Combat Healer Ch. 20 (Patreon)

September 9, 2022

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It covers Chapters 1-14, and is 101,000 words.

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ARTWORK: Both Miriam and Avery are available.

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This chapter is a long one, so hope you enjoy!

Also, it's a 'bonus chapter.' I still plan on posting IDH this Sunday.

<< Chapter 19 | Ch 1 (Book 1) | Ch 15 (Book 2)

- CHAPTER 20: Politics -

Present Day

A very muscular elf with graying hair and slate eyes focused on the report before him, detailing what several scouts reported just in the last hour alone, notified by the ‘Rootkin sisters’ through dozens of wrens sent throughout the entire kingdom in every direction, each one with a slightly different message, since the small birds could not handle much more than that.

Especially not when they had to retain a message over such long distances.

Thus, the individual communications were short.

‘Threat bad.’

‘Many bad.’

‘Urgent threat.’

‘Need all fire.’

‘Gather all.’

‘Death is nigh.’

Separately, they were all indicative of the situation, but together they painted an even more grim picture. One that was especially concerning, considering that the Queen herself had gone with the hunting party.

Very grim, indeed.

How unfortunate.

General Vildred was well aware that the Guilds were actively being mobilized in full force, and that every single Fire Mage and Magician, who at least knew the basic fire spell, were all being organized to defend the kingdom against an onslaught unlike anything history had seen in centuries.

However, he himself was not preparing for this war, nor was most of the Elf Guard, even if they were assisting in the organizing of the assault parties.

For, it was the role of the Guilds to defend the kingdom.

Whereas it was the role of the Guard to defend the capital.

And also…the role of the Guard…

To defend the Throne.

Not the mortal Queen, but the immortal throne itself.

Something the Queen was well aware of when she chose to make such a foolish decision to leave the capital to personally participate in this hunt.

So foolish.

General Vildred had known the Queen now for just over ninety years, and in all that time he’d never seen her with such hope in her eyes.

Such weakness.

In all that time, she’d been clearly burdened heavily by a weight that had never been lifted. Not in nearly a hundred years. And yet, in the blink of an eye, the burden had vanished, a new concern taking its place, and she likewise had hope in her amethyst eyes, for the first time that he could ever remember.

Foolish.

And he suspected a possible reason why, though he didn’t understand how it came to be.

For, not once in ninety years had he seen the Queen’s feet completely bare, and yet, seemingly without a thought, she exposed her feet to both him and a sizeable number of the Guard…

All for the sake of one boy.

A human boy!

Vildred knew there must be meaning behind her actions, especially when she requested a random human be given Immunity, but he could not fathom what that meaning might be. Nor could he fathom the reason why she would request to be alone with such a child, even if for the sake of planning this mission.

A human healer boy, no less!

One who she chose to go into battle with, even though it should be completely beneath her.

Unthinkable!

Placing him as the head of the team that would lead her.

Lead the Queen!

Blasphemous!

However, even despite his opposition to her recent actions, there was a small part of him that did hope she returned to the throne. Although, even if she did survive, and eventually returned to the capital, it might still be too late for her to again ascend to her rightful place.

For, she was not of noble blood to begin with, and always knew there was a risk that her claim to the throne might be challenged after eighty years had passed, the point at which most Rulers were well into old age.

Were she present, then it would be a simple fight to the death, and only once a candidate had proven themselves worthy by going through the Trial of Resolve, and lasting at least three days – the usual amount of time required for previous Rulers to claim the throne.

A fight she would undoubtedly win…no matter who her opponent was…

But now that she was absent…

With the possibility that she would never return objectively high.

The trials could begin.

And if they did begin, if they were initiated by the nobles, then she would have only one choice to reclaim the throne.

Prove a second time, that she was still worthy of the crown.

The punishment for failing…

Execution.

At least, assuming that the most likely man to claim the throne did indeed win.

No doubt Lord Vizen would have her executed the moment he came to power. If for no other reason, than because he blamed her for his own father’s death. Under normal circumstances, such actions would be impossible, but if Lord Vizen found a way to charge her of perceived crimes committed, then execution would likely be her fate if he ascended the throne.

Doubtful any of the other nobles would object to her punishment, fearful for their own fates, and the fates of their families.

Especially, if it were Lord Vizen who ruled.

Which meant, either way, whether she returned or not, her life would be forfeited.

Not unless she could reclaim the throne herself.

Foolish.

She shouldn’t have left the throne in the first place.

So foolish.

Unexpectedly, General Vildred focused up at the door when there was a quiet knock, only for the door to slowly creak open when he grunted loudly, a very young blonde elf peeking her head in nervously, likely because she knew exactly what was going to happen when he requested she enter the room.

After all, he’d been grooming her for a month now.

