Chapter 57: Magic Tower (3)

Chapter 57: Magic Tower (3)

Rin looked down at Merilda with an incredulous expression.

According to the Absolute Ruler of Darkness, beastfolk inherently enjoy conflict, possessing a belligerent nature and, consequently, a very strong sense of pride.

Among them, the Merilda known to the Absolute Ruler of Darkness was one of the beastfolk with an exceptionally strong sense of pride.

She had almost come to a life-and-death struggle simply because the Hero King had slightly provoked her once.

And she had fought with the Absolute Ruler of Darkness a few times as well.

Furthermore, she was the epitome of a beastfolk who would charge forward without looking back, even in situations where she could die, if her pride was wounded, truly valuing pride over life itself.

No, in some ways, Merildas pride was even greater than that of the beastfolk she commonly knew.

While beastfolk, despite their belligerence, might bend their pride to a stronger opponent, she would never bend her pride, no matter how strong the opponent.

Thus, Rin thought that Merilda would never kneel before her.

At least, the Merilda she knew would never lower her pride.

However,

Ha?

Seeing Merilda perform a triple somersault and then slam her head into the ground as if she had discarded such pride long ago, the Absolute Ruler of Darkness unwittingly wore an incredulous expression.

Step on me quickly.

No.

Step on me quickly!

Wait-

Step on me quickly!!!

Crunch-!

Seeing Merilda approaching like a piece of farming equipment, pushing against the ground with her head planted in it, the Absolute Ruler of Darkness unwittingly wore a frightened expression.

This crazy woman-!

Unintentionally blurting out, but-

Even if Im crazy, just step on me quickly! Quickly-!

Merilda, instead of stopping, pushed herself forward until she reached the tip of the Absolute Ruler of Darkness shoe, shouting. The Absolute Ruler of Darkness, feeling a shiver, stepped back and exclaimed,

Its for infamy!

Infamy?

Yes, considering youre a beastfolk and went that far, Ill specially tell you.

Immediately, as if getting goosebumps on her arms, she brushed her arms and turned to leave.

Not long after, Merilda, without even shaking the dirt off her head, pondered over what Rin had said.

!

She realized the meaning of her words.

That the reason her Master had not accepted her was due to her infamy.

Meaning, if she could erase all her infamy, she might have another chance to gain her Masters favor!

With that realization, Merilda smiled brightly.

If I erase my infamy!

With that thought, she smiled.

Erase my infamy?

Soon, she realized.

The many territories she had devastated.

Huh?

With Merildas laugh, the situation cracked.

The public safety rate of the Lartania territory was gradually declining as time passed.

The reason, of course, was due to the mercenaries flooding into Lartania like crazy.

It was only the second week since the Labyrinth had opened, but thanks to the widely spread rumors, mercenaries were continuously pouring into Lartania.

Thanks to this, the current estimate of mercenaries in Lartania had already far surpassed 5,000.

In contrast, there were only about 200 soldiers immediately available to maintain public safety in Lartania, and if you subtract those managing the rest area on the first tier, only about 120 remained, naturally leading to a decline in public safety.

Given the nature of mercenaries work, they were quite rough.

I heard that recently, all the guards in Lartania started carrying them.

All of them have magic scrolls? I know the number of territory guards is small, but does that make sense?

To be honest, its hard to believe, but they really do carry the scrolls. And there are signs theyve been used, just like that.

That is true.

Soon, they all talked while looking at the magic scrolls attached to the guards waist.

But how do the guards carry such expensive magic scrolls?

I heard they have a close relationship with the Mage Tower.

With the Mage Tower? Until now, only four or five territories have had a close relationship with the Mage Tower, and those are all large territories, right?

Still, the only way for all the guards to continuously carry so many scrolls must be that, right? Especially since the territory isnt even that large.

Indeed If they can supply scrolls to all guards, it seems the Lord does have a close relationship with the Mage Tower. Now that I think about it, wasnt Lartania territory quite strong ten years ago?

Thus, the mercenaries talked for a while.

Anyway, its best to avoid causing unnecessary trouble within the territory. Otherwise, we might end up like that.

Thats true.

With those words, they started to disperse.

Soon, Kim Hyunwoo, watching quietly from the end of the Lords castle, wore a satisfied expression.

You are impressive.

Excuse me?

Honestly, its not easy to catch someone when the public order is being disturbed by mercenaries. I didnt expect you to catch them like this.

Adria, watching from the side, followed up with a remark as if impressed.

Indeed, its a good method. Catching someone with a bad reputation among mercenaries with scroll magic and showing the results prevents mercenaries from sympathizing with them. This doesnt worsen the mercenaries public opinion and shows the strength of the guards even in such situations.

Thats right.

In fact, it was a coincidence that he caught a hero who was causing trouble and had a bad reputation among mercenaries, but as she said, Kim Hyunwoo intended to restore public order in this way.

Solving problems like this prevents mercenaries from sympathizing with Kupa, as she mentioned.

Moreover, establishing the strength of the guards like this, along with the rumor among mercenaries that the Lord has a close relationship with the Mage Tower, will surely sustain the territorys public order for some time.

After all, for mercenaries, mages of the Mage Tower were not opponents they wanted to make enemies of.

Well, mercenaries are increasing faster than expected, so well eventually have to recruit more guards.

While thinking that, Kim Hyunwoo turned his gaze to Adria and asked a question.

But, what brings the head of the Merchant Group here?

The reason he asked was because Adria had visited Lartania just two days ago.

More precisely, to deliver the magic scrolls requested by the Mage Tower.

It would be nice if they could be received through the exchange.

Unfortunately, such magic scrolls could not be received through the exchange, so Kim Hyunwoo had asked the Tienus Merchant Group for regular deliveries of the scrolls.

In other words, he had received the magic scrolls from the head of the Merchant Group two days ago, and it was not enough that she had suddenly visited yesterday; she had come to the territory again today.

Therefore, Kim Hyunwoo carefully asked because he could not understand why Adria had come for almost three days in a row.

Adria, staring intently at Kim Hyunwoos face, let out a slightly awkward laugh.

Today, I have something to say about the Magic Stones of Lartania-

She broached the subject, sounding somewhat like an excuse.

Oh, is that so?

The next day, after talking with Adria, who started to stare at his face strangely unlike before.

Um Hello, My Lord?

Ah, yes Hello, head of the Merchant Group?

Seeing Adria who had come again, Kim Hyunwoo couldnt help but be puzzled.

Thud-! Thud-!

!? Why are you doing that all of a sudden?

Kim Hyunwoo asked Adria with a puzzled expression, who was suddenly tapping at her head.

Ah, haha. It was a bit noisy.

???

Kim Hyunwoo could only look at her with a baffled expression as she answered awkwardly.