Chapter 347
Chapter 347: I Should Prepare in Advance. (3)
Ghislaine observed the situation in the territory for several days. The expansion of the Forest of Monsters was progressing well from Perdium, and the newly acquired resources were coming in without any issues.
The foundations for territory development and business were already established, so it was just a matter of continuing as planned.
In particular, the production capacity for equipment had increased compared to before. This was because they had secured many high-level blacksmiths after seizing the Desmond Territory.
Noticing that people were well-distributed, Ghislaine spoke to Claude.
“I think we need to build one more facility soon.”
“……What do you mean?”
“We’ve piled up quite a lot of Fairy’s Blessing, haven’t we?”
“Yes. Since it’s herbs, I’ve been cautious and bringing in only small amounts, but we’ve accumulated quite a bit.”
Fairy’s Blessing is not only valuable in itself, but it’s also rare, making it even more expensive. Currently, in the Penris Territory, they had secured enough Fairy’s Blessing to significantly lower the market price if released all at once.
“Let’s create a potion manufacturing facility.”
“Ah, that makes sense.”
Claude nodded without showing surprise.
The reason Fairy’s Blessing is expensive is that it is used in various high-grade potions and potion manufacturing.
From the moment Ghislaine instructed Claude not to sell the Fairy’s Blessing, but instead to stockpile it, he anticipated that they would be making potions someday.
Potion production was one of the important sources of income for wizards. Some Mage Towers specialized entirely in potion manufacturing.
“It would be better to utilize the wizards in shifts.”
“Right, we need to proceed with construction as well.”
There were quite a number of wizards in the Penris Territory. Though Ghislaine had established a magic laboratory to attract them, they were mainly participating in construction rather than research.
Now that the foundation for territory development was solid, it would be a loss to utilize all the skilled wizards solely for construction. It was now time for Penris to start producing magical tools on their own.
Thus, Ghislaine declared that potion manufacturing would be their first step.
Claude swiftly figured out a plan in his head and said, “First, I’ll build a large-scale potion manufacturing facility next to the magic laboratory.”
“Good. Do you understand why we’re building it?”
“To prepare for fights again, I assume.”
At those words, Ghislaine smiled. It was nice not having to explain at length anymore.
In the past, they would have discussed making money by selling potions.
“Alright. Make sure every soldier has at least two potions during wartime.”
At that, Claude felt dizzy. To do that, they would have to produce tens of thousands of potions.
It was an impossible task, even with the budget of several years for an ordinary territory. No matter how large the territory, they wouldn’t have that many potions on hand.
“Uh, isn’t that a bit too difficult right now?”
“But we have enough materials, right? They’ll keep coming in.”
“It’s not the materials; it’s the manpower…”
“We just have to keep rolling. What can we do?”
“…”
The number of wizards was slowly increasing. But to make that many potions, they’d all be sleep-deprived and working themselves to death.
It seemed they would have to actively recruit more wizards.
After assessing the situation, Ghislaine gave Claude a new directive.
“It’s going smoothly. I’m going out for a bit.”
At Ghislaine’s words, Claude frowned and asked.
“Wait, how long has it been since you returned, and you’re going out again?”
“I have too much to do. There’s no time to waste. I need to act quickly.”
To weaken the Duke Faction, there was much to accomplish. Whenever there was even a slight opportunity, they needed to move fast.
Claude scratched his head. In truth, he was glad the lord was often away.
“So how many people will you take this time?”
“I’m only taking Arel.”
“What? You’re going without a proper attendant? What do you need Arel for?”
“I’m taking him along to train him a bit more. Anyway, make some fake identification. I’ve got a place to sneak into.”
Claude squinted his eyes suspiciously. Sneaking into a place usually meant doing something bad or dangerous.
Seeing Claude’s expression, Ghislaine shrugged her shoulders and said, “I’m heading south.”
“If you’re going to die, at least cancel your slave contract first.”
The south was a region ruled by the Duke Faction. If Ghislaine appeared, they would immediately strike her down.
“That’s why I need the fake ID. I’m disguising myself. Besides, I’m not going deep; I’m just going to the Southern Edge, so you don’t need to worry too much.”
“What’s the reason for… leaving?”
“Well, it’s to weaken the enemy faction and personally handle a few matters.”
