Chapter 177

Episode 177

We had succeeded in calming the unrest in the north.

It was only a temporary stability, but we had enough time. I planned to solidify that stability through the large-scale construction project that was about to begin.

“It seems like everything is going smoothly in my head, but reality is probably a mess, right?”

I half-agreed with Jericho’s words.

We had the capital and the technology. The problem was whether the dwarves would cooperate with us.

The vast sum of money was a price to borrow their skills. It couldn’t prevent the dwarves’ characteristic complaints and dissatisfaction.

There was another problem.

Creating heating devices and mana storage wasn’t difficult. We could just build them on the spot.

The real problem was connecting the pipes to transport the hot water.

It was a task that required manpower rather than technology. Even with hundreds or thousands of workers, it wouldn’t be completed quickly.

“We need to secure magical power to finish this project quickly. It’s impossible to deploy workers in this weather. We need to use golems.”

“I agree. There’s no other way.”

Fortunately, the Magic Tower didn’t consider golem manipulation a forbidden magic.

It was only natural.

The Imperial Palace was built by golems. Treating golems as heresy was no different from denying the Imperial Palace.

If such technology existed hundreds of years ago, there must be even more advanced golem technology now.

“The Magic Tower is probably still closed. We need to lift the closure and bring in some competent mages.”

“It might be a blessing in disguise that the Tower Master closed the tower. Closing the tower is no different from admitting his guilt.”

“That’s true.”

Selendis, Jericho, and I continued our meeting.

We had a lot to do.

Even though I had a good memory and was quick-witted, there was bound to be something I would miss.

With Selendis and Jericho, that wouldn’t happen.

“We should inform Prince Karma about this in detail. Write a report to the Imperial Family, sugarcoating it appropriately.”

“Understood.”

The Grand Duke of the North cooperated with us to ensure the smooth progress of our work.

He provided us with a large office inside the inner castle and threatened to punish anyone who interfered with our work.

‘The people of the north might be rough, but I like their straightforwardness.’

Once my strength was proven, they no longer treated me like a weakling from the south.

I was surprised by Baldr’s actions. He visited my quarters, apologized for his previous behavior, and politely requested a spar.

He had become a changed man thanks to the lesson I had taught him.

“Shouldn’t we send someone to our headquarters? This is a large-scale construction project. We need to secure enough funds.”

“Tell them to bring gold bars and coins. We’ll transport them to the Whitefield border, and then ask the Whitefield warriors to escort them. I’ll talk to Lord Baldr about it.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And Selendis, I have a separate request for you.”

“As you command.”

This could be as important as the construction project itself. So I spoke to her seriously.

“Lady Freya will probably leave the castle today. She has to keep her promise.”

The Margrave had made her swear on her honor as a warrior before the duel. He had said he wouldn’t acknowledge her as a member of the family if she lost.

Even after a day had passed since the duel, he hadn’t withdrawn his condition.

She had lost both her honor as a warrior and her family. She had only one option left.

So I was planning to gamble with ‘Mistilteinn.’

House Walker needed talented individuals. To work in the north, we needed someone familiar with the local situation.

Moreover, I suspected she was a playable character, one of the protagonists. It wouldn’t hurt to have her close by.

‘I don’t think returning this bow will win her over, but it’s better than doing nothing.’

Since ‘Mind’s Eye’ worked on her, it was difficult to gauge her change in affinity.

The only way to confirm the change was for her to join our ranks.

“Wait for Lady Freya at the entrance of the inner castle after the meeting. If she tries to leave, ask for a moment of her time.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Inspector, you’re not planning to do what I think you’re planning to do, are you?”

I liked that Selendis accepted my orders without question, and that Jericho raised a reasonable doubt.

“What do you think I’m planning?”

“You’re planning to bring Lady Freya, who has lost her affiliation, to House Walker, aren’t you? You haven’t even used Mistilteinn once. It means the bow has a different owner, so it’s not strange to think that way.”

“As expected of the top graduate of Kalisto Academy. You’re right. I’m planning to bring Lady Freya to our family.”

Jericho clapped his hands in delight.

“Having someone familiar with the north will be a great help to this project! And with her exceptional archery skills, our combat strength will increase. We don’t have anyone who’s good with a bow, do we?”

I stared at Jericho and grinned, pointing at myself with my thumb. Jericho sighed.

“Yes, yes. I forgot that we have the North’s Divine Archer from the south. My apologies.”

“We need more talent. When the dwarves arrive from Plantier, we’ll select a few from among them.”

