Chapter 52

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CHAPTER 48 – ACHIEVEMENT OF THE REQUEST AND CHAOS AT THE BAUMEISTER HOUSEHOLD

“Boy’s elder brother, that’s a storm of defiant, abusive language.” (Burkhart)

“Well, since I’m staying indoors, this will also be a strong point…” (Hermann)

“Be that as it may, it’s too unfair!” (Wendelin)

In the early morning of the next day we transferred to the Demon Forest in the Savage Lands by teleportation magic from the Baumeister territory with a full stomach after various things happened.
Since my childhood I had trained my magic while exploring the vast Savage Lands.
Thanks to this it became possible to move almost everywhere within the Savage Lands with teleportation.
Since I was still a minor at that time and it would have been a disaster if something unexpected happened while entering the Demon Forest by myself, I didn’t went into some parts of the forest. But I have finished grasping the surrounding of all these parts.
I even understood most points of the invasion route of the aforementioned expedition.
As expected, the expedition in those days cut through stuff like undergrowth and all kinds of trees. These have already recovered because of its fertility full of vim and vigour.
But, those sites somehow became potential invasion points even for a large army.
I think I will know the value of life after the invasion, if I see the conclusion of the expeditionary force.

“From the start, he doesn’t even have an intention to make a début in high society. They have a patron, but he hasn’t even gone to meet with him from face-to-face.” (Ina)

Because I, who began to attend the adventurer’s prep school in Breitburg after I turned 12 years old, acted as representative, they are apparently pretty much considered of having characteristics of being hikikomori‘s by society.
Certainly, it was me who attended the garden party of Margrave Breithilde for the first time among the Baumeister family.
It could be even said that it was a spectacular feat since it’s our family.
However, even if it is some party, given that it takes more than a month to cross the mountain range to arrive at the venue as well, you could also say that it was inevitable in a certain sense.
Someone, who can use teleportation magic like me, is valuable.
Probably, including this aspect, that’s also the reason someone like the village headman Klaus wants me to become the family head.

“I got even more p.i.s.sed off! That idiot shouldn’t be the next family head! Let’s exchange him with the boy, as master says!” (Burkhart)

“Such a thing. Burkhart-san, I don’t want to.” (Wendelin)

While I’m investigating the interior of the Demon Forest from the scheduled invasion site with detection magic, I refute Burkhart-san’s reckless remark.
If I did such thing, Klaus would probably rejoice, but Kurt would likely explode.
Given that he also has the support of the advocates of main village supremacy, who are ultra conservative, they are quite capable of taking up their weapons and oppose it in the worst case.
It’s probably still better if they only go to the extent of secluding themselves, but if they even clash with Klaus and the people of the other villages, it might end up resulting in deaths.
Excusing myself from such victims, I declare my unwillingness in becoming the next family head of that sort of territory.
Or rather, no matter how much magic I can use, there is various know-how necessary for the management of a territory.
Furthermore, many human resources are required as well.
All of that were things I, who have a small, rising appointed n.o.ble family, didn’t own.

“But you know, if we are unlucky, it’s possible that the situation is already s.h.i.+fting.” (Burkhart)

Thanks to that, I end up worrying about the situation of my family’s home even though we have the great task of purifying 2000 undead.
Moreover, it’s not only me feeling like that.
All members have completely the same concern.

“I’d like for there to be no damage to the branch family. For the sake of the honey liquor.” (Burkhart)

“Just to what extend did you like it… ?” (Erwin)

Erwin was astonished due to the remark of the excessive drinker Burkhart-san, but that was certainly something delicious.
Since one is almost an adult with 15 years in this world, we also sampled it last night.
It has a great balance between sweetness and sourness. We have unintentionally ended up drinking too much.

“It will be fine, if we leave that territory to Hermann-dono.” (Burkhart)

“That’s irrational…” (Wendelin)

If we went with what Burkhart-san says, the Knight Baumeister territory would be shut up by forcibly retiring father and Kurt.
By entrusting it to Hermann-nii-san, the discussions would move into quite a constructive direction.

“Officially, it isn’t alright to put the order of the boy’s father and his eldest son into disorder.” (Burkhart)

In any case, there hasn’t been a war for over 200 years in this place.
The situation should be stable if the eldest sons succeeded in turns, if they are up to the task.

“That idiot Klaus hasn’t completely failed yet, that’s why he has such nasty nature.” (Burkhart)

Although they disagreed with Margrave Breithilde and us, that still doesn’t mean that it would definitely cause a rebellion.
Seeing it from the central government’s side, it’s a situation where it would be easy to intervene, if something happened.

“Intervention?” (Wendelin)

Or rather, they seem to also be quite eager to intervene.
They are probably deeming Kurt to be a hindrance for the goal of developing the territory along the Savage Lands.
It’s because I’m even possessing plenty of funds for development.
It will become a large disturbance to the other small feudal lords if Kurt is disinherited and father is forcibly retired by the order of the royal family all of a sudden.
If possible, they probably want something to happen, so they can use that as trigger for an intervention.
And in addition to that, as soon as possible.

“It’s likely that…” (Burkhart)

At first, cause a situation to have the fief’s population rise to their feet in disappointment with father and Kurt.
As there’s the possibility of them having sympathizers among the fief’s population, excluding the main village, it might originate from Klaus or the branch family.
No, even if either of them revolted, the other two would act in concert probably.
Because they don’t wish for a development leading to deaths, they will have at least the great majority rise to their feet. They want the situation to flow in the direction of urging father’s group to be retired forcefully.
After that it’s probable that Kurt’s group will heavily tend towards suppressing the opposing faction, considering the possibilities.
This might cause a great number of victims if things don’t go well.

