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Arpina Maelstrom's life began as a young lady of a fallen noble family.
Although the family had declined, thanks to their still ample wealth, she was able to spend a childhood abundant in food, clothing, and shelter.
But that was merely an outward appearance of prosperity.
"Hoho. Of course. Our Arpina is very intelligent."
Her mother always proudly regarded her, her talent.
At least until she was outside, meeting people.
"We must return to the most noble bloodline, why did something like you have to be born...!!"
But the moment she entered the house, she became a completely different person.
She loathed Arpina's dull black hair and deep green eyes.
Because she hadn't inherited any of the silver hair and purple eyes that she, and the Maelstrom family, should have possessed as proof of their bloodline.
"Just looking at you reminds me of that man...! That bastard who should be torn to death. When I told him I was pregnant, he ran away...!"
Of course, the reason Arpina was born that way wasn't her fault.
It was just the result of her mother's clumsy attempt to continue the family bloodline.
"Why do people always lie?"
The curiosity that penetrated her life began right there.
○
"It was more effective than I thought."
The news of the outbreak of war between Damamollon and Matepith territories reached me almost immediately.
It was a much earlier start to the war than expected. I thought they would properly investigate the situation for at least a few days.
-It's because Master's wisdom reached the heavens.
-Master is super smart!
It was the words of a Cerebrum Skull and Mary.
I shook my head with a smile.
"You two. Your flattery has gotten worse lately."
-Each.
"Yes. Good job. Now go back and do your work."
-Yes!
The messenger wearing the uniform of Matepith County, or more precisely, the Cerebrum Skull, bowed his head at my gesture and disappeared after giving a loud answer.
'Really, the war has started.'
-Gak... gak...
After the communication ended, I was lost in thought for a moment while petting Mary.
Although it was the news of the war's outbreak that I had been waiting for, I wasn't particularly happy when I actually heard it.
'Well. If you're happy that a war has broken out, that's just crazy.'
Thinking about it, it was natural.
What I should be happy about were the things that would come to me after the war, not the war itself.
From a human standpoint, I might be considered crazy enough, but even so, I just wanted to be selfish rather than that.
"Master."
"Speak, Sonia."
"I think you've already done all you can by taking measures to allow ordinary people to escape at this point."
"..."
Although it might sound strange, this was true.
Because wars in this world inevitably demand the sacrifice of the people.
It's not just collateral damage.
It's something that 'must be paid'.
['It's an implicit war etiquette to leave evidence that 'a war was fought'.]
[It's not the right thing to do, but most high nobles probably know and practice it.]
Clashing swords and spears.
A certain number of casualties in the army.
A certain amount of looting, destruction, and massacre on both sides.
These were the words I heard from Hailey and Eleanor when I consulted about human wars.
'Even thinking about it again, it's such an interesting culture.'
I could guess why this culture had spread.
With the demon realm outside, and the situation where hidden dungeons could be discovered anywhere, anytime inside.
In the end, every territory needed a certain military power...
'If so, consumption due to conflicts between humans must be reduced.'
Therefore, most conflicts are resolved through duels by Great Warriors, not territory wars.
If the people's feelings towards each other are bad and that's not enough, they wage small-scale wars to cultivate the feeling that 'peace is good' by making certain sacrifices on both sides.
It's a small sacrifice for the greater good.
'Of course, the standpoint or thoughts of the small weren't considered.'
Besides this, there were all sorts of 'policies for justice' on the continent. Things like 'the status of adventurers managing dungeons' or 'clergy placement regulations'.
Of course, from the standpoint of those small sacrifices, these are policies they would never welcome.
"The nobles were raising us. Master is much better than those nobles."
"That's right. Even if they're human... if everyone knows this, many more people will submit to Master."
This was a fact that could be seen from Sonia's tearful voice and Maria's empathetic, firm voice.
Just by announcing this fact with appropriate evidence, I wonder if republics might be born in various places on the continent, denying nobility and royalty.
'But I have no such intention.'
Emotions that reject tyrannical rule by someone were of no benefit to me.
After all, that's what I intend to do.
"Yes. Thank you both for saying that."
If a war is fought in this way, it is 'etiquette' to necessarily cause casualties in at least two villages.
And the civilian damage caused by the war I started will be less than the sacrifices due to such 'war etiquette'.
Because I made sure the news of the war's outbreak was delivered faster through the messenger earlier.
It was a choice to amplify the chaos itself, but reduce the sacrifice of innocent people who know nothing.
'Of course, more nobles and soldiers will die.'
But that's the damage that 'must happen' if a war breaks out.
Not something that 'should have been collateral' like the damage to civilians.
The current humanity was killing civilians to save the army. And not for the soldiers, but for the commanders and nobles.
Until now, it had been the opposite.
'What ridiculous beings.'
I don't know if it started from the human side and was transmitted, or if the demons started it first.
