Dungeon Manager 1: A LitRPG Isekai Adventure, page 23
“Did you call for me?”
Entering was a slender man, slightly taller than the average dwarf, with a strong yet finely toned physique. Despite his slender build, he possessed the dexterity typical of dwarves, but he also had non-dwarven blood, which contributed to his distinctive appearance.
“My apologies, Bornoa.”
“No, it is expected of me as the King’s right-hand man. So, what is the matter?”
Bornoa, adorned in elegant attire with a touch of black, was the king’s personal butler. He usually assisted with administrative tasks in the room adjacent to the king’s office. However, his role extended beyond mere administrative duties; he also served as the king’s bodyguard and provided vital counsel to the young ruler. Consequently, he possessed a vast amount of knowledge.
“Regarding the recent incident with the dragon species...”
“Yes, it was indeed a national crisis, but the king is concerned about something else.”
“You’ve seen through it.”
“Are you referring to the Ancient Dragon?”
“That’s right. With the Demon King defeated by the hero and the balance of power in this world now teetering, the one who might lead us into unprecedented catastrophe is the legendary Ancient Dragon. There has never been a major war in history that the Ancient Dragon didn’t play a role in. Recently, since there have been no major wars, information about them has been sparse. But given today’s unstable world situation, it might finally be stirring.”
“Indeed. Such significant movements by dragons are rare, and considering what the king has mentioned, the possibility seems high. The thoughts and motives of an ancient dragon are beyond our comprehension. We cannot know the reasons, but the likelihood is substantial.”
“Beria Trias Digraft.”
“The threat posed by Digraft is unprecedented. If possible, we must prevent it. However, its power surpasses even that of heroes or thousands of demon kings. Since no one in this world can defeat Digraft, it is urgent to figure out how to avoid it. Unfortunately, given the current uncertainties, we have no concrete measures yet.”
The greatest calamity shaking the world is the apex of the dragon species—the Ancient Dragon Beria Trias Digraft. Its unparalleled power, combined with its ability to remain hidden from this world, makes it extremely troublesome. Unlike ordinary dragons, ancient dragons are far larger and should not be able to hide their form. However, due to a special skill—[Morphing]—available only to absolute-tier beings, it can change its appearance at will and has no fixed form. Thus, no one has been able to capture Digraft's presence.
“Unless we face a full-scale assault by the Ancient Dragon or the dragon species, this country should survive, thanks to the alliances we have forged in the past.”
Upon hearing this, Bornoa furrowed his brow slightly.
“Your Majesty, may I make an inquiry?”
“What is it?”
“It’s not particularly significant, but the person who assisted us during the recent incident is reportedly an underling of a new Demon King. However, I am unaware of any such new Demon King, and our intelligence reports have not mentioned any such entity. This person is clearly of unknown origin. Could it be that the recent dragon attack was orchestrated by this so-called Demon King?”
“That’s a ridiculous notion.”
“There are advantages to consider. If this attack was indeed a setup, it would place us in the debt of the orchestrator. In fact, that seems to be the situation now.”
King Ronda leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.
“You make a valid point.”
“Moreover, I suspect that this so-called Demon King might actually be the Ancient Dragon.”
“Why do you think so?”
“If the incident was as described, it would require the dragon species to be directed towards us. While there are skills and races in this world that can control monsters and beasts, no one currently can control dragons. Therefore, intentionally directing dragons towards our country is practically impossible. However, an ancient dragon would have the power to do so. I don’t think any wise race would dare to defy the supreme being at the top of the dragon species.”
“I see. Bornoa’s reasoning makes sense. However, if this turns out to be a mistake, it would mean betraying our benefactor. That could potentially lead to war.”
“Yes, we must proceed with caution. However, our intelligence agents are highly skilled and will ensure that their presence remains undetected. It might be wise to include one of our agents among those sent to the new Demon King.”
King Ronda was deeply troubled.
This decision could determine the fate of the nation and potentially trigger a global conflict. It was an immensely difficult choice.
After several minutes of contemplation, the king made a decisive resolution.
“Very well. I accept Bornoa’s proposal. We shall send an intelligence agent among those dispatched to the new Demon King.”
“Excellent judgment. We will select an agent and inform you later.”
