Opportunities from the Game Become Reality, Episode 165
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Opportunities from the Game Become Reality, Episode 165
39. The World Is Wide (5)
Naturally, that acquaintance referred to Blake, the Dark Elf who was a resident of the Dragonlands.
According to Blake, Dark Elves lived in villages scattered throughout the Dragonlands.
And he maintained close relations with the other Dark Elf villages.
Compared to the typical Dark Elf lifespan of about 500 years, Blake, having lived over 800 years and being a Lordmaster, was bound to be a figure of considerable standing.
That was why many Dark Elves welcomed him, allowing him to engage in exchanges without any trouble.
Thanks to that, I began to think that if I used the network of Dark Elves that Blake had built, safe development might be possible.
Of course, right now our relationship wasn't deep enough to ask for favors, but after a bit more time, once we started exchanging goods that both sides wanted, couldn't we too become a faction adapted to the Dragonlands, like the Dark Elves?
"Are you talking about that Dark Elf?"
It seemed Duke James had already been informed that he had been attacked by a Dark Elf who was a Lordmaster.
Thinking about it, there was a lot to resolve with Duke James.
During my confrontation with Blake, I used Revive, an 8th Circle recovery magic.
Other people seemed to have assumed I used an artifact, but it would be hard to fool the eyes of Duke James, a Grand Master.
He was keeping quiet about it on his own, but he probably had many doubts about my identity.
"I should have reported it directly, but the message was delayed."
"No, it's fine. He said that he seemed to be connected to Duke Riverdale, the master of Duke Lawrence, so considering Duke Lawrence's position, you had no choice but to be cautious. I understand."
I laughed awkwardly.
I felt sorry that I couldn't reveal all the information even to King Mikhail, who was showing me goodwill.
"That's right. This time, that Dark Elf has agreed to guide Arcia. I judged that by building a rapport with him, we could receive help with developing the Dragonlands."
"Oh, you've managed to build a rapport with a Lord Master? That is very welcome news."
Even in a situation where other kings might worry that their royal authority was being threatened, King Mikhail was the kind of king who thought about how to make use of it.
"According to him, there are no factions at the level of nations in the Dragonlands. However, powerful monsters, including dragons, occupy each region as if they were the masters and command the lower monsters as their underlings."
The name "Dragonlands" made it sound like dragons would live there as organized factions, but that was not the case at all.
Dragons were hermaphrodites capable of reproducing on their own, so they had no concept of marriage, and their independence was so strong that once their offspring reached adulthood and left, they almost never interfered in each other's lives, like strangers.
But the terrifying thing about dragons lay in this very individualism.
Dragons were territorial creatures.
And since such territorial creatures lived scattered here and there, if you recklessly roamed the Dragonlands, you might make the mistake of stepping into a dragon's territory.
Of course, although dragons were territorial, they were also lazy and rarely dealt with intruders directly, but beneath each dragon there were plenty of guardians strong enough to be the overlord of a region, so the danger was just the same.
"Besides dragons, are there many dangerous monsters?"
"There are quite a lot of monsters at the Grandmaster-class (8th Circle) level. And there are also monsters that can be counted as dragon-class, like that Dark Elf."
"That's terrifying. If we recklessly set out to develop the land, the entire nation could be in danger."
"Exactly. We need to have a proper grasp of the geography of the Dragonlands."
But the Dragonlands were filled with treasures worth risking such dangers.
Orichalcum, which was produced at less than 1kg per year in holy lands, was reportedly mined there in mineral form, and adamantite, known as a mineral of the demon world, could also be obtained.
Also, the Dragonlands had the most abundant mana in Rondel, where elixirs and spirit beasts that would only exist in martial arts novels actually existed, and there were also dragon lairs left abandoned after their owners had returned to nature.
Above all, relics and ruins from the mythical age lay dormant there in perfect condition, making it a place that truly deserved to be called a treasure vault.
"Our Kingdom of Rhinehearts is blessed with heavenly fortune. We must make full use of it."
At my words, King Mikhail nodded.
"Then let us grant you the Viscounty of Hilton on the border of the Dragonlands. But this is land far removed from the duchy should it be viewed as the duchy's colonial territory?"
"Wouldn't it be better to express it as an external territory or a dependency of the duchy rather than a colonial territory? After all, the duchy is a vassal state of the Kingdom of Rhinehearts."
"That certainly sounds better."
And so King Mikhail not only decided to establish the duchy in the region I had requested, but also agreed to grant all three of my requests.
"By the way, about the eastern duchy that Duke James will be taking charge of. I have already announced to Gracia, Izes, and the Paulo Kingdom that I would be assigned as their grand duke would it be a problem to change that now?"