The sight of both humans and demons being wary of 'unrestrained war' and fighting with moderation.
It's laughable.
Should I say it's like children's play by those who don't know the weight of the word 'war'?
'The value of all people is equal.'
I don't agree 100% with this statement.
But I wish it were so.
Because then, the sins I committed in the past wouldn't be justified.
Those who commit evil should recognize their actions as evil.
Because that's how you don't cross the final line.
I, the enemy of humanity, am agonizing over reducing casualties in the necessary war, but those humans...
"They were buying peace by offering 'sacrifices'."
Sonia's words brought me back to reality from my thoughts.
Her words were almost exactly reciting my thoughts.
"Come to think of it. Didn't you have something to report?"
"Ah, yes."
At my question, both of them nodded and straightened their posture.
The first to state her business was Sonia, who had wiped her tears and calmed her expression.
"Queen Kamaya contacted us saying she succeeded in securing and temporarily controlling Lady Viola Eisaph."
"It seems she's the daughter of the lord of Damamollon."
"Yes."
To declare war immediately after confirming evidence of the young lady's kidnapping.
I can imagine how much the lord cherished his daughter.
I have doubts about whether he cared for his territory's people even half as much as his reputation, but.
"What kind of person was she originally?"
"Among the people of the territory, she has a reputation as a gentle and lovable lady to everyone. I'm not sure if that's true though..."
After learning about this 'war etiquette' this time, Sonia seems to have developed distrust towards the existing noble forces.
'I hope it ends with just simple distrust.'
There's nothing wrong with it as an attitude towards enemies, but I need to watch out for any conflicts with fellow nobles.
"I see. She's worth seeing in person then."
"Understood. I'll relay the message to transfer her."
"On your way to contact them, could you feed Mary?"
"Ah, yes. Come here, Mary."
-I want to eat! Sonia!
"Yes. Let's eat. What would you like today?"
-Something sweet!
"No. You had that yesterday."
I watched Sonia leave with Mary to make contact after greeting with clasped hands, then turned my gaze to Maria.
"Tell me your business, Maria. This is the first time you've come since that day."
"Yes, Master."
Of course, I could meet her anytime inside the dungeon, but this was the first time she had come to my personal room like this since the incident with Mire last time.
For a while, I let them focus on building time together.
For this, I'm currently not assigning any external missions to Maria and Mire.
"How have you been lately?"
"I can't say it's very good, but it's okay."
"And with Mire?"
"I think we've said all the pent-up things... To be honest, it feels like a dream that we can even talk like this."
Her eyes showed a stronger toughness.
It was as if the tears that couldn't quite fall had turned into jewels right in her pupils.
Except that what lies behind it is not natural, but an artificial soul fire that I breathed into her.
Clank.
I took my gaze off her eyes and put down the tea I was holding.
"Is your request related to that?"
"Yes. That's right."
Maria, who nodded her head resolutely, took a deep breath with her eyes closed for a moment.
What was contained in that sigh was not fear, but expectation.
"I think you will soon promote Mire. Is that correct?"
"Yes, that's right."
There was no reason to deny it.
'Mire' is my second skeleton, and it was certain that she should be the next subject to become an elite-grade monster in the dungeon as soon as I became elite-grade.
"I want to prepare the sacrifice for that with my own hands... Alone."
I shook my head.
Not because it was unacceptable, but because it was impossible.
"It will be very difficult."
"I will definitely accomplish it."
"It's not a matter of will, but of ability."
I know that there's a sense of duty mixed in this action of hers about the responsibility she couldn't fulfill as an older sister.
However, I couldn't allow a suicidal act just because of that.
Even Daniel's mercenary group, which specializes in hunting elite monsters, is suffering quite a few casualties, so how could I send her alone?
"Even if you don't insist, the sacrifice will be prepared soon enough. Daniel is working on it."
"But..."
Maria still looked at me with intense eyes.
For a long time.
I finally sighed.
"If that's your wish, work with Daniel's mercenary group. Don't think about objecting. That's my condition."
This is the best option.
Maria seemed somewhat disappointed, but she seemed to know it was unrealistic, and soon agreed.
"Thank you, Master."
"Yes. Are you leaving right away?"
"I've made preparations."
"Come back safely. So Mire doesn't get sad."
"Yes, Master."
As she was about to step out the door, I saw through the 'Necromancer's Eye' that Mire was trying to stop her by holding her hand.
Maria hugged Mire once, said something, and quickly left while Mire was in a daze.
Knock knock.
"Come in."
After that, as expected, Mire knocked on the door of my personal room.
-Master.
"I know you want to go together, but wait for your sister, Mire."
-But...
I understand how desperate she is, but this time I really can't allow it.
Because while Maria is an individual, she is not.
"What are you going to do with your troops? Don't forget that potential enemies are eyeing the dungeon. Even if that's not the case, there's a lot to do."
In normal times, I could have sent her and her troops all together with Maria to focus on hunting.
