Mixed Novel Haha90.93%

136 - 144

Chapter 136. Oh, my husband!

Translator: Leyy3

The Ninetails tried to match lips with Kang Chul-In.

"What are you doing?"

Kang Chul-In's voice turned incomparably frosty.

"H-Husband?"

The Ninetails looked up at Kang Chul-In with surprised eyes.

"Get out of the way if you don't wanna get injured."

"Ah..."

"Quick."

"I understand."

At Kang Chul-In's frosty attitude, the Ninetails had no choice but to step aside.

"Don't ever!"

Kang Chul-In warned her.

"Try something like that on me again. You devious woman."

"..."

"Do you understand?"

"O-Okay..."

The Ninetails realized that she shouldn't continue stirring up Kang Chul-In.

H-He withstood my charm...

And she looked up at Kang Chul-In in disbelief.

The only reason she was able to get past Kang Chul-In's tenacious mind was because of her special authority, 'aura of charm'.

Aura of charm had a 99% chance to seduce and mind control males. It was powerful enough to make even the strongest succubi blush in shame.

As the queen of the fox-humans, the Ninetails had charm that could be compared with Lilith, the queen of the succubi.

"As expected, you are... truly a special man. What powerful mental strength."

The Ninetails murmured, shocked.

"Please forgive me with your kindness and grace."

Even though the Ninetails was a devious woman, she also had the qualities of a queen.

Oh? Look at this...

Kang Chul-In's eyes shined.

The Ninetails in front of him was a smart woman.

Or, would it be accurate to say that she was quick-witted?

Kang Chul-In was mad that the Ninetails had tried to seduce him. As a 'warrior', he hated his own senses and desires going beyond his control.

The Ninetails was able to quickly sense that change, and apologize before Kang Chul-In could take out his anger on her.

"Don't ever do that again."

Kang Chul-In decided to be graceful about it this time.

"Yes, my dear husband."

"It's the last time you do that. Make sure to remember."

"Dear husband, I thank you for your grace. I will never..."

"Stop."

Kang Chul-In stopped the Ninetails from speaking further with a cold voice.

"Why do you keep calling me husband?"

"Sorry?"

"I am not your husband. How many times do I have to tell you until you understand? We haven't even met before now."

"No, that's not true, dear husband."

The Ninetails shook her head.

"I am unable to marry anyone except for you, so no matter what, I cannot lose this opportunity. I'm not allowed to even touch a man that the bell doesn't ring for."

"Ha, that doesn't make sense at all. I really don't know why that rule is so important that it's been kept for a thousand years. You are the queen right now. Shouldn't you change the rules so that it benefits you instead?"

Kang Chul-In spoke.

What he said was right.

Bad traditions should be changed. Isn't one sign of a good ruler that they are willing to change bad traditions to benefit the future generations?

"Change the rules. If you do that, there's no reason for either you or me to talk about this ridiculous thing. Imagine if the bell rang for someone else. Let's say... a goblin. Would you still marry him?"

"I guess?"

"...What?"

Kang Chul-In froze momentarily.

The marriage between the Ninetails and a goblin was a terrible combination no matter how he looked at it.

"After all, that's the only way to make the new Ninetails free from this rule."

"So it was forced?"

"Yes."

"And you're saying that you can sacrifice yourself for the future generations?"

"Hmm. Even though I did say that, I'm not sure how I would really react if that actually happened."

"See?"

Kang Chul-In laughed.

"But,"

The Ninetails interrupted Kang Chul-In's words.

"Husband, I believe that it's truly foolish to miss a chance like this. Ones that grasp at their opportunities are the true winners

in life. And not only that..."

"Not only that?"

"H-Husband is..."

The Ninetails blushed.

She looked as if she were a girl that had just entered puberty, making Kang Chul-In question whether she was the same woman that was tempting him from before.

"My type..."

"...?"

"I... I fell in love with you at first glance, my husband."

The Ninetails suddenly revealed.

"..."

"It's because you are truly the same as I had imagined and dreamed of..."

"Stop lying."

Kang Chul-In wasn't moved, however, and interrupted the Ninetails.

"N-No, really!"

"Can you really say that with that over there?"

Kang Chul-In pointed towards the corner. Over there was a portrait of that damned Emperor of Blood and Iron that Kang Chul-In despised so much.

"...You're misunderstanding."

"Enough. I came here to talk about business, not to hear some stupid love story. I no longer want to listen to your marriage talks."

Kang Chul-In drew the line.

I was being serious, my dear husband... Hmph!

Though the Ninetails was depressed, she knew that she shouldn't press the matter further.

"Let's talk business now."

Kang Chul-In headed towards one of the rooms in the Sarangbang.

"W-Wait for me, dear!"

With her nine tails swaying, the Ninetails quickly followed after Kang Chul-In.

--------

Long story short, the talks between Kang Chul-In and the Ninetails went well.

Why?

"Husband, I will follow your orders always."

It was because the Ninetails let Kang Chul-In do whatever he wanted to.

"...Didn't I tell you that the werewolf king Alaric and the Necromancer Overlord Aleister has allied? If this goes on, your territory will be conquered."

"Yes~! Of course you did~!"

"..."

"What should I do, dear~? I'll listen to you."

The Ninetails sat in her chair while laying her head on the table, staring at Kang Chul-In. She seemed like a flirty high school girl.

Her tails kept on swaying, making Kang Chul-In feel somewhat annoyed.

"Can you not do anything with your tails?"

Unable to take it anymore, Kang Chul-In made the request to the Ninetails.

"Isn't it cute? The tail of the fox-humans are famed as being one of our beautiful and special characteristics. And I... have nine of these tails."

"So?"

"If you take me in..."

Picking up a bottle of whiskey and pouring it for Kang Chul-In with one of her tails, the Ninetails showed off her tricks in front of Kang Chul-In.

"You can have all of these tails."

"....You can give them to Kwak-Jung."

"Sorry?"

"No, nothing."

Kang Chul-In thought of Kwak-Jung who had revealed great interest towards the fox-humans.

"Hng~! Husband... Won't you come and follow me to go look at some stuff that could be gifts for our marriage?"

"No."

Kang Chul-In was like a metal wall.

"You and the fox valley are in huge danger right now, so how can you stay so calm and ask to go look for some marriage gifts?"

Kang Chul-In spoke ferociously, remembering when the Ninetails had died in his previous life.

"Husband."

The Ninetails answered quickly.

"I understand. I am the queen of the Fox Valley, as well as the queen of all of the demi-humans living here. But, there's no need to worry now."

The Ninetails spoke while laughing.

"Since my dear husband is now here, I'm not afraid of anything. After all, husband can just solve everything for me."

"..."

"I can give you Fox Valley if you want too. My heart and body are all yours."

At this point, Kang Chul-In didn't know what to say. A normal conversation was impossible.

"Enough. Ninetails, call one of your generals or advisers. I think it would be faster to talk with the one who has authority over the army."

"There are none."

"None?"

"Since there are all sorts of demi-humans within Fox Valley, it would lead to revolts and disputes if I appointed one demi-human race as general."

"So you're saying... all the power lies with you?"

"Exactly, husband."

But.

Dammit!

Even though things were going even better than expected, Kang Chul-In didn't feel good.

The title of hero he had received, the thousand-year promise, and finally the love of the Ninetails... he felt as if things were going wrong for some reason.

I'll get out of here quickly.

Kang Chul-In decided to quickly leave this place after solving the fight between Aleister and the Ninetails.

------------

That night, in the Palace of Promise, Kang Chul-In was in deep thought on how to fight against Aleister.

I need more troops.

With just the power of the Fox Valley, it seemed difficult to fight Aleister.

But if he pulled in his own troops from Laputa, he feared that his identity would be exposed. He didn't have many options other than that.

The Ninetails would be of no use in the fight against Aleister.

Since Aleister lead an undead army, there was no way that the Ninetails' mind control would work against them.

How would she seduce the undead, when they had no desires? Aleister was the hard counter for the Ninetails.

The fog. The fog is the problem, because I can't see their numbers through the fog. How can I make the fog useful for me... Wait a minute...

Kang Chul-In was able to finally think of an idea.

"Ah, there was this method. Seems like this war will be easily won."

Kang Chul-In muttered confidently.

-----------

At the same time, strange rumors started going around Fox Valley.

The hero was actually an Ancient Dragon!

The hero is an Ancient Dragon that had disguised himself as a human being!

He is just having fun in the mortal world right now!

It seems our queen is trying to get the Ancient Dragon to marry her!

These kinds of rumors...

Chapter 137. Dragon and Tiger

Translator: Leyy3

During the past few days, the demi-humans thought that Kang Chul-In wasn't doing anything.

He didn't call for any meetings regarding strategies or tactics for the upcoming battle, nor did he do anything special.

One thing he did do, however, was call Nilus and Drakan to Fox Valley through the Warp Gate, and chill with them while looking around the terrain.

Of course, Kang Chul-In wasn't just relaxing.

He was thinking of his own ways to defeat the enemies, but there was no way that the demi-humans could know that.

During these few days, the rumor about Kang Chul-In became more and more famous throughout Fox Valley---

The rumor that had started from the fox-human Leo that Kang Chul-In was an Ancient Dragon, traveling around the world for fun.

Now, to make things clear.

What exactly was an Ancient Dragon?

The 'Pangaean Dragon' normally lived for 1000 years, and an Ancient Dragon was a dragon that had lived for over 800 years.

An Ancient Dragon usually surpassed other, younger dragons in terms of intelligence.

And since they were well versed in magic, it was also well known that they had a habit of polymorphing into other races and traveling around.

These demi-humans thought that Kang Chul-In was this type of ancient dragon, and here were the reasons for that:

- Too strong.

Kang Chul-In went into Kalevala during the full moon, before killing over 100 werewolves with just a club.

- The Ninetails calls Kang Chul-In husband.

There's no way that the Ninetails, queen of Fox Valley, would call a normal human her husband. If not for the fact that Kang Chul-In was an Ancient Dragon, he couldn't be the Ninetail's husband.

- He had created a small tornado when fighting the werewolves.

Gold Dragons have an authority that allows them to control the wind. Kang Chul-In is an Ancient Gold Dragon.

- One of his subordinates is draconian.

One of Kang Chul-In's subordinates is half-dragon, famed for their pride and not serving humans normally. Since his subordinate is half-dragon, it is only natural that Kang Chul-In himself is a dragon.