"The contract only states that a duchy will be established as a buffer zone; there is no mention of who the grand duke would be. Besides, they would welcome Duke James more than they would Viscount Lawrence being assigned."
"Pardon?"
"It seems His Grace doesn't realize how much the neighboring nations fear him. You swallowed up an empire using the royal army, so from their perspective, they'll think you could swallow up their kingdoms with a duchy as well."
Is that so?
I could feel just how much my reputation had grown.
"Let's hold the conferral of the grand duchy title and the granting of the duchy as the main event during the victory commemoration ceremony, alongside the proclamation of the empire."
On the day of the victory commemoration ceremony, the proclamation of the empire.
We haven't fully consolidated the territory of the Croysen Empire yet, and our military strength has taken considerable damage, but there's no need to postpone it.
This event hosted by the royal family will likely be the most splendid in the entire history of the Kingdom of Rhinehearts.
"I look forward to working with you from here on as well."
And King Mikhail, with a broad smile on his face, extended his hand for a handshake.
Without hesitation, I took his hand.
"Likewise, I look forward to working with you."
* * *
After my meeting with King Mikhail, I went to see Duke James.
-Knock, knock.
Duke James was at the Imperial Guard Knight Division, helping train the knights including Marquis Ackers.
As I tapped the wall of the indoor training grounds, a faint wave of mana rippled outward, and proving that the title of Imperial Guard Knight was no empty boast, everyone's gazes turned to me in unison.
"We greet His Grace, Duke Lawrence."
The Imperial Guard Knights offered me crisp, disciplined greetings.
Their expressions varied, but their feelings were unanimous.
[Status: Favorable / Respect]
It seemed my performance in this war had made a significant impression.
I spotted Duke James among the knights, looking at me with a wary expression.
"Duke James, do you have a moment?"
"Very well."
At my call, Duke James approached as if he had been waiting.
And we found an empty meeting room and went inside.
"Am I right to assume you've come to see me about that matter?"
Duke James cut straight to the point.
The subject was omitted, but I nodded readily.
At that, tension crept across Duke James's face.
"I'll ask you directly."
"Please, speak."
Duke James asked with an utterly serious expression.
"Are you... no, are you a dragon?"
That question was something I had never even considered.
As a result, I was left speechless with a dumbfounded look, and seeing me like that, his eyes wavered ceaselessly.
"What are you talking about, out of nowhere?"
"I've heard that dragons, who live for thousands of years, often disguise themselves as humans to amuse themselves and dispel the tedium of life. That would explain how someone in their early twenties achieved the 8th Circle, and considering your connection to the Dark Elf of the Dragonlands..."
I could roughly see how the puzzle was being put together.
The problem was that the picture depicted on that puzzle was completely wrong.
I let out a hollow laugh.
Is it because he only swings a sword around?
Despite how he looks, this man is surprisingly naive.
"I am human. The two heads of the Viscount Lawrence family are certainly my parents."
But he didn't readily believe my words.
"I only broke through to the 8th Circle just over a month ago. I didn't reveal it because I was afraid that if people learned that I had broken through the wall as well, following Arcia, it would invite strange misunderstandings."
Being mistaken for a dragon was certainly not a situation I had anticipated.
"So are you saying you became Grand Duke Lucas's disciple?"
Wouldn't a normal person think of that first, rather than a dragon or something?
No matter what evidence or circumstances come to light in the future, I have no intention of revealing that I am Grand Duke Lucas's successor.
So I flat-out denied it.
"That's not it either. I kept it hidden because such a misunderstanding could put me, my family, and our kingdom in danger. I'm just someone who became an 8th Circle at the ordinary age of 21."
"Hmm...."
Whether he believes me or not, I don't care.
Whatever he thinks, I don't care.
What matters here is that Duke James remains silent about my level from now on.
"There's no need to overthink this. The Kingdom of Rhinehearts needs me, and I intend to live out my life in the Kingdom of Rhinehearts. So, Duke James, please don't entertain baseless guesses and forget about my level as well."
He may have shown a rather odd side, but a man of Grandmaster caliber couldn't possibly be a fool.
Moreover, he's someone who spent decades pretending to be dead and cut ties with his family for the sake of the kingdom, so I believe he'll understand the meaning of my words well.
What truly constitutes acting for the good of the nation.
"For now... I understand."
Was it because I used the kingdom as a hostage?
Duke James's tone, which had seemed troubled, returned to normal.
At that, I smiled and nodded in satisfaction.
"That's all I need."
* * *
Invitations to the Kingdom of Rhinehearts' victory commemoration ceremony were sent out to nations across the world.