Ghislaine gave a rough outline of what kind of identification would be necessary.
Claude still wore a suspicious look but nodded without further comment. As always, he trusted Ghislaine’s confidence.
Under Belinda’s guidance, preparations for their journey were swiftly completed. No one would stop the lord, no matter what crazy thing she planned to do.
‘Everyone’s just rolling with it, which is convenient, but it feels a bit… unsettling.’
Having donned a wig and fake beard, and clenched a fake noble identification, Ghislaine said to Arel.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes!”
The two set off in a modest wagon laden with a few belongings.
*
At first, they traveled comfortably along the wide road, but as they neared the south, the path grew rougher and the passing people dwindled.
“Ugh!”
During that time, Arel had been subjected to what he perceived to be torment in the guise of mana acquisition. To him, it really felt like torture.
Though he had improved since the beginning, the pain refused to lessen.
At least if the timing were regular, he could mentally prepare, but Ghislaine’s random outbursts left him guessing. Ghislaine suddenly murmured to herself.
“Now seems like the right time.”
And thus, it began. The location mattered not at all.
Even now, they were standing right in the middle of the road.
No matter how little traffic there was, Ghislaine abruptly seized Arel while walking and forcibly taught him about mana circulation.
“Cough!”
As always, Arel collapsed, vomiting blood.
However, he didn’t faint like before. It hurt, but it was no longer to the point of losing consciousness.
At that moment, as Arel lay resting, a few rough-looking men approached from the other side of the road.
“Hey, what are you doing tormenting your friend here?”
“Don’t you know this is our territory? No matter how much you enjoy cheating your friends, you can’t do that here.”
“Ha, I can’t believe you lack basic decency. We need to teach you a lesson.”
These men were thieves operating in the area. They were convinced when they saw Arel bleeding.
‘What weaklings!’
Thieves weren’t stupid; they watched passersby closely. If a knight happened to be among them, they would be in for a beating.
However, the ones they encountered this time seemed easy to take down.
The wagon looked ordinary, and among the two companions, one was bleeding out on the ground. From a distance, they looked like they were just bumping backs, but given the blood, it seemed the guy was definitely sick.
Confident in their superiority, the thieves approached to rob them.
“Alright, the situation is clear, right? Are you leaving the wagon behind, or do you want to die here? Just so you know, we really enjoy killing.”
“Hmm.”
Seeing the thieves, Ghislaine nodded.
Though it was the Southern Edge, this area was a buffer zone between the Crown Prince Faction and the southern region. Naturally, the public order wasn’t great.
Lords were well-aware that areas with poor order but deliberately neglected them. Whenever war broke out, this area would likely become a fierce battlefield.
So, this vicinity was teeming with outlaws and bandits.
Arel, who had been bleeding out, staggered to his feet and wiped his mouth.
“Ar-are they bandits?”
Even while speaking, Arel’s eyes sparkled. After witnessing his village slaughtered by barbarians, he had an obsessive hatred for those who plundered others.
Ghislaine nodded. “Yep, they’re bandits. They always show up in quiet places like this.”
“Why is that?”
“Well, that’s just how they are.”
Ghislaine answered as if it were obvious and grinned at Arel. “Want to give it a try? Are you able to move?”
“Yes, I feel better after resting a bit.”
There were about five bandits. Likely, they were acting as scouts.
As Arel drew his sword and staggered forward, the bandits burst into laughter.
“Hey, what are you going to do if an injured guy comes at you like this?”
“You can’t even walk straight, and you’re acting tough?”
“Let’s just kill him and grab the wagon. Before anyone else comes.”
The bandits snickered as they approached Arel, brandishing their weapons.
The first bandit rushed in with an axe, swinging it wildly.
“Die, you sick little brat!”
Slash!
“…?”
The bandit hadn’t even finished swinging when his throat was cut. He wore a bewildered expression, unable to fathom what just happened.
Boom!
Leaving the fallen bandit behind, Arel continued to stagger forward.
“What? Who the heck is this kid?”
The approaching bandits halted, their expressions turning to panic. Despite looking like a sick person who couldn’t walk properly, he had killed their companion in an instant.
“That little punk!”
Another bandit approached, believing it was all a coincidence, and swung his sword. Arel, as if his legs were giving out, barely dodged to the side.
Slash!
