Return of The Martial King

Chapter 248

The elf and orc, former slaves who had been rescued, were each being cared for by Siris and Tassid.  

Considering influence and authority, Iniya or Kalken should have been in charge. However, the elf and orc slaves had been so deeply influenced by human rule compared to dwarves or trolls that they had long been disconnected from their ancestral cultures.  

Relhard, Iniya, Kalken, Stalla, and the other existing leaders had little common ground with these former slaves. While Iniya had spent some time in the human world during her martial arts training in her youth, she had always concealed her identity and pretended to be human; she had never lived as a slave.  

Thus, as fellow former slaves who had experienced both humans and their own kind, Siris and Tassid naturally became the representatives of the elves and orcs, respectively. Given their connections to Repenhardt, the existing leaders had no objections to this arrangement.  

Although both of them were relatively young, and things didn’t progress as smoothly as with someone like Attila or Makelin, they were doing their best to settle their rescued kin. They made up for their lack of experience with help from Repenhardt and Karl.  

While signing off on some documents, Karl wore a satisfied expression.  

“I was a bit worried, but they’re doing quite well, both of them.”  

In any case, the workload was truly immense. In the past, even someone as formidable as Karl might have succumbed to overwork.  

Though Flora and the other elf secretaries had significantly adapted to their duties, elves, being a naturally slow-learning race, still had many shortcomings as administrative officials. While their meticulous and delicate approach suited their work, it often took them days to handle even simple paperwork. Their pace was slow, far too slow.  

Yet, the Duchy of Antares’ administration was somehow managing all this work. It was thanks to the new subordinates they had brought in.  

Knock, knock.  

The sound of knocking was followed by a deep voice.  

“This is Bade, Chancellor Karl.”  

“Come in.”  

As the office door opened, a man in his fifties entered, carrying a large stack of documents.  

“These are the additional reports compiled from the various allied races.”  

“Let me take a look.”  

After briefly reviewing the documents, Karl smiled in satisfaction.  

“You’ve handled this well. Excellent work. Pass along my compliments to the others as well, Bade.”  

Bade shook his head with a humble expression.  

“The favor we’ve received is so great, how could I possibly expect praise for something like this?”  

Currently, Karl had around thirty "proper" administrators under his command in addition to the existing elf secretaries. All of them were individuals who had previously worked in the Barony of Chetas, located in the southern region of the Crovence Kingdom.  

The Barony of Chetas had completely collapsed due to the territorial war instigated by Repenhardt in collaboration with Baron Galin.  

The Barony of Chetas, a prominent noble house of the Crovence Kingdom, governed a vast territory and the trade city of Zarud. Accordingly, they had employed a considerable number of bureaucrats to handle administrative affairs. However, when the barony fell, these bureaucrats suddenly found themselves unemployed.  

At that time, Karl selected talented individuals from among them, granting them bureaucratic positions in the Duchy of Antares and hiring them. As was typical in hereditary systems, many capable individuals were relegated to menial tasks simply because they lacked backing or connections.  

Those who had been underappreciated despite their abilities now found themselves at the heart of the nation's administration. Overwhelmed with gratitude, they served the Duchy of Antares with heartfelt loyalty. The middle-aged man before him, Bade, was one such individual.  

“Well then, I’ll take my leave, Chancellor.”  

With a respectful bow, Bade turned and exited the room. Karl immediately returned to his work.  

After reviewing the final page and signing off on it, he stretched his arms with a groan.  

“Ah, finally done. Maybe I can squeeze in some exercise now?”  

After a storm of paperwork, a brief moment of respite had finally arrived. Karl leaned back in his chair, taking a deep breath.  

But just then, someone knocked on the office door once again.  

“Excuse me, Chancellor.”  

It was Flora, Karl’s personal secretary. While she was originally Repenhardt’s secretary, most administrative duties had shifted to Karl, making her his dedicated assistant now.  

“What’s the matter, Flora?”  

“His Majesty has summoned you. A delegation from the Crovence Kingdom has arrived.”  

“…Not even a moment to rest, huh.”  

Karl let out a wry smile as he rose from his seat.  

Flora quickly approached and handed him a coat. It was formal attire, adorned with elegant embroidery, fitting for a meeting with the delegation.  

As he donned the ceremonial robe, Karl asked, “Who’s leading the delegation?”  

“They said it’s Count Laros.”  

