LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 152
– 1 –
Arpina Mailtron’s life began as the daughter of a fallen noble family.
Though her house had declined, she still enjoyed a plentiful childhood thanks to their still substantial fortune.
However, this was merely an illusion of wealth on the surface.
“Hoho. Of course. Our Arpina is quite clever.”
Her mother always took pride in her, boasting about her talents.
At least, until they were outside, mingling with people.
“Why must you, a wretch like you, be born when we must return to the most noble bloodline…!!”
But the moment she stepped inside the house, she transformed into an entirely different person.
She hated the drab black hair and the deep green eyes that Arpina possessed.
Because she inherited none of the traits that symbolized the bloodline of the Mailtron house: the silver hair and purple eyes.
“Whenever I see you, that man comes to mind…! That bastard who ran away after I got pregnant…!”
Of course, the reason Arpina was born this way was not her fault.
It was merely the result of her mother’s clumsy attempt to carry on the family bloodline.
“Why do people always lie?”
Her curiosity that pierced through her life began right there.
– 2 –
“It worked better than I expected.”
The news of the start of the Damalon-Mathefit Territorial War reached me almost immediately.
It was much earlier than anticipated. I thought I would have at least a few days to assess the situation properly.
– Because our Master’s wisdom has reached the heavens.
– Master is super smart!
These were the words of Cerebrum Skull and Mary.
I shook my head with a smile.
“You guys. Your flattery has gotten worse these days.”
– Individually.
“Sure. Good work. Now go back and do your duties.”
– Yes!
The messenger dressed in the military uniform of the Mathefit Count answered loudly and bowed his head at my gesture before disappearing.
“So, war has really begun.”
– Each… each…
After the communication ended, I stroked Mary and fell into a moment of rising thoughts.
Although it was the long-awaited news of the start of war, hearing it didn’t bring me much joy.
“Come to think of it. To be happy about war happening would just be insane.”
It was obviously a natural thought.
What I should be happy about were the things that would come to me after the war, not the war itself.
From the perspective of humanity, my existence could be seen as sufficiently insane, but I still wished to be selfish.
“Master.”
“Speak, Sonia.”
“I think you’ve already taken all the necessary measures to shield ordinary people from harm.”
“…”
It might sound strange to her, but it was true.
Wars in this world inevitably demand the sacrifice of the intelligent.
It isn’t just incidental damage.
It’s something that must be paid.
[It’s an implicit war etiquette to leave evidence that you’ve ‘fought a war’.]
[It’s not correct, but most high-ranking nobles are aware of it and follow it.]
They clash swords.
Some casualties emerge in the army.
They conduct a certain level of pillaging, destruction, and massacre.
This was what I heard from Hailey and Elenore when discussing human warfare.
“It’s quite an interesting culture when you think about it.”
I guessed the reason this culture spread.
There’s a Magical Realm outside, and internally, dungeons could pop up at any moment.
Thus, every territory needed a certain amount of power…
“To do that, the consumption caused by conflicts among humans must be reduced.”
Therefore, most conflicts are resolved through duels rather than territorial wars.
If the emotions of the citizens toward each other are not bad enough for that, they engage in small-scale wars to cultivate the mindset of ‘peace is good’ by offering a certain level of sacrifice.
The sacrifice of cows for the good of the generation.
“Of course, the cow’s position and thoughts weren’t considered.”
In addition to this, there were various ‘policies for the sake of justice’ across the continent. Policies such as ‘the explorer’s duty to manage dungeons’ and ‘rules for cleric deployment’.
Of course, from the cow’s perspective, these are undoubtedly unwelcome policies.
“The nobles have been raising us, haven’t they? Rather than those nobles, you’re much better, Master.”
“Indeed. Even if it’s human, if everyone finds out about this… there will be many more who pledge allegiance to you.”
This was evident from Sonia’s watery voice and Maria’s firm reaction in agreement.
Even if this fact were published with proper evidence, I wouldn’t be surprised if a republic emerged, denying all the nobles and royalty across the continent.
“Not that I intend to do that.”
The sentiment to reject a tyrannical rule by someone was not beneficial to me.
After all, that would essentially be what I wanted.
“Thanks, both of you, for saying so.”
If this war were to be conducted in this manner, it would be ‘etiquette’ to have at least two or more civilian casualties.
And the civilian casualties from the war I incited would be less than those made by such ‘war etiquette.’
Since I made sure the news of the war started through the earlier messenger came faster.
It was a choice to amplify the chaos, yet minimize the sacrifice of the ignorant intelligent.
“Of course, the nobility and soldiers will have more casualties.”
But that is damage that’s ‘inevitable’ if a war were to occur.
It wasn’t supposed to be as secondary as the commoners’ suffering.
Currently, humanity was killing civilians to save the military. Yet it was neither for the soldiers nor for the generals and nobles.
It was the reverse until now.
“How amusing.”
I didn’t know if it started with the humans and got passed down, or if the demon clan initiated it first.
