Chapter 128

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Reynold, who was biting his nails, nervously slammed the tabletop, chewing his lips out of anxiety.

As a result, the objects on the table fell to the floor and toppled.

Sending Claudia to her marriage with Maynard, was the cleanest and most complete ending for his rise to the throne.

He also had a conversation with Maynard’s Crown Prince in advance and agreed to only receive Mukas Leafs in moderation. But now, if they ask for an Oath with the Maple Estate as the official betrothal gift they won’t finish the deal.

Since his mother told him that Maynard was a pretty good kingdom to get his hands on, he tried to pave the way in advance. All of it went down the drain with Claudia alone interfering in the marriage deal.

“It was almost done! Damn bitch ruined it all.”

Seeing my perfect plan twisted makes me feel upset.

‘Then you don’t need Mukas leaves, right? Depression is a disease of the mind. So, I plan to set up treatment centers around the country that listen to people’s concerns and find answers, promoting a project to train therapists specialized in depression to work there. Magic dolls will be the first step in that work.’

Recalling Claudia, who was proudly expressing her opinion, and the Emperor and ministers who were paying attention to her, Reynolds shook his head violently, tearing off his hair.

“No! It’s no use pretending to be qualified like that! Because the throne is mine.”

Reynold, who had been talking to himself as if he had lost his mind, murmured.

“I’m sure that this is obviously…!”

It’s hard to believe that the stupid princess could have done it all by herself, she had prepared several schemes for the meeting. There must be someone behind it.

“Who the hell is that?”

We must find out who is behind her.

Reynold’s eyes flashed and rolled around the room.

* * *

As the day dawned, the subjugation began. Since there were a total of four dens, the knights and wizards were divided into four groups in a balanced rooster.

The squad for the first den moved according to the instructions of Commander Jarga, the second group was led by Wizard Anastasia, and the third and fourth were led by the Vice-Commander of the Knights and the Vice-Leader of the Magic Order, respectively.

The Duke and Duchess remained in the barracks, giving instructions by the communication port, and knights and wizards to escort them remained.

―No. 1 den. There is one caught in a trap.

A Munraken was caught in a trap set prior to the hunt, it was hung in the entrance to ambush when the time was right. Compared to its large body, the entrance was narrow, so it seemed like they were easily caught in the trap.

As he struggled, Captain Jarga thrust his sword into its neck.

Kyeeeeeeeh!

Koo!

Munraken collapsed letting out a strange, deafening cry.

―No.2 One was caught in the trap.

―No.1. One kill confirmed.

―No.4. The trap is empty.

A small smile spread across Soliaphe’s lips, while she gave additional instructions.

―Clean the blood of the corpse on your bodies and move forward.

The knights and wizards each led by their leaders continued to advance inward.

Thanks to the wizard and scouts who figured out the way with detection magic, they could map the maze-like den.

Munraken, who had gathered in a corner and fell asleep, were killed with swords, spears, or axes.

Keeek!

The subjugation proceeded smoothly thanks to the monster’s habit of being active at night and sleeping during the day.

Occasionally, when a Munraken, who woke up after hearing other sounds, attacked them, the monster sight was blocked with light magic and they were swiftly suppressed.

When there were two or three at once, they sprayed flaming fuel and killed them with fire arrows or flame magic.

―Five kills and reconnaissance completed. Den No. 01 is clean. One person was injured.

The first den subjugation, led by Commander Jargar, ended first.

―Good. Great work Jarga, if the wounded cannot be cured, send them to the barracks, and give support to the rest of the teams elsewhere.

―I will see what’s going on in other places.

―No. 3……1. done… … completion.

―No.2. 2 kills.

The situation in the fourth lair was not good. The smell could not be erased, and a sound of an object that was accidentally dropped seemed to have woken up the sleeping Munraken.

Kyeeeeh!

A body covered in red fur was exposed in the light. Ugly yellow eyes and sharp teeth and claws were aimed at the intruders.

A knight swung his sword, but it hit the claw. Munraken, who suppressed the knight with his front paws, drooled and opened his mouth to chew the head first.

“Argh!”

When their comrades were beaten in front of them, the bewildered wizards fired fire magic all at once.

“Fire Ball!”

Whooshhh!

Although they only defeated one, they could not advance, because other Munraken that heard the commotion were approaching.

Kyeeeeh!

Two knights were killed in an instant by the sharp attack of monsters who rushed in.

―No. 4, please send support…ugh

―What’s going on? Commander Jarga, back up Den. No.04 right away.

―Yes.

Leader Jarga and the knights frowned, went into the fourth den, and in one breath, slashed Munraken’s body with their swords.

Tsukak!

Puk!

Kiak!

After about an hour like that.

With Jarga’s support, the situation in the 4th den also came to an end, and the second den also succeeded in finishing the subjugation with some difficulty.

―No.3, please report your status.

However, the third den has been quiet since before. It was a place where communication was not good.

Soliaphe got up from her seat, restless with the uneasy feeling that came to her mind.

