315 – We must block them.
With Ghislaine’s confident demeanor, Claude nodded.
“So you’re finally thinking of going again.”
“Yes, the timing isn’t bad.”
“The Duke Faction must be fuming. Is it really alright to leave?”
“Now it’s fine. The Crown Prince Faction is on edge, and there’s no threat to us in the North anymore. Even if someone raises an army, it will take them a while to get here.”
“What about Raybold?”
As Amelia’s name came up, Ghislaine chuckled.
“Not yet. She’s not that foolish.”
If Amelia wanted to wipe him out, she would have resolved it when they met a while back. But she chose a different path.
That’s why she’s letting Baron Valua’s rebellion slide now, killing only the nobles and lords who might be affected.
There’s no way a person like her would strike at him recklessly.
“And even if we were ambushed and in danger, we still have enough defensive troops to hold out until we return, so there’s no need to worry yet.”
“Well, if you’re that confident…”
As Claude nodded, Ghislaine immediately summoned his retainers.
He got straight to the point.
“I’m going to retrieve the Runestone. I’ll also be picking up a few other things along the way.”
At those words, Belinda, Gillian, and Kaor exchanged serious glances. They had some bad memories associated with the Runestone.
“Young Master, are you sure?”
“Exactly, we’re heading to the Forest of Monsters.”
“Ugh…”
Belinda tried to protest but closed her mouth instead. Back when they were far more insignificant, he had dashed in without a second thought.
Now that he bears the title of the strongest in the North, she knew he wouldn’t listen to reason.
Instead, she posed another question.
“But do you even know where it is this time? You guessed right before, but the Forest of Monsters is vast, right?”
“Of course, I know. Along the way, we should be able to gather other resources besides the Runestone.”
“How do you know that? Is it another rumor?”
It was always amazing to her. Previously, she would have dismissed such things as mere coincidence or luck. But now, everyone knew that wasn’t the case.
Ghislaine blinked for a moment before speaking.
“I just know everything. I have my own information.”
“……”
“I can’t tell you right now. But I will definitely share it later.”
Ghislaine couldn’t joke about having died and come back, unlike before. Back then, everyone would have laughed it off, but now it wouldn’t be the same.
Though they would likely consider it a joke, it was obvious they would be curious and ask questions.
So Ghislaine quickly changed the subject.
“Hmm, anyway, this time we need to go deeper. Let’s prepare thoroughly.”
“Huh, as the ‘Ogre Slayer’, I can’t help but spring back into action.”
Kaor tossed his hair back, wearing a smug expression.
Ghislaine hadn’t sent Kaor and the hunters back even after the war. They claimed it was for maintaining public order, but it seemed more likely because of the Forest of Monsters.
After all, Kaor and the hunters were seasoned monster hunters.
Ghislaine spread out the map of the Forest of Monsters. It previously only had rough outlines, but now it showed some terrain and paths.
“Our target is here.”
Taking out a pen, Ghislaine drew a new path connecting from the end of the road they had previously created.
Finally, he drew a circle much deeper into the forest and said,
“The Runestone is here—far more than where we dug before.”
“……”
Everyone fell silent, swallowing their breaths. They were dying to know how the lord knew such things.
I was going crazy wondering how he knew something like that.
But that wasn’t the important part. If what the lord said was true, this was a massive deal. Everyone’s mind was flooded with the same thought.
‘Much more than before?’
It’s no exaggeration to say that the basis of this territory’s development is the Runestone.
We could earn money with the Runestone and start everything. But if we could obtain much more than that, we could pursue faster development.
‘We could increase the farmland that uses Runestones.’
‘I could strengthen the armament of the knights and soldiers.’
‘I could enhance the power of the facilities as well.’
The Runestones we’ve had so far were used sparingly for important matters because we needed to make money. But if we obtained a quantity greater than what we had before, it would be a different story.
We could completely fill the territory with magical engineering.
When thoughts align, so do the goals. As the atmosphere heated up, Ghislaine spoke.
“Everyone understands now, right? No need to hesitate, just prepare with all your strength. This time, we’re going to secure territory properly.”
There was unlikely to be much opposition to something that had already been done once. Plus, although it’s hard to believe, the rewards are immense.
The lord’s nonsensical claims always returned with certain results. We just needed to look at the results this time.
Following Ghislaine’s orders, all personnel began moving toward the second development of the Forest of Monsters.
And this time, it was completely different from starting with nothing.