As Arel’s sword swung again, the bandit was cut deeply across the chest and fell. Arel swung accurately, even while staggering.
— You must be able to wield a weapon accurately, no matter the situation.
That was the first lesson Ghislaine had taught him.
Arel always engraved that lesson in his mind, striving not to forget.
“Huh? Huh?”
The remaining bandits approached but then stopped, retreating. Although he appeared weak and sickly, every time he swung his sword, a companion fell.
The bandits exchanged glances, hesitating. They believed that if they charged together, they could take him down, but whoever charged first was bound to die.
“Hey, you go first.”
“No way, you go first.”
“I’ll strike from the side.”
While the bandits exchanged glances, Arel continued to approach them slowly. Even against these petty thieves, he would not let his guard down.
Regardless of his physical state, Ghislaine had taught him to act that way. Ironically, the one who taught it to him was a brute in battle.
Step, step.
As Arel advanced, the bandits retreated. They were just watching each other nervously, none daring to step forward.
Ultimately, one bandit turned around and shouted, “You! Damn! Wait right here! I’ll fetch my friends!”
The remaining two bandits also turned.
“Yeah! Just wait here!”
“I won’t let you get away, you idiot!”
Assuming the staggerer wouldn’t be able to follow, they confidently walked away.
Indeed, Arel couldn’t run fast in his current condition.
At that moment, when the bandits felt secure in their stride.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
All three had their heads blown apart at once.
It wasn’t Arel’s doing; he didn’t have that ability yet.
Ghislaine had preemptively pulled the threads of mana and detonated them while observing.
The bodies of the bandits, with their heads blown off, staggered before collapsing.
Clicking her tongue, Ghislaine approached Arel and patted his shoulder.
“Well done. It seems you’ve been training diligently in swordsmanship?”
“Thank you.”
Arel bowed his head silently. Ghislaine smiled warmly at him.
In her past life, she hadn’t particularly had a disciple, but she’d taught many subordinates. However, none impressed her more than Arel.
It wasn’t a matter of talent. In her previous life, there were many subordinates with far greater aptitude and sense than Arel.
But there was no one as persistent as him. His quiet effort and tenacity were admirable to anyone who saw it.
Such individuals were rare. That’s why Ghislaine held Arel in high esteem.
Though she couldn’t pay daily attention, she made sure to teach him the highest-level swordsmanship and mana circulation method.
Having dealt with the thieves, they leisurely continued toward their destination.
Their schedule was simple. They would just move while training, and whenever they saw a village, they would rest and gather food for the next leg of the journey.
Occasionally, if thieves or monsters appeared, Arel would handle them to practice as well.
And after a while…
“We’re almost there.”
Finally reaching their intended destination, Ghislaine gazed at the distant castle and murmured.
They stood at the Southern Edge, in a territory tucked away in a corner. Though tucked away, it was quite a large territory, not to be dismissed casually.
The ruler of this territory was Count Mobray, who claimed neutrality and had yet to take sides.
However, among the nobles, there was widespread speculation that Count Mobray would eventually kneel to the Duke Faction due to geographical circumstances.
A peculiar detail was that Count Mobray had almost ceased all external activities. Originally, this wasn’t the case, but at some point, he had changed.
As a result, very few territories were in contact with Mobray’s territory now.
As they approached the castle, Arel sensed something odd.
“It’s an exceedingly… quiet territory.”
“Yes. The lord must be having a rough time. Hence, the residents have to live quietly, keeping an eye on things.”
“Rough time?”
“You’ll find out soon. We came to resolve that.”
Count Mobray was a neutral lord, who possessed enough strength and determination that he wasn’t afraid of the Duke Faction.
Even still, it had been declared that as long as it didn’t affect him, he wouldn’t assist or obstruct either side.
However, in her previous life, he ultimately joined the Duke Faction when they solved the troublesome issues he faced.
As they got closer to the castle gate, the soldiers’ gazes became fierce. They were clearly on high alert for anyone approaching.
Pausing the wagon for a moment, Ghislaine gazed up toward the distant castle.
At first glance, everything seemed normal, but when concentrating her senses, she could feel a subtle aura surrounding the castle. It resembled the remnants of a powerful presence she had felt in her past life.
Though it had weakened significantly since then.
“I’ve found it.”
Ghislaine smiled. It was now time to reap new power.
