Chapter 188 Success (2)
The Geul Mercenary Corps.
The largest mercenary corps in the Kingdom of Estiria, boasting an immense scale, operating countless mercenaries to rake in massive profits across the land.
Men who cared nothing for law or ethics, so long as the money flowed.
Thanks to that nature, they were often secretly employed by corrupt nobles.
They were even directly tied to the First Prince Valrgna, to the point that the mercenary guild, which was supposed to oversee mercenaries, instead had to tread carefully around them.
'That's right, it was like that.'
Verden recalled the information on the Geul Mercenary Corps.
While he did, Cland adjusted his fedora and tilted his head. Among the armed mercenaries, his gaze fell on Jarolf, the close aide who had been attending Geul at the secret social hall.
"Well, if it isn't Jarolf. It hasn't been long since we parted at Ariente Castle, has it? What brings you here?"
"I have business with you."
"Mm, the Geul Mercenary Corps has business with me. Judging by that expression, it doesn't look like pleasant business."
Srrng.
Jarolf drew his longsword.
The early evening light reflected off the cold blade.
"I came to uphold the creed."
The Geul Mercenary Corps had one creed.
[The value of a man is decided by others.]
The more they satisfied their clients, the higher their price as mercenaries.
The more successes piled up, the more digits were added to their worth.
A fact that was, in truth, only natural in the mercenary trade.
Corps leader Geul adhered to that principle ruthlessly, and no matter the request, he fulfilled it by any means necessary. As a result, he eventually drew the attention of the royal family.
A mere mercenary, who was no noble, nothing of the sort.
The more blood stained his hands, the heavier his purse grew.
But at the secret social hall, he had been humiliated.
The youngest mercenary he had personally presented was mercilessly trampled. The First Prince, who had trusted him and placed money on him, was greatly displeased.
Naturally, the credibility of the Geul Mercenary Corps began to decline.
And so they had to make amends.
As always, through blood.
"The creed, huh…"
Cland smirked.
"You've come to repay the humiliation you suffered before His Highness the First Prince, is that it. I expected retaliation, but I didn't think you'd move this fast."
"Dragging things out only costs money."
"Ha, words Geul always has on his lips. Well, at least I know why you've come for me. But how do you plan to uphold the creed? If a participant kills another participant in the secret social hall, His Highness Valrgna will never forgive it."
The First Prince valued authority.
He was delighted when his subordinates competed to impress him. But if they killed and tore each other apart, weakening their strength, he would never allow it.
For that meant things were slipping out of control, and could easily be taken as proof of the First Prince's incompetence.
"You're right. Killing you would be like cutting our own flesh, unless we were in Vintert. But the one next to you is different."
Jarolf's sword tip aimed at Verden.
"It is the commander's order. Hand over the mute, the black merchant."
He could not kill Cland.
So at the very least, he would kill the one who had crushed their youngest mercenary.
It was petty vengeance, meant to recover even a fraction of the corps' tarnished honor.
"Ha ha, Geul must be furious. No wonder he stormed out without a glance behind. If I may ask, what happens if I refuse your offer?"
"Nothing changes. You live, the mute dies."
Jarolf gave a slight nod.
The twenty mercenaries behind him drew their weapons, forming a ring. Their movements were rough, but systematic.
Murderous intent closed in from all sides.
"Savage as it gets. Have you thought of returning to Geul's side?"
"The commander's orders are absolute."
"Ah, I see."
Cland accepted the reasoning, then turned his head.
"Well then, what will you do?"
"If there is an obstacle, I will simply remove it."
There were no witnesses beyond the Geul Mercenary Corps.
And with battle now certain, Verden no longer bothered to play the part of Maltead.
Jarolf's brow furrowed at the unfamiliar voice.
"You… weren't you a mute?"
"Strictly speaking, yes. The Maltead you know cannot speak."
"Then that means…"
"That I am not Maltead."
Verden deactivated the Face of Deception.
The face of Maltead blurred, and his true self emerged.
Ash-gray hair and blue eyes.
Jarolf's eyes widened at once.
"Asher…?"
Even after a second look, there was no mistake.
In the kingdom, there was only one man with such a striking appearance — the mage of rumor. The name passed quickly among the mercenaries.
"Wait, if he's Asher, then could it be…"
"Sh*t, he's the mage allied with the Marquisate of Esperanza!"
Lightning Mage, Calia, the Union —
The names and rumors connected to Verden spilled from their mouths. The mercenaries could not hide their unrest at this unexpected revelation.
Jarolf, his face twisting, roared.
"Black merchant! Why are you with a pawn of the Marquisate of Esperanza! Explain yourself, now!"
"To correct you, he is no pawn. He is closer to a partner. As for the pawn you're speaking of, Jarolf, that would be me."
