Kays Translations

Chapter 87: The Golden City of Bulgia

“Let’s call it Dragon Devouring Technique.”

Crane’s eyes sparkled.

They were currently in the central area of the old capital, Bulgia.

It was a chamber within the old castle.

“What kind of technique is it?”

“It’s probably a technique that allows one to absorb the power of dragon species and convert it into their own power.”

It was the technique where the evil dragon devoured the demon dragon. It seemed like the technique they couldn’t observe when they first came to the Orleans family’s base.

Recalling it, Lucius had evolved by incorporating a red dragon residing in the Empire and the Ouryu residing in the eastern region.

Whether it was originally a technique they possessed or it took a clear form during evolution was unknown.

“Could it be that a fourth head will grow?”

“No, I don’t think so. Probably, it’s stocking the existence of the demon dragon for the next evolution to come. It’s the first time for something like this, so it’s just speculation, but it’s most likely.”

Lucius involuntarily grimaced.

“It still intends to evolve… the evil dragon.”

“Yes, considering the nature of the evil dragon, it probably seeks further power and will likely transform from being an evil dragon to a different species.”

“A different species?”

Crane’s expression became a bit stern.

“…In the next evolution, I believe the evil dragon will become a demon dragon. In the past, it absorbed dragons and drakes, and this time it absorbed a demon dragon. Whether it will become the same species as the undead ice dragon or surpass it into a different existence, I cannot predict.”

The undead ice dragon was the name given by the Orleans family to the aforementioned demon dragon.

Currently, only one individual of it had been found, so it served as both an individual name and a species name. If more individuals of the same species were found, it would become the name of the species.

Not limited to dragon species, monsters were diverse.

It was common for there to be only one individual of a species.

The evil dragon, too, was originally a scientific name for a category, but since the only existing individual was under Lucius’s control, it became both the name of the species and the individual name.

“Is a demon dragon different from an evil dragon or a dragon?”

“Completely different.”

Crane’s voice suddenly became passionate.

“Although we don’t have detailed information due to the lack of a body, from analyzing the residual magic power left behind, there were remnants of more than 36,700 different species’ magic powers observed. So, it seems that demon dragons can absorb the magic power of others without feeling any discomfort.”

“They can absorb magic power without feeling any discomfort… how?”

Magic power harbored spirits within it. Since magic power was controlled by the mind and not by physical strength or spells, it was more accurate to say that magic power and the mind interfered with each other.

Anyway, absorbing the magic power of others into the body came with pain. It was like forcibly injecting someone else’s mind.

In fact, Lucius himself experienced intense pain when he was a baby and his magic core was created, as well as during his evolution.

“There’s a powerful thought that can instantly sever the spirits harbored in the absorbed magic power.”

“Emotion to sever others’ spirits? Is there such a thing?”

“An extreme impulse for destruction or a strong impulse for killing… or perhaps both.”

Lucius was at a loss for words.

“In any case, if one can deny all existence other than oneself, it’s as if there were no other minds besides one’s own.”

Certainly, now that it was mentioned, there were many suspicious points about the actions of the demon dragon.

Monsters preferred habitats with dense magic power.

According to what Klein heard afterwards, the undead ice dragon was believed to have originated from the far east, even further east than the Empire, in the Corrosive Sea.

Then why did it appear in the city that was most prosperous at the time?

Despite the vast habitats of monsters such as Silverwood in the north and Mt. Coloumb in the east, it ignored them all.

――Did it come all this way just to kill people?

And now, the evil dragon harbored in his left hand was about to become such a dreadful thing.

He glared at his left hand.

Crane quickly offered an explanation in a fluster.

“Ah, I’m sorry for worrying you! I don’t think it will evolve again while you have the formula, Lucius-san. There have been no reports of a formula evolving twice. And I don’t think there will be anyone who can make a contract with an evil dragon in the future, so it’s just a possibility.”

――No, there can’t be, right? Really…

With doubts lingering, Lucius decided to change the subject.

“Alright. By the way, how’s the broken labyrinth?”

“Oh, yes, Fagra and the others are working together to restore it. Since it broke not long ago, it should be operational again in another two days.”

“That’s good.”

In the future, Silverwood would likely remain as it was.

“Yes. Once that happens, the purification of magic power will also return to normal. The concentration of magic power in this area will decrease, and the monsters living here will likely return to Silverwood.”

Crane looked out the window.

Outside the window, there was a grassland that didn’t seem like a wasteland at all.

Whenever the wind blew, the young grass swayed like waves.

From now on, they would approach the sight seen from the castle before it was destroyed by the demon dragon.

To the era when dragon knights lived.

He leaned back in his chair and looked up at the sky.

“…Crane-san, were the armor soldiers of Chi You and the dragon knights incorporated into the evil dragon’s Blood Wyvern really devoid of ego and personality?”

