Chapter 192
“Impressive, isn’t it.”
“…Tch.”
Binthagen twitched his mustache and twisted his mouth.
He hadn’t meant it sarcastically.
The guy really was impressive.
Liberra, the Demon Duke—one who had formed a pillar of Lashagen.
No, not just a pillar. He probably made up most of it.
That’s what it meant to be a Rank 7 black mage.
The other so-called Demon Dukes were likely no better than Kuskel.
Anyway, the fact that Liberra had died so pathetically meant one thing: for the time being, there’d be no one left to run rampant in Porgel.
I deliberately raised my voice so everyone could hear.
“At least that’s a relief. When Kuskel was attacked near the gate, I honestly thought we were done for.”
“Huh?”
Kuskel, who had been hanging his head in embarrassment, made a confused sound.
I slung an arm around his shoulder and added,
“Right? This all worked out thanks to your son awakening as a Wight King. If that hadn’t happened, things would’ve gone south fast.”
I winked one eye as I said it.
“…Ah.”
He finally seemed to understand, letting out a low murmur.
“…That’s right.”
[Th-That’s correct.]
Rigel didn’t quite get it yet, but he played along anyway.
This was better for everyone.
“Hhk…!”
[H-Hello…]
The priests gasped as they saw Rigel.
“A ghoul… speaking?”
Their eyes went wide, as if the mere fact that Rigel could speak proper language amazed them.
There were ghouls in Porgel capable of rudimentary speech—
but only short, broken phrases.
A ghoul capable of full conversation like Rigel was impossible unless it was a higher species: a Wight King.
“A… a Wight King…”
The king of ghouls, the Wight King.
In the novels, even Baron Wight Kings were extremely rare.
Ghouls didn’t live very long to begin with.
To evolve into a higher species, they had to accumulate growth over time—and ghouls simply didn’t have that luxury.
If anything, the era of the Great War, when Wight Kings were churned out like rice cakes, was the real anomaly.
“You’re incredible! Both Lord Porgel and your son!”
[U-Um…]
Rigel twisted his body awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable with the attention.
Given that he looked no more than thirteen or fourteen, the reaction suited him.
As I watched with a smile, Kuskel crept over toward me.
‘There’s something… Someone I encountered when I attacked the gate. What should we do about that…?’
In other words, he’d left a witness alive.
‘We can’t kill them. I know. I’ll handle it—talk them down properly.’
‘Hmm. Very well.’
For now, the incident involving Liberra the Demon Duke was settled.
All that remained was negotiations with Rdel.
I headed toward the banshee who had been acting cold since earlier.
“Any injured?”
[No. Plenty of dead, though.]
“……”
Her expression remained blank as she said it.
Was this some kind of undead joke?
“…So the damage wasn’t too bad?”
[That is correct.]
She nodded, her voice echoing faintly.
“Well, that’s a relief.”
This was only possible because Binthagen had stayed behind in the castle.
No matter how strong the Death Knights and Banshees Rdel created were, without their master, they would’ve taken serious damage against Liberra.
“Then… when exactly is your master coming back? The royal castle was attacked, and he still hasn’t shown himself.”
[That… is not something I can tell you.]
“Oh?”
Not allowed to tell, not doesn’t know.
“…Fine. I get it.”
[Yes.]
“Um… Count Ian Impera?”
A priest approached as I was organizing my thoughts.
“What is it?”
“We are grateful that the two of you protected Porgel, but… may we ask why you wish to meet His Majesty?”
Until yesterday, the priests hadn’t been particularly fond of me.
After all, I’d come to meet Rdel supposedly to hold them accountable for the demon worshippers who attacked my territory.
“Have you forgotten? Your people attacked my domain.”
“…We remember. But if that were truly your only purpose, you wouldn’t have helped us like this.”
“Hmph.”
The older priest was sharper than he looked.
Given that Binthagen and I had resolved the Demon Duke’s attack, his suspicion made sense.
Should I just tell them everything?
Unconditional goodwill wasn’t exactly ideal in negotiations.
I acted cold for that reason—but Liberra complicated things.
Still, it might not be bad.
After spending two days here, I could tell that Porgel’s black mages were relatively reasonable.
Starting on good terms with them wasn’t a bad idea.
“To be honest…”
I gathered the priests and Kuskel and began.
“You all know that Lakresia has appeared.”
“…Yes.”
“Although the Alliance is preparing, it’s not enough to stop her.”
“……”
The priests silently agreed.
They lived on the former lands of the Kazan Empire, but fear spared no one.
With such overwhelming power roaming freely, Porgel’s peace had no guarantees.
“That’s why I believe we need a new breakthrough.”
