CH 134

“Ehem. A long time ago… No, not that long ago, about 100 years ago, Brantia was divided into four kingdoms. The Bayman Orcs were a tribe of orcs who once ruled the northern part of Brantia,” Pythamoras explained. As a druid, he was knowledgeable regarding the Bayman Orcs as well.

“I see. So Baron Riwad supposedly has the blood of the Bayman Orcs flowing in his veins. Did you know about this?” Eugene asked.

“Of course. But I did not know that he carried the blood of the royal family of Tolo. Ah, the house of Tolo is…” Like humans, there were several royal families within the Bayman Orcs. One of them was the royal family of Tolo.

However, the Tolo family was the most combative and cruel of the Bayman Orcs, and they had caused various problems for the orcs. In the end, the last king of Tolo was defeated and driven out by a challenger, and the ancestor of the Riwad family was the last, expelled king of the Tolo family.

“Hmm? That’s a little strange. I killed the descendant of a king who was disgracefully evicted, so why would the Bayman Orcs get angry? And you said it was a long time ago as well, right?” Eugene questioned.

“The king was expelled, but the clan still remains with the Bayman Orcs. As far as I know, the Tolos are a part of the Bayman Orcs’ elders. It means that they have quite an influence within the Bayman Orcs,” Pythamoras replied.

“There’s something I don’t quite understand. The Bayman Orcs are one of the forces that claim themselves to be the king of Brantia, right? So the one who is the king among them belongs to the Tolo family?” Eugene asked.

“The Bayman Orcs have not decided on a king yet. The candidates are currently competing for the spot. Lord Riwad was one of the potential candidates,” Pythamoras responded.

“Ah…”

Eugene nodded. He finally understood the whole story. The Tolo family still had a say within the society of the Bayman Orcs, and with no clear leader, they had been planning to support Baron Riwad as a candidate to be the new king. But since Baron Riwad died at his hands, their plans would now be for naught.

“What strange people,” Eugene remarked.

“Haha! Isn't it no wonder that the unification of Brantia is so difficult? There are many strange folks living in this land. That’s why no one except the knight king has ever successfully unified Brantia,” Pythamoras commented.

“Hmm.” Eugene nodded. It was a good thing that different races could get along without discrimination and live together, but there were certain unexpected disadvantages as well.

But why would the world be handed over to him on a silver plate? He would have no choice but to clash with the Bayman Orcs if he wanted to take Brantia.

“Lanslo,” Eugene called out.

Lanslo had been silently listening to the conversation. He responded, “Yes, go ahead.”

“From what I heard, it doesn’t seem like your family is hostile toward the entirety of the Bayman Orcs, correct?” Eugene asked.

“That’s right. To be exact, it’s the Tolo family. And this doesn’t have anything to do with the main branch of the Drak family. It’s my family’s business,” Lanslo responded.

The Drak family was technically a pure-blooded family of elves. But Lanslo was only a quarter-elf. In other words, his family was a side branch of the Drak family. Of course, even though his family didn’t belong to the main branch of the Drak family, they were allowed to keep the surname. That in itself proved that Lanslo’s family was quite extraordinary.

“Then, we only need to crush the Tolo family, and not the Bayman Orcs, right?” Eugene asked.

“That’s true. However, though the orcs may abandon or expel a particular individual, they wouldn’t do such a thing with an entire family. If we create trouble with the Tolo family, they will definitely attempt to retaliate,” Lanslo replied.

“I see…” Eugene pondered. Pythamoras, Lanslo, and Galfredik silently observed his expression. After about ten seconds or so, Eugene raised his head and shrugged. 

“Well, it’s not even happening right now, so there’s no use for us to worry about it now. If we have to fight them, we’ll fight them. If not, we’ll find another way. Let’s leave it for the future,” Eugene said.

“Kuhahaha! As expected from my master. I agree!” Galfredik hollered.

“Ehem. A wise choice. I don’t know much about the internal affairs of the Bayman Orcs, so it will be best to figure things out first. Moreover, it will take some time for the news regarding Lord Riwad to reach the Bayman Orcs and for them to respond,” Pythamoras commented.

