Chapter 125 – Lord of Humpback Whale Fortress

The road to Cheonghaejin was quite long.

“Um…”

Nod
Stumble.

“Uuuuu!!!”

I fell asleep in the air and almost fell several times, so I got cold

“Hey, eat all the meat, are you picky eaters?”

Reading Angela’s notes
I also care about feed distribution,

“Let’s see, the airflow here is a bit unstable…
It’s too cloudy over there, so this way…”

Trying to get used to riding the griffon
I had time to try.

Arriving at Cheonghaejin,
It was after flying for a few days.

Hehe, I thought it would come soon because it flew by…”

Since it’s a first flight,
High mountains and turbulence also had to be avoided.
Since I refrain from accelerating to a steep descent after ascent,
It took longer than expected.

“Those who left a day earlier with words
I think you should have arrived first.”

Jockey sent by Park Jeong-woo and Angela.

“Ah, over there! It looks great from above.”

An artificial fortress surrounded by the sea on three sides.
Well positioned.

“Is that the ‘tighten the bamboo’ strategy?”

Cheonghaejin, which has advanced into the world, is
It’s called the ‘Choke Point’.
Occupied or leased key points.

‘Humpback Whale Fortress’, where I am going now,
The current passes between the land and the island
It is the ‘Meline Strait’ used by many traders.
Even if it occupies a very small space,
If necessary, a sea blockade is possible,
Terrain that is easy to defend.

“I mean smart.
There is only one land attack route.
Uh-huh, look at that old gun number.
Why are there so many siege weapons?
Po-crazy bastards.”

If you’re like me, I’ll never shoot against the Hwan Empire.
Ballista or Catapult
On the top of the triple wall

As expected, it is like a nation that has been shooting arrows since the founding of the country.

“I have to descend slowly. That’s right, that’s it. Let’s go.”

If you fly jaywalking with two griffons,
I got hit by ground-to-air fire at that old gun
It can fall right off.

“Let’s see, the pilot… It’s Gate 4…”

‘Cause I’ll go in mid-air,
Descend to a stopover prepared on a suitable coastal cliff.
Because no one flew into the air except me,
Fortunately, the drums of permission to descend immediately
A yellow flag flies.

“It’s okay.”

“Welcome to Cheonghaejin.
Are all the creatures two royal griffons?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Are you planning to stay for a few days?
Would you like to apply for griffon storage and feed distribution?”

Service is good
As soon as I arrived, I asked a lot of questions,
To the creature barn instead of me
Valet parking two royal griffons.
All I have to do is pack my luggage, fill out the paperwork and give the money.

“The lounge is fine.
Oh, by any chance, someone named Park Jeong-woo arrived here?
Can I check?”

Fortunately, we arrived almost the same.
I could meet you at the gate.
Although it took some tips to find it.
Let’s spend money and save time
Jeop, I heard there is no tipping culture in the Hwan Empire.

“It took a lot of work to get here.
Did you put in the request for an interview with the healed soldier instead?
Good. Good job.
This is a bonus
Get some rest, and take good care of your horse.”

“Yes! Thank you!”

To the rider who arrived after guiding Park Jeong-woo,
They also give generous bonuses.
The iron rule of the Demon King.
A reward for those who work hard.

“Now lead them to your master.”

“Yes.”

This is why hypnosis is convenient.
Trust the stranger and follow me all the way here.
When did you meet the owner of this guy?
Are you requesting an interview with the sage warrior?
It’s not even a request for an interview with the ambassador of your home country.
I can’t afford to wait several months.

“Ohh, Jungwoo!! You’re back!!
I was worried!!”

Still, the oriental captive I saved
It seems that there was a longing.
Silk clothes, gold rings, gold earrings, gold necklaces
Buzzing,
A merchant with curly hair and a nice hat
Welcome you

“Our Jungwoo’s lifesaver is
Soon my benefactor!
Eat to your heart’s content and rest in peace!”

“Haha, thank you.”

The people of the Hwan Empire like to use the expression ‘we’.
Even when speaking in Akkadian, we do not hesitate to say “We”.

The top lord’s closest aide and his lifesaver’s
To celebrate the return, a small banquet was held.
Ah, modest means fewer attendees,
It’s not that I spent less money.

“Ugh, please stop eating…
I will break my upper leg.”

“Eat a lot! Haha!
Because you saved us,
What am I going to do in return!”

Slurp. It’s chewy.
This is delicious.

“Is it tasty.
Give me more of this and this.
Oh, and don’t you have a fork?”

“Here it is.
Hey, bring more japchae, jeon, and braised ribs!
When will the seafood soup come out?”

After eating a little, he recommends me a drink.

“Come on, let’s have a drink! Cheers!”

Not cheap table wine, but fragrant rice wine.
From the smell, the quality is very good.

“Haha, wait a minute. I’m not good at drinking… “

Well, no reaction to the silver spoon,
Even with detection magic… Nothing takes
Let’s just have a drink.

“Cheers!”

Sang-in and Park Jeong-woo empty their drinks at once.

Horok.

On the other hand, I quit drinking.

