Ch.105Magic Corps #2

“Mmm…”

A magic battalion plan.

I sighed as I looked at the paper where I had jotted down some vague thoughts.

Building up military power excessively would likely invite scrutiny from various sides, and it also felt uncomfortable since I hadn’t intended to accept Dark Elves for the purpose of using them as soldiers.

Following my orders, word was sent to scattered groups of Dark Elves, and quite a few had come, enticed by the message.

Counting them, there were around thirty, more than enough to accommodate.

Of course, it would be fine even if all the remaining Dark Elves came.

There weren’t many of them, and the village grounds were spacious enough, so there was nothing to worry about.

Even if space became insufficient, we could simply expand the grounds.

“Unofficially, starting with a request…”

It might be too heavy to make them an official unit, but perhaps it would work if kept unofficial.

Moreover, if it was an army for defense rather than conquest, I thought some among them might nod in agreement.

However, even so, it wouldn’t be right to use defense as a pretext to treat them like slaves.

I had no such intention, but it seemed better to maintain boundaries, thinking of them as allies embraced within our fold.

For the sake of an uncertain future, if nothing else.

.

“I can’t believe it. He must be insane.”

Not long ago, a Dark Elf who had entered Duke Krauser’s domain had said that.

If anyone from the duchy had heard someone insulting the Grand Duke, they would have been furious immediately, but fortunately, Olivia was the only one listening.

Olivia fully understood this Dark Elf woman’s feelings, so she just smiled slightly and pretended not to hear.

It was a question and doubt that Ellen’s mercenary group had also once harbored.

However, it didn’t take long for that doubt to turn into certainty.

The Dark Elves’ vineyard inside the outer wall.

Even the neat village surrounded by trees, created by using White Elves.

The first settlers who entered the village had thought they might be used as slaves who could use spirit magic.

According to Olivia, they were supposed to receive compensation, and since they had nothing to offer except their strength.

“And yet… all we have to do is farm and pay taxes.”

They don’t grow many crops since they share the work with the Elf slaves.

From the beginning, they were tasked with growing not grains like wheat and barley, but various medicinal herbs and crops for special purposes, so there wasn’t much burden.

The taxes were low, and the labor intensity was very minimal.

They had obtained small but complete homes of their own.

Additionally, they could see the humbled appearance of the White ones living as slaves.

For the Dark Elf group, it couldn’t be a more enjoyable and comfortable place.

As rumors spread far and wide, by now, about thirty Dark Elves were living outside the northern gate.

And since Dark Elves were few in number, even if they all gathered, they wouldn’t reach a hundred.

Thanks to this, empty houses were always ready to welcome new owners.

“Wow… I finally did it!”

An innocent-sounding voice echoed from a corner of the village.

The owner of the voice was Ive, who had finally formed a bond with a spirit and could now use spirit magic.

So it was natural for her to be overjoyed.

“Congratulations.”

The Dark Elf woman who was with Ive grinned and offered sincere congratulations.

At first, she had maintained appropriate courtesy and boundaries since Ive was a mage directly under the Duke, but lately, they had become close.

It was because she liked Ive’s interest in magic and her quirky, unaffected personality.

Also, the fact that Ive didn’t consider Dark Elves dirty was significant.

“Yes. It’s still low-level, but thanks to this, I can move on to the next stage!”

“The next stage… you mean creating magic with spirits?”

“That’s right. I can’t guarantee it will work, but I think it’s definitely worth trying.”

Using spirit magic, which is quick and simple to activate, as a foundation to reach the micro-elemental magic she specialized in.

Ive felt energy surging through her body at the thought of experimenting with it.

Her eyes were also sparkling with anticipation.

“Yes, that’s fortunate…”

In the middle of their casual chat, the woman turned her head toward the direction of an unfamiliar presence.

The only outsiders who came here were Olivia, who acted as the village chief, and Ive.

So it was natural to be tense and observe the stranger. The other Dark Elves felt the same.

Clop-clop.

Zion, the owner of the unfamiliar presence who had arrived on horseback, briefly looked around and dismounted.

Although he felt awkward inside as this was his first encounter with the group, he tried his best not to show it outwardly.

“This is my first time seeing you all in person. Pleased to meet you. I am Zion Krauser.”

.

A village of log cabins filled with the fragrant scent of medicinal herbs.

And the surrounding trees seemed to emit light, making it incredibly mystical.

When Ellen’s group had set up the vineyard, there hadn’t been such an atmosphere, which was quite fascinating.

Perhaps it was because the number of Elves had increased.

“You’re… the Grand Duke of this territory?”

A Dark Elf man asked with suspicious eyes.

It was a natural reaction since they had never seen each other’s faces before.

Especially if the one asking was a Dark Elf who had been through many hardships.

“Yes, I am. Isn’t the answer obvious just by looking at Ellen who follows me?”

I glanced slightly at Ellen, who was quietly following behind me, and smiled lightly.

“Right… A nobleman who uses Dark Elves as guards. And they said he was young.”

“Yes. In this territory, or even across the entire continent, such a human is rare. I think that’s proof enough.”

As he said, there are almost no humans who use Dark Elves as guards.

They might use them as mercenaries, but in a world where it’s natural to avoid such close interaction.

At least for now.

“Are you doubting the Grand Duke now?”

Ellen narrowed her eyes sharply and spoke in a voice tinged with a chilling aura.