“Ugh? Count Laros?”  

His expression instantly soured.  

“That man… I know him.”  

Count Laros was a high-ranking noble from Crovence who had frequently visited the Fernando ducal family back when Karl was still Carsus. He was someone Karl had known well since his youth.  

Karl scratched his cheek with a feeble voice.  

“Won’t they recognize me?”  

The appearance-distorting magic that Repenhardt had once cast on him was no longer in effect.  

Unlike holy spells, magic doesn’t sustain itself without mana, meaning it was impossible to continuously maintain a transformed appearance through magic.  

His once-glorious blonde hair and beard were now dyed black with hair dye, but his facial features and eyes had reverted to how they were during his time as Carsus.  

No matter how much Yubel II favored Repenhardt, if it became known that they had spared a traitor who had once aimed to usurp the throne, he would never let it slide.  

“Hmmm…”  

Karl debated whether he should avoid the meeting altogether and leave everything to Repenhardt, and Flora couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight.  

“I don’t think you need to worry about that, Chancellor.”  

The truth was, hardly any of Karl’s former appearance remained.  

For one, his overgrown beard concealed most of his face. On top of that, he had overbuilt his physique to suit Tilla’s preferences, drastically altering not just his body but also his overall impression. Even though the appearance-transformation magic had worn off, it would be nearly impossible for anyone to associate the current Karl with the dashing, slender knight Carsus of the past.  

“To be honest, even if your own mother came back to life, I’d question whether she’d recognize you.”  

“Hm, is that so?”  

The only feature that remained the same was his eyes, those clear, ocean-blue eyes that served as the lone testament to him being Carsus.  

“Well, guess there’s nothing to worry about.”  

In stories, there were always characters who could recognize someone’s identity at a glance, exclaiming, “No! It’s you!” despite their disguise. But in reality, such a thing was nearly impossible.  

Recognizing someone by their eyes alone? If that were possible, why would masked bandits even exist? Sure, parents or lovers might recognize someone, but casual acquaintances? Not a chance.  

Reassured, Karl relaxed his expression and gestured to Flora.  

“Alright, let’s head to the audience chamber. Clean up the office while I’m gone, Flora.”  

“Yes, Chancellor.”  

*         *         *

Antares Ducal Castle, Audience Chamber.  

In the neatly arranged but modestly adorned chamber, a towering, muscular man and an even more massive, muscular man stood facing a thin, wiry man in his fifties. They were none other than Karl, Chancellor of Antares, and Repenhardt, Duke of Antares.  

“Laros of Crovence greets the ruler of Antares.”  

With his faded blonde hair bowed low, Count Laros knelt respectfully before Repenhardt.  

Even though Count Laros was a noble just like Repenhardt, the two were by no means equals. Just as no one would dare treat the Grand Dukes of Chatan or Lastil as their equals merely because they shared the same ducal rank, it was only proper to adhere to the etiquette befitting a monarch when addressing the White King of Antares.  

Not that it mattered much, since the sheer visual impact of the two men before him made it nearly impossible not to kneel.  

It would take a particularly thoughtless or reckless person to act arrogant when faced with two individuals whose arms were thicker than one’s thighs.  

‘The White King is already well-known, but who on earth is that chancellor? What kind of administrative work requires a body like that...?’  

Laros cast a furtive glance at Karl, momentarily lost in his thoughts, when Repenhardt gestured for him to rise.  

“Welcome to Antares, Count Laros. Is His Majesty well?”  

Startled, Laros quickly regained his composure and pulled a letter from his inner pocket.  

“Yes, His Majesty is devoted to the care of the kingdom and remains in good health due to his youth. Here is his letter...”  

Taking the letter, Repenhardt skimmed through it swiftly.  

Though the letter was heavily adorned with royal dignity, elegance, and grace, likely thanks to a nagging chamberlain, the content was straightforward when summarized:  

‘I’ve always hated the Duchy of Chatan, and you did an excellent job.  

Let me know if you plan to screw over the Duchy of Chatan again.  

I’ll gladly help.’  

Laros added with a slight smile, “His Majesty is very pleased with your recent actions, White King.”  

Historically, relations between the Crovence Kingdom and the Duchy of Chatan had never been amicable.  

With agriculture as its main industry, the Crovence Kingdom had a relationship with the trade-focused Duchy of Chatan similar to that between a primary producer and a middleman wholesaler.  