"What…?"
The black merchant, part of the Marquisate?
Impossible. For over ten years he had worked in the shadows, and no one had ever noticed.
Even deceiving the eyes of Vintert!
'Since when?'
Jarolf's eyes trembled violently.
Cland stroked the burn mark on his chin.
"Originally, I had no intention of killing you. But I gave you the chance, and still you would not withdraw. That was your choice."
"Black merchant!"
"Asher, then I'll leave it to you."
Verden nodded.
His mana circuits activated, blue light flaring forth. At the same time, the sun dipped, and darkness fell.
A chilling current swept across the mercenaries' napes.
"Do not falter!"
Jarolf shouted, rallying the corps.
"No matter if he uses high-level attributes, he's still just a Fourth Tier Mage! Only one man!"
They had twenty on their side.
Mercenaries who included mages and warriors alike, men well-versed in killing, who knew how to wield their numerical advantage.
Just one mage.
They would bombard him with spells, rush in, and cut him to pieces. Rumors were always exaggerated, after all.
As those thoughts dug into their minds, Jarolf cried out:
"Sever the mage's head and capture the black merchant alive! For the two who play the decisive role, I will grant twenty million Elk each!"
Twenty million Elk!
"Woooooahhh!"
The mercenaries, now fully motivated, charged forward one after another.
In their eyes shone both killing intent and base greed.
'Moths to a flame.'
Verden, seated on horseback,
his eyes glinted as he cast.
Triple Casting.
And then, hell was unleashed.
***
Ariente Castle.
In a luxurious drawing room, isolated thoroughly from the outside world, Valrgna faced Robert.
After the secret social hall ended, the First Prince had summoned Robert.
But this time, not as a participant in the hall, but as a prince, arranging a meeting with one of Vintert's powers.
The reason was singular.
The supply of test subjects.
"So, you're saying you need a mage with a special trait?"
"Yes, Father told me so himself."
Tak.
The First Prince set down his teacup.
"It seems that experiment, whatever it is, is reaching its final stages. Father's expression looked very pleased."
Experiments using elves and trait holders.
No one knew exactly what they were.
Not Robert, not the First Prince, not even the king of the underworld. Only the King of Estiria and the head of the court mages knew the truth.
Nor did they try to pry.
All they had to do was provide the necessary materials, and immense profits and influence fell into their laps. That was why Grond, ruler of Vintert, cooperated without a word.
After all, one could not cut open the goose that laid the golden eggs just because of curiosity.
"But even if other materials can be found, where are we supposed to suddenly obtain a trait holder. Over the past few years we scoured the kingdom down to the bones and only managed to find four. Still, refusing Father's request would hardly be the duty of a son, would it?"
Not duty, but for the throne.
Robert swallowed the thought and answered.
"In fact, we've already found a mage suspected to be a trait holder."
Mage Asher.
Robert recalled his blue eyes.
The First Prince reacted sharply.
"What? Truly?! Why did you not say this sooner───"
"Because demand must precede supply for the price to be high. For Vintert, and for Your Highness, who will ascend as the next king."
"For the price, huh… mm, I suppose you have a point. Then, is now the time to act?"
"Normally, yes, but unfortunately it's impossible at the moment."
"The reason?"
"The undead incident… because of the diocese."
Robert wet his throat with tea before continuing.
"The exact cause isn't clear, but due to some attack, the diocese was half destroyed and the bishop killed. And in the south, the undead outbreak as well. Naturally, the Church of Luas will dispatch an investigation."
"Well… that's only natural, isn't it?"
"Of course. But considering the scale of the incident, they may even send an archbishop."
Archbishop.
At that word, the First Prince swallowed.
"…You mean one of the 'Seven Archbishops'?"
The world religion, the Church of Luas.
At its peak stood the Pope and the Saint, and beneath the cardinals, the Seven Archbishops. Regardless of their individual strength, they were representatives of the Church, wielding overwhelming authority.
"Well, the damage is great, but is this really a matter for an archbishop to come? I would think sending a bishop and the paladins would suffice."
"That is more likely, yes. Still, we should watch how things unfold. Especially since the Kingdom of Estiria doesn't have the best relationship with the Church of Luas. There's plenty they could seize upon."
"Ah… ah, mm, true."
"So, for now, focus only on consolidating your power. When the time comes, Vintert will contact you. If there is nothing further, then I will take my leave."
Robert gave a courteous nod and left the drawing room.
The First Prince, watching his retreating figure, clicked his tongue.
"Tsk, so dramatic."
An archbishop, suddenly.
As if one of only seven across the entire continent would come to the kingdom. And to dare give him advice in such a tone.
"Truly insufferably arrogant."
Time passed, but his displeasure did not subside.