Bornoa’s proposal was well-considered, taking the future of the nation into account. However, the potential repercussions if Bornoa’s assumptions proved incorrect would be severe. If a new demon king with the power to easily defeat dragons arose, this nation could be destroyed.
Even with the alliance’s defense network in place, it could be breached easily.
If that were to happen, many lives in this country would be lost, and in the worst-case scenario, it could trigger an invasion of other nations.
Considering these dangers, King Ronda Ginu Dolund questioned whether his decision was truly correct.
Such profound internal conflict weighed heavily on him.
Chapter 38: Donla and Gielba
The mornings of the dwarfs were always early. Inside the caverns, the sense of time was so ambiguous that it was often hard to distinguish what counted as morning for them.
On such an indistinct morning, a burly dwarf with a pickaxe in hand stepped out of his home. Under the dark sky, he made his way through the dimly lit residential area towards the ongoing excavation site.
At the site, several colleagues were already at work, rhythmically striking the hard rock walls with their pickaxes.
“Donla, you’re early today. Couldn’t sleep?” One of the dwarfs, slightly plump and working diligently on a ragged rock face, called out.
“Hey, you’re up early too. Did you manage to get any sleep?” Donla replied with a hint of surprise.
“I’m as lively as ever. Slept like a rock,” he said, flexing his muscular arms to demonstrate his energy.
“Donla, are you working on new weapon designs today?” Another dwarf, this time more stocky, asked.
“Yeah, after finishing up here, I’ll make some time for that,” Donla confirmed.
“I’d like to see you focus more on that. But given the slow progress on this section, it’s understandable,” the dwarf said, nodding towards the excavation site.
The excavation process for expanding the kingdom was meticulous. They started by deciding the extent of the area to be excavated and then gradually dug downward. Once they reached the target depth, they expanded horizontally, laying the groundwork for new sections. Afterward, they would continue digging upwards to increase the space.
Currently, they are in the stage of vertical excavation. Scaffoldings hung from the ceilings of the already-established sections down to the rock walls of the new development area. As they progressed, the upper part of the excavation site started to take on a sloped appearance.
Scaffolding was set up throughout the site, with restricted areas directly below the excavation zones to prevent injuries from falling debris. Most of the work was done on these scaffolds, with rubble being lowered via pulleys into baskets.
The work environment was a stark, scaffold-filled expanse. Donla took a moment to steel himself for the day, pounding his chest like a stone and rallying his spirit.
“All right! Let’s give it our best shot today!” he declared.
“It looks like you’re pumped up!” A voice came from nearby.
Donla turned to see a short man with an impressive beard.
“Hey, Gielba. You’re starting now too?” Donla asked.
“Don’t be silly. I’ve been at it long before you showed up,” Gielba replied with a grin.
“So you’re saying you stopped your work just to see my usual routine?” Donla asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Not at all. I just came down for a break and happened to see your ritual. Don’t get too full of yourself,” Gielba said, chuckling.
“I know, just teasing. But, Gielba, shouldn’t we discuss the construction plans for the new buildings here? It’ll be too late to plan after the excavation,” Donla pointed out.
“I’m well aware of that. The construction plans are all set. The blueprints are complete. Once this development is finished, we can proceed with building without any hindrance,” Gielba assured.
“Impressive as always. You really are quick with your work,” Donla remarked.
Gielba’s primary role was in constructing buildings, but during excavation projects, all craftsmen were involved regardless of their specialty. His construction skills were unmatched among the Dwarves, and he was known across the continent for his exceptional abilities.
“Speaking of work, how about the weaponry for the Runevelest Kingdom? I know the deadline is still some way off, but time is precious,” Gielba inquired.
Donla was renowned for his unparalleled skills in weapon crafting. The weapons he created were of such exceptional quality that requests came from powerful nations. Due to the high cost reflecting their superior quality, only high-ranking officials and nobles typically placed orders. Adventurers rarely approached him due to the prohibitive cost.
Recently, Donla had received a request from the Runevelest Kingdom, the pinnacle of the Light Forces, for a new set of weaponry.
“There’s no need to worry. I just finished my own tasks recently. Right now, I’m focusing on developing new equipment.”
“Haha! I knew you’d be working on something too. Have you already sent the completed items?”
“Yeah. I even have the receipts.”
