Chapter 48
Master, I think theyre just about done.
Eugene nced over after hearing Galfrediks words. The ves were loading the carriages with the spoils of the battle. All of the carriages were packed to the brim, and their numbers had increased to five in just two days.
de, are you finished?
Yes, sir. I think we just need to sort out the dead bodies.
Good. Romari.
Yes.
Romari quickly answered. She had been standing still while stealing nces at Eugene. Although she had not been helpful during the many battles that took ce until now, her assistance was quite helpful in other ways.
.. .. ..! As she quietly muttered a spell in an ancientnguage, a faint light started revolving around the end of Romaris stick.
The eyes of ves became filled with awe and subtle fear. They were mere mercenaries or criminals until not long ago. As such, their fear toward Eugene grew even more once they realized that the knight was apanied by a wizard.
''Where in the world did such a knighte from?''
Magic! This is definitely magic. So thats why he was so strong
In fact, their abnormal strength was due to their identity as vampires, but the ves seemed to have attributed the inhuman strength of Eugene and Galfredik to magic.
Fwooosh!
When the final syble of Romaris chanting fell, the gathered corpses were abruptly engulfed in dark red mes. Surprisingly, the bloodstains disappeared from the lifeless bodies as well, and they took on peaceful expressions before slowly scattering into the air as ashes.
There was a possibility of the corpses being transformed into undead if they were simply buried or cremated. However, if a wizard or a high-ranking priest performed rituals to purify the deceased, their souls could avoid desecration and they could be put to a peaceful rest.
Some of the ves had witnessed the sight a few times already, and they had stiff expressions. However, the most recent addition to the group, the survivors from the Bernard Brothers, looked to be inplete shock after seeing the phenomenon.
Phew
Romari exhaled with satisfaction afterpletely purifying the corpses. She had utilized a purification magic unique to the Blood Shadow School.
Fwoosh!
A timely gust of wind caused her robe to flutter majestically, and Romari appeared just like a mysterious, wonderous wizard from the fairy tales of the olden days.
Everyones eyes were filled with fear and admiration as they looked at her. At least, all except two vampire knights and a spirit.
Kieeeeeekk! How dare a little roon try to look cool?!
At least shes useful in taking care of the bodies.
Kukaka! Dont worry, it will be different once we enter the ruins. Of course, she still wont be worth the money.
I will work harder and prove my value.
The wizard became depressed once again, even though she managed to proudly disy her abilities after a long time. And in line with Romaris growing depression, the fear that the new ves felt toward the two knights grew exponentially. They wondered what kind of beings were capable of walking all over a wizard.
***
The vigers of Paranan Vige panicked after seeing more than 50 soldiersing their way. At first, they assumed the Bernard Brothers were returning, since the group was active nearby and around the vige. However, they realized that something was strange as soon as they saw two knights at the forefront of the troops, both knights were even armed in breathtaking, ck te armor.
Who is the chief of this vige? Eugene asked after taking off his helmet, and the vigers were forced into stunned silence. They werepletely mesmerized by Eugenes splendid beauty. They wondered if he was even human at all.
Sir Eugene is asking! Who is the chief here?! Partec stepped forward while shouting with an ugly frown.
Finally, a bald man in his mid-40s stepped out while bowing his head, T-that would be me, sir! Please have mercy.
We arent here to hurt you, so rx. Anyways, this vige was previously upied by those men over there, right?
What? Ah!?
The chief and the vigers became wide-eyed after turning their heads. They saw a group of bandits standing awkwardly without their armor, stealing careful nces at the knights. It was the same group of men that reigned terror on the vige only a few hours ago. Moreover, their captain, the hairy giant, couldnt be seen anywhere.
They were annihted by this knight!
The chief immediately recognized the situation and hurriedly replied, That is correct, sir! Those wicked men bullied and robbed us!
That bald bastard
The chief cried tearfully, and the enved bandits took on ferocious expressions. In an instant, Eugenes hand turned into a blur.
Thuck!
