Chương 45: Celebration [B1 END]

As soon as I walked downstairs, Magret and Sebastian scolded me. The latter came up running after I put a hole through the wall and simply shook his head after finding out what happened. Meanwhile, Marget just kept on scolding me while Sebastian nodded along.

"I would have won!" Magret yelled and pointed at me.

"I was just about to win the game before you decided to punch a hole through the wall! Who punches a hole through a wall in the early morning?!" I smiled bashfully.

"Sorry?" Magret simply harrumphed and went inside the kitchen. I looked at the board game she was playing. Indeed, she had been winning, but it looked like she sacked her most important piece at a crucial moment, allowing for the other side to turn the tides. Now I felt even worse. Maybe I shouldn't have destroyed the wall?

"Interested in playing one round, Ivor?" Sebastian asked me. I nodded enthusiastically. If he had almost lost against Magret, Sebastian would be an especially bad player. We both sat at the table and rearranged the pieces. I would play as the Greens. Sebastian made the first move and I followed up quickly. We went through the motions like we had done them thousands of times, but as time went on, my face darkened. At the beginning, I had a slight advantage.

Wanting to capitalize on that, I played aggressively, and now ten moves later, I was in a pinch.

"Do you concede?" Sebastian asked. I stayed silent and moved my piece forward. I lost three plays later.

"Again," I said. This time I started as the humans. I lost again, and faster than before.

"Again," I said. I played as the humans and... lost. I lost so badly I couldn't help but blankly stare at the board for a few minutes. This time much more horribly than before. I had played all three housekeepers and lost a bunch of times. But this... this was on another level.

"You-" I started speaking, but Magret returned from the kitchen, steaming hot food in her hands. The smell of porridge and a faint scent of meat–not rat's ass–entered my nose. But all I could do was stare at Sebastian with a frown on my face. The corners of his mouth ever so slightly turned upward and an almost invisible smirk formed on my butler's face. For anyone other than me, it was impossible to see. But I knew him. He was enjoying this.

I know what you did, you dirty bastard, I said inwardly, but kept my mouth shut. Margret didn't need to know that Sebastian was letting her win. Instead, I thanked her and dug into my food. It was as tasty as porridge with meat could be. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it as the warm food traveled down my throat. Once we were done with eating, I went back up and showered. Only now did I notice how much I stunk. I changed into a pair of fresh and presentable clothes before we went outside again.

The sunlight was blinding but pleasant on my skin. It was weird. For some reason, I thought it would still be night as if yesterday was not just a normal day, but the start of eternal darkness. Whatever, it was over. I took a deep breath and... the smell of copper invaded my nose. Right... the war might have been over, but so many people had been lost. It was a true shame.

"How are our casualties?" I asked Sebastian. For a brief moment, he stayed still, then answered.

"A little less than half of the combat Classes have died. But most of those that survived are at the Peak of Wood Rank, and a good chunk even advanced to Stone Rank." I nodded, despite the insane casualty toll, our army was probably even stronger than before. A Stone Rank could easily take care of two Wood Ranks if not more. We had battled more than ten thousand animals. This kind of growth was expected. The reason why it wasn't more was because most animals were low-level Wood Ranks.

So, even if we only had around 200 combat Classes, these folks would be able to take care of the beast tide even better. But this also meant that around 150 people had lost their lives. 150 families were left without a mother or father, sisters or brothers, sons and daughters. Some families might even be completely gone now. This reminded me of Anthony, his daughter Kayla, and wife Lisa. I had promised to deliver his last words. A wave of anxiety washed over me, but I pushed it away. I would do it anyway.

Sebastian and I stepped past the mansion walls. Most of the town was unaffected by the war that had happened on the outskirts of town. Despite that, we could still see the corpses heaved through the town. Ropes were bound to the larger animals as they were dragged across the plastered stone. Smaller animals were carried by soldiers or stronger men. By now, the whole road was already dyed in a dark crimson red. It was a group effort as everybody worked together.

Even though the war was just over, the beasts were still a great source of meat and protein. If we didn't process the animals now, the meat would go to waste. In addition to that, dead animals were great fertilizer. We were supposed to be celebrating, but instead, the famine forced us to continue working. I hadn't even thought of it. But it looks like Samuel did, according to Sebastian. It was a sad sight, yet I didn't see the expected hopelessness inside my people's eyes. Sure, they looked sad, but hopeless?

