“Repeating a miserable history is the act of fools. That’s why we must make a clear statement this time.”
Gradually, the elders began nodding.
“Tomorrow, we’ll deliver our final warning. If they don’t retreat, we will wipe them out—adults and children alike.”
“W-Wipe them out? Are you saying we’ll kill them all?”
“Yes.”
“……!”
At her resolute answer, the elders hesitated again. Erina’s gaze turned colder still.
“Elders, our kin who were enslaved by humans lived lives worse than death. Death would’ve been a blessing.”
This was an undeniable truth. The fate of the elves who were captured by humans were truly miserable.
They were used as sex slaves, regardless of gender, or as test subjects for magicians, and so on.
“……Very well, Erina. We’ll follow your lead again.”
At last, a beautiful smile spread across Erina’s face.
“Good. We’ll give them three days. If they don’t retreat by then, we’ll kill them all. This meeting will end here.”
***
The following morning, all the key figures gathered in my tent. Trevor, who had been out until now, was also present.
“You’ve returned safely.”
“Anything noteworthy?”
“No. I’ll report the recent developments separately. In any case, it’s a relief to see you healthy.”
Trevor smiled faintly and bowed politely.
I’d noticed this before—he was someone who knew how to keep work and personal matters separate.
This is a formal meeting, after all.
“These are the high-ranking nobles of the Hart Kingdom.”
I introduced my people briefly to Trevor.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Trevor.”
“It’s an honor to meet you again, Sir Trevor.”
Marquis Foltaine, who already knew Trevor, returned the greeting with a polite nod.
While Trevor held no title in the Hart Kingdom, his reputation as a hero of the Empire preceded him.
Marquis Foltaine showed him the utmost respect. At the same time, a warm smile spread across Trevor’s face.
“Wait. By Trevor, do you mean that Trevor?”
Duke Serin’s eyes widened in surprise as he seemed to piece something together.
He alternated his gaze between Marquis Foltaine and Trevor, as if confirming a suspicion.
“Heheheh. Indeed, Your Grace, it’s exactly who you think it is.”
“Ha……?”
Duke Serin turned toward me with a bewildered expression.
-How did you manage to recruit such an impressive individual, Your Highness?
……Is what his face seemed to say.
“I’ll explain the situation.”
Trevor said with a slightly awkward smile, redirecting the conversation. He probably wasn’t entirely comfortable with the attention just yet.
It was understandable, given the state of his body.
“Please take a look here.”
Flutter!
In one smooth motion, Trevor spread a map across the table.
“The elves have been employing guerrilla tactics, and their methods are becoming increasingly brutal. Initially, they stuck to 1st-circle magic like Magic Missile, but recently, they’ve escalated to more destructive spells like the 2nd-circle magic Fireball and Poison, which is lethal. These attacks have severely hindered our city construction plans.”
“That’s pretty brutal, yeah. Those elves resorted to fire and poison?”
I frowned at this revelation, and Trevor nodded with a bitter smile. This was likely the handiwork of that half-elf.
“Even young dwarves watching from nearby have been poisoned, with some suffering burns as well.”
“……”
A heavy silence fell over the room.
“Here, here, and here.”
Trevor pointed to several red-circled locations on the map, marking areas in the western plains.
“The elves typically strike from these locations, then retreat swiftly into the forest when pursued. They repeat this hit-and-run strategy.”
“Is ambushing them an option?”
“Not really. The western region is mostly open plains, and just beyond that is the vast elven forest.”
There was no cover whatsoever, meaning that they could run to home ground whenever necessary.
The terrain heavily favored the elves.
“As such, I propose a drive hunt strategy.”
“Oh? The classic approach.”
“I expected you to recognize it.”
Trevor looked at me with a smile. Others in the room tilted their heads curiously.
“Don’t keep it between the two of you; share it with us.”
The impatient leader of the dwarves, Bolt, interrupted.