“Of course. There was too much information such as ego and personality, so we focused on transferring only physical memory and formulas. Besides, I think it’s not good to bind personality to formulas.”

However, Lucius definitely felt it at that time.

The voices and wills of the ancient soldiers.

Was it an auditory hallucination induced by the excitement of battle?

In any case, he couldn’t help but hope that they could return to where they belonged.

“However, even though they’re formulas, it’s still unclear. The evil dragon devoured the demon dragon, Chi You has a magic spear… was it Bone Shadow? And it just cuts it down suddenly.”

“Among the various data brought back when we investigated in the eastern region, there was a particularly unclear place. It specialized in controlling formulas used excessively, and its application was unclear. But when Damur’s words were flipped, it clicked!”

――This one’s been thoroughly investigated, huh.

As Crane continued his excited talk, Lucius looked into the distance with a distant gaze.

“Just to confirm, if your prediction had been wrong, I would’ve been turned into a monster by the magic spear or something, right? There were measures in place for that situation, naturally, right?”

Crane averted his gaze.

“Haha.”

“…You mean to say there were no measures at all?”

“No, at that time, it was Orleans’ knowledge, surely!”

――Seriously?…

He sighed deeply.

It was pointless to criticize the absurdity of the Orleans family’s actions now.

There were places one couldn’t reach without a madness-like determination, just like Lucius’s strong attachment to being a distinguished baron.

And this time, he was saved by that.

Looking down from the window, the dwarves had begun repairing the buildings.

The Orleans family was also bringing books and equipment into the base.

“Are you all going to live here?”

“That will be decided from now on.”

Immediately after Crane answered, a voice echoed throughout the castle.

“Lord Strauss has arrived at the castle!”

The grand hall.

It was a place where the former king of the northern region would have used.

Banquets and balls would have been held here for the lords gathered from all over the country.

Splendid sculptures were carved on the walls, and traces of paintings reminiscent of celestial bodies could be seen on the ceiling.

Due to the passage of time and the battle between the evil dragon and the demon dragon, it was crumbling in places.

But according to the dwarves, it still had sufficient strength, and with repairs, it could be used immediately.

It was the start of an impromptu meeting where only chairs had been brought in.

There were three parties present.

Lord Strauss, the lord of the northern region, and his wife and retainers.

The head of the Orleans family, Latos, along with Crane, Gufell, and the rest of the Orleans clan.

Representatives of the dwarves, led by Damur and Fagra.

Everyone was present in a large group at this gathering.

That’s how important this meeting was.

And sitting alone at the edge was Lucius.

“Unbelievable… after 400 years… it’s returned now.”

Lord Strauss seemed on the verge of tears as he looked around.

“I offer my congratulations.”

Gufell bowed respectfully.

And sitting there, looking sullen and tight-lipped, were Damur and Fagra.

“This time’s recapture of the old capital. The dwarves also played a role, so on behalf of the humans, I express my gratitude.”

The dwarf chief, Damur, responded without much warmth.

“I don’t mind. We did it for the dwarves.”

The entire Orleans family was flustered.

It was not a favorable attitude toward the lord of the northern region.

“Hey, Damur-san! I told you. He’s the lord of the northern region and the true master of this city!”

Crane shouted with a pale face.

“Hmph! If that’s the case, then it’s strange for someone to come out of nowhere afterward! If he’s the true master, why doesn’t he stand in front? What we did was for you Orleans, and us dwarves. And above all, it was Lucius!!”

The dwarves were visibly discontented.

Latos, the head of the Orleans family, was in a state of panic.

But Lord Strauss himself stopped them with his hand.

“No, that’s absolutely correct. Let’s accept everything. And, I must apologize. For the treatment humans have given you until now.”

Lord Strauss bowed deeply.

His wife sitting next to him followed suit.

The Orleans family was further perplexed.

But Lord Strauss’s retainers remained proud.

Because it meant something only when Lord Strauss and his wife, who had declared themselves representatives of humans, did it. And merely bowing their heads in the situation itself would be considered disrespectful.

“Are you sure? We are dwarves.”

“It’s fine. We must repay what was promised in the ancient covenant.”

“…You remembered.”

It wasn’t just Lord Strauss, but even the Norris-Windsor family of the past hadn’t left them alone.

To crack down on those engaged in illegal mining, they stationed guards at the border of the territory.

They also sent soldiers on regular patrols.

But it was impossible to fully manage a vast land where monsters roamed.

“If this land has been liberated from the undead, no, was it the demon dragon? In any case, let’s promise. Let’s make this city a place where humans and dwarves can live together again.”

Damur and the dwarves widened their eyes.

“Are you coming to this city?”

“No, I cannot leave Barondia. It will be entrusted to the new lord.”

“I see…”

Damur slumped his shoulders. The other dwarves were the same.

Since there was no guarantee that the new lord would understand the dwarves.

Lord Strauss looked at Lucius, who was sitting alone at the edge.