I thought it was probably because she didn’t like the fact that he still seemed skeptical even after hearing my answer.

It was a flaw of both Ellen and Helena to become quite extreme in these situations, but I was grateful for it.

Because the Dark Elves, including the one who had asked the question, nodded one by one in embarrassment.

“Uh, um. I apologize for the rudeness.”

“It’s fine. I don’t mind.”

I nodded as if it was no big deal, then waved back at Ive, who was waving from a corner.

Since coming to our territory, she had gradually become brighter, and now she was showing aspects that matched her age.

“Ah. Come to think of it, that mage was part of your group. I didn’t know that…”

“…Indeed.”

If Ive, who had become acquainted with the Dark Elf group, had vouched for me, the suspicion might have been cleared up instantly.

The Dark Elf man’s mutterings were pointing to that.

I also agreed with that opinion, so I expressed a brief sympathy.

“Anyway, I’m glad the misunderstanding has been cleared up.”

“I’m truly sorry. I’m Orkerus, who unintentionally ended up playing the role of deputy village chief.”

The Dark Elf man, Orkerus, extended his hand while speaking in a rough manner.

It was natural for that characteristic to be reflected in his speech, as most Dark Elves lived harsh lives as mercenaries and the like.

Ellen, who had used a rather formal speech pattern from the beginning, was the unusual one.

“Let me introduce myself again. Pleased to meet you. I am Zion Krauser.”

I shook Orkerus’s hand without hesitation and exchanged greetings.

Male Dark Elves were rare, so it felt quite fascinating, but the calluses on his palm and his body temperature were no different from an ordinary person.

Ah, it was interesting that he looked delicate like a woman.

“You’re quite an unusual nobleman. I’ve heard the rumors, but I wonder if you’re broad-minded, or…”

“Are you wondering if I’m naive?”

When I continued with a slight smile, Orkerus broke into a cold sweat and didn’t know what to do.

He looked like someone who was flustered after trailing off and getting caught on a technicality.

It seemed like he was in a similar situation in reality.

“Ah, no, that’s…”

Having lived in a harsh world, he was all the more sensitive about self-preservation.

Not in the sense of flattering those with power to survive, but in the sense of not stepping into dangerous places.

However, was it because his tension had eased this time?

Ellen, who thought he was speaking ill of me, showed a cold demeanor, making it quite awkward for him to respond.

“Haha. It’s alright. As a nobleman, I act like this only with certain people.”

“I… see.”

It seemed that my roundabout way of saying that Dark Elves were trustworthy was conveyed, as Orkerus’s gloomy expression brightened.

Ellen also let go of her displeased demeanor and quietly closed her mouth.

We’ve passed one hurdle for now.

“Well. Let’s stop the jokes here. Orkerus, as the deputy village chief, can you gather all the Dark Elves in the village? Including Ive.”

“All of them? Now?”

“Yes. Now.”

It’s inevitably uncomfortable if someone like me stays too long.

So I decided to hurry, thinking it was right to just finish the business and leave.

Orkerus tilted his head at the sudden request to gather all the Dark Elves living in the village, but soon nodded, saying he understood.

Additionally, he suggested that I wait in the building he was pointing to.

Following the direction he indicated, I saw a fairly large building.

From its appearance, it looked like a log community hall typical of a rural village.

It seemed capable of accommodating dozens of people easily.

“It looks like a storage place.”

As I stepped into the building first, the word “empty” came to mind.

As Ellen said, it did look like a warehouse.

There was a fireplace, but no other household items.

“I guess they left it like this because its purpose is simple. But it seems they clean it often. It’s clean.”

I was surprised that the floor, which I had expected to be covered in dust, was smooth, and I sat down.

Ellen was a bit surprised and hesitated for a moment before taking a seat beside me.

“Did you have something you wanted to say? You hesitated and then closed your mouth.”

“…No, it’s fine. I just realized anew that this is the kind of person Zion-nim is.”

“That could be.”

It seems she’s newly realized that I’m different from ordinary noblemen, but Ellen’s expression while saying this was very bright.

Perhaps she prefers this kind of behavior rather than putting on airs.

I decided to chat idly with Ellen to enjoy the improved atmosphere a bit longer.

I felt that if we just sat and waited quietly, boredom would taint this atmosphere.

“Grand Duke, sir. I’ve brought everyone.”

In the middle of our chat, Orkerus burst through the door and entered the building.

As I had requested, dozens of Dark Elves were with him, and the sight of them following one after another was quite spectacular.

“Thank you for your effort. Now, please sit anywhere you like. It’s awkward if I’m the only one sitting.”

“Understood. Everyone, do as you’ve been told.”

No sooner had Orkerus given his instructions than the Dark Elves took their places here and there at irregular intervals.

It looked somewhat disorderly at a glance, but there was a strange sense of order to it, which was fascinating.

I gestured to Ive, who was sitting in a suitable corner, to come to my side.

Ive was flustered and fumbled for a moment, but soon approached with small steps and took a place on my right.

It was a spot usually filled by Helena.

“Everyone, thank you for gathering here despite your busy schedules.”

It might seem like an unnecessary formality, but I started with a greeting.

I thought it necessary to at least greet them, even though I intended to get straight to the point.

However, having greeted them, there was no need to add more formalities.

After making that judgment, I slowly opened my mouth.

“The reason I’ve gathered you all is to make a request that might seem somewhat coercive.”