Chapter 39

Wendigo had roughly anticipated how many people would be outside based on Skadi’s story.

With the forest people gathering and the Blue Mane tribe warriors and their families joining, there couldn’t be few.

However, Wendigo realized his thoughts were wrong.

“Ohhh! The spirit has awakened!”

“Skadi-nim said he would wake up if we prayed every day, and it was true!”

“Indeed, the spirit-nim is more majestic than the forest avatars!”

A number far exceeding Wendigo’s prediction burst into exclamations upon seeing him.

Wendigo looked at the people and cleared his throat.

“Ahem.”

“The spirit-nim speaks! Everyone, bow your heads and pay respects!”

“……”

He had coughed out of nervousness from speaking in front of many people after a long time, but when one man shouted and knelt, the people followed suit and knelt down.

It was quite a burdensome situation, but Wendigo didn’t panic. This wasn’t his first experience with such a thing.

‘The important thing here is to choose well what kind of appearance to show.’

Why do spirits consistently maintain an arrogant attitude?

Just because they naturally like looking down on others?

‘While that reason isn’t entirely absent, the arrogance of a capable person becomes dignity.’

Most kings are arrogant, but not many people consider it a flaw. After all, kings were born with the ability and lineage to be that way.

If not, they would have had their heads cut off long ago and their crowns stolen by usurpers, so it was natural.

Spirits weren’t much different. Rather, spirits were born with the conditions to be arrogant from birth, so it would be strange if they weren’t.

‘Certainly, if I become dignified, life will be easier from now on.’

It might differ depending on the person, but basically, few people like working with dignified individuals.

How many people would like it when just being together makes it hard to breathe?

Considering that the number of beings to rule over will increase in the future, it might be good to show a dignified appearance and distance oneself from trivial matters, but..

‘Dignity isn’t something you can just act out at will.’

To be dignified, one needs to have some arrogance.

Wendigo thought of arrogance and the word spirit together, and then recalled the boar, the parasite, and the wolf bastard.

At least by this world’s standards, one would need to be about as arrogant as those three to hear people say, “Ah, our spirit-nim is quite arrogant too!”

That was simply impossible. Rather, it would be more comfortable to show kindness as usual, even if it’s a bit troublesome.

“Spi-Spirit-nim. Have we perhaps committed some rudeness?”

“Hm?”

When one warrior who had been bowing politely slightly raised his head and asked, Wendigo finally came to his senses.

Thinking about it, he realized that kneeling and bowing was quite a strenuous act.

Moreover, how painful must it be on this dirt ground, not even a soft surface?

Sensing worry and anxiety among the people, Wendigo made up an excuse on the spot.

“I apologize. Realizing how many people believe in and follow me despite knowing I’m a spirit, I couldn’t speak as I was overwhelmed by how fortunate a spirit I am.”

“!!!”

The people who had been holding their breath while bowing startled and looked at each other.

If they hadn’t misheard, wasn’t the spirit saying he was moved?

‘Is he truly a being different from ordinary spirits?’

‘Indeed, sparing our lives by acknowledging the warriors’ honor wasn’t an act!’

While the loyalty of those who had been with Wendigo from the beginning was as solid as a deep-rooted tree, those who joined later were not.

Some had reluctantly joined under Wendigo due to Oneton’s attack, and the Blue Mane tribe had joined out of necessity.

Wendigo’s words blurred the distrust in their hearts. However, it didn’t completely dispel it.

‘An-Anyone can say nice words. Even a spirit can do that.’

‘It’s still uncertain. I should maintain a critical stance…’

While others were stirring with excitement, those still harboring distrust lowered their posture even more.

They thought a spirit of Wendigo’s caliber would be suspicious if even a slight attitude or facial expression was revealed, so they tried to show an even more respectful appearance.

However, their efforts were in vain. Wendigo smelled the scent of distrust and inwardly clicked his tongue.

‘Indeed, it’s difficult to win people’s hearts with just this much.’

What was needed at times like this was a performance.

Wendigo turned his head to the side and looked at Skadi. Though she didn’t show it on her face, she looked quite proud.

Wendigo pointed to the ice prison behind him and asked her.

“Skadi. I believe I heard that you moved the village centered around this ice prison. Is that correct?”