However, now a potentially strong enemy is approaching.
An enemy so strong that it might not be enough even if we gather all the dungeon's forces to stand by.
Unless my first strategy succeeds as is, if it fails, Mire's troops had to stand by for the second strategy.
To save everyone else, even if I should die.
"In case of a crisis situation, I'll try to pass you all to Serica or others as much as possible. But that might not be possible, right?"
The loss of me and my core means Mire's 'wildification', and it was uncertain whether Mire, who became a wild monster like that, could maintain the current intelligence.
Because my power and the dungeon core's power also affect the monsters of the dungeon.
This means that the driving force that allows her to move freely and even her feelings towards Maria are in danger of being lost.
-Ah. ...I'm sorry, Master.
"Yes."
Mire, who had frozen for a moment, finally apologized to me with a military salute.
Nodding to that, I clearly confirmed what she had missed. It was to strengthen her wavering will.
"The problem we face is survival. So be patient a little longer. For you and your sister's sake too."
-Yes!
"Go on. You must be busy?"
-I apologize for the intrusion. Then.
The effect of training exists for dungeon monsters as well.
It was time for everyone to get a little stronger, if only to respond to the coming threat.
"Master. I've prepared for sparring..."
"Yes. Let's go."
Of course, I was no exception to that.
○
The issues I'm currently facing are not just human wars.
While below I'm carrying out operations to expand territory, above I'm wary of approaching enemies.
To ensure success in both, ultimately, strengthening elite forces was necessary.
First, starting with me, the core.
『Attributes
Health 57(◀ 43)
Technique 75(◀ 57)
Durability 57(◀ 46)
Magic Power 83(◀ 74)
Resistance 71(◀ 60)』
"Hoo."
Crackle!
"Haa...!"
The power of a Dungeon Lord can be strengthened by utilizing the core that has devoured sacrifices, so what remains is getting used to the rapidly strengthened body.
It's a process for acting out the desperation that can excellently lure in enemies.
Rustle...!
"Excellent, Lady."
Through practical learning with the invited teacher Mur, I adjusted the sense of moving the strengthened magic power.
"Let's start right away...!"
Thump!
Through sparring with Xue, I calibrated the sense of moving the even more powerful body and reinforcing it through magic power.
"「Wendigo's Thirst」."
Swoosh...!
Bang-!!
A combination of darkness and ice.
Xue's bombardment falters due to the temporarily disappeared life force and magic power in the surroundings, and simultaneously my body is strengthened by the absorbed magic power.
The body strengthened in this way was sufficient to handle Xue's amplified magic power.
"Good... As expected of Master!"
Rumble-!!
"Let's wrap this up."
"Alright-!"
Her unique fast and fierce style was an appropriate opponent for practicing close and mid-range combat utilizing magic.
In situations where you can't distance yourself from the enemy, how to compose magic within a time that must be counted in decimal units.
How to shake off an opponent trying to cling to you somehow, and prevent approach itself.
Sometimes even how to fight using magic power itself.
Clearly, I excel in technique and magic power, but she had more experience than that and.
『Characteristic - ... Magic Combat, ...』
Sparring with her was enough to turn my contemplation into a characteristic.
"Good work."
"Yeah... I've thought this since the old days, but Master is always neat even after fighting..."
At Xue's words, I felt a bit stung inside.
There wasn't a speck of dust on the riding outfit I was wearing now.
This pathological neatness was clearly the power of 'nobility', which felt too ambiguous to be my own power no matter how I thought about it.
"So. Do you dislike it?"
"No, I like it tremendously..."
"...I see."
I said that with the intention of changing the subject, but Xue still expressed her feelings in her usual direct manner.
Finding it difficult to meet her eyes, I turned my gaze away and a trivial thought came to mind.
'No, that's not it.'
Come to think of it, all three of them are direct in expressing their feelings.
Just the methods are a bit different.
"Phew..."
Dismissing the stray thought is a light feeling of exhaustion filling my whole body.
Battles with her are always so brilliant and intense that I get caught up in the atmosphere, and only when it dissipates do I feel the effects.
"Master. In the part where you responded to my attack earlier..."
"Yes."
Right after, Xue's feedback began.
The advice she gives is extremely practical.
It might not suit ordinary magicians, but it was helpful to me now in various ways.
It's valuable advice that fills in my lack of practical experience.
-Master.
So if there was something interrupting that precious time, it could only be more important business.
-Excuse me.
"What is it?"
When I turned my head towards the direction calling me, a skeleton magician was shining its eye lights towards me.
"Speak."
-It's a message from Talhan, the representative of the Cerebrum Skulls.
Sure enough.
The skeleton magician's message was a very important one.
-He says, 'We've found the bush where the owl hid its head'.
"Is that so...?"
News that they've found the nest of information merchants and what they're aiming for.
After hearing the magician's words, I felt a smile forming with anticipation.