If the wholesaler were ethical, the relationship could flourish. However, it was no secret across the continent that the Duchy of Chatan was armed with utter unscrupulousness. Crovence Kingdom had no reason to look favorably upon a country that exploited them with excessive profiteering.  

Moreover, under the current regime, their relationship had become entirely antagonistic.  

Prince Carsus, along with his faction that had lost the battle for the throne to Yubel II, was currently in exile in the Duchy of Chatan.  

To Yubel II and the newly empowered rising nobility, the presence of these exiled nobles was nothing short of a thorn in their side. Crovence Kingdom had sent multiple letters to the Duchy of Chatan demanding their return, only to be ignored. Each time, the nobles of Crovence simmered in fury.  

Given the circumstances, there were hardly any nobles in the Crovence Kingdom who opposed the request from the Duchy of Antares to grant passage for the Zeppelin Liberation Operation.  

"Why would anyone oppose the chance to stick it to that treacherous Duchy of Chatan?"  

Even Repenhardt’s actions, which appeared to oppose the institution of slavery, posed no issue. The Crovence Kingdom had already accepted the Duchy of Antares' practice of treating other races as free individuals. Having allowed it once, there was no reason not to allow it again.  

After reading the letter, Repenhardt spoke.  

"Convey Antares' gratitude for His Majesty's goodwill."  

"Yes, White King."  

"By the way, how has the Duchy of Chatan reacted?"  

"Predictably, they’re throwing a fit."  

Count Laros smiled smugly.  

It was only natural. The fury from the Duchy of Chatan over the recent events was overwhelming.  

Not only had their capital, Zeppelin, been invaded, but their royal palace had been humiliated, vast amounts of wealth plundered, and severe losses incurred during the attack. It was nothing short of a national disgrace.  

In his rage, King Natine II of Chatan immediately issued a proclamation.  

As the ruler of a nation, he hurled harsh criticisms, likening Fist King Repenhardt’s assault on Zeppelin to the actions of a barbaric thug or bandit. He also condemned the Crovence Kingdom for not only turning a blind eye but also allowing Antares to transport the freed slaves across their territory.  

He demanded that the stolen slaves be returned, the damages compensated, and Fist King Repenhardt be brought to justice. If these demands were not met, he threatened to declare war.  

"Naturally, we ignored him entirely," Laros said with a shrug.  

In the past, the Crovence Kingdom might have been deeply concerned about how to respond.  

But things were different now.  

Although King Natine II had taken a strong stance, the truth was that the Duchy of Chatan was in no position to wage war.  

The damage inflicted upon the Duchy of Chatan by Fist King Repenhardt and the other races of Antares was truly devastating. Thousands of Zeppelin’s slaves had been liberated, the capital of an entire nation had been set ablaze, and countless troops had been massacred.  

Even just this much inflicted astronomical damage on the Duchy of Chatan. However, the most devastating blow was undoubtedly the Koln Canyon Incident. While the feat of altering an entire nation’s geography was impressive in itself, the far greater issue lay in the complete annihilation of Chatan's most elite force, the Zeppelin Knights.  

If it had been an ordinary knight order, there might still have been a chance for recovery, even if their main force had been wiped out. It was common practice for members of prestigious knight orders to prepare for retirement or death by training squires to carry on their legacy. The Zeppelin Knights were no exception; they too had diligently prepared successors.  

The problem, however, was that the Zeppelin Knights were a group of magic swordsmen.  

The successors of the Zeppelin Knights were indeed trained rigorously in skill and capability, skills specifically geared toward wielding magical artifacts. But the knights themselves hadn’t perished in battle. They had been crushed to death beneath the collapsed cliffs of Koln Canyon.  

The issue wasn’t merely that their remains couldn’t be recovered. Each member of the Zeppelin Knights had been equipped with exceedingly rare artifacts, or at least the highest-grade magical armors and swords equivalent to such treasures. All of their equipment was now buried beneath tens of millions of tons of rock in the collapsed canyon.  

While human successors could be trained, recreating their magical artifacts was an entirely different matter. No matter how vast an amount of money was poured into it, reproducing the level of magical armor and swords that the Zeppelin Knights had used was no easy task.  

Recovering the original artifacts would require excavating an entire mountain. In either case, it wasn’t something that could be resolved in 10 or 20 years.