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Chapter 167: Monster Wave (3)

‘The western area, huh.’

Except for the fact that that was where the upper classes of Castle Rock lived, there was nothing special about it. It was hard to imagine that there was such a large site underground, but seeing that Jung Hayan pointed this out with confidence, it seemed that I would not have to worry about an error.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Alright. Thank you, Hayan.”

“Hehehe.”

‘I think it’ll be okay…’

The location wasn’t bad. There were some things I was worried about, but to be honest, it didn’t matter if the underground site ended up getting swept away.

‘It’s also far away from Yeongju Tower…’

Considering the fact that it was also on the opposite side of the church, it really wouldn’t mean much if it disappeared off the map.

‘Not bad.’

Even as I mulled over my thoughts, Jung Hayan continued to stare at me. Since I had this settled, it would be prudent for me to join the meeting.

“Good job, Hayan.”

“Ah… It was no problem at all!”

“I’ll see you later.”

“Alright…”

I personally liked putting together puzzles. As one more piece fit in, I began to feel better. Anyway, even if I did not move, the situation in Castle Rock would continue to change.

After praising Hayan and stroking her hair, I was immediately notified of Count Castle Rock summoning all guild and clan masters in the territory. This only made me smile.

I knew a situation similar to this would happen if this were the Holy Empire. Although similar in its conscription, it was the free people’s duty to fight for the empire as they themselves were living within its borders.

‘It’s actually a very good situation.’

After all, it was Blue that had informed them of the impending danger. If I had to explain it, it would mean that we were in a pretty good situation even before the wave had started.

As I moved towards the conference room, I saw Count Castle Rock and Kim Hyunsung talking. They both wore serious expressions, but this did nothing to alleviate my happiness.

“Is that true?”

“Yes, it is. There are many similar situations already appearing in the forest.”

“This hasn’t happened in decades…”

As soon as I snuck into their conversation, their eyes began to focus on me.

“Normally, a threat sends a warning and doesn’t come. Then, at some point, it suddenly comes in. I think we should prepare for it.”

My role was to support Kim Hyunsung’s opinion and have the others believe in him.

Even if something suddenly happened, there would not be many people to trust. Whatever would come out of the mouth of the Honorary Bishop of the Holy Empire would be different.

At my open, trusting expression, Hyunsung nodded at me with an expression of gratitude. Building up his courage, he began to talk once more, looking every bit like the man I admired.

“I have already told you, but signs will continue to appear. We checked it personally during our hunt. It is surprisingly similar to the signs that occur in cities that receive monster waves.”

‘So we are indeed experiencing a wave.’

“It’s strangely quiet, and the ecology of most monsters is abnormal.”

“It certainly seems like that. It’s also suspicious that they are out of their territory… First of all, it would be nice to have a meeting and come up with measures.”

“If there is a countermeasure, there’s some data that have already been organized.”

“Ah, Honorary Bishop Lee Kiyoung.”

“Of course, there may be a manual in case the situation breaks out in Castle Rock, but we have something personally prepared. In fact, this is because we received the news that abnormal signs appeared in the monster forest even before we came to Castle Rock.”

“What? I haven’t heard of it…”

Of course, you wouldn’t have heard it. There was no news like that in the first place.

“It’s a rumor spreading secretly among free people… I understand that you haven’t come across it, Count Castle Rock. As a free citizen, it’s a little embarrassing to say, but… Many people do not like this situation.”

“I think I can understand what you’re talking about.”

“Yes. Despite living in the Holy Empire’s land, many claim only freedom and do not take responsibility for their obligations and rights. Some free people aren’t very happy with this situation of being drafted. ‘Why should we fight for Castle Rock?’ There are certainly people who think that.”

“…”

“Most of them are the ones who will run away if the wave suddenly were to occur.”

What I just said was not a lie. I knew there would be people who would try to flee. Count Castle Rock was no fool, so I knew he would understand what I was talking about.

“We need to declare martial law right now to ensure people’s safety. It is better not to end with convocation, but to organize troops and wait for it on a war footing.”

‘So, the motherfuckers at the auction house can’t get out. Them and their money.’

Besides, the motherfuckers who would try to run away at this opportunity should also be properly stopped.

“I am worried that it may create anxiety for permanent residents, but… This makes sense.”

“Feeling anxious is normal. It’d be worrying if they didn’t feel nervous at all.”

Before I even finished speaking, other people had started to enter the conference room. These were all faces that I had seen at least once, due to Song Jungwook’s introduction of them.

It looked like Count Castle Rock didn’t like them, however, and if one were to think about what I had just said before, then the reason why would be understandable.

“You can sit down.”

“Yes, Count.”

“It’s been a long time, Count Castle Rock.”

“Hem.”

Although they greeted him one by one, this was, by no means, a social intervention.