“Yes. We made the previous village site farmland since the soil is fertile, and instead arranged the village to spread out from here as the center. We also built Wendigo-nim’s residence larger than before.”

“Then this place will be the center for the forest people from now on?”

“If Wendigo-nim doesn’t intend to move elsewhere, that’s right. And…”

“?”

After briefly glancing at the people, Skadi gestured as if asking Wendigo to lower his head.

As Wendigo lowered his head, she whispered in his ear… or what was presumed to be his ear.

“I arranged the village a bit loosely just in case. If the village is too crowded, Wendigo-nim might not be able to move around.”

“… To that extent?”

“No matter how loyal the people are, if Wendigo-nim can’t enjoy it, it’s putting the cart before the horse.”

Although his senses had dulled as the village grew, to think she had been considering even that.

Wendigo nodded, surprised at Skadi’s thoroughness.

If her words were true, this place would become the center for people in the future.

Wendigo pulled an ice pillar from the ground and brought his claw to the center of the pillar.

Wendigo began to carve letters one by one, and the people quietly watched.

1. 1. Parents shall protect their children, and children shall respect their parents.

 

1. 1. Those who commit adultery are unworthy of love, and shall not escape death.

 

1. 1. Those who covet others’ possessions shall atone for their sin first with their hands, then with their lives.

 

1. 1. Unjustified murder is an unforgivable evil, and shall be repaid in the same manner.

 

1. 1. Love your neighbors and family. Then they too shall respond with love.

      Wendigo stopped after writing the fifth one and withdrew his claw. The people looked at the words engraved on the pillar and were perplexed.

      What on earth was this about?

      “It would be a lie to say I have no expectations of you. However, if I ask too much of you, that too would be my fault.”

      “That can’t be. If Wendigo-nim desires it, whatever it is… mmph!”

      When Skadi reflexively opened her mouth at Wendigo’s words, Wendigo hastily covered her mouth with his hand.

      Skadi, with her face buried in the leather, shouted something, but Wendigo ignored it and continued speaking.

      “I don’t know human laws, but I do know there are things that must be upheld. Can you see what’s written here?”

      “Yes, we can see it, but…”

      The people nodded and answered. The letters engraved on the ice pillar were shining with a clear blue light, so vivid they couldn’t be missed even if one tried.

      “I swear to protect you if you keep these five laws… no, precepts.”

      The people were greatly surprised by Wendigo’s oath. From their perspective, these five precepts didn’t seem particularly difficult.

      It was no different from saying to live kindly and without harming others, yet he was swearing to protect people just for that!

      The distrust flowing among the people was crushed under the great weight of the spirit’s oath, and in its place, intense emotions began to fill.

      The people, full of respect, awe, and faith, shouted hurrahs loud enough to shake the forest.

      Amidst this fervent atmosphere, Wendigo made a cool-headed judgment.

      ‘In governing people, keeping the most basic rules is more important than any special rules.’

      People think that rulers govern with great wisdom, but in reality, what’s important in governing people isn’t outstanding wisdom.

      What rulers need is peace that allows for somewhat lax governance.

      Most problems, if not chaotic, always have a solution if you look for it.

      Above all, he promised to protect them if they followed those precepts, but taxes and labor were a separate matter, weren’t they?

      ‘There might not be much to expect in terms of taxes, but I can look forward to tribute gifts.’

      Wendigo inwardly smiled, thinking he had hidden it quite cleverly even by his own standards.

      … In fact, even if he had just said it outright, people would have been grateful for Wendigo’s grace.

      In a world where knights and nobles strip away wealth instead of protecting, how could they complain about someone who actually offers protection!

      Moreover, the taxes Wendigo had in mind weren’t even that high…

      If he had known the truth, he would have regretted trying to be clever, beating the ground in frustration.

 

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Apart from Wendigo’s timid politicking, the forest underwent a big change. For one, a central point had been established.

Forest people who heard the rumors came to look around, and greatly surprised, joined with their tribes, naturally causing Wendigo’s tribe to grow larger.

Thanks to that, perhaps, what Wendigo had wished for also came true.

Wendigo shuddered as he looked over the array of food before him.

