Chapter 76
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Chapter 76
* * *
The Monster Subjugation Unit proceeded with the subjugation according to our revised plan.
We advanced by systematically eliminating monsters and pushing deeper into the Forest, or by raiding the monster habitats I had discovered.
Fortunately, Lucian showed no fear of the monsters, and thanks to that, we were able to penetrate to the middle of the Forest with remarkable speed.
The Military Camp we had established at the Forest's entrance was also relocated to the middle section. This was to reduce the tedious back-and-forth travel.
After I confirmed there were no monsters nearby and Lucian purified the land saturated with magical energy, we successfully relocated the Military Camp.
I wished we could complete the monster subjugation this smoothly, but reality rarely cooperated with such hopes.
The deeper we ventured into the Forest, the more casualties began to mount.
Now that we had subjugated all the lower-tier monsters, only the ferocious or highly intelligent upper-tier monsters remained.
Even with Lucian and me present, it was no simple task to overcome monsters that attacked in coordinated swarms. The creatures, having lost their lairs, were as agitated as they could possibly be.
Moreover, there were stubborn monsters that endured without being purified in a single strike by Lucian's ability.
"Come this way quickly, please."
Ahin guided the bleeding soldiers into the Military Camp.
With casualties mounting from successive battles, Ahin and Melissa had taken on the role of Physicians to compensate for the shortage of hands.
"Fortunately, the wounds aren't terribly deep."
"Then why does it hurt so much?"
"It's the magical energy."
I interjected into the conversation between Ahin and the soldier.
"Given that I sense magical energy emanating from the injured area, it appears you've been poisoned by a monster's venom. It would be best to purify it first before treating the wound."
"Understood. Lucian!"
"Mmm...."
At Ahin's call, Lucian, who had been nodding off while cradling Luto, lifted his head.
Lucian was thoroughly exhausted from the daily purification work. Most of the monsters requiring purification were advanced creatures that didn't succumb easily, so his stamina was inevitably depleted.
"I apologize for waking you while you sleep. Would it be possible to purify just this wound and then return to rest?"
"Mmm, just a moment."
Lucian rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. Soon, the golden eyes that had been heavy with drowsiness regained their natural brilliance.
We quickly cleared away the bandages and bloodstains scattered around to prevent Lucian from witnessing anything cruel.
However, we couldn't remove the wound on the soldier's arm itself.
"Ugh, blood. It looks so gross."
"I'm sorry, Lucian. But I need you to do this just once more. Without you, the wound might become infected."
Or perhaps the arm contaminated with magical energy would need to be amputated.
"Okay."
Lucian nodded and extended his hand toward the wound. Soon, white light enveloped the area, and the magical energy surrounding the wound was cleanly purified.
"All done. Now it just needs to be disinfected and treated with medicine."
"Thank you."
The soldier bowed respectfully to Lucian. Ahin then resumed treating the soldier's wound.
"Aunt, I'm so sleepy."
"Yes. I won't wake you anymore. Go to sleep now."
"But I'm really hungry."
Lucian clutched his stomach, his face contorted in hunger.
Truth be told, I was just as famished. Exhausting my abilities always left me ravenous like this.
"I want meat. Lamb steak with loads of sauce drizzled over it."
"We don't have anything like that here."
The Subjugation Unit dealt exclusively in dried meat for the sake of easy storage.
Perhaps if I requested fresh meat when sending a support request to the Imperial Capital, they might send some... but I couldn't be certain it would arrive unspoiled. The warming weather spoiled food far too quickly.
"Tch...."
Lucian pouted his lips.
Though he'd promised me several times not to complain, I couldn't bring myself to scold him this time.
Lucian was a child in his growth years.
Even with proper meals and adequate sleep, it wouldn't be enough—yet here I was, burdening him with meager rations and the grueling labor of purification.
Moreover, standing before Lucian's eyes, which should have known only beauty, were monsters of grotesque appearance. I could only feel remorse.
'If only it weren't for the Duke of Bellomen....'
Lucian wouldn't have had to suffer on the battlefield.
