Chapter 329: I Have Many Questions (1)
The Chief Strategist’s anguished expression was one of sheer desperation. Yet, Raul regarded him with an expressionless face and spoke coldly.
“Is this some kind of joke? You bring me this kind of report and tell me those guys are strange?”
The strategist, trembling in fear, stammered, and those around him appeared equally nervous.
Raul was notorious for his cruelty, earning him the nickname “Lame Demon”. Those who found themselves on his bad side rarely lived to tell the tale.
Nevertheless, the strategist gathered every ounce of courage left in him and began to speak. He couldn’t let himself die in such an unfair situation just because of some strange individuals from Fenris.
“Sir, it’s true. The rumors are bizarre beyond belief. We’ve verified them multiple times and sent numerous spies to confirm the reports.”
His earnestness gave Raul pause. Normally, he would have had the man thrown into a cell without hesitation, but this time he suppressed his anger and asked.
“Are you saying this isn’t due to poor intelligence gathering?”
“No, sir. Even the villagers in the territory all say the same thing. The people involved are so well-known there’s no hiding it.”
Raul glared at the strategist for a long moment. The man didn’t seem to be lying.
If everyone involved wasn’t normal, then that meant something strange was going on with several individuals.
Taking a deep breath, Raul flipped to the next page of the report.
[Ogre Slayer, Leather King of the North, Mad Dog, Genius of Violence, Arrogant Fool, Rebel…]
[Knight Kaor]
The list of nicknames alone was alarming. No matter how he looked at it, this man didn’t seem like someone worthy of a knighthood.
As Raul read further, he couldn’t help but frown at the description of Kaor’s activities.
“Sigh… So, he’s in charge of maintaining order in the territory, occasionally conducts training, supervises prisoners, oversees construction projects, and even goes on external missions to acquire leather?”
“Yes, sir.”
“So this guy’s basically a jack-of-all-trades doing whatever comes his way?”
“…That seems to be the case.”
Raul rubbed his temples a few times before turning to the next page.
[The Shadowy Caretaker, Belinda]
Just glancing at the title was exhausting. Raul decided he didn’t have the energy to read the details and instead directly asked the strategist.
“What’s this one about?”
“She’s the head housekeeper of the castle and was Count Fenris’ tutor during his childhood. But there’s a widespread rumor that she manipulates the lord from behind the scenes. Particularly…”
“Particularly what?”
“She’s said to be absolutely intolerant of picky eaters.”
“….”
[The Demon’s Mathematician, Lowell]
“What about this one?”
“He’s known for his exceptional calculation skills. Rumor has it he can perform mental calculations with seven-digit numbers instantly.”
“Really? Then he must be in charge of managing the territory’s finances.”
“No, sir. He’s an intelligence officer. The treasury is strictly managed by someone called the Chief Overseer, who refuses to relinquish control. That man is infamous for his obsession with money.”
“…I see.”
[6th-Circle Maid Mage, Vanessa]
“…A maid?”
“Yes, sir… She was a maid at the Magic Tower before rising to the 6th Circle.”
“A maid became a 6th-Circle mage?”
“Surprisingly, yes. And…”
“And?”
“She’s known to have an unrelenting passion for explaining things.”
“…What does she explain?”
“Anything and everything, sir.”
“…Right.”
[The Great Blacksmith, Galbarik]
For the first time, Raul’s expression brightened slightly. The title boldly proclaimed greatness, yet this one actually seemed normal.
“It’s said this dwarf advanced the territory’s technology by several levels alongside Count Fenris.”
“Good. Look further into this dwarf. If he truly possesses such remarkable skills, we must secure his cooperation.”
“Understood, sir.”
“Finally, we’re seeing some useful information. Let’s see what’s next…”
[Uncontrollable Fury, Ascon]
“…What’s this about?”
“He’s an elf with anger management issues.”
“….”
Just as things seemed to be improving, the absurdities resumed. Raul sighed and turned the page.
[The Holy Maiden of Juana, Piote]
“…Holy Maiden?”
Raul, who had intended to skim this part, froze at the unexpected title. A Holy Maiden’s presence was no trivial matter.
“What is this? If a Holy Maiden has appeared, the news should have spread throughout the kingdom. Has there been no report to the royal court?”
A Holy Maiden’s location was untouchable territory. That explained Raul’s sharp reaction.
The strategist shook his head vigorously and replied.
“No, sir. We confirmed it with the Juana Church, and they denied it. It seems she’s just a priest who’s gained popularity among the villagers. However…”
“However?”
“There are many witnesses claiming to have seen her receiving divine revelations.”