Soup boiled with various grains and meat, lamb with sauce, various vegetables roasted with animal fat, fruits preserved in honey.

With a whole roasted pig taking its place, he couldn’t help but salivate.

To think he could indulge in such luxury once a week!

Wendigo muttered while heartily drinking the soup prepared to match his size.

“So this is why power is good.”

“… I think the spirit-nim could enjoy a bit more.”

Geron, who was attending to Wendigo’s side, offered advice with a sour expression.

Honestly, considering the size of the tribe, Wendigo was too… frugal.

While clothing and weapons were of little use to Wendigo, he could afford to enjoy meals more abundantly.

Even now, there was a mountain of people wishing to offer various grains and game to Wendigo.

How much more so when they received protection and even gifted fertile land?

Unaware of Geron’s wish for his lord to be more luxurious, Wendigo offered him advice.

“Geron. Even if you’ve gained power, to maintain it, you mustn’t overwork your subordinates. Power crumbles easily from below, after all.”

“No, it’s not overwork… Never mind.”

Geron started to tell Wendigo the truth but gave up.

Knowing Wendigo, he would likely say “One must always be cautious” and make him feel frustrated.

Geron decided to change the subject instead.

“By the way, did you experience any big changes after defeating the wolf spirit? Skadi-nim said you gained new powers.”

“Hmm… I’d say it’s a bit ambiguous.”

Wendigo said while chewing and swallowing several fruits at once.

Oneton’s core was wildness.

And wildness was… a more abstract power than expected. No wonder Oneton had a talent for casting spells.

The ability to fatten and strengthen beasts, and to command the power of a hundred beasts…

‘It’s a power that’s tricky to use.’

Yes, Oneton’s core was truly ambiguous.

No matter how he thought about it, creating doppelgangers to fight was a hundred times more useful than fattening and strengthening beasts to use them.

Being able to command the power of beasts might make him a bit stronger, but… Wendigo had never seen anyone stronger than himself.

‘Should I consider the spells as all I gained from the wolf bastard…’

Things like sharing vision or creating doppelgangers were quite useful, but it was a bit disappointing since it was the part he had most looked forward to…

“Spirit-nim. A message has arrived, and I’ve come urgently. May I enter?”

While savoring the lamb, someone outside the banquet hall asked for permission in a polite voice.

As Wendigo waved his hand, Geron nodded and approached the door.

“The spirit-nim has granted permission, open the door!”

As the warriors standing guard outside opened the door, a man stepped inside. Wendigo immediately recognized who the man was.

The man’s name was Refnil. Small in stature and weak in strength, but quite clever, he was a servant working under Skadi.

Refnil bowed his head to Geron and held out the message, and when Geron received it, Refnil retreated while keeping his head bowed.

Geron unrolled the leather scroll and checked its contents.

“What does it say?”

“Well…”

Geron dragged out his words with a dazed expression. This attitude, unlike Geron’s usual straightforwardness, piqued Wendigo’s curiosity.

What could the contents be to make him act like this?

“No matter how absurd the content, I’ll laugh it off, so speak quickly.”

“Yes. Well… it says a herd of musk oxen has settled in the village.”

“What nonsense… Wait.”

Wendigo, about to react seriously to the absurd content, hastily took back his words.

If the musk oxen settling in the village was true, and there was a cause, it could only be himself, no matter how he thought about it.

‘There’s a reason for everything. There must be a reason for this too.’

Wendigo stood up abruptly, ready to check immediately, but hesitated as if something was holding him back.

Geron approached Wendigo curiously and asked carefully.

“What’s wrong? If there’s a problem you’ve thought of, we can prepare somehow…”

“No. I was just wondering how to deal with this, as it would be a waste of food to leave now.”

“… They say the oxen aren’t threatening people or causing a disturbance, so it seems you could finish your meal before going.”

“That’s fortunate then.”

As Wendigo sat back down and began inhaling food at a rapid pace, Geron closed his eyes and inwardly heaved a deep sigh.

No matter how much he respected and revered his benevolent lord…

‘Sometimes I wish you would show me a more dignified appearance…’

It wasn’t easy to maintain reverence after seeing such behavior.

Geron tried hard not to lose his reverence today as well.