Ch.145Chapter 145

# Wendigo’s Eternal(?) Right-Hand Man

Geron, Wendigo’s eternal(?) right-hand man, did not write a letter saying “If you raise your head stiffly and raise your voice, I will cut off your neck” as he had told Wendigo.

After all, how confused would the nobles of Manheimr be if Wendigo, famous for being a generous and benevolent king, suddenly showed the appearance of a blood-thirsty warmonger?

Bluntly speaking, they might even judge that the Djin blood he had been suppressing had awakened and he had “gone Djin.”

Naturally, Geron, who had no intention of damaging Wendigo’s dignity, wrote the letter appropriately toned down like a loyal subject. If one were to remove the flowery phrases in the letter and express only the core sincerely, it would be like this:

‘The King has decided to tour Manheimr because of those fellows called Dencan’s Children, and as a duty of a subject, select elites to join the King’s procession.’

From a common-sense perspective, the nobles would have understood without much agitation.

It was natural for the king to be concerned when there were forces disturbing the kingdom, and it was common in the empire for subjects to raise troops at the king’s call.

Moreover, by specifically mentioning Dencan’s Children and warning not to do anything suspicious, it was also a warning not to even think about weighing options between those fellows and the king.

However…

“The King, who has always handled forest matters, is finally showing interest in the vast lands of the north! This is an opportunity!”

“His Majesty is never hesitant to bestow favors. Perhaps if the elites selected this time catch the King’s eye… the honor of Forest Keeper?”

“Summon talented individuals immediately! I will cut off plenty of heads of those so-called Dencan’s Children or whatever they are and claim glory!”

“From my reading, there was no mention of subjugating Dencan’s Children?”

“Did you really just say that? Perhaps…?”

“Hey! What do you think I am! How dare you look at me like a coward, draw your weapon!”

The nobles of Manheimr understood this letter more proactively. It wasn’t that they didn’t understand the intention in the letter, but rather they took a step further and understood it in a northern way.

The nobles substituted the word “tour” with “war” as soon as they read it. It was common sense for northerners that when there was a goal and warriors gathered, war would break out.

After all, northerners would sharpen their armor just hearing that warriors from a nearby tribe were collectively roasting meat.

Wasn’t it “common sense” that warriors who had eaten meat and replenished their strength would attack nearby tribes?

At the very least, anyone who thought that battles wouldn’t break out when warriors gathered didn’t deserve to survive in the north.

Of course, since Wendigo’s grace had solved the long-standing problem of famine for the northerners, there was less need to risk one’s life for plunder…

But that’s why it was common sense—people don’t change overnight.

Therefore, in the common sense of northerners, war was an opportunity for advancement and a shortcut to glory.

And the desire for advancement never discriminated between high and low.

“Last night, unable to sleep, I visited the forest, and there a large wolf appeared, paid its respects to me, and left! This shows that even wolves recognize and respect my power—”

“It probably ignored you and passed by because you were a worthless creature with nothing to eat! As for me, I’ve been skilled with spear and shield since childhood, and more than ten warriors have died by my hand! Urk!?”

“Today you’ll die by my hand, and those ten warriors’ grudges will be settled!”

The news that the king himself had raised troops was excellent at driving warriors into a frenzy; the nobles of Manheimr didn’t even need to make an effort to select elites.

What effort would be needed when they sorted themselves out as soon as the news was delivered?

Having gained the active cooperation of the warriors, the nobles were then divided into two types.

One was waiting for the king’s army to pass by, like waiting for a beloved…

“The messenger who delivered the letter must have been swift, as it hasn’t been long since His Majesty made his decision. Then…?”

“Friends made first are always more familiar. Warriors, mount your horses immediately! We head to the End of the World!”

Both set out toward the End of the World to prove their love—no, their loyalty. They judged that even a brief face-to-face meeting would give them an advantage over others.

Thus, warriors burning with their own loyalty marched and arrived at the End of the World. Hundreds of people had gathered solely to meet Wendigo.

And that meant… Wendigo would have to show himself wearing clothes that reflected Skadi and Erina’s unmistakable aesthetic sense to hundreds of people.

Wendigo glanced at the window as he wrapped himself in silk and put on bracelets and rings with the help of his attendants.