“Although it is a detestable story, the latter is convenient for the kingdom. It seems to be the same for my master as well.” (Burkhart)

The reason is that they can at worst revoke the peerage and territory, if they have father and Kurt taking responsibility for this situation.
Even if they entrust the territory, including the Savage Lands, to me, it would clear away the traces of the predecessors pretty much with ease in a distant future.
The n.o.bles, like those being in the central government in the capital, apparently think like that.

“As they would be making the two into villains, it will be easy to cause expectations towards the boy in the distant future.” (Burkhart)

“That lot is taking this lightly.” (Wendelin)

Or rather than that, it might be a problem of distance. (T/N: capital -> sticks)
The Baumeister territory with its population of below 1000 residents is no more than a tiny territory for the n.o.bles of the capital.
Even if it turned into a rebellion, it’s not like there will be considerable casualties noted down in the official papers.
Since that’s the case, they want Kurt to leave the stage as soon as possible.
Even so, we have actually ended up coming in contact with the fief’s population upon Klaus’ inducement.
Given the situation, they will request their wish to avoid a situation where casualties appear.

“If Hermann-nii-san succeeds, it will also give the territory time to a certain extent.” (Wendelin)

They will support the development there leaving some leeway to the development itself.
Hermann-nii-san will at least be made a Baron if they are successful at the development.

“That’s the point. Because of that the boy will be in charge of the remaining Savage Lands.” (Burkhart)

If I developed an area of such size, I wouldn’t finish even spending my whole life on it, if I’m unlucky.
There’s also the possibility of me being tied by the work as feudal lord.
If I consider this, it’s quite depressing.

“Umm, Wendelin-sama.” (Elise)

“What is it, Elise?” (Wendelin)

“Isn’t it unnecessary to immerse yourself forcibly in the work of a feudal lord and everything else from now on either?” (Elise)

“What do you mean by this?” (Wendelin)

If it is as Elise says, no matter how powerful as magician I might be, standing at the head of an army as youngster, becoming an adult immediately after turning 15 years old, isn’t necessary to develop a territory from the scratch.

“100% of the funds and territory would be Wendelin-sama’s possession. I think honourable grandfather-sama’s group will gather workers on their own accord.” (Elise)

“It might be bad for Elise like that, but won’t it result in not advancing the development due to conflicts over the rights?” (Wendelin)

It doesn’t even matter if I end up entrusting that enormous, unreal amount of money to them.
If stupid n.o.bles and their dependants came out trying to gain profits by even being corrupt thanks to that, it would result in getting troublesome later.
Only increasing strange rivalries without advancing the development of the Savage Lands, it would be meaningless for me to become the feudal lord just for the sake of providing the money.
At worst I would be treated as war criminal.

“Although I don’t want to say zero, it will be okay since the cruel people will be removed right away.” (Elise)

If the representative, becoming the key point, has ability, he will be mostly able to prevent this.

“When it comes to this, it has to be Roderich, huh?” (Wendelin)

“Yes, won’t it be alright, if we entrust the managing of the household to that gentleman?” (Elise)

Even other capable staff, it shouldn’t be too strange to dispatch a group of n.o.bles either, Elise says.

“It’s because everyone wants to gain the rights and benefits of developing a new territory legally.” (Elise)

With the abundant prosperity of the kingdom, these n.o.bles will send forth their relatives and dependants, who have valuable abilities but are doomed to a live of wasting away, to develop new territories. Marrying into the Baron Baumeister household, they can increase their rights with things like special development procurements and trade.
Although that’s their goal, they obviously can’t dispatch useless people either.

“If such people did mischief, honourable grandfather-sama should strike them down with pleasure.” (Elise)

“The folks dispatched by XX can’t even be used for work. They are apparently gaining trust and then pilfer the money and goods. They are people who would be troubled in front of G.o.d due to their bad deeds. In my opinion XX hasn’t the qualifications to send out people for this development which is even being observed by His Majesty.”

It is very likely that the other n.o.bles will link up and attack XX to drive them out from the development of the new territory.
And, other n.o.bles will scramble for the opened up spot.
Isn’t that sad?
It seems n.o.bles are such creatures.

“However, won’t it be fine, if Wendelin-sama prepares in advance to be the most imposing?” (Elise)

“Is that how it works?” (Wendelin)

“Yes, Wendelin-sama is a magician, therefore you are special.” (Elise)

Certainly, with that amount of money.
I don’t even know what to use it on. In order for the majority of the strangers, who will become the retainer group, to not do evil deeds, I’d have to check each and every little thing so that causing trouble would be impossible.
From the start, it’s like not having money.
If I’m h.o.a.rding it anyway, they will complain even if I give out money.
It probably won’t be bad to observe from the distance whether the n.o.bles of this country will become useful or whether they are wasting the money flashy as much as possible.
It’s fine if I have to earn money with magic once again anyway. At worst it would be alright, if I ended up defecting to the Holy Empire Urquhart with a feeling of a vacation abroad, if it gets too bothersome here.