And it was about time he make the young blonde his bitch, before sending her off to his slightly older blonde wife to be ‘punished’ for the perceived transgression.

“G-General Vildred, sir,” the girl squeaked, her face flushed red. “I…I have news.”

“Come in,” he demanded firmly, rising to his feet to stand over her.

She immediately did so, closing the door, her body thin and lanky, her form visible even in the loose fitting blue Guard uniform, her slim shoulders slouched as she stopped in the middle of the room. It was very obvious she’d only begun maturing into a woman about half a decade ago.

Standing over the cute blonde, the top of her head barely reaching his chin due to his own above-average height, he silently made it clear what was about to happen the moment she was finished delivering her report.

However, before then, he wished to see her raw form.

“Undress,” he said firmly.

She squeaked at that, her face even darker red now as she quickly began doing so, stripping right on down to her bare skin, not even leaving her undergarments on.

“Good girl,” he said darkly. “Have you yet been deflowered?”

Her body tensed, her voice almost afraid. “N-No, b-but what about your wife, s-sir?”

“She’ll punish you,” he said firmly. “But I can promise it will only be mildly uncomfortable.” He then reached out to grab her chin then, tilting her head up so that her exotic green eyes were force to look up at him. “I suspect she will be especially envious of your ass, and she tends to strike that which she is envious of.”

“S-Sir,” she barely managed, her body trembling now.

“State your business,” he snapped.

“I overheard a challenge for the throne!” she exclaimed.

General Vildred’s slate eyes narrowed. “Lord Vizen?” he assumed.

“Y-Yes,” she gasped. “I thought…” Her breathing grew heavier. “I thought…”

“Yes,” he agreed, unsurprised by this news, even as he gripped her jawline more firmly with one large hand. “You did the right thing by telling me. Now, you are to bend over my desk. I am going to deflower you, and then send you off for punishment. Understand?”

The blonde whimpered, trembling violently as she did so, exposing her bare ass obediently as he began to undress himself.

The first time was always best.

She’d scream now, but would be moaning later, until she was eventually addicted to both pleasure and punishment. However, ‘which was which’ for her would not be certain until she’d experienced both several times.

Perhaps she’d endure fucking for the pleasure of being whipped.

Or perhaps she’d endure whipping for the pleasure of being fucked.

One could never know for sure.

But nevertheless, the first time…

Was always the best.

* * *

After a warm bath and an equally warm meal, the massive cavernous room lit up in our little corner by our three Light Crystals, I was feeling pretty great despite our circumstances, although the two comforts also prompted some other necessities to come up.

Like needing to take a piss, and such.

Something I wasn’t exactly thrilled to do in front of the others, even if they probably didn’t care.

At the very least, I was hoping to get much more ‘familiar’ with everyone before getting that comfortable in front of them, especially since I’d barely known most of them for a couple of days at this point.

Literally, the only person I was confident wouldn’t have a problem with it at all was Eliza, and yet since she was so much more of a grown woman compared to when I last saw her, I was now even hesitant to relieve myself in front of her.

Thus, I used the excuse of wanting to check on the barriers to make my way across the massive room alone, sincerely a little surprised that there was still an orange glow on the other side of the dark semi-translucent ice barrier, wondering if the fire would die out or if the barrier would break first, before relieving myself and then heading to the more blue ice wall guarding the front entrance to the room.

There were quite a few green bioluminescent fungi on the walls of the cavern, so I could see fairly well, even without having a Light Crystal on me. And that ice wall seemed fine too.

However, it wasn’t until I’d returned to the group that I realized that the casual conversation had taken a more serious turn.

“Well, I’d be really worried for the kingdom,” Eliza was saying sincerely. “This would be a horrible time for such a thing to happen.”

“Wait, what are you talking about?” I wondered, sitting down at the edge of the large bath next to Astaer, and placing my legs in, now facing toward the main entrance covered in lighter blue ice. Eliza and Sylvia were both sitting across from me, their back to that barrier, while Mel and Val were toward my left. And then Celestine was on my right side, though not exactly ‘next’ to me, since she was instead sitting across from Mel.

The fire we’d started earlier was still burning softly behind me, even though we’d given up on cooking those mushrooms.

Eliza sighed heavily. “Melantha was asking what would happen if a lot of time has passed when we leave the Dungeon. And even though I find that very unlikely, I gave her a sincere answer.”

I frowned at that. “And you’re saying that it would be bad for there to be a change of rulers right now, correct?” I assumed, knowing she’d said as much before.

“Yes,” Eliza said simply.

I sighed heavily. “Would it be too much to ask why?”

She frowned at that. “Perhaps not, but it would require a lot of time.”

“Which we have,” I pointed out.

She took a deep breath, glancing at Astaer and Celestine.