- The Ninetails gave authority over Fox Valley to Kang Chul-In.

This is obvious, considering Kang Chul-In is an Ancient Gold Dragon.

- Even during war-time, Kang Chul-In isn't doing anything and is just touring around.

This is why he's an Ancient Gold Dragon. He's resting because he's confident in his own strength.

Due to these 6 reasons, Kang Chul-In was misunderstood for being an Ancient Gold Dragon, and the demi-humans of Fox Valley secretly feared and revered him.

I don't get why they're looking at me like that.

"Kuku!"

Nilus, who was walking along with Kang Chul-In, laughed.

"What is it, Nilus?"

Kang Chul-In stared at Nilus suspiciously.

"Kukuku, as expected of your highness."

"What is it?"

"I didn't think that you would run out of the territory just to get such a beautiful and wonderful fiancée like the Ninetails."

"...Are you serious?"

"If you take in the legendary Ninetails as your main wife, I'm sure that everyone in the continent will revere your highness' might."

"Might?"

"Of course. What normal man could make the Ninetails his wife? There is no man like that, other than your highness."

It made sense.

Wasn't a beautiful wife the cause of envy for other men?

However,

"Even though you're not wrong..."

Kang Chul-In thought differently.

"Women are not accessories, Nilus."

"Sorry?"

"Do people marry in order to flaunt their might?"

"N-No, sire."

"I don't want that kind of marriage. Haven't you heard of sham marriages?"

"Sorry? A what marriage?"

Nilus tilted his head in confusion. It seemed that such terminology didn't exist in Pangaea.

"Milord."

Drakan, who was silent the whole time, opened his mouth.

"Even though I do understand that Milord isn't that interested in marriage, this marriage with the Ninetails seems inevitable. Please reconsider this."

"If I say no, that means no."

"But the marriage income that the Ninetails will give us... Isn't that necessary for the Laputa territory?"

Drakan talked about the benefits of this marriage.

"Laputa is all ready and set to move right now. But if we want to move it to where the supposed Valhalla territory is, wouldn't it cost a fortune to do so?"

"That... is true."

"The wealth that the Ninetails possesses is incredible. Marble mines, iron mines, and she even possesses a mine where small amounts of Magic gems are found too. Just the gold she possesses is rumored to be over 200,000. Are you planning on just letting that go?"

That was true.

As Drakan had said, the wealth that the Ninetails possessed was incredible. It was the result of saving over 1000 years. If he received this money, Kang Chul-In would definitely be able to construct a new city and fortresses within Valhalla.

"This problem..."

Kang Chul-In opened his mouth after thinking.

"I will reconsider it after the battle."

Even Kang Chul-In didn't want to argue further.

Kang Chul-In himself knew the benefits he would gain from marrying the Ninetails, and the pressure of marriage pushed hard on him.

Am I going to go out like this...

Kang Chul-In

closed his eyes, as if he were a man that was about to die.

For Skadi, he could just ignore her and take the Esmerelda territory by force if he wanted to.

Lee Chae-rin?

There were still 9 years left until the 40% contract with her expired.

But the Ninetails was different.

In order to gain the immense wealth the Ninetails possessed, he had to marry her.

I am a Lord.

Kang Chul-In thought to himself.

For my territory, and for my ambitions... This body is...

Even though it was a somewhat strange mentality, he was seriously considering the marriage between him and the Ninetails for the sake of his subordinates.

It was ironic.

Even though he had somehow avoided Skadi, he had been pulled ever so close to marriage by the Ninetails.

--------

A week from then.

"Adviser Kang Chul-In is here!"

Kang Chul-In gathered all the high-ranking officials of Fox Valley for a meeting.

"As expected..."

"Oh...!"

The officials of Fox Valley looked at him in wonder.

What are these guys on...

The veins of Kang Chul-In's forehead bulged.

Even though he had gotten lots of gazes from others as a Lord, this was the first time everyone was looking at him like this.

They were like, gazes full of expectation and excitement.

"Huuu..."

Kang Chul-In sighed deeply.

"As you know, it is expected that soon, the allied forces of the beast king Alaric and the necromancer Overlord Aleister will attack Fox Valley. In truth, this will be a very difficult..."

But even though Kang Chul-In wasn't finished talking---

"We can do it!"

"We will win!"

"If adviser Kang Chul-In is on the battlefield, there's no way we will lose!"

For some reason, everyone seemed to be in high spirits.

"Good."

Though it was weird, Kang Chul-In thought that this was a good sign. Nothing was worse than an army with low morale.

"As you guys said, we will win. An overwhelming victory? Of course. Now, everyone will have to listen to my orders..."

And at this, the demi-humans reacted vigorously.

"Just speak your orders!"

"Of course, sire! We believe!"

All of these demi-humans seemed to follow Kang Chul-In incredibly well, as if they were all originally his subordinates.

Of course, Kang Chul-In would understand if he knew that they thought he was an Ancient Gold Dragon.

Something's weird...

But since Kang Chul-In didn't know of this rumor, he felt that they were acting strangely.

Twinkle twinkle!

The eyes of the demi-humans gleamed in expectation.

"...Anyways, I will make my subordinate Drakan the leading General for this battle."

Kang Chul-In introduced Drakan.

"I'm Drakan."

Showing off his large and muscular body at 3 meters, Drakan greeted the other demi-humans.

"Woah~. As expected of the strongest demi-human race!"

"So trustworthy!"

"As expected, the adviser brought a drag... Oops. I mean... As expected, the adviser has such a powerful being like a draconian as a subordinate!"

Taking turns, the demi-humans complimented Drakan.

"Ha, what do you mean powerful."

But someone ruined this peaceful and cheerful atmosphere.

"That stupid lizard, he isn't worthy to be a soldier let alone the leading general!"

At these words, the gazes of the people in the room headed towards one man.

Ferocious yellow eyes, as well as stripes on his body. It was a tiger... a tiger-man. It was obvious that he was one of the generals within Fox Valley.

"Are you finished talking?"

Drakan stared at the man who spoke coldly.

"What cat dares to talk when the adviser is speaking? Go and pick up the scraps of what the soldiers ate, you stupid stray cat. That would suit you better."

"You!!"

Slamming the table, the tiger-man stood up before walking towards Drakan.

"G-General Amur!"

"Ha, this pesron..."

The demi-humans tried to stop the tiger general,

"What are you staring at with your snake eyes, lizard man?"

But Amur wasn't fazed at all, and instead continued to walk towards Drakan.

"They say that a toothless tiger is a pushover. Do you really want to force me to beat out all of your teeth?"

"Shut up, and don't cut off your tail before running off."

The two of them stood in front of each other, growling.

The dragon and the tiger stood neck and neck.

Drakan was 3 meters, but so was Amur.

With large and bulky physiques, it was hard to tell who had the better body.

As for their strengths?

Looking at just their auras, it seemed as if this General Amur didn't fall behind the slightest against Drakan. Even if they fought hard, it seemed that there wouldn't be a clear victor.

Amur, huh...

Kang Chul-In's eyes gleamed.

He seems to be neck and neck against Drakan who has been training super hard.

Just by looking and feeling his aura, Kang Chul-In knew how powerful Amur was.

He was tempting for Kang Chul-In.

If he could control both a dragon and a tiger, if he could have both Amur and Drakan as his generals, it was obvious that Kang Chul-In's fame would also shoot up.

"So, are you going to fight or not? Stupid cat."

"It seems like a stupid lizard isn't afraid of a tiger."

While Kang Chul-In was thinking, the two of them got even closer to duking it out.

"Both of you."

Kang Chul-In stopped both of them as they were about to fight.

"Stand back."

They were currently in war-time, so this really wasn't the time for them to crumble internally.

"Yes, Milord. I apologize for acting so rudely."

After bowing to Kang Chul-In, Drakan quickly backed off. Even though he was angry, he had to follow Kang Chul-In's orders.

"Oh?"

But Amur was different.

"I thought you weren't bad, but it seems like you're just a lizard scared by a mere human? Actually, no. Even lizard is too much of a compliment for you. You're more of an iguana? I didn't think that the so-called strongest of the demi-humans was this weak."

Amur made the mistake of calling Kang Chul-In 'a mere human' while he simultaneously taunted Drakan.

Why?

Tigers and Dragons were rivals from the days of old, and Amur couldn't accept that Drakan would be the leading general lying down.

Amur was also one of the minority that didn't believe that Kang Chul-In was an Ancient Dragon. He thought that Kang Chul-In was just a con-man, who had somehow managed to fool the Ninetails.

"What?"

At this, Drakan exploded.

"You ignorant cat, follow me outside right now! I'll crush that filthy mouth of yours you used to insult Milord!"

"It seems like you still have pride, for the slave of a human."

"Is flapping your lips all you can do? Are you not following me because you're scared?"

"I'm going right now."

Deep killing intent could be felt from both Amur and Drakan.

However,

"You dare!"

Kang Chul-In's rage also exploded.

"Who do you think you are, speaking like that?"

Kuooo!

A terrifyingly powerful aura of mana rose up like fire, and pressured the people nearby.

"A mere human..."

Kang Chul-In stared at Amur.

"Hey, tiger-man. You wanna die?"

Kang Chul-In clenched his right fist. And with that fist, he punched the table that was made of diamond.

Bang!

With a large noise...

Crack...

Crack!

Cracks started to appear on the table like spider webs,

BANG!

Before everything crumbled.

"Stupid cat, follow me."

Saying that, Kang Chul-In left the meeting room.

"Do you think I won't follow you if you say that?"

Without being scared in the slightest after Kang Chul-In's display of strength, Amur followed Kang Chul-In.

"Just you wait, lizard. I'll beat you up after I do so to your owner."

Amur taunted Drakan even while leaving.

But,

Tzzt, poor little cat.

His rage subsiding, Drakan also followed Kang Chul-In outside.

Chapter 138. Fox Valley Siege (pt. 1)

Translator: Leyy3

10 minutes later.

"..."

Amur's eyes had gone black from the beating he had gotten, and he was stuffing something that seemed like a tissue into his nose.

Tzzt, what an ignorant fellow to go against milord. Truly an idiotic cat.

Drakan clicked his tongue, looking at Amur with disdain.

He should have picked someone of similar strength as him to pick on, not the Overlord Kang Chul-In.

No matter how he looked at it, it was suicide.

Drakan felt that it would be safer going to exterminate a dragon than fighting his lord, Kang Chul-In.

