Ch.142142. Subjugation

Although the Monster Subjugation Campaign was officially conducted under the auspices of Demeia Academy, the imperial royal family was deeply involved behind the scenes. The situation required careful consideration of neighboring countries’ reactions before mobilizing knights and soldiers.

Any military movement by Infractus Empire, a military superpower, carried significant implications. Neighboring countries kept a vigilant eye on the empire’s every move, ready to respond immediately at the first sign of unusual activity.

Given these circumstances, the empire was reluctant to deploy large numbers of troops. Monster subjugation operations, which typically required overwhelming force including numerous Gigant Soldiers, would inevitably raise alarms among neighboring nations.

Of course, it would be wrong for a powerful nation like the empire to neglect monster subjugation out of concern for neighboring countries’ reactions, so proceeding with the campaign was the correct decision.

In fact, countries that failed to conduct timely monster subjugation often faced what was known as a “monster wave,” where multiplying monsters formed packs and invaded territories. While not impossible to repel with Gigant Soldiers, the problem was suffering damages that could have been prevented with early suppression.

Particularly for a superpower like the empire, failing to contain monster activities would tarnish its prestige. Considering the medieval era’s emphasis on maintaining face, allowing a monster wave would be utterly humiliating, so it had to be prevented at all costs.

This was why Demeia Academy regularly undertook monster subjugation missions. While superficially presented as practical experience for students and community service for public safety, the reality involved calculations to ease neighboring countries’ vigilance and preserve the empire’s dignity.

“Politics is always complicated.”

Gilbert sighed and gazed out of the carriage.

He specialized in combat, not political maneuvering. Calculating advantages and exploiting others’ weaknesses didn’t suit his nature.

When he had repeatedly failed the “Political Mastermind” achievement in the game, he had seriously considered quitting altogether. After dozens of failed attempts, he’d grown sick of it.

If he hadn’t dramatically succeeded on his final attempt, which he had declared his “absolute last try,” he might have actually abandoned the game.

“Gilbert, what are you looking at?”

Camilla, sitting closely beside him in the carriage, peered around trying to see what had captured his attention. Having watched Gilbert stare outside for hours from his window seat, she seemed curious if there was something interesting to see.

“I was just organizing my thoughts.”

“Well, there’s nothing but scenery outside anyway.”

Camilla hummed contentedly, maintaining her position leaning against Gilbert.

Feeling unnecessary pressure on his arm and shoulder, Gilbert’s eyebrows twitched.

Lately, he’d been getting the strong impression that Camilla was becoming clingy, and today was no exception.

“Camilla. I think it would be better if you moved away.”

Before Gilbert could say anything, Brynhild, sitting across from him, pointed this out with a smile. However, her eyes weren’t smiling at all, giving her a rather chilling appearance.

Truly a great warrior of the Sigurd clan.

Her method of applying pressure was different from others. She was demonstrating how a smiling face could appear frightening.

The biggest problem with this approach, however, was that it had absolutely no effect on Camilla.

“Why? Can’t close friends share this much skinship?”

“Since when does rubbing against someone so vulgarly count as skinship?”

“Vulgar? This is just an expression of closeness between dear friends.”

Camilla didn’t yield to Brynhild’s criticism. Instead, she nestled even more deliberately into Gilbert’s arms.

“Camilla… please calm down.”

Unable to watch any longer, Lily intervened. As Camilla’s other close friend, Lily could see that her behavior was excessive.

A noble young lady of marriageable age clinging to a man often invited unfavorable rumors. This applied even to someone like Camilla, who lived primarily for excitement.

Lily felt the need to make Camilla aware of this fact.

“Camilla, don’t you realize this behavior doesn’t help either you or Gilbert?”

“How can skinship between close friends be a problem?”

“Sigh. Before being friends, you’re a man and a woman.”

Camilla pouted at Lily’s admonishment. It wasn’t that she didn’t understand the meaning of what Lily was saying. She simply didn’t like the situation.

“This is so boring. Really.”

Moving away from Gilbert, Camilla continued to pout and grumble.

Finally freed from Camilla, Gilbert turned his gaze back outside.

Beyond the carriage, the endless plains still stretched out before them.

***

The Count pondered the recently issued orders. He wasn’t judging whether it was morally right—he had long abandoned such human sensibilities since he began operating the Slaves.

His only concern was how to perfectly execute the orders. To him, orders were absolute, a destiny that must be fulfilled.

“This is troubling.”

Had his thoughts deepened?

Uncharacteristically, he spoke to himself. Despite considering more effective methods, there weren’t many strategies available against monsters incapable of communication.

Make them more ferocious, make them stronger.

A simple but highly efficient approach.

However, what the Count wanted was to inflict definite damage on Demeia Academy’s subjugation team. Moderately strengthening monsters wouldn’t cause meaningful harm to an academy equipped with Gigant Soldiers.

Without a more innovative enhancement method, the plan would clearly falter.

– Count.

“You’ve come.”

As he was deep in thought, a low voice suddenly resonated in the Count’s empty office. Yet the Count welcomed his visitor without surprise.

– My lord has sent this. Use it.

“What is this…?”

A large box dropped onto the Count’s desk. Opening it, he saw small reinforced glass vials containing a certain amount of black liquid.

– It’s a reagent of refined demonic energy.

“Demonic energy… Am I to use this on the monsters?”

– Yes. Monsters that absorb demonic energy are no longer called monsters.

“I know. They’re not monsters but demonic beasts.”

Demonic beasts.

This was the term for cursed creatures born from the demonic energy scattered by the Demon King.

Unlike demon folk, these mindless beings desired only destruction and chaos, and they didn’t stop even after their king disappeared. In fact, when the Demon King who controlled them vanished, they began to rampage like unbridled colts.

According to records, after the Demon King’s disappearance, research was conducted to tame demonic beasts. The idea was that if their ferocity could be controlled, their power might be harnessed.

In conclusion, the research was a massive failure. Life forms tainted by demonic energy couldn’t be controlled, and further research was deemed worthless and abandoned. While gaining knowledge about demonic energy was an achievement of sorts, handling it was extremely dangerous.

Each country recognized this danger and strictly prohibited research on demonic energy, yet somehow it had now been refined into a reagent.

The Count looked at the reagent as dark as the midnight sky before closing the box. He then placed it in a secret safe that only recognized his mana pattern.

“Tell our lord that I will handle this without error.”

– My lord left a message for you. Even if you partially fail, it doesn’t matter; creating chaos should be your top priority.

“He seems to think I’ll fail.”

– That’s probably his way of saying that mere mid-to-high level demonic beasts have their limitations. Well then, until next time, Count.

With those words, the voice was heard no more.

The Count remained lost in thought for a while before seemingly making a decision.

“Use the reagent in the secret safe. We must ensure no trace of our involvement remains.”

– Understood.

After his subordinate departed, the Count was left alone in his office.

Tapping his desk while continuing his thoughts, the Count glanced at a letter that had arrived for him.

He carefully read the letter bearing Demeia Academy’s seal. While most of it contained trivial matters, there was one passage that pleased him.

After reading the entire letter, the Count placed it back in the envelope and set it aside.

Having been on edge lately due to plans going awry, the Count now felt his tense nerves relaxing as things seemed to be proceeding as scheduled. He was confident that if this continued, they would reach their goal.

The grand plan is approaching.

The Count smiled thinking about that day.

The day when the grand plan would be executed would be the day his family’s destiny would be fulfilled.

***

Two weeks after leaving Demeia Academy.

The subjugation team finally reached their destination.