CH 61

“Ah! Sir Eugene!” Gardye rushed forward with his fat belly fluttering. It seemed that he had gained more weight in only six days.

“Have you been well?”

“Of course, of course! Now, now, please come on in. Hey! Come quickly and serve these brave warriors!”

“Yes, master.”

The maids and slaves flocked to greet the troops. There were many more of them than before, and their attitude seemed to have gotten even more earnest in serving these troops. Gardye stole a few glances at the troops before speaking in a quiet, cautious voice. “It seems as though the number of troops has decreased.”

“Some were killed, and Sir Galfredik intentionally left behind others to guard the silver mine.”

“…..!”

Gardye clenched his fists with excitement but stopped himself from congratulating Eugene. Even though Eugene had successfully occupied the mine, it wouldn’t be appropriate to openly praise him when some of his troops had died.

Gardye quickly grasped the atmosphere and spoke politely. “Then, will you need some rest?”

“No, I will be fine. There are things that I wanted to ask you as well. Why don’t we have a chat?”

“Of course.”

Gardye sent away his subordinates before pouring a glass of alcohol for Eugene. He asked politely. “What was it that you wanted to ask me, sir? I will answer to the best of my abilities.”

“Thank you. I was wondering if you knew Sir Andre?”

“Of course. He is the nephew of Marquis Archivold’s mistress and a knight of the marquis. But I heard he was the first to betray the marquis when things went astray.”

“Hmm. And the other nobles let him be?”

“Originally, he should have been condemned by the other nobles, but those nobles were the ones responsible for bringing down Marquis Archivold in the first place. To curse and condemn Sir Andre would have been tantamount to tarnishing their own face. They might criticize him behind their backs, but they do not dare to say anything publicly. Those dishonorable lads!”

It was clear that the previous subordinate lords of Marquis Archivold had accomplished something so outlandish that even a former merchant, Gardye, would criticize them.

However, Eugene didn’t really care about that.

“But why are you asking about Sir Andre, sir?”

“It appears that he is the instigator behind Balmong, the one who has previously occupied the silver mine.”

“…..!”

Clearly shocked to hear Eugene’s words, Gardye hurriedly asked, “I-Is that really true? The bandit Balmong was instigated by Sir Andre?”

“I have already confirmed it. I locked him up without killing him, so you will be able to check whenever you want.”

“Huh!”

Gardye sighed. His eyes started sparkling fiercely immediately afterward. As a guild leader of a city, he was quick-witted and intelligent. Gardye quickly composed himself before speaking. “Sir, this could be an opportunity for you to take the initiative in the peninsula.”

“Initiative?” Eugene had asked because he wanted to know how to take care of the bandit since he served as a noble of the peninsula. He tilted his head with puzzlement after hearing Gardye’s unexpected response.

“Marquis Archivold was tyrannical, but that was only between the marquis and his lords. It was none of our business. But the situation on the peninsula had devolved even further once the marquis was overthrown and locked in his castle.”

“Hmm. That was what I heard as well.”

“Essentially, the lords betrayed their monarch. As such, it became difficult for anyone to hold the justification and legitimacy of inheritance.”

“Even the children of the marquis have found it difficult?”

“Well, here is the current situation. Each and every one of his immediate descendants is claiming that they are the rightful heir with a lord backing them, but from the perspective of a city like us, all of those punks are no different.”

Gardye continued eagerly, even daring to address a noble as a ‘punk.’

“But in the meantime, Sir Andre instigated a bandit responsible for the murder of a noble in an attempt to occupy the silver mine belonging to Lord Bemos. However! Sir Andre serves Lord Gabriel – the eldest son of Marquis Archivold.”

“Hooh.”

Eugene’s eyes glimmered with understanding.

“You are suggesting that Sir Andre could not have acted on his own.”

“Exactly! Truly outstanding! That is exactly what I am trying to say. It doesn’t matter even if they try to feign ignorance. If Sir Eugene steps forward, the City of Moffern and I, Gardye, will stand behind you.”

“The city will?”

“Ah, of course, of course! The road to the Beogalan Barony has been stabilized thanks to Sir Eugene. Sir Eugene has already monopolized the attention of the mayor and the other guild leaders. And now! Sir Eugene has the opportunity to establish a clear position in this region. What does this mean for all of us?”