"Let's continue the meeting again then."

Kang Chul-In wiped his hands and put them on the new table they had brought.

Tuk tuk.

Every time Kang Chul-In's fingers hit the table, the officials of Fox Valley got more nervous, and their hatred of Amur grew deeper.

Why'd General Amur have to piss off the terrifying advisor?

As if a cat would be a match against an Ancient Dragon...

Suits him, after showing off against an Ancient Dragon.

The officials thought to themselves, glaring at Amur.

"..."

Though Amur felt their piercing gazes, he didn't open his mouth, taking in the embarrassment.

This man... is he really an Ancient Gold Dragon?

No matter who looked at him, Amur seemed like he had gone half-insane due to his shocking and overwhelming loss against Kang Chul-In.

That power, that speed; it's impossible for a mere human to possess that strength. I have never seen a man who was able to beat me up as if I were a dog... I'll never provoke him again.

Amur recalled what had happened 10 minutes into his fight with Kang Chul-In.

Yes, there's no doubt that this man in front of me is an Ancient Gold Dragon. Otherwise, I wouldn't lose so easily like that.

"I'm warning everyone right now."

While Amur was thinking ridiculous things, Kang Chul-In opened his mouth.

"If anyone has any complaints, speak up now. We can't continue this process of going in and out of the meeting. I'll give you 3 seconds. If you have any complaints, you're free to raise your hand and speak up."

Of course, there was no one foolish enough to raise their hands.

"Hahaha, a-advisor, please cease your anger."

A demi-human with the head of a goat said cautiously. It was obvious that he was trying to smoothen the atmosphere.

"Y-Yes, sire."

Another demi-human with the head of a deer spoke.

"The advisor is the one that our Queen personally put into position, so there's no way that we have any complaints."

At this, the other demi-humans also took the opportunity to agree.

"That's right!"

"We agree with what the revered advisor says!"

"We will follow you!"

Was there anything they could do if what they thought was an Ancient Gold Dragon told them to shut up? They had to follow all of Kang Chul-In's orders.

At that moment.

"Lord advisor!"

A turtle demi-human that looked somewhat stupid spoke up.

"As the Queen's husband..."

And the word 'husband' ticked Kang Chul-In off.

Though he was thinking deeply on the matter of political marriage, he was still pissed off when some stupid turtle decided to bring out the matter he was struggling with.

He was already stressed enough about this marriage.

"Hey turtle."

Kang Chul-In clenched his fists and spoke.

"Y-Yes?"

Feeling the killing intent of Kang Chul-In, the turtle demi-human put his head back into his shell.

"Follow me."

"A-Advisor!"

"Follow me quickly while I speak nicely."

"...Yes."

And due to this, the meeting was delayed once more.

10 minutes later,

"Sob..."

Unlike Amur, the turtle demi-human was unable to stop his tears from falling after the terrifying beating that Kang Chul-In had presented.

W-We have to be careful of what we say...

The Ancient Gold Dragon truly is brutal!

W-What was the problem there?

The other demi-humans were absolutely terrified now, and sweated profusely at Kang Chul-In.

"Uh... advisor?"

A demi-human with rabbit ears spoke up.

"Speak."

"Isn't this meeting somewhat meaningless?"

"What do you mean meaningless?"

"The demi-humans in Fox Valley are just used to taking orders from the Queen and following

them. Since we will listen to the orders of the advisor anyway, there seems to be no meaning to holding a meeting."

"Hmmm..."

"We have always followed the Queen. Since there is such a large variety of demi-human races, we have always served her only."

"So you're saying that there's no point, and this is a meaningless conversation?"

"Yes, lord."

"Very well."

Kang Chul-In nodded his head.

It seems like this is a place well-suited for a one-man-rule, and a dictatorship.

Kang Chul-In understood why all the power in Fox Valley was concentrated in the Ninetails now.

"Everyone is dismissed, so go rest now. I will give specific orders through a messenger later."

Finally, the meeting ended with nothing happening except for two demi-humans receiving Kang Chul-In's famed 'mental training'. It was a meeting with no gains.

Actually, to be accurate that wasn't true.

Kang Chul-In had earned something. It was that the rumor of him being an Ancient Dragon became more believable.

No matter what, Amur was the most powerful general of Fox Valley.

And that Amur was unable to put up a fight, being one-sidedly beaten up in a fight against Kang Chul-In? It was an incident that led to more and more demi-humans believing Kang Chul-In truly was an Ancient Gold Dragon.

And this misunderstanding was what led to an incredible crisis and embarrassment in the future...

---------

In the holy area of the Fox Valley, the Holy Graveyard.

The current Nintails paid her respects to her fallen predecessors.

"Predecessors."

The Queen of the Fox Valley who was once known as Isabel kneeled down, and spoke.

"Finally, finally the person has come. After a thousand years... From now on, the Ninetails don't need to live a life by themselves. Because this girl definitely won't lose this opportunity!"

The Ninetails vowed.

"Please look over this girl, predecessors. Please let this girl's love come true. This girl... has fallen in love at first glance."

-------

The orders that Kang Chul-In had made to prepare for the upcoming siege was strange.

Kang Chul-In had told the demi-humans to go out in the forest area near them, and cut down the trees.

"Why is he telling us to cut down the trees?"

A turtle demi-human holding an axe complained.

"And it's not just chopping them down. He wants us to cut down the trees so that there's a circle that blocks the forest from the other parts of the forest? What the hell is this?"

"Hey, hey. Stop complaining. The advisor is an Ancient Gold Dragon, so I'm sure he has a plan."

A rabbit demi-human spoke.

"I mean, that's true, but..."

"Why are you still suspicious? We're going to win anyway. No matter how many they bring, they still won't be a match for the advisor once he polymorphs back into his original form, and kills everyone."

"I mean, of course. There's no way that an Ancient Dragon would lose against a group of wolves and humans."

"Then c'mon, and let's work. They said we'll win if we just chop up trees."

In truth, the story that the turtle worked hard while the rabbit took a nap was just bullsh*t.

Currently the rabbit was the one working hard, and the turtle was busy complaining. It seemed that stories were just stories, and they were far from the truth.

-------

Finally, it was time for the full moon.

Two hours before the sunset, Kang Chul-In was prepared to move out from the Palace of Promise.

He wore rare-ranked armor, along with the Epic rank 'Mask of Chaos'. On his back, he wore a decoration made out of the feather of crows, instead of a cape.

"Dear husband, please look this way."

The Ninetails helped Kang Chul-In.

"I'm going now."

Kang Chul-In didn't bother speaking honey-coated words to the Ninetails before he left.

"Husband..."

"The battle is near. This isn't time to be complaining."

"But, husband will win for us anyway."

"..."

The eyes of the Ninetails sparkled, making Kang Chul-In speechless.

------

As night fell, the allied forces of Alaric and Aleister marched on towards Fox Valley.

Clack clack!

There were nearly 2000 skeletons, 500 ghouls, 1000 zombies, as well as some higher-ranked undead monsters inside Aleister's army. It truly was the 'army of death'.

-Krrr!

-Kuuu!

Though the numbers were lacking compared to the undead army, Alaric's werewolves were also terrifying.

Getting a buff under the full moon, these werewolves were nothing to scoff at, with an overall 20% increase in their battle strength.

"Huhu..."

Riding upon a phantom steed, Aleister laughed creepily.

"Just you wait, foolish demi-humans! I'll let you have a taste of true fear."

Aleister was supremely confident.

"Kuku!"

And next to him, Alaric also seemed sure of their victory.

"Ha, they might've already surrendered. There's only that Amur who's useful amongst those cowardly demi-humans."

"Amur? Is he a tiger-human?"

"That's right. Other than that mercenary that struck Kalevala back then, Amur is the strongest in Fox Valley."

Alaric explained.

"Oh, will you kill him?"

"Of course."

"Then can you give his body to me as a present?"

"...Are you going to turn him into a zombie?"

"Of course not! I'll make him into a Dullahan, or a Death Knight. I can't let such a valuable body like a tiger-man rot as a mere zombie."

"Hoho, it makes me laugh thinking that that stupid tiger is going to becoming one of your toys. Kuku..."

"True! Kukuku..."

Aleister and Alaric laughed amongst themselves.

"Tonight, you'll become the king of Fox Valley."

Aleister laughed, and complimented Alaric.

"And you will also become a more powerful existence as you take in the bodies of the powerful warriors and the predecessor of the Ninetails."

And Alaric also lip-serviced Aleister.

That was right.

This half-undead and the Werewolf king were sure of their victory. They were already thinking of the gains they would make after this battle was over.

And while they talked joyously amongst themselves, they entered an area where one could see a white road.

The fog cleared out.

And they could see white walls.

They had finally arrived at the paradise for demi-humans, Fox Valley!

"Have you finally come, insects?"

A man who stood atop the middle of the walls spoke. It was a man wearing a mask that changed his voice, the Overlord Kang Chul-In.

"Welcome to your graveyard!"

Chapter 139. Fox Valley Siege (Pt. 2)

Translator: Leyy3

At Kang Chul-In's confidence, Alarik was ticked off.

"Huh? As if!"

Alaric seemed as if he was going to climb up the walls, and rip Kang Chul-In to shreds.

"Just you wait, you arrogant mercenary! I'll kill you, and rip your body to shreds before feeding you to my subordinates!"

"Shut up, puppy."

"W-What!"

"Be quiet, and close your mouth. I can smell the stench of you from up here."

Kang Chul-In ridiculed Alaric.

"Pfft..."

"Hahahaha!"

"Stinky puppy!"

The other demi-humans up on the walls also laughed at Alaric.

Unlike what Alaric had expected, it seemed that the demi-humans of Fox Valley weren't afraid.

It was one positive effect that the misunderstanding of Kang Chul-In being an Ancient Gold Dragon had.

"Y-Y-You guys!"

Alaric trembled in rage.

"Did you really think that we'd be afraid of you guys? Trash like you?"

Kang Chul-In ridiculed the allied forces of Alaric and Aleister once more.

"You should stop overestimating yourselves, and attack quickly. I don't want to spend my time here fighting trash like you."

That taunt signaled the beginning of the battle.

"Do you... really... think you'll be safe on those walls? Huh?!"

Alaric started to transform.

-Grrr!

-Krrr!

And his personal army of werewolves also followed after his transformation, getting ready for the fight.

"Huhu..."

