Clang!
Han defeated the Iron King’s reign.
The dwarves initially thought it was treasure, but the real treasure was elsewhere. As the Iron King was vanquished, the long-closed doors of the Purgatory Workshop swung open, revealing its tools.
Refinement rooms, enhancement rooms, storages, you name it! These were all prime treasures containing the essence of ancient dwarf technologists. However, the most valuable among them was undoubtedly the storage room.
Inside the storage were notes left by ancient dwarf craftsmen and numerous blueprints lying in wait. For reasons unknown, these ancient dwarves left their technology for future generations.
And among them, of course, were the blueprints for the Iron King. Although the blueprints were incredibly complex, causing even the dwarves themselves difficulty in reproducing them, oddly enough, that was a good thing.
“Looks like the dwarves won’t be bored for the next hundred years.”
“Not being bored is a good thing.”
“Yes, that’s right. Especially for dwarves.”
The dwarves’ eccentricities are beyond imagination. Even though they were brainwashed by a demon’s doppelganger, they had enough madness to turn even their own blood into weapons.
Hans and Beril were sipping tea in the garden, having a chat. Of course, it’s unlikely that the dwarves in this situation would care about a garden, but surprisingly, Princess Beril had a keen interest in plants and ornaments.
Hans looked up and slowly surveyed the garden. It was still lacking in many areas, yet it showed the effort in its cultivation. It’s not just about handling iron; these kinds of skills are also necessary.
“I heard they surrendered everything in the Purgatory Workshop.”
“After all, it’s technology we couldn’t even use ourselves.”
“Really, do you think that’s acceptable?”
“…What do you mean?”
“You’re being cheeky, really.”
This was the reason Beril was having a chat with Hans. The technological prowess of the Purgatory Workshop was beyond comprehension. To put it bluntly, even if they succeeded in mass-producing only Iron Men, the national power of the Dwarf Republic would grow immensely.
And that meant the balance of power would shatter. Mass-produced iron soldiers could become murder weapons that, if they so desired, could crush everything of enemy nations without mercy.
No matter how much a public enemy like the demons existed, pouring such power into one place was unreasonable. In this harsh world, no one could dictate how the future would unfold.
Therefore, normally, it’s common to impose checks. Even if the Dwarf Republic were to go on a rampage, at the very least, it should be manageable. And Hans certainly had that qualification.
After all, he had smashed not only the Iron Men but even the Iron King himself with his own hands. He had heard the stories, but never imagined he would encounter such an overwhelmingly powerful being.
Thus, Beril was internally more anxious. Why was someone like him pushing so hard? Was there another agenda? Maybe he intended to isolate the Dwarf Republic under the pretense of goodwill?
“So, to put it simply, you’re curious about my intentions.”
“Regrettably, yes.”
She knew it was shameless. But that’s what a ruler is. Countless lives rested on her hands and lips. Therefore, she had to continuously doubt and question. Not just others, but even herself.
She had to question her own choices, one by one. Is this really the best way? Is there a better method? And from there, select the optimal and best method to move forward.
That’s the duty of a monarch. And so, Beril chose doubt. It was strange how overly friendly he was. Unfounded kindness, especially in such a perilous time, doesn’t exist.
What would this man say? Would he be angered for her doubt? Or would he be disappointed? Either way, she was prepared. She is the princess of the Dwarf Republic. For the sake of the republic, she could do anything…
“I really wish you’d help destroy the demons.”
“Eh?”
“After all, the public enemy is right in front of us. First, we have to deal with that.”
“Do you think we’ll betray you?”
“Why would you?”
Hans, looking at her as if it was strange, made Beril rare flustered. Though she had her fair share of experiences, no one had spoken to her like this before.
“No, I mean, we are…!!!”
“I already know dwarves are as proud of their technology as they are inquisitive about it.”
“…Huh?”
“Everyone makes mistakes. Just because you strayed once, does that mean you should be branded?”
Branding. That word pierced Beril’s heart. It fit quite well with the current situation of the Dwarf Republic. Even if it had been normalized by the Royal Knights, that achievement hadn’t vanished.
They melted their kin into iron to create weapons. In this situation, they had also confronted other races over territory. The weight of past sins still lingered, now heavy iron pressing on everyone’s hearts.
Some dwarves, realizing their mistakes, despaired, laid down their hammers, or even resorted to suicide. They probably thought they had lost their pride. That’s who we are now.
Living lives burdened by guilt, being pointed at by others, believing they could never move forward again, Beril thought this was the cost we had to bear.
“Yet, are you saying it’s fine?”
“…”
“Especially, the one who witnessed that tragedy firsthand, sacrificed your body to prevent it… what do you say?”
Hans’s achievements were well known to her. He had taken the lead against the powerful enemies first. Thanks to that, the dwarves were able to awaken. Still, she had never expected him to say such words.
“The sins committed until now won’t disappear. But the difference between forced and voluntary is as vast as sky and earth.”
“….”
“I am not the law. I’m not a king. I’m not a god. I am not the one to weigh your sins and judge you.”
“Then what are you?”
“I am simply a believer. I just believe that you, no, all of us won’t walk the wrong path again…”
Hans stood with his arms crossed, completely still like a statue. As if it was the most natural thing in the world. Watching him, Beril couldn’t help but smile. Truly a person in disarray.
“I guess I have no choice but to admit it now. Why you are the Commander of the Royal Knights and why everyone believes and follows you.”
“Is that so? I’m not quite sure.”
“That’s exactly why.”
Hans tilted his head in confusion. With that expression, Beril found herself genuinely laughing for the first time in a while. He was someone who walked forward, leaving no blemish behind. A knight who simply practiced noble ideals.
“Don’t worry. I’ll ensure that you will never have to point your sword at us.”
He was already their savior who had saved the Dwarf Republic.
How could he possibly cause them more trouble?
There’s nothing quite as dangerous as technology running rampant.
Beril vowed to be the restraint.
So that she wouldn’t betray the grace Hans had shown.
*
‘Come to think of it, that could have happened.’
Hearing Beril’s story, Hans couldn’t help but exhale in relief. It was something he hadn’t thought of until now. However, even if he had, it probably wouldn’t have changed his mind. Perhaps the reason was…
…For some reason, he couldn’t remember. Hans was beginning to notice that there might be an issue with his memory. Specifically, every time he tried to recall something, his memories would suddenly cut off.
As if someone was deliberately severing his recollections. Hans sighed. In any case, his goal remained unchanged. What he desired most was to exterminate all the demons.
Of course, it would be troublesome if the Dwarf Republic rampaged before that. Luckily, Beril had promised to stop that herself. From Hans’s perspective, he had no choice but to believe in her. If things went south, dragons would intervene anyway.
“The work in the Dwarf Republic is done.”
“That’s right.”
“Ruby, how about you?”
“I’m done too.”
Ruby smiled sweetly. Meanwhile, Bayard beside her was in a bit of a panic. Ruby had gone with Bayard to visit her mother’s grave. After a long time, she came back to pay her respects.
Hans nodded. It could be viewed as a liberated smile, but if she was satisfied, he thought that was enough. There wouldn’t be anymore rampaging over the past from Ruby.
Of course, suddenly those memories would resurface. The horrific memories of abuse. But every time that happened, they just had to be there by her side. Thinking this, Hans mounted the wyvern.
“Now, let’s head back home.”
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Why the hell are you not introducing real hero , can’t you add him as hans student just like helia