The Strongest in Our Neighborhood - Chapter 91

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

The Strongest in Our Neighborhood (91)
Large ships could not navigate the Reef Zone, but small vessels carrying about thirty people could pass through.
When Virus dispersed the Sea Fog, the Bermuda Allied Navy deployed these small boats to transport prisoners to the docks of Quardo Coast and exchanged them for captives from the Kram Empire.
Noxscarsysys watched this unfold and turned to Jang Gain with a question.
“You were so eager to test yourself against Kram’s Sword Masters, yet you haven’t asked to fight Kairokus, the general of Bermuda. Why is that?”
“Ah, it’s because Kairokus’s severed arm—the part that was reattached—has demonic flesh grafted onto it as Chimera material.”
“It seemed like his reattached arm became stronger thanks to that demonic flesh.”
“His strength may have increased, but his balance is minutely off. In that state, there’s no point in fighting him. Perhaps after the reattached arm fully adapts to his body.”
“Does a slight imbalance really affect a fight that much?”
“It does. Between masters, that minute difference can become the gap between life and death.”
“Ah, so that’s why you didn’t propose a match.”
“I did have some expectations since he’s called a Sword Master of the Bermuda Allied Kingdom, but it’s unfortunate. There’ll be another opportunity next time.”
“Probably. Anyway, Virus, what will you do once the prisoner exchange is finished?”
“Me? I don’t have anything particular to do. Why?”
“I mentioned before that there’s a Marking on Jang Gain’s forehead, right?”
“Right. You said it was placed there by that dragon that ascended to the Heavenly Realm.”
“Jang Gain is doing his best to avoid being killed by that dragon. Don’t you wonder whether he’ll die at its hands or manage to survive?”
“I am curious. If it’s a being undergoing Ascension, that means it achieved Divine Status. No matter how much he struggles, it’ll be hard for him to survive. But I’m still curious what new method Jang Gain might devise.”
“Then why don’t you stay with me and observe him?”
“I’d like to, but I cannot leave this sea.”
“Why not?”
“If I leave, I cannot maintain the Sea Fog.”
“You’ve already created the Reef Zone, so do you still need to maintain the Sea Fog?”
“The Reef Zone alone isn’t enough. And with the Sea Fog in place, there are fewer fights overall.”
“Then there’s no choice.”
“These humans are exchanging prisoners because of us, yet there’s no sign of the war ending.”
“If they keep this up, they might actually open a Gate connected to the Demon Realm beyond the Demon Gate, and I have no idea how they plan to handle such a thing.”
“It’s foolish complacency—thinking ‘surely it won’t open.’ And some probably believe that if such a Gate does open, a dragon will come and close it.”
“If a Gate connected to the Demon Realm opens, an Ancient Dragon would have to come, and think of how many people will die before it arrives.”
“They wage war recklessly because they don’t know that.”
“Sigh, watching humans fight is so frustrating. We’ll be going now, so contact us if anything happens.”
“Understood. Travel safely.”
As Noxscarsysys disappeared with Jang Gain and the two mages through Spatial Teleportation, Virus gazed at the humans exchanging prisoners.
“If there weren’t so much human blood, I’d unleash sea monsters to make sure nothing could pass through the Reef Zone. Tsk!”
* * *
Upon arriving in Sapir via Spatial Teleportation, Jang Gain’s party retrieved Eldom, Leodosn Terra, and Dimitrion Marshal, who had been resting in the castle, and then used Spatial Teleportation once more to the outskirts of Sublan.
After a brief moment of dizziness passed and his vision cleared, Jang Gain looked around and furrowed his brow.
“This seems quite remote. Why didn’t you just teleport directly to the royal palace?”
“The royal palace has a barrier that disrupts Spatial Teleportation. I can manage alone, but bringing so many people through at once would be too risky.”
Noxscarsysys gestured with a sideways glance toward Aleingde Mir and the others, and Jang Gain nodded in understanding.
“Ah, I see. Then we’ll have to walk from here.”
“I’m hungry, so let’s stop by a restaurant nearby and grab lunch first.”
