Volume 11 - Chapter 20: Postwar Process
Postwar Process
Outside the fortress, we cast large quantities of monsters into a large hole, and burned them.
We stripped off all usable materials, and recovered magic stones. But for those that suffered heavy damage, we had to ignore the materials, and collect only the stones.
The knights and magicians poured oil in the hole, and set it alight.
While the smoke rose to the sky, I wore a mask to inspect the process as I spoke with Alette-san.
As we walked side by side, there were some soldiers who greeted me as we passed. Among them, soldiers who blatantly clicked their tongues at me
The dissatisfaction of the knights and soldiers of Lorphys was considerable, it seems.
Alette-san apologized.
Sorry. Quite a few of them understand it in their heads, but their feelings dont agree.
I lightly shook my head to the side.
I dont mind. Ive done enough to deserve it, after all. Now then, continuing out talk Division of the stones and materials, was it? Well take the Giant Kong, but everything else can be split with you and Zayin, fifty-fifty. Is that alright?
There, Alette-san looked at me, her face warping a little.
Were fine with that, but in that case, youll lose out on your share. Our side was estimating thirty to forty percent, just to let you know.
Both Zayin and Lorphys likely wanted the Magic Stones and Materials enough to sprout hands from their throats. Because they wouldnt have to buy them off from Beim.
Yeah, Ill accept a few on my side. The Giant Kongs Magic Stone was of considerable quality, it seems, and with the materials in my hands as well, Ive earned more than planned, so there isnt a problem.
It was true, but that wasnt all. In truth, my wallet was stuffed with merchant backing, starting with the Trs House. Even after putting out condolence money, I would have some left over.
On top of that, Zayin and Lorphys would require large amounts of stones and materials soon.
Well, Ive already discussed it with Lonbolt-san and Gastone-san, so dont worry about it. Just split it in half, and head home. Oh, and please dont dispute about it.
When I joked around, Alette-san let out a sigh.
You think we have that sort of strength left in us? Once weve finished up here, the main force is returning to the country. I want to get them back quickly. Because the movements of Galleria and Rusworth are bothering me.
They were two countries boasting equal, or greater national power than Zayin and Lorphys. Four countries of about the same scale.. that was the current state of Beims surroundings.
Are they warring especially hard?
When we sent out scouts, it seems it wasnt just skirmishes. Theyre truly monsters, it seems. Both parties have their female leaders at the forefront of every battle, so theres little a gap. Good grief, in that case, it wouldve been better we left Selva in-between us.
I could only give a bitter smile. Perhaps noticing my sarcasm, Alette-san apologized again.
Sorry. That wasnt my intent.
Its alright. Now then, lets start preparing. Im sure the folks from Beim will come to buy off our Magic Stones soon, after all.
Why Beim? And what do you mean theyll come to buy them off?
Seeing Alette-sans confusion, I grinned, laughed, and explained.
At Beims Guild Headquarter, Gastone and Lonbolt were carrying out an intense back and forth.
Gastons face was bright red.
What is the meaning of this; asking us to hand over the Magic Stones and materials we risked our lives to obtain!? And saying youll pay nothing to retake control of the fortress that prevented the advance of such an army of evil is simply too much!
Beims executive personnel heard out his piece with bitter sentiment.
They had arbitrarily butted in to participate, and now they were saying they wouldnt sell the Magic Stones and materials. They likely planned to take them home, and use them in their countries.
But the executive staff didnt think the knights and soldiers of both countries would return alive. That fact had largely twisted their plans.
The merchants were quite forceful in their demand for the Guild to somehow dispose of the equipment that had been left over.
One of the executives spoke.
Then how about trading for arms and armor? Im sure your side has lost much equipment, so if its now well accept around this.
When he displayed a conversion rate, it was Lonbolts turn to let his body go read up to the head, with an expression like that of a boiling octopus.
The reward we attained from fighting with our lives on the line can only be traded for so little? Whats more, where we fall short, well have to pay with gold, you say!?
The executive immediately apologized.
N-no, that is a misunderstanding. I understand. Then magic stones of this amount how about this much?
The rate was immediately altered, but the two men werent satisfied.
