Ghislain was both delighted and grumbling at the news of the dwarves' arrival.
"They're finally here! Let's see how many they brought for it to take this long."
Recently, minor issues had been delaying the schedule in frustrating ways.
Although he had accounted for potential delays by making the timeline tight from the start, the growing obstacles were far from welcome given the urgency of the situation.
Ghislain immediately moved to meet the slave traders.
"It's been a while, my lord," the slave trader greeted him with a weary face.
The high value of the slaves meant the trader had barely been able to sleep during the journey, constantly on edge.
To make matters worse, Ghislain had kept pushing for updates, driving him nearly mad.
'Ugh, how much will he hound me next time?'
This wouldn't be their last deal. The thought of enduring Ghislain's constant pressure again while transporting the remaining slaves made the trader feel faint.
Ghislain barely acknowledged the trader's greeting before heading straight to inspect the dwarves.
"Oh…"
There were over a hundred dwarf slaves.
Though short in stature, their stocky builds stood out as they glanced around with disgruntled expressions.
The slave trader spoke in a somewhat worried tone.
"Are you sure you can handle them? Dwarves don't just use hammers for smithing. Having this many gathered could be dangerous."
Though they were currently bound in handcuffs and shackles, they'd have to be freed to work. The trader was concerned about what could happen if such a large group of dwarves turned against them, wielding tools as weapons.
However, Ghislain waved off his concerns with a nonchalant expression.
"Don't worry. We'll handle it."
The trader glanced around uneasily.
'Does he plan to control them with the territory's forces?'
What he saw of the Fenris knights made him question that assumption.
"Cough, cough!"
"Ugh…"
The knights looked so emaciated they resembled skeletons, their gaunt faces barely able to lift weapons. Some coughed violently, even spitting blood as the effort caused their noses to bleed.
'Is this lord… a necromancer?'
They looked like corpses reanimated from graves. At this rate, the trader felt confident his own guards could take over the territory if they wanted.
'I hope they can even pay me properly. This place might collapse soon.'
Growing uneasy, the slave trader asked urgently, "My lord, have you prepared the payment?"
"Oh, it's ready. I don't default on payments," Ghislain replied casually, motioning for Claude.
When Claude opened a massive chest brimming with gold coins, the trader quickly grabbed a few to verify their authenticity before loading the chest onto his wagon.
"Thank goodness. Well, I'll take my leave now."
"Sure. Don't go too far. Next time, I'd appreciate it if you arrived faster."
"Of course, I'll do my best to come as quickly as possible," the trader replied earnestly.
'Looking at the state of those knights, this territory is doomed. Not even Marquis Branford could protect such a mess. I need to collect the remaining payment and wrap things up before someone else takes over.'
Still, as a gesture of goodwill toward an important client, the trader offered some advice before leaving.
"Dwarves are very proud creatures, my lord. They may be slaves by law, but you must not treat them carelessly."
Ghislain nodded.
"I know. They're not easy to deal with."
"You'll need to pay attention to their meals and provide them with regular alcohol. They're picky creatures, and they won't work well otherwise."
Dwarves, while legally slaves, couldn't be treated poorly even by nobles.
Most preferred to appease them, as dwarves who were upset wouldn't craft high-quality goods. Their expertise in crafting weapons and artifacts, which fetched astronomical prices, made treating them well a worthwhile investment.
The trader prepared to leave with a parting comment.
"The next delivery will take five or six months."
"What? Why so long?"
"That's already the fastest we can manage. Elven slaves are in high demand, and even transporting one is a delicate matter, as you know."
"Fine, but try to make it faster. I'll be away soon, and I want everything delivered by the time I return."
"...When are you returning?"
"Not sure. Depends on the situation. But when I do, you'll probably hear some surprising news."
'Surprising news? The downfall of his territory, maybe?'
Suppressing a laugh, the trader bowed deeply. After hearing Ghislain's remarks, he felt even more determined to settle accounts before the territory inevitably collapsed.
Watching the trader hastily retreat, Ghislain smirked.
"Look at him scurrying. Has he figured out we're planning to seize Cabaldi County? Sharp as expected for someone dealing with big money."
"I doubt that's the reason…" Claude muttered, glancing around.
Like the trader, he saw a group of skeletal figures coughing up blood.
"My lord, don't forget the bet. If the trainee knights can't use mana, you promised not to start a war."
"Yeah, yeah. Quit nagging and get to work. You agreed to prepare thoroughly until we see results."
Ghislain waved him off and gestured toward the dwarves.
"Remove their restraints. We've got mountains of work to do."
As their shackles were removed, the dwarves stretched and looked around, puzzled. The bearded dwarf at the front sneered.
"Is it because the lord is young? You are awfully fearless. With soldiers this weak, are you sure it's wise to free us all?"
Ghislain struggled to hide his excitement as he looked at the dwarf.
'It's been a while, legendary blacksmith. Longevity suits you; you look exactly the same as in my past life.'