Chop! Chop! Chop! Chop!
Three thousand soldiers moved orderly and formed ranks.
They were the crème de la crème that had participated in the Ian War and now the Desmond War.
They had undergone rigorous training in the territory and were provided with good food and rest. Now, they also proudly held the title of the strongest in the North.
Their eyes were filled with pride due to their high morale, and every step they took radiated strength.
The knights were the same. They no longer hid their overflowing confidence. Most hadn’t entered the Forest of Monsters, but some were mercenaries who had experienced that time.
“I got rid of those Palor folks with the lord, you know? Those guys can’t be attacked in the dark, right? So I used a Light Scroll…”
Gordon reminisced with a distant look. His memories were seriously distorted. The fact that he had peed himself out of fear after being captured was erased from his mind.
Anyway, the knights weren’t scared off by the dangerous rumors of the Forest of Monsters. They had accomplished too many ridiculous things alongside Ghislaine.
In contrast to the meticulously organized soldiers, there was a group dragging their weapons carelessly.
“Hey, I’ve been there once and it’s not a big deal. I caught a Blood Python, you know. With the lord, of course.”
It was Kaor and his cocky-looking hunters.
These guys had weathered all sorts of hardships in the Shadow Mountain Range. Curiosity filled them about the Forest of Monsters, which was only rumored to be dangerous.
Following them were elves equipped with bows and mages.
All 200 elves participated, but only 50 mages were selected, a mix of newcomers and seasoned members.
Some had to stay back to handle territory matters. However, since Vanessa and Alfoy were with the development team, all the main mages of the territory were considered present.
With everyone gathered, Gillian slightly bowed his head to Ghislaine.
“Everything is ready.”
Claude also chimed in while looking at the documents by his side.
“I’ve gathered all the necessary items. I’ll ensure a steady supply of food and medicine through the soldiers. Laborers participating in the development will follow behind.”
This time, the development method was different from before. They planned to secure the existing territory properly and deploy laborers to build palisades and defenses each time they subdued monsters.
The method of pioneering is different from before. Securing the existing territory properly, they planned to immediately send laborers to set up barricades and create defensive lines each time they subdue monsters.
To achieve this, they had brought a few dwarves and a labor assault team of 500.
The intellect of the Forest of Monsters is unparalleled compared to other places. The secured area will become an excellent territory.
“There’s enough lodging for the laborers, so I don’t think we need any more preparations. I’ll make sure there are no issues with supplies.”
Ghislaine didn’t set up the fortress in front of the Forest of Monsters for no reason.
It’s currently empty and being used comfortably by Perdium’s guards, but soon the laborers will take over again.
They had been prepared for the continuous pioneering of the Forest of Monsters for quite a while now.
Ghislaine smiled as she looked at the troops before her.
“Good. Finally, we’re able to make these preparations. It took so long.”
3,000 elite soldiers, 400 knights, 300 hunters, 200 elves, 50 mages, and 500 labor assault team members.
That’s enough to turn any territory into a mess.
It was a far cry from the less than 200 mercenaries that had once challenged the Forest of Monsters.
Belinda and Gillian also showed somewhat touched expressions.
‘Back then, I truly thought it was just a foolhardy venture.’
‘Everyone was trying to stop the lord’s actions.’
But look, they’ve succeeded in what everyone deemed impossible and have led it all the way here.
The impressions of the two, who had witnessed the entire process from the beginning, were bound to differ from everyone else.
“Belinda, you’ve made sure for the other preparations, right?”
“Of course, don’t worry.”
Belinda smiled at Ghislaine’s words. She would follow again this time, but not the assassins.
Once pioneering starts, the main forces of the territory become empty. Since an accident could happen anytime, they needed to protect the key figures remaining in the territory.
Once all preparations and checks were finished, Ghislaine mounted the Black King.
“Let’s go.”
Everyone was mounted. Now, horsemanship has become a part of education in Penris.
They galloped swiftly toward Perdium.
*
Chief Officer Homern elegantly tilted his teacup.
“How peaceful.”
A war that almost caused a drop in morale ended in victory. It was an unbelievable achievement.
Thanks to that, Perdium turned into a festive atmosphere, and Lord Zvalter could return to the northern fortress with ease.
“I can’t believe the Grand Duke could achieve this much.”
Penris was now called the strongest of the North. The northern region became stable. Thanks to the construction of roads, there were many jobs, and supplies overflowed.