“I guess you don’t drink well?”

“Ah, yes. Because I’m weak…”

[Camus. To the people of the Hwan Empire, being strong in alcohol means
You should never do it.
I just tested your alcohol amount and dug it up
They are very impatient perverts.]

Master… How many moves have you looked ahead?
He brought a box of bottles in front of me
The madmen are here…
I miss you.

As the atmosphere matures, the merchant speaks.

“Ah, I must repay the favor to my benefactor!
If there is anything you would like, please let me know!
I’ll get you right away!
Golden calf? Or ginseng?
Let me know what comes to mind!
I will give you no money without regret!”

Well, my answer is fixed.

“Then…
The owner is very wealthy
I heard that you are the owner of the top.
In case you were asked by the soldier Choi Hoon,
Can we meet soon?”

A face that suddenly hardens.
The merchant strokes his beard.
This is not Khan or Balak.
Is it a habit for people with beards?

“Hmm… I have connections, but
It’s not easy to meet the soldier’s mage…
What would you like to see?”

Let’s talk about it once again.

“As you have seen the kidnapping of Park Gong,
Amitie kingdom’s eastern rejection
Has crossed the line.
Especially in the name of holy war,
Insist on the right to co-prosperity with humanity
Beyond the scope of what they call “Humans.”
They are killing people mercilessly.
Perhaps not only the Oriental traders,
Humpback Whale Fortress
It’s something you don’t know if you’re at risk.
When I saw the soldier,
I would like to tell you a trick to overcome this situation.”

“Mysterious idea?!
Are you saying you have an idea for this situation?”

“That’s right. I am a man of many talents.”

At my words, Park Jeong-woo gets up from his chair.
Whispered something in his ear.
Alright, you’re doing just fine.
Don’t sit on the floor for me
I passed it from sitting in the chair.

“All right. I’ll put a line on it.”

“Oh, by the way, this is the clue to the ploy.
If you just deliver this to the soldier,
He will ask to see me first.”

Shows the sealed letter.

“Okay.
It’s still daytime, and I haven’t had a few drinks.
I will go after lunch.
Oh, by the way, let’s enjoy the banquet again tonight.”

? You drank three bottles by yourself right now?
How many drinks have you had?

“Yes. I wish you well.”

Eat well until your stomach bursts, and follow the merchant.
Since the person who puts on the rope is a high-ranking officer belonging to Cheonghae,
Hand him a letter
Well, you won’t lose it in the middle, right?
I mean, I didn’t give it to the merchant on purpose.

“What kind of plan is that?
Are you sure of this interview?

See Did you ever think of stealing this guy?

Haha! It’s very strange!
You will also like the old soldier.”

In fact, the letter contained threats.

[I have Cheonbono that was leaked to Amitie.
I have something to tell you about this.]

A crossbow that flies Thousand Steps.
The secret weapon of the Hwan Empire.
Leakage is a crime tantamount to treason.
The three tribes will be destroyed.
I can’t stand not seeing it.

Haha! Looking forward to the evening banquet!”

“Okay! Prepared very specially.
Come on, eat!”

The night deepens.

* * *

The next morning.

“Eat it.”

“No, what kind of plan is that?
In just one day, the old soldier had an interview… !
You are truly noble!”

Haha! You’re welcome!
I’m coming!”

I smile heartily, but
In fact, the inside is quite scary.

The signboard hanging at the entrance of Cheonghaejin Headquarters
Gets into the eyes

[Benefit people widely.]

Well, benefit ‘humans’.
Demons or fairies? What about the giants?
Isn’t this a meaningful phrase?

Parting with the merchant at the entrance of the headquarters,
Carrying a heavy bag
Follow the guide

“You can climb here.”

Take a lift using a pulley,
Climb to the headquarters built on the coastal cliff.

Rumbling…

“Now, get off and go this way.”

Thanks to the lift, I climbed those hellish stairs
I don’t have to walk up
I’m so glad.

Enter the large five-story stone building,
The door opens, opens, and opens again
I was able to enter the soldier’s office.

“Please go in.”

Taktak.
Instead of knocking, use a round doorknob
Tap twice.

“Come in.”

Dreuk.

I opened the wooden door covered in lattice pattern and entered.
A desk full of brushes, inkstones, and papers in an antique room.
There is a soldier sitting there.
Wearing a topknot and wearing a simple uniform
Black hair, single eyelid eyes.

“Nice to meet you. I am Choi Hoon, the soldier of the Cheonghaejin.”

Very fluent Akkadian.

“Nice to see you. This is Camus.”

“Have a seat.”

Dreuk.

So skillful to me at the parlor table
A soldier offering tea.
He is good at tea ceremony.

He smiles strangely and hands me a cup of tea.

“I don’t know if it will suit your taste. Iron Mask.”

“Yes, I drink anything.
… Yes?”

… I now… What did you hear?

No, wait.
I arrived yesterday?!
How…

“Yes? What… Are you talking?”

A soldier who bursts into laughter.

“Heh heh heh, you can talk comfortably.
Because I was bitten around.
Former commander of the 3rd Corps of the Demon King’s Army and former espionage officer.
Mr Camus Franz.”