Even in normal times, these rates would be strange. Are you taking us for fools? We didnt need any equipment from the start. The Magic Stones and materials are plenty.
For the Guilds executive officers, it would be troublesome if the two counties made off with them. Of all else, they had refrained from getting their hands on a weeks worth of monster drops, and the resources they had saved up had been exchanged to weapons.
Meaning they had suddenly fallen into a dearth of Magic Stones and monster parts.
At the rate, problems would surface across the branches, so the executive staff looked amongst themselves.
In that case, we shall annul any remaining debt of both your countries. On top of that, an exchange with the weapons we have in store. How does that sound? Also, this is are final concession.
To the serious faces of the executives, Gastone and Lonbolt made vexed faces.
But the Guild personnel thought.
(Even if they act tough, the national power to oppose Beim isnt something either of their countries possesses.)
When Gastone nodded, Lonbolt reluctantly nodded as well. But then Gastone
But giving it all would be troublesome on our side. At the very least, Id like you to leave it at taking seventy percent of what weve reaped.
Lonbolt was the same.
For us as well. Having nothing left at all is out of the discussion. Even after returning to the country, I wont be able to persuade a soul.
The Guild executives, after crunching some numbers, determined they would be able to somehow overcome the present situation, before smiling and nodding.
Very well. From the portion taken by both your countries, Beim shall take over seventy percent. We shall prepare the weapons and armor on our side, and Im sure youd like to confirm it, so all you need do is send men to pick it up.
Hearing that, Lonbolt looked annoyed.
All youre saying is that youll have us shoulder the transportation costs.
An executive smiled wide.
No, this is only because a quantity check is necessary. You wouldnt want twice the effort, would you?
The executives, Gastone, and Lonbolt looked over the forms written up. And after confirming their contents, they signed them.
Beims side was smiling, while Gastone and Lonbolt looked down with their shoulders shaking. The executive personnel were certain they were considerably irritated.
Behind the two who were thought to be vexed at the outcome, in the clothes of Zayins temple maidens, stood May
A few days later.
Soldiers and mercenaries of Beim set to be stationed at the fortress dropped by.
But besides them, mercenaries hired to recover stones and materials, as well as transport squads were sent in large numbers.
The important-looking existences called the free knights of Beim came to the fortress, and lined up before us as we sat in the chairs of the commanders room.
Good work with defense. Henceforth, this fortress shall come back under Beims management. You can return at once if you so desire.
Me, Alette-san, and Noy-san. The three of us were side by side.
You can return at once pretty much meant get out of here already.
Also, this is the decision of your superiors. Seventy percent of the Magic Stones and materials will be conceded to Beim. Youve my thanks for making it easier by neatly dividing and sorting them.
Before the new commander of the fortress, who was purposely trying to rile us up, the Third spoke after bursting into laughter.
This ones no good. While were at it, should we get him demoted as well? Its best the commander here be a proficient one.
Milleia-san agreed as she giggled.
Im also for it. Now then, how shall we kick him of that high seat hes sitting in?
As approval circled around, they immediately devised a means to kick him out on the spot.
(These guys personalities are way too terrible.)
As I thought that, the free knight.
Ah, also, leave behind the cannons that performed so well in battle. Itll just be a bother for you to carry them back to Beim, after all. You cant even use them there, right? We shall put them to better use.
I was dumbfounded. Noy-san couldnt stay quiet at that one.
Thats simply too much. Those cannons are
Its fine!
I stopped Noy-san, and shook my head. To the end, before the newly-appointed commander, I had to play the part of a single adventurer of weak standing.
But I could hear the Fifth contain his laughter.
C-could it be this one is actually trying to be considerate of us?
The Fourth gave a grand laugh as well.
Hes so kind Im being moved to tears. Hes incompetent, but this is a miracle! I dont think Ill actually forget his face!
I looked at the commander.
Youre telling us to leave the cannons, correct?
Exactly. Taking something like that to the city will be nothing but trouble. But youve sure put them to good use. For that alone, I dont mind commending you.
There, the Seventh gave a delightful voice.
And I dont mind commending your actions. A splendid man. For you to offer material to get you kicked out of office of your own accord, you really have a form of talent there. From our eyes, that is.
