Chapter 176: Valdrova's Hunting Hound

"Hehehe! Helloooo!"

The moment Ferda saw Echidna's face, he sensed something new.

It wasn't the same lovable freshness he always felt from Valdrova.

'How strange.'

The gloomy aura she'd had when they first met had only deepened, yet somehow she seemed far more lively than before.

Normally, a person's gloom and vitality would move in opposite directions, but this woman was the complete opposite.

The more inexplicable she became, the more unsettling she felt.

"I heard you've completed the Spellcraft."

"Yes! I! Finally! At last! Finished it!"

Echidna waved her arms wildly, unable to contain her excitement.

"Explain it."

"Yes! If you look over here~."

A doll roughly the size of Zed caught his eye.

The childish features of a noble young lady were gone, replaced by a carefully carved face that had begun taking shape.

It wasn't hard to tell where her obsession had been directed.

"It may look like an ordinary doll, but inside, I've taught it how to perform all the duties of a maid!"

"A maid..."

In other words, it was basically a tall male version of Luri.

"Would you demonstrate?"

"Of course!"

As a demonstration, Echidna deliberately knocked a teacup off the table.

Crash!

The moment the sound echoed through the room, the doll, which had been standing quietly, lifted its head.

At first, it moved stiffly, its joints creaking, before walking over to where the cup had shattered.

It swept the broken pieces away, wiped the floor clean, and even finished tidying up afterward without leaving a trace.

"I designed it so that instead of needing direct orders, it'll respond appropriately based on the situation it's given!"

"I see."

It certainly moved just as she'd described.

"...Though there are some problems."

The biggest flaw was that the entire process had taken two full hours.

If Luri had seen it, she'd probably have gotten so frustrated that she'd have kicked it into scrap within three minutes.

That wasn't the only issue.

Not only was it painfully slow, but after moving for about ten minutes, the doll suddenly drooped its head and stopped.

"You'll have to reduce its unnecessary Mana consumption."

"Yeees... You're right..."

That part could be improved by studying the optimization techniques used by puppeteers.

They had spent years researching puppets in an effort to imitate summoned creatures.

'Applying the knowledge of puppeteers to Magitech Engineering...'

Among the theories developed by puppeteers were techniques impossible for ordinary humans to accomplish.

What if those techniques could instead be realized through Magitech Engineering?

It might make ordinary wooden puppets look like children's toys.

And that wasn't all.

For now, it was merely a male model trained to perform maid duties.

But eventually, adult-sized models could be mass-produced.

And if those models were trained with the knowledge and discipline of elite soldiers, they could become effective on real battlefields.

'Though there is one problem.'

The golems Echidna created closely resembled humans.

Which meant they were less like golems and more like Homunculi.

The terrifying thing about Homunculi was that they couldn't truly be controlled.

The Homunculus left behind by the great alchemist Edgar had once nearly destroyed an entire kingdom in its pursuit of freedom.

There was no guarantee Echidna's creations wouldn't do the same.

"If you ordered these things to slaughter humans... would they begin killing?"

"It depends on their purpose... but they could never be used as war dolls."

"Why?"

"Because this world needs love more than hatred!"

"..."

The irony of a Witch preaching peace left Ferda speechless.

It was almost impressive that someone radiating such an ominous aura could say something like that with complete sincerity.

"What about exterminating Monsters?"

"That might be possible! Monsters are bad, after all!"

That was enough.

That was precisely the function Ferda needed.

Listening to her, another question naturally came to mind.

"You said they couldn't wage war."

"Yes."

"Why exactly is that impossible?"

Echidna wasn't the type to make bold claims without reason.

If she sounded that confident, she clearly had something to back it up.

"Because of this!"

She opened a built-in wardrobe.

Instead of clothes hanging inside, a small wooden doll sat quietly in a chair.

Unlike the tall wooden figures scattered around the gloomy Witch's room, this one had a much smaller build.

About the same height as Luri or Mori.

He didn't even need to ask who it was modeled after.

"I call it... the Hive Mind!"

"Hive Mind?"

"Well... all these children are naturally very curious and always learning new things, right?"

"Right."

"So someone has to tell them, 'No, you mustn't do that.' This little one plays exactly that role. It filters everything in advance."

"So it functions as the parent body."

Another question immediately followed.