“Pythamoras, how long do you think it will take?” Eugene asked.

“Three or four months at the earliest, and at least half a year for them to send an army if they decide to retaliate. As you know, very few people travel to the north,” Pythamoras answered.

Eugene turned toward Lanslo. Lanslo silently returned Eugene’s gaze before slowly parting his lips. “Aren’t you going to ask me what happened between my family and the Tolo family? Are you not curious?”

“Hmm? Why would I ask that? If it’s something that would force you to act unlike your usual self, I’m sure there must be a good reason. Anyway, we will take measures against the Bayman Orcs and the Tolo family when it comes to that. Is that all right?” Eugene said.

“Yes. Of course,” Lanslo responded with a smile. Lanslo Drak was glad that he chose Eugene.

“Now then, we only have this place to worry about. Pythamoras, do you have any advice for me?” Eugene asked.

Pythamoras felt satisfied that Eugene continued to seek his opinion. The druid answered with a smile, “The best solution would be to establish one of Lord Riwad’s children as the new baron and for Count Crawlmarine to step forward as a guardian. The two families share blood ties. Neither the nobles of Riwad nor the nobles of the surrounding areas will be able to protest against it.”

“I see. But wouldn’t they take issue with how I killed Baron Riwad? Luke is my aide after all,” Eugene asked.

“You were the one responsible for killing Baron Riwad, not Count Crawlmarine. Furthermore, Lord Riwad was killed in a war he started, so who could possibly complain? It would be akin to bringing disgrace to Baron Riwad’s title as a swordmaster,” Pythamoras responded.

“Hooh! Old man, you’re amazing!” Galfredik uttered.

“It’s nothing,” Pythamoras responded with a smile.

Eugene was also content with the druid’s wisdom. He asked once again, “I understand. What about when the new baron becomes an adult? What then?”

Pythamoras responded, “It will not matter. By then, Lord Crawlmarine would have already grown and matured as a count. Moreover, the Crawlmarine family’s status would obviously be elevated in the future. Well, if it bothers you, you can simply have Lord Crawlmarine take one of Baron Riwad’s daughters.”

“Hmm. That’s a little…” Eugene hesitated. He knew that marriage was the best way to secure relationships in the noble world. However, he felt that it was a bit wasteful to use Luke at this point in time.

“Ah, then what about this?” Eugene continued after a moment of contemplation. “Later on, we will take one of Baron Riwad’s children as Luke’s aide.”

“Oh!”

“That’s a good idea.”

“Hmm. Good. It’s a very good solution.” Galfredik, Lanslo, and Pythamoras all voiced their agreement. The relationship between a knight and his aide was considered as important as the relationship between a parent and their child. Although there were many cultural differences between Brantia and the continental kingdoms, they were similar in that aspect. In fact, the bond between a knight and his aide was even stronger in Brantia.

“A marriage can be terminated through a divorce, but a master-student relationship will last until death. It’s a great plan. As expected, in terms of being crafty, you are one step ahead of me,” Pythamoras commented.

“Kuhaha! This old man sure knows what he’s talking about!” Galfredik exclaimed.

“I agree. When it comes to these matters, Sir Eugene’s brain works in wondrous, devilish ways,” Lanslo said.

“…”

Although they were obviously complimenting him, Eugene felt rather annoyed. He quickly changed the subject. “Anyway, first of all, we will follow Master Pythamoras’s advice regarding the Riwad territory and…”

All of a sudden, the door burst open. Partec and Wolfgan hurried inside before speaking, “My apologies, Sir Eugene! There’s something urgent you should know about!”

“Something urgent?” Eugene asked.

Wolfgan quickly answered, “An army. Some of my brothers saw an army coming from the South on reconnaissance.”

The first thing Eugene did after occupying Castle Riwad was to have the beowulfs patrol nearby areas in pairs every six hours. Beowulfs were fast and strong enough to travel more than 100 kilometers a day, and they could rival many intermediate-rank monsters. As such, they were the perfect scouts.

“Army? From where? How many troops?” Eugene asked in a cold voice.