Understood. Well then, weve preparations to make.
Watching us regretfully leave the room, the fortress new commander haughtily stretched himself over the chair in satisfaction.
By the way, I was also quite satisfied.
(But seventy percent, is it? I was prepared for eighty to ninety, but I wonder if Gastone-san and co. were able to do well.)
Leaving the fortress behind us, we returned to Beim.
I immediately brought my feet to the Trs Houses door. I had to make rounds to all the houses that backed us, but there was also something I had to report to Vera.
When I entered the mansion, Vera raced over.
Lyle! Youre not injured, right! If you are, I wont forgive you!
Accepting her embrace, I gave a bitter smile. In the mansions entrance hall were her younger sister Gina, and Ginas boyfriend Roland, watching us from a little ways away.
Milleia-san perhaps surveying the surroundings
Fidel-san isnt here. Its a bit of a shame. I wanted to fan his flames before his eyes again. You cant imagine how many moves and lines Ive thought up for that.
The Third spoke as it to console her.
Its alright. Weve got as many chances to stir him up as we want, from here on. Anyways, a single, father-in-law is enough to make his rage cross the limit, so I cant wait to see what youve got.
These ones really do have terrible personalities.
And I made an apologetic face to Vera. In all seriousness, I really was sorry. The ancestors convinced me to concede the cannon to that commander free knight, so I followed along.
Um, Im sorry well, I couldnt take the cannons back. Beims free knights said to leave them at the fortress and guns and gunpowder as well. Im sorry.
There, Vera burst into rage.
I dont care about something like that. I can just have more made. Youre safe, and thats enough. Or were there any other injured?
When I said there werent any serious injuries among my party members, she looked relieved.
Seeing the scene, the Fourth.
Yep, I think Vera-chan resembles my wife, just a bit.
The Fifth spoke nostalgically.
This thorny kindness definitely does remind me of mama.
He said.
And the Seventh opened his mouth, enjoying himself.
Now then, from here on is the fun part. I never thought the day would come for me to give thanks to Beims adventurers and merchants. Lyle, its fun time!
Ignoring the high-tensioned ancestors, I told Vera the just of our defensive war.
At the Guilds main headquarters, taking his subordinates along, Fidel slammed a document down on the table.
His opponents, the Guilds executive personnel, were shaking before one of the top merchants of the city.
Fidel had heard the circumstances from Vera, and marched straight to the ones that had dispatched that free knight, Beims adventurers guild headquarters.
The forms were proof that the cannon and heavy weaponry had been borrowed from Fidel. Thinking it would be a pain if Lyle was going to be reluctant to return them, the man had personally written them up himself.
Did you read them? Now read them again, and keep reading until youre sure there are no problems. This isnt just as a merchant, its something you all need to keep mindful of as well.
The Guild executives sat in their chairs, and tried making themselves look smaller.
E-even if he didnt know, for a free knight to thoughtlessly do something like this
In regards to the executives that had begun to make excuses, Fidel erupted. His mind remained calm, but he let his expression fill with rage.
Who told you to give an excuse!? What Im asking is how you plan to take responsibility! Just how much value do you think your excuses hold?
The executives were likely loathing those free knights they had dispatched already. Even if they were called knights, they were former soldiers and adventurers.
The Guild took care of such management, while merchants could hold private armies and maintain military power separately.
Meaning the Guild had basically unlawfully seized the equipment of Fidels own private army.
The executives all apologized at once.
We offer our deepest apologies! We shall retrieve and deliver it at once!
But Fidel wasnt satisfied.
That was something loaded onto one of our companys ships. You mean for us to sail the seas unarmed? Im sure youll reimburse me for the loss Ill face in their absence, right? I was preparing to set out as soon as I heard the borrower had returned, yet it turns out it wasnt broken, but stolen. Of course, theres a problem with the one I lent it to, but you also have fault for stealing it.
The contract held that if Lyle broke them on the battlefield, he wouldnt have to pay reparations. Fidel thought something like that wasnt much a problem.
But if he could squeeze money out of another party, it was a different story. Whats more, this time, the Guild hadnt been of any use. He had his dissatisfactions at them, and his actions also had the meaning of getting back at them.
