Chapter 101 : The Border Count of Chernian
Chapter 101: The Border Count of Chernian
“It wasn’t right to shove someone’s face into the snow.”
Ernan grumbled.
“Leaving someone alone in this cold place wasn’t right either.”
— If you don’t like it, you can leave right now.
— Go shout it. I’m right here!
“Then I’d get caught.”
— And you’d be rescued and returned to the kingdom.
“That can’t happen.”
Ernan shook her head. She did think that she had to return to the kingdom someday.
But not now. And not anytime soon. Without a special reason, she might truly never return until the end.
— So you won’t go out?
“For now. If I go now, it’ll cause trouble for the Demon King.”
With Nairuniel’s help, she hid herself deep beneath the snow. She suppressed her presence as much as possible and luckily avoided being detected by the Imperial forces.
— But you can’t stay here forever.
“I’ll move out after putting some distance.”
— Hmmm.
“What’s with that look?”
— For someone who’s been abandoned, you’re awfully carefree.
— Have you never considered that the Demon King might have simply left you behind?
— That he doesn’t need you anymore?
“I don’t think that’s the case.”
It sounded like she was praising herself, but Ernan had indeed become someone quite necessary to the Demon King. She was certain he wouldn’t abandon her unless she committed a grave mistake.
— I know what such unshakable belief is called.
“A mutually beneficial contractual relationship where each gets what they need.”
— Wrong. Not that stiff phrasing.
“Trust?”
— Love!
Ernan pressed her fingers to her forehead.
— Absolute love that transcended borders, races, dimensions, and friend-or-foe distinctions!
“Please go back to the Spirit Realm.”
— If I do, how long do you think you can last in the snow?
“…I can manage for a few days even without Nairuniel’s help, you know?”
Just because she was a spirit sorceress didn’t mean her body was frail.
— But you wouldn’t escape the snowfields easily!
— It’d be as foolish as not borrowing water spirits in a place overflowing with water.
“…Anyway, I should leave after a day depending on the situation.”
— And after that?
“I’ll stay hidden inside the Empire’s territory.”
They had already discussed where to regroup.
— But what if the Demon King isn’t there?
“Be quiet. You already said that.”
Ernan chewed on jerky while waiting for the right moment.
* * *
By the time Ernan was buried beneath the snow, Berje supported the unconscious Hillan Cargill.
“You handle him.”
“Yes.”
Tak, tak—
Imperial soldiers riding pure-white horses drew near.
'What breed were those again…?'
Those snowy-white steeds were a specially modified breed by the Empire. Not simple horses, but magically enhanced so they could endure the snow and run swiftly atop it.
In warmer regions or uneven terrain, they showed weaknesses, but on a cold, flat snowfield, they were said to be unmatched.
“Do you know anything about that man?”
“I’m not sure…”
“Useless.”
If Ernan had been there, things would have been easier.
Meanwhile, the sound of hooves grew close. The man escorted by imperial knights approached.
The Border Count of Chernian.
The noble who protected the Empire’s northern region from the monsters of the snowfields carried an air of dignity even amidst the harsh cold.
His brown hair was slicked back, his mustache gleamed, and his rough gaze and presence rivaled that of a battle-hardened veteran hero.
His eyes swept over Granada at the front, then Berje, then Hillan.
“Elven?”
“We greet Your Excellency the Border Count of Chernian. I am Granada of the Red Hawk Assault Unit.”
“You are the assault unit of the famed Hero Hillan! I’m glad you survived. And behind you is…?”
“This is Hero Hillan. After prolonged pursuit and a joint assault by high-ranking demons, he briefly lost consciousness.”
“You mean this is Hero Hillan Cargill?”
The Border Count’s eyes brightened.
“Yes, that is correct.”
“It was wise to march out the moment I heard of the failure! To think I would be able to rescue the hero in such danger! Load Hero Hillan at once and call a healing mage!”