No, they worked hard and with hurry. Sebastian and I continued through town, the putrid smell making me want to throw up. Most workers had cloth tied around their faces. So did we, but the scent was still strong. I hope we won't catch any disease, I thought, but realistically this was better than letting the corpses rot outside as the sun rose. Eventually, we reached my goal for this little walk: the small bakery run by Margaret's daughter and granddaughter. To my dismay, it was actually closed.

Looking at the scene outside, it made sense, however. I doubted they had many customers, and it was very likely that the daughter and granddaughter duo were out helping. So, with that, we went to find Anthony's house. I had just remembered that I didn't ask where he lived before I stumbled into Gerald. The man was just as surprised to see me as I was. After exchanging a few pleasantries and making sure I was feeling good, the man pointed me in the direction of Anthony's home.

Turns out Gerald himself was walking from house to house, informing the families of their deceased ones. Gerald knew each army member by face and name. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. He had trained them, after all.

"I will inform Anthony's family myself," I said. Gerald and Sebastian seemed to be hesitant before I added, "I promised it to him." Both men nodded, and I went alone. I reached the house with heavy steps and left a few minutes later with my heart aching. Behind me, the sobs of the grieving family followed, and I clenched my jaw. The process of delivering the bad news went just as expected. The hopeful eyes met me only to shatter into sadness as they realized that I wasn't Anthony.

The tears and cries that followed as I explained to them what had transpired before relaying the last words of the man who died protecting this town. It was hard. And I was ashamed to admit that I went through the process faster than I probably should have. It made me feel a little guilty. But it was my first time telling a family their husband and father died, okay? I couldn't help but respect Gerald even more.

A week had passed quickly, mainly because we all were focused on work. Since the beast wave had transpired, most of the town was busy moving the bodies along and processing them. The army, on the other hand, was either recuperating or guarding our town day and night. Realistically, we were at our most vulnerable moment right now. We all were afraid of an attack by the Nine Mountain Bandits, so we kept our guard as high as possible. In fact, we didn't even give the Locusts problem a second thought this week.

With meat and poisonous weed, we had enough to survive the famine. In addition to that, we didn't celebrate our wins until this evening. And only because we felt that the Bandits should have attacked us by now if they were around. Since most of the injured soldiers recovered, we felt comfortable enough to finally celebrate and honor the dead with one big feast. The addition of meat was, of course, a nice bonus. Of course, I kept myself busy during that time.

Besides patrolling the forest in fear of Goblins attacking us, I also trained with the multitude of Stone Rank soldiers now in our Ranks. They were quite weak, if I was being honest. But that was to be expected. Even if I only used my Mana to strengthen my body, they still had to team up before they even began to be an ounce of trouble. In addition to that, one couldn't forget the passive effect of Unarmed Combat always being present. Now, at Epic Grade, I could definitely feel the difference.

However, the weakness of my men was not a problem I had to be concerned about. Now that I had an Epic Grade Skill, I didn't need Unarmed Combat from my Minor Simulations anymore. Speaking of them, I of course wasn't being lazy with them. I ran ten Minor Simulations everyday. And honestly, the benefits I got were freaking awesome. First, I got another Unarmed Combat Skill. I tried to fuse it into Mana Body Arts but that didn't work. Secondly, I stopped running the Minor Simulations with that Skill.

Instead, I gave my Minor Simulations—still Mila—the Swordsmanship Skill I had placed into Limbo for the tournament. It worked almost as well as Unarmed Combat. During my second run with that skill I had received a Common Grade leather chest piece that I was wearing right now. In addition to that, Hiding reached 100 Skill Shards, turning into a Skill, and over the past week I have gotten the Swordsmanship Skill a total of four times.

I waited before giving the Skills—I hoped that maybe I could combine them into Uncommon Grade Swordsmanship. Besides that, I also had another round of good news. I could feel Life Simulation being less than 24 hours away. While I was deep inside my thoughts, thinking about how to strengthen my town even further, somebody shouting brought me out of my stupor.

"Lord Ivor!" I heard before a heavy arm wrapped around my shoulders.

"How are you? We have not seen each other for a long time!"

"We have seen each other yesterday, Gerlad," I sighed.

"Also, the party just started. How are you already so drunk?"

"That oaf of a man decided to pre-drink," Julie arrived shortly after Gerlad.

"Back in our days in the city we used to do that so we didn't have to spend money on drinks in any of the bars we visited. To think he would still do that when the alcohol is free."