Rather than his anger rising, Aleister's greed was what had intensified at Kang Chul-In's provocation. He was getting excited at the prospects of making Kang Chul-In his death knight.

-Auuuu!

Transformed into demonic-beasts, the werewolves started to roar towards the demi-humans of Fox Valley.

"Go! Let's show those arrogant idiots the power of the undead! Show them the power of death!"

Riding atop his phantom steed, Aleister commanded his undead army with his staff.

Clack... Bang!

Aleister's undead army also joined the charging group of werewolves.

They're coming to die.

Kang Chul-In stared at the charging armies calmly.

To be perfectly honest, there was no way that the troops of Fox Valley would be able to stand up against this large of a number of werewolves and undead warriors. They were far too outnumbered to put up a fight.

But, Kang Chul-In was confident.

The fog is on my side, there's no reason to fear.

This was the card that Kang Chul-In had been preparing for the past week--- the dense fog that surrounded the forest.

-Auuuu!

The first werewolf had finally reached the walls of Fox Valley. The siege had begun!

Pft.

Kang Chul-In smirked at the same time the enemies reached the wall.

Kuooo!

Kang Chul-In's weapon, the club of judgment, became the eye of the storm that was Vortex.

"Nilus. Get ready."

"Yes, your majesty."

Nilus nodded.

Whiiii-!

Kang Chul-In clenched the club of judgment harder and pointed towards the foggy sky.

And as he pointed towards the sky, the vortex flew up through the fog and started to soar. When it cleared the fog, Nilus added a fire spell to the vortex.

Vortex, or now the pillar of flame, rose up some more.

"What kind of magic did the advisor..."

"Is that magic?"

"Is that his ability?"

The demi-humans stared at the pillar of flame that Kang Chul-In had created. They had expressions of hope, excited for what the 'Ancient Gold Dragon' would do.

Drip, drip...

Soon, water started to fall from the sky. It had started raining.

"...Rain?"

"W-What?"

"Do we need rain right now?"

As rain fell, the demi-humans were confused.

The siege was starting, so they didn't need rain.

What they had to fight was the allied forces of Aleister and Alaric, not some drought.

The demi-humans were disappointed. They hoped the rain would at least be flammable.

What could they do with just rain against the enemy's forces?

Drip drip...

The rain started to get thicker,

Thick, concentrated rain started to pour down onto the enemy.

"What?"

"What is he doing?"

The demi-humans still had no idea what was going on.

"Kang Chul-In?"

Dorian, who was ordered to hide behind the walls to hide his identity by Kang Chul-In, was also confused.

"Just wait, and you'll understand."

Kang Chul-In answered.

"Of course, though the enemy has probably figured it out already."

"Huh? They know what it is?"

"But it's too late."

"...What on earth are you trying to say?"

Dorian muttered.

"Look there."

Kang Chul-In pointed towards the charging enemies.

"Huh?"

Dorian peeked out, and stared at where Kang Chul-In's finger pointed.

"Wait... What are those guys doing?"

The invaders that seemed like they were going to scale the walls of Fox Valley started running around amidst themselves and seemed to be in chaos.

-Sniff sniff.

Dorian's pet,

Jackpot, also seemed to smell something weird and sniffed.

"Sniff sniff... What is this smell?"

"W-What?"

The demi-humans with a good sense of smell also started to notice something was off, and sniffed.

"Nilus."

Kang Chul-In called.

"Yes, your majesty."

Nilus answered enthusiastically.

"Show the enemies..."

Kang Chul-In spoke, his eyes gleaming. He gave the order that would send the enemies into the abyss of despair.

"Just how terrifying and powerful the leading magician of the Laputa territory is."

"I will comply with your orders, your majesty!"

Nilus was confident.

What this young but mentally old magician needed now was a spell that would show a terrifying effect.

Your majesty, I will not disappoint you!

Nilus vowed to his respected Lord, and chanted the spell that would mean victory for Fox Valley.

"Lightning Web!"

Nilus's charming voice reverberated around the battlefield.

-----------

When water started falling from above, Aleister had originally thought that it was just natural rain.

But it wasn't.

The liquid that had fallen like rain wasn't transparent, and was a sticky brown liquid. It was definitely not water.

-Sniff sniff.

The werewolves were the first ones to notice what the liquid was, with their keen sense of smell.

-Krr! I-It's oil!

-O-Oil...

As they muttered, Aleister also realized that the liquid pouring down from the sky was oil. He could smell something flammable.

Don't tell me!

Aleister looked up subconsciously.

I... can't see anything.

Nothing could be seen.

Of course.

The foggy forest was covered in fog 24/7. There was no way he could see what was above, due to the dense fog.

Drip drip!

At that moment, the light rain of oil intensified, soaking and drenching Aleister's face.

Oil... is falling from the sky? Don't tell me... they're attacking with fire?!

If that was what the enemy was aiming for, they were in for a terrifying show.

Everyone in the army was covered and drenched with oil, so it was obvious that if just one of their troops were set ablaze, their army of 5000 would become barbecued.

"R-Retreat!!"

Aleister quickly shouted, recovering his wits.

The undead were weak to the light element, but they were also weak against high temperatures. Wouldn't the most effective way of fighting an army of undead be to set them alight and watch them burn? Aleister had no choice but to retreat when he saw what the enemy was planning to do.

"They're attacking with fire! Quickly! Retreat!"

"Quickly, retreat!"

Also feeling the threat, Alaric signaled the retreat of the werewolves too.

"Barrier! Quickly!"

Afraid of a hail of fire arrows, Aleister quickly ordered his skeleton mages."

"Bone wall!"

Showing off the main defense available to a necromancer, Aleister created a wall made of bones. He was trying his best to stop a hail of fire arrows.

But Aleister's efforts were soon proven to be pointless.

Why?

Because as soon as the rain of oil stopped, embers started to fall from the sky instead.

-----

At the same time.

At the top of Fox Valley, Hecate was riding on her ship, the Temeraire territory.

"Hohoho! We're having barbecue tonight!"

That was right.

The one that had thrown the oil and the embers was none other than Hecate, who had received orders from Kang Chul-In. As soon as she had heard Kang Chul-In's plea for assistance, she had quickly traveled to Fox Valley.

"Cuties, let's work quickly! Otherwise, you can't get married!"

It was a somewhat strange threat.

"Yes, milady!"

"Hey, you there! Throw it quickly!"

"Hey, new recruit! Move faster!"

"Hey! What are... Just get out of the way!"

Hecate's subordinates, men that were dressed like pirates, screamed, and desperately threw embers out from the ship.

"We can go meet women after this operation!"

"Women!"

"I want a wife!"

"Me too! A wife!!"

After this, Hecate's subordinates were planned to go to the Pandemonium region to meet and hook up with the women in Laputa.

Since the ratio of men were significantly higher in Hecate's territory, they were very desperate.

"If I can hook up with a woman!"

A soldier shouted.

"I'll get out of being gay!"

Crazy bastard.

Though Hecate's face stiffened for a moment, she didn't say anything or get angry.

She understood why those words were coming out of her subordinates.

The ridiculous ratio of men to women being 9:1 had made it so that being gay was no longer considered 'weird' in the territory. This had been so, even before Hecate had been appointed as the Lord of Temeraire.

"Tzzt, making us pour oil and throw embers... when just one 'fire' would be enough..."

Hecate complained.

"I really don't know what he's thinking. Hng.."

Hecate couldn't understand Kang Chul-In's request to keep herself hidden. Of course, there was no way she knew about the blue dragon hunt that would happen 8 months in the future.

--------

"Nooo!"

Aleister screamed as he saw the falling embers in the sky.

But the spreading of fire was instant.

Pzzt, pzzt!

From far away, on the walls of Fox Valley, a white light seemed to explode, before thousands of lightning bolts covered the allied army of Aleister and Alaric.

Nilus's lightning web was literally a web made of lightning, and it was enough to cover the whole army.

Pzzt, pzzt!

Rather than power, it was more focused on quantity.

Though the effects of the lightning web weren't absolutely terrifying, the range made it possible to electrocute the entire army.

"N-Nooo!"

Once again, Aleister screamed.

Why?

The undead soldiers were weak against the light element. Since they had been electrocuted, their stats would fall by at least 15-20% for a while. That meant that the Lightning Web spell wasn't originally meant as an attack, but rather as a debuff.

"Ahhh!"

"Fire, it's fire!"

Everywhere, one could hear the screams of the burning werewolves.

The front of Fox Valley was already a sea of flames.

Burnt corpses were stacked on top of each other, and one could also hear the screams of burning werewolves.

At that moment,

"You bastards!"

A tall draconian appeared and destroyed everything in his path with a devastating charge.

"Where are you running!?"

And not wanting to lose to this, the tiger-man that was known to be the strongest demi-human of Fox Valley also poured down terrifying blows, showing off his prowess.

From left to right, thousands of demi-humans were fighting the burning soldiers of Alaric and Aleister.

If their main army comes in through the front...

Aleister thought of the worst case scenario,

Drrk...

And soon, it became reality.

Bang!

As the front doors of Fox Valley opened, a masked man leading a demi-human army of 1000 appeared. It was the arrival of the Lord hunter, Kang Chul-In.

Chapter 140. Using the Skill Absorption!

Translator: Leyy3

Everything was hard to see due to the fog.

I'll use you well.

Regardless, Kang Chul-In stared right at Aleister, who was panicking up on his phantom steed.

After losing this battle, there was no doubt that Aleister would take a significant hit to his Lord points, and his position of Overlord would likely be threatened. This meant that he would have no choice but to accept Kang Chul-In's offer to hunt the blue dragon.

"Let's go!"

Kang Chul-In shouted.

"For the queen!"

"Hurray for the advisor!!"

"For the glory of Fox Valley!"

The thousand demi-human army followed behind Kang Chul-In. The morale of the army seemed to shoot through the sky as they were looking at the burning and struggling enemies.

Soon after, an intense battle took place.

In the fire-covered front of Fox Valley, the demi-humans tangled with the undead and the werewolf army.

It was a one-sided slaughter.

The 'Army of Darkness' had already lost all of their will to fight in their confusion, and their will to fight was further broken by the charging demi-humans.

"Ooh, advisor!"

"What strength..."

"As expected of an unbeatable existence..."

To all of the soldiers of Fox Valley, Kang Chul-In's strength was absolutely outstanding.

Pow!

Papow!