Hillan was placed onto an injured-person sled. Three healing mages clung to him, chanting spell after spell.
Granada and Pale mounted horses to ride with the Border Count at his request.
“Thank you, Excellency. Without your timely assistance, all of us would have died.”
“Wasn’t that the very reason I came? Hero Hillan may not be a hero of the Empire, but he was a hero of humankind. Had he died at the hands of that wicked Demon King, humanity would have fallen into deep sorrow. I am glad I could save him.”
He continued speaking.
“I cannot guarantee anything yet. His wounds are extremely grave. But I shall save him, by any means necessary.”
“Thank you.”
“And you—did you say your name was Pale?”
“That’s right.”
Berje suppressed the informal speech that almost slipped out and forced it into polite form. He had put in an effort, but the knights serving the Border Count of Chernian did not appreciate it.
“How dare you!”
“Show proper respect, cur!”
“Enough.”
Fortunately, the Border Count raised his hand to stop them.
“Would you rebuke warriors who risked their lives in battle?”
He smiled.
“Pale… I’ve heard of you. Was it you? The one who turned the Kingdom of Akan upside down?”
“I’ve no idea what you mean.”
“A man connected to Hero Hillan, possessing pure mana and blazing heat. Perhaps because of the snowfields, that heat stands out all the more.”
“You even know such trivial things?”
“The Empire pays attention even to the trivial.”
“What an honor.”
“No, the honor is mine. Only three of you—yet all three are remarkable. Clearly, there is a reason fame follows both the hero and his assault unit.”
Even while conversing, the army advanced swiftly.
The occasional monsters that leapt at them were reduced to flesh and returned to the snowfields without achieving anything.
“I would invite you all to my fortress—would you accept?”
Granada glanced at Berje. Berje gave a slight nod.
He didn’t like it, but ignoring the goodwill of the Border Count would be wrong.
Especially since they had received his help, and Hillan Cargill still depended on it.
'Interesting.'
The Border Count caught that silent exchange with keen interest in his eyes.
* * *
“I’ve served as Border Count in these snowfields for decades, yet this is the first time traveling back and forth has been this easy.”
The Border Count of Chernian stroked his mustache as the snowfall gradually eased.
It was all because of Hillan Cargill. Because of the Frost Demon King who had sought to capture him.
The Border Count had seen it—the thousands of monsters that had pressed down on Berje, Hillan, and Granada.
“It means the Demon King controls the monsters to some extent. I’ll need to find a countermeasure.”
But not immediately.
The forces that had marched out returned to the Empire without any notable losses.
The citizens of the fortress erupted in cheers as he returned safely.
“For now, get some rest.”
The Border Count arranged accommodations for Berje and Granada and sent Hillan Cargill to the infirmary.
Once they were alone, Granada asked,
“About Ernan… Wouldn’t it be better for her to keep hiding there? If she wanders around and happens to encounter a high-ranking demon…”
“Wrong. She cannot stay long. That place is Reina’s domain.”
Even a Demon King wasn’t absolute in their own territory.
But summoning spirits—pure crystallizations of mana—made hiding only a matter of time.
“But if she encounters demons…”
“You saw it on the way, didn’t you? Reina overextended herself trying to capture Hillan. She pushed most of the monsters north, met the Empire, and then fled to the tower. At the very least, there won’t be demons or monsters in the snowfields for a while.”
“Well, that’s true…”
“And even if she does run into them, she can at least escape. She’s a high-level spirit sorceress.”
“Understood.”
“Why do you think the Border Count is being so friendly to us?”
No goodwill comes without reason.
If the Border Count had readily shown goodwill, then he desired something in return.
And that was likely—
“Because of Hillan Cargill.”
“That’s what I think as well.”
Hillan Cargill— the Star who had slain two Demon Kings and possessed the potential to grow even greater.
Who wouldn’t want ties to him? And the Border Count had saved his life.