The older sister spoke up. “My Queen, we would never share,” she said seriously.

“And I believe you,” Eliza replied. “But if I explain, then you will be made aware of the troubles our kingdom faces. If you are proud to be an elf, as many of our race are, it may be difficult for you to hear.”

Their blue eyes widened, and they exchanged a glance across me, before nodding.

Celestine spoke up this time. “We can handle it, my Queen.”

She simply nodded, taking a deep breath. “Ah, where to even begin?” She sighed. “Is everyone aware of the current state of the Ryfle Kingdom?” she then wondered.

Astaer chimed in on my left. “The ruler there is young, is he not?”

“Yes,” Eliza agreed. “However, perhaps what is most unusual is that he is also the youngest of his family.”

We were all surprised.

She continued. “The former king was a fairly decent ruler, but about seven years ago, he died under mysterious conditions. In line for the throne was his brother, the current king’s uncle, as well as any one of the man’s daughters, the current king’s sisters, most of whom are older than the boy. However, very curiously, the uncle was found to be guilty of corruption, even though no solid evidence was produced, and he was executed. All the boy’s sisters were then very adamant that it was only right for the male heir to take the throne, and so the boy ascended and became king. He was thirteen at the time, and is now twenty.”

“Well shit,” I said in surprise. “With you calling him a ‘boy,’ I thought he was like five or something.”

She gave me a sad smile. “Even now, my love, he is still very much a boy to me. Not only due to his age, but maturity also matters.”

Mel spoke up. “So, what’s the problem with him?” she wondered. “Just that he’s young and immature? Or is something else going on?”

Eliza shook her head. “The problem is that the old king’s advisor is now this ruler’s advisor, and the shrewd man basically runs the country. For, the boy has always been a spoiled brat, and the advisor made him king and did everything in his power to reinforce the sense of entitlement that he now has. The child does whatever he wants within his kingdom, even breaking laws without fear, and basically does and signs off on whatever the advisor tells him to.”

“And that’s bad,” Mel assumed.

“Very bad,” Eliza agreed. “Allow me to explain.” She sighed. “Truly, this advisor is a calculating and horrible man, who desires to see the elves fall to their knees. Our kingdom’s economy was already beginning to have issues under the previous king’s reign, likely due to this advisor, but it really began to take a turn once the new king took power.”

“And how has the economy suffered?” I wondered seriously.

She nodded in acknowledgment. “Perhaps I will give some examples. As many of you realize, my entire kingdom is heavily militarized, due to the ongoing threat. And that military, of both the Elf Guard and the Scourge Suppressors, require a significant amount of food to feed. Men who would otherwise be farmers or hunters are instead fighting beasts, and so Delanor is a huge importer of meat and grains. One of the first actions that the Ryfle kingdom began to take was imposing increasingly high taxes on meat in particular, which has slowly caused the prices of meat and certain foods to increase dramatically.”

Val unexpectedly gasped, only to look really embarrassed when we all focused on her. “Umm, I was able to make a lot of coin once I unlocked my Focus, because the prices of meat were so high.”

Eliza nodded. “And that’s perfectly fine, Valshia. Nothing wrong with trying to make a living.”

I spoke up, wanting her to continue. “I assume there’s more?”

She nodded. “So much more. In addition to being fed at a reasonable price, our Scourge Suppressors need to be paid for their services. And the primary way they are paid is by selling the very thing they harvest in Dungeons.”

“Monster Cores,” I assumed. “Which are turned into Essence Crystals.”

She nodded. “And just the collected Essence, in general. For a long time, we have exported a large quantity of Essence and Essence Crystals to the Ryfle kingdom, so that they might enjoy some of the same benefits that come from such a unique fuel source.” She sighed, her tone becoming sarcastic. “So what has this human advisor done? He’s dramatically increased trade with the kingdom across the western desert, importing ludicrous amounts of oil for lamps and other such uses. Thankfully, in that particular situation, the people’s resistance to converting to a more primitive fuel has been high. However, if this immature king were to outright ban even just Light Crystals, then our entire economy could collapse within a year, and we would be unable to pay Scourge Suppressors to defend our lands.”

“I’d still fight,” Mel commented.

“Perhaps you would,” Eliza agreed. “But once food has become scarce, and the ability to pay for food also became scarce, you would be forced by your basic needs to find other work. At the very least, the current strength of our guilds would not be sustainable. And then, all it would take is one really bad year of the Northern Invasion.”

“The Kingdom would collapse,” I added, just stating the obvious.

She nodded. “It would. But that’s not even the worst of it. And what I am about to tell you must never leave your lips, not even amongst yourselves, for sharing this single secret could destroy us.”

We were all alarmed by that.