The guild masters and clan masters all sat down with a puzzled look. Song Jungwook started looking at me as if asking what was going on.

He looked funny, looking as if he could get something out of this.

As the Honorary Bishop of the Holy Empire, he may already know that I was close to Count Castle Rock, so he, who had maintained a close relationship with me, felt that he was safe, no matter what would happen.

‘He’s cute.’

I couldn’t tell if he was quick-witted or not. He knew that the case had happened, but he didn’t seem to think about how his treatment will change.

I sat in a nearby seat next to Kim Hyunsung, and after a while, Count Castle Rock began to speak. I already knew what this would be about, but not what he would say in detail. Whatever the choice, Count Castle Rock was free, but I knew that Marlin Young-ae’s father, who now stood in front of me, would respect me to some extent.

‘Right?’

Once the meeting of the day was over, after telling that a monster wave would be happening, there would surely be an expedition, a trip, or some guys choosing to flee from Castle Rock.

It was unacceptable even for the Count, who must protect the resident people. It would be reasonable to accept my opinion in many ways.

“From now on, Castle Rock will enter on a war footing.”

‘Nice.’

“I think there will be a monster wave within the next month. While requesting assistance from other cities, after blocking the exit, I will integrate the forces of the free men in Castle Rock with the forces of Yeongju Tower.”

“What…”

Everyone’s expressions had gone blank. In such a sudden situation, some of the faces began to crumble.

“A monster wave will occur?”

“That’s… Where did this information come from?”

It was Kim Hyunsung who answered that bullsh*t.

“This is the information we have managed to investigate during our stay.”

“A-Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’ll tell you again later in the briefing. We are sure about this fact.”

As soon as our returner stopped speaking, panicked voices began to fill up the room. In lieu of such a terrifying situation, it was natural for these people to feel anxious. Even hearing about Count Castle Rock’s plan seemed to do nothing but heighten their panic.

‘Tut-tut.’

I thought something would come out of dissatisfaction, but Count Castle Rock’s attitude was much stronger than expected, and all the guild masters here didn’t dare say anything.

It was at this time that Song Jungwook, of the Little Rock, quietly opened his mouth.

“Count Castle Rock.”

“What is it, Little Rock Guild Master?”

“It makes sense to say that you’ll be on a war footing and that you’ll declare martial law… but incorporating us with the Yeongju Tower forces in order to fight, that’s…”

“Is there a problem?”

“Perhaps it won’t work properly. In the first place, it is stated that the guilds and clans act as independent units in the event of a dangerous situation similar to that of war under imperial law. This same rule is also applied in Yeongju Tower…”

“No. To be precise, imperial law states that the troops’ organization can be changed at the Supreme Commander’s discretion. There is nothing wrong with imperial law.”

“But…”

Other voices began to pop out from everywhere.

“When it comes to the discretion of the Supreme Commander, I would like you to consider the choice you just made. We, too, are aware that we, as free people in Castle Rock, must join the threats that come, but… Perhaps…”

“It seemed that a lot of fighting would happen with the Knights of Yeongju Tower. Do you mean for this to happen?”

“I don’t mean that. I was just telling you that free people have their own way. Please make a more rational choice.”

“About the free people’s way… I don’t know what you’re talking about. What is the free people’s way? Is it the free people’s way to put the imperialists at the forefront and only survive?”

“No, Count. At least I think that it should be a free citizen that should command the free people…”

“So, the Little Rock Master will use his own troops. This is what you mean.”

“No…”

“If not, what is it, Little Rock Guild Master? I am not stupid. I know why you are staying in Castle Rock, and I know why you want an independent unit. I know you would hate to give your life for this place.”

“I never mean that. But the situation…”

It felt like neither of them would yield. This was not a helpful image for both. It was imperative that free people and imperialists maintain a peaceful symbol of friendship.

From the Count’s perspective, he might think that this was a temporary dispute, but this would definitely create a rift in the future.

‘Their relationship might break at some point.’

Even if I didn’t like it, I had to find some agreement. It was then that an unexpected response came out of Count Castle Rock’s mouth.

“If you think so, then I’ll leave it to Honorary Bishop Lee Kiyoung.”

‘That’s it!’

Of course, it was not a good thing for the free people living in Castle Rock. I was just a guest, after all. As expected, I could see some of the guild masters opening their mouths to protest.

“But Lee Kiyoung is not even from Castle Rock.”

“It’s the maximum concession that I can make.”

“I think that would be nice, too.”

What was a little surprising was that Song Jungwook had agreed with the Count’s decision. He was now looking at me, smiling.

‘This bastard…’

He seemed to think that I would take his side in this discussion.

‘No matter how much you beg, you’ll be at the forefront, Jungwook.’

That had already been decided since the start.