Chapter 31: An obedient dog
i1c“Wait a moment, Count Consilus. We are representatives of the Imperial Palace.”rnTf
eI47nJust in case he was mistaken, Karl emphasized it once more.9THw0A
oaGWjusThat his future and his advancement depended on them.QA01lv2
1N12dAqConsilus patted him on the shoulder, as if pitying him.sWX
DQoceWB“You must have gone through many hardships coming all the way here. And to think that the Empire sends you to do something like this, ruining the lives of innocents.”mkx
MNMh8T“Huh…? W-what do you mean by that…?”U20xPhE
i3uf0aThis was not what they had discussed.BHtcs6
6fBBHIt had been Count Consilus himself who previously spoke of Perda as a bastard.k8U
LDmU9LAnd now he changed his mind?SGF
ZDZarQ‘It can’t be…’SMaX9QQ
THT9Karl’s eyes moved between Perda and Count Consilus.synLn
wGMShsNNo. That made no sense.20K
CS0zoIn the world of nobility, such firm bonds did not exist.nfK5wxY
BbfbbvL“What are you doing?”VrJYF
dTAU14“Huh?”XPs7d
DCN1Ey7Perda tilted his head and spoke.UFAwvP
6J2AutV“Hurry up and bring the next witness.”uCMI
UORtJ4Perda moved his fingers as if counting.obZ
OwDy“There are still many witnesses left. Excluding the late Tesalos Walcher, there are thirteen left. Bring them all and have them testify. If even one says I am guilty, wouldn’t your job be finished?”lEN2ZVo
DdzX96Even if ninety-nine said no, if one said yes, that was enough for the Extermination Squad to act.s3iIuPi
4ZhNJ4uBut Karl knew that even if he called the thirteen, he had no chance.qlY
JX72EUIf Count Consilus, the most influential figure in the Far East, denied it, the others would deny it as well.OQm
ymnJmRG“If you can’t bring witnesses, then bring something else.”itlS
PVGRZFJ“W-what…?”Rq07w
CjRbWD“The other charges you brought to discredit me and threaten me. Bring them out.”mdw
6l5MThe situation had completely reversed.Ai14
ez5VKarl, desperate, tried to resist.JKLU
dvcvWith trembling hands, he pulled something from his chest.orRsoc5
ysIvv“I-I have heard that you kidnapped this girl.”YpJ
akqc7LIt was a portrait of a long-haired girl.LHr17Gy
tNz2guJust by seeing her dull eyes, it was evident that it was Morida.n5Z
QlGhOX‘If they are looking for Morida, then it’s Helus Povidas’s doing.’bMO41
Dd8KIf Helus Povidas had directly pointed at Perda, it meant they had found the servant.E7ZCSj3
vUWnORq“I see.”3QN
9z5r33sOf course, that threat had no effect.1FkEE
rzhKarl knew it.hwnD
qlNCRBut his mind was blank, and he had to do something.2pYw
0ZbS“I’m sorry, but I bought that girl. I obtained her consent and transferred her ownership. It cannot be called kidnapping.”mYbEAgq
lPltYl“……”JsEpL9
Tl1jw“If you still want to insist, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to discuss it with the person involved. So, what’s next?”sxnK9S
CrxnSyKarl did not respond.Bk9GUym
E2tWCdEverything else he had were insignificant matters.rq9V
cdWyMoGAttempts to squeeze out a few more coins with empty threats.YgWk7
tISHe had no cards left.bFbL
bF4OVrg“Then I will speak.”9PdF0pz
UfX2ymqNow it was Perda’s turn.3d2
EX6DP6He turned his gaze toward Count Consilus.HJSQR
5Ro“Count Consilus.”BulCK1
SkfR“Yes, speak, my lord regent.”59q
RTR4He responded, bowing his head respectfully.mnO5CU
QW8op7“This man openly asked me for money.”XWlQZ
k3jQc“Haha, really? After a long journey, it is normal to at least give them something for expenses.”Zut
s9X“What he asked as expenses was one hundred thousand golden.”WFR4
XSJnMc“Haha, that is a considerable sum.”psDp5ed
XLsteTb“What value does that money have?”tZB2CL
kuN“The value depends on each person, so it is difficult to give an exact answer.”wO8j
