Chapter 548 - Uncle
Krais was practically living under a mountain of work. He knew this hectic period would persist for some time and had a rough idea of what lay ahead. For instance: "Could I get by with just six more months of putting up with Aspen?"
If left unchecked, their relationship would likely stagnate indefinitely like an uneasy truce between strangers.
But Krais had already put measures in place to ease that tension. Things might not go as planned. So what? If nobody ends up dead, he figured it was worth trying.
The only real variables were the potential invasion of another country or a breach at the boundary of the Demonic Realm.
"But those are beyond my control." The border near the Demonic Realm was something he couldn't address even if he worried about it.
As for foreign invasion, Krang had already made his move. How effective Krang's plan would be remained uncertain, but other nations would likely bide their time and observe for now.
Naurillia and Aspen had chosen to join forces instead of setting the continent ablaze.
"War? What war? We've reconciled!"
That's essentially the message they sent to the entire continent. Handing over half of Green Pearl territory symbolized this union.
Furthermore, Border Guard had already proven its strength. While only a select few understood the full implications of Aspen losing all its knights, those who did grasped what it signified.
"It's evidence that Border Guard wields considerable power."
This meant no one would attack recklessly without thoroughly assessing their military strength. In effect, it was like Aspen had doubled Naurillia's Red Cloak Knights. Even those who anticipated some increase in Border Guard's forces would have been taken aback.
Despite the songs celebrating the Unyielding Knight and the madmen unit, pragmatic minds would have calculated Border Guard's capabilities with cool precision.
"Rem and Ragna are too sharp and wild to keep hidden, after all." The information was likely already out.
The union between Aspen and Naurillia may have been hasty, but it meant that Border Guard's knightly force combined with Aspen's resources, was now a significant asset.
In other words, the southern nations and empires were unlikely to attack just because they didn't like the current arrangement. They would spend time analyzing Border Guard more thoroughly before making any moves.
"What else could there be?" Factoring out wildcards like cultist uprisings, a tentative period of peace seemed plausible. "And with that peace, there's no reason for mercenaries, bandits, or rogue swordsmen to stir up trouble."
When a nation was weak, even a renowned mercenary company could destabilize it. In the past, a small country in the southeast was overtaken by a mercenary group.
Similarly, a trading city-state in the southern region, once defenseless endured repeated extortions from mercenaries.
Eventually, that city pitted rival mercenary bands against one another and used its own trained force to annihilate the survivors—a well-known incident referred to as the "Merchant's Blade Massacre."
The trading city controlled mercenary groups unimaginatively named Gold, Silver, and Bronze Companies. Though lacking creativity, the names stuck.
It was also said that the city had connections to the continent's foremost assassination guild, and their mercenary bands occasionally stirred up trouble in other towns.
"Would that trading city have any reason to antagonize us?"
As far as Krais was concerned, the trading city was a stubborn and tenacious entity. They didn't care whether they dealt with empires, the south or Naurillia—their only focus was commerce.
Leona Rockfreed, the head of her merchant guild had once mentioned receiving a marriage proposal during a chaotic period of transition.
"At least it wasn't some slimy toad of a pervert. But still, why should I give away my guild as a dowry?" The trading city had made its intentions clear: they wanted to absorb Rockfreed's operations through marriage.
The experience Leona gained by traversing the continent was invaluable and her guild had established trading ties even with groups like the Black Leather Guild and Glacier Rangers.
While merging with the trading city might have simplified expansion for Rockfreed, it would have also diminished Leona's control over her guild.
When you start a business with someone else's money, you inevitably face strings attached—initial smiles can turn into demands for repayment, followed by claims on your assets. But Leona was sharp and knew exactly what she wanted: full ownership of her guild.
"So much work." Krais muttered, taking a sip of tea. The tea, a gift from the royal palace, came with a letter from Marcus expressing gratitude.
"If we're not at odds with the royal family, we might as well get along." Drinking the tea, carefully chosen by Marcus, seemed to clear Krais' foggy mind. Maybe this was why people paid for premium tea leaves.
"Perhaps I should stock some of this in the salon I've been imagining," he mused. Not just as a place for idle chatter, but as a venue for meaningful discussions and networking.
Currently noble gatherings served that purpose. But with coffee houses gaining traction in cities, salons might easily take their place.
While salons were currently stereotyped as places for young wives of old nobles or debauchery-driven nobles, Krais believed their nature depended on how they were managed.
"Nothing much happening at the palace, I hope?"
"Don't worry. I'll be there." Rem had said, causing Krais' stomach to churn.
Would the nobles at the palace obediently recognize their general? Surely some would grumble about empowering Border Guard. Well, that was the captain's problem to handle. Rem might be a concern, but only Enkrid could effectively rein him in.
"I'd love to retire to a salon." Krais briefly entertained the thought of becoming a reclusive sage. Overwork and burnout made escaping to the mountains for a life of forest bathing seem oddly appealing though there was always the risk of becoming a monster's meal.
But the reality was clear: Krais disliked responsibility, not the pleasures of city life. His thoughts turned to Abnaier. Having someone with that level of intellect would make work far easier.
Yet the idea of working with him left a sour taste. Perhaps he would consult Enkrid on the matter later. With that, Krais finished his tea in one gulp. It was time to return to work.
Allocating the trained forces, organizing their equipment, and screening questionable individuals entering the city—there was no end to the tasks.