Wolfgan answered while scratching his head. “There were around three or four hundred of them. The largest flag was red with a drawing of a longbow and a shield…”

“Hmm. That’s the crest of Brighton.” Pythamoras explained.

“Brighton?” Eugene muttered while narrowing his eyes.

Pythamoras stepped up. “It seems my predictions were correct. Brighton was on fairly good terms with the late baron. They must be trying to get revenge… No, never mind.”

“…?”

Pythamoras stopped himself, then fell silent with a frown. In a moment, he raised his head and continued. “I don’t think they are trying to keep their allegiance and faith to Baron Riwad.”

“Hmm? What do you mean by that?” Eugene asked.

“The existence of a swordmaster made up more than half of Riwad territory’s power. But now he’s dead. The Riwad territory is large, and a single evil land is located inside the territory as well. It’s no wonder that the City of Brighton, or at least, one of its nobles, is coveting the ownerless treasure.” Pythamoras explained.

In the end, they weren’t trying to protect their honor or loyalty. They were simply greedy.

Eugene thought for a moment before speaking to Partec, “Call the merchant, Odd.”

“Yes, sir,” Partec responded before immediately heading out. In a few minutes, he returned with Odd.

***

“Did you call for me, Sir Eugene?” Odd said in a nervous tone. It had been overwhelming enough to stand in front of Eugene and Pythamoras. But now, there was another vampire with a terrifying face and even an elf knight.

Eugene asked in Brantian, “Story about me in Brighton. What did you say?”

“Uh… it was very brief. I spoke about how Lord Riwad’s army was defeated by Sir Eugene. I told them that I wasn’t certain about the details, but that it seemed that Sir Eugene won a duel against Lord Riwad as an honorable knight,” Odd responded.

“Anything else? My status, my abilities. Did you reveal everything?” Eugene asked.

“Oh, my! I pride myself on being somewhat smart and sensible. I didn’t reveal anything important. All I said was that you were a high-ranking vampire noble and an outstanding knight from the continent! That’s all I said.” Odd explained.

It was only natural for a merchant to boast about the nobleman or lord he worked with. It seemed Odd had only blabbered to the point where it was perfectly acceptable.

“Excuse me… sir. Did I make a mistake?” Odd asked cautiously. He noticed that the atmosphere was rather unusual.

Eugene shook his head. “No. It’s nothing like that. But let me ask you this. You must be truthful.”

“Yes, yes.” Odd felt nervous as he gulped. Eugene’s cold, red eyes were gazing directly at him.

“What is your credibility in Brighton? Not money, but your words. The people there. Your words. Do they trust everything you say?” Eugene asked.

“Uh…” Odd hesitated. He wasn’t sure whether to gloss himself over but decided not to.

“To be honest, my nickname is Rubbish Odd. Ah, of course, it doesn’t mean that I always lie and speak rubbish. As you know very well, sir, a merchant must sometimes exaggerate things from time to time in order to…” Odd hurriedly explained.

“That’s good. Very good,” Eugene interrupted.

“What?” Odd mumbled in confusion. He had made an arduous decision to confess his disgrace, but Eugene seemed satisfied.

Eugene spoke with a grin, “The words of Rubbish Odd. The people of Brighton. Will they believe even half of it?”

“Uh… Probably not?” Odd responded.

“That’s good. You can go now,” Eugene said.

“Ah… yes. Please call me anytime.” Odd bowed before leaving in a daze.

Eugene revealed his fang while looking around. “It seems that a bunch of idiots has come to meet their end.”

“Kuhehehe! It’s all thanks to the liar. It’s a bit disappointing though. I would have gotten to enjoy myself a little if they were stronger,” Galfredik said.

Pythamoras stepped forward. “Not necessarily. I don’t think it should be a disappointment. Rather, this is a big opportunity for Sir Eugene.”

“An opportunity?” All three knights turned toward the druid with curious expressions.

“I don’t know who it might be, but they are using the flag of Brighton. In other words, it gives us a reason to hold Brighton responsible,” Pythamoras explained.

“…!” Eugene’s face brightened with understanding.

Pythamoras added with a big smile. “That’s right. Sir, you have the justification to attack Brighton.”

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