He couldn’t understand why the nobles of Manheimr had brought warriors to the palace when they weren’t even Forest Keepers.

They could have just joined along the way, so why bother coming all the way to the End of the World?

“… I really don’t want to go out.”

“Don’t worry. Surely when they see Your Majesty’s dignified appearance, they will exclaim in admiration and show reverence!”

“Miss Erina is right!”

“……”

I should have taken measures to prevent meeting those two from the beginning.

Wendigo rose to his feet, grumbling inwardly. It was truly time to move now.

* * *

Causing a commotion in front of the palace was certainly not a wise idea, but when it involved hundreds of people, the story changed. There was no reason not to join in when everyone else was making noise.

Naturally, not only the warriors but also the nobles engaged in conversation to alleviate boredom. The subject, of course, was Wendigo, the ruler of the kingdom.

A noble who had come from quite far away spoke to a man who appeared to be a Forest Keeper.

“Hmm, judging by the artifact you’re wearing on your head, you must be one of those famous Forest Keepers?”

“That’s right. Shamefully, His Majesty has looked upon this humble one favorably and allowed me to occupy the excessive position of Forest Keeper. You seem to have come from quite far away; is there something you’re curious about?”

At the Forest Keeper’s question, the noble glanced around and then whispered quietly to him.

“What kind of person is His Majesty? My elder relative strongly insisted on swearing loyalty, but I’ve never met him in person.”

Ears perked up.

The noble’s voice was very quiet, but those who had been observing the two from the beginning didn’t miss their conversation. The noble wasn’t the only one meeting Wendigo for the first time.

The suddenly established Kingdom of Manheimr included quite a few who had been swept up in the tide of the times without realizing it, as chieftains with abilities swore loyalty.

Of course, there weren’t many fools who didn’t know the king’s reputation and the general trend, so they bowed their heads obediently…

But it was customary for northerners to usurp power if given the chance. They would even cut off their own father’s head, so there was nothing they couldn’t do to a king.

Well aware of the northerners’ nature, the Forest Keeper burst into laughter with a hint of mockery.

“Hahahahaha! It’s refreshing to meet someone so spirited after a long time. You’re wondering if His Majesty is worthy of your loyalty?”

“Ahem! That’s not it…”

“Ah, I apologize. It’s been a while since I’ve been asked such a question. I won’t repeat myself, so listen carefully. His Majesty…”

The Forest Keeper began to recite Wendigo’s achievements as naturally as if singing a song. The faces of the nobles who had been listening quietly became a mess.

They could easily accept the subjugation of evil Djin. After all, since the king himself wasn’t human, it wasn’t strange for him to subjugate Djin.

However, to hear that he had beheaded a land dragon, subjugated the wolf spirit that the easterners had worshipped for ages, enlightened the chieftains of the barbaric 12 tribes, received recognition from the gods, and became king…

A warrior who had been listening quietly nearby asked the Forest Keeper with a dubious expression.

“Isn’t that a bit of an exaggeration? No matter what, to say he received recognition from the gods…”

“Without such achievements, how could His Majesty have become king? Why would the chieftains of other tribes… no, nobles now, swear loyalty to His Majesty?”

Of course, if one were to say it was natural because they solved hunger through the king’s grace, they couldn’t be called northern “elites.”

It was normal for northerners in the past to consider how to best plunder a neighboring tribe upon hearing rumors of their prosperity.

When the warrior hesitated, the Forest Keeper snickered and pointed to the palace door with his finger.

“If you’re curious, see and judge for yourself. It seems His Majesty is finally showing himself.”

“!”

As the palace door opened, an attendant ran out from inside and announced the king’s procession in a loud voice. Naturally, people focused their attention, expecting to see the king…

Ding~

“What’s that?”

What appeared through the open door were attendants with beautiful appearances.

Each with their faces covered in black silk, they shook staffs with bells attached, spreading a mysterious atmosphere as they walked forward.

The Forest Keeper, who had been pretending to know everything until just now, rubbed his chin in puzzlement.

“I’ve never seen them before… what’s this?”

“What? I thought they were the king’s concubines or servants because of their outstanding beauty.”