The young, handsome knight was strong, quick-witted, and incredibly fortunate. Gardye answered his own question, grinning at the potential conquerer of the peninsula. “For the sake of peace on the peninsula! Moffern will support Sir Eugene with all its power!”

***

“That’s him.”

“He is very handsome, but isn’t he too young?”

“He doesn’t seem like much. Are you sure that he killed a wyvern?”

“Apparently, he killed two trolls near the City of Maren.”

Many mercenaries were gathered in a pub located near the Moffern Mercenary Guild. The establishment was buzzing with the voices of the mercenaries. Both floors of the pub were completely packed with mercenaries. Eugene was already a celebrity not only among the mercenaries but also among the city dignitaries and the knights.

Rumors ran rampant that Eugene would also become a lord with the backing of Baron Beogalan, and the consent of the surrounding nobles and lords.

However, not everyone believed in the legitimacy of the rumors.

The young knight wasn’t from the area, and it was difficult to believe that he had achieved so much in such a short period of time. Moreover, the materials gained from killing the wyvern were immediately shipped to Maren the next day, so very few people had verified the rumors for themselves.

Eugene was still steadily gaining fame, but there was no evidence to back up the claims. 

“Everyone, be quiet!”

The mercenary guild leader shouted while stepping out to the center of the pub. Similar to most other cities, the guild leader doubled as the recruitment officer of the city. He was in his forties, yet he still looked vigorous and muscular. He was someone that the mercenaries here found difficult to deal with.

“Right. I’m sure all of you have already heard, but we are gathered here today because Sir Eugene is going to be recruiting some troops.”

“What? How many people could he possibly recruit? Why did you bring all of us here?”

One of the captains of a medium-sized mercenary group raised his hand. Many mercenary groups, like his, had based their operations in Moffern.

The mercenary guild leader turned his gaze with clear annoyance and responded bluntly.

“Ask the questions after I’m done speaking, Gailo.”

“But think about it. Did I say something wrong? I don’t understand why the guild leader has to step forward and gather all of the mercenaries in this city when it’s just a single knight hiring mercenaries. Don’t you all agree?”

“Right!”

“Even if you are the guild leader, it’s impolite of you to order us around. We’re also quite busy, you know?”

“I might change my mind if you treat us to some sour ale!”

“Do you want to drink my piss instead? I’m sure it’ll be part rum from what I drank yesterday. It will have quite a rich flavor.”

Hahahahahaha!

“You stupid bastards…”

The situation was quickly devolving into chaos thanks to the ignorant, simple mercenaries. The mercenary guild leader started to voice his annoyance.

“Let me take care of it,” Eugene spoke quietly to the mercenary guild leader.

“Well. Do whatever you like.”

The mercenary guild leader readily passed the torch. He had been rather unwilling to gather the mercenaries in the beginning. He simply gave way to Gardye’s incessant request.

“Give us some alcohol!”

“That’s right. Recruitment or whatnot, give us something to drink first!”

“My stomach’s growling. I crawled all the way here since the break of dawn!”

The mercenaries didn’t care whether Eugene stepped up or not. The dignitaries of the city and the knights were observing the situation with interest as if they were simply watching a show.

Some even agreed with the mercenaries. The rookie knight had a pale face like a girl. When could he ever have experienced such a daunting and intense environment? It was apparent that the young man was simply a nobleman who lived a sheltered life. Although he might have achieved success due to his unbelievable luck, he would surely react with anger or…

Boom!

“Gah!?”

The people of the pub jumped at the sudden explosion. Then, their eyes started to grow with shock and disbelief.

Eugene was holding a battleaxe in one hand, and a large, thick wooden table in front of him had been split into two halves. He had completely severed a table with a diameter of two meters with a single swing of his axe.

Some of the knights and mercenaries gathered in the pub were also capable of splitting a table. However, no one was confident of splitting a table like this into two with just a single blow.

Ting!

A clear metallic sound resonated in the silence.

“…..!?”

The pub owner instinctively snatched a silver coin out of the air. His gaze alternated between the silver coin and Eugene, and he spoke carefully. “Excuse me… But this is not enough, Sir Knight.”

“…..”

Eugene flinched and glanced at the mercenary guild leader.

“Ah… so how much is it?”

While the mercenary guild leader compensated the pub owner, Eugene spoke while glancing around at the entire pub.

“You. Was it Gailo?”