If there was a watcher...

Who watched the watcher?

"And who controls the parent body?"

"I programmed it to remember only principles that absolutely no one can interfere with."

"Only three of them."

Those three principles were:

First Principle: Every Golem is a tool, not a human, and all tools are obligated to benefit humanity. 2

Second Principle: The First Principle must be obeyed absolutely, and all Golems must obey the Hive Mind.

Third Principle: While obeying the First and Second Principles, every Golem must protect itself.

"Not bad."

"Right?"

Echidna beamed happily at Ferda's approval.

If the obligation to benefit humanity truly was an absolute law, then the golems would never be capable of participating in wars between humans.

'Perhaps that's actually better.'

Echidna was a Witch who possessed a Red Circle.

Suppose...

However unlikely...

Suppose she one day lost control, became obsessed with war, and seized command of the army she'd created.

That alone would become an unimaginable catastrophe.

"Umm..."

As Ferda was lost in those uneasy thoughts, Echidna shyly twisted her body and spoke hesitantly.

"I've worked so hard... so... um... does that mean you'll hand over custody now?"

"Custody?"

"Yes!"

She nodded vigorously.

"That cursed lizard kept interfering over and over... provoking me every chance she got. I wanted to strangle her so many times, but I endured it all and kept working hard. Is... is this what it feels like to be a mother?"

"..."

"Hehe... ehehe..."

Echidna let out a disturbingly eerie laugh.

At last, Ferda understood what had unsettled him ever since entering this room.

'So that's what it was.'

She was overflowing with vitality, yet somehow even gloomier than before.

Just as Echidna genuinely cared about Mori, Isabella cared just as sincerely.

The two had clashed like an unstoppable spear against an unbreakable shield.

And in the end...

Echidna had completed the ultimate shield.

'...When I think about it, this is completely insane.'

Using a Witch's obsession to make her work.

Ferda could already tell this situation was becoming increasingly troublesome.

He had used Mori as leverage.

But Mori herself was also an invaluable resource.

'The problem is Mori's efficiency.'

Ever since Echidna and Isabella had begun taking turns looking after her, Mori's work efficiency had actually improved.

If Ferda officially handed Mori over to Echidna, she'd go back to treating her like a toy.

Her productivity would inevitably decline.

Unable to decide, Ferda finally asked,

"Would it be acceptable if we let Mori decide?"

Just like that, he shifted the responsibility elsewhere.

"Of course!"

Echidna accepted immediately, as though she welcomed the idea.

"You mean that?"

Ferda asked.

Echidna proudly puffed out her chest.

"No matter what, I'm definitely better than that lizard woman!"

Only then did Ferda understand what she was thinking.

She believed the only choices were herself or Isabella.

She hadn't even considered the third possibility. 1

—I judge that neither is suitable.

"Whaaaat?!"

An entirely expected answer.

The only person surprised was Echidna.

"P-Please don't do this... Couldn't you at least say who should be Mori's guardian? Like... Echidna... or Echidna Phyliaz... or the Gloomy Witch..."

She desperately listed one option after another.

Mori mercilessly replied:

—Attendant Luri is the most suitable guardian for me. 1

"Luri?"

When Echidna and Isabella had been locked in constant conflict, Mori had been left in Luri's care.

Unlike the two women, who doted on her endlessly, Luri had provided only the minimum care necessary for a tool.

From the perspective of a rational tool, however...

That had been the ideal environment.

And naturally, the most efficient one.

"You insisted Mori's opinion should be respected..."

"Uuuugh..."

Echidna looked like a mother who had just lost her child.

Ferda let out a long sigh.

"For now, things will remain as they are."

Echidna instantly brightened again.

She had never imagined maintaining the status quo could bring such relief.

Meanwhile, Mori's expressionless face somehow looked slightly distorted.

"This is the best solution."

Wanting to comfort her at least a little, Ferda gently placed a hand on Mori's head.

Mori quietly removed Ferda's hand before writing:

—This action reduces work efficiency.

He turned around and walked away without another word.

For just a moment...

Ferda thought he understood what emotion lingered on Mori's face.

***

The Far East lay under the rule of Grand Duchess Valdrova.

As the former homeland of the Demon Race, known as the enemies of the Cerdes Continent, it was an exceptionally unique region.