I swallowed my rage toward the Duke and opened my mouth.
"I'll speak to the Commander about it. For tonight, let's just have some bread and rest."
"...Understood."
Fortunately, Lucian nodded obediently.
"My good boy, you're so well-behaved."
I patted Lucian's bottom affectionately. Compared to his past self—throwing tantrums and sprawling on the ground—this was remarkable progress.
* * *
"Krrrgh."
Lucian's snoring echoed through the cramped Military Camp.
After confirming he was asleep by waving my hand before his eyes, I carefully slipped out of the Military Camp.
The treated soldiers were resting in the patient's Military Camp, while the mages and Physicians were organizing the remaining medical supplies.
"Lucella? Where are you going?"
Melissa, who was clearing away bloodied bandages, asked me.
"To see the Commander. He's probably still awake, right?"
"Yes. It looks like he's in a meeting."
"Is that so? That works out perfectly."
I nodded to Melissa and headed straight for Claude's Military Camp.
Light and voices were seeping through the tent seams, confirming Melissa's words about the meeting.
'Should I go in?'
I was lingering at the entrance, worried about interrupting the meeting.
"Young Lady?"
As the tent flap lifted, Claude appeared.
"How did you know it was me?"
"I felt your footsteps."
"That's remarkable."
To recognize me by footsteps alone. Was mine somehow distinct from others?
"What brings you here at this late hour?"
"I have something to discuss regarding the subjugation efforts."
At my words, Claude stepped aside to make room.
"How fortunate—we were just discussing that very matter. Please, come inside."
"Thank you."
I offered Claude a light smile and entered the Military Camp. Ten knights sat within, their faces grave and attentive.
"To continue where we left off..."
As I took my seat in the vacant spot, the knight across from me resumed speaking. Apparently, with so many injured, they planned to suspend subjugation efforts tomorrow.
"What about provisions and supplies?"
"We intend to dispatch a messenger bird by tomorrow morning."
"Good. It seems injuries will continue to mount, so request medical supplies generously."
"...Understood."
Claude's words cast a somber silence over the Military Camp. Everyone looked troubled at the thought of the subjugation becoming even more grueling.
"But what was it you wished to discuss?"
Claude's question, breaking the silence, turned toward me.
I felt the weight of ten pairs of eyes upon me and hesitantly opened my mouth.
"I'm truly sorry to bring this up in such difficult circumstances..."
"It's quite alright. Speak freely."
"If it's not too much trouble, could I request some meat for Lucian?"
Having said that much, I hung my head low.
Even as the words left my lips, I felt my ears burn with embarrassment.
Everyone was risking their lives in battle, and here I was asking about meat.
'But I can't leave Lucian in such a weakened state.'
For the sake of our strongest asset's vitality, diverse nutrition was essential.
"Without meat, Lucian has been struggling so much. Using his abilities drains his stamina considerably..."
I pressed on, trying to justify my request.
The first to respond was Raven.
"The youngest wants meat, does he? Is that what you're saying?"
"Yes..."
His oddly curt tone made me shrink back involuntarily.
What if he scolded me for being so thoughtless? Raven was certainly capable of it.
But what came next defied my expectations entirely.
"Hmm, I suppose I'll have to catch a rabbit or two from nearby."
Raven drew a short blade from his belt and began wiping it clean with a serious expression.
"It's our youngest asking, after all! That much we can certainly do! Isn't that right, Commander?"
Xenon too struck the table with emphasis, raising his voice. All those seated nodded in agreement with his sentiment.
"Children should eat well and grow like bean sprouts—that's their role. I'm already mortified that they've come all this way and endured such hardship, and now we can't even provide meat? That's far too cruel. Let's request quality meat from the Imperial Capital at once!"
Hear, hear! Excellent!
The knights' voices grew louder.
"Whether it arrives safely without spoiling is another matter... but let's try requesting it anyway."
"Thank you."
I bowed my head deeply, surprised at how readily the request was accepted.
Despite being so busy, they were still thinking of Lucian. I felt both grateful and apologetic.
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Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
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