The club of judgment he held battered the enemies, and broke an undead's or wolf's skull whenever it made contact. Kang Chul-In seemed like a machine, with his terrifying precision and speed.

So boring.

They had quickly gained an overwhelming advantage, and this made the battle that followed after extremely one-sided. Though they had won like Kang Chul-In expected, it still didn't change the fact that the battles were boring.

I think it'll be less boring if I just do a little bit more, and then back off...

As Kang Chul-In was thinking this:

"Y-You dare to mess up my beloved undead army!"

The Overlord Aleister personally showed up in front of him, and threw a fit. For Kang Chul-In, this was perfect as he had found a new way to relieve his boredom.

"Kuku..."

Even in front of Kang Chul-In, Aleister was confident.

It made sense.

Aleister, who stood in front of Kang Chul-In, possessed over 50 death knights. Even if anyone else replaced Aleister, it would make sense that they would be confident.

Why?

The death knights were high-ranked undead that were extremely famed across Pangaea.

And since Aleister had used outstanding and famous adventurers as ingredients for his death knights, they were stronger than usual.

"Huhu, since we've lost the battle anyway... I'll take your corpse as a way to relieve the pain of defeat."

Aleister's purple tongue darted in and out, as if he were a hyena stalking his prey.

This bastard...

The veins in Kang Chul-In's forehead bulged.

He dares to salivate over me?

Kang Chul-In had been allied with Aleister for an incredibly long time, and he knew what that tongue of his meant.

Aleister was a ridiculous psychopath who enjoyed looking at the undead and playing with them. The eyes that he stared at Kang Chul-In with were similar to that of a rapist; full of sexual desire and madness. It was hard for Kang Chul-In not to be disgusted.

"Huhu, say hello. He's going to be your friend in the future."

Aleister stood behind his death knights. He thought that with those 50 death knights, it would be enough to take down Kang Chul-In.

But underneath the mask, Kang Chul-In was smiling cruelly.

Hmph.

Death knight?

Though he felt bad for Aleister, Kang Chul-In possessed better undead than those death knights. What he possessed were what one would usually call the 'knights of the undead'.

Suuu...

The epic item 'Owner of the Ghosts' that was around his left wrist activated, and the ones that were classified as the highest-ranked undead knights appeared.

"T-That is...!"

Aleister was incredibly shocked.

"S-Spectre... Knights!!"

The ratio of power between Spectre Knights and Death Knights was a whopping 3:1, meaning that 3

Death Knights could match up to 1 Spectre Knight.

Disregarding just their battle strength, this wasn't a good match for the Death Knights as they were the lower-ranked versions of the Spectre Knights.

"H-How? You're not even a necromancer..."

Aleister seemed as if he were about to faint.

He couldn't understand how a man who didn't have the tiniest bit of 'dark mana' could control these powerful undead.

"How are you able to control those..."

"It's called being overgeared."

Kang Chul-In answered simply.

"O-Overgeared?"

Aleister was astonished once more.

"B-But, if you want to summon them, then you'll need an item of at least... the Epic Rank..."

"Exactly."

Kang Chul-In put the nail in the coffin.

"No way!!"

Aleister started to walk backward.

"Yes, way."

Kang Chul-In followed by taking a step forward and answered.

What didn't make sense?

On this battlefield, Kang Chul-In was the strong one, while Aleister was weak. It was an unchangeable fact that the strong one could laugh and step on the weaker one.

"Go."

Kang Chul-In ordered.

"Go, and rip those low-class undead to shreds."

The Spectre Knights immediately dashed towards the Death Knights.

And on that day, Aleister had to run with his tail between his legs, ditching even his beloved Death knights.

----------

"Krrr!"

Alaric roared, and two demi-human soldiers fell down with blood spurting out.

"Hmph, weak trash..."

Alaric muttered.

"Oi, puppy."

At that moment, Kang Chul-In spoke.

"Yep, I think that calling you stupid puppy fits pretty well."

"You are..."

Alaric recalled who Kang Chul-In was, remembering that the man in front of him was the one who invaded Kalevala and made such a mess in his territory. He was an enemy that he wouldn't be satisfied with just ripping apart.

But Alaric's anger and enmity was quickly cooled down by his keen senses.

Looking at Kang Chul-In, Alaric got chills down his spine.

I-Is this fear...?

As a beast, Alaric could instinctively realize that Kang Chul-In was powerful.

"Let's finish this quickly, puppy."

Without knowing that he had become a terrifying enemy in Alaric's mind, Kang Chul-In started to swing his club at Alaric.

--------

The battle ended with Alaric's death.

"K-Kr..."

Alaric was beaten up so badly that by the end of the fight, he was whimpering like a dog.

"Hmph, you have thick bones."

Kang Chul-In smirked.

At that moment.

Dudum.

Kang Chul-In's heart started to beat faster, and a message popped up in front of him.

[You have completely suppressed Alaric, the King of the Beasts.]

Even in this state, it still seemed that the system recognized this dog as the 'King of the Beasts.'

[Alaric, King of the Beasts.]

Ability: Full Moon.

Type: Passive (has requirements)

Details:

- +20% Attack when under the full moon

- +20% Defense when under the full moon

- +20% Regeneration when under the full moon

Aftereffects: None.

Would you like to absorb this ability? Yes / No

Oh!

Kang Chul-In's eyes gleamed like diamonds.

It's not a bad ability, for a mere dog.

In reality, this wasn't just an ability that wasn't bad, but rather it was incredibly useful.

Though it had requirements of being under the full moon, he could get incredible merits out of it if used properly. It wasn't an overstatement to say that it was an SSS ranked ability if used correctly.

"Puppy."

Kang Chul-In grabbed Alaric's head.

"K...Kuk..."

And Alaric whimpered.

At this moment, Alaric truly was a dog under Kang Chul-In's feet.

"I'll eat it well."

"H-Hiik!"

Alaric shuddered in fear that he would really be eaten---

And indeed, he was.

Kang Chul-In grabbed Alaric's face, and the absorption started.

With a noise that sounded as if something was being vacuumed in, Alaric screamed.

"A-Aghhhh!!"

It was more of a cry of despair than a scream.

At this, even the watching demi-humans turned their heads, terrified of what was happening to the King of the Beasts.

Soon, Alaric's body started to become like that of a mummy, becoming all dried up. His ability had been absorbed, as had his life-force.

5 minutes later.

[You have received 300 health from Alaric!]

[You have completed absorbing the ability 'Full Moon' from Alaric!]

This message appeared in front of Kang Chul-In.

But unlike Kang Chul-In's satisfied face, the nearby demi-humans looked on, terrified.

T-To think that the advisor was that cruel...

What a terrifying dragon...

To eat... the King of the Beasts... It would be impossible unless he was an evil dragon...

Don't tell me... he's the demon king?

As their fears increased, so did their misunderstandings.

Ancient Gold Dragon.

Evil Dragon.

And Demon King.

This just showed how overbearing Kang Chul-In's strength was, and how much it had shocked the demi-humans of Fox Valley.

"We are finished!"

At that moment, Kang Chul-In shouted, crushing Alaric's face.

"The stupid wolf that had threatened you is now gone!"

"It is yours, no, our victory! We have won in the battle against those stupid wolves and the undead!!"

As Kang Chul-In's loud voice echoed throughout Fox Valley---

"Hooray!"

"We won! We won!"

"It's a victory!"

"Hooray for the Queen!"

"Hooray for Lord Advisor!"

"Hooray for Fox Valley!"

Thunderous cheering could be heard from the demi-humans of Fox Valley.

-------

At that same time, another army was celebrating their victory.

"Hooray for Lord Rothschild!"

"Hooray for the Cyamodus territory!!"

"Hooray for Strategist Lee Gong-Myung!"

Alex Rothschild's troops cheered and screamed, standing atop of the walls of the Esmerelda territory.

"Kuhahaha! Good bye, stupid dogs of Vilhelm!"

"We won!"

The soldiers of the Cyamodus territory ridiculed the running troops of Albrecht Vilhelm.

But even at this joyous moment for them, there was someone who wasn't laughing.

This isn't enough.

It was the young, scholarly Asian man who was the right hand of Alex Rothschild, Lee Gong-Myung.

Chapter 141. Lee Gong-Myung, with his life on the line.

Translator: Leyy3

As the 1st battle for the Esmerelda territory finished, Lee Gong-Myung and Alex Rothschild met privately.

"Milord, congratulations on the victory!"

Lee Gong-Myung bowed towards Alex Rothschild.

"This is all thanks to you."

Rothschild smiled widely, hugging Lee Gong-Myung.

"If not for you, I would have been unable to defeat Albrecht's army. The one to be congratulated is not me, but you instead. After all, the contributions to the victory belong solely to you. If you weren't here, it would have been impossible for me to grasp victory."

Rothschild felt grateful for Lee Gong-Myung, and he expressed his thoughts truthfully.

He wasn't lying.

Due to the price of his greed, Rothschild was afraid of being taken over by the other Overlords. Even becoming an Overlord was too much of a challenge at the moment.

And that wasn't all.

During the Lord Meetings, Kang Chul-In had exposed his secret, making him seem like an untrustworthy ally. And thanks to this, he hadn't been able to make any alliances yet.

With this kind of situation, Lee Gong-Myung had pushed on with the invasion of the Esmerelda territory and had shown the miracle of winning. Lee Gong-Myung was Alex Rothschild's light, and his only hope.

"If not for the fact that you were my friend, I don't know what would have..."

"Milord."

Lee Gong-Myung smiled faintly.

"How could you say that? Even if I were not here, I'm sure that milord would have made it anyway."

"Haha!"

"And not only that, but milord has contributed greatly to this battle. I've only done some scheming behind the back, so the glory should belong solely to milord."

Rather than becoming arrogant about his victory, Lee Gong-Myung pushed all the glory onto his Lord. He was an incredibly loyal, and useful servant.

"Lee Gong-Myung."

Rothschild looked at Lee Gong-Myung with caring eyes.

"The fact that I know you..."

Rothschild started speaking like he was on Earth, not like he was a Lord in Pangaea.

"I think that's the luckiest part of me."

"Me also, milord."

"Stop. When we're alone..."

"Milord is a Lord, while I'm just a mere servant."

But Lee Gong-Myung drew the line.

"Milord, please become the true emperor."

"Emperor..."

"Shouldn't you allow small things like this in order to prepare for when you truly become the emperor?"