“While you’re at it, why not contact the elves and orcs? We might be able to gather some swift and strong individuals.”

“That’s a good idea.”

Jericho, sensing that I wasn’t joking, facepalmed. He had dug his own grave.

At that moment, a servant announced that Margrave Finwinter had arrived.

The door opened, and we stood up.

“Greetings, Your Excellency. What brings you here?”

“You’re all gathered here. Sir O’Brien, I have something to tell you.”

“I’m honored that you came in person.”

“Don’t be so formal. You’re the one who defeated not one, but two great warriors of the north. No one will underestimate you.”

I bowed humbly.

“I just sent someone to the capital. A warrior on a very swift reindeer. Prince Karma will receive all the news from here in about fifteen days.”

“Thank you very much.”

There was no need to send a separate messenger.

The principled individuals who were obsessed with arresting us would be quiet for a while.

“I just kept my promise. And I also sent a messenger to Kalisto. I informed Duke Kalisto about this matter in detail. And I also included our support for Lady Lucia.”

It was the first time the Grand Duke of the North had expressed his stance on a matter in the south.

I could clearly see how Kalisto would react.

Romero, like Hylix before him, would become impatient and greedy. And then he would make a mistake, and I wouldn’t miss that opportunity.

‘All the pieces of the puzzle are in place.’

We had quelled the unrest in the north, secured a large-scale construction project, and completed all the preparations for Lady Lucia to become the successor of Kalisto.

Now all that remained was to carefully finish the tasks at hand.

“And my apologies for the late greeting. Thank you for saving the people of Aslan, even though it’s not our territory. I included that in my report to His Majesty and Prince Karma.”

“We just did what we had to do. Since you’re here, Your Excellency, I have a favor to ask. Would you grant it?”

“Go ahead.”

“We’re planning to transport the funds needed for the construction from Walker Barony. But as you know, people from the south aren’t familiar with the north. Would it be alright if we asked for your help with the transportation from the Whitefield border?”

To my surprise, the Margrave chuckled.

“Why are you even asking? We should be the ones helping you, since you’re spending money for our territory. As you said, the north isn’t an easy place. I’m not looking down on southerners, but there are many variables. I’ll send Baldr to the capital. Tell him to receive the goods there.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Your Excellency.”

He said he wasn’t looking down on southerners. It seemed the Margrave had changed a lot since yesterday’s incident.

On the other hand, I felt a sense of romance in this atmosphere.

A world where everything was decided by pure ‘strength.’ It might be a more egalitarian society than the one I came from.

After the Margrave left, we dispersed to do our own tasks.

* * *

“My lady, please reconsider. I’ll talk to His Excellency.”

Heinkel pleaded. Freya silently packed her belongings without a word.

She had decided to leave the castle today. She hadn’t decided on a destination, but she had made up her mind to never return to this north.

She had been disowned by her family and lost her honor as a warrior. It was time to stand on her own two feet.

On the other hand, she also felt a sense of relief. She had been too reliant on House Whitefield and the artifact ‘Mistilteinn.’

“If you leave like this, those anti-Imperial factions might rise up again!”

“You can stop them. I believe you have that much power.”

“That’s impossible. If the person I serve leaves, the adjutant must also leave.”

Freya’s hand stopped at those words. She turned around and saw Heinkel’s determination in his eyes.

But Freya shook her head.

“Sir O’Brien can do it. He received my father’s promise and proved his strength.”

He had quelled the unrest in the north with his own skills. He was a far better person than she was, who had insisted on fighting to the end.

O’Brien von Walker.

It seemed like she wouldn’t be able to forget that name for a while.

The three arrows, flying in their respective trajectories, were still vivid in her mind.

As she left the castle, she felt a mix of emotions.

What would happen in the future? She had felt a similar feeling when she went into her first battle.

“Excuse me, Lady Freya. My lord requests your presence.”

Lady Selendis’s approach was unexpected.

“What is it?”

“I’m not sure. He only told me to bring you to him.”

“Alright. Lead the way.”

Their meeting was arranged.

It seemed like a coincidence, but everything was unfolding according to O’Brien’s plan.

* * *

I greeted Freya with a relaxed expression. Selendis, Jericho, and Heinkel excused themselves.

“I heard you’re leaving the castle. Have you decided on your destination?”

“Not yet. Maybe it’ll never be decided.”

“I wanted to return this to you.”

I handed her the bow I was holding. It was ‘Mistilteinn.’

“The era of protecting the north with this bow is over. The north can now stand on its own. You’ll need this bow to protect yourself.”

Freya frowned.

“Are you pitying me?”