“Since I’m Wendelin-sama’s wife, I shall always go with you. Even if I died, it wouldn’t be the reason for the extinction of the Hohenheim household either.” (Elise)

“I haven’t even said anything.” (Wendelin)

“I was just speaking to myself here.” (Elise)

“Hu~~~mph, a monologue, eh?” (Luise)

“Yes.” (Elise)

Somehow it seems that the blood of n.o.bility flowing within Elise was thicker than I thought.
Moreover, she is also a fairly extreme woman.
Perhaps this might be the kind of woman who is called clingy woman. (T/N: Author use heavy woman but that sounds stupid in English)

“Uwaa, our lord’s first wife-dono is scary.” (Erwin)

“What does that have to do with the Junior Commander?” (Elise)

“We can earn income as adventurers. We have plenty of reserves. Even living in a foreign country is completely alright. We aren’t dependent on that rotten elder brother and that scheming village headman, now are we?” (Erwin)

“For the time being, father is still the feudal lord.” (Wendelin)

“I don’t know whether the bad habit of Wend’s father is a fact. But it it’s that person, he is partly acting like a bystander, right? Therefore he won’t even punish that rotten elder brother, even if he is shocked by him.” (Erwin)

It might be as Erw says, but it also seems like it will be difficult to hold the next bazaar as long as Kurt is going strong.
If it was Hermann-nii-san, he wouldn’t worry about holding it once per month at all.
And, the one responsible for the current situation is father, but it didn’t look like he would take active measures unless a miracle occurs.
Although he hasn’t shown his face, he might be wavering within his mind.
Will he still make Kurt the next family head?
Or has he decided to change his decision?
This hesitation might also be the reason he allowed Kurt’s abusive remarks.

“If it’s this party, it will pa.s.s anywhere. Haven’t I become the strongest war potential, so to say?” (Erwin)

“If there is no Ina-chan, the common sense of these members ends up being off.” (Luise)

“Luise, Even I have common sense…” (Erwin)

“Erw’s boiling point of anger is low once in a while.” (Luise)

“Isn’t that the same for you?” (Erwin)

I can use various, powerful, handy spells, but I somewhere feel out-of-place in this world being influenced by the common sense of my previous life.
A master of purification and healing magic, a beautiful girl with huge breast up to the degree to be called saint, a modest woman who is perfect in things like housework and such and occasionally even shows the scary face of the daughter of an important n.o.ble, that is Elise.
Even though she appears to be simple-minded on the first glance thanks to her outward appearance, she is somehow calculating and an incarnation of physical strength. That is Luise.
Certainly, if you put Ina and Erw into the mix here as well, it might be obvious that the normal people in the surroundings end up thinking 『They are difficult to approach』.

“Since various stuff happened, we will end up thinking about various things in the future, too. But in the end, we can’t deal with it since nothing has actually occurred. First comes the job.” (Luise)

“It’s as Luise says. It would be a disaster, if we made a mistake due to being over-concerned.” (Wendelin)

We, who eventually reached the conclusion of what will be, will be, intruded into the Demon Forest after continuing detection for a short while.

◆◇◆◇◆

“Uwaa! An earth-shattering number of presences…” (Luise)

We, who finally entered the Demon Forest, are immediately attacked by a feeling of having chill along the spine.
Luise is especially sensitive to such presences with her magic combat style. She exposed a sense of caution due to that feeling.
The expeditionary force should have also entered at almost the same place more than 15 years ago, but the majority of them has lost their lives on this soil.
Of course their corpses became undead due to their lingering affections.
At first they will become zombies, then from there on, the individuals, as their grudges grow stronger completely like the interest of a loan, will job change to things like skeletons, liches and ghouls.
The large amount of monster presences, which Luise felt, are clearly undead.

“Well then, let’s begin the operation.” (Burkhart)

The operation begins with the call of the most senior among us, Burkhart-san, but actually it isn’t something that complicated either.
At first we will lay out a sheet of cloth with around 2 meters length per side on the ground where Elise cut the undergrowth.
This cloth had a magic square for supplementing the purification, drawn on it by a high priest while receiving prayers in a church.
Because it will improve the efficacy of Elise’s holy purification spell, you can also call it a kind of magic tool.
Given that we had to leave a slightly high offering at the time of obtaining this, I think that we should pray that it’s something effective.
Next, once we have confirmed Elise standing in the middle of the magic square, all the remaining members will press megaphones, provided by me, to their mouths.
And then we began to shout the chosen words all at once.

“Ya~~~~y! The Margrave Breithilde army sucks!” (All but Elise)

“If it’s you guys, we will easily win by just using 10% of our power!” (All but Elise)

“Your military abilities are zero if not even minus, Margrave Breithilde!” (All but Elise)

We aren’t particularly doing that as a joke.
Once the war dead of the defeated military forces of the army became undead, such things as their intelligence fell naturally as well.
Is it the instinct from the time of being alive?
There are many who understand the insults from us to a certain degree.
It seems to be that they understand things to the degree of us treating them like idiots.
And, another thing.
For some reason there appeared a leader among the undead group.
This might be partly instinct as well, but for some reason that leader is basing many of his decisions on the standards he used during his lifetime.
Naturally it was very likely that the previous Margrave Breithilde has become the leader.
Therefore, the strategy of aiming the insults at him should be quite effective.

“Uwaa! They really came!” (Luise)

After a few minutes since beginning to insult them via the megaphones, finally the figures of several zombies come in sight in the grove at the front.

“A scouting unit?” (Wendelin)

“It’s an ugly scouting unit.” (Luise)

Different to me, who burns them with magic, it’s no good if Luise doesn’t hit the zombies unarmed if there’s imminent danger to Elise’s body.
I guess it’s a mental state of refusing to touch corpses as much as possible for one’s mental sanity.

“Elise, start casting.” (Wendelin)

“Yes!” (Elise)

Upon my signal, Elise, standing in the middle of the magic square, invokes the purification spell after starting to pray silently.
Its range is around 100 meter in diameter.
After throwing out insults, they will be purified once they enter the range of the purification spell.
It was completely a strategy as if shooing c.o.c.kroaches.