Whether human or demon, it’s funny seeing them fight with ‘unrestrained war.’
It’s ridiculous.
It feels like a child’s play, unaware of the weight of the word ‘war.’
“Every person is equally valuable.”
I don’t fully agree with that statement.
But I wish that were true.
Because then, my past sins wouldn’t be justified.
It’s a rule that those who commit evil must recognize that what they do is evil.
So that they don’t cross the line of the ultimate good.
As I struggled to reduce the casualties in my necessary war against humanity, those humans…
“They were buying peace with ‘sacrifices.’”
At Sonia’s words, I returned from thought to reality.
Her words echoed my thoughts almost verbatim.
“Now that I think about it. Didn’t you have something to report?”
“Oh, yes.”
At my question, both of them nodded and straightened their postures.
The first to speak was Sonia, who had wiped her tears and calmed her expression.
“Queen Kamaya has contacted us, saying she successfully secured and temporarily controls Lady Viola Aisaaf.”
“Seems she’s the daughter of the Lord of Damalon, huh?”
“Yes.”
To declare war as soon as the evidence for the abduction of the lady was confirmed speaks volumes about how the lord values his daughter.
As her reputation suggests, it raises doubts about whether he cared for the people of the territory even half as much.
“What kind of person was she, originally?”
“I’ve heard she has a reputation among the citizens as a gentle and lovely lady. Though whether that is true or not…”
Since learning about this ‘war etiquette,’ it seems Sonia has developed a distrust of the existing noble powers.
“I hope it doesn’t escalate beyond simple distrust.”
It wouldn’t be bad regarding her attitude towards the enemy, but I needed to keep an eye on whether she’d conflict with her fellow nobles.
“Right. She’s worth seeing directly.”
“Understood. I’ll convey that she should be transported.”
“On your way, can you feed Mary a bit?”
“Oh, yes. Come here, Mary.”
– Want food! Sonia!
“Yeah. Let’s eat. What would be good today?”
– Something sweet!
“No way. We had that yesterday.”
Watching Sonia greet with her hands together as she headed out with Mary for the message delivery, I turned my gaze to Maria.
“Speak up. Maria. It’s the first time you’ve come since that day.”
“Yes, Master.”
Of course, I could see her whenever inside the dungeon, but her visiting my personal room like this hasn’t happened since the day with Mire.
For a while, I left them to focus on spending time together.
For this, I had been delegating all external tasks to Maria and Mire.
“How have you been lately?”
“I can’t say things are great, but I’m fine.”
“And with Mire?”
“I think we’ve said everything we had piled up… Honestly, being able to talk like this feels like a dream.”
I could see a greater intensity in her eyes, a newfound strength.
It seemed like the tears that didn’t fall had transformed into jewels in her pupils.
Except for the fact that what was inside her wasn’t natural, but rather the artificial fire of the soul I infused into her.
Clack.
I pulled my gaze away from her eyes, setting down the tea I was holding.
“Is your request related to that?”
“Yes. That’s correct.”
Maria nodded resolutely, closing her eyes for a moment to take a deep breath.
That sigh was filled not with fear, but with expectation.
“I believe you’ll be promoting Mire soon, Master. Is that right?”
“Yeah. That’s correct.”
I had no reason to deny it.
“Mire” is my second skeleton, and it was certain she would evolve into an elite-level monster as soon as I became elite-level.
“I want to personally prepare the offering for him… alone.”
I shook my head.
It wasn’t impossible but… unlikely.
“It will be quite difficult.”
“I will definitely accomplish it.”
“It’s not a matter of will; it’s a matter of capability.”
I knew her actions were mixed with a sense of duty as an older sister that she couldn’t fulfill.
But that didn’t mean I could allow her to commit an act of suicidal folly.
I had heard that even in Daniel’s mercenary group, which specializes in hunting elite monsters, there have been considerable casualties. How could I send her off alone?
“You don’t have to worry; the offering will naturally be prepared soon. Daniel is working on it.”
“But…”
Maria continued to look at me with intense eyes.
For quite a while.
I finally sighed.
“If that’s truly your wish, then work with Daniel’s mercenary group. Don’t think about resisting. That’s my condition.”
This is the best option.
Maria looked a bit disheartened, but it seemed she understood that it was realistically impossible, as she soon accepted.
“Thank you, Master.”
“Okay. Will you be leaving right away?”
“I’ve already made preparations.”
“Return safely. So that Mire won’t be sad.”
“Yes, Master.”
As she stepped out the door, I saw Mire holding her hand and trying to stop her through ‘The Necromancer’s Eyes.’
After hugging Mire and saying something to her, Maria left quickly while she was left in a daze.
Knock knock.
“Come in.”
Then, as expected, Mire knocked on my personal room’s door.
– Master.
“I know you want to go, but wait for your sister, Mire.”
– But…
I understand the urgency, but I can’t allow it this time.
Maria is an individual, but she is not.
“What about your unit? Don’t forget that a potential enemy is eyeing the dungeon. Even without that, there’s much to do.”