This dwarf had greatly aided Ghislain in his previous life during the fight against the catastrophe that engulfed the continent.
Knowing his skills, Ghislain had specifically instructed the traders to secure this dwarf.
But it was too soon to show any familiarity. Acting overly friendly would raise suspicion or make him seem gullible.
Feigning indifference, Ghislain smirked and said, "What? Want to fight?"
"Well… given our circumstances, it'd be wise not to cause trouble. But since we've come to the northern edge, running to the mountains might be an option. With troops like yours, I could probably take them all down myself."
Before Ghislain could respond, a knight stepped forward, attempting to defend his lord.
"How dare a mere slave speak to the lord like that! Kneel and apologize immediately, or—cough, cough!"
The mercenary-turned-knight fell to his knees, coughing up blood. His attempt to make a show of his authority had been cut short by his failing health.
"…"
The dwarves stood in silence, their earlier bravado dampened. This place felt increasingly strange.
Sighing, Ghislain rubbed his temples. "Take him to rest."
Once the knight was carried away, Ghislain continued as if nothing had happened.
"You know it's pointless to run, right? If word spreads that non-human slaves escaped, the traders will hunt you down. Isn't it better to stay here comfortably?"
"…"
The dwarf couldn't argue. Ghislain was right. The continent had long been dominated by humans.
In Lutania, it was impossible for non-humans to live unnoticed. Even if they fled to another kingdom, they wouldn't know where their kind were hiding.
Clicking his tongue, the dwarf scowled. "You're not wrong, but working hard depends on how we're treated. And judging by this place, I doubt it'll be pleasant."
His prideful demeanor was unmistakably dwarven.
Ghislain asked with a slight grin, "Galbarik, are you the representative here?"
"Hmm? How do you know my name? Oh, you must've gotten a list beforehand. Yes, I'm the representative for now."
Among dwarves, leadership was simple: the most skilled took charge. As the legendary blacksmith, it was no surprise that Galbarik had been chosen.
Ghislain raised a finger and said, "Ten years."
"What are you talking about?"
"If you cooperate fully for ten years, I'll create an autonomous region for the dwarves within my territory and free you from slavery. You'll live as free citizens. Does that motivate you?"
It was an unprecedented proposal. Releasing dwarves after paying such a high price for them was unheard of, especially after just ten years. For the long-lived dwarves, ten years was a short time.
It was undoubtedly an offer every enslaved dwarf would dream of.
Yet Galbarik scoffed. "Are you trying to start a movement to free slaves? Do you really believe that's possible?"
"I'm the lord here. Of course it's possible."
"Do you think we haven't heard sweet lies like this before? We don't fall for empty words anymore."
Unbothered by the dwarf's skepticism, Ghislain smiled. "Even if I'm lying, the worst-case scenario is that nothing changes. There's no harm in believing me. Haven't you heard that fortune favors the bold?"
"Hah, what nonsense…"
As Galbarik sneered, he gritted his teeth and replied, "Stop talking nonsense. We're slaves. The kingdom's laws define us as such. Do you think a mere rural lord's actions will change that?"
"Oh, the kingdom's laws? Those are just rules made by people. If necessary, they can be changed. Don't worry about it; I'll handle everything. I've never broken a promise."
It was a statement that could easily lead to accusations of treason. Alarmed, Galbarik glanced around.
The people surrounding Ghislain acted as if they hadn't heard anything, accustomed to their lord's audacity.
'Is this guy insane?'
Seeing Galbarik's stunned expression, Ghislain shrugged. If he were going to fight the duchy, the kingdom's laws would inevitably be overturned. Changing a few smaller laws in the process would be trivial.
"Of course, it doesn't feel real yet, and I doubt you trust me. So, I'll add another immediate incentive."
"What… what is it?"
"Aren't you tired of making the same things every day?"
"Well… yes."
Nobles typically demanded dwarves craft only luxurious goods to flaunt their status. For dwarves, who valued practicality as much as artistry, it was torture.
It was no wonder they preferred producing weapons for knights and soldiers in bulk. With no chance to create something new, their inspiration dwindled, and most lived aimlessly, lacking any creative drive.
But what could they do? That was just the way the world worked.
Ghislain addressed this point.
"And they're all useless, too. Just frivolous trinkets. Isn't making those boring?"
"So, what are you suggesting? Do you want us to make weapons instead?"
Galbarik glanced at the knights, noting their pitiful condition.
"Better equipment wouldn't hurt, I suppose."
Creating functional weapons and armor was preferable to crafting pointless decorations. Seeing a knight become renowned using their weapons was one of a blacksmith's greatest joys.
The dwarves shared wry smiles at the thought.
Ghislain nodded a few times. "Of course, you'll make plenty of weapons. But that's not all."
"What else?"
Pointing to his head, Ghislain grinned. "I've got plenty of interesting ideas in here. Things the world has never seen before. You'll love them."
[T/L: Please support me and read 60 extra chapters: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]