She quickly continued, not needing verbal confirmation, trusting that we wouldn’t share. “What the current advisor has been doing, something worse than everything else, is flooding our entire monetary system…with fake coin.”

“Holy fuck,” I exclaimed, everyone just as alarmed as I was. “Are you serious?”

“Very serious,” she said with a grimace. “And despite measures to protect the fidelity of our monetary system, it has only gotten worse in recent years.”

Val spoke up, looking confused. “Why…umm, why is that bad?” she wondered.

“For one,” Eliza replied. “It causes the price of everything to slowly increase. And at its worst, could destabilize our economy and cause widespread famines. Not to mention the problems it would cause if people couldn’t trust that the coin they received as payment was the real thing.”

“I…I don’t understand,” Val admitted, looking embarrassed but determined to understand.

I decided to explain. “Okay, think about it like this. Let’s say there are only three people in the world. One man has meat he wants to sell, and two other men want to buy that meat. One of the potential buyers has five bronze, and the other man has six bronze. Who do you think the vendor will sell to?”

Val’s purple eyes were wide. “Well, I suppose the man who wants to offer him six bronze, right?”

“Exactly,” I praised. “But now let’s say the money supply doubles, and now one man has ten bronze, and the other has twelve bronze. Now how much will the vendor sell for?”

“Twelve bronze,” Val said in surprise. “Double as before.”

“Yes, and what that basically means is that the coin has lost half its value. Now that it requires double the coin for the same item, the actual value of each coin is half of what it was. You would need two bronze, or two silver, or two gold in order to pay for what currently costs only one of each.”

“Damn,” Mel exclaimed. “I kind of understood, but now I really understand.”

“I’m impressed, my love,” Eliza praised. “Perhaps you would be useful as my own advisor.”

I laughed at that. “I know you mean that as a compliment, but that kind of implies that you thought me dense before now.”

Eliza rolled her purple eyes. “Not at all, my love. But it is true I was not aware you were so knowledgeable.”

Astaer finally spoke up. “So what have you done to mitigate this problem?” she wondered.

Eliza nodded. “The guilds have been a big help. They are aware of the problem, and have staff who sort through the coin they receive to ensure it is all real. Anything false is turned over to the tax collectors, and they are compensated with real coin.”

“So then it’s an expense for the kingdom,” I assumed. “Because you’re exchanging real coin for fake coin.”

She nodded. “It is.”

“But how is that sustainable?” I asked seriously.

Eliza frowned. “Do you really wish to know, love?”

“Of course,” I replied seriously.

She nodded. “The throne currently owns roughly ninety-five percent of the red district.”

My eyes widened in sincere shock. “You do?”

She nodded. “Yes. The previous ruler outlawed prostitution for a time, but it still happened nonetheless, and it was very unsafe for the women who chose to make a living that way. Thus, one of the first things I did when I became Queen was to institute ‘structured’ prostitution, making it heavily regulated and heavily taxed, but also making it legal again. However, problems with irresponsible management, and issues with corrupt owners still trying to circumvent my laws, resulted in me ultimately buying up most of the businesses in the red district.”

“My mom used to work there,” Val commented casually. “Before she met my dad,” she added.

We all focused on her in surprise.

Her tan face flushed. “Umm, he was actually a customer of hers,” she said timidly.

I cleared my throat, directing my words toward Eliza. “So I’m guessing that’s where the funds come to trade out the fake coin?”

“In part,” Eliza agreed. “And of course, while we accept all coin as payment, real or not, I also have people who verify the authenticity of the coin obtained from the red district before it makes its way back into the system. However, much less fake coin shows up there than you might expect, which means it’s the guilds who end up turning over the most.”

My eyes widened again. “Wait, how is that possible? That doesn’t make any sense. Unless…”

She nodded, seeing that I got it. “The vast majority of the fake coin is bronze, probably because it is more difficult to falsify our silver and gold coins, whereas the cheapest prostitute is at least a silver. Certainly, some pay in bronze, but most don’t.”

“Damn. So then, I guess that means you’re regularly trading silver and gold coins for fake bronze.”

“Exactly right,” she agreed. “Although, controlling the red district also has its own problems.”

“Like what?” I prompted.

She sighed. “Prostitution is a very profitable business, especially with so many wealthy Oni Scourge Suppressors living in the capital. And the throne keeping all that wealth is actually harmful to the economy too. Because reducing the money supply too much can also be problematic. Thus, I’ve had to get creative in how I reintroduce the real coin back into our system.”

Mel spoke up this time. “How do you do it?”

Eliza nodded in acknowledgment. “One method is that I pay tanners very well for any feces they purchase that goes unused in their leather-making process. Specifically, Adrennais and Percheron feces, the primary labor beasts brought into the capital.”

My eyes widened in sincere shock. “The Shit Collectors.”