“Lucius. You don’t have a dedicated territory as a baron yet, right? It’s fine to make this place your territory. His Majesty shouldn’t object either.”

“Huh?”

Lucius couldn’t keep up with the sudden conversation.

“What about you… What are you planning to do about Olivia?”

Lord Strauss’s wife raised her voice in response to his words.

Their daughter Olivia was currently vying for the throne. Opportunities for such strong support for the northern region rarely arose. It was something that happened once in several hundred years.

“It’s fine. Even if Olivia doesn’t rule, the momentum in the northern region will increase. Rather, if Lucius does it, the eastern nobles should be more inclined to agree.”

“W-Wait a minute.”

Originally, it was the location of the four major noble families’ headquarters, and it’s also a place rich in underground resources. If you don’t mistake it for underground water without heavy metals or land to cultivate, there’s enough land to create even more vast farmland.

It wasn’t because of the four major noble families that it prospered. It just so happened that the most prosperous city became the base for the four major noble families.

In other words, Lord Strauss is saying that if he hands over the most valuable vast land in the northern region to Lucius, even though he has been ennobled as a baron, he has not yet reached adulthood. It’s unreasonable to give him land adjacent to the Ruberheart territory managed by his family, divided by the Silverwood habitat of monsters.

But Lord Strauss shook his head.

“Originally, Orleans is not suited for governance. Moreover, they themselves don’t want to do it. Above all, both Orleans and the dwarves trust you. The proposal I heard at the castle before. With the dwarves’ help, it should be easy to realize. There are also many mineral resources. Personnel for practical work will be sent from Barondia.”

It’s about the financial industry.

The necessary tasks are intricate work on certificates and gold and silver. Certainly, with the help of the dwarves, both can be realized.

While Lucius was lost in thought, accepting it logically, Lord Strauss continued.

“Furthermore, for the time being, the business to support the contract with Shiki can be repaired by making this castle a base. Here, not only can it be a castle where the heirs of the four major noble families can be, but it’s also not a problem even if the king comes directly. After all, the king used it. Also, with the contract with the Shiki, there will be advice that surpasses the Orleans family.”

Certainly, there is a forest of monsters between the city of Bulgia and his hometown, the Silverheart village.

By eventually establishing both as bases, it may be possible to quickly start new businesses.

Damur snorted.

Not with anger, but rather with pride.

“Of course. This castle was built by dwarves of old. There’s no way anything built by humans could beat it.”

Lord Strauss stood up and looked out the window at the city.

“Oh yes. This city will surely prosper again. The time when the northern region was at its peak will come again.”

His gaze was not on the present, but on the future.

――I can’t refuse this anymore.

It’s already a predetermined course. This city and territory will become Lucius’s territory.

“I understand. But I will return it to the Norris-Windsor family someday.”

“I don’t mind. If Lucius marries my daughter Olivia, it will naturally happen.”

Lord Strauss grinned.

――He seems to be thinking about various things.

Of course, Lord Strauss also has intentions.

If he forcibly seizes this land now, he will antagonize the dwarves.

The most valuable thing in this city is underground resources, and if he antagonizes them, the benefits could be halved, if not completely lost.

So, it’s better to give it to someone he trusts.

If he leaves the practical work to his subordinates, indirect control will be easy.

And by deepening the relationship between Lucius and the Norris-Windsor family, and by making Lucius’s vote secure, he increases the possibility of his daughter ascending to the throne.

Furthermore, if his daughter and Lucius marry, there will be no friction in the next generation, and the former capital will return to the Norris-Windsor family.

For nobles, profit is not individual but is seen over a large time frame, including future generations.

However, at this moment, Lord Strauss was also facing this situation as an individual human being.

It was a pure feeling of gratitude.

“…As the lord of the northern region, I request. Let us once again form an alliance.”

Lord Strauss reached out his hand.

Everyone in the room stood up, and their gazes converged on the outstretched hand.

On top of it, the hand was placed by Latos, head of the Orleans family.

And then, somewhat embarrassed, the hand of the dwarf chieftain, Damur, was laid on top.

The three clasped hands firmly.

At that moment, the sun poured in from the hole in the ceiling.

To Lucius, it seemed like the scene from 400 years ago, before humans and dwarves became twisted against each other.

Behind him, Crane and Fagra were lined up.

The two of them were holding hands affectionately.

Perhaps Orleans and the dwarves will become the same clan over a long period of time from now on. No, maybe they’ll return to being one.

“Lucius, you’re joining too.”

“Lucius-sama, come here.”

“Lucius, hurry up and come.”

The three called out to him.

He couldn’t help but smile.

“I understand.”

Lucius placed his hand over the hands of the three.

One month later.

The inaugural edict is issued.

The inaugural edict is like a declaration issued by a newly appointed lord to the subjects.

Though brief, it contained the thoughts of the new lord.

“Dwarves and humans are both subjects.”

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