What… How can you not do this?
You call me by my full name?

Horok.

Look at me a little dazed
He elegantly sips his tea.
Even put a wedge

“For refreshments, I prepared apple jam cookies.
Serve with it.”

“!!!!”

Up to personal preference.

“This… That’s amazing.
I will drink well.”

Slurp.

… Even the tea is black tea with a bitter taste…
The combination that Master recently recommended to me…

… This kid…
Obviously, there is.
A traitor within the Demon King’s Army.
An infiltrator who spills information.

“Amazing. I was really surprised.
Do you have ‘that’?”

Cheon Bo-no seems to be concerned.
Then it won’t take long.
It seems like you’ve already done a thorough background investigation.

“Sure.
I think it was probably ‘accidentally’ leaked,
This is how I brought it.
I want to give it back.”

Cooong.

The heavy bag I brought
Put it next to the table
Even though the table is
Because of its large size,
It is placed tightly next to the refreshments.

Seruk.

Let’s unpack
A large double-structured, sturdy crossbow
Make an appearance

Eternal authenticity.

“… Thank you
I didn’t know you would give it back right away.”

If not, the Humpback Whale Fortress
The whole army must have rushed at me.
So, it’s a gamble.

“You’re welcome.
It’s not like there’s only one.
It’s heavy, so what’s the point of holding it?”

“…”

It’s a lie.
There is only one Cheonbono obtained from the Cathedral Terror Incident.
However, without showing the real Cheonbono
It will look fake,
If you hide it, you will be pushed out of information power.
Let’s endure with it, it’s impossible for me alone.
It’s bullshit here.
Please… I hope you didn’t notice this.

“Okay.
Do you want anything in return?”

Phew, good luck
Also, checking the movement of the leaked weapon is
It must be difficult.
I’m glad the gamble worked.

You are not a politician.
It’s a negotiation, but it comes straight to the point.
It’s nice to be plain. Are you heavenly uninhabited?

I saw the various swords hanging on the wall.
I watched for a moment and said.

“I want an ally.”

“Alliance is built on interests and trust.
It is not bound by weakness.”

Slurp.

He takes a sip of tea and covers his face naturally.

“Exactly.
Interests and trust.
I recently rescued a kidnapped Asian.”

“Park Jeong-woo, commander of the Bluebird guild.
I know.
Because he was an officer who served in Cheonghaejin.”

Oh, did you?
Somehow, he was good at horseback riding and archery.
I thought you were from Hwarang-do.

“A holy war is declared in the kingdom of Amitie,
We are advocating the realm of co-prosperity with humanity.
Orientals are Orcs, so they belong to the human range.
Won’t go in
Already part of the Royal Knights of Amity
We are heading here.
… Do you know their purpose?
The gold and silver treasures here are coveted.
Ginseng is a bonus.”

“It is.
The cost of war is enormous.
Those who flocked in disorder
Gold will blind you.”

Now I can talk a little bit.

“If you want to report to Asadal and request reinforcements,
It takes a really long time.
It will take well over 50 days.
The prairie is also troubled,
Post town is also difficult to trust.
How about a very close, reliable ally?
If it’s the Demon King’s Army, the fortress of Cheonghaejin
It will be of great help in protecting them.”

“The enemy of an enemy is a friend… That’s what it is.”

Slurp.

“That’s right.”

“Then what about trust?
Cheonghaejin must believe in the words of an informant and act
It’s hard to understand that…”

Taktak.
Dreuk.

“What is it?
Don’t you have an important guest?”

“Sorry, inspiration.”

An attendant rushed in to hear Choi Hoon, a soldier in the army.
Whisper something

His eyes widen

“This is amazing.
Also former espionage officer of the Demon King’s army.
I have committed an offense.
I was confident in the information.
Please come in and tell me.”

What?
Misunderstood
I didn’t do anything
I haven’t even spoken the words I’ve prepared yet…

Dreuk.

The door opens,

“Thank you, old soldier.
My diplomat who came first did not commit any disrespect.
I’m worried that you didn’t
I apologize for visiting so quickly.”

Jump up.

Soldier Choi Hoon wakes up.
Looking back, I… I feel like I’m going to stop breathing.

Again and again.

The red-haired beautiful girl I once dreamed of.
… My ex-girlfriend.

“I’m sorry we were talking.
Our diplomat is rather direct.”

“No. It was a very beneficial offer.
Thank you so much for coming all the way. Demon King.”

Although it has not been officially released yet,
A worthy successor to the demon king.
A possessor of dark blood, and the only daughter of the Demon King.
As it turns out, my disciple who was my eighth cousin.
… And, the woman I really loved.

Again and again.

Walking calmly and gracefully
She’s wearing a red velvet dress.
… The figure wearing a long oriental hairpin
It fits really well.

“Greetings.
I am Choi Hoon, the soldier of the Cheonghaejin.”

Come.
She

“To my shame, the coronation has not yet taken place.
Demon King’s Princess.
This is Rumika Theresia Bernstein.”