“Hillan will not die. His injuries were severe, but nothing threatened his life.”
He had lost a lot of blood, but the greatest cause of his collapse had been the exhaustion of mental strength, mana, and his battered body.
That meant Hillan had grown strong enough to defend himself even under that danger—and with proper rest and food, he could recover fully.
“But without him, we definitely would have died.”
“You think the Count will boast about it?”
“He didn’t seem like the type to brag openly.”
The journey from the battlefield back to the Empire took several days. They hadn’t exchanged many words in that time, but it was enough for them to understand the Border Count of Chernian to some degree.
“It would’ve been easier if he’d been more direct with his intentions.”
“If he were that careless, he wouldn’t have been able to guard the north for over a decade without major incident.”
“That’s true. By the way, what about the mercenaries of the Red Hawk?”
“There’s been no word since they fled in front of the tower. I plan to stop by the Mercenary Guild soon. If they’re alive, that’s where they’ll be.”
As they were conversing, a servant knocked on the door.
“His Excellency invites the two of you to dinner. If you are able…”
“We will go.”
“I’ll go.”
* * *
“Welcome.”
The Border Count of Chernian wasn’t the only one at the table.
“Gillian?”
Gillian, who had lost his right arm, gave an awkward smile.
“Granada. Good to see you like this.”
“Are you all right?”
“As you can see. I saved my life, so I got off lightly.”
“Sit, both of you.”
Berje and Granada took their seats. At a light clap from the Border Count, the servants began bringing out dishes.
A light soup, a salad, and a well-grilled steak were served. As the Border Count calmly cut his meat, he spoke.
“Hero Gillian.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
“I heard everything while you were receiving treatment.”
“Yes.”
“I am deeply disappointed.”
Gillian flinched at that voice.
“Five tribes have fallen. Many people have died.”
“I’m sorry. I have no excuse.”
“Had I known it would come to this, I wouldn’t have permitted it.”
'Permitted it?'
Berje listened intently.
That meant the Border Count had been involved in this matter.
'Thinking about it, it’s only natural…'
No matter how much autonomy the barbarians had, they could never be completely free of the Empire’s oversight.
“I thought your plan was quite reasonable. At first, you mentioned Princess Jessica, but she declined due to circumstances. However, Hillan Cargill was with you. So then—why do you think it failed?”
“The Demon King’s response exceeded all my expectations.”
“I heard. The gates of the tower opened and demons and monsters poured out, yes?”
“At one point, thousands of monsters formed a siege.”
“Yes, that was truly unexpected.”
The Frost Demon King had never done anything outside the tower until now. Such a sudden action had brought significant losses.
“Do you know? Survivors are arriving one after another.”
“That means…”
“It means the Demon King showed mercy. Thanks to that, the losses were smaller than expected. Ah, excluding the barbarian tribes that were wiped out, of course.”
The Border Count smiled pleasantly.
When the Demon King, despite being attacked first, extended an offer of peace—how could he not be pleased?
“So, I intend to accept it.”
“Then…”
“It means there will be no second chance. Not that we have the capacity left anyway. As promised, you will oversee the barbarian tribes. Make sure they suffer no further harm. Make sure they do not raise a hand against the Empire.”
“Yes.”
“The steak is well cooked today. Tell the chef it was delicious.”
“Yes.”
After that, the conversation ended. Only the sounds of cutting meat and clinking plates filled the room.
“That was a good meal. You may rise.”
Dinner was over.
* * *
The Border Count of Chernian remained alone in the dining hall.
Knock, knock—
“Enter.”
Sub-Baron Altaman entered. The Border Count extended an empty glass. The Sub-Baron poured wine and took a seat.
“How was it?”
“Just as expected. Will you have a glass as well?”
“Thank you.”
The Sub-Baron accepted a glass.
“We’ve acquired a decent amount. I never expected it to succeed anyway.”
It had been decades since the Frost Demon King established herself in the snowfields.