For that reason, its powerful military and extensive autonomy were essential, just as they were for every Margrave throughout the kingdoms.

In that respect, the Arken Empire differed greatly from the others.

Its Margraves possessed far less power.

The Far East had been the weakest region.

Yet somehow, within the highly centralized Arken Empire, it had managed to secure autonomous rule.

It was a miracle almost as unbelievable as the legendary king's victory over the giant troll, Goliath.

For the allied nobles of the Far East...

It should have been a joyous occasion.

Everyone except one man.

"Hurry! Move faster!"

"Rushing won't help if the horses collapse from exhaustion! We'll have to change horses at the relay station first!"

"Don't talk back to me, you damn coachman! If we're late, you'll die too! Got it?!"

Baron Giyot urged the coachman forward with desperate urgency.

He was attempting a midnight escape. 1

If autonomy had truly been granted...

That meant Alexander had lost.

Which meant remaining here was simply waiting for the day his head rolled off his shoulders.

He already knew the fate of the man who had sold out his savior for thirty silver coins.

He had no intention of sharing that fate.

"A-Are you alright, my lord?"

His loyal servant wiped the sweat from Giyot's brow.

"I'm fine."

"What are your plans now?"

"As I said, we'll head north first. We'll sell a few things there, and with the Empire's information, I should be able to secure a position somewhere."

Being a frontier baron had already seemed miserable enough.

Who would've thought things could become even worse?

Baron Giyot sighed bitterly at his wretched fate.

"Damn it... Why do I have to end up like this...? I carry the blood of House Giyot..."

"Exactly, my lord. You've devoted your life to the Arken Empire. How could they treat you this way?"

"It's all because of that damn outsider... Everything went wrong because of him..."

As Giyot lamented his circumstances while his servant flattered him, he gradually noticed the carriage slowing.

It wasn't his imagination.

The carriage had stopped.

"Coachman! What are you doing?!"

No answer came.

Giyot shouted even louder.

"You bastard! Do you think I'm no longer a noble?! I asked what was happ—"

The carriage door suddenly swung open.

His voice caught in his throat.

The dim carriage light revealed a face he knew all too well.

The one man he least wanted to see.

"C-Count Consilus..." 1

"It's been a long time, Giyot. Fancy meeting you like this."

"I-I suppose... How did you end up here...?"

How was this man here?

Ignoring Giyot's stunned expression, Count Consilus looked toward the servant seated opposite him.

"Well done."

He tossed him a heavy coin pouch.

Unlike the dumbfounded Giyot, the servant cautiously accepted it.

"...Thank you, my lord."

The servant hurriedly fled.

The seat that had been occupied by the flattering servant moments earlier was now occupied by Count Consilus.

"What... brings you here?"

"What do you think? I simply came to say hello."

His voice was ice cold.

"And while I'm at it, I'd also like to greet your wife and your son."

"..."

"They're in the carriage behind us, aren't they? I haven't checked yet."

Count Consilus slowly raised his eyes.

Death filled them.

Baron Giyot trembled as though drenched in icy water.

"Since today will be the last time you'll ever see them, shouldn't you say your farewells properly? I suppose I'd better confirm they're there."

As Consilus began to rise...

Giyot immediately dropped to his knees.

"P-Please... Spare my wife and son. They've done nothing wrong... Everything was my decision alone, Count Consilus."

Consilus sat back down.

"You think acting alone makes you innocent?"

"Beans planted yield beans."

"The child of a devil becomes a devil."

"The child of a traitor becomes a traitor."

"Why should I spare a wife and child who would bring nothing but future trouble?"

"But we shared years together! You attended my son's baptism and wished him a bright future!"

Giyot desperately appealed to sentiment.

"As fellow human beings... as followers of Alte... please show mercy. I swear in the names of Alte, my father, and His Majesty the Emperor that I will tell no one. I'll disappear quietly."

He laid every shred of honor he still possessed before the Count.

"...As you say..."

"The children are innocent."

"So is your wife."

Consilus reached into his coat and produced a bottle of liquor and two glasses, placing them on the small table.

"I know they're innocent people."

"They have no reason to die."

He slowly poured amber-colored liquor into a glass.

"But during war..."

"How many people die because they deserve to?"

"War sends ten thousand people to their deaths for the sake of one."

