SWNOVELXO Chapter 630
Chapter 630: Then Give Me Some Compensation (2)
Claude had suffered quite a bit during this time.
The suppression of the remnants wasn’t particularly difficult. The Ruthania Army he had brought was simply too strong for that.
What truly troubled him was Amelia, who had now become the queen of Norvagen.
As soon as Claude met Amelia, he presented his thoughts on the eradication of the remnants. At the same time, he pulled out a pouch from his pocket.
Amelia, who had been watching silently, asked, “What is that?”
“171 gold,” he replied.
“Why…?”
“That’s the money I’ve spent so far.”
“……”
Claude had avoided Amelia thus far. However, he couldn’t evade meetings with the personnel indefinitely.
During the war, the staff had to continue executing tactics and strategies, distributing spoils, and discussing the details of various treaties.
Besides, he had been trading with the Acktum Merchant Group for quite some time. Each time, Claude had pocketed 1 gold.
That amounted to a staggering 171 times.
As Amelia stood there, dumbfounded, Claude bit his lip.
“Uh, do you already know?”
“Know what…?”
With an expression of resignation, Claude pulled out another pouch.
“523 gold.”
Amelia frowned. If he was supposed to be receiving 1 gold at a time, just how much had he eaten to gather that amount?
Claude replied with an expression of injustice, “This isn’t a bribe. I won it fair and square.”
“You claimed… you won it fair and square?”
“Yes! It was a pure contest!”
Amelia shot a sharp glance at Bernap. A little bribery could be overlooked as a common practice, but was he really implying that they had even gambled public funds?
And that without her knowledge?
Feeling the weight of Amelia’s gaze, Bernap broke into a cold sweat, saying, “Th-that guy’s just really good…”
“That’s not what you should be saying right now!”
Bernap, wearing a foolish expression, soon realized what the issue was and waved his hands frantically.
“I-I swear we didn’t touch the public funds! It’s true! Everyone used their personal money!”
In other words, everyone who met with Claude had given bribes of 1 gold each and even gambled on top of that.
“Haah…”
Amelia closed her eyes and pressed her temples. Every time she had to deal with the Penris fellows, a headache soon followed. Even normal people turned bizarre after encountering them.
It would be best to get straight to the point.
“So, you’re asking for help with the eradication of the remnants?”
“Exactly! If Your Majesty’s mighty army helped, we could completely eradicate the Salvation Society… You would become an unparalleled hero deserving of eternal praise…”
Claude draped flattery over everything. To put it simply, he wanted assistance with the remnants scattered here and there.
Amelia nodded. They had already eliminated all the remnants near Norvagen, but those pushed back from elsewhere were sneaking close to the borders. Either way, they would have to mobilize troops a few more times.
Since they had taken over a fallen kingdom by force, they needed to secure proper support from Ghislaine.
They also needed to show the trembling populace a display of strong power.
Merely ascending the throne wasn’t the end. As a new king, he needed to prove he could protect the people in these troubled times to win their hearts.
“Alright. You must have expected this to some extent, so I’ll be straightforward. Can we increase the support a little more?”
Residents from Raybold had continuously migrated to Norvagen. All had come voluntarily, trusting Amelia.
If they resettled these people across the new territories, her reputation would naturally rise.
They planned to return all resources and residents from the territory they received at the western edge of Ruthania.
That was the plan, but first, it was crucial to ensure the residents settled safely. Stabilizing the chaotic domestic situation required abundant resources.
“No problem. I’ve brought the promised first batch of support supplies, food, and money as agreed.”
“Good. I’ll move the troops immediately.”
Once she received the promised support, her ties with Ghislaine would be completely severed. With her goals accomplished, Amelia didn’t intend to create any more enemies.
Now, she needed to focus on establishing a powerful kingdom where she could realize her ideals.
Claude smiled widely. Amelia had accepted surprisingly readily.
As Amelia rose to leave, a sudden interesting thought crossed her mind.
“So you enjoy gambling, huh? Considering how you outplayed my retainers multiple times.”
Claude nodded. It wasn’t challenging to beat a bunch of rookies who had scarcely gambled a few times.