Eliza nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “They keep our streets clean and have a stable source of coin, so long as they are willing to work. The tanners pay them a reasonable price, and I pay the tanners for whatever they don’t use. Thus, the demand is always equal to the supply.”

I was stunned. Truly, I was stunned. “And not only does it reintroduce the coin to the system, but it also ensures it gets in the hands of the less fortunate.”

Eliza smiled. “Yes, my love. It’s impossible to solve poverty entirely, but I have done what I can to ensure most of my citizens are adequately fed and clothed. Women without any inherent skills, and without a husband to support them, can still find work in my kingdom. And the orphaned and poverty-stricken, who would otherwise not have the skills or strength to do manual labor, can also find work in my kingdom.”

Val chimed in again. “My mother was actually forced to leave her home when she was of age, because her family couldn’t afford to support her, and she had not found a husband. It’s why she came to the capital to work. It was the only job available to someone like her.”

Eliza nodded. “Yes, I am well aware of some of the social customs of the Minotaur, in particular. A female’s value is tied to their appearance, with those who look more humanoid often being less desirable as a mate. Which means, the kind of Holstaur who struggles to find a husband, is also the one who is most desirable and sought after in the red district. Ironically, it’s a perfect match.”

“Damn,” I said simply, not having realized that was the case. Largely because I spent most of my time around elves and Oni, not knowing a ton about Minotaur culture, aside from basics. I then thought more about what Val just said, directing my words to my busty betrothed. “So then, is that why your father offered you to me as payment?” I wondered. “Because he was concerned that you’d have to find work in the red district otherwise?”

Val grimaced at that, focusing down. “Well, he had nothing else to give to you for saving my mother and youngest brother. But, umm, yes. That is probably part of it. Finding me a husband was the surest way to ensure I didn’t have to follow in my mother’s hoof-steps.” She focused up at me then. “He wouldn’t have made me leave home, but there had already been several times when food was scarce due to a bad harvest. It’s…” She grimaced. “Probably why I have the Iron Stomach skill. I’ve eaten things most wouldn’t eat, including clay, just so that I wasn’t a burden to my family.”

“Sorry,” I replied, sincerely feeling bad for her.

Her purple eyes widened. “Oh, please don’t be sorry, master. I’ve made my own decisions. And, umm, I’m useful to you now, right?”

“Yes,” I said reassuringly. “And you’ll definitely have yourself a husband.”

Her already tan face flushed.

“You’re also useful to the kingdom,” Eliza added. “Especially with that power of yours. No matter your circumstance, you’ll always have work here.”

Val smiled at that.

I decided to focus the conversation back on my original question. “So,” I sighed. “I have a better idea of why the kingdom is in danger, especially since it is clear that Ryfle is trying to undermine us, likely so that the human kingdoms across the sea can finally conquer the elves. However, I still don’t understand why it would be bad if there was a change in rulers.”

Eliza grimaced at that. “Because the elf who would likely overcome the trials for the crown, and thus succeed me, is a vile man who would undo everything I’ve done, and destroy the kingdom in his blind ignorance.”

“Who?” I said in surprise.

“A noble named Vizen Sigrethal. He is the eldest son of the man I originally defeated for the crown. The man who then became a Scourge Suppressor, and ultimately met an untimely death.”

My eyes widened. “And I bet he blames you for his father’s death, doesn’t he?”

“Very astute of you,” she praised. “What you suggest is exactly true. He loathes me, and also loathes all who are not of elf heritage. He especially loathes humans, but also all others who are not a part of our elite ‘master race,’ at least in his perception. And he would undeniably ‘purify’ the kingdom in every way possible, the moment he took power.”

“Are you serious?” Mel said in disbelief. “We’re literally fighting a war with monsters, and these assholes are concerned about what someone looks like?!”

“It’s unfortunate and foolish,” Eliza agreed. “And our elvish laws for choosing Rulers are archaic. They do not take into consideration the types of qualities actually needed to run a kingdom.”

“Couldn’t you just change the laws?” Mel exclaimed in disbelief. “I mean, you are the Queen, right?”

Eliza shook her head. “It’s impossible,” she said seriously. “For my race is a proud one, and our laws are as old as the Scourge itself. Perhaps even much older. It is true that I have the authority to implement ‘policies,’ as well as the right to create laws for running the kingdom, but I cannot change what has existed for thousands of years now. Even suggesting it could result in my removal from the throne, as well as my possible execution.”

“Fuck,” I hissed in surprise. “Are you serious? They’d kill you for even suggesting it?”