“Are their testimonies consistent?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then she might actually be a Holy Maiden. Perhaps the church is hiding her or refusing to acknowledge her due to internal politics…”
“Well… According to the church, she’s a man, sir. And men cannot become Holy Maidens. He’s simply a priest raised in the church from a young age who happens to look feminine. This has been verified multiple times.”
Raul unconsciously placed his hand on his forehead. Just what kind of people were these? They all defied common sense. It was impossible to make sense of them no matter how he tried.
With his head throbbing, Raul closed the report. He didn’t want to read any more of it.
Fixing the strategist with a cold gaze, he spoke.
“I’ll consider the short time you had to gather this information. Go back and investigate properly.”
“Y-Yes, sir. But… are you sure you don’t want to read further?”
“They’re all strange people anyway, aren’t they? I’ll review it after you conduct another investigation.”
“That’s… true, but…”
The report still contained details about individuals like “Friend of Horses and Children,” Lumina; “Caretaker of the Chief Overseer,” Wendy; and “The Muscle-Bound Bedwetter,” Gordon.
Even if some could be dismissed outright, there was one individual Raul thought warranted closer attention.
“You’ll want to look at the information about someone named Alfoi.”
“Alfoi?”
“Yes, sir. The rumors surrounding him are… unusual.”
At that, Raul irritably reopened the report.
[The Man Who Defeated a God, Alfoi]
“…Is this a nickname a normal person could possibly have? And this guy is just wandering around freely?”
Defeating a god? In a time like this, a title like that would immediately make him a target of every religious faction. In other words, he’d be labeled a heretic or black mage on sight.
If Count Fenris had any sense, he should have executed Alfoi long ago to avoid such misunderstandings. But according to the report, the man openly called himself this within the territory. Such blatant blasphemy was unheard of.
“This… is this real?”
“Yes, sir. Many witnesses claim to have seen him endure the power of a goddess. That’s likely why Count Fenris doesn’t dare to touch him.”
To be precise, it wasn’t that Fenris didn’t dare it was that he simply didn’t care. However, due to Alfoi’s shocking title, many people had grossly misunderstood the situation.
Raul pressed his temples again, his headache worsening. He couldn’t distinguish truth from fiction anymore.
The rumors about Count Fenris being insane were already widespread. Raul had seen him once before, and the man had struck him as fearlessly audacious.
But who could have guessed that Fenris’ subordinates would all carry such bizarre titles?
“Didn’t they say he was from the Crimson Flame Tower?”
“Yes, sir. Inquiries revealed that he was once a promising talent and a candidate to inherit leadership of the tower.”
“Hmm. So he’s either extraordinarily gifted… or exceptionally skilled.”
“That seems to be the case. Our team concluded after an initial review that he’s likely Fenris’ hidden trump card.”
“Hidden trump card?”
“Yes, sir. It’s strange for someone with such a nickname to not yet be widely known. He must have demonstrated extraordinary power at some point, which they’ve worked hard to conceal. As someone from the tower, secrecy would be crucial.”
“Weren’t there rumors about it stemming from some gambling incident?”
“It’s likely that an accidental display of power led to a cover-up, resulting in fabricated rumors. There’s no way someone would earn a nickname like that over a mere gambling incident. And the idea of a Crimson Flame Tower heir gambling is odd to begin with. That tower was once considered the most prestigious in the North.”
Raul nodded in agreement. The strategist’s reasoning made sense.
“Alright, classify this Alfoi as a special management target.”
A title like that couldn’t have been given without reason. Whether the rumors were true or not, this man was undeniably significant.
Thus, Alfoi was officially categorized as a “dangerous individual” requiring special reports and close monitoring.
Raul’s eyes gleamed sharply as he gave further orders.
“Double-check the current status of the Crimson Flame Tower and its rival, the Scarlet Tower. Progress has stalled there because of Fenris, and I want it resolved. Also… it’s clear these bizarre rumors about their key figures are a deliberate smokescreen. They’re obviously trying to divert external attention.”
There was no such smokescreen. Ghislain was simply too busy concealing the territory’s military strength, production capabilities, and new technologies. He had no intention of hiding individuals like Claude or Alfoi.
But the strategists of the ducal families, unaware of this, could only speculate within the bounds of reason. Ironically, their overthinking had led them astray.
Raul, reliant on the reports from his strategists, arrived at similar conclusions.
However, he was not someone to blindly trust such unsettling reports.
“Personnel and funding will be provided without limit. Bring me more detailed information. If the same findings persist, I’ll decide what to do then.”
“Understood, sir.”
Despite the Duke’s household’s meticulous investigation, they resolved to pour more unnecessary time and effort into the matter once again.
After setting aside the report on Fenris, Raul shifted his attention.
“What about Amelia?”