“Uwaa, how gross!” (Luise)

As expected of corpses that have died more than 15 years ago.
Although the decay has been delayed after becoming undead, it’s not like they stopped decaying entirely.
Their bodies have been bitten by monsters. Their rotting innards and bones are exposed because of the torn off parts. Although they are zombies with a murky dark skin, you couldn’t expect them to give off a good impression based on their appearance either.
Furthermore, it will be impossible to recycle their worn armour and such as those are covered all over with rust.
Their swords were rusted as well. The blades were worn-out from the battle with monsters when they died and the tip had snapped off as well.
The majority of it could either be given as articles of the deceased to the bereaved families or there was nothing else but recycling them as sc.r.a.p iron.

“Naturally they don’t possess such things as decent treasures, I guess.” (Erwin)

“If it’s Margrave Breithilde or his staff, it might be different.” (Wendelin)

If they have ornamented their armours and swords with gold and jewels for the sake of appearance, it should be possible to turn that into money.
Given that those are articles of the deceased, they should be received with high-priced grat.i.tude.

“I wonder if there are things that can be sold such as personal property?” (Erwin)

More than 15 years have already pa.s.sed since they became zombies.
As the food, they possessed at that time, should have spoiled even if it’s emergency rations, they are moving by nothing but instinct as their intelligence, before becoming zombies, has vanished.
Because they aren’t gourmets either, they should have ended up greedily devouring even the collected monster materials.
Even if undead chew on something in accordance to their instinct of the time they were alive, it doesn’t mean that this will become nourishment for them either.
However, the things, that they masticated, will drop to the ground from their a.n.u.s pa.s.sing through the stomach and such.
To put it simply, they are incontinent.
Naturally stuff like the monster materials have been reduced to worthlessness at the time of being crunched.
I guess, such things like medicinal plants don’t have to be mentioned.
Among the zombies gradually gathering, some individuals are coming towards us while discharging something from their b.u.t.ts. (T/N: Lol)
There are also some individuals among them, who have something leaking from their abdomens since those had been cut open. It’s not something pleasant to see.
There were more undead that wanted to spit out something from within their stomachs than at the time of purifying the flawed properties in the capital.
It was a far worse sight than in the games, where you shoot zombies with guns, played at game centres in my previous life.
Furthermore, from their view even living humans are nothing more than fodder.
Since they will try to devour you once you enter their sight, you could even say that their extermination is indispensable.

“But, they are weak.” (Erwin)

Although Erw set up his sword stance, the zombies are completely eliminated once they breach the holy s.p.a.ce deployed by Elise one after the other.
Nothing but rusted and slightly dirtied equipment items were left.

“The zombies here are weak, but their number is a threat. Don’t lose focus.” (Burkhart)

Everyone once again focusses their minds due to the advice from Burkhart-san, who is a former veteran adventurer.
However, the zombies end up vanis.h.i.+ng as if dissolving once they continue after breaching the holy s.p.a.ce deployed by Elise.
As a normal holy purification spell user won’t reach such effect, it means that Elise is this superior.

“Boy.” (Burkhart)

“I know.” (Wendelin)

Once I take out the reserve magic bag, I store stuff like the zombies owned bags and their equipped items successively into it.
As well as rusted and corroded defence armaments like s.h.i.+elds and armours and likewise rusted and broken weapons like swords and spears.
The bags, the zombies owned, have slightly dirtied things like copper coins and silver coins.
We decided to return these goods to the bereaved families after gathering and judging to whom these items belong.

“If it’s no good, we will recycle the metallic items by melting them down after receiving a purification at the church.” (Burkhart)

“(These things have quite the dangerous ecology as well.)” (Wendelin)

Since they people of this world shouldn’t be able to understand even if I explained ecology to them, I have decided to keep this within my mind.

“Just don’t come squirming.” (Ina)

We could be regarded like having no tension in some respects, but it might be inevitable as we collected articles of the deceased for around an hour without even fighting at all.
In addition, even as the zombies see their companions crumble away by touching the purification magic barrier by Elise in front of their eyes, they don’t withdraw themselves.
If a strong leader has ordered them to attack, they will move only by the instinct of getting close to their fodder called humans, that is in front of their eyes.

“Burkhart-san, around how much have we gathered?” (Wendelin)

“Umm… around 800 people’s worth.” (Burkhart)

If I remember correctly, the number of soldiers, who became corpses in this Demon Forest, should be around 2000.
Therefore, around half has pa.s.sed on.

“However, I wonder whether he won’t come out soon?” (Burkhart)

“In that case, I will enlarge the range and have them pa.s.s on in one go.” (Wendelin)

I think the one Burkhart-san wanted to come out soon was the previous Margrave Breithilde, who we thought to be commanding the zombie pack.
But, he is strongly influenced by the human relations of his lifetime even after he became a zombie. At the time I heard this, I ended up feeling the sinfulness of the animal called human.

“Prey! Eat!” (Breithilde)

“A~~~h. Even as originally great n.o.ble-sama, he has become this miserable.” (Burkhart)

As the zombie extermination is going on for further 10 minutes, a middle-aged, seemingly male zombie, who was wearing a rusted armour that could originally be considered an extravagant armour with jewels attached to it, appeared.
After looking at the equipment he is wearing, it is clear without a doubt that this is the former Margrave Breithilde.
It was an extremely rare case, but although he is a zombie, he is able to speak words. Should I even say as expected of an originally important n.o.ble?
Even if he is only repeating 『Prey! Eat!』 following his instincts.