Though he delegated responsibilities and planted trusted people throughout his operations, there were never enough hands. Still, whether or not he fully belonged in this role was irrelevant. For now, work demanded his attention.
***
When they set out, the sun was shining but now the sky had turned gloomy. The gray expanse overhead reminded Krais of Rem's hair.
"Looks like it will rain. It'll start pouring soon. Let's find shelter." Rem remarked after glancing skyward. He had always been adept at predicting weather changes.
"How do you do that?" Enkrid asked. Though tedious, the roads between Naurillia and Border Guard were mostly well-maintained, at least to the major cities. The paved routes included watchtowers at half-day intervals—three-story structures designed for defense against monsters. Arrows could be loosed through the slits, though they were less effective against flying beasts like griffins or wyverns.
For such threats, large ballistae were mounted atop the towers. These ballistae had been constructed using materials like beast hides and hair—women had even sold their hair to fund the project. Rumor had it that some made a small fortune during this period.
Thanks to these measures, the roads were safe and devoid of monsters or bandits. It was a peaceful journey, allowing for steady travel without interruption.
***
Esther, who had returned to her human form after a long while, tended to soldiers who seemed to be either her disciples or subordinates. She appeared to be thoroughly enjoying herself.
"Lower your gaze. If you dare wander with your eyes, I'll pluck them out." She greeted the unit with such harsh words, but even before she spoke every soldier had already cast their eyes downward. Whatever had occurred before must have made them remarkably obedient.
Each soldier carried a fist-sized crystal orb, polishing it constantly while murmuring something. To an outsider, they might have seemed like a mad group themselves.
***
"Why don't we spar for a bit after a short rest, brother?" Audin interrupted Enkrid's thoughts with a suggestion.
"Let's do it," Enkrid nodded.
"Count me in," Rem added eagerly.
While the sparring sessions weren't overly serious—intended more as a way to loosen up. An outsider would still be wide-eyed at the ferocity. Their journey followed a repetitive pattern. If rain seemed imminent, they sought refuge in nearby cities or caves.
If a beast or monster emerged from the cave, the three of them without hesitation, would spring into action. Audin would pummel it with his fists or Rem would split its skull with his axe. Any beast or monster capable of surviving such attacks would've already turned this land into a demon's domain.
As they journeyed, they passed merchant caravans and groups, sparred again, rode on horseback and shared jokes. Before long, they were on the outskirts of the capital. Typically, when a lord of a major domain traveled to the capital, they brought along a retinue of attendants. Count Molsan and other nobles had done so in the past.
But Enkrid had arrived with just two people. He saw no need for a large entourage. And though they were merely three, two of them were knights. Who would dare challenge them? Not that anyone was likely to recognize Enkrid. It was normal not to know his face, despite his fame. After all, one had to have seen it to recognize him.
But the captain of the guards at the city gates had no excuse for ignorance. He had seen Enkrid during the capital's civil war. At the crowded gate, Enkrid calmly waited his turn in line. When the captain noticed him, his reaction was immediate.
"What? W-wha—" Pointing at Enkrid, the captain stammered before finally managing to shout, "The Demon Slayer!" It seemed that nickname still carried weight in the capital.
Audin's massive frame had already drawn attention and now all eyes turned to Enkrid.
"Is it him?"
"It's him, you fool."
"Oh, that's him?"
"The one?"
"Lord of Border Guard?"
"The king's friend?"
"The Demon Slayer?"
"…Why is he so handsome?"
A flurry of murmurs rippled through the crowd, but Enkrid remained unfazed. Such scenes weren't new to him. He had experienced similar attention in noble gatherings before gaining renown.
"I am Enkrid of the Border Guard, summoned by the royal palace. May I enter?"
There was no need to present any badge of identification.
"Of course!" The captain personally grabbed the reins and escorted them inside. Enkrid had visited before, even rolling around in fights here so the terrain was vaguely familiar. The only changes he noticed were the increased number of children playing and the slight reduction in the size of the slums near the city walls.
Krang must have been busy since becoming king. As Enkrid was about to dismiss the captain, the man stopped and said with a bearded, earnest face, "I respect you."
The captain, who had learned Enkrid's legend in song, had been born and raised in the capital and deeply loved his homeland. For someone like him, a hero who had protected his city, country and family was nothing short of divine. To him, Enkrid was a living faith.
There were many in the Border Guard who felt similarly. When Enkrid acknowledged the captain's reverence with a nod, the man's expression brightened.
The capital greeted them with a clear autumn sun, its air cool and refreshing. The smells of manure from the stables and urine from the alleys filled the air but it wasn't unpleasant to Enkrid.
The road ahead grew noisy.
"Don't pick a fight. We're just passing through."
"Hmph, I only offered a fair price."
To Enkrid's surprise, the voices were familiar.
"Eh?" Rem, who also recognized them, called out first.
"Twins? What brings you here?"
One of them was Enri, a former hunter turned merchant. His short-cropped hair and clean-shaven face made him look sharp.
Although Rem didn't know the other person, Enkrid did.
It was a merchant—what was his name again? Ah, Malton. This was the man who had once mocked Enkrid in the Border Guard, claiming that if he were friends with Rockfreed, then he himself must be Enkrid's uncle.
"Uncle?" Enkrid called out to him cheerfully.
Malton squinted at him, tilting his head as if trying to recall. He clearly didn't recognize him right away.
How unreliable Enkrid thought, amused. How could someone forget their own "nephew's" face?
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