"Oh?" I said, as I wrapped my own arm around Gerald. It sure was quite the funny sight, considering the size of the man.

"I thought you guys spent all of your life here in Blackstone Town?"

"We were born here," Julie said.

"But spent a couple years studying at the Local Academy before coming back here and deciding to settle." Around us the sounds of singing and laughter filled the air. People were having fun, and I was happy for them. The past year had not been easy for them–the famine, the collapse of their mine and income, and now the beast wave. I arrived at the end of it all, and it sucked.

"Hey, I have always wondered why everyone here has the same surname. Doesn't that get confusing?" Julie shook her head, "Not really. Only nobles hold real surnames. Commoners like us officially have no surname. But this makes it hard to keep track of everyone, especially in places like cities. So unofficially everyone just goes with their first name, their occupation, and the place they were born in. For example, Jason Smith Blackstone.

Sometimes it's just the occupation or the birthplace, especially for those who aren't proud of their occupation or birthplace."

"Seems like it would be just easier to let everyone have a surname," I said.

"It would be," Julie said.

"Alas, it's one way the nobles get to keep power over us. I am truly thankful that you aren't such a person, Lord Ivor. I am sorry for having misjudged you so horribly when we first met. It was a character fault of mine."

"Don't sweat it," I waved my hand, my other arm still wrapped around her husband.

"At the end of the day, we are in this together. I might rule over this town, but it's nothing without its people."

"WELL SAID!" Gerald screamed next to my ear, causing me to turn my head and wince.

"LET'S DRINK TO LORD IVOR! MAY HE RULE THE HEAVENS!"

"May he rule the heavens!" The people around us cheered. The evening turned to night as the festive atmosphere continued. People drank. They ate. Sang and danced. Then drank and ate some more. Our bellies were stuffed with alcohol and meat–it was awesome. But as happy as our celebration was, we made sure to keep those who died in mind. Our songs were about their sacrifices, and our dances mimicked their ferocious fighting spirit. But every peaceful moment had to come to an end.

In the middle of our celebration, the alarm bells rang. We might be partying, but we still kept our guard up. We sobered up quickly and grabbed our weapons. The civilians were rushed back home while Gerlad and I made our way towards the origin of the threat. I pulled out my chestplate and gauntlets out of my storage bracelet–I had put them away in the middle of the party–and strapped them on.

"Is it the Nine Mountain Bandits?" I asked the moment we reached the soldiers who sounded the alarm. In the distance I watched as a convoy of armed men on horseback emerged from the darkness. They had torches that illuminated the path in front of them, while a single wooden carriage was protected in the middle. A large banner rustled in the air, but I couldn't quite make out the symbol.

"We are not sure–"one soldier started before he was interrupted.

"No," Gerald said, his drunkenness nowhere to be seen.

"It's Baron Adrian's men." The figures in the distance might have been far away, but they were moving fast. Minutes passed quickly and the banner became fully visible as Baron Adrian's men closed upon the distance. It was a dark red triangle with two swords crossed above it on a grayish background. What could they possibly want? The leading horses rode up towards the edge of our town. More men and women gathered behind me. We gripped our weapons tight, but we didn't attack. Who knows?

Maybe they came here for vacation? The knight slammed his spear into the ground before screaming, "Meet the delegate of Baron Adrian! The fleeting messenger! The bringer of words, Jackson von Adrian!" On that notion a man in his early thirties stepped out of the carriage. He wore a chic black suit similar to the one Sebastian always wore. Unlike my butler however, Jackson was clearly balding, and he had an ugly frown on his face. His eyes scanned me and the people besides me and then the town behind.

His frown deepened and I could hear him mumble something under his breath.

"I am Lord Ivor," I said and stepped forward. Jackson might be rude, but I decided to stay polite.

"What could the delegate of Baron Adrian be here for? Is there anything we could help you with?"

"There is nothing you could help us with," Jackson spat.

"This is going to be quick." Then out of thin air a white scroll plopped down into Jackson's hands. He promptly opened it, before I could feel him gather Mana inside his throat.

"Congratulations, peasants of Blackstone Town!" Jackson screamed, his voice much much louder than mine could have ever been.

"After recent events such as the beast tide, and the increasing activity of the Nine Mountain Bandits in this region, Baron Adrian has decided to bless you with his protection! You have been given the right to live under his rule and will be granted many benefits if you accept this spectacular offer." What a bunch of bullshit.