“Burkhart-sama, that’s a considerably rude remark.” (Ina)

“If it’s the predecessor, I didn’t see his face first-hand in the past. My loyalty belongs to the current lord. Is it different for Ina-jou-chan?” (Burkhart)

“He gave me such things as candies during my childhood. He was a kind person… At least that’s what my nii-san’s said.” (Luise)

If you consider the time of the expedition, Ina and Luise shouldn’t have been acquainted with the predecessor as it should have been before they were born or while they were babies.
Therefore her follow-up was something questionable.

“Kindness is different from his ability as n.o.ble.” (Burkhart)

“If you say that, he is trouble though…” (Ina)

I extend the range of my detection spell in a hurry as Burkhart-san and Ina are bluntly continuing the conversation.
Thereupon I sense the reactions of what seems to be around 1000 zombies remaining within a radius of 200 meters.

“There is no oversight, Well, then let’s get it done in one go?” (Wendelin)

Saying this, I put my hands on Elise’s shoulders and use range expansion magic continuously.
The holy purification spell, that had its radius stretched to 500 meters in diameter for caution’s sake, mercilessly dissolves the zombies as they are pa.s.sing on.
Even the most important zombie, the former Margrave Breithilde, crumbles away completely since his base is that of a zombie after all.
The left-behind equipment items with jewels attached were the only proof of his existence.

“Al~~~right, it’s fine to stop the spell as well.” (Burkhart)

And, a few minutes later, Burkhart-san also verifies that there are no reactions of monsters in the vicinity with detection magic. With this the zombie extermination finally came to an end.
But, that didn’t mean that we could do something like relaxing at this place.

“Hurry up searching for articles of the deceased in the surroundings!” (Burkhart)

We resume the retrieval and search of articles of the deceased in the area in a hurry.
Given that there were 2000 zombies until now, other monsters didn’t exist in this area at all.
Since they ended up vanis.h.i.+ng all at once, it was possible that this empty area would be intruded upon by monsters in great number.

“Don’t speak a single word. We will withdraw after collecting the majority!” (Burkhart)

After that, for around 30 minutes, we have collected the articles of the deceased, being the equipment items from the zombies that were eliminated by the holy magic, from the field encampment site, that became their final resting place.
Even so, I was confronted with a single question here.

“There aren’t any folks appearing to be former members of the Baumeister household’s feudal army.” (Erwin)

“Now that you say it, that’s true.” (Wendelin)

As Erw has pointed out, we confirmed that there were Sonbi* folks that originally were magicians, a group that appears to be the staff who wore high-priced equipment and the soldiers who were uniformly dressed in the equipment of the Breithilde household’s feudal army. (T/N: * to put it short, scholars with high decorum who protected honor and principles without indulging in opulent luxury and power… unless it’s a name though I don’t think that)
No one has gathered things that don’t match the leeway in economic strength of the Margrave Breithilde household.
The Baumeister household’s feudal army consisted of farmers, who were soldiers wearing shabby, non-uniform armour parts. It was to the extent that even their leaders, the previous Junior Commander and his sons, were wearing more or less objectionable armour.
They didn’t have the a.s.sets to even employ an elementary levelled magician.
Although it sounds bad, it was a group were it wasn’t clear whether you could barely call them military forces.

“Why don’t they show up?” (Wendelin)

I investigate the surroundings with detection magic once again, but there are no reactions from monsters, including zombies, within 500 meters.
The annihilation of the former Breithilde feudal army immediately followed here, therefore there were still other groups lying in wait at the sides.
Regular monsters have a tendency of avoiding undead.
I guess even monsters want to be spared from joining the group of undead after being killed.

“Did they separate from the Breithilde household’s feudal army?” (Wendelin)

“That’s not possible.” (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san has gathered a lot of experience as adventurer.
Therefore he has probably actually experienced such situation.
He denied my comment.

“Zombies are influenced by their instincts from the time they were alive.” (Burkhart)

From the standpoint of being a patron, the Baumeister household’s feudal army’s Junior Commander became a commander-in-chief departing with the Breithilde family head directly to the front alongside the Breithilde household’s feudal army.
Therefore he was probably worked hard being treated as retainer by Margrave Breithilde.
No matter how much you call them small military forces, the Baumeister household’s feudal army was in a chain of command of a different army.
Being forced to be the commander-in-chief by father, who was the family’s head, they fought against monsters after a long march.
The Junior Commander, being my grand-uncle, had probably acc.u.mulated various grudges.

“It’s possible that they separated from that group due to those unpleasant feelings.”

“There are such situations.”

“Originally that’s how humans are.”

“And the other possibilities?”

Although I became well-acquainted with evil spirits due to the exorcism experiences in the capital, I’m unfortunately not well-informed about zombies. Once again I seek out Burkhart-san’s knowledge.

“It’s possible that their plans have grown albeit being such small group.” (Burkhart)

Since zombies basically don’t have any reasoning, they might also have split away from the group as time pa.s.sed. There are many cases where zombies combine their numbers by absorbing other zombies with cannibalism. It almost never happens that there are two groups remaining for an extended period of time.

“Evil spirits have a nimble footwork since they don’t have a body. On the other hand, there are few cases where zombies leave the spot they died at.” (Burkhart)

“However, they aren’t here.” (Wendelin)

“Even if I say that they don’t leave, they move around in a sphere of several kilometres. They might be outside the detection spell range.” (Burkhart)

When I try to expand the detection magic as a test, I located a great number of monster reactions at parts of the outer edge.
There are around several thousand reactions, but they won’t come attacking all at once.
Because they are returning while being careful as it was a domain ruled by undead, who were the minority here, it doesn’t seem to be dangerous to stay here as long as it isn’t for too long.