“I… see.”
They narrowed their eyes, still unsure where this was going.
“So at first, I came to Porgel to evaluate a candidate.”
“…A candidate?”
The priests tilted their heads.
“…Ah!”
Kuskel gasped, realizing my intent.
“Don’t tell me…”
I nodded slightly.
“A new king to unite the lands of the Kazan Empire.”
“Then that means…”
“Rdel Arcan, King of the Black Mages. In Isoter, we believe he has the qualities to become that king. And we would become his strongest backer.”
“…Ah…”
The priests stared, mouths agape.
Kuskel spoke gravely.
“…But the Alliance considers black magic the vilest of crimes.”
“That can be improved over time. I came here to see if it was possible. And honestly—yes, it is. If Porgel were truly the horrific land people believe it to be, Rdel would’ve been disqualified immediately.”
“H-Heh… is that so?”
They blushed at the unexpected praise.
“…So that’s why the Prince Consort of Isoter came all this way.”
“Exactly.”
Only now did everything click for them.
It wasn’t a bad proposal for Porgel either.
Being recognized as a proper kingdom was far better than surviving in isolation.
“But… whether His Majesty will accept…”
“That’s the issue.”
The state of Porgel and the state of Rdel were two different matters.
Worst case, he might try to kill me on the spot.
That’s why I have this.
I brushed the Waypoint fragment hidden in my clothes.
If things went south, I’d escape immediately.
“What do you think? Will Rdel accept our offer?”
“Hmm…”
The priests pondered.
“…Honestly, we don’t know. His Majesty rarely appears.”
“Really?”
“He was the one who banned reckless use of black magic, but after that, he delegated everything to us.”
“I see.”
Meaning I’d have to meet him directly.
“For now, that’s enough.”
“…Then what will you do?”
Kuskel asked worriedly.
“…We’ll stay in Porgel for a while. After an attack like this, Rdel should return soon.”
“He likely will. His vassals can communicate with him.”
And so, we decided to remain in Porgel for the time being.
The day after Liberra’s attack, Binthagen and I were once again assigned the same room.
“Ugh…”
His mustache fluttering woke me up again.
At least I was getting used to it.
Knock, knock.
Someone knocked at the door.
[Are you awake?]
It was the banshee.
“Mm… what is it?”
[His Majesty has arrived. He wishes to meet you after breakfast.]
“…Oh?”
Finally, some good news.
At least I wouldn’t have to listen to Binthagen’s mustache forever.
As usual, the banshee brought food.
Nothing fancy.
A soup with minced dried meat, and bread hard as stone.
The kingdom wasn’t wealthy, and Rdel was the only one who ate.
Expecting a feast would’ve been stranger.
I want to go home.
Something sweet and soft.
Parfait made by Ilene.
Cola brewed from Selibert’s herbs.
Once this was over, I’d eat until I burst.
Crunch, crunch.
Binthagen chewed his bread like leather.
I soaked mine in soup, trying to make it edible.
“…Doesn’t your jaw hurt?”
“Once it’s in your stomach, it’s all the same.”
“Fair enough.”
I didn’t want to argue and stuffed the softened bread into my mouth.
[Are you finished?]
“…Hrk. I think so.”
[Then.]
After washing our hands, the banshee led us onward.
She guided us silently.
The audience chamber lay ahead, lined with countless Death Knights.
“There are a lot of them.”
“After yesterday’s attack, they probably made more.”
“…I see.”
[……]
She didn’t respond.
[Your Majesty. They have arrived.]
“…Enter.”
A voice like scraping metal answered.
Two Death Knights with blue flames in their eyes opened the doors.
Grrrk…!
The doors opened.
A man sat upon a dignified throne.
Rdel Arcan.
The strongest black mage even before the Great War.
Half-bald white hair, rough gray beard, and a face lined with age.
He looked like a dying old man—
but underestimating him would be fatal.
He had been Rank 7 even during the war.
He might be even stronger now.
Gulp.
I swallowed dryly and stepped forward.
“…You were of great help during yesterday’s disturbance.”
“…You flatter me.”
“And yet… what brings the Prince Consort of Isoter to such a shabby place?”
“Well…”
I explained my purpose, the benefits of the deal, and what it would mean for black mages.
Rdel listened without a single change in expression.
“…That is all.”
“…Hmm.”
His reaction was lukewarm.
I subtly grasped the Waypoint fragment.
“…A fine proposal. One that could restore the honor black mages lost.”
“……”
“…If only you had come a few days earlier.”
“…What—!”
Before I could react, black magic bullets shot from around him.
Crack!
Something shattered, and agonizing pain tore through my left hand.