"Is that so..."

"Yes, milord."

For unknown reasons, Lee Gong-Myung started to treat Rothschild as his master, and not as a former friend.

"Anyways... Milord, this isn't all we have to do."

Lee Gong-Myung changed the topic.

"Since we have achieved victory here, we have to look behind us now."

"Behind us? Do you mean to focus on our internal affairs?"

"No, milord."

Lee Gong-Myung shook his head.

"Behind us... we're being threatened, milord."

"Threatened..."

"Overlord Kang Chul-In. We don't know when he'll strike against us."

"Kang... Chul-In!"

As the name of the opponent that he wouldn't even be satisfied with ripping to shreds came out, killing intent filled Rothschild's face.

"Overlord Kang Chul-In despises milord; no, he has to despise milord. After all, the interactions between milord and Overlord Kang Chul-In makes it seem so."

"That's true."

"One day, he'll come. If the one that has an overwhelming lead in 1st place comes to invade us..."

At that, Rothschild's face started to stiffen.

"...The truth is that we struggled against an army the likes of Albrecht Vilhelm's, so it would be nigh impossible for us to fight against Kang Chul-In's attacks. We would have no future."

"Exactly, milord. We have to prepare for when Overlord Kang Chul-In strikes. And not only that, but there are a lot of weird things behind Skadi Andevari's disappearance. It's as if she had already known about our assassins... It is definitely possible that she's fled to another territory with the ownership of this territory, knowing that she would be unable to defend the territory with just her own power."

As expected, Lee Gong-Myung was able to read Skadi's thoughts like a book.

"If Skadi were alive, then the place that she would have chosen to go is..."

"Overlord Kang Chul-In!"

"Yes, that's probably the reality. He's the Lord who's furthest away from this conflict, and is also the most powerful Overlord."

"Is that so. Skadi... it seems like she's gone to that bastard Kang Chul-In. That would be the worst-case possible."

"So, milord. We have to ally with other Lords. We need Lords that have the strength to fight against the Overlord that is Kang Chul-In; we need a person

that's of at least Overlord strength to ally with us. If not... I'm afraid that they'll be useless in the fight against Kang Chul-In."

"But..."

"Yes, it's going to be difficult."

Lee Gong-Myung cutoff Alex Rothschild's words.

"It's true that milord isn't trusted by the other Lords, so it's hard to find an alliance partner. And not many people would dare to ally with milord, since they are afraid of Overlord Kang Chul-In."

As Lee Gong-Myung had said, Kang Chul-In didn't like Alex Rothschild, so who would dare to ally with him?

"Then who..."

"Baruk Al Yusuf. We have him."

"....!"

Lee Gong-Myung's eyes gleamed.

"Ranked 2nd among the Overlords, he's the only one that would dare to stand up against the feared Overlord Kang Chul-In. Milord, I, Lee Gong-Myung, will put my life on the line, and guarantee this alliance with Baruk Al Yusuf."

".....!"

Rothschild was astonished.

Lee Gong-Myung had a calm and cautious personality, so he didn't normally promise things.

But he knew that when Lee Gong-Myung promised something, he would definitely get things done.

And not only that, but he had used a fierce expression like 'I'd put my life on the line to get this alliance.' This meant that he was 100% sure that he could get this done.

"Is that possible? The last time I met Baruk Al Yusuf, he was just a crazy psychopath... Even though we did talk last time during the Lord meetings, I doubt he would want to ally with me, who's a westerner..."

"I can do it."

As Lee Gong-Myung answered once more with conviction, Alex Rothschild had nothing to say. He didn't have a choice but to believe in Lee Gong-Myung.

------------

After achieving victory, Kang Chul-In triumphantly returned to Fox Valley.

"Husband!"

The Ninetails quickly ran to greet Kang Chul-In, her tails swaying behind her.

"As expected of Kang Chul-In. Victory after victory!"

Dorian, who had been watching from the sidelines, came and also greeted Kang Chul-In with a smile.

"Get out the way."

Kang Chul-In ignored Dorian.

"M-Meanie..."

"All you know how to do is hide. What else can you do other than cheer?"

"W-What? Cheer?"

"Whatever. Useless bastard."

"Hmph! And who was the one that told me to hide and watch from the sidelines?"

Though Dorian argued,

This is it for the plans of using Aleister.

Kang Chul-In ignored Dorian, thinking of his future plans.

"Dear husband, we've won the battle, so please get some rest and have some alcohol with me."

"Fine, not bad."

"...Sorry?"

Not thinking that Kang Chul-In was going to accept her request so readily, the Ninetail's eyes widened. She had naturally thought she would be rejected.

"I'll go after washing up."

"R-Really?"

"I also have something to talk to you about. Wait there."

"A-Alright!"

Though the Ninetails was unaware of what Kang Chul-In would talk to her about, she was excited when Kang Chul-In said he would go after washing up.

"You there."

Kang Chul-In pointed at Amur.

"Yes, lord advisor."

Amur answered politely. He had experienced the rumors personally, so he had to act polite in front of Kang Chul-In. And not only that, but wasn't Kang Chul-In an Ancient Gold Dragon? It wasn't shameful to be polite to him.

"Make sure you take care of all the rewards and everything else after the war. From now, I'll take my hands off of controlling this place."

"Yes, lord advisor."

After saying that, Kang Chul-In walked away.

------------

Fox Valley's famed wine, the 'Charm of the Fox', filled Kang Chul-In's cup.

"What is this made of?"

Sitting in front of the Ninetails, Kang Chul-In looked into the cup and spoke.

This wine that had almost a thousand years of history was pearly pink, making one entranced in its beauty. He was wondering what ingredients were put inside for this wine to appear like this.

"Hmm... this is wine made of a peach that comes out once every 10 years. It takes at least 50 years to brew. It's difficult to find any wine like this, even if you look all over of Pangaea."

"Hooo..."

Nodding, Kang Chul-In took a sip.

".....!"

The wine was incredibly delicious.

Although this was the case, Kang Chul-In also felt his head ringing, due to the intensity of the alcohol.

"Wow, a normal person would be out after just one cup of this."

Kang Chul-In said, emptying his cup.

"Listen while you drink."

Finally, Kang Chul-In talked about what he had called her for.

"Hmm, I wonder what dear husband brought me here for~."

The Ninetail's tails were swaying, after just drinking a single cup of the wine.

"Political marriage."

Finally, the word 'marriage' came out of Kang Chul-In's mouth.

If any of the officials were listening to this conversation, they might go crazy with joy, saying 'our lord is finally marrying! Hurrah for him!'

"Ho? What about it?"

Sipping the wine, the Ninetails asked.

"What you want is a marriage with me, and what I want is the wealth that you have. To achieve both of our aims, there's nothing better than a political marriage."

"So, you're just thinking about the practical benefits."

"I won't say no to that."

Kang Chul-In didn't back off.

What else would a Lord want, other than practical benefits?

"So, will you do it or not? Answer me, Ninetails."

So, the Ninetails answered.

"Though I don't like the fact that it's a political marriage... Hmm..."

The Ninetails spoke, pouting.

"I cannot marry anyone except for you. I'm not in the position to argue. And, if it's someone like you... I want to say yes."

"So it's a yes?"

"Of course."

The Ninetails nodded.

"Very well. But I will say this in advance. Since this is a political marriage, don't expect any emotional attachments from me. I don't have the time to worry about things like that. If you're dissatisfied, you can break off the marriage whenever you want. But, that has to be after we've traded what we wanted."

"Pft... how long do you think you'll will be able to speak like that to me? It's an unspoken law that some emotions will be borne after experiencing skin-to-skin. I also believe that a sweet spot will develop in your heart for this me."

Though she said that, the Ninetails had a plan.

Huhu, husband. No matter how strong your tolerance for alcohol is, you cannot beat me! Tonight, husband will end up in my arms.

In reality, the Ninetails had a plan of 'eating' Kang Chul-In up.

"Well, we'll see about that shortly. I will send a message to talk about the..."

Pzzt, Pzzt!

Suddenly, powerful sparks started to fly up.

A terrifying light filled the Palace of Promise.

"H-Husband!"

The surprised Ninetails shouted, and pointed at Kang Chul-In's right pinky finger. On that finger was the Epic Item, the 'Needle of the Empress'.

[Penalty Option 1, 2, 3, and 4 has activated!]

A strange message popped up.

Chapter 142. Kwak-Jung's Foresight

What is this?

Kang Chul-In's face involuntarily stiffened at this message.

There was no explanation whatsoever.

Just that, apparently, penalty options had been applied to him.

At that moment. a new message popped up, giving information about the item that had caused this: the 'Needle of the Empress'.

[Epic] Needle of the Empress

-To this marriage, I say no!

Type: Ring

Option 1: A hidden quest will occur when the user reaches level 100

Penalty Option 1: Lightning

-Terrifying lightning will fall around the user's wedding hall (radius of 100 kilometres)

Penalty Option 2: Earthquake

-A terrifying earthquake around the user's wedding hall will occur (radius of 100 kilometres)

Penalty Option 3: Hail

-Hail will fall around the user's wedding hall (radius of 100 kilometres)

Penalty option 4: Cannot be taken off

-All of the penalty options will be gone after the hidden quest is cleared

What kind of item...

Looking at this description, one could understand why Kang Chul-In was in his rare shocked state.

To think that a penalty that would cause 3 natural disasters could exist.

If he held a marriage, the nearby 100 km would be absolutely destroyed. It seemed that it wouldn't kill just the husband and the wife that were getting married, but also the people attending the marriage.

And the fact that he was unable to take it off before he cleared the hidden quest was a nuisance too. This meant that even if he cut off his finger, the options would still follow him until he cleared the hidden quest.

"Uh… Husband?"

The Ninetails cautiously approached Kang Chul-In.

"...It's something annoying."

"What is it?"

Kang Chul-In wrapped his hands around his face, as he couldn't be bothered to explain.

Is this how they prove that not all Epic items are good?

Though Kang Chul-In trembled in rage at these ridiculous penalty options, he didn't succumb to it.

"Let's see who wins."

Kang Chul-In growled.

It said that whoever it was, they disagreed with this marriage?

Bullsh*t!

Lightning?

Earthquakes?

Hail?

Kang Chul-In wasn't planning to succumb to the penalty options of this item, no matter what they were.

It doesn't matter, since I'm not planning to hold the wedding soon anyway. I'll worry about this matter later.

