Chapter 70

-It was just a minor demon that wreaked havoc for a short while.

Dozens of houses were burned, and dozens of people were injured. Although I haven't heard the full extent of the damage, it's almost a miracle that there were no fatalities.

"Oh, Master! You've come!"

Welcoming me were the brothers, Elders Gol and Golgoda.

The restoration of the artifact is already a headache, and now with the demon's rampage, it seems they are quite troubled.

"Master, I'm ashamed to show you this mess."

"Not at all. More importantly, are you hurt?"

"Fortunately, the attack was smaller than expected, as you can see, I'm fine. However, dozens of houses were burned, and there were some injuries."

"Is it common for demons to attack like this?"

In response to my question, Elder Golgoda gave a bitter laugh and nodded. Then, Golgoda, as if he had been waiting, opened a cabinet and placed a large bottle on the table.

"It seems you have something to say, Master. Let's have a drink."

* * *

"This is a rare liquor, but can't I even offer this much!"

I gently swirled the glass of fragrant liquor and closed my eyes.

"I'll show you the taste of liquor from other continents later."

"Other continents? The eastern or southern continents?"

"Something like that."

To be precise, it's a potent liquor from the Central Plains, but it's so strong that even the famous dwarven brews can't compare. You'll love it.

"Actually, I came to give you this."

"This is?"

"A notebook containing the information needed to restore the artifact. It will take some time to fully restore it, so I should head back now."

"Ah..."

They looked strangely disappointed but carefully took the notebook I handed them.

"How can we ever repay this kindness..."

"I didn't ask for much. If anything, I should be the one to repay you."

From a practical standpoint, that's probably true.

After all, I obtained the bones of an ancient dragon, orichalcum, adamantium, and countless rare materials.

The two swords, which are half-dormant, were significantly contributed to by my efforts.

"That's an exception. We did it because we wanted to."

"I feel the same. I have my own reasons."

Still, I feel grateful to those who have preserved and kept the items left by my teacher.

Of course, that's separate from what I intend to do.

"By the way, the watchmen seemed quite busy."

"That's because..."

"Golgoda."

"Ahem!"

Golgoda's expression stopped Gol, who was about to speak, and he cleared his throat.

"What's the matter?"

"Brother, Master is an outsider. How can you hide this much and expect to gain trust?"

"Ahem!"

After a thoughtful cough, he cautiously said,

"It's nothing much. A child from the orphanage is missing. The watchmen are searching for any traces..."

Demons are vicious. Given the chaos they caused, if a child was involved, there should be some trace, but apparently, there isn't. The problem is that without proper confirmation, confusion reigns.

"Perhaps it's dangerous for Master to stay here any longer."

"I was going to mention that."

"What is it?"

"I'm planning to leave soon."

At my words, the two dwarves fell silent.

"Considering the demon seemed to target me rather than the village, the problem should disappear once I leave."

"That's..."

"I'm sorry for not telling you earlier."

"Not at all! How could this be Master's fault!"

It depends on how you look at it. If there was someone hostile to me, they would have directed their anger at me.

I explained that the demon was provoked by the aftereffects of the sacred mark on my body, which led to the attack.

Since the demon did target me, that's a fair explanation.

The only concern was whether the vampires might take out their frustration on the village after I left, but managing every detail was beyond my capacity.

Ultimately, the two elders seemed to agree that my departure would be safer, so they didn't say anything more.

* * *

It seems there's something that has touched the hearts of the dwarves beyond the practical aspects.

There are various reasons for this, but there's no need to dwell on them.

"Stop! Identify yourselves!"

As soon as I finished selling the moon grass leaves, I had the merchants buy new equipment for the vigilantes, now the royal guards.

The guards, who were watching the rather outdated castle walls, were startled and stopped us.

"Your lord."

Naturally, after a few days of travel, the procession was quite tired, so I simply pulled off my hood and skipped the formalities.

"Sir... Saint!"

"I'm not a saint. How have things been?"

"Yes, yes!!"

The guard, stiff as if he had just spotted a general, answered in a voice loud enough to deafen me, which amused the dwarves.