“His Majesty doesn’t have a hobby of indulging in color. I’ve heard he enjoys fine cuisine, but even that is an unfounded rumor… Gasp!?”

The Forest Keeper, who had been grinning and watching the procession with the thought that beautiful women were good for eye health, gasped in surprise. The warrior beside him, who had been listening to the Forest Keeper, grabbed his shoulder in confusion.

“What’s wrong? You’ve turned pale as if you’ve seen a ghost—”

“D-don’t you see that person’s appearance!”

When the Forest Keeper shouted, people blinked and turned their gaze.

Beautiful women were still ringing bells and walking around a giant…?

People discovered a giant with a deer skull emitting blue light walking among the beautiful women and burst into exclamations.

“Aaaagh?! M-monster… mmph!?”

“You crazy fool… how dare you call His Majesty a monster!!!”

“You also put your hand on your sword in surprise.”

“T-this is because this fellow uttered blasphemy, so my hand reflexively went to my weapon!”

… Let me correct that. Most of them didn’t exclaim in admiration but screamed.

How could they not, when a monster that looked like it could create a sea of blood at any moment appeared among beautiful women?

However, thanks to the forest people’s affectionate violence(?), outsiders could quickly understand the situation.

The king hadn’t failed to appear; they just hadn’t recognized him because they were distracted by the women.

Perhaps because they realized that the giant wasn’t a monster but the king?

People finally burst into admiration. This time, it was truly pure admiration, not screams.

“Indeed… the atmosphere is different from the start. If I turn my gaze away even for a moment, I wouldn’t even notice his existence.”

“Look at that silk. Isn’t that a pictorial representation of the king’s achievements that the forest people were talking about? Boar, wolf, and that… what do you call it?”

“Land dragon… Lindwurm, I think. Did he really catch even legendary monsters?”

“The pattern on the silk draped over his shoulder is quite unique. Of all patterns, why eyes… it’s a hint that he’s watching over all of Manheimr.”

Unlike Wendigo’s distaste, people genuinely thought his attire was impressive—leather and silk that seemed to contain the night sky, adorned with beautiful pictures and ornaments like stars.

After all, they also decorated themselves with animal bones and leather for style, so their aesthetic sense couldn’t be more refined than Skadi’s, which was only natural.

People showed reverence, thinking that Wendigo’s extraordinary appearance proved that a king was indeed different…

Wendigo, who was acting according to Skadi’s script, let out a hollow laugh when he felt the scent of reverence around him.

“It’s absurd that this appearance actually works.”

“Is that so? I thought Skadi had better sense than expected.”

“… Shir, it’s even more absurd when you say it.”

“!?”

When Wendigo grumbled as if disappointed, Shir was taken aback.

He had recruited the most beautiful people under his command at Skadi’s request to help, but why was Wendigo so disappointed?

‘I won’t be able to take off my clothes for a while…’

Even Shir, who prided himself on being better at dressing up than Skadi, had said, “Isn’t this dignified and good enough?” so there was no justification to throw off this cumbersome attire.

Wendigo looked with a blank expression at a warrior kneeling and praying.

“Allow me to enjoy glory in war, let my sword cut through the enemy’s head, and my armor block attacks…”

‘Why on earth are you praying while looking at me?’

Just because he changed clothes and performed according to Skadi’s script, they were treating him almost like a god.

Wendigo gave up trying to understand out of absurdity. What was the point of saying it was bad when everyone liked it? Wendigo cleanly resigned himself and gave orders to the troops.

The answer was to solve the problem quickly and take off these cumbersome clothes.

* * *

Wendigo’s army marched rapidly toward the south, specifically toward the territory where those who called themselves Dencan’s Children were located.

Of course, the destination wasn’t clear. The letter was sent by an organization calling itself Dencan’s Children, but they used Dario’s seal and name, so it was impossible to know who the key instigators were.

However, neither Wendigo, who ordered the march, nor the nobles who joined the army, questioned this fact much.

Since the disturbance occurred near the border between Manheimr and the Empire, couldn’t they just head there and question everyone?

It was obvious that if they weren’t part of Dencan’s Children, they would bow their heads and try to prove their innocence when Wendigo’s army approached.

If they didn’t, they would be branded as traitors and torn apart by warriors hungry for achievements and honor, so what choice did they have?