“Even so, if it’s the other side, they aren’t foolish either. They are cautious of us, who purified close to 2000 undead, with such small number.” (Burkhart)

But, to the bitter end, that’s only if those monsters are normal monsters.
What if those thousands of reactions were undead?
Such question is surging forth within me.

“Isn’t it also possible that the undead of the Baumeister household’s territorial army are included within those reactions?” (Wendelin)

“Although we can’t exclude that possibility, the numbers don’t match.” (Burkhart)

The number of monsters at the outer edge reaches up to several thousands whereas the Baumeister household’s territorial army numbered below 100 soldiers.
Certainly the numbers don’t match, but somehow it doesn’t make sense.

“Did their numbers increase then?” (Wendelin)

“The numbers increased? Does something like that really happen, Burkhart-san?” (Erwin)

“It’s not something that can’t happen either.” (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san immediately answered Erw’s doubt.
If the boss of a small group is excellent, there seem to be cases where the undead will increase their companions.
In that case, it is usually undead, that were defeated by monsters at their time of death, and monsters, that fell prey to the undead afterwards.

“It’s a disturbing way of increasing their numbers…” (Ina)

Definitely, it is a way of increasing their numbers that is similar to a horror movie.

“However, you know… The strength of the boss is an absolute necessity…” (Burkhart)

Apparently those are largely influenced by their abilities they had while being alive.
In short, if you talk about soldiers, it means that they possess abilities on the level of a general since they led thousands of soldiers as battalion commander.
At the same time they had to be talented as adventurers because their opponents would be monsters.
In other words, I hear that their strength would become the criterion.

“As Junior Commander of the Baumeister household…” (Wendelin)

I feel like I’m rude by denying grand-uncle’s abilities, but since it’s that Baumeister household, I don’t believe he was able to obtain such ability.
Even judging it by the population, they had troubles to even gather a feudal army of 100 soldiers.
I didn’t think that grand-uncle had the opportunity to lead an army of thousands of soldiers.

“But, he might have been gifted.” (Luise)

“That means?” (Wendelin)

“Because it’s that territory, he might have been restricted as Junior Commander as he was partly a farmer as well. But in case of the Margrave Breithilde household, he maybe became part of the upper staff due to his talent he possessed?” (Luise)

Even if he had talent, he didn’t have the chance nor the environment to make use of it.
Erw stated his own opinion that there might be such people as well since it is this kind of society.

“I see. However, what about it?” (Ina)

“You see, Ina-chan. The group at the edge of Wend’s detection spell’ range are undead led by Wend’s grand-uncle. They are watching vigilantly for an opportunity to prey upon us.” (Luise)

“Hey, isn’t that dangerous then?” (Ina)

“It might be very dangerous…” (Luise)

The tension of everyone, listening to Ina’s and Luise’s exchange, is spurred on.
And…

“Everyone! Get ready for combat!” (Burkhart)

At the same time of Burkhart-san’s yell, all reactions at the edge, with us in the centre, have started to move simultaneously.
It was the start of an attack aiming to kill us.
◆◇◆◇◆

“The h.e.l.l, just how many are there?” (Erwin)

“Like I’d know!” (Wendelin)

And then, once again, after several hours.
We confronted the approaching zombies one by one within Elise’s deployed purification spell.
After all, the majority were monsters that transformed into undead.
Occasionally there also were human zombies owning things like rusted spears and tattered armours blended in among those.
Judging by their state and appearance, they are the lot of the former Baumeister household’s territorial army without a doubt.

“If Elise wasn’t here, it would have become largely close fight.” (Wendelin)

Without even being able to enter the deployed spell with a single step, the direct combat is thanks to Elise, who doesn’t speak a single word to concentrate, zero just like at the time with the former Breithilde feudal army.
Even now, we only fight undead such as wyvrens, who don’t vanish even if they are bathed in the light of purification.
With Erw, Ina and Luise attacking directly, Burkhart-san and me shoot highly focussed fire arrows at the heads of the undead wyvrens.
The undead wyvrens, who ceased their movements, are cleansed by the purification spell and only leave behind bones and magic cores.
The other monsters leave only magic cores, but as expected, they are small in comparison to a dragon type, I guess.
The bones, they left, will become raw materials.
Although they were black, tainted bones at the time of being a part of the undead, they become pure white once purified.
It was a truly mysterious scene if you looked at it.

“Tsk! It’s an undead flying dragon!” (Wendelin)

“Come to think of it, Alf was there!” (Burkhart)

It might have been due to the leaders.h.i.+p of grand-uncle.
But, something like wyvrens and flying dragons shouldn’t be possible like with undead of normal people and monsters.
If that’s the case, why is there a fixed number of them mixed in?
The answer is this undead monster army numbering several thousands. Those were the monsters that were killed until master died.

“Wend’s master was a monster!” (Erwin)

He killed monsters one after the other, even in the thousands, until his strength gave out.
If I was told to do that, it’s not like I couldn’t do it but it would be troublesome as I wouldn’t have any other choice but to make the vicinity, including the forest, disappear with magic.
But, master at those days was below the former Margrave Breithilde and there were 2000 people he had to protect as well.
Even if I were told to do the same under similar conditions, it should be fairly difficult.
At least for the current me such skilful action was impossible.