XBf4om7“Then, if we compare it to the money your citizens use, how much would it be?”XFafjZi
4Jt70“It would be enough for my citizens to live without worrying about food for ten years.”EK7
3NeVfpJ“I see.”cJL
Mla9Perda’s blue eyes shone faintly.BbFxs
HpI9e7e“Then this man tried to take ten years of life from the citizens by himself.”5aJ
hXBaLMs“That is correct.”BMXo
ff9KI7Consilus looked at Karl coldly.dBXes
PNQOsa0In his eyes, which had been smiling before, there was now clear anger.PJObP
Euxu“It is an act that cries out to the heavens.”pjvO
onOJES“Ah… ah…”I39f
NFAIEven the cat he had brought to corner a mouse was on their side.iNfCC
3aN9VKarl, who had never imagined being in such a situation, began to tremble.ZYA9Mf
HEGH“What do you think? What should we do with this man?”PbV2b
Ne5MXbX“Someone who demands money using the name of the Empire. That is not something a mere knight should do.”pqXFx
psQZcl7“Right? And he even demanded that we treat him as if he were the emperor.”kYqzxF
2jjYNA“Hahaha! Did he really do something like that? How would a mere knight dare compare himself to His Majesty the emperor?”ruJ8dAr
hOI3“And what if that were true?”YGQO79G
6MT4Oj“Then he could not complain if he ends up like Tesallos. Didn’t they pierce his forehead?”5s2R
04fCXM“That’s right.”p5NSE8
2wuFaced with that one-sided conversation, Karl could barely breathe.aRXfFa
dSSEpBENo words came out, he only shifted his gaze between the two while breaking into a cold sweat.ZEAy8
7Sk8“But before that, how about we file a formal complaint to the Empire for extortion and impersonation of royalty?”xtEaVM4
lyRsNZ“It is a good idea. But do you think they will listen to someone so young if he files a complaint?”BJmBTU
xex“Do not worry. I will take care of it.”MQaygm
KBo6JThat the Extermination Squad did dirty things was something most nobles knew.sJG7Klc
aqCBut if it became an open issue, the situation changed.jc1wWbB
sxDUJ7iThe words of Count Consilus, who had defended the frontier into old age, could not be ignored.E5YbV
Mnu‘Count Consilus…’pSK
J7l2PtBetrayal appeared in Karl’s eyes.qsZ8B
x0kJ2urThe one responsible for this trap was that old man who was now laughing calmly.9jEEyg
Rtuedo‘He set a trap for me and the Extermination Squad!’LAZWgtg
oBgY9rzConsilus and Perda Valdrova had conspired together to provoke this situation.Cda0d
zU80Karl tried to resist until the end.VFHfmV
9r5d“W-we are a direct unit of the Empire. Even if you file a complaint, nothing will change…”n6N
ZqENO0j“Do you think so?”D4uInj
FIqgFPerda responded coldly.Lob8
Kom“What is your value?”yjmc
VGSKp6“My value…?”ioAtgk
PC5f8N“What do you think is more convenient? Protecting you or cutting off your head claiming it was an individual deviation?”0fJI
PlNW23There was no need to think about it.LzhP
eMuCrThe second option was clearly better.niPkJB
v7kOa“And even if you manage to survive, do you think your family will sit still? Your own brothers will probably come to cut off your head.”pbcVgTz
UrJwLws“What…?”t4HZWq
QOOO5“Think about it. Eldest son of the Harvest family. You have two younger brothers, don’t you? Even if you get along, do you think they will stay still knowing that their brother committed corruption?”ddva
YbezAThey would not stay still.D35FT
tezThey had always looked with envy at what Karl had just for being born first.uvJ0yNW
Z5KBhfIf they valued the honor of knights, they would kill him for family honor.Ah4M
mfq17If they were opportunists, they would kill him to advance themselves.Qzo
buc1For Karl, he was more useful dead than alive.NwUg