The bandit responsible for muttering under his breath copsed backwards with a rondel dagger sticking out of his forehead.
People were shocked. They didnt even see when the knight pulled out his weapon.
There you go, Master.
Luke retrieved the weapon and wiped it clean before presenting it to Eugene. The vampire ced the weapon back into its holster before speaking to the chief.
There is nothing for you to worry about. If they try anything, thats how they will end up.
T-thank you, Sir Knight!
You will be blessed, Sir!
Sir, you are truly our savior!
The vigers and the chief immediately fell to their stomachs, realizing where the bnce of power had shifted to.
..?
Eugene was slightly taken aback by their sudden response. However, this was how the residents of Paranan Vige survived over the years. Although Eugene wasnt aware, there were quite a few more viges in the Carls Baggin Penins that shared a simr method of survival.
***
Paranan Vige was quiterge. There were about three hundred residents, and the vige was rather well-off. Moreover, the Bernard Brothers had only recently upied the vige.
As such, Eugene was able to procure food for the ves without much difficulty. Moreover, unlike the Bernard Brothers, he provided the vige with properpensation for the food.
Thank you so much! Sir Eugene is truly an honorable knight!
Dont mention it.
The chief teared up while expressing his gratitude, and Eugene waved his hand in response. He couldnt be bothered to react excessively to the chiefs every word and action. However, the residents misunderstood it as humility.
To think that theres still a true knight left on the penins!
He is a better knight than thete Sir Marcelo!
The gaze of the residents was filled with even more respect and awe. Sir Eugene could not bepared to the Bernard Brothers gang, who established a reign of terror as the owners of the vige until today, and he was much more benevolent and knightlier than the previous administrator of the vige.
Do something!
Trust me.
The chief quickly exchanged a nce with the residents before politely pouring wine into Eugenes ss. He then asked politely. By the way, Sir Eugene. With all due respect, what are you nning to do with those who ran away?
The chief was referring to the remnants of the Bernard Brothers, the ones who fled as soon as they saw Eugene and his group approaching the vige. However, Eugenes primary purpose in stopping by the vige was to procure food to feed the ves.
Why should I worry about that?
What? A-arent you here to protect us?
What? Eugene frowned after hearing an unexpected question.
..? The chief and the residents appeared puzzled as well.
Kuhahaha! It seems the vigers want to make Sir Eugene the master of the vige. Am I correct? Galfredik suggested.
Yes, yes! That is exactly where I am getting at. I thought it was a given. The chief nodded eagerly. Even so, Eugene still didnt understand what they were talking about. Why would he be the viges master when this was his first-time visit? What kind of nonsense was this?
I heard that the situation in Carls Baggins was a mess, but it seems that its really true. Oi, chief. Before those retards before those Bernard bastards took over the vige, who was the lord or the administrator of this vige?
Galfredik stepped up, and the chief and the residents responded in unison.
His name was Sir Marcelo a distant rtive of His Excellency Archivol.
He wasnt the lord, but rather the administrator of the vige. The lord of our vige was Sir Bemos, the youngest son of His Excellency Archivol. Sir Marcelo ruled on his behalf.
Hmm. And is Sir Bemos dead?
That is correct. But Sir Marcelo continued to carry out his duty as an honorable, faithful knight. But then the bandits
Even a knight had to concede defeat if they were greatly outnumbered unless they were abnormally strong like Eugene or Galfredik. It would have been extremely difficult for a single knight to win against a group of professional mercenaries with nothing but a group of vige vigntes on his side.
Hmm. The matter with the viges ownership is a bitplicated then.
Ownership? Eugene asked.
Galfredik responded while smacking his lips. Realistically, anyone can im the vige as their own, but if a proper nobleman barges inter and disputes it, it can be a bitplicated. Well, unless someone takes over the entire area.
Hmm.
Eugene frowned. He was no expert when it came to such matters.
Galfredik continued with a grin, Oh, dont you know that saying? If you rob a single store, yourebeled a thief, but if you rob the entire vige, yourebeled as the lord.