“Ascertaining the gaps in time, he instantly crushed small groups and individuals in turns, who would become a threat for himself or his protection target. That’s why Armstrong approved of Alf.” (Burkhart)

Even if it was possible for me to win in mana capacity, he was a magician of the super-technician school that didn’t allow himself to be negligent at all.
This was apparently my master.

“However, thanks to that master-san, we are in a dire situation…” (Luise)

While Luise complains, as Burkhart-san’s focussed fire arrows dulls the movements of the undead flying dragon’s head, she delivers a single punch filled with mana shattering the head into small pieces.
The undead flying dragon, having lost its head, immediately stopped moving.

“No, this is a test! Master is a.s.sessing us!” (Wendelin)

“Uwaa! Wend has entered the faithful apprentice mode!” (Luise)

“If you compare this situation with the golem army from the other day, what would be the result?” (Ina)

“Currently the situation at home is worse than the purification request, no?” (Wendelin)

“Uwaa! There was that too!” (Luise)

Reconsidering the last time, the number of magic gems used for mana supply was higher as well. We successfully annihilated the second group of the undead army corps within a few hours.
No, lastly there was an individual remaining.
A middle-aged man, who wore a rusted, old plate mail and who set up a likewise rufous-turned long sword, stood in front of us.
If he was a normal zombie, it would be impossible for him to do something like breaking through Elise’s purification barrier.
In other words, he was a higher ranking species, I guess.

“His resentment is considerably deep.” (Burkhart)

“That might be so.” (Wendelin)

“Without doubt it’s the former Junior Commander.” (Burkhart)

“Yea.” (Wendelin)

Burkhart-san and me have confirmed that undead being the former Junior Commander of the Baumeister household.
Albeit being his ruler’s orders, he turned himself, all of his sons and the majority of fief’s inhabitants into victims on that reckless expedition.
There were a lot of women, except the granddaughter of this former Junior Commander, who invited husbands into the branch family.
They are the daughters of the families serving as subordinate warriors under the branch family.
All of them had parted with their father, brothers or relatives. They invited husbands from outside for the sake of keeping the household going. They endured the same painful work as men.
Despite being families of subordinate warriors, they are usually no more than normal farmers since it is a rural territory.
With things like the increased reclamation, they were probably burdened with great hards.h.i.+ps.
And in addition, the girls were also anti-main family.
And, the former Junior Commander in front of us might be able to understand this.
While he set up his sword, he didn’t come to attack us.

“Did he even become a lich!? In such short time!” (Burkhart)

It’s unthinkable for zombies to be rational up to this point. The extent of the previous Margrave Breithilde was fine. And even that wasn’t ordinary.

“Everyone, died…” (Junior Commander)

“It was more than 15 years ago. Now they have only been purified.” (Wendelin)

“Grandchild…” (Junior Commander)

“She is doing fine and dominates her husband.” (Wendelin)

Given that it is dangerous once they become liches, I would have immediately cleansed him with something like holy light magic, if it was the usual me.
However, this former Junior Commander, being my grand-uncle, had awfully sad eyes.
And he was looking directly at me.
Due to those sad eyes, I couldn’t tell him 『Don’t incite that group then!』

“Does he understand us?” (Ina)

“I don’t know. There are cases where they don’t move their bodies because they understand the difference in strength by instinct.” (Burkhart)

Since he has appeared in front of us by instinct, he has apparently ended up stopping to move, just like an animal, due to the far too strong enemy.
It’s impossible for zombies or ghouls. It seems to be a phenomenon only seen at the level of liches.
Going by what Burkhart-san said, he doesn’t want to show a single gap to grand-uncle’s lich because he had incited the previous several thousands undead.
He didn’t lower his readiness to attack even as the undead army withered away to the last lich.

“Great-grandchild…” (Junior Commander)

“Alongside an heir, a younger sister was born. They were healthy. They are similar to you.” (Wendelin)

“I see… The same blood…” (Junior Commander)

He seems to comprehend after all.
Moreover, he appears to realise that I’m someone related to him.

“Leave it to you…” (Junior Commander)

Once he said this at the end, the former Junior Commander’s lich lowered the sword to the ground and stopped moving.
Since he won’t attack, it looks like he is telling us to purify him.

“His wrath must have been dreadful to become a lich in such short time, but I wonder if he is satisfied by hearing the story of his family from his relative?” (Ina)

“That might be so. It might also be because he judged that he can’t win against the boy.” (Burkhart)

“Well then, Holy Light.” (Wendelin)

Due to my holy light magic, the former Junior Commander has been completely purified and has only left behind his equipment.

“I must return those to the side of Marlene-sister-in-law-san’s group…” (Wendelin)

At the same time, there is also the matter of the branch family.
If we fought with grand-uncle, who even became a lich, it should have required quite the effort though it isn’t like we would have lost.
However, grand-uncle didn’t want to fight with us.
While bearing the impulse to cause a ma.s.sacre due to the seething grudge, he had listened to the situation of his remaining family.
Once he knew they were safe, he even told me 『Leave it to you』.

“I didn’t ever think that a lich could restrain its impulse for slaughter that far.” (Burkhart)

Even Burkhart-san, who prepared a powerful flame spell for the sake of attacking grand-uncle, seems to be surprised due to experiencing this for the first time.

“『Leave it to you』, huh… ?” (Wendelin)

That request probably means that he leaves his family to me.
Or rather, it’s unlikely to have any other meaning.

“We have finished the work. Now we return to the Baumeister territory… ?” (Erwin)

We collected all of grand uncle’s equipment and decided to return to the Baumeister territory as quickly as possible.
Intruding on the Demon forest since morning, our bellies are empty as well as we fought two undead armies without even having a meal.
Watching the colour of the sky through the gaps in the trees, it indicated that the time was already close before evening.