“I really can’t keep up with you two. It’s beyond what a mere blacksmith could achieve.”
Donla sighed deeply, reflecting on their conversation.
“Don’t be modest, Donla. You’re one of the top five blacksmiths in the country. Hold your head high.”
“I’ve never thought of myself as exceptional. I just do what I can.”
“That’s true enough. — Anyway, enough talking. We should get back to work.”
As Gielba was about to head to one of the rest areas, the clanking sound of armor rubbing against metal started to echo.
“Excuse me. Lord Donla, Lord Gielba. Minister Gardon requests your presence. Could you come with me?”
Suddenly, the city guards appeared, escorting the two to the fortress where the king resided.
The fortress, built into a rocky cliff, was enormous and had taken ten years to complete. Carving into the rock and constructing the building must have required immense effort and time.
As they climbed the stairs leading to the massive structure, Gielba tried to hide his unease with a cheerful tone, speaking to Donla.
“Hey, what could they want from us? Is there some special request? Have we ever been called together like this before?”
“Not that I recall. It must be something unprecedentedly important.”
“Ugh. I’d rather avoid any hassle. I’m eager to get back to the new construction.”
At the top of the stairs, they met Minister Gardon.
“I apologize for calling you out of the blue.”
“It’s no trouble. So, what’s the reason for summoning us?”
“This is not the place for such discussions. Let’s move to a more suitable location.”
Guided by Gardon, they proceeded through a long corridor extending from the right side of the grand hall, heading toward a large door at the end.
In the guest room set up for receiving visitors, the two took their seats facing the minister. A steward from the fortress brought drinks, and the conversation began.
“I’ll explain why I called you here. Are you both aware of the recent incident?”
“Of course.”
“Then I’ll get straight to the point. The person who saved our country from that incident has made a request. They need several skilled individuals from various fields.”
“Need them for what?”
“Believe it or not, the one who helped us is reportedly a subordinate of a newly emerged Demon King. The Demon King needs personnel for city construction.”
“A Demon King!? Where did this information come from? This country is known for its intelligence gathering. It’s supposed to be the fastest at acquiring information. Yet—”
“Donla, I understand your frustration. I feel the same. But the facts are the facts. Accept them. — To return to the matter at hand, we need to send you both to serve under this demon king. This is the king’s decision. You may question it, but it cannot be denied.”
“Questioning won’t change anything if it’s pointless,” Gielba replied, looking disgruntled.
“But what about the ongoing construction of the new district? It’s still going to take time. If we go after it’s finished, it will be quite delayed. How will that be managed?”
“That won’t be an issue. We have the blueprints you’ve completed. Construction will proceed based on those. You’ll be dispatched to the Demon King’s side first.”
Gielba, in a mix of shock and despair, muttered, “Seriously.”
“Donla, are you alright with this?”
“Yes. I don’t have any particular problems. I can work on new projects anywhere. So, when do we depart?”
“I’m glad you’re quick to adapt. Apparently, a messenger from the Demon King will arrive soon. In the meantime, prepare yourself. Also, I’d like to send a few more individuals. I leave the selection of the remaining members to you. Ideally, at least five more.”
“Anyone? If we took all the top talent, it would be a significant blow to this country. Why go so far? They only saved the country, after all. Is it worth jeopardizing the country’s future trust?”
Not only would the loss of other skilled craftsmen be a problem, but there was also no guarantee that they could continue to deliver quality products to clients. The reputation of the Dolund Kingdom was built on the skills of these artisans.
“The king is fully aware of this. He is not unaware of the implications. His primary concern is the protection of the nation.”
Donla, sensing a hint of unease in the minister’s words, pressed further.
“What do you mean by ‘protection of the nation’?”
“The individual in question has the power to defeat a dragonkin single-handedly. The Demon King, who commands such a powerful subordinate, is likely to be a greater threat than we can imagine. If we offend them and provoke their wrath, even with our multi-national alliances, a war originating in this country could become inevitable. This could lead to the complete destruction of the Dolund Kingdom. The king’s decision is to prevent this by making the best choice possible.”
“I see. — Understood. We’ll start our preparations immediately.”
“We’ll contact you once the messenger arrives. Until then, please remain on standby. They should arrive soon.”
Reluctantly accepting, Gielba slumped back in his chair.