udMjDcAmid a situation where everything pressured him, Karl finally understood.17lcd
cIeV‘The problem was not the dragon.’1Rr1hvi
wMsjThe real danger was this regent whom they had despised until a few days ago.NgjsjE
mdD4q“Speak.”KHCL
hX5idAtPerda’s voice pulled him out of his shock.GtDtEp
UUOFkAs always, he asked coldly.IMaHnz
Lc3V“Now, what do you think I am?”TXWYm6p
L23zOA cutting coldness, as if a blade of ice were placed before his neck.K0K
PoBlsIf he answered wrong, he felt that blade would cut off his head and tear him apart.mVIKL
1O6UTrembling with fear, Karl answered with difficulty.kwj
1rGd8b“Y-you are the great regent of Valdrova.”nSQ3c
FiL5L2In his voice there was submission.MuXYIV4
lPlDXA4“That’s right. I am the one who governs the great duchy of Valdrova in the name of the Duchess.”CMx
gzf4Perda stood up and placed a hand on Karl’s trembling shoulder.yQ3tFLE
tbQICY“And I think you should become the owner of the Extermination Squad.”R3I
eaHl77A sweet whisper, almost demonic.pomUDu
POPgoC“Do you want to become the owner of the Extermination Squad, or do you prefer to die nobly for it?”sV6J
cBC4It was an absurd question.SMJv
mcG0JThere was nothing noble about the Extermination Squad.DwF4
46PP8Karl bowed his head deeply.laWSFfa
YRho“Please… accept my loyalty.”CFm
WhehZG1Perda shook his head at that answer.nGOrl
ScUfc“I don’t need loyalty as weak as yours.”qI9VP
OmnWhen Karl’s heart sank to the bottom, Perda added.o0YAnvJ
TgNjG“What I need is an obedient dog.”RNj3N
M31f“A… dog?”Zv6VT8S
LzhC“A dog that does only what it is told, without doing foolish things. That wags its tail for a bone thrown to it from time to time, and that knows how to wait calmly for its master.”Z1iye
4VPT4Wc“If you do that, you will be able to make your way. Do you understand?”XQp
1bQYIKarl nodded.MPhy
5X5XkY9“Yes… I understand. I will be a dog. I will become the regent’s dog.”yBatD
iMJVu“Good.”hEVv
Eg5pPerda patted him on the shoulder.fxg9W6w
Kay“Stay tonight. We have to make you a dog collar.”tLgxZMz
PvvX“…Yes.”lWUbka
HeAlVThe color of his face, completely pale, did not seem like it would return.OSTTx
hBHFIA***BbyQ3l7
R08JnKarl left the reception room.fNF
rrbIrFrom now on, he would be dining with the subordinates he had brought.yxjG
cm0QbBJOf course, for him it was nothing more than his last meal before execution, so he did not even know whether he was eating or not.35P66Ze
WnC7Meanwhile, Perda was conversing with Count Consilus.3jd
yGPxVAMThe count explained in detail how the Extermination Squad had come all the way there.KrG
dJ9t“So the Extermination Squad came with such confidence because of you.”QtCe
r9xyCount Consilus lowered his head.40OKfj
jdO“I have no excuse. I have committed an act for which I deserve to die.”TaPl4
RBM“It doesn’t matter. And what did you reply in the letter?”xQ82Eg
s0fBmV“That he was an upright ruler who watches over the Far East…”ZQgwyTB
NTHThe count smiled faintly.vsvYq
vdR“I felt that I should not respond in any other way.”PHBK
F3NnRq“Why?”i74U
ta7CHPerda already imagined it, but he asked anyway.mynB8
MzsNB“The Extermination Squad is like a swarm of locusts. When they detect food, they rush in and devour everything before leaving. The Far East is trying to develop. They always attack the weakest first and devour them little by little. Once they set foot, it is already the end.”SJG2
gZMnDIt was one of their main strategies.kxPh
SEHeTo slowly isolate the weakest and then devour them.pDwCDqm
UQh8r“But your image was already deteriorated because of the Tesallos Walcher incident.”uAHxAYC
jTblFrom the outside perspective, Perda was already isolated.qH6