"It seems the entry and exit to the domain have been quiet today."

"That... That's because a merchant caravan and mercenaries came and went in the morning!"

"Good work. We'll hear the detailed report inside."

Perhaps because I had been away for a few weeks, the moment I entered the old, worn-out castle, the head of the royal guards, Monmither, and the steward, Bernil, along with other servants, lined up to welcome me.

Although I had suggested skipping unnecessary formalities, Bernil, the steward, strongly argued that as the lord and prince, I needed to maintain my authority.

"These people behind me..."

"They are honored guests from the Yellow Rock Tribe, here to help with the domain's facilities. They are tired from the journey, so please bring them some wine and meat. And what about their accommodations?"

"I have prepared them as you requested, but due to the time constraints, the quality is not the best."

"That's fine. I've heard all about the domain on the way here, so that's not why we came."

Elder Gol, the only elder who accompanied me from the Yellow Rock Tribe, confidently replied.

"Yes... I am Steward Bernil. Please call me by my name."

"I'm Gol. The 8th Elder of the Yellow Rock Tribe."

Dwarves rarely leave their villages, even when trading with humans. Thus, while many knew of their existence, few had actually seen one.

So, it's no wonder the castle servants found the dwarves fascinating.

"Master, don't worry too much."

"How can I not? You are all honored guests."

"Hehe, living with rock and fire is what we dwarves do. And if it's for Master, it's for us as well."

At Gol's words, Monmither, the head of the royal guards, who had rushed over upon hearing of my return, looked at me with a subtle change in his expression.

What did you do to make these hard-to-please dwarves act like this?

You really can't trust people.

"The head of the royal guards needs to build some trust."

"Apologies!"

"Right? I'm not the type to stab you in the back."

"No, no!"

"Still, Hains is my maternal family's domain. So, I'm also a part of this domain."

"Ah..."

Realizing his mistake, he quickly stepped back and bowed.

"Let's go in. I'm tired."

"I'll prepare the bath."

"Let's start with a brief report first."

I had received most of the updates through the crystal orb, and the new moon grass cultivation was progressing smoothly, but the conditions weren't ideal for a detailed report.

"Currently, 17 merchant guilds have purchased land and started building in the domain."

"Total number of people?"

"Considering the mages' tower, alchemists, temple, and the guilds, along with their minor guards, there are about 3,000 people."

Wow.

"There are only about 200 domain residents, and 3,000 people are requesting to move here..."

"The number is still increasing. Those who smell money are planning to create a commercial district here, likely to establish a midpoint between the Holy Kingdom and the Empire due to the good transportation."

"Estimated number?"

"After two quarters, about 4,000 people are expected to request to move here."

Hearing this, I was even more impressed.

From 200 to 4,000.

That's nearly a 20-fold increase.

"Things are going well."

For any city to flourish, a population is necessary. While a sudden increase can bring various problems, fearing it would hinder the domain's development.

There were no particular concerns.

"Master, the state of the domain is not good."

"I'm ashamed."

"More importantly, the state of this castle where Master eats and sleeps will shock you."

He firmly tapped the tool at his waist.

"This is a perfect opportunity to repay your kindness. Although our skills are crude compared to yours, we will build a new place for you to live, befitting the title of the continent's best craftsmen."

Dwarven-built palaces and castles are famous across the continent. Their external interactions are rare, and their craftsmanship is far beyond the current technological level of the continent.

Their unique designs and finishing touches are also notable.

"Don't even think of refusing. No great leader can lead without taking care of themselves."

"No, I won't stop you."

"Ahem!"

Was I too quick?

"However, I have a favor to ask. I think you'll like it."

At my words, Monmither quietly bowed, and Gol smiled happily.

"Great! Boys! It's time to show our skills! No whining after just a few days of work!"

"Out of the question! The name of the continent's best craftsmen is at stake! Let's do this right!"

Watching them enthusiastically rush off, Bernil, the steward, cautiously asked,

"Excuse me, Your Highness..."

"Hmm?"

"Did you... brainwash them or something?"

What do you take me for?

I gave him a cold look, and his face turned sheepish.