Ive never heard of it.
Hehe. It means exactly what it says. If you take ownership of a single vige like this and pretend to be the master, you will have to deal withplicated matterster on, but if you do the same with two or three viges, no one will easily step out and argue against you.
Because it means that you are strong enough to capture multiple viges?
Exactly. Even if they are the king or a noble feigning to be the ruler of the penins, its obvious that they will try to negotiate. Whether they grant you autonomy or an appropriate title, its a chance for you to be a real lord.
..! Eugene was startled by the unexpected words.
Bing a lord was something Eugene had never pondered about. However, Eugene immediately understood the crux of the matter from the attitude of the vigers and Galfrediks hinting words.
Chief. How many viges are there nearby? Except for the Beogn Barony.
There is a vige called Mintan half a days distance away. There are two more hamlets as well
Excuse me, Sir Eugene. May I offer my words? Veron interjected carefully.
Speak.
After fighting together with the group for the past two days, Eugene came to the conclusion that they were as good as Partecs small party. Moreover, they were absolutely obedient to his words after the first battle, and they generously provided information about the situation on the Carls Baggins Penins.
Veron and his subordinate mercenaries were quite useful for Eugene.
So far, Sir Eugene has participated in four battles. And all of the forces crushed by Sir Eugene were well-recognized in the vicinity, except the Carlow Bandits we faced at the very beginning. As such
The gist of Verons words was simple.
Hooh! So all the areas located near the road we previously traveled on are currently without a master?
Exactly. It could be called a cave without a troll, or a mountain without its tiger. Veron spoke rather excitedly, and Galfredik looked back towards Eugene.
This is a great opportunity. Thats three viges and five or six hamlets. Its twice asrger as the Tywin territory!
Sir! Lets do it! Lets do it! A lord! You can be a real lord!
The spirit of desire was previously sprawled out after filling her stomach with wine and cheese. However, she immediately jumped up and shouted excitedly as soon as she heard the words that piqued her materialistic desires.
Hmm.
Eugene pondered for a moment. His purpose ining to Carls Baggins was to subjugate a ruin, but things were starting to take a strange turn.
Well Eugene started to speak, but Partec bolted in through the door, Sir Eugene! I think you need toe out right away! Some of the ves
Eugene and Galfredik rushed out like beasts even before Partec could finish his words. The chief and the residents were stunned by the sudden turn of events, but they soon came to their senses and followed in a hurry.
Master!
***
Sir Eugene! I took care of these ungrateful scums with my subordinates!
Luke was covered in blood, and Rudrian, the one previously known as the Silver sh of Dimos, was on one knee.
Galfredik scanned the scattered bodies and counted about ten corpses in total. Then, he reported to Eugene. Most of them are from the Bernard Brothers. These bastards were trying to run away. ve Number 2 and Number 3 are dead.
Some of them had cut through their rope with pieces of metal hidden in their mouths. Four or five of them rushed me at once. Liddle and Pen were getting food, and they
Luke fell to his knees while trailing off. He felt guilty about disappointing his master. However, Eugene passed by Luke without speaking and looked at the cold bodies of the first two ves he collected.
Both of them were dead. Liddle had a hole in his throat, and Pen had a hole in his eye. Although they werent very helpful in subjugations, they had been very diligent so far.
Eugene was furious. Is that all of them? What about the rest?
Rudrian quickly answered. T-two of them got away. I attempted to catch them, but they managed to get their hands on the horses.
Then, there arent many ces for them to run to, Galfredik spoke while stroking his chin. He was also boiling with anger.
Its likely that they headed towards a designated hideout or a nearby vige. They will then try to join with the remnants that escaped back then.
It doesnt matter where they run to. Eugene spoke coldly while raising his head.
The western sky was slowly being painted orange. Soon, the sun would hide its splendor and give way to the dominion of vampires.
Beep!
Eugene whistled, and Silion came to him like the wind.
Galfredik. Guard the vige. I will be back before sunrise.
Tonight would be a very long, violent night.