“There’s a large restaurant over there. Let’s go.”
Jang Gain’s party purchased lunch and strolled leisurely toward the royal palace, taking time to digest.
While walking, Noxscarsysys posed a question to Jang Gain.
“You’re already overwhelmed with preparing to fight that dragon. Do you really have time to govern a Marquis Territory?”
“Before I came to this world, my dream was to surpass all my competitors and become the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Church.”
“Cult Leader? You mean something like a pope or high priest?”
“Similar to a pope, but the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Church is both the pinnacle of faith and the pinnacle of martial might. The one with the strongest martial power becomes the Cult Leader and governs over a hundred thousand believers.”
“A hundred thousand! A Baron’s Territory in the empire has a population of roughly that size. So you wanted to become a noble.”
“The Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Church is more than a noble. They’re a pope and a king at once.”
“Well, I understand roughly what position that is.”
“In any case, once I have my territory, I intend to govern it well. Of course, I’ll also train hard in martial arts since I have to face that dragon.”
“Governing a territory is no simple matter. Without training in estate management or experience ruling, how can you do it well?”
“When I was in the Heavenly Demon Divine Church, I observed how the Cult Leader operated, so I have a rough idea of how to govern.”
“How do you govern?”
“Under the Cult Leader, there are elders managing each sector, under them are regional commanders, sect masters, and hall leaders, and beneath those are ordinary members. For knights and soldiers, I think I can operate them the same way, and for administration, I’ll appoint supervisors and administrative staff similarly.”
“Hmm, that sounds simple in theory, but it’s much harder in practice.”
“I noticed last time that the second son of the Johansen House has both talent and administrative ability, so I should recruit people like him. Regardless, there will be capable people not just in the Crerarion Mountain Range but also in the Baron’s Territory.”
“Hmm, so you’re selecting talent and creating positions for them. In that case, you’ll need to hold examinations.”
“Right. I should start by recruiting from those nearby, filling in the gaps with talent. Aleingde Mir, is there anything else you’re skilled at besides magic?”
“Apart from magic, I’m afraid my only real specialty is Chimera crafting. Nothing else particularly remarkable.”
“What about you, Laila? Any other skills?”
“I’ve never attempted anything but magic, I’m afraid.”
As Jang Gain heard their responses, his face fell. Noxscarsysys opened his mouth.
“An old mage is pitiful compared to a dragon, but for a human, he’s quite a high-ranking mage. I’d say he’s suitable enough to serve as your Marquis Territory’s exclusive mage.”
“Ah, that’s true! Aleingde Mir, would you take on the role of exclusive mage for my territory?”
“My research laboratory is far too distant from your lands, my lord. Serving as an exclusive mage would be difficult.”
“We can simply move your laboratory to my territory. I’ll have a particularly spacious facility built for you.”
Aleingde Mir glanced at Jang Gain and Noxscarsysys standing beside him, then reluctantly nodded.
“Very well. Then I shall relocate my laboratory.”
“Oh, that reminds me—I’ve been keeping your Chimeras all this time. Let me return them to you.”
As Jang Gain withdrew gold, Chimera materials, and the Chimeras themselves from his Pocket Dimension, Aleingde Mir’s face brightened.
“Thank you, Marquis Gain. I pledge to do my utmost for the development of your territory going forward.”
“Were you sulking because you thought I might not give them back?”
“Ah, no. It’s just that my mind was a bit… muddled.”
Jang Gain chuckled softly as he watched Aleingde Mir deny it.
* * *
“Sigh!”
The king’s lips released a long breath as he gazed upon the laborers repairing the palace buildings and ramparts, toppled by Dragon Fear.
“Your Majesty, do not grieve so deeply. I hear from the construction supervisor, a Dverberg-born, that this time they are building it sturdy enough to withstand even a dragon’s fear.”
“It’s not the collapsed buildings that made me sigh.”
“Then what troubles you so that you exhale such a heavy breath?”
“Has there been no contact from Marquis Gain yet?”
“None.”
“I spoke with the Crown Prince of Kram a few days ago. Do you remember?”
