The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 100: The End of a Bitter Tether (8)

There were still many more people awaiting execution.

But as soon as Martin heard Sien’s message, he headed directly to the mansion’s reception room. Executing the ringleaders, Oliver von Bitenfeld and Kalain Gustin, himself was enough for now.

In the reception room sat an elf man with red hair and teal eyes, alongside a dwarf woman with black hair and blue eyes.

The moment he saw them, Martin’s eyes flashed with intrigue.

‘Famous figures of the future, here in person.’

Though, unfortunately, that fame came with a rather negative reputation.

The elf and the dwarf rose from their seats and stared directly at Martin.

“…It’s an honor to meet you, Young Master. I am Laurant, captain of the Altair Village militia.”

“My name’s Licia, head of the militia from Ranens Village.”

After introducing themselves, Laurant and Licia.

Martin observed them with genuine interest.

‘Fascinating.’

Both elves and dwarves were notoriously proud.

They typically only used respectful language among their own kind, and would speak plainly to members of other races, regardless of status.

Moreover, Laurant and Licia were renowned hardliners, individuals who advocated fiercely for war against humans and despised them most intensely. Yet here they were, addressing him with respect.

“It’s good to meet you both. I’m Martin Adalbert. So, what brings you here?”

Of course, he already knew the answer.

But he chose to feign ignorance—it made the interaction flow more naturally.

“Before we discuss that, we first wanted to express our gratitude.”

“Gratitude?”

“Thank you for rescuing Solenne, the high elf.”

“And for helping Andrea, our kin. He’s returned safely to his home.”

“That’s fortunate.”

Hearing this, Martin felt a wave of relief.

He hadn’t known Solenne and Andrea for long, but they’d undeniably forged a connection.

Knowing they were doing well brought him genuine joy.

“And congratulations on your victory. Elder Armand also wanted me to convey his congratulations.”

“Our village elder, Paolo, too. He also mentioned wanting to share a proper drink next time.”

“Please extend my thanks to them as well. So, does your coming here as envoys mean you’ve accepted my proposal?”

“That’s not it, Young Master. Many among our kin still question your true intentions.”

“While many do trust you, that very division has led to a deadlock. The debates have intensified, and conflict within the villages has worsened as a result.”

“So you’re saying neither side could reach a decision?”

Both Laurant and Licia nodded at Martin’s question.

‘Predictable.’

Martin wasn’t the least bit disappointed. He’d expected things to go this way from the start.

After human kingdoms had seized control of all dungeon entrances, the elves and dwarves had been forced to the fringes, ousted from the continent’s core.

As if that weren’t enough, various nations had continually hindered the growth of these races, tacitly barring them from entering dungeons.

Some humans even attacked elves and dwarves, attempting to enslave them whenever possible.

It was only natural for their distrust of humans to grow.

Martin spoke to them in a sincere tone.

“I know I can’t persuade all elves and dwarves. I’m not even sure I have the ability. But I genuinely hope that in the north, at least, all races can coexist peacefully.”

“We don’t view Martin Adalbert, the individual, negatively. It’s true you abolished the slave market and freed our kin.”

“But it’s hard to trust you as the heir of the Adalbert family. After all, as the leader of an organization, your focus would inevitably be on your own side’s benefit. Frankly, if you were to make any moves in the dungeon, we’d be helpless.”

Laurant and Licia spoke calmly.

Their gazes toward Martin were as dispassionate as could be.

Despite calling him a benefactor, there was not the slightest hint of goodwill in their demeanor.

‘Well, expecting goodwill from hardliners is a bit much. Their lack of hostility alone is already remarkable progress.’

Still, establishing open relations was essential.

To maximize the family’s forces, which had been significantly reduced—not just by the recent civil war, but steadily ever since the previous head’s time.

“Since you came to see me without reaching a conclusion, you must have something you want. Tell me.”

“The elders from each village have expressed their desire to meet with you directly.”

“The other elders have agreed as well. We realize it’s a big request, but we hope you’ll join us in Altair Village. You’re welcome to bring a companion—though it’d be problematic if you brought too many.”

“Fine, I’ll go.”

At his immediate agreement, Laurant and Licia seemed taken aback.

Altair Village was virtually unknown to outsiders.

Yet he had accepted without hesitation. It was hard to understand.

‘Of course, he does have that kind of strength…’

Laurant studied Martin closely.

He’d been utterly astonished upon first meeting him.

Martin possessed even more power than he’d heard about.

At just 18 years old, he’d reached the 8th Circle. Even though humans grow faster than elves or dwarves, it was still incomprehensible.

“…It’s not my place to say, but are you sure it’s fine to decide so quickly?”

“No problem. With the war over, I have time on my hands. We can leave as early as tomorrow if you’re ready.”

If Kurt Steinhoff had heard this, he’d undoubtedly be exasperated. But Martin felt not the slightest guilt.

He already knew that their intention was far more than just a ‘discussion.’

‘They’re coming to make a genuine request. If I can fulfill that, I’ll gain the trust of the elves and dwarves.’