Normally, I could have sent her and her entire unit with Maria to focus on the hunt.
But right now, a potential formidable enemy was approaching.
An enemy so strong that gathering the dungeon’s forces might not be sufficient.
Unless my first strategy directly succeeded, if it failed, Mire’s unit had to be ready for the second strategy.
Even if there was a slight chance that I were to die, it had to be to save everyone else.
“If we face a crisis, I’ll hand you all over to Serika or others if possible. But that might not be feasible.”
My loss of myself and my core would signify Mire’s ‘wildflower,’ and whether she could maintain her intelligence as a wild monster would be uncertain.
Since both my powers, and the dungeon core’s powers affect the dungeon’s monsters.
It means there’s a risk that her driving force and her feelings for Maria could vanish.
– Ah… I’m sorry, Master.
“Okay.”
After a moment of stiffness, Mire finally did a military salute and apologized to me.
I nodded, affirming what she had missed. It was to reinforce her shaken resolve.
“The problem we face is survival. So, just wait a little longer. For you and your sister’s sake.”
– Yes!
“Go on. You must be busy, right?”
– Excuse me. Then.
Even for the dungeon monsters, there is the effect of training.
To prepare for the impending threat, it was time for everyone to grow a little stronger.
“Master, I’m ready for the duel…”
“Okay, let’s go.”
Of course, I wasn’t an exception either.
– 3 –
The matters I’m currently facing aren’t just human warfare.
If I’m working on expanding my territory below, I must remain vigilant against the approaching enemies above.
To ensure the success of both, ultimately, I needed to reinforce my elite forces.
Starting with myself, the core.
[Attributes
Health: 57(◀ 43)
Skill: 75(◀ 57)
Durability: 57(◀ 46)
Magic: 83(◀ 74)
Resistance: 71(◀ 60)]
“Ha.”
Pzzzt!
“Whoa…!”
The power of the Dungeon Lord can be enhanced by utilizing a core that has consumed offerings, so what remains is to quickly grow accustomed to my rapidly strengthened body.
It’s a process to perform the brutality that can draw in enemies excellently.
Sora…
“Excellent, Lady.”
Through practical training with the visiting teacher Muir, I refined the sensation of moving my augmented magic.
“Let’s begin immediately…!”
Boom!
Through sparring with Xue, I calibrated my enhanced physicality and sensations of fortifying through magic.
“‘Wendigo’s Thirst.’”
Swoosh…!
Boom – !!
A combination of darkness and ice.
The immediate loss of life and magic around was stopped momentarily by the artillery fired by Xue, and at the same time, the absorbed magic strengthened my body.
That reinforced body was more than capable of enduring Xue’s amplified magic.
“Alright… as expected, my Master!”
Crack – !!
“Let’s wrap it up soon.”
“Okay – !”
Her uniquely fast and fierce style was a suitable opponent for practicing close to mid-range combat with magic.
In a situation where there’s no distance from the enemy, learning how to cast spells in a matter of milliseconds.
How to shake off an opponent attempting to cling to you, even learning how to defend against their approach.
Sometimes even learning how to fight using magic itself.
Sure, the skills and magic I possessed were superior, but her experience was far beyond.
[Traits – … Magic Combat,…]
Sparring with her was enough to transform my considerations into traits.
“Good job.”
“Yeah… I’ve always thought so, but you always look so neat after a fight…”
Xue’s words made me feel a bit embarrassed inside.
My riding attire was free of even a speck of dust.
This pathological cleanliness was definitely close to an ability. It was undeniably that ‘nobility’ power I felt was still ambiguous as my own.
“So, do you not like it?”
“No, I like it very much…”
“…Alright.”
After trying to change the subject, Xue still expressed her feelings candidly.
When I turned my gaze away, it led my thoughts astray.
“No way.”
When I think about it, the three of us are all quite direct in expressing their feelings.
Just their methods differ a bit.
“Ugh…”
Letting stray thoughts drift left a light sense of relaxation filling my whole body.
Her fights were always vibrant and intense, so once I got caught up in that atmosphere and let go, only then did the impact take effect.
“Master, regarding the part where I responded to your attack earlier…”
“Okay.”
Immediately afterward, Xue’s feedback began.
The advice she gives is profoundly practical.
It wouldn’t usually suit any magician, but for me right now, it was helpful in numerous ways.
A precious advice that would fill the void of my lacking practical experience.
– Master.
So if something is disturbing that precious time, it must be of more importance.
– Excuse me.
“What is it?”
Turning my head towards the voice calling me, a Skeleton Mage was shining its eyes at me.
“Speak.”
– This is a message from the representative of Cerebrum Skull, Talhan.
As expected.
The message from the Skeleton Mage contained very important content.
– “The owl has found the thicket where it hides its head.”
“Well…?”
News that they’ve found the den of the information merchants and what they are aiming for.
Upon hearing what the mage said, I felt a smile grow on my face from excitement.