“That’s right. Let’s leave the forest quickly and go back.” (Wendelin)

Given that the thousands of undead, who occupied this area, vanished, it would be a matter of time until regular monsters advanced to fill up this vacant spot.

“No, there is a place we should stop by before that.” (Burkhart)

“Place to stop by? Ah, Erich-nii-san, huh?” (Wendelin)

There are too many things we don’t understand about the problems in the Baumeister territory.
It’s also possible that Erich-nii-san’s group might know something about it. Burkhart-san’s opinion was that it wouldn’t be too late to return after confirming that.

“Isn’t it hopeless in Erich-nii-san’s case? Isn’t the possibility of Paul-nii-san and Helmut-nii-san knowing something higher if you consider their ages?” (Wendelin)

I, who agreed with Burkhart-san’s suggestion, called everyone together and transferred in one go to the Brandt’s mansion in the royal capital.

◆◇◆◇◆

“Huh!? Such thing happened?” (Erich)

“Kurt-aniki…” (Paul)

Having finished the request in the Demon Forest, we moved straight away to the Brandt’s mansion in the capital (T/N: In case you forgot from 2 lines back…)
Rüdiger-san and the mansion’s servants were surprised by us suddenly materializing in the garden.
Right away sensing that it was a serious situation, he guided us into the mansion and served a meal until Erich-nii-san returned from his work.
And it seems he also sent servants to Paul-nii-san’s and Helmut-nii-san’s location.
Around 2 hours after that, my three elder brothers listened to me about the incidents in the territory showing grave facial expressions.

“Erich-nii-san?” (Wendelin)

“I expected this to happen to a certain extent, but… However, with Klaus at that point… ?” (Erich)

According to Erich-nii-san’s words, Kurt’s words and deeds were in range of his a.s.sumption to some degree.
Although Kurt’s degree of stupidity went up higher than he expected, he apparently thought that they would somehow manage if father restrained him.
To the last it was a situation with condition attached for a while.

“By the way, is Klaus story true?” (Wendelin)

“About the case with Klaus’ son and Leyla’s fiancée? It’s true. Ain’t it, Paul-nii-san?” (Erich)

“Ah. I heard about it afterwards because even I was 4 years old at that time.” (Paul)

It seems it isn’t possible to hinder people to gossip.
Due to father imposing a gag order, it ended up spreading even more within the territory.
Given that it is a territory that hasn’t any decent amus.e.m.e.nt, they might enjoy inferring the truth.

“However, even though it is the truth that both died by falling from the cliff at the same time, there isn’t any evidence proving father’s involvement in that. Going by the rumours, he is 100% guilty, with the exception of the main village.” (Erich)

Since the victims were the sons of Klaus, who is the village headman of the main village, there isn’t much sympathy, but the population registered that the feudal lord is able to do anything if it’s for the sake of strengthening the order within the territory.
Because they didn’t want to experience it again, they aren’t openly talking about it much.
That’s what many of the fief’s inhabitants are believing.

“You might know as well, Wend? Rock tripe can be harvested at that cliff.” (Paul)

As Paul-nii-san said, it’s definitely possible to gather the mushroom called rock tripe at that cliff.
Because it makes a fine soup stock if put it into that thin, salty soup, everyone should be competing over gathering it.
It’s valuable because it doesn’t grow easily.
Given that it grows at the slopes of cliffs, it was dangerous to collect it.

“Yes, I’m aware. But…” (Wendelin)

Father and the two of them definitely went hunting. That meant that they didn’t aim for rock tripes.
Even so, on that day several fit villagers of the main village went to that rock wall for picking rock tripes according to father.
It might have happened because of that lot, according to what Klaus said.

“If you talk about the circ.u.mstances, it is possible for father to have ordered those villagers. But they are also Klaus’ supporters, right?” (Erich)

“There was another rumour.” (Helmut)

Helmut-nii-san heard another detestable rumour.

“Many men had an interest in Leyla as she was a beauty. It looks like there also were a lot of villagers who wanted her to be their wife.” (Helmut)

In other words, the lot gathering rock tripes tried to only kill Leyla’s fiancée. It’s something like having killed Klaus’ son by some mistake as well.

“If that’s how it was, father would probably be unrelated.” (Wendelin)

“It’s high.” (Paul) (T/N: no idea on that one)

“However the truth is unknown. That won’t even change unless Father leaks it out under torture.” (Helmut)

I believe torture is an extreme measure, but it was also true that there would be no other choice to hear the truth from father as there isn’t any proof.
Listening to the points, there isn’t any guarantee that father would tell the truth either.

“I knew it.” (Wendelin)

“In the end it’s only a rough outline. Even Klaus probably doesn’t know.” (Erich)

The truth is unknown, but he lost his beloved son and the fiancée of his daughter in a strange incident.
For him the grudge against father probably kept his mind in balance.

“With father’s bad habit and Leyla’s case…” (Wendelin)

“In addition, other than the main village’s lot, everyone believes him to be guilty. However, there were other possibilities as well.” (Erich)

Erich-nii-san states his thoughts after remarking upon my thoughts.

“The village headman of the main village, Klaus, lost his son, who would have succeeded him, and his daughter’s fiancée.” (Erich)

Since that’s the case, it will be Leyla-san’s new husband who will succeed the post of village headman of the main village after Klaus.

“There was the rumour that the village headmen of the remaining two villages tried to push their sons below their second sons upon Klaus.” (Erich)

If this was achieved, it would be possible to drive a wedge in

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