At the emergence of a new superpower, everyone swiftly organized delegations to offer their congratulations.
The neighboring nations of the Kingdom of Rhinehearts all included their Crown Princes in their delegations, while nations farther away sent ordinary royalty and prominent nobles.
However, despite the distance, the Prius Republic and the Kingdom of Roberto on the Triton Continent both had their President and Queen personally announce their attendance, flaunting their friendship with the Kingdom of Rhinehearts.
"Friendship? Haha, to be precise, it's not friendship with the Kingdom of Rhinehearts, but personal ties with Duke Lawrence. Both heads of state owe Duke Lawrence a debt."
"I heard there's a rumor that Queen Sia Rin of the Kingdom of Roberto admires Duke Lawrence...."
"That's understandable. Her entire family was slaughtered, she was left with no better standing than a duck egg on the riverbank, and she nearly met a dog's death herself but not only did he save her, he also helped her reclaim the throne. Her ministers urge her to take a royal consort, but the Queen seems to have no interest in marriage."
"Oh dear... tsk tsk."
"In any case, Duke Lawrence is truly a formidable figure. All the neighboring allied nations fear him."
Count Friedrich, the Imperial Capital Defense Commander and Aura Master attached to the Bringham Empire's delegation, did not hide his discomfort at the conversation between the foreign ministry nobles riding in the same carriage.
"For the heads of a delegation, they're far too restless."
Though the foreign ministry nobles were old enough to be his uncles or fathers, Count Friedrich spoke without restraint.
It was partly because of their recklessness in casually airing another nation's private affairs before others, but also simply because Count Friedrich disliked Adrian.
Count Friedrich was a nouveau noble, but behind him stood Duke Raphael one of the Empire's two Grandmasters and a powerful figure in the Empire.
As such, the foreign ministry nobles cleared their throats and apologized readily.
"Ahem, our apologies."
Count Friedrich snorted and took in the sight of the Kingdom of Rhinehearts' Royal Palace as it drew near.
"A castle that can't even compare to our Bringham."
The Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Rhinehearts was not particularly large compared to those of neighboring nations.
It fit well with the pragmatic nature of the Rhinehearts people.
"The Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Rhinehearts is said to be unusually specialized for offense. They say that if a siege were to occur in the capital Lionel, the thing to be most wary of isn't the enemy army it's the Royal Palace itself."
Being a royal palace, it naturally possessed ample defensive capabilities, but that statement wasn't wrong.
The Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Rhinehearts was said to possess combat power equivalent to ten Heaven-Piercing Fortresses.
At his silent master Duke Raphael's remark, Count Friedrich responded with a sneer.
"Oh, is that so?"
Hearing that, the palace began to look different from the other nations' palaces that only shone on the surface.
"When you meet Duke Lawrence, show him proper respect. Though he is younger than you, he holds great standing in the international community."
But the advice that followed was not something she could readily accept.
"That remains to be seen. I'm not the type to believe anything unless I see it with my own eyes."
Count Friedrich, at 26, did not take kindly to the existence of Duke Lawrence, who though five years his junior was gaining worldwide fame.
"I believe his reputation is blown far out of proportion."
"Even after seeing how he handled this war, you still say that?"
"Isn't it only because he has outstanding adjutants at his side?"
Duke Raphael shook his head at his disciple, who refused to yield a single word.
He had spoiled him far too much.
He valued him as highly as himself for his innate talent with the sword, but lately his arrogance had crossed the line far too often.
'I suspect His Majesty made a mistake. This brat doesn't belong on the diplomatic stage.'
The Emperor had included Count Friedrich in this delegation, thinking that whether he felt something toward Duke Lawrence or recklessly charged in and got crushed, he would gain something from it.
Fitting for the Emperor of the world's mightiest empire, his mindset was that a little international friction was of no concern.
But Duke Raphael, setting aside his disciple's unpredictable behavior, was uneasy about him getting entangled with Adrian, a man whose thoughts were utterly unreadable.
It was just a hunch, but it felt like something beyond common sense was about to happen.
'I'll have to keep a close watch and control him myself.'
As a result, Duke Raphael felt weary for some reason, even though the main game had yet to begin.
"Whatever the situation, we are a delegation representing the Bringham Empire. Remember that we must not appear pitiful in the eyes of other nations."
"Yes, Master."
Shortly after, they arrived at the Royal Palace of Rhinehearts through the VIP-only entrance.
"Welcome, delegation of the Bringham Empire. I am Adrian El Lawrence, Duke of the Kingdom of Rhinehearts."
But when he realized that the Kingdom's representative welcoming them was none other than Adrian, Duke Raphael's face which had kept a stoic expression twisted.