Now, no one would dare to call Perdium poor like in the past.
All of this was thanks to Ghislaine. Homern felt more at peace than ever.
As he enjoyed a leisurely tea time, a soldier rushed in and said breathlessly.
“Th-the Grand Duke has arrived!”
“Oh, really? Our Grand Duke is here? What’s the occasion?”
“He’s brought a massive army.”
“What? How many?”
“It looks like it’s over 4,000.”
At those words, Homern’s complexion turned pale. Ghislaine had never brought that many troops before. Not even when gathering timber.
Homern jumped up, nearly dropping his teacup, and shouted.
“That brat has finally shown his rebellious intentions! Trying to take this place by force! That ungrateful scoundrel! We helped him in the last war!”
“That’s not it.”
“Then why?”
“He says he’s going to re-pioneer the Forest of Monsters.”
Homern, who sat back down awkwardly, coughed and mumbled.
“Ahem, why does he always act first and inform later? Well, at least it’s not going to hit us directly, so I’m glad.”
No matter how much of a Grand Duke the territory’s Crown Prince is, he can’t just lead an army and barged in like that. If it were another territory, it would have been true treason, and there would be war with his father.
It’s certain this side will break, though.
Baron Homern smacked his lips a bit and said.
“After all, you couldn’t stop it, right?”
“Yes…”
“…Right, just let him do whatever he wants. He’s the type who doesn’t listen to anyone anyway, isn’t he?”
“Yes…”
Baron Homern had changed a lot after going through many things. He knew well that blocking anything related to Ghislaine would be pointless.
In the past, he had rushed to block things first and got himself into trouble several times. He didn’t want to feel embarrassed by blocking it again this time.
Ghislaine’s army passed through Perdium’s territory, proudly waving the flag of Penris.
“It’s the Crown Prince!”
“The Strongest of the North!”
“Look over here, please!”
Territory residents poured out and cheered wherever Ghislaine went.
To them, Perdium and Penris were one. So, they couldn’t help but feel proud to be part of the strongest territory in the North.
Seeing so many people cheering for Ghislaine made Belinda’s heart swell with emotion.
She had seen it a few times before, but now it felt even more impactful. The positions had changed.
‘It feels like just yesterday he was called the North’s ruffian…’
The person who was always looked down upon had saved the territory and become the great lord of the North. Belinda, who had taken care of Ghislaine since he was a child, felt a tear glisten in her eye.
‘Please, just stop getting into trouble and live peacefully. Can’t we just leave it all to the Crown Prince Faction?’
She clasped her hands tightly and prayed, but she knew well that such a thing wouldn’t be happening for a while.
As they received the cheers of the people and arrived at the Forest of Monsters, the guards were already outside.
Ghislaine waved at the one at the front.
“Hey, Skoban. Long time no see.”
Skoban, who had been caught up in the Northern Fortress, could only return after the war ended.
He hesitated for a moment before speaking.
“You will go in, right?”
“That’s right, I’m going in now.”
Just like before. The only difference was that he didn’t ask for secrecy but was going in openly this time.
Skoban simply extended his hand and bowed slightly, resembling a knight escorting a lady.
“Let’s go in.”
Ghislaine chuckled and also acknowledged Ricardo behind Skoban.
“I’m glad you still look handsome.”
“…Thank you.”
Ricardo didn’t stop him. It’s best for a Crown Prince to just watch what’s happening.
Looking at the entrance of the Forest of Monsters, Ghislaine took a deep breath.
Seeing it again fills me with nostalgia.
‘Back then, I risked my life to go in.’
But that doesn’t mean it’s easy now. The Forest of Monsters is still a dangerous place.
However, he had the knowledge from his past life. He had reliable followers, and both he and they had gained a lot of experience now.
It couldn’t be the same as when he first entered.
The only thing that was the same was his mindset.
‘I will always do my best as long as I can.’
Ghislaine raised his hand high again.
“We have returned here.”
The knights and soldiers stood tall and gripped their weapons. They were not daunted at all by the various rumors about the Forest of Monsters.
Their lord boasted an undefeated myth in the North. No matter what difficulties lay ahead, they were sure they would achieve victory.
Ghislaine’s voice continued softly.
“This time, we are not the ones challenging the Forest of Monsters.”
Looking at the dark forest before him, Ghislaine grinned.
“The Forest of Monsters will have to stop us.”
A red light began to emanate from his eyes.
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