Episode 123: The Writhing Villain

　Upon returning to the encampment, Siegfried joined forces with the Eastern Army and took them under his command.

　He hadn’t made any direct declaration, but… Siegfried was now effectively the commander of the Eastern Army.

　Siegfried assuming command of the Eastern Army was originally meant to be nothing more than a temporary measure following Bertram’s death in battle.

　However, at this point, not a single soul existed who would raise an objection to him becoming the commander.

　After all, the annihilation of the Western Legion was entirely due to his accomplishments.

　Moreover, in terms of noble standing, Siegfried had transcended the bounds of a mere count.

　Thanks to his betrothal to a member of the Serodonia royal family, his status had risen to a level that could rival even the Five Great Nobles.

“Was there any issue, Beatrice?”

　After his return, the first thing Siegfried checked was the report from Beatrice, whom he had entrusted with command in his absence.

“Yes. As per your orders, the three thousand prisoners have been transported to the royal capital.”

　Siegfried had instructed Beatrice to proceed with transferring the prisoners to the capital, in accordance with his agreement with Garfilia.

“During the transfer, were there any problems with their health?”

“Yes. Following your commands, Siegfried, we provided meals without fail and allowed them regular light exercise outdoors. Thanks to that, everyone maintained their health during the transfer. In fact, some even mentioned that their condition had improved compared to before, likely due to the better quality of the food.”

　Siegfried had supplied the prisoners with provisions that high-ranking officials like Volfirio had been hoarding.

　High-quality ham made from premium meat, meticulously prepared aged cheese, and richly matured wine that had been aged for years…

　All of these were luxury items that rarely graced the tables of common folk.

“Did you properly serve the prisoners that red wine Volfirio was so proud of?”

“Yes. The prisoners were delighted, saying it was the finest wine they’d ever tasted.”

“I see. Volfirio must be satisfied in hell as well.”

 

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　In the heart of the Kirchhen Kingdom, at Kirchhen-Almas Castle. In one corner of it lay the prime minister’s private office.

　One entire wall of the room was lined with bookshelves, and a massive desk dominated the center. It was a space that embodied both functional beauty and dignity.

　Standing there was a single man. Part of his black hair had turned snow-white, and his lean frame carried an air of refinement.

　At first glance, he might seem like a mild-mannered scholar. But the light in his eyes was sharp.

　One of the Five Great Nobles and the kingdom’s prime minister, Joachim von Kaltsart-Fernbrick.

　He was seated deeply in his chair, quietly scanning the documents in his hand.

“Siegfried von Kreving…”

　He murmured the name under his breath.

　His gaze was fixed on the latest report that had arrived from Siegfried.

“From seizing control of the Eastern Army, to defeating the Western Legion. And on top of that—the engagement to Princess Sylphirosé. …He’s expanding his influence at an unnatural pace.”

　A faint irritation seeped into his voice. Yet, there was no trace of fear or panic.

　To Joachim, Siegfried still wasn’t someone who posed a threat to his own position.

　—That said, he was certainly an eyesore.

“My, my, Count von Kreving really is an enigma, isn’t he?”

　Suddenly, a lighthearted voice echoed through the room.

　Joachim directed his gaze toward the source of the voice.

　In front of the bookshelves that covered the wall stood a young man with white hair, dressed in the uniform of a court scribe.

“—I believe I told you not to enter the room without permission, Shemhazai.”

“Hahaha, come on, what’s the harm? We’re close like that, you and I.”

　The white-haired court scribe… Shemhazai Raguzarudo smiled without a hint of remorse.

“Besides—if you don’t want me barging in, why not set up a magical barrier? After all, you’ve borrowed power from one of the ‘Seven Great Calamities,’ Lugdura. A barrier should be child’s play for you.”

“…Don’t utter that name so casually.”

　Joachim’s voice carried a chilling undercurrent of anger.

　But Shemhazai paid it no mind and continued speaking.

“I’m envious, you know. I’d love to try using the power of that legendary ‘Necromancer’ myself…”

“—Shemhazai.”

　Without warning, countless bones—skeletal human hands—emerged from the room’s floor and bookshelves.

　They clung to Shemhazai’s body, quietly entwining his legs, his torso, and his neck.

　Joachim’s eyes inverted, taking on a pitch-black gleam.

　Seeing this, Shemhazai shrugged and let out a light chuckle.

“I was just joking a little, you know? No need to get so upset.”

“I’m busy. —If you have a report, make it quick.”

　The skeletal hands tightened their grip on Shemhazai’s body. He let out a small sigh.

“You don’t have to threaten me; I’ll talk… But this is getting uncomfortable, so I’d appreciate it if these bones could let go.”

　As if responding to his words, the skeletal hands smoothly withdrew from Shemhazai’s body. With a resigned shrug, he continued.

“From what I’ve investigated—it seems your suspicions were spot on. Count von Kreving has revived one of the ‘Seven Great Calamities,’ Celestina. At the very least, the possibility is high.”

　At those words, Joachim’s dark eyes gleamed even brighter.

“I met Count von Kreving once myself… Honestly, I couldn’t sense Celestina’s magical power from him at all. If he’s hiding the vampire’s power… then he’s controlling his magic with an extraordinary level of precision. However—the dungeon that was recently conquered in his territory. The one sealed there was undoubtedly Celestina.”

“—You’re certain of this?”

“Yes. Traces of Celestina van Volfenstein’s magical power were definitely left behind.”

　How could he know that?

　Joachim didn’t bother asking such a question.

　If it was Shemhazai, he possessed the ability to discern that with certainty.

“However… it seems her own magical power is being sealed by some kind of magical artifact or spell. For now, it can’t be directly detected.”

“—That’s no issue. The high likelihood that Celestina has been revived… that’s enough. With this, I can set things in motion.”