Before his return, when the conflict with the branch families was at its height, the elves had come to him once.

They had made a single request of him, a request he ultimately couldn’t fulfill.

With his focus on subduing the branch families, he couldn’t afford to divert attention elsewhere.

‘That was a serious mistake.’

Not long after, a great disaster befell the north, and the influence of the Gustin family grew in its wake.

Now, even though they were gone, he had no intention of repeating the same error.

Instead, he planned to use this opportunity as a springboard to complete the third phase of Northern Unification and seize total control over the north.

“Understood. Then, we’ll depart tomorrow.”

“Good. I’ll arrange rooms for you to rest in.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Laurant and Licia bowed, and Martin turned to leave.

He was on his way to the office; there was someone else who earnestly wished to speak with him.

* * *

— Congratulations on your victory, Young Master. —

Claudia, shimmering as a projection of light, spoke with a smile.

A smile appeared on Martin’s face as well.

“It was possible thanks to Your Highness’s support.”

— Oh, come on. I was only following your instructions faithfully. You deserve the credit. —

“Our opponent was the Second Prince and Marquis Royce. I’m sure you faced immense pressure, yet Your Highness managed to overcome it with tenacity. That alone is a great contribution.”

— It sounds like mere flattery… but I’ll take it. —

“I mean it sincerely.”

Marquis Royce’s main forces were formidable.

Nearly five thousand troops.

Along with that, he had an 8th Circle mage, not to mention multiple 7th Circle warriors.

There weren’t many who could stand up to such a force.

And yet Claudia had done precisely that, holding firm.

She certainly deserved praise.

Claudia’s smile deepened at Martin’s praise, but it lasted only a moment before they both grew serious, almost as if by agreement.

Now it was time to discuss the future.

— This victory has solidified our alliance and granted us time to strengthen our forces. Meanwhile, Theodore’s side is wavering. Although he hasn’t faced a direct defeat, the fact that Marquis Royce suffered consecutive losses at your hands is undeniable. —

“But we can’t be complacent. Marquis Royce’s forces themselves remain intact.”

Though they had lost two units of the Black Night Order, those soldiers weren’t officially affiliated with the Royce family.

The main forces, who had come north, had retreated with nothing to show for it, leaving morale shaken but without any real losses.

Thus, they still required careful monitoring.

Of course, there was another faction they needed to keep an eye on as well.

“The greatest beneficiary of this war is His Highness, the First Prince.”

— True. Two weakened factions fought each other, exhausting their strength. Though I doubt Richard would bother thanking us for it. —

The Adalbert family had lost two branch families.

Among them, the Gustin family had been the strongest of the branches, making the loss significant.

Although Marquis Royce suffered no real damage, his reputation had been shaken by repeated setbacks.

Nobles were even beginning to shift their allegiance from the Second Prince’s faction to the First Prince or First Princess.

For the First Prince Richard Alteria, this was an ideal situation.

Without lifting a finger, his rivals had worn each other down.

“While it’s true we’ve gained time to bolster our strength, that time isn’t entirely on our side. They won’t sit idle while we grow stronger.”

— Yes, I know. Unlike the Adalbert family, which has seen decline, the Ferdinand family has continued to grow. —

“It’s certainly a challenge to close the gap that has already widened.”

The First Prince’s faction was gradually gaining strength.

Even with Claudia and Martin working together, they struggled to match them militarily, not to mention economically.

The Second Prince and Marquis Royce, lacking dungeon resources, were in no position to surpass the First Prince’s faction and even found it difficult to stay ahead of the First Princess.

— Ultimately, this rivalry hinges on who can bring down Richard. Fortunately, once civil war fully breaks out, all three factions will be involved, which could undermine his current advantage. —

“Still, we must gather enough strength to face the First Prince’s faction on our own. And we can’t allow that to take more than two years.”

— Beyond that, you believe there will be no chance of catching up to Richard. —

“Exactly. Even at its peak, the Adalbert family was outmatched by the Ferdinand family in wealth. Their position in the east grants them easy access to trade with other nations.”

— The Adalbert family traditionally compensated for weaker finances with superior martial power. —

“Yes. But now even that military edge is faltering compared to the Ferdinand family. If things continue as they are, the gap will only grow. That’s why I intend to focus on securing as much funding and strength as possible within the next two years, all while applying pressure on Ferdinand’s financial networks.”

— Do you think it’s possible? To accumulate power on par with the Ferdinand family, even temporarily? —

“I’ll give it everything I have. That’s why I intend to keep moving and making these efforts.”

— I’m not sure what you’re planning to pull off next, but… I’m glad I chose to ally with you. —

“Well, I, too, have aspirations to achieve. I trust Your Highness will honor our agreement going forward.”

— Honestly, must you ruin the mood when someone’s showing gratitude? Rest assured, I won’t forget. —

Claudia pouted as she responded.

Martin chuckled at the sight.

Despite everything, she had held her own in the capital.

Which meant he needed to remain equally dedicated to his role.

‘Exchanging with the elves and dwarves is essential.’

He would make sure it succeeded, no matter what.