“Simply put, we’ll establish a wide encirclement around the western forest. If the elves venture out, we’ll cut off their retreat and force them into terrain that’s advantageous for us.”
This was textbook strategy. Block the enemy’s retreat to sow panic.
However,
“……I think there’s a better plan.”
“……?”
Everyone turned to me.
“Honestly, with our limited manpower, it’s not realistic to cover such a vast forest.”
“That’s why we’ve stationed scouts around key paths. Even if the forest is huge, the elves must have preferred routes.”
Trevor’s instincts were sharp as always. However, I still wasn’t satisfied.
“Why settle for the second-best option when we can have the best?”
“Sorry……?”
“We have a better method. Why not make those pointy-eared bastards come out of their hidey-hole on their own?”
“……?”
Trevor tilted his head.
Marquis Foltaine, who couldn’t stand to stay in the dark any longer, asked while pounding his chest.
“How do you plan to do that?”
“I was just about to explain. But first, since time is of the essence……”
I turned toward the entrance of the tent, where Winley had been listening intently, her ears perked up.
“Princess, I need a favor.”
“Huh……?”
“Go to the dwarves and ask them to gather the oil that they use in lanterns. The more the better.”
“A-Alright!”
With that, Winley dashed out of the tent.
***
Meanwhile.
Harun, Jan, and Kirian were surveying the land around the future city.
“This place is perfect for people to live in. The sunlight warms every corner without casting shadows……”
“The soil is excellent, too. With a nearby river, we could grow crops here that would yield abundant harvests year after year.”
Jan and Kirian turned toward Harun, puzzled.
“Wait, how can you tell the soil quality just by looking?”
Jan’s question made Harun puff out his chest smugly. He even clicked his tongue in mock pity.
“I can just tell by touching it. You poor sheltered noble boys.”
“……I don’t know about Kirian, but I never told you to drop formalities with me.”
“Ahem. Let’s not be petty, sir. Real men don’t quibble over every little thing.”
“……Fine. Now answer the question.”
Harun’s shoulders rose even higher.
“Have you forgotten who I am? Harun, the son of a farmer……!”
“Hey, you guys! Stop babbling and start hauling this oil!”
“……!”
All three heads whipped around.
“Y-Your Highness?”
Winley was charging toward them with fierce determination.
“I thought she was going to participate in the strategy meeting. Why’s she back so early?”
Kirian muttered, puzzled.
Just this morning, Winley had been deeply anxious about the elves. She’d warned that they were powerful mages and summoners.
Their half-elf leader was likely as cunning and deceitful as any human.
“But why the oil……?”
“What else? Ancelot, that lunatic, must be planning something again.”
“……!”
Hearing the name ‘Ancelot’, the children’s eyes lit up with excitement, Winley included. Her face was flushed with anticipation as she urged them on.
“And pay attention! Watch and learn. Your master has already been recognized by countless people and has even been given a title—not only for his swordsmanship, but also for his other extraordinary talents!”
At that moment, Winley had no idea.
But she’d come to regret her words for the rest of her life.
***
Fwoosh!
“Burns nicely, doesn’t it?”
“……”
Winley stared blankly at the scene before her, her mouth agape.
The sky was blue, and the mountains and trees were beautiful.
And the vast forest in the middle of it all.
The pristine, god-given wilderness was being consumed in a hellish inferno right from the entrance.
And as in the past, all for the sake of human greed.
“That…… Crazy bastard……”
In addition, in front of the fire, a group of nobles were casually roasting sweet potatoes. High-ranking nobles of the Hart Kingdom, no less.
“So…… We’re supposed to learn how to roast sweet potatoes together with the adults, right?”
“Of course nooooottttt!”
Winley screamed, tearing at her hair.
“I take it back! Forget it! Close your eyes! Don’t learn any of this!”
“Uh……”
“Do you hear me!?”
“Yes, ma’am!”
At that moment, Winley swore to herself.
She would never, ever let that madman corrupt these innocent children.
* * *