She recalled the past. Since they instinctively know the taste of humans, they often attacked private houses. In just two months, the number of Munraken can grow rapidly, destroying a village with ease.

Even now it was not considered a small number, but it was still manageable. The reason there were so few casualties right now is probably because Marcus prevented it.

So, in order not to make his sacrifice useless, this time she had to put an end to it.

“We keep losing communication with the third lair, maybe something is wrong.”

Seeing Soliaphe anxiously muttering to herself, Louivid patted her on the shoulder and checked his armor and weapons.

“I’ll be right back.”

“I will go too.”

Louivid swallowed his saliva at Soliaphe’s words and then shook his head.

“You stay here. The subjugation is not over yet, so take control of the situation and continue to take command. That’s your job.”

“……All right.”

Soliaphe, who had been watching the hem of his cloak sway with his back turned, ran and turned him around. Her sorrowful blue eyes were filled with worry. Louivid grinned because he was happy about it.

“Louis. Come back safely.”

“You think I’m going to be beaten by that fox cub?”

However, he thought it would not be a bad idea to make her worry like this sometimes.

Louivid gave a warning to the remaining knights and wizards that stayed behind as escorts.

“If anything happens to Soliaphe’s safety, don’t think you will survive.”

“Yes, sir!”

The escorts answered while hiding the trembling in their eyes. Louivid rode on his horse and left for the third den.

Shortly after. Near the last valley of the Pine Snowfield, a group of men appeared on horseback.

One wizard, two archers, and the other four were warriors. A warrior with a tattoo on the half of his face muttered with sullen eyes.

“I had enough of those dirty things… I’ll avenge Marcus for sure.”

At his words, the rest of the people shook their heads with wretched eyes.

* * *

「Currently, there are limitations to the magic containers and observation tools in the lab on the Lady’s fief, so I secretly conducted additional research in the Magic Tower, but to no avail. It is clear that diamonds have healing powers, but the details are difficult to ascertain.

What is certain is that this time, the mana was lower than that of other jewels. It is speculated that the healing power may be greater.

I want to finish my research quickly, but I think it will take a while until my next vacation. What should I do?」

Luciel had a troubled face at Erika’s words.

Erika said she hadn’t finished her research over the weekend, so Luciel allowed the diamond to be taken to the tower, but to no avail.

‘……This can’t be, it’s a big deal. What should I do?’

Erika had been really good until now, so Luciel believed she would eventually figure it out.

However, the diamond was a gem that Luciel had never made before. So there was nothing she could do until Erika figured it out.

What is the healing power?

‘If it is insignificant, is there no value in using it?.…’

It was surprising that mana was also less than other jewels.

‘It’s a little disappointing.’

Maybe it’s because it’s a jewel she was vaguely looking forward to. Luciel thought that the power it harbored would be incredible.

It was such a brilliant iridescent diamond.

When holding it in my hand, I could feel the vitality, and the size was overwhelmingly larger and more beautiful than other gems. But if that’s all an illusion…

Luciel lowered her eyebrows and rolled her eyes again.

‘Yes, it’s still too early to judge. Wouldn’t grandfather know of a way to help?’

After putting Erika’s note in a bag, Luciel returned to Gillard’s study and asked him.

“Grandpa, I think Sister Erika is having trouble researching my jewel.”

“Is she having difficulties? What kind of jewel is it?”

“That’s… It’s the diamond I made while awakening the power of jewels for the first time in this life. At that time, at the altar of fire, I was trying to save you because Grandpa was about to get hurt.….”

“Oh, you’re talking about that brilliant diamond!”

“Yes, that’s right.”

It seems that Gillard also remembered it.

“That beautiful diamond was a jewel made to save me…”

Gillard, who was holding back his heart with unknown emotions, stroked Luciel’s hair and said,

“Luciel, can you show me the diamond one more time?”

“Ah, Sister Erika has it now, can grandfather pick it up? Sister Erika says her next vacation will be delayed.”

“OK. It’s an important item, so I’ll bring it back right away. Please wait.”

“Thank you, Grandpa.”

After answering that, she returned to the private residence, but Luciel was still unhappy. Seeing that Luciel’s face was dark, Bessie approached and wrapped her hands around Luciel’s small hands.

“Little Madam, why are your hands so cold? Would you like some hot milk?”

“Yes, please. Bessie.”

Soon after taking a sip of the steaming milk, as soon as she put it down, the glass cracked and shattered.

“Oh, why is this……”

Milk flowed through the broken porcelain glass and spilled on the bottom of Luciel’s skirt. Rose ran to examine the glass of milk, and Bessie pulled Luciel’s hand.

“Oh my gosh, ma’am. There must have been a small incontinence in the milk glass.”

“Are you not hurt? It’s okay, come here. Let’s change your clothes first.”

“…….”

Diamonds and mother’s problems. Was it because none of them have been resolved? Even the smallest thing made Luciel engulfed in anxiety.