Chapter 182

Day one of summer.

With the arrival of a new season, summer was supposed to begin happily, but it opened with an unpleasant story.

“Merchant Guild’s carriage has been plundered?”

“It appears to be an organized movement.”

“What kind of goods were inside?”

“Magic equipment, some crops, refined metals, weapons, and armor.”

“Hmm…”

Was this a raid targeting magic equipment?

It could also be that they intended to raid my Merchant Guild randomly and then discovered such items were inside.

Regardless, it wasn’t pleasant news.

“The Merchant Guild personnel?”

“According to survivors, all but two or three who barely escaped were killed on the spot.”

“An outright declaration of war.”

“I tried sending out a few people to gather information, but our informants were wiped out as well.”

“All dead?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, stop there for now. I’ll handle the rest personally.”

“Understood…”

“Convey the news to the families of the deceased and offer them compensation respectfully.”

“…Yes?”

“Don’t you know who the families of the dead are?”

“No, we have them identified.”

“Compensate them. Especially make sure the informants’ families don’t feel neglected.”

Berdetto nodded in agreement and accepted my orders.

“Understood.”

“Any other news?”

“The village is growing smoothly…”

Despite the first piece of news being unpleasant, the rest was just ordinary updates without much difference.

After listening to Berdetto’s report, I slowly pondered how to solve the case.

The most versatile and readily available method would be the System, but I didn’t want to rely on it due to its one-week waiting period.

Besides, there are other ways to resolve it without resorting to this ultimate trump card, which is irreplaceable and serves as my last resort.

“World Tree.”

[Protector!! What’s wrong???]

“I have something to ask.”

[I don’t know if the World Tree remembers, but it’s a fact that the information about the carriage robbery is within its knowledge.]

Within a 40-day radius, our merchant guild hasn’t ventured too far away from where the World Tree can see.

[Yes!!!]

“Do you know what my flag looks like?”

[Flag… flapping thing. Yes, I know!]

Good news.

The fact that it knows raises the possibility slightly.

“And the groups carrying my flag?”

[I remember them!]

“Great. Can you tell me what happened to the group carrying flags in the mountains?”

[Yeah! Recently, there was a big fight among people in the mountains!]

Bingo.

I didn’t expect to hit it right away, but it sounds similar.

“When did this happen?”

[Five days ago!]

Five days.

Not too long ago.

Just knowing the World Tree is aware significantly reduces the difficulty of solving the case.

“Can you describe it in detail?”

[Yes! Just a moment… Ugh. The winning group discarded the flag and fled somewhere after passing through six villages! They’re still moving!]

“Can you tell where this group came from?”

[They came from a huge castle!]

Meaning, someone orchestrated this event.

Not the work of mere bandits.

Even if I always send enough power to deal with simple bandits, it’s hard for them to be almost completely annihilated unless they had sinister intentions.

While listening to the World Tree’s story, I pinpointed the location of the huge castle and where the victorious group went, searching for clues.

Though the World Tree’s language tends to sound cute, now wasn’t the time to worry about that.

As I finished talking with the World Tree, a slightly unusual piece of news reached my ears.

[Protector! Elves are arriving soon!]

“Elves?”

[Yes! In about 1~2 hours!!]

If they’re coming in 1~2 hours, they’re practically right around the corner.

Since the group that stole the carriage doesn’t seem able to escape the World Tree’s sight…

It seemed reasonable to greet the elves and confirm their species first.

It wouldn’t take too long anyway.

“Thank you. See you later.”

[Yes!]

Our village doesn’t have any obvious military groups.

However… recently, one has emerged secretly.

Demons.

Although they only follow the Demon King’s orders, they also partially follow mine due to the special position of being the Demon King’s father.

I don’t intend to exploit them recklessly, but sometimes things happen.

Walking towards the demon village connected to Valley of Starwind but somewhat isolated,

I gave them the consideration to allow them to enjoy their own culture, but upon closer inspection, they’ve absorbed ours while living harmoniously with the Valley of Starwind.

It’s hard to distinguish whether they’re demons or humans.

Could this be due to Yul’s influence?

That part is unclear.

“Father…?”

“Boseugal.”

The demons call me “Father” or “Lord Father,” never using titles involving the Demon King, so it naturally became fixed that way.

“There’s something I need you to do.”

“…What is it?”

“Call Nepile. I’ll explain afterward.”

“Understood.”

Seemingly reading my mood, Boseugal quickly went to fetch Nepile.

By normal human standards, specifically by mine…

When judged that way, the demons’ combat level generally falls between intermediate and high, evenly distributed among their ranks.

The notable ones, like Boseugal and Nepile, are at the higher end, while others are typically upper-middle level.

I didn’t realize it before, but even that level constitutes quite formidable strength.

“Do you have a task for me, Father?”

“I’m thinking of assigning you a bloody and dangerous job. Can you handle it?”

“Please give the order. I’ll accomplish anything.”

Demons show absolute, unconditional loyalty to the Demon King.

And wherever the Demon King’s love is directed, they show similar loyalty to the Demon King’s protector—me.