Then, suddenly, he thought of a way to refresh his mood, and summoned someone. One of the carriers employed by Drevus to transport test subjects.
"I hear that this time a living elf has been brought. I would like to see it."
"But Drevus strictly forbade anyone from─── no, understood. I shall escort you at once."
The carrier bowed his head beneath the prince's gaze.
Those eyes were not ones that could be refused. He rose immediately and led the First Prince to the secret laboratory.
A dark chamber located at the heart of Ariente Castle.
The First Prince, his knight Dronan, and the carrier entered. When the magic circles were arranged in a specific sequence, the air trembled faintly.
"Until now I've only seen elf corpses, a living elf, I am greatly looking forward to it."
"I am certain it will please you."
The carrier flattered him as he led the way.
It was at that moment, as the door opened.
"…What?"
The laboratory was engulfed in flames.
Heat, enough to sting the skin, filled the chamber. The three of them stood dumbfounded before the incomprehensible sight.
Then, a tremor resounded from within.
From Drevus's laboratory, a Flame Golem emerged.
"W-why is a golem that should be in the underground prison here?!"
Could there have been an error in the mana suppression?
No, something maintained flawlessly for years could not suddenly fail. And only a few hours ago there had been no issues.
How could this be?
Questions arose, but it was no time for idle thought. The three of them had clearly trespassed into the domain of the Flame Golem.
"What in the…"
"Your Highness!"
Dronan pulled the First Prince to safety.
At the same time, the Flame Golem spewed searing fire.
The carrier, struck directly, died instantly on the spot.
"A Flame Golem has invaded the castle! Subjugate it immediately!"
Dronan's shout rang throughout the castle.
The knights responded, gathering at once, and after a fierce battle, with part of the castle in ruins, they finally destroyed its core.
But Drevus, his experimental data, and the living elf were all gone. The laboratory, burned to cinders, held nothing but ash.
What the King of Estiria had personally ordered, had ended in the worst possible result.
"…Impossible."
The First Prince collapsed, crushed by the emptiness of reality.
***
Verden and the Geul Mercenary Corps.
Between them, magic flashed and screams echoed.
Sudden as though struck by bombardment, and utterly helpless. Among the corpses of mercenaries whose lives had been snuffed out, Jarolf let out a hollow laugh.
"This… this is nothing like the rumors."
Crack-crash!
Claws of earth tore Jarolf into three pieces.
Verden, without taking a step, from horseback, swept aside the mercenary corps. Cland swallowed hard at the display.
'Twenty mercenaries, unable even to approach, annihilated.'
Most were unable even to react before the cascade of spells.
Even Jarolf, Geul's close aide, had struggled in vain, unable to close the distance by a single step.
A speed of magical calculation that was nothing short of instantaneous.
They said the Marquisate's magus, Edmon of Headwind, had been struck down in one blow…
'He's no joke, not at all.'
Strength absurd for his age.
At that moment, Verden drew out the Oculus.
"Mm? The battle is over, so why bring out your staff?"
"To erase the traces."
Verden pressed the tip of the Oculus to the ground.
Fissures opened in the earth, writhing as they swallowed everything upon the surface. Bloodstains, mercenary corpses, even the residue of magic.
Moments later, only a clean clearing remained.
"Let us go."
"You are truly frightening."
"…?"
"No, just talking to myself. Then, I'll be counting on your guidance."
The two spurred their pace.
Fortunately, no further obstacles like the Geul Mercenary Corps appeared. Though dark, the road to the natural lake was rather peaceful.
Along the way, they purchased a cart carrying a few empty oak barrels from a village, and at last arrived at their destination.
"Here it is."
Dismounting, Verden dispelled the magic circle.
The vent he had created came into view. Manipulating the terrain, he raised the cavity, and within chains of mana, a golden-haired elf was revealed.
"Nearly sealed, by the looks of it."
"I had no choice, in case it awoke."
"You did well. Better to never let your guard down, lest you be struck from behind. Still, this is my first time seeing a demi-human with my own eyes, and as the stories say, the elf is truly fair of appearance. Though in poor condition, let us move it quickly."
The elf was placed into an oak barrel by the two.
It was a sordid sight, but fortunately, there were no witnesses. After checking once more that the cart and horses were secure, Verden and Cland mounted up.
"Are we going directly to Rines?"
"Had things gone to plan, yes, but with such a conspicuous elf, we will head instead to the safe house near Rines. There, no discovery will be possible. Until then, I ask your company."
"Understood."
All related experimental materials secured.
A living elf, once used as test subject, obtained. The secret laboratory hidden within the First Prince's castle destroyed, and all involved silenced.
The commission entrusted to Verden by the Marquis of Esperanza, had achieved nothing short of perfect success.