While eating breakfast, a thought hit me out of nowhere.
"…Hey, Ellia. Where do we get the salt?"
Ellia blinked, pausing mid-step. "Well, my lord… we don't."
I froze. "What do you mean we don't? Then what the hell am I eating?"
"This, my lord… is from the small stockpile we found in the manor when we first arrived."
I narrowed my eyes. "Okay… what about the others?"
She hesitated. "You don't need to worry about us, my lord. We've been eating meat and animal products. Our bodies are strong—we're not getting sick."
"…Are you people part ox or something? We've been here over two months, and no one's shown signs of deficiency?"
"No, my lord," she said with a small smile. "We're just used to rough living."
I sighed. "Alright, fine. Then how does the food taste? Unsalted meat—can't be great."
Ellia let out a dry laugh. "Not the best, my lord."
Damn. That's a hard life—fighting monsters and eating unseasoned meat.
I rubbed my forehead. "I really need contact with the beastkin. If I can't trade with them, I'll have to fight and seize a fishing village or something. We need salt—whether from the sea or someone else's stockpile."
Just then, a maid entered the room and bowed.
"My lord, a beastkin rider dropped off a letter and rode off immediately."
I raised an eyebrow. "What? Where'd he run off to?"
"Toward the town, my lord."
I took the letter and broke the seal. It read:
To the humans who have settled near the Whispering Woods,
We are the watchers of this land, and we have seen your people work, build, and fight. You are not like the others who came before.
We do not know if you are friend or foe.
Do you have a leader? A lord? If so, let him speak for you.
If you seek peace, send your leader to meet us. We will wait one hour's walk west of your village, near the old stone shrine.
Come with no more than three people. We will do the same.
If you do not come, we will take that as your answer.
—Kaelir, Voice of the CouncilOn behalf of the Beastkin of Varess
"Bitch calls me daddy and I'll come. Hmph."
Gasps followed. I looked up to see Ellia and the maid staring at me.
"Ahem." Maybe clearing my throat would help. "Ellia, look at this. What do you think?"
Ellia took the letter and began reading. I turned to the maid.
"Go call Captain Drata. Quickly."
She dashed off like lightning. At least spend a second on etiquette. Well, I suppose orders are orders.
"My lord, what do you wish to do? Are you going to go or…?"
"Hmm. I need to think. At least that's what I'd like to say, but really—I need to go. Trade will help us. We can at least learn more about what's going on."
Let alone the world I want to conquer—I don't even know anything about this island. A friendly relationship would help.
"I think so too, my lord."
Think? What do you think? You just nod at whatever I say.
"Sigh. Right."
"You called, sire?" Drata saluted, a bit out of breath.
"You saw the messenger?"
"I did. He ran off quickly on horseback. I wasn't able to catch him." He looked a little ashamed.
"No problem. I didn't call you for that. Gear up the two strongest guards we have. I'm going with them."
"What? Where are you going, my lord? That man already ran away—"
"Ah, right. Ellia, give the letter to Drata."
She handed it over, and Drata began reading.
This letter taught me something. They use the same alphabet and language. And now I know the name of their forest and settlement. At least something to begin with.
"Are you sure, my lord? It might be dangerous. At least let me come with you." He looked conflicted.
"Don't worry too much. You've got duties in the village too."
"If you say so, sire." What's with that look? Are you an abandoned puppy?
"That's it, then. Go get the men and horses."
He saluted and hurried off.
"Ellia, go and tell people they should stay alert and prepare—just in case."
There she goes, sprinting again. Maybe I should take my cloak and armor. I'll look really handsome.
I strolled toward my room.
"I'll just do it. I'm sure it'll look cool. Maids! Help me!"
Near the Old ShrineBeastkin Group
A group of thirteen men were camped out.
"Old fox, are you sure this is a good idea? They know magic and stuff. Won't they blow us away?"
"Don't worry too much, little Thorn. If they wanted to blow something up, they'd have done it already."
"Right, Thornek. Don't be like this. You're part of the council. Act like it."
"Tch. You two… if you're so fearless, why don't you go ask them to blow you up? Don't act like idiots—especially you, Fenrik."
Why's this dumb fat bear targeting me now? Is this the old fox's doing again? You already took out two councilmen. What more do you want, you greedy bastard?
"Ahem. What's up, Fenrik?" the old fox asked. This wolf looks dangerous.
"Nothing. I think we should tell the others to hide. We don't want to anger them."
Both nodded.
Back to Evander – A Few Minutes Later
I like riding horses. My red cape, golden armor, and handsome face—I look amazing, right?
[System: Yes. You are perfect.]
I like this system more now. I'm glad I changed your personality.
"My lord, the shrine is just a few minutes ahead. We'll see it soon."
"Okay. Lead the way, but don't tire the horses. We may need to retreat, and they should be in top condition."
"We understand."
This island really looks good. Maybe I'll make this place my short-term capital—only elites and nobles allowed. Sounds fun.
Just then, we spotted some goblins. They noticed us too—we were out in the open, on horseback.
"Sire, these green pests are weak. If you give the order, we'll take care of it."
"Yes, my lord. They're no stronger than children. We've been seeing them every day lately."
"They come out that often?"
"Yes, sire. More aggressive and more numerous."
"Sure you ca—wait." If I fight them and get a little blood on my armor and spear… wouldn't I look even sexier?
"No. I'll handle it. You two just watch."
I spurred my horse forward.
The horse picked up speed. I aimed my spear at the nearest goblin—
Whoosh!
Two dead in one strike. First kill—no, first two kills. Damn, I hit two with one spear!
I pulled the reins, the horse rearing on two legs. I repeated the move twice more. All of them—dead.
"Damn, I'm too handsome and manly."
"Yes, my lord! You are amazing!"
"Exactly, my lord. You are perfect!"
They were cheering for me. I wish they were girls. This is kind of creepy.
Sigh… and we're celebrating killing goblins. Fuck.
"Okay, you two—shut up."
They went quiet instantly. Damn. This is embarrassing.
"Let's go. We still have a meeting with the beastfolk."
"Yes, my lord."