One of the executives.
We will take charge of your losses on our side.
And Fidel spoke in discontentment.
He was more a thief or bandit than a commander, but is he really worthy of commanding Fortress Redant? It doesnt look that way to me. How about you try sending someone a little more decent next time? Thats an important transport point. I think itll be too late once a problems already happened.
The Guild staff immediately replied.
Yes. Well send talented personnel at once. The dispatched commander will receive a harsh penalty, so could this matter be
Very well. But having others know I was stolen from will have them make light of me. Wont the Guild be troubled by strange rumors too?
T-that is true.
With those words, Fidel made a smile.
Yes, Im sure. Im sure so, sign this form.
When he took out another document, the executive officers faces stiffened.
Lets make it that I sold it to you. Use the cannons and guns for the fortress defense. In exchange, Ill have twelve new cannons and guns made for my ships, and the Guild will shoulder the cost.
The true number of cannons handed off at the fortress was ten. There wasnt a man here that knew that fact, so they silently nodded.
Watching the Guild officers sign, Fidel nodded with a smile.
There really were a lot of problems this time around. But I dont mean to condemn you all for it. In the next meeting, Ill advocate for you.
There, they gave their thanks.
T-thank you for your consideration.
Just how can I thank the Trs House. Ill definitely return the favor.
We will prepare the funds at once.
Inside, Fidel thought
( More than this lot, that gigolo puts up a greater resistance. Rather, that damn gigolo really survived hes got the tenacity of a cockroach.)
As I walked through Beims streets with Eva, I recalled the previous events, and made a tired expression.
Putting my right hand to left shoulder, I lightly turned my head.
I cant get used to that atmosphere back there.
The scene I remembered was being surrounded by elves, and interrogated on my life experiences and sentiment on the battlefield. I couldnt help but wonder just where their zeal was coming from.
After talking quite a bit, I paid the elf tribes that had taken part, and saw off their departure from Beim.
Im sure the travelling elf troupes that joined in would avoid Bahnseim and spread around the continent in no time.
Eva delightedly walked to my side.
Did something good happen?
She stopped in her tracks, and made a pose as she spun around. She was a beauty, so it made for a pretty picture, but the surrounding people stopped, looked at her, and laughed.
The truth is, a number of my songs are entering the market! As a daughter of the Nihil tribe leading the elves, my name shall be carved onto the slate of history!
Rather than feel embarrassed at having her name come out, it seems she felt quite delighted. The fact her personality was the polar opposite of mine made a cynical smile emerge on my face.
Letting out a sigh, I walked with Eva towards the mansion.
Well, as long as the rumors spread, alls well.
She sent a wink at me.
Its alright. This times events were flashy, and historic, and whats more, we even paid travel expenses and rewards, so Im sure theyll happily spread the tale. But up to now, you always said you didnt want to be sung of, or recited, so whats with the sudden change of heart?
As Eva tilted her head, I looked up at the sky.
Well, it became necessary, so I put it to action. Thats all it is. But
But?
Maybe you really will be telling my heros tale someday.
When I quietly said it below audible level, Eva grabbed my shoulders, and pulled.
Hey, what is it? Say it properly. Dont leave me hanging.
Pulled by Eva, I laughed, before taking her hand, and leading her all the way to the mansion.
Milleia (#): Lyle receiving cockroach treatment I cannot forgive it!
Third Generation Head (): Quite right (lol), so next time, were riling him especially hard (lolol).
Milleia (*): I just cant wait (lolol), and wait, the people of Beim are so kind, its bringing tears to my eyes.
Fourth Generation Head ([emailprotected]@): Its true. They give us equipment and money for free. On top of that, they even give us fame. Speak ill of them, and the goddess will punish you (lol).
Fifth Generation Head (): No, it really is true. Just how much do they plan on contributing to us? They do it even if they hate us.
Seventh Generation Head (A): But in the end, well definitely be parasiting no, I mean policing them. Theres not a hint of compassion in that.
Lyle (;-).O(Its a good thing I didnt have a Growth this time, but all I did today was tattle to Vera the one who really moved was Fidel. This is bad, I really am becoming a gigolo.)