Most nobles hurriedly gathered wealth and prepared to beg for forgiveness when news spread that Wendigo’s army had left the forest…

“Dencan, what you said and the situation are completely different! You clearly said that the King of Manheimr couldn’t leave the forest!!”

“That’s right! We only joined to weaken the royal authority because we believed those words, not to start a war with no guarantee of victory!”

“Silence, silence! What rudeness is this in front of Lord Dencan! We still don’t know if the one leading the army is really the king!”

“What nonsense is that when news from all directions is announcing the king’s personal campaign!”

‘If you have a brain, you should use it to think. Why did you bite the bait just because it looked tasty?’

Dario, with his arms tied, inwardly laughed at the farce unfolding before his eyes.

Did they really join this madman’s plan thinking that the king couldn’t exert power outside the forest?

Even if the king had no way to leave the forest, there were plenty of means to exert power.

It was obvious they would faint just facing Gulmarg’s thick club, let alone the fearless warriors wearing artifacts and witches casting spells.

“In the end, what Dario said was right. How do you plan to take responsibility for the king’s wrath now!”

“Back then, you sneered saying it wouldn’t happen, and now you’re wagging your tongue. Without loyalty or conscience.”

“How dare you say—”

‘If only you had listened to me from the beginning and behaved quietly, how much better it would have been, you fools with heads no different from helmet stands.’

Dario maintained a calm expression while inwardly berating the fools.

If they had repented and begged for forgiveness when he explained the king’s authority from the beginning, using even pictures that a child could easily understand, things wouldn’t have escalated this far.

In fact, Dario’s persuasion hadn’t been completely ineffective.

If he didn’t have the ability to cook even such fools to his taste, how could Dario have kept his head from flying off?

Dario stared intently at the root of all these problems.

The man, whose golden hair was well-groomed with oil and whose characteristic benevolent smile suited him well, rose from his seat and raised his hand.

“Everyone, that’s enough. This is not the time to fight like this, is it?”

“Ahem…”

Though his voice wasn’t particularly loud or distinct, the nobles filling the room closed their mouths as if the man had whispered in their ears.

However, when many people gather, there’s always someone lacking in tact.

A fat noble who had been indiscriminately spewing criticism in all directions to avoid responsibility pointed at the man and shouted.

“The instigator of this trouble has a thick face! Dencan, because of your lies, the situation has become like this, yet instead of apologizing, you speak so nonchalantly!”

“You pig!”

“How dare you raise your voice in front of Lord Dencan… do you want to die?”

Those surrounding the man like guards emitted killing intent and placed their hands on their weapons. They looked ready to draw their weapons and behead the man at the slightest permission.

Naturally, the fat noble sweated profusely and was terrified by the savage pressure that a sycophant couldn’t withstand…

The man, Dencan, restrained them and slowly approached the fat noble, placing his hand on his shoulder. He spoke in a calm voice that didn’t match the situation.

“You’re right. Because my information was wrong, I’ve caused trouble for many people.”

“Y-yes. So you should take responsibility and beg the king for forgiveness…”

“But you know.”

Crack!

Dencan interrupted the fat noble’s words and broke his shoulder bone, yet his face remained as benevolent as ever.

The nobles watched with pale faces as the fat noble’s shoulder was shattered and his flesh torn away.

After flinging the flesh to the floor, Dencan quietly turned his head and scanned the nobles.

The nobles who had been shouting and arguing about right and wrong until just now bowed their heads, afraid to meet his eyes.

Dencan asked them with a relaxed smile.

“What can you do if you don’t follow my plan when we’re already in the same boat?”

“……”

At Dencan’s question, the nobles couldn’t answer and lowered their heads, while those who followed him laughed at them openly, not even trying to hide it. They thoroughly distinguished themselves from the submissive nobles.

After all, Dencan’s Children were never an alliance of nobles.

‘They’re not even of noble bloodline, yet they insist that only those who inherit Dencan’s name can be the king of the north… I’ve really gotten involved with some crazy people.’

The worst things to mess with in the world were ideologues and madmen. Both were terrible in that no matter what you did, you couldn’t win against them.

And a mad ideologue? One couldn’t have worse luck than this.