“I wonder who will come to fetch us. They must be incredibly strong, right? Could it be a massive demon?”
“It’s possible. If they’re a subordinate of a Demon King, that could be the case.”
Donla replied to Gielba’s lighthearted comment.
With that, the two decided to return to their homes and begin preparing. They would finalize the selection of additional personnel later.
The following morning, the emissary from the Demon King arrived at the Dolund Kingdom.
Chapter 39: The Werewolf Girl and the Dolund Craftsman
The Dolund Kingdom, once lively and bustling, had fallen into a brief silence following the devastating attack by the Great Dragon. The kingdom had issued temporary evacuation orders, but now life is gradually returning to normal.
At the main gate of the Dolund Kingdom, a figure appeared—a young werewolf, a member of the Anselrope race.
"Excuse me," she said politely.
A gate guard, noticing the werewolf attempting to pass through the gate, approached her. The young werewolf girl had an incredibly well-groomed coat of fur, and her appearance still retained a hint of youthful innocence. It was unusual for someone like her to be traveling alone to this city. The guard, slightly suspicious of this seemingly sheltered girl, decided to inquire about her purpose and identity.
"What brings you to our kingdom today?" the guard asked, eyeing her lack of belongings.
The girl responded cheerfully, "I’ve come to seek assistance from your kingdom."
Her reply was far from what the guard had anticipated.
"What exactly do you mean by 'assistance'?" the guard asked, tilting his head in confusion.
The werewolf girl tilted her head slightly as well, her expression curious. "Didn’t you receive word from the Dark Elf and Black Rabbit who came here recently? They should have informed you about this."
"Are you, by any chance, the envoy mentioned by those who saved our kingdom?" the guard asked, suddenly realizing who she might be. "We have indeed heard of you. Thank you for helping save our kingdom. If you’re not in a hurry, could you please come with me to see the king?"
The werewolf girl nodded with an innocent smile, agreeing to his request.
The Dolund Kingdom’s commercial district was bustling with activity, a place where many different races coexisted. The district was divided into three main markets.
First, there was the trade market, recognized as the most vibrant market in the kingdom, where a wide range of goods were imported from other countries and merchants from abroad came to sell their wares.
Entering was a slender man, slightly taller than the average dwarf, with a strong yet finely toned physique. Despite his slender build, he possessed the dexterity typical of dwarves, but he also had non-dwarven blood, which contributed to his distinctive appearance.
“My apologies, Bornoa.”
“No, it is expected of me as the King’s right-hand man. So, what is the matter?”
Bornoa, adorned in elegant attire with a touch of black, was the king’s personal butler. He usually assisted with administrative tasks in the room adjacent to the king’s office. However, his role extended beyond mere administrative duties; he also served as the king’s bodyguard and provided vital counsel to the young ruler. Consequently, he possessed a vast amount of knowledge.
“Regarding the recent incident with the dragon species...”
“Yes, it was indeed a national crisis, but the king is concerned about something else.”
“You’ve seen through it.”
“Are you referring to the Ancient Dragon?”
“That’s right. With the Demon King defeated by the hero and the balance of power in this world now teetering, the one who might lead us into unprecedented catastrophe is the legendary Ancient Dragon. There has never been a major war in history that the Ancient Dragon didn’t play a role in. Recently, since there have been no major wars, information about them has been sparse. But given today’s unstable world situation, it might finally be stirring.”
“Indeed. Such significant movements by dragons are rare, and considering what the king has mentioned, the possibility seems high. The thoughts and motives of an ancient dragon are beyond our comprehension. We cannot know the reasons, but the likelihood is substantial.”
“Beria Trias Digraft.”
“The threat posed by Digraft is unprecedented. If possible, we must prevent it. However, its power surpasses even that of heroes or thousands of demon kings. Since no one in this world can defeat Digraft, it is urgent to figure out how to avoid it. Unfortunately, given the current uncertainties, we have no concrete measures yet.”
The greatest calamity shaking the world is the apex of the dragon species—the Ancient Dragon Beria Trias Digraft. Its unparalleled power, combined with its ability to remain hidden from this world, makes it extremely troublesome. Unlike ordinary dragons, ancient dragons are far larger and should not be able to hide their form. However, due to a special skill—[Morphing]—available only to absolute-tier beings, it can change its appearance at will and has no fixed form. Thus, no one has been able to capture Digraft's presence.