This loyalty was formed through having a place to live, sufficient food, safe housing, and the special significance of being where the Demon King resides.

Factually speaking, they weren’t engaged in productive activities and were just eating away resources.

Now it was time for them to fulfill their role.

Though this forced start due to external circumstances felt a little annoying.

“Can you read maps?”

“I’ve learned how to read them.”

“The others?”

“If I don’t know what task you’re assigning, I will select those skilled in map reading.”

“Good. The locations are here and here. Do you know how to track?”

“Those who can read maps are also skilled in tracking.”

“Excellent. Let me explain briefly. Our Yul’s food and entertainment were stolen by unknown outsiders.”

“…!”

“They’ve taken away the joy meant for the Demon King. Do you understand?”

“I perfectly understand.”

“You’re going to investigate this.”

“What actions should we take?”

“Do your best.”

“We won’t disappoint you.”

Motivation is important in tasks.

The gold brought back in the carriage could easily transform into things to please Yul.

There was perhaps some embellishment in my words, but nothing outright false.

Judging by the intensity in Nepile’s eyes, it was clear.

Their zeal burned quietly yet intensely.

Nepile displayed the former clearly.

“Start now. I trust you.”

“We will definitely succeed.”

A slight commotion arose in the demon village.

It was a good opportunity to check their abilities and gauge their skills.

Having issued orders to the demons, I turned my steps toward the direction the elves were coming from.

Precisely, they were approaching through the forest along the mountain range.

Walking steadily toward the side where the World Tree resided, the timing matched up as the presence of the elves subtly emanated from the woods.

The unique freshness of the forest.

The whole group carried the crisp, rich scent of trees and grass—an intriguing scene.

Even though unseen by the eyes, the physical senses perceived it vividly.

[Protector!!!]

“The elves are coming.”

[Yup!!]

Who might they be?

We already have one elf, but this one feels different.

Perhaps slowly withering since losing her tree father, she tends the forest gently, sharing her life as if preparing for her final moments.

Thus, I respect her territory and leave her alone.

A cluster of green leaves.

Seeing their attire reminded me of Anne.

Do they prioritize fashion that blends with nature?

Or maybe they simply can’t produce anything else?

Regardless, it’s easy to imagine Anne’s desire to make pretty clothes for them, even without being her.

“Who goes there!”

“Enough. Do not be rude.”

“Elder, it’s a human!”

“I said enough.”

Many elves aimed their bows at me, reminiscent of classic fantasy tropes, feeling somewhat novel.

Crazed fanatic demons.

Adorable Demon King.

Whether or not they become saintesses, gods giving divine relics.

Monasteries devoid of hidden villains, truly kind and solid.

The sole remaining dwarf from an extinct race.

Facing these elves after encountering such twisted elements felt oddly nostalgic.

“Welcome.”

“You speak Elvish?”

“I heard you were invited by the World Tree.”

“That’s correct. You must be the Protector the World Tree praises daily.”

[Not every day! Not like that!]

The flustered voice of the World Tree sounded endearing.

Sensing this, a similar smile appeared at the elder’s lips.

“It’s an honor to meet you. May we settle in this land of flowing brilliance?”

“There’s no reason why not. As long as you don’t cause trouble.”

“What rules are there?”

“This is a human village. There are demons, dragons, dwarves, and more.”

“…Excuse me?”

My words left the elf elder momentarily stunned.

Finding it amusing, I merely repeated myself.

“Given the mix of races, there shouldn’t be discord. Like how you elves just tried to shoot me with arrows earlier. If such incidents occur…”

“We will ensure they do not happen.”

“Exactly. They shouldn’t.”

Some elves looked displeased at my words.

Though the elder agreed, I saw no reason to accept unruly elf groups.

“Since you’re strangers, I’ll set the rules strictly at first. Everyone must swear an oath.”

“Speak it.”

“Anyone causing harm, threatening lives, engaging in intimidation, creating village disputes, or spreading fear shall…”

Slowly, I exuded pressure.

The power of authority.

If the gap is so vast that it cannot be measured…

It’s appropriate to display domineering dominance at their level.

“Be immediately executed.”

“Gulp.”

“This stems from the initial action shown by the elves. I hope you won’t hold too much resentment. Understand? No accidents, no bad events.”

There was no response to my words.

Only elves collapsing and the elder trembling with cold sweat remained standing.

“If there’s no answer, I cannot offer you land.”

“We… will comply.”

“Do you represent everyone?”

“Yes… Please withdraw your energy…”

“Alright. Let’s coexist peacefully. If you need anything, feel free to request. We have ample food, and we’re good at making clothes, so you can ask for those too.”

Smiling kindly as I spoke, the elder merely nodded dumbly, looking utterly drained.

Thinking about it, aren’t elves also skilled in tracking?

While not exactly a cooperative operation with the demons, it wouldn’t be bad to involve them in uncovering the truth behind the carriage robbery.

“Ugh…”

Seeing the elves groaning as they collapsed, I realized it wasn’t something to attempt right now.

Thus, the elves settled peacefully in the forest with the World Tree.

…

…

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