Her purple eyes, sharply contrasted against her black hair and pale skin, were intense. “Very serious, my love. For, being the monarch of my people is not like being the monarch for the humans. I may rule the kingdom, but it is my people who decide whether or not I am worthy of the throne. It’s a precarious balance of power.” She then sighed heavily, focusing on Mel. “So, to more accurately answer your original question. If we stepped out of this Dungeon, only to find that a hundred years have passed, we very well may be stepping into a very different world than you’re accustomed to. Oni, Minotaur, and even humans might all be slaves by that point. Or perhaps my own people might be slaughtered by both the monsters from the north, as well as destroyed by the humans from the south, especially once our economy has fallen apart and the ability to employ Scourge Suppressors has been lost.” She sighed. “In which case, the humans might rule, with only the Oni, Minotaur, and the occasional elf survivor being slaves.” She focused on me. “Either way, I would be shocked to find the world in a better state than it currently is. And that is not based on my ego or pride. It is based on objective reality and facts.”

I simply nodded in acknowledgment, unsure of what else to say.

Because I knew there was more.

She was only sharing the big issues, but without a doubt, there was even more to this overall picture. Smaller problems, here and there, that all added up together, and also added to the potential instability of the continent as a whole.

No doubt this shrewd human advisor currently was using other means of trade to increase prices here, while also reducing the demand for our own exports, in order to reduce our funds, even while also flooding our system with fake coin.

And really, all the man needed to do was get the rumor started.

Once enough fake coin was in the system, if he could just get the rumor started that some of the coin was fake, combined with there being enough so that a group of ten people might have some fake coin amongst them, then that would be all it took for the system to begin falling apart.

Fuck.

And the Delanor kingdom couldn’t exactly afford to go to war over it.

Not when we were already at war with the Scourge, and not when we couldn’t even sustain ourselves on our own.

Under normal circumstances, it was a beneficial relationship.

They produced the majority of the food, and we housed the majority of the army to fight against the Scourge, which they also benefited from, since the monsters might otherwise overrun them as well. Certainly, they had their own Scourge Suppressors, as well as their own Dungeons, but the yearly Northern Invasion was still a northern problem.

But if we went to war with them?

They could easily starve us, and then everyone would die.

Us from lack of food. Them from the monsters.

Under normal circumstances, it would be suicide for them, but if they had the support of their human allies across the sea, then it was possible they’d overcome in the end.

At the very least, it put the Delanor kingdom in a bad predicament.

Especially with such a young immature selfish king and clearly an evil advisor who had malintent.

I cleared my throat after a minute. “So umm, is there really no one who could take your place?”

Eliza scoffed. “Are there more qualified individuals than Lord Vizen? Yes, absolutely. However, vengeance is a powerful emotion, one that is likely to put him ahead of everyone else who might undergo our trials. For when one is ready to surrender and succumb to defeat, it is an emotion like vengeance that will cause him to press on.” She grimaced. “Without a doubt, he would become the new ruler. And without a doubt, he would destroy the kingdom and all within it. Even his own people, in his pride and arrogance.”

Fuck.

Eliza continued. “There will come a day, my love, when I will step down from the throne. But now is not that day. I must first resolve the current problems before I consider leaving the kingdom in someone else’s hands.”

My eyebrows shot up at that. “You are working to solve the problems?” I said in surprise.

She nodded, hesitant now. “I am, but I dare not speak of it, except to say this. There are those in the Ryfle kingdom who understand the situation very well. Those who might help…assist…in shifting the balance of power.”

“You’re helping to orchestrate a revolt,” I said in surprise. “Or to otherwise overthrow the current king and advisor.”

“It’s a delicate situation,” she admitted. “The threat of the humans across the sea make an outright takeover very dangerous. But there are potential methods I’m investigating to shift the balance of power without directly getting involved. And without resorting to assassination, which actually could backfire and start a war, even if it looked like an inside job.”

“Fuck,” I hissed.

“So we shall not speak of it,” Eliza said firmly. “I have been very open thus far, and confided quite a bit in all of you, but this is a topic that is far too dangerous to discuss.”

“It’s fine,” I replied. “I don’t need to know the details anyway, and if anything, I don’t want to jeopardize your plans. Because, given everything you’ve just shared, I’m honestly not sure how we’re going to openly be together while you’re Queen. Especially with someone like Lord Vizen running around among the nobles.”

“It won’t be an easy path,” she agreed. “But I do still believe it to be possible, my love.”

“Perhaps, but…” My voice trailed off when I unexpectedly heard something behind me, toward the massive ice wall.

A somewhat familiar voice.

Youthful and pleading.

‘Help.’

Alarmed, I bolted to my feet without hesitation, snagging the nearest Light Crystal in the process. Which immediately prompted everyone else to bolt to their feet too, water splashing everywhere.

“My love?” Eliza said in alarm.

“What’s wrong?” Mel added urgently.

“It was that voice again,” I replied in a rush. “The one that’s warned us before. I think she just asked for help.”

‘Help.’