“Unless we face a full-scale assault by the Ancient Dragon or the dragon species, this country should survive, thanks to the alliances we have forged in the past.”
Upon hearing this, Bornoa furrowed his brow slightly.
“Your Majesty, may I make an inquiry?”
“What is it?”
“It’s not particularly significant, but the person who assisted us during the recent incident is reportedly an underling of a new Demon King. However, I am unaware of any such new Demon King, and our intelligence reports have not mentioned any such entity. This person is clearly of unknown origin. Could it be that the recent dragon attack was orchestrated by this so-called Demon King?”
“That’s a ridiculous notion.”
“There are advantages to consider. If this attack was indeed a setup, it would place us in the debt of the orchestrator. In fact, that seems to be the situation now.”
King Ronda leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.
“You make a valid point.”
“Moreover, I suspect that this so-called Demon King might actually be the Ancient Dragon.”
“Why do you think so?”
“If the incident was as described, it would require the dragon species to be directed towards us. While there are skills and races in this world that can control monsters and beasts, no one currently can control dragons. Therefore, intentionally directing dragons towards our country is practically impossible. However, an ancient dragon would have the power to do so. I don’t think any wise race would dare to defy the supreme being at the top of the dragon species.”
“I see. Bornoa’s reasoning makes sense. However, if this turns out to be a mistake, it would mean betraying our benefactor. That could potentially lead to war.”
“Yes, we must proceed with caution. However, our intelligence agents are highly skilled and will ensure that their presence remains undetected. It might be wise to include one of our agents among those sent to the new Demon King.”
King Ronda was deeply troubled.
This decision could determine the fate of the nation and potentially trigger a global conflict. It was an immensely difficult choice.
After several minutes of contemplation, the king made a decisive resolution.
“Very well. I accept Bornoa’s proposal. We shall send an intelligence agent among those dispatched to the new Demon King.”
“Excellent judgment. We will select an agent and inform you later.”
Bornoa’s proposal was well-considered, taking the future of the nation into account. However, the potential repercussions if Bornoa’s assumptions proved incorrect would be severe. If a new demon king with the power to easily defeat dragons arose, this nation could be destroyed.
Even with the alliance’s defense network in place, it could be breached easily.
If that were to happen, many lives in this country would be lost, and in the worst-case scenario, it could trigger an invasion of other nations.
Considering these dangers, King Ronda Ginu Dolund questioned whether his decision was truly correct.
Such profound internal conflict weighed heavily on him.
Chapter 38: Donla and Gielba
The mornings of the dwarfs were always early. Inside the caverns, the sense of time was so ambiguous that it was often hard to distinguish what counted as morning for them.
On such an indistinct morning, a burly dwarf with a pickaxe in hand stepped out of his home. Under the dark sky, he made his way through the dimly lit residential area towards the ongoing excavation site.
At the site, several colleagues were already at work, rhythmically striking the hard rock walls with their pickaxes.
“Donla, you’re early today. Couldn’t sleep?” One of the dwarfs, slightly plump and working diligently on a ragged rock face, called out.
“Hey, you’re up early too. Did you manage to get any sleep?” Donla replied with a hint of surprise.
“I’m as lively as ever. Slept like a rock,” he said, flexing his muscular arms to demonstrate his energy.
“Donla, are you working on new weapon designs today?” Another dwarf, this time more stocky, asked.
“Yeah, after finishing up here, I’ll make some time for that,” Donla confirmed.
“I’d like to see you focus more on that. But given the slow progress on this section, it’s understandable,” the dwarf said, nodding towards the excavation site.
The excavation process for expanding the kingdom was meticulous. They started by deciding the extent of the area to be excavated and then gradually dug downward. Once they reached the target depth, they expanded horizontally, laying the groundwork for new sections. Afterward, they would continue digging upwards to increase the space.
Currently, they are in the stage of vertical excavation. Scaffoldings hung from the ceilings of the already-established sections down to the rock walls of the new development area. As they progressed, the upper part of the excavation site started to take on a sloped appearance.
Scaffolding was set up throughout the site, with restricted areas directly below the excavation zones to prevent injuries from falling debris. Most of the work was done on these scaffolds, with rubble being lowered via pulleys into baskets.