“Well, I do enjoy anything that involves a ‘bet.’ I like the thrill of victory.”
“Hmm, I don’t dislike such things either. Speaking of which, how about a game with me?”
“Pardon? You, Your Majesty? Do you know how to play card games?”
“I need to know what the people enjoy, so I’ve learned a little.”
Claude wore a sly smile. This seemed like a hook leading to the big fish.
“Hmm, I’m okay with it, but are you really up for it?”
“Of course, it should serve as a little amusement, right?”
“Then what shall we stake?”
“No need to overthink. Didn’t you say you brought quite a bit of military funds? Why not stake a portion of that?”
Claude tilted his head down, grinning. The amount of military funds he had brought was enormous. Just staking a portion could change someone’s fate.
“If I win, it’s all mine. Hehe. Do you think I’d miss this opportunity?”
“Understood. Let’s enjoy it lightly, then.”
As Claude accepted, Wendy immediately grabbed his sleeve and whispered.
“Have you lost your mind? Do you really want to die? You can’t gamble with public funds! Please don’t!”
“Ah, let go! I’m the commander here! That’s an offense! I’ll just win, right?”
Wendy bit her lip. Claude’s eyes were already clouded with greed.
She turned to Ereness, who was standing expressionless nearby. “Lord Chief, please talk him out of this!”
“…That guy is insane. It won’t end until he cuts his wrist. If you want, I can help you with that here.”
Those ominous words were filled with sincerity. Of course, she couldn’t ask him to cut her wrist. Wendy just kept biting her lip.
She couldn’t use force against the Grand Commander in another kingdom’s royal castle. It was driving her crazy.
As she looked back to see why no one was trying to dissuade him, they were all lowering their heads. They didn’t want to die at Amelia’s hands.
In the meantime, the table and cards were prepared. Wendy had no chance to intervene.
As Claude shuffled the cards, he said, “Can I really play this with ‘all my heart’?”
“Of course. No need to hold back. Such behavior would be an insult to me.”
“Right. I wouldn’t want to be rude while requesting support.”
“How do you intend to maintain your courtesy?”
“I’ll just take half of what I win.”
Claude confidently grinned as he spoke. After all, he was planning to bet big, so even half would be a substantial amount.
Amelia nodded in agreement.
“Do as you wish.”
Thus, the two began a card game, staking military funds.
And shortly thereafter.
Claude, with teary eyes, exclaimed, “Can I please have back just half of what I won?”
“There’s no such thing in a contest.”
“But I said I’d take half of the winnings!”
“…Is that what you meant?”
Claude insisted on getting his money back, but of course, it wouldn’t work.
Amelia stood up immediately and said, “Make sure to replenish the insufficient military funds.”
And then she swept out for deployment without another word.
The retainers of Norvagen, who had been conned by Claude, followed Amelia with expressions of indignation.
Wendy slapped Claude’s back repeatedly, tears in her eyes.
“What are you going to do? What are you going to do about it? How are you going to fill that huge amount of money back?!”
“I don’t know! Stop hitting me!”
He had to give Amelia the promised military funds, but an enormous amount had just vanished. Claude had to risk his life to fill that gap.
First, he would inflate the additional funds. There were many witnesses, so he’d eventually get caught, but he had to find money in the meantime.
While he was immersed in this gloomy thought about the eradication of the remnants, he heard news about Alfoy. Claude felt an urge to turn green with envy.
But who was he? If there was anything he specialized in, it was thoroughly dealing with Alfoy.
He quickly put his mind to work to find a solution.
“Keep checking on the lord’s schedule and report back. As soon as possible.”
Claude sent several messengers to confirm Ghislaine’s schedule. This operation would only succeed smoothly if Ghislaine was absent.
As Claude seemed to be planning something, Wendy asked, “He won’t listen to the Chief Officer anymore. He’s not an idiot; he won’t gamble.”
“Right, then we have to force him.”
Alfoy wouldn’t fall for his tricks anymore. Therefore, he had to subdue him by force in a short time.
The suppression of the remnants didn’t take long. Though he had a strange temperament, everyone recognized Claude’s abilities.