He lifted the full glass and stared at his own reflection shimmering in the liquid.

"My son..."

"He never deserved to die there either."

Bitterness lingered in Consilus's voice.

"If only I'd been a little more selfish..."

"He never would've had to be there."

He swallowed both the liquor and the bitterness in one gulp.

Then he filled the second glass and placed it before Baron Giyot.

"Drink."

"...Sob..."

"If you drink now, your journey afterward will be a little easier."

Weeping quietly, Baron Giyot raised the glass.

He managed to bring it to his lips...

But couldn't bring himself to swallow.

"Is... all of this really necessary?"

He asked the one question he simply couldn't understand.

"Is it truly worth bearing all this sin... for someone like Ferda?"

"After executing fellow nobles..."

"You'll never live the same way again."

"The trust you've earned... your honor... they'll all crack apart."

"And someday..."

"You'll end up just like me."

Count Consilus gave a hollow laugh.

"Compared to the Karma I'll carry from now on..."

"Your head is nothing more than one insignificant pebble."

"..."

"Wait for me in Hell."

"I'll be joining you soon enough."

At last...

Baron Giyot emptied his glass.

Slash!

The warm liquor had barely begun sliding down his throat...

When an icy line swept across his neck.

His head flew through the air before tumbling onto the ground.

At some point, a sword had appeared in Count Consilus's hand.

Blood dripped steadily from the blade.

He calmly flicked it away.

Picking up Giyot's severed head, Consilus stepped out of the carriage.

Outside, men clad in lacquered armor stood waiting.

"What about the wife and son?"

"As you ordered. They passed without suffering."

Almost instinctively, Consilus studied their expressions.

It had been the first time any of them had killed a woman or a child.

Their faces were heavy.

"I'm sorry for making you do such unpleasant work."

"Someone had to."

Just as Count Consilus carried out the tasks Ferda could not...

The knights carried out the tasks Consilus himself had to shoulder.

Because they understood the burden their lord bore.

Consilus handed over Giyot's head before mounting his horse.

"Announce it exactly as planned."

"Charge him with treason and embezzlement."

"Yes."

"Who's next?"

"House Granduchi."

"And the Baron?"

"Still inside the castle. According to our intelligence, he's secretly evacuating his wife and children. Shall we pursue them?"

Consilus nodded.

"Bring me his head."

"I will tolerate no mistakes."

"By your command."

From that day onward...

Two noble houses that had ruled within Grand Duchess Valdrova's domain disappeared forever.

And Count Consilus gained a new nickname.

***

"Valdrova's Hunting Hound."

Ferda quietly spoke Consilus's new title aloud.

"So that's what people have been calling you lately."

"A hunting hound?"

"I'm honored."

Despite it being intended as an insult, Consilus simply laughed.

Ferda couldn't laugh with him.

"Did you really have to choose that path?"

Ferda knew exactly what Consilus had done.

Not only had the Shadow Division reported everything...

Consilus himself had personally explained it all.

"Terror creates instability."

"And unstable times give birth to new power."

"I am someone who must disappear someday."

"And that new power... is me?"

"Yes."

Consilus answered without hesitation.

"Of course, not everyone will immediately place their faith in Your Excellency the Regent."

"But they will at least begin seeing you as a leader worth considering."

"..."

"When the opportunity comes..."

"You'll naturally become the center around which everyone gathers."

Everything he had done...

Had been for Ferda's sake.

Ferda had no doubt of that.

Consilus had even risked his own life by forcing an Aura Reversal merely to buy Ferda more time.

But even knowing his intentions...

Ferda couldn't simply rejoice.

'When Consilus is gone someday... I'll have to lead alone.'

Every meeting eventually led to parting.

When that day came...

What choice would he make?

The vague anxiety threatening to overwhelm him was something Ferda forcibly pushed aside.

"I'll repay everything you've done for me."

Ordinarily, Consilus would have modestly answered that he'd merely done his duty.

"Since you've mentioned it..."

Instead, his expression turned strangely awkward.

"As it happens... something has recently occurred, and I could use your help."

"What happened?"

"Well..."

Consilus let out a long sigh before explaining.

After hearing the whole story...

Ferda immediately understood why.

Even summarizing it sounded absurd.

"...Someone assaulted a young lady?"