Fuck!

“Stay here,” I urged, running around all the Arakna’cabra corpses, aiming for the ice wall. However, even despite my request, Eliza, Mel, and Sylvia all followed anyway, the pleading continuing.

‘Help.’

Holding the Light Crystal up high as I searched for the source of the voice, I was unexpectedly alarmed when I realized there was a hand covered in shiny black leather sticking out of the bottom of the ice wall. As if she’d been buried in the barrier!

Holy fuck!

‘Please help. I’m tired. And cold. The cold made me tired.’

“Mel!” I exclaimed. “Can you melt her out? Or cut her out?”

Her gold eyes widened in alarm. “Wait, there’s a person in there?” Her white eyebrows, sharply contrasted against her rosy face, then shot up even higher when she saw for herself. “Oh my God! There’s a person in there!”

“Careful not to hurt her,” I urged, bending down without hesitation and grabbing the midnight hand, the fingers definitely feeling cold to the touch, though the texture not feeling how I anticipated, given that she appeared to be wearing a leather glove…

It felt more like skin.

More slick than normal, but also soft and supple.

“That’s not possible,” Sylvia unexpectedly said in disbelief. “I would have noticed if someone was trapped in my ice.”

Mel was already going to work at very carefully chipping away at the ice with her ethereal blade.

Eliza sounded distressed. “This doesn’t feel right,” she said seriously. “Love, please just wait a moment. A normal person shouldn’t be able to survive being encased in ice like that.”

“She saved our lives,” I said seriously. “I think we at least owe her this much.”

Mel chimed in. “Okay, I think you can pull her out now.”

Gripping her hand more tightly, and then reaching in for her wrist, I started pulling, feeling like there was just barely enough space to tug her limp body through the freezing walls entombing her. However, no sooner had I done so, that I began to notice some irregularities in the person I was helping to free.

For one, I was pretty sure she was an elf with black hair, but what I didn’t expect was for her entire body to be covered in a layer of shiny black leather, with no visible seams, as if…

As if the whole outfit was one piece…

Which was impossible.

I’d never heard of a leather outfit that covered the entire body like that.

And yet, clearly it fit her like a glove, leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination, almost to the point that she looked naked, the shiny midnight material making her ass look plump and tight…

But then, there was the space she’d just come from.

“Umm,” Mel said hesitantly crouching down to get a better look inside. “Uh, did she...did she tunnel through?!”

“Allie!” Eliza said firmly. “Back away from her! Do not forget that there were hundreds of Arakna’cabra on the other side!”

‘So cold. Please warm me up.’

“Calm down,” I said seriously, carefully reaching to grip her under the arms as I sat back myself, her head hanging limply forward the moment I started lifting her up, her midnight hair hiding her face. “I don’t think she’s a threat. Don’t forget that she saved us before.”

“But is she the same person? Can you be sure? You said she spoke to you just a moment ago, but I have not heard even a sound.”

I frowned at that as I carefully pulled the elf girl into my lap, her head lying against my shoulder, her black thick hair now lying across her face, realizing that she was kind of short for an elf, her body visibly looking like she was barely of age. Her breasts were small but present, her hips bony and somewhat wide like I’d expect on a young woman, her belly actually looking exposed and…

Her skin gray?

Holy shit, was her skin actually gray?

And what kind of outfit left her belly exposed like this? And with no seams?

Glancing behind me briefly, I saw that Val, Astaer, and Celestine were finally approaching to see what was going on, but keeping their distance. In Val’s case, probably because I’d requested it. However, I didn’t focus on them long, giving my attention back to the elf in my arms.

When the young woman didn’t move or otherwise respond, I finally tried speaking to her.

“Hey, are you okay?” I whispered.

She sounded almost like she’d fallen asleep just now, for a brief few seconds, and was waking up again.

‘Bad decisions. Very bad decisions. Hard water very cold.’

I froze solid.

Because her mouth didn’t move!

I heard her words so clearly, and yet her full gray lips, barely visible through her thick hair, didn’t move at all.

What the fuck?

“How…how are you speaking to me?” I asked seriously. “How is that possible?”

She ignored my question.

‘But so worth it. So, so worth it.’ The tone of her thoughts became more affectionate. ‘I missed you so much, master.’

“Master?!” I said in alarm. “Why do you think I’m your master?”

“Oh my God,” Sylvia unexpectedly exclaimed. “It can’t be.”

“What?” Eliza hissed urgently. “Do you know what it means for her to be speaking to him without words?”

Sylvia looked even more alarmed, speaking in a rush now. “If she were a person, then obviously it would be impossible. But I’ve heard of this kind of thing with creatures. Obviously more commonly with animals, as in the case of Beast Masters, but even more rarely with…” Her voice trailed off.