“Yes. Marquis Gain closed the Gate of Sapir Castle alongside the dragon and became its master in exchange, did he not?”
“When I spoke with the Crown Prince of Kram, I believed that deed brought honor to our kingdom of Smed.”
“It is an honorable deed, is it not?”
“Think carefully. Marquis Gain became the lord of Sapir Castle. That means our marquis became the master of a baron’s territory in another kingdom.”
“Ah! Now that you mention it, that’s quite true.”
“Moreover, when the Crown Prince of Kram spoke of Marquis Gain, he grew cautious and addressed him with respect.”
“He did show respect. The Crown Prince of Kram addressed you casually while showing deference to Marquis Gain—quite shameless.”
“That wretched boy showed no decorum. My own vassal, yet he addressed me casually while being respectful to my vassal. Ah, it still infuriates me!”
…….
“In any case, that’s what troubles me. I fear the Crown Prince of Kram covets Marquis Gain.”
“But surely Marquis Gain, having already received lands from Your Majesty, would not defect to Kram?”
“Wouldn’t he defect if offered a wider territory and a higher rank?”
“A wider territory and higher rank might tempt him, but surely the Crown Prince of Kram would not go to such lengths?”
“The man fraternizes with a dragon like a friend—imagine the dragon’s aid if needed. Isn’t such a talent worth coveting?”
“Well… yes, I suppose so. What shall we do, then?”
“There is no bond stronger than blood. I must bind Marquis Gain to us through marriage to one of my princesses, by force if necessary. I had originally planned to hold a grand banquet to allow the princesses to meet him naturally, but that won’t do.”
“Do you think Marquis Gain would consent to marry a princess?”
“Why wouldn’t he? If he became my son-in-law, I’d grant him far broader lands and support him far more generously.”
“I heard recently from Jasllan, who inherited the count’s title from Johansen, that Johansen himself once tried to make Marquis Gain his son-in-law by offering his granddaughter—and failed. It may not be easy for you to make him your son-in-law either.”
In that instant, the king’s face contorted.
“Are you comparing me to Johansen?”
“Not at all, Your Majesty. I merely suggest that Marquis Gain, by temperament, may reject a political marriage. Capable men often avoid relying on their wives’ families, do they not?”
“The favor of a mere count is negligible—he might well refuse. But this is the king of this realm I speak of. What nobleman would refuse to become my son-in-law?”
“Yes… yes, that is true.”
Just then, the mage in charge of the Communication Device came rushing in.
“Your Majesty, Marquis Gain and the dragon have just finished their meal at an inn outside the capital and are now headed toward the palace.”
“Excellent! So Marquis Gain has returned at last. I shall personally go to meet him. Make ready.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Lady-in-waiting, inform all the princesses in the palace that they are to attend a banquet tonight.”
“All the princesses? Should I also tell Princess Angelina to attend?”
“Of course Angelina is to attend. Without her, the other princesses would not shine, would they?”
The lady-in-waiting, upon hearing the king’s words, nodded with sudden understanding.
“Understood, Your Majesty. I shall convey your command.”
As the lady-in-waiting bowed and withdrew, the Prime Minister tilted his head in puzzlement.
“Your Majesty, a banquet today? Isn’t that rather sudden?”
“I don’t know when the Marquis Gain will return to his territory, so I need to hold it as soon as possible.”
“Even so, it seems you’re rushing rather urgently, sir.”
“I must rush. Kram will certainly make sweet offers, so I need to secure him as mine before that happens.”
“Still, wouldn’t it be better to proceed with some caution? Frankly, most of the palace buildings are damaged, and there’s no proper venue for a banquet.”
“If we reduce the number of attendees, we don’t need a particularly large space.”
“Reduce the attendees?”
“Today’s banquet will have only me, the Queen, the concubines, and the princesses. The princes and ministers need not attend.”
“Your Majesty? Then we won’t be permitted to attend either?”
“The Prime Minister, the Chancellor, and the three pillars supporting the kingdom must attend. No one else needs to be there.”
“Understood, sir.”
“The most important thing at today’s banquet is making Marquis Gain my son-in-law.”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————