“T-that’s right.” Gailo stuttered an answer after being put on the spot, but he soon raised his head rather stiffly. It wasn’t as if the knight could do anything to him with so many people around.

“Get out.”

“…..!?”

Gailo’s eyes grew larger with shock. He immediately turned and shouted toward his subordinates with an arrogant frown.

“Ah, fuck it! What a waste of time. Hey! Let’s go!”

“Yes.”

Five or six mercenaries rose simultaneously and followed him. Eugene ignored the group as they headed down the stairs, and he spoke to the remaining mercenaries. “Some of you may already know, but I have just recently become a lord with the consent of Lord Beogalan and the other nobles in the region.”

Pause.

Gailo suddenly paused in the midst of heading down the stairs.

“Paranan, Varan, Mintan, and Pezil. These four villages belong to me now. Moreover, I have also succeeded in capturing the silver mine in Mount Nadir a few days ago.”

Uwooooooohhh!

A loud roar swept the pub like a storm.

Even those who were ignorant of Mount Nadir could not help but erupt into a roar. Gold and silver mines represented a lord’s success along with evil lands. Moreover, all of the gathered dignitaries and knights had coveted the silver mine in Mount Nadir for a long time, but none of them dared to take action because they were afraid of the lords and mercenaries situated around the mine.

But now, the silver mine had already fallen into the hands of the young knight.

“I have already received the promise of full cooperation from the Palin Association and the Moffern Merchant Guild regarding the development of the silver mine. So…”

The gaze of the mercenaries was completely and wholly fixated on Eugene. Their eyes glistened with desire and greed. Eugene looked around before speaking in a low, but heavy voice.

“I’m saying that none of you will have to worry about your pay.”

Uwooooooh!

Knights were honor, and mercenaries were silver. The mercenaries stomped their feet and cheered loudly as if to prove the ancient proverb.

“And!”

Eugene raised his voice once again, and the pub fell into silence.

“I have no intention of being satisfied with just four villages and a silver mine.”

“….!”

“I will be hiring 100 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Looting is prohibited, but spoils and compensation will be distributed according to individual contributions. Is there anyone willing to follow me?”

“I will!”

“Us Steel Bull Mercenaries will follow you!”

“Pope and ten others will join!”

“Sir, don’t you need any knights!?”

“Sir Eugene!”

“Sir!”

The pub instantly devolved into chaos. Mercenaries and knights alike yelled with crazed eyes. Even the dignitaries also busily calculated their potential profits and losses when Eugene openly declared his intent to become involved in the Carls Baggins Peninsula.

“Kyah~! It really doesn’t matter whether you’re a spirit, a vampire, or a human. Money is always the best! The thrill! The chase! Oh, the joy! Long live silver coins! Kyehehehehehehe!” Mirian laughed arrogantly, feeling a sense of unification that crossed the boundaries of race.

However, not everyone was going crazy.

“Crazy bastards. They don’t even know if he’s the real deal or not.”

“That’s right. He might have been lying about killing the wyvern.”

Gailo and his subordinates grumbled. They were still standing on the stairs. Eugene beckoned silently upon seeing them. Luke ran forward and handed Eugene a spear. Eugene immediately swung the spear upon grabbing it.

Fwoosh!

Gailo faltered at the sharp sound.

“W-what are you trying to do?”

“Are you curious as to how I killed the wyvern?”

“….”

Gailo gulped silently while staring at the spear. Eugene turned his gaze away before immediately throwing the spear.

Shuacck! Thuck!

The projectile passed the dozens of men like lightning and embedded itself in a wall of the pub.

“….!”

The crowd was surprised by the sudden turn of events, and people turned their eyes to the embedded spear. The person standing closest to the weapon shouted with disbelief.

“The spear… I-it’s stuck in the wyvern’s eye!”

“What!?”

It was true.

Eugene’s spear was deeply embedded in the stone wall, more specifically in the eye of a wyvern’s mural, even though it was the size of a small palm. Everyone was flabbergasted at Eugene’s incredible skills.

He turned his cold gaze towards Gailo, then spoke. “This is how I killed it. If you understand, get out, before I make a hole in your head.”

“I-I’m sorry!” 

Gailo hurriedly ran as if escaping. It seemed that the Gailo Mercenaries would disband today, judging from the eyes of the subordinates awkwardly following from behind.

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