The work environment was a stark, scaffold-filled expanse. Donla took a moment to steel himself for the day, pounding his chest like a stone and rallying his spirit.
“All right! Let’s give it our best shot today!” he declared.
“It looks like you’re pumped up!” A voice came from nearby.
Donla turned to see a short man with an impressive beard.
“Hey, Gielba. You’re starting now too?” Donla asked.
“Don’t be silly. I’ve been at it long before you showed up,” Gielba replied with a grin.
“So you’re saying you stopped your work just to see my usual routine?” Donla asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Not at all. I just came down for a break and happened to see your ritual. Don’t get too full of yourself,” Gielba said, chuckling.
“I know, just teasing. But, Gielba, shouldn’t we discuss the construction plans for the new buildings here? It’ll be too late to plan after the excavation,” Donla pointed out.
“I’m well aware of that. The construction plans are all set. The blueprints are complete. Once this development is finished, we can proceed with building without any hindrance,” Gielba assured.
“Impressive as always. You really are quick with your work,” Donla remarked.
Gielba’s primary role was in constructing buildings, but during excavation projects, all craftsmen were involved regardless of their specialty. His construction skills were unmatched among the Dwarves, and he was known across the continent for his exceptional abilities.
“Speaking of work, how about the weaponry for the Runevelest Kingdom? I know the deadline is still some way off, but time is precious,” Gielba inquired.
Donla was renowned for his unparalleled skills in weapon crafting. The weapons he created were of such exceptional quality that requests came from powerful nations. Due to the high cost reflecting their superior quality, only high-ranking officials and nobles typically placed orders. Adventurers rarely approached him due to the prohibitive cost.
Recently, Donla had received a request from the Runevelest Kingdom, the pinnacle of the Light Forces, for a new set of weaponry.
“There’s no need to worry. I just finished my own tasks recently. Right now, I’m focusing on developing new equipment.”
“Haha! I knew you’d be working on something too. Have you already sent the completed items?”
“Yeah. I even have the receipts.”
“I really can’t keep up with you two. It’s beyond what a mere blacksmith could achieve.”
Donla sighed deeply, reflecting on their conversation.
“Don’t be modest, Donla. You’re one of the top five blacksmiths in the country. Hold your head high.”
“I’ve never thought of myself as exceptional. I just do what I can.”
“That’s true enough. — Anyway, enough talking. We should get back to work.”
As Gielba was about to head to one of the rest areas, the clanking sound of armor rubbing against metal started to echo.
“Excuse me. Lord Donla, Lord Gielba. Minister Gardon requests your presence. Could you come with me?”
Suddenly, the city guards appeared, escorting the two to the fortress where the king resided.
The fortress, built into a rocky cliff, was enormous and had taken ten years to complete. Carving into the rock and constructing the building must have required immense effort and time.
As they climbed the stairs leading to the massive structure, Gielba tried to hide his unease with a cheerful tone, speaking to Donla.
“Hey, what could they want from us? Is there some special request? Have we ever been called together like this before?”
“Not that I recall. It must be something unprecedentedly important.”
“Ugh. I’d rather avoid any hassle. I’m eager to get back to the new construction.”
At the top of the stairs, they met Minister Gardon.
“I apologize for calling you out of the blue.”
“It’s no trouble. So, what’s the reason for summoning us?”
“This is not the place for such discussions. Let’s move to a more suitable location.”
Guided by Gardon, they proceeded through a long corridor extending from the right side of the grand hall, heading toward a large door at the end.
In the guest room set up for receiving visitors, the two took their seats facing the minister. A steward from the fortress brought drinks, and the conversation began.
“I’ll explain why I called you here. Are you both aware of the recent incident?”
“Of course.”
“Then I’ll get straight to the point. The person who saved our country from that incident has made a request. They need several skilled individuals from various fields.”
“Need them for what?”
“Believe it or not, the one who helped us is reportedly a subordinate of a newly emerged Demon King. The Demon King needs personnel for city construction.”
“A Demon King!? Where did this information come from? This country is known for its intelligence gathering. It’s supposed to be the fastest at acquiring information. Yet—”
“Donla, I understand your frustration. I feel the same. But the facts are the facts. Accept them. — To return to the matter at hand, we need to send you both to serve under this demon king. This is the king’s decision. You may question it, but it cannot be denied.”