Kang Chul-In was planning on returning to the Ishtar region, and continuing his conquest activities. He didn't have the time to hold a wedding just yet.

If there was a problem later?

It didn't matter, he would just beat the hidden quest.

Kang Chul-In believed that no item would be able to restrain him.

"It doesn't matter. Just keep drinking."

Without caring, Kang Chul-In continued to pour the wine into his cup.

"Hmm?"

Though the Ninetails tilted her head at Kang Chul-In's behavior, she didn't continue speaking.

"Husband, say 'Ah~.'"

The Ninetails grabbed a piece of meat, and tried to feed Kang Chul-In.

"I'm not going to eat it."

"If you want to beat me in drinking, you need to eat."

"I don't need to."

Kang Chul-In was also incredibly gifted in drinking, and not getting drunk.

"Hmph, you're just acting strong. Huhu."

Kang Chul-In and the Ninetails spent the whole night talking about a lot of things.

And around 3 or 4 hours later.

"Hng, no way…"

The Ninetails looked up at Kang Chul-In, with disbelieving eyes. It seemed that she was extremely drunk.

"H-How could a human withstand 5 bottles of…"

-------

The next morning.

"Ung…"

The Ninetails woke to the warm sunlight.

"Where am I…? Hng… I thought me and my husband were drinking the… Hmm?"

The Ninetails looked around.

"...!"

As she looked around, she realized that she was in the Palace of Promise, on the bed that Kang Chul-In had been using.

"H-Husband?"

Though the Ninetails called, Kang Chul-In was nowhere to be seen. Only traces of the drinking they had done last night could be seen.

"Have you woken, my queen?"

Her servant, Emily, brought her some cool honey-water. Emily was the only servant that

was allowed within the palace.

"How about my husband? Where is he now?"

The Ninetails looked for Kang Chul-In.

"He left early this morning."

".....!"

"He had told me not to wake you up since you were deep in sleep…"

"...So he's gone."

"He said that he will send a messenger soon, so please wait, my queen."

"Is that so? It seems that husband has really gone, like the wind."

-----------

After returning to Laputa, Kang Chul-In immediately started the preparations to move.

He made sure that the political marriage was kept a secret, in order to keep the misunderstanding that he had gone and hooked up with another woman while he ran away from Skadi.

While Kang Chul-In was gone, the internal affairs of the Laputa territory were going smoother than he had expected.

The new city 'Balnibarbi' was extremely beautiful and large. Since this was only the 1st construction project finished, Kang Chul-In was excited to see how it would develop.

And since the population had also increased, they were now at 20,000.

"Not bad."

Looking down at his own territory from the balcony, Kang Chul-In smiled.

This was enough to start his plans.

"Milord."

Kwak-Jung called.

"You've come?"

Kang Chul-In looked behind him.

"It seems like you have something to say."

"Yes, milord."

Kwak-Jung started fretting, as if something were wrong.

It seems like he doesn't have the most confidence.

Looking at him, Kang Chul-In laughed.

Dammit, how do I start?

"Kwak-Jung."

Looking at how Kwak-Jung was struggling to start speaking, Kang Chul-In called out.

"If you have something you want to say, just speak. No one will laugh at you even if you say something wrong here. I'm the one who appointed you into the position as the tactician. If I laugh at you, I would only be laughing at myself."

"I-Is that so?"

"Confidence maketh man. Be proud when you talk."

As Kang Chul-In encouraged him, Kwak-Jung took a pause, before starting to speak.

"Milord."

Kwak-Jung's voice turned extremely serious.

"Do we really need to move?"

It was a somewhat mysterious thing to say.

------

Kang Chul-In took Kwak-Jung, and moved elsewhere to have a better conversation.

"So, what's the reason you said that?"

"Take a look at this map."

Kwak-Jung pointed at the map, where the Valhalla territory was located.

"This was going to be our destination, right?"

"Yes."

"On the right, we have the Overlord Aleister's territory, and we have our ally Hecate's territory to the left. If milord is able to ally with these two Overlords, it is possible to create a massive power that threatens Pangaea."

Even though Kang Chul-In had never explained this before, Kwak-Jung somehow thought of the Ishtar Coalition. This meant that he had potential, and that Kang Chul-In wasn't wrong.

"You're right."

Kang Chul-In nodded his head.

"But still, it's somewhat unstable."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

Kwak-Jung started to explain.

"We need at least 2 years in order to gain the full support of Hecate. It's not like people marry as soon as they get to meet with someone of the opposite sex. It'll take, let's say… maybe 2 years for a Pangaean couple to get married. Don't you think that even at the very least, we should wait a year or a year and a half before expecting the full support and backing of Hecate?"

"Oh!"

At Kwak-Jung's foresight and thoughts, Kang Chul-In started to think that this former gangster was finally doing what he had brought him here for.

"Our alliance with Hecate isn't that strong yet, and that crazy Aleister is someone… who can't be trusted."

"You're saying that if we rush to move, we might get backstabbed by Aleister and Hecate?"

"That's not true."

This time, Kwak-Jung shook his head.

"If Hecate was going to betray us, she wouldn't have gone through all of this. As for that crazy necrophiliac…"

Kwak-Jung pointed towards where Aleister's territory was located.

"General Drakan has told me that milord already crushed that creepy bastard's army. I doubt that he would go into battle anytime soon after that."

"Then why are you saying no to this?"

"It's this person here."

Kwak-Jung pointed towards the territory that was located to the north of Valhalla.

"...Baruk Al Yusuf?"

"Yes, that stupid psychopath is the problem here. What can we do if he decides to invade our territory?"

"...It will be a tiring fight."

Answering Kwak-jung's question, Kang Chul-In realised that he hadn't thought of this, yet.

In truth, Kang Chul-In had never thought about Baruk Al Yusuf.

Why?

Because he thought that he would be hunted down by the other Lords anyway.

In the past, that was what had happened to Baruk Al Yusuf.

And even before he had been hunted down, Baruk had never shown any interest in the Ishtar region, and hadn't shown his face there.

"Do you have any guarantee that Baruk Al Yusuf will come south and try to invade us? I don't think that there's a clear reason for why he would do that."

"I guarantee that a psychopath like him would definitely come. I have heard from Secretary Lucia about the kind of man he is. He has such an ego, even when ranked at just 2nd, so I'm sure that he wouldn't be able to stand the man ranked higher than him near his territory."

"So?"

"But, if we just leave him be for the time being, he's going to die after getting hunted down anyway. I haven't seen a man like him being able to survive for long."

"Hoo…"

Once again, Kang Chul-In was surprised.

He had felt that Kwak-Jung was starting to turn his potential into real ability.

"Milord."

Kwak-Jung started to speak again.

"I think we should delay this move. It isn't worth moving there right now, since others would reap the benefits without doing anything."

"So you're telling me to wait…"

And Kang Chul-In's answer to that was…

Chapter 143. Kwak-Jung and Lee Gong-Myung.

Translator: Leyy3

"You're absolutely right."

Kang Chul-In nodded at Kwak-Jung's suggestion.

"I-Is that really so? Do you seriously think that?"

"Of course. Do I look like a liar to you?"

"N-No, sire."

Kwak-Jung quickly shook his hands, denying the notion.

"I-It's just that, I didn't think that Milord would really agree to my opinion and proceed with it. To think that..."

"No."

Suddenly, Kang Chul-In cut off Kwak-Jung's words and shook his head.

"Even though I listened, and agreed..."

"...?"

"I didn't say that I would follow it."

"Sorry?"

Kwak-Jung's eyes widened, as if he didn't understand what Kang Chul-In was talking about.

He wouldn't follow it?

Then what was all that about agreeing to my opinion before?

"Wait a minute."

Kang Chul-In told Kwak-Jung.

"Alfred!"

"Yes, Milord?"

Alfred answered immediately, as he was standing guard behind the door.

"Some whiskey."

"Of course, sire."

Not even a minute had passed before Alfred had brought over a couple of glasses of whiskey to Kang Chul-In.

"Take it."

Kang Chul-In handed over a glass of whiskey.

"O-Okay..."

"Let's talk while drinking."

"Yes, Milord."

Sitting next to each other, they continued their conversation.

"Kwak-Jung, as I had said earlier, what you have said is indeed correct."

"Yes."

"You're right that when there is danger, one needs to know to defend themselves, and keep themselves safe. There isn't a need to risk safety."

"Y-Yes, sire. That's why..."

"However!"

Kang Chul-In interrupted.

"Sometimes, you need to take risks in order to move further forward. Even though it is an individual's choice to take the risk or not... There are also times where one has to take the risk no matter what."

"That means..."

"Yes, we will still be moving."

"...!"

"Do you still remember back when you were a gangster? What was the reason you tried to take Gangnam?"

"Well... in order to make more money, you have to play in a bigger field..."

"Exactly."

"Sorry?"

"How long do you think it will take until Baruk Al Yusuf gets hunted down?"

"At this rate... maybe around half a year? I don't think that he would fall immediately, seeing as how he is in 2nd place."

"And do you think that during those supposed 6 months that I have to wait, the other Lords will just be playing around?"

"Ah...!"

Kwak-Jung gasped. He had finally understood what Kang Chul-In was saying.

"6 months is enough for people to get their alliances sorted, especially since Pangaea is shifting rapidly after the 1st Lord meetings. What do you think will happen if a new person comes out in a region where there are already people occupied?"

"Well... to emphasize a little bit, the Lords there might consider that as invasion. We might get focused on..."

"So, what do you think? Is it better to fight against a group of hyenas like that, or one Baruk Al Yusuf?"

"...It's easier fighting against one strong person than against a group of weaker ones."

"Then we're finished here."

Kang Chul-In concluded.

"We will still be moving. But your role will be important."

"My role?"

"When we move, we will

be at a military disadvantage in terms of numbers. A situation that's hard for even me to face head-on will come. At that point, it'll be your turn."

"W-What?!"

At this sudden responsibility, Kwak-Jung nearly shouted.

"M-Me?!"

"...Do you think that your position as a strategist is just for show?"

"B-But..."

"Hmm... I think it's about time I do a double-check with Timothy on how much you're making every year..."

"M-Milord!!"

Kwak-Jung seemed as though he was about to cry.

"If you give such an important role to me so abruptly..."

But seemingly, without a single care in the world, Kang Chul-In spoke.

"It isn't that difficult. Just use that devious brain of yours and think of the best way to f*ck them up. That's easier, right?"