SxjslIt was easy to think that the nobles were waiting for an opportunity to betray him.NMIFAzN
F2J6yIf they were given that certainty, they could use it.WUlOLMm
WH5Qyvh“You used me quite well.”s9U3
EPcfj“I regret having caused you concern. It was all my plan. If you wish to punish me, please punish this old man.”p54rzx
45H93wdPerda waved his hand.TE6
uUW“It doesn’t matter. After all, you only eliminated some dogs that were roaming the territory looking to take advantage.”BBTwzNo
TMK“But does it not bother you that I tested the regent?”lT1w
bJS“As long as you are sincere, I do not mind. As long as you are loyal to the Duchess, you may use me however you wish. I did not come here to enjoy the power of a king. I came to serve my queen.”qc1
x1qTc“Ah…”cNeib
BdHNBCount Consilus, who could see through the appearances of nobles, clearly felt Perda’s sincerity.miGcItY
WrqG“Then tell me. To whom are you loyal?”Ccn
VCMcb“To be honest, until now I have been loyal to the Empire. More than to the Duchess, my heart leaned toward the emperor…”BwQEavV
42mConsilus smiled bitterly as he confessed.RAO2
eGkvIIl“When one grows old, one becomes fearful. With time, one forgets why one came this far.”U2T
R5cnSXN“And now you have remembered?”ewlfsL7
acvM“Yes. Thanks to you, regent, I have opened my eyes.”N3pqc
OshvCXConsilus looked out the window.e6yc
WBrFNot far away stretched the contaminated land, the demonic land.mH6
Aj7VvKFrom his castle, he had never been able to see that landscape.Rwex
bI9KbFQ“From the moment I reached this position, I did so with the conviction to protect the people. I am loyal to the Empire because it protects its citizens, not because it elevated me.”5Gg8qpD
tMz3“You are an admirable noble.”aN7p91d
Ho1M“I am flattered.”3u0IhJ8
oaNsMConsilus let out a laugh.Ci8p
6r4LVHe was the representative of the Far East.DkfnNK
F1IhZBut in their hearts, there had never been a true flame.FQPa
FlpAlthough soldiers died without cease, all that remained was the wearing down of the soul and fear.Mf71a7
bHp3“Count Consilus.”M4v
heW“Yes.”dDt
nPwQI0“Does that conviction still remain in your heart?”cp3tjqH
3Dd“Yes.”2cdll
BzqPerda extended his hand.Wj29Yl
1mMLj“Then come with me. To protect this east, I need someone like you.”armm
HUjZDyConsilus opened his eyes in surprise and shook his head.2psKcW
cx4WBu“No. You should not be the one to say that. I should say it.”hwffb1
XfL6W0He knelt and took Perda’s hand with both hands.OCAcD
2tsbmXhHis hands, hardened from wielding the sword to protect the people, were rough.JWc
dfj“Please, guide this east where there is only death. I will always serve the Duchess and follow the will of the regent.”nqyT
QLm***xIQJS5K
dASPfhKarl was destroyed by the hangover.zDw3S7
c3GJnFHe had drunk like a madman with the intention of dying, so he could hide the secret he carried.vyw
0HODaBut instead of dying, he was only met with an unbearable hangover and the morning sunlight.XSfVlN4
hYRE‘Damn it…’RQvR
3Jm9He wanted to run away.zo7
C2QqBut he did not have the courage.qB10
egkSo he could only wait, like a pig in the slaughterhouse.SZS29
UhYXASomeone entered the room.Wify3
8ExoHe thought it was Perda, stood up and bowed lyblMT
H1kV8“H-hello?”Idkishc
KEJLBut the one who entered was a black-haired woman, gloomy.fyaFW
cjE‘Who is this woman?’S7HT
zUHluShe was not someone ordinary.3fyG
ayBqemFrom her clothing, she seemed like a castle administrator.DHM1H
8jkBut from her normal appearance emanated an unsettling presence that made one want to step back.Adk
fK0UYShe raised her hand awkwardly to greet him.0U7gt