“Questioning won’t change anything if it’s pointless,” Gielba replied, looking disgruntled.
“But what about the ongoing construction of the new district? It’s still going to take time. If we go after it’s finished, it will be quite delayed. How will that be managed?”
“That won’t be an issue. We have the blueprints you’ve completed. Construction will proceed based on those. You’ll be dispatched to the Demon King’s side first.”
Gielba, in a mix of shock and despair, muttered, “Seriously.”
“Donla, are you alright with this?”
“Yes. I don’t have any particular problems. I can work on new projects anywhere. So, when do we depart?”
“I’m glad you’re quick to adapt. Apparently, a messenger from the Demon King will arrive soon. In the meantime, prepare yourself. Also, I’d like to send a few more individuals. I leave the selection of the remaining members to you. Ideally, at least five more.”
“Anyone? If we took all the top talent, it would be a significant blow to this country. Why go so far? They only saved the country, after all. Is it worth jeopardizing the country’s future trust?”
Not only would the loss of other skilled craftsmen be a problem, but there was also no guarantee that they could continue to deliver quality products to clients. The reputation of the Dolund Kingdom was built on the skills of these artisans.
“The king is fully aware of this. He is not unaware of the implications. His primary concern is the protection of the nation.”
Donla, sensing a hint of unease in the minister’s words, pressed further.
“What do you mean by ‘protection of the nation’?”
“The individual in question has the power to defeat a dragonkin single-handedly. The Demon King, who commands such a powerful subordinate, is likely to be a greater threat than we can imagine. If we offend them and provoke their wrath, even with our multi-national alliances, a war originating in this country could become inevitable. This could lead to the complete destruction of the Dolund Kingdom. The king’s decision is to prevent this by making the best choice possible.”
“I see. — Understood. We’ll start our preparations immediately.”
“We’ll contact you once the messenger arrives. Until then, please remain on standby. They should arrive soon.”
Reluctantly accepting, Gielba slumped back in his chair.
“I wonder who will come to fetch us. They must be incredibly strong, right? Could it be a massive demon?”
“It’s possible. If they’re a subordinate of a Demon King, that could be the case.”
Donla replied to Gielba’s lighthearted comment.
With that, the two decided to return to their homes and begin preparing. They would finalize the selection of additional personnel later.
The following morning, the emissary from the Demon King arrived at the Dolund Kingdom.
Chapter 39: The Werewolf Girl and the Dolund Craftsman
The Dolund Kingdom, once lively and bustling, had fallen into a brief silence following the devastating attack by the Great Dragon. The kingdom had issued temporary evacuation orders, but now life is gradually returning to normal.
At the main gate of the Dolund Kingdom, a figure appeared—a young werewolf, a member of the Anselrope race.
"Excuse me," she said politely.
A gate guard, noticing the werewolf attempting to pass through the gate, approached her. The young werewolf girl had an incredibly well-groomed coat of fur, and her appearance still retained a hint of youthful innocence. It was unusual for someone like her to be traveling alone to this city. The guard, slightly suspicious of this seemingly sheltered girl, decided to inquire about her purpose and identity.
"What brings you to our kingdom today?" the guard asked, eyeing her lack of belongings.
The girl responded cheerfully, "I’ve come to seek assistance from your kingdom."
Her reply was far from what the guard had anticipated.
"What exactly do you mean by 'assistance'?" the guard asked, tilting his head in confusion.
The werewolf girl tilted her head slightly as well, her expression curious. "Didn’t you receive word from the Dark Elf and Black Rabbit who came here recently? They should have informed you about this."
"Are you, by any chance, the envoy mentioned by those who saved our kingdom?" the guard asked, suddenly realizing who she might be. "We have indeed heard of you. Thank you for helping save our kingdom. If you’re not in a hurry, could you please come with me to see the king?"
The werewolf girl nodded with an innocent smile, agreeing to his request.
The Dolund Kingdom’s commercial district was bustling with activity, a place where many different races coexisted. The district was divided into three main markets.
First, there was the trade market, recognized as the most vibrant market in the kingdom, where a wide range of goods were imported from other countries and merchants from abroad came to sell their wares.