With Ereness, the strongest companion, also joining, the remnants in the surrounding areas were swiftly eliminated once Amelia joined in as well.
With the Dragon Hunt safely concluded, there was nothing left to worry about. Claude focused entirely on monitoring Ghislaine’s movements.
“The Allied Forces’ commander from the Sardina Kingdom has reportedly discussed follow-up measures and will return shortly. Others are expected to return to the kingdom first.”
“Woah, really?”
Claude’s expression brightened at the news that nearly everyone except those keeping Ghislaine company would return. This made things easier.
Once the surrounding remnants were all dealt with, Claude bowed his head to Amelia.
“Thank you for your cooperation. I will take my leave now.”
“Make sure to send the lacking military funds and supplies quickly.”
“…Yes.”
For now, he’d just manipulate the accounts and fill it later. Money could be earned from anywhere if he had the time.
He also had his personal assets he had secretly amassed during that time.
The Ruthania Army led by Claude immediately began their retreat. They had to arrive at the kingdom faster than anyone else.
“Waaaaah!”
“The expeditionary forces have returned!”
“Long live the Ruthania Army! Long live His Grace!”
Ghislaine wasn’t even there, and yet the kingdom’s people were already in a frenzy.
News spread swiftly that the Salvation Society had collapsed and they had also slain a dragon.
Everyone wore joyous expressions. The long, drawn-out war had finally come to an end, and peace had returned.
While all smiled and welcomed the expeditionary forces, Claude’s face was undeniably dark.
‘Alfoy, I can’t wait to meet you.’
A celebration for the troops who had arrived first under Zvalter’s command was held. Everyone was joyfully eating and drinking, but not Claude.
“We need to prepare quickly! As soon as Kaor arrives, report to me immediately! There are matters to discuss!”
He was moving busily. Soon, the individuals who had participated in the Dragon Hunt would arrive.
After getting everything ready to welcome them, it wasn’t long before the participants came back from the Dragon Hunt.
Even the wizards captured from each kingdom were swept along to the Ruthania Kingdom.
After all, returning to their own kingdoms would be quite embarrassing for them. Hence, they accepted Ghislaine’s invitation and came up with an excuse to study the rift.
“Woaaaaah!”
“They are the dragon slayers!”
“Heroes have arrived!”
The participants of the Dragon Hunt were met with overwhelming praise. Among them, Alfoy was the most celebrated.
His companions praised him so highly that he became the talk of the town.
“Waaaaah! It’s the White Alfoy!”
“That man is said to have defeated a god!”
“Rumors say he’s at 100 circles!”
“Even if the dragon is 9 circles, it wouldn’t stand a chance against a 100 circle! That’s a huge difference!”
“Is it true that he just killed it with one blow?”
News of Alfoy spread wildly, reaching almost urban myth levels.
Alfoy, basking in the crowd’s cheers, felt wonderful. Mounted on a splendid white horse, adorned in a pristine robe, he expressed sheer arrogance.
“Alfoy! Alfoy!”
“Alfoy, please look this way!”
“Show us some magic!”
Alfoy tried to conceal his elation, closing his eyes as everyone worshipped him.
Yes, this was the life he was meant to lead.
A being who could astonish all nobles, send wizards into shock, and make Claude kneel.
‘That’s exactly who I am.’
Having shed the status of a slave, he felt no fear. Now, no one would dare treat him lightly.
Of course, Hubert, who had once stripped him of the magic tower’s heir status, was beside him, sweating coldly as he asked.
“Uh, Alfoy, how did you even do that? I can’t wrap my head around it…”
“Hmph.”
At Alfoy’s cold reaction, Hubert huddled down even further.
“I-I’m sorry about what happened last time. I was very angry back then… I didn’t know you were this skilled in mana control.”
“Hmph… Finally, my ‘real’ skills have been revealed.”
To be honest, if asked to duplicate that feat, he absolutely couldn’t.
But since there was no need to do it again, it was fine.
Alfoy continued to hold his arrogant demeanor. Especially after receiving great hospitality from those who returned from the dragon hunt.
And within just a few days.
The reputation of the once arrogant Alfoy fell into the depths.