And with that in mind—could she possibly be weak?
No. She might very well command an army capable of sweeping the north aside in an instant.
Despite that, the reason he listened to Gillian Aint’s plan and accepted it was because the Frost Demon King had been far too docile for far too long.
“I’ve fought the Frost Demon King for decades, yet in truth, I know almost nothing about her.”
Perhaps that was why—when Gillian Aint first proposed the operation, he had reacted with excitement.
“From his perspective, it was a gamble on the fate of his tribe, but to me, it was an overreach with an obvious outcome. However, an overreach that had value—so long as it wasn’t Imperial blood being spent.”
And the results unfolded exactly as he expected. The northern tribes suffered great losses, but in return, he gained much.
“It’s fortunate the Demon King granted mercy.”
“You expected that from the beginning, did you not? A disposition that’s lasted decades wouldn’t suddenly change overnight.”
“Even so, prediction and reality are always different. Especially with the Demon King’s whims.”
“Whims. Yes, whims. And they were also the greatest harvest of all.”
Thousands of monster troops. And demons and monsters emerging from the tower.
The greatest accomplishment was learning that she did not remain confined to the tower at all times.
“As expected of a Demon King. One must always remain cautious.”
“Confirming the size of the monster legion was also a major gain.”
That the Demon King commanded monsters was nothing surprising. But witnessing the true scale of the Frost Demon King’s forces was entirely different from merely guessing.
Of course, he couldn’t be sure that the thousands he saw were the entirety. But if he assumed that was the minimum, future losses caused by carelessness would be greatly reduced.
“Exactly.”
“And the northern tribes have also had their momentum broken.”
“Gillian Aint’s spirit as well. The Frost Demon King acted to precisely the degree I hoped.”
After the appearance of Gillian Aint and the White Eagle Assault Unit, the barbarians had begun rallying around Gillian Aint.
They had not fully united, but something invisible had begun taking shape.
And from the Border Count’s perspective, that was anything but welcome.
The northern tribes must remain a wall—always split, restraining one another, and sacrificing themselves for the Empire.
“With this, they won’t dare entertain any other ideas for the time being.”
Everything had gone according to plan. A smile tugged at his lips.
“What did you think of those two, Granada and Pale?”
“They left after eating quietly, without saying a word.”
“They must be quite baffled.”
“They’re probably wondering by now what my intentions are. And Hillan Cargill?”
“They say he will wake within two days at the latest.”
“Good. And? Did you confirm it?”
“Yes. Granada returned from the snowfields not long ago. After that, he met Pale and a woman and went back up into the snowfields.”
“And they met Hillan Cargill and rescued him. Then the woman?”
“She was wearing a robe and a mask, so we couldn’t identify her face.”
“She vanished suddenly.”
“She may have died during the process of rescuing Hillan.”
“That seems the most plausible.”
The idea that they had buried her somewhere in the Demon King’s snowfield domain was impossible by their standards.
And besides, the woman was not the one who interested him most—she was almost certainly dead.
Pale.
The man who had turned the Kingdom of Akan upside down, possessing mana that was far too pure.
Granada had fled the snowfields, yet then went back to rescue Hillan.
If they had exchanged artifacts that revealed one another’s location, it wasn’t surprising they found Hillan quickly.
But what did it mean that Granada, who had fled, chose to go back with not soldiers but with only Pale and a single woman?
“Granada is the vice-captain of the Red Hawk Assault Unit. Yet to my eyes, he seemed to be watching Pale for guidance.”
“You mean Pale is his superior?”
“And more importantly… I could not perceive all of him.”
“That much?”
The Border Count silently nodded.
“Send a report to the capital and start from the Kingdom of Akan. I want every trace of his movements and identity investigated thoroughly.”
He needed at least some knowledge of the man before they spoke again.
“Yes, I shall obey your command.”
The Sub-Baron bowed his head.