“We’ve sent someone to keep her under control. They should arrive soon.”
“Good. Formulate a strategy to keep Fenris in check through Raypold. Ensure that the upstart in the North can’t set foot outside his territory. Once we deal with the Royalist Faction, we’ll clean up the North.”
“Understood. However…”
Raul frowned at the hesitant strategist.
“Speak.”
“Amelia’s demands are becoming increasingly excessive.”
“What do you mean?”
“She’s still failed to suppress Baron Valois’ rebellion and claims the treasury is drained from fighting the northern lords.”
“Already? How much support is she asking for?”
“Well, food, horses, weapons, timber, iron, runestones, herbs…”
The strategist continued listing supplies without pause, each in massive quantities. Even Raul, who was usually unfazed by such matters, was momentarily speechless.
The issue with Count Fenris was already a headache, but Amelia was proving to be another kind of nuisance.
The other strategists voiced their indignation.
“This is what happens when an incompetent woman takes control of a territory. The finances are collapsing already!”
“We need to bring her under our control quickly. At this rate, her territory will be ruined.”
“Why did Count Desmond even support such a woman? Even the Fourth Prince, Daven, with no power base, would’ve been a better choice.”
Unlike the angry strategists, Raul responded with a cold smile.
“So she plans to take full advantage of her position and make a hefty profit? Seems she has some political insight, but she doesn’t realize she’s just another pawn to be discarded when the game is over.”
Raul still didn’t know much about Amelia. From his perspective, she seemed to be reaching beyond her means with her demands.
“For now, provide only half of what she’s requested. Since we’ve sent someone to oversee her, they’ll manage the situation. If controlling her becomes difficult, prepare a plan to replace her.”
“Understood.”
“As for the North, Harold’s failure means we’ll proceed with sealing off the region. What’s the status of the Royalist Faction?”
Raul had previously sent a thinly veiled threat to Marquis Branford, demanding he step down from power and cede the throne.
Naturally, Marquis Branford had no intention of accepting such a humiliating proposal.
“The Marquis is reportedly furious. The eastern forces are preparing for war.”
“Marquis McQuarrie is mobilizing the kingdom’s army, declaring they’re ready to act at a moment’s notice.”
“Count Aylesbur has also contributed a substantial amount of war funds. It seems they’ve made significant preparations.”
Raul nodded as he listened to the reports.
“They’re ambitious. After sitting on the throne for so long, it’s about time they stepped down.”
In truth, Raul understood the situation well. The moment Marquis Branford stepped down, the royal family would be finished.
For that reason, Branford had no choice but to cling to his position, no matter how much he wanted to leave.
“Hmph, at least their actions are slightly different from before. The others don’t seem particularly afraid, either.”
Previously, the Royalist Faction’s nobles were so timid they would retreat at the slightest move from the Ducal Faction. They avoided conflict whenever possible and acted cautiously.
The current shift in atmosphere was due to one individual.
“It seems they believe they stand a chance… all because Count Fenris continues to succeed.”
Both Count Cabaldi and Count Desmond, renowned as the strongest in the North, had fallen in succession. And they had fallen to none other than the notorious “northern wastrel” who had previously earned no respect.
It was no wonder the Ducal Faction seemed less intimidating, and the Royalist Faction began to act boldly.
Raul let out a bitter laugh.
“That bastard has completely thrown our plans into chaos.”
“Marquis Branford’s support of such a man now makes sense. There’s been significant dissent within the Royalist Faction, but he’s crushed it all.”
“Indeed. Marquis Branford is not someone to be underestimated.”
Raul acknowledged the Marquis’ capabilities. Without Branford, the kingdom would have collapsed a decade ago.
He was the one who had managed to rally the self-serving Royalist nobles and stand against the Ducal Faction.
Moreover, he had supported the upstart Ghislain, allowing him to rise to his current position.
Even Raul had to admit that Branford’s gamble had paid off. With even Count Desmond, the strongest in the North, defeated, there was no denying the Marquis’ success.
A strategist cautiously glanced at Raul before speaking.
“With our failure in the North, there are few nobles left who can be swayed by persuasion or threats. Count Fenris’ influence has caused a stalemate. It seems inevitable that Marquis Branford’s intentions will continue to dictate the situation.”
“So, the only option left is civil war.”
“If we start a war now… we’ll inevitably suffer some losses. And if that happens…”
Raul let out another bitter laugh and replied.
“Yes, developing the Forest of Beasts will become much more difficult.”
He swallowed words that even his strategists didn’t know.
“…All for the sake of finding ‘it.’”
Raul’s true reason for avoiding civil war and conserving his forces.
It all boiled down to the Forest of Beasts.