“Allie!” Eliza cried out. “For heaven’s sake! Get away from her! She’s a Scourge Beast!”

Without thinking, I held her more tightly, defensively, one arm wrapped snugly around her thin body while my hand cupped behind her head, holding her firmly against me.

Focusing on Sylvia, I spoke urgently. “What do you know?” I demanded. “She just called me ‘master.’ How did I become her master?”

“I don’t know!” Sylvia exclaimed. “We don’t even know if you’re really her master! It was just something I read a long time ago! A unique case!”

Astaer finally chimed in. “But he can hear her, right? That should mean something.”

Eliza’s hands crackled with electricity. “Allister Rosengard, I will not lose you again. If you wish to discourse with this beast, I demand you do it from a distance!”

‘So noisy. I’m the only reason you’re alive anyway. Unlike her, I didn’t give up on you.’

“Wait!” I yelled at Eliza, prompting her to look alarmed, as if she felt I was overreacting to her threat, even as I focused on the girl in my arms again. “What do you mean you’re the reason I’m alive?” I asked seriously. “Are you talking about earlier?”

Everyone was instantly silent, seeming stunned by my words.

‘Oh master, I know you know what I mean. She left you. I watched it happen.’

I felt the blood drain from my face.

“You…you were in the Dungeon with me. For those hundred years.”

‘Hmm, more like fifteen.’

“Fifteen years?” I said in shock. “But that doesn’t make any sense. I’d be at least thirty years old, if I was in the Dungeon for fifteen…” My voice trailed off, suddenly feeling like I was going to pass out.

Because I’d been fifteen years old when I left the Dungeon…

A Dungeon that I’d apparently been in for fifteen years…

Unexpectedly, the girl in my arms smirked then, her face still covered by her thick black hair, making an amused sound.

“Heh.”

“Did I…did I really die?” I said in disbelief. “Was I fifteen years old…when I left the Dungeon…because I’d been in the Dungeon for fifteen years?”

She finally parted her gray lips then to speak, her eyes still closed. “I dunno,” she said out loud in a shockingly innocent and adorable tone, only to sigh heavily, nuzzling more into me, her previously limp arms slowly wrapping around my torso. “Mmm, I missed your warmth, master. You left me three years ago, but I forgive you.”

I seriously felt like I was going to pass out.

Because I left the Dungeon six years ago. Not three.

Implying that, after I left the Dungeon, half the amount of time passed for her as it did for me. Of course, given that I was in the Dungeon for fifteen years out of a hundred – not fifty years – that also implied that there might be variations in how much time passed in the Dungeon compared to the outside world.

Perhaps the difference between the Dungeon being closed to our world, versus it being open…

But then, that might imply that the Dungeon never truly closed after I left it six years ago, even though I saw the gate I came out of fall apart.

Eliza unexpectedly spoke up, sounding bewildered now. “H-How?” she barely managed. “How did you keep him alive?”

The girl immediately giggled at that, a sort of mischievous sound.

“Hehe.”

“What are you?” Eliza finally demanded.

“I dunno,” she repeated in that cute innocent tone.

“Allie, can you perceive what she is?” Eliza asked seriously.

Unexpectedly, the girl smiled widely then, revealing bright white teeth, all of them pointy and triangular, like a shark, even as she reached up to brush her black hair out of her gray face, her eyes slowly beginning to peek open to focus up at me.

I froze solid, my heart suddenly racing, as a slitted pair of crimson eyes peeked at me.

Oh my God.

She had a familiar face.

Gray, but familiar.

She had my beloved’s face.

She was Eliza, and yet she wasn’t Eliza.

Oh my God.

“Yes master,” she agreed warmly, in response to Eliza’s request to know what she was, her shark-like teeth still on full display in that wide grin. “I also am curious. What am I?” she wondered innocently.

My eyes widened in alarm…

As I suddenly perceived what she was.

----------------------------------------

Unnamed Monster

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STATUS

Race: Doppelganger (Monster)

Gender: Female

Age: 18

Class: Fighter

Focus: Berserker

State: Bound (Allister Rosengard)

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ATTRIBUTES

Strength: 25 (Lv. 10)

Dexterity: 25 (Lv. 10)

Fortitude: 25 (Lv. 10)

Wisdom: 12 (Lv. 6)

Intelligence: 12 (Lv. 6)

Charisma: 11 (Lv. 6)

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Total: 110

Rank: SS Tier

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Level: 48/50

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Oh my God.

She was a doppelganger, a fabled monster that I thought to be only a legend, and literally a copy of Eliza’s physical form.

A demonic twin, of my beloved, or at least matching her younger appearance.

A monster…

Bound to me.

And also…

She was a fucking Berserker!

Possibly the most rare and most powerful of all Focuses!

Holy fuck!

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