"..."

"What's important---"

Kang Chul-In grabbed Kwak-Jung's shoulder with his hands.

"Is confidence. Don't forget."

"...!"

"I believe in you."

"...R-Really?"

"Just remember this."

"What is it, sire?"

"A threat that has already been detected is no longer a threat."

"...!"

"Isn't it obvious which one will hurt more, between getting hit without knowing beforehand, and getting hit while prepared for it?"

That was true.

It would be much easier to deal with a threat that had been detected beforehand.

It still hurts, even when knowing beforehand though...

But Kwak-Jung's thoughts were different.

Damned, stupid mental training...

It was because Kwak-Jung was thinking of the terrifying beating from Kang Chul-In that was famed throughout the officials of Laputa.

--------

Anatolia.

The territory of Baruk Al Yusuf seemed more like an Islam city than a territory in Pangaea.

How terrifying.

Stepping into the territory, one could already see signs of Baruk Al Yusuf's influence.

The thing located in the middle of the territory wasn't the Lord's castle, but rather a huge Mosque, and it was impossible to find even a single woman out on the streets. It was a sight that one would be hard-pressed to find even in the middle-east, as it would have to be a place where people were extremely strict about Sharia law [1].

"This way."

A man wearing Islamic clothing led Lee Gong-Myung.

"As-Salaam-Alaikum [2]."

Lee Gong-Myung greeted Baruk Al Yusuf in the traditional Islamic way.

They said that one would have to know the enemy to win their battles.

For Lee Gong-Myung who had come to make an alliance, he had to match what the crazy psychopath that was Baruk Al Yusuf wanted.

If not?

He would probably be executed.

"I greet the great Khalifa [3]of Anatolia."

"You're the messenger of Rothschild?"

Sitting upon the throne, Baruk Al Yusuf looked down upon the bowing Lee Gong-Myung. It was hard to see that this charismatic man was the same person that had been humiliated by Kang Chul-In during the lord meetings.

"Yes, my name is Lee Gong-Myung."

"Alright. Cut the chat, what are you here for?"

"Currently, the Cyamodus territory's force isn't strong enough to be compared to the Khalifa's. However, we have come here to offer an alliance."

"Even though you know that you're that weak?"

"Yes, great Khalifa."

Lee Gong-Myung put his head down.

"Even though it is embarrassing, we have come to ask the Khalifa for an alliance."

"As you said, you're weak. You don't have what I need, so how dare you..."

"There's no way that we were trying to debase the great Khalifa. My own Lord, Lord Rothschild, is also willing to pay the price for this."

"The right price? Are you talking about money and riches, or women? Lee Gong-Myung... Servant of Alex Rothschild, do not belittle me. Do you honestly think you can tempt me, the reincarnation of the great Allah, with riches of the West?"

Baruk Al Yusuf didn't care.

They had lots of money and food in their territory, and were completely set. He wasn't going to flinch no matter how much Rothschild offered him.

"Great Khalifa."

But as if he had expected this, Lee Gong-Myung continued on with a calm face.

"What my lord plans to give the great Khalifa isn't materialistic."

"Oh, then what is it?"

As Baruk Al Yusuf asked, Lee Gong-Myung bowed again.

"Great Khalifa."

Lee Gong-Myung spoke.

"The thing that Lord Rothschild plans to give as trade is the man you see in front of you."

They were strange words.

[1] Islam's religious law. Read more at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharia

[2] "May peace be upon you." A common greeting in Arabic. Read more at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/As-salamu_alaykum

[3] Arabic for "ruler." Read more at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khalifa

Chapter 144. Putting the Pandemonium Region behind

Translator: Leyy3

Kang Chul-In moved on with his plans of moving, while his strategist, Kwak-Jung, tried to think of methods to beat Baruk Al-Yusuf, or that 'oily Arab' as Kwak-Jung liked to say.

And the preparations for this mass moving was what caused the citizens and officials of Laputa to be constantly busy.

One week later, one day before finally moving out of the Pandemonium region, Hecate, along with her flying territory Temeraire, came over to the Laputa territory.

It was because today was the 'promised day' where the males of Temeraire and the females of Laputa would meet.

"Woo!!"

"W-Women!"

"I can see women!"

The poor subordinates of Hecate started to run rampant before even arriving on land. It was obvious how desperate these men were. 0

"Welcome to Laputa, Overlord Hecate."

"Are you only going to greet me with your words?"

Hecate said, tickling Kang Chul-In's hand.

"There are other ways you can greet me. For example..."

Just when Hecate was going to throw a sexual pun...

"Woahhh~!"

"Go go go!!"

Around 1000 of Hecate's subordinates started to run towards Kang Chul-In's territory, like a pack of ravished dogs.

"...These bastards."

The veins on Hecate's forehead bulged.

She took a musket out,

BANG!

And shot it.

"Ahh!"

One of the soldiers at the very front fell down and screamed in pain. Hecate had shot him in the leg.

"If you keep doing that, I'll make sure I put a hole in each of your legs! Understand?"

Looking on, the other subordinates stopped in fear, and listened to Hecate's orders.

"Y-Yes, Milord!"

"W-We'll make sure we do that!"

This showed just how terrifying Hecate normally was to her subordinates.

-------

The female-starved citizens of Hecate.

The male-starved citizens of Kang Chul-In.

If one looked simply, they seemed like a good match for each other. If they paired the women and men together, who knew what would happen?

...Nothing. Nothing happened.

"Hmph!"

"So dirty!"

"Can you not?"

The women of Laputa were cold to the men that they had so desperately wished for before, meaning that strangely enough, the success rate of the meetings in Laputa was extremely low.

Dammit...

Kang Chul-In rubbed his face in pure weariness.

At this rate, the alliance with Hecate wouldn't go as planned and could lead to it being actually cancelled altogether.

Something's different from the past. What is it...

"Milord..."

Kwak-Jung came over.

"Ah, you've come?"

"Yes, Milord. I've found the problem."

"Very good. What is it?"

"It..."

"Speak."

"It's because of the dramas..."

A completely unexpected answer came out of Kwak-Jung's words.

"The problem is that everyone's standards have gone up."

".....?"

"The women of the territory have sorted their happiness through watching drama over the winter, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"But, how are the actors in those dramas? They're all extremely handsome and seem like male gods to the women of Pangaea. It's obvious that by continuing to look at them, their standards have all gone up."

Though it seemed quite stupid, it also made sense.

"Well, though it may be different for other men, Hecate's subordinates... Well..."

Kwak-Jung hit the main point.

"They have to make sure they

keep their appearance in check, in order for the women to even take a look at them. They all seem like pirates, with scraggly beards and smelly bodies. And since they were so starved of women, it is said that whenever they converse or look at women, their ehem... stiffens, and sometimes they even wet their pants while..."

"Enough, stop."

Since it wasn't a very pleasant story, Kang Chul-In motioned at Kwak-Jung to stop.

"So, what can we do to solve this problem?"

"Hmmm... I think it'll be possible, since all we need to do is make sure that the men are taking care of their appearance. Thankfully, we have just the person for that."

"We do? What kind of person is that?"

"We have... Sir Podolski."

"...Podolski?"

"Yes, Milord. Though Sir Podolski might look a little like a monkey, he is still quite a popular little man. If we make him the mentor of Hecate's men, I think it will be fine."

"Oho!"

"And through this experience, we also need to break the fantasies of the women in our territory."

Kang Chul-In felt satisfied, seeing how Kwak-Jung had already come up with a solution.

This guy, he keeps getting better.

Kang Chul-In's eyes gleamed.

"Very well. This time, do whatever you want."

"Yes, Milord."

"If you succeed, I'll give you a special bonus too."

"A special bonus?"

"Didn't you want a cat-human as a secretary?"

"...No way!"

"If you do well this time, I'll make sure two of them will become your personal secretaries. Of course, I expect that you won't harass them sexually..."

"Of course not!"

Kwak-Jung argued back.

"Very well. Go out and sort the situation now."

-------

A special order was given out.

Hecate's subordinates were to go to the barber and cut their hair cleanly. They were also ordered to go wash in the river, to make themselves more presentable.

That wasn't all.

They were also given clean and new military uniforms. Thanks to all of this, the previously 'disgusting' pirates had become more like men and less like beggars.

And added to the teaching of Podolski, these former 'disgusting' people were able to change for the better.

There was also some education being given to the women of the territory.

The men in dramas are fake, and there are no men like that. This was spread throughout the territory.

Around 2 days from that.

"Hohoho~"

"Kuhahaha!"

The merry laughter of men and women could be heard all throughout the Laputa territory.

"Come this way~"

"T-That's the field, though...?"

"Who cares? As long as it's the two of us making love..."

"B-But..."

The effect was extremely clear.

[The happiness of the citizens has risen by 1!]

Even without Timothy's reports, Kang Chul-In was able to see how effective the plan was.

---------

Finally, the quick event that they had prepared was over.

Though the women and men were separated once again, they would continue their love like the Cowherd and the Weaver girl [1].

With the Soul Core of Laputa in his hands, Kang Chul-In ordered the takeoff of the territory.

T-Tzztt!!

The land that had supported the Laputa territory seemed to split open,

Vroom!!

And the machinery underneath the Laputa territory drove it upwards.

As the territory flew up, the cloaking was also activated automatically.

In order to go to Valhalla, they had to go past the Dragonia Mountain range where real dragons lived, so they had to be extremely careful not to wake the dragons underneath.

However, while they were moving upwards,

BANG!

With a large noise---

Uung...

The territory shook.

"Hmm?"

Kang Chul-In looked downward, to make sure that everything was fine.

"What is it?"

Kang Chul-In shouted at the soldiers that we keeping watch from closer to the mountains.

"It's nothing, milord! It's just that the territory grazed the side of the mountain."

One soldier answered back.

"Alright!"

Since the Dragonia Mountain range was quite tall, it seemed that there had been a collision.

Let's go higher.

Kang Chul-In thought it was just a mere happening, and used the speaker to broadcast his message.

"We're going to go higher, so make sure you go back indoors!"

-------

At the same time.

Crash!

Bang!

A sleeping black dragon was hit by a falling rock on the head.

The large pupils of the dragon opened, showing red, terrifying eyes. Laputa had just awoken the black dragon from its slumber.

[1] A Chinese folk talk. Read more at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cowherd_and_the_Weaver_Girl

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