SvO5xlW“I… um… will sign the contract as a representative on behalf of the Duchess… and… um…”Kkngg
jmkHer black eyes scanned Karl’s face.BDqoZJ
rojob“He’s not as handsome as I was told.”h931
h7NlAShe said it in a disappointed tone.of5crJ0
BEOxrZYKarl did not even feel like getting annoyed.pQ18GD
q0C“My name is Echidna Philiaz.”kYTPk
D3KuxM“…Philiaz?”o1qmPx
e32The hangover disappeared instantly.4zxl0O
ZcExFC‘Philiaz? Does that mean she is a witch of Philiaz?’Szq
ipufPhiliaz.PpR
SPWHThey appear in women who awaken the Red Circle.N28ZDJ
mt8QIf they make a contract, they inevitably become witches.bYI
g2k5They deeply hated men and did not cooperate with anyone outside Philiaz.1Ox
QFUx‘He is using a witch…?’f3Ec
A0bHow?9n7
AiMIKarl forcibly held back the scream he wanted to let out.dXDRy98
IlKvHis evaluation of Perda was completely changing.ZcH
mJ4h“Here… is the contract… do you want to read it calmly?”eFyl
38O7“Yes.”VPll
sai9Karl began to review page by page, as if clinging to a lifeline.gJN
LbAqQMu‘A flaw… I have to find a flaw…’Sv0wOlC
1AWeBut it was impossible.JD3OpEJ
k6FuZsHe did not have enough legal knowledge to review such a long contract.wlWGPb
O8Xrt‘As expected… she is a witch…’p8s2Y
odhWitches, considered second only to demons in how dirty they are with contracts.JnVcA
Qu6EHe thought they would use contract magic.uEv5xAs
2B7NNCaBut he did not expect them to use a witch.wMdBBw
h3wu9XAfter reading only a few pages, Karl gave up and began to sign.lDjc
lnwK8xAfter all, he was going to become a dog anyway.Puh
ulpIWhen he signed the last page, the contract began to glow.VeCHcXw
ZW6“Ugh.”o6Nr
i685A sharp pain ran through his body.0oCR
xqCvgOA mark appeared on his wrist.ybOYxvM
N2ptqD3The contract with the witch was sealed.DMb
YYvtl8P“Done. Everything confirmed. From now on… um… you will have to be careful with what you say.”RTL
hcA24j“Careful with what I say?”YPax2U
Dn20gbE“Well… as expected, you didn’t read it properly… if you do something against the will of the regent or try to imply anything about this contract…”2apo
OHXXrvShe shrugged her shoulders.h4UfMne
VlRH“Boom! Your head will go flying. So think carefully and speak carefully, okay?”VqjslCy
o6YShe spoke awkwardly, but mentioned death without hesitation.uM9eLM
P6w0WXThat made it even more terrifying.Gbx8o28
CrbOJQyFifth-level contract magic was absolute.ziAe
CXISHrIf there were no flaws, breaking the contract was extremely difficult.8Nle
98XOZps‘The level is not what matters…’hsP6Fh
8kDY2Karl had signed with a witch.A9pXGm
zonIIf that was discovered, he would be executed in the Empire.rxxFPw
fBZ14RvAnd his brothers could also kill him.9ZH7J
4HkHe had to hide it at all costs.DHYQFdp
YNe1qiE“….”8odhyrl
kojRMv“Ehehe… I would like you to respond…”wNXo
kx9Karl shuddered.iaH
kum4UAn unsettling presence emanated from her.dH1xsFN
CvcCbHer awkward smile was filled with a madness without killing intent.B5D
mbuAnd that made her even more terrifying.4G996YE
nD8FTY“Y-yes, of course!”o3a
Pz3sL“Good, you answered. You may go. Bye bye~.”yDhirUr
SIpu0Z6Karl ran out.ruU
2fWY2Echidna smiled and waved him off.XFNBQ
YOgZAs soon as he stepped out, he breathed in relief…SBxq
VQX0s“The contract ended quickly.”gj9Ou
vNVrBut in front of him there was another tiger.QlE
klI2yHjThat tiger placed a hand on his shoulder.BtJb
0AZ“As a member of the Extermination Squad and a loyal dog to the great duchy of Valdrova, I will give you your first mission.”sxqXfA
Kg1OUKarl could no longer escape.W3cU
GD3“What is the mission?”WOXf
xjOxdHPerda answered.arT
MqMA1so“Helus Povidas.”rwb
xK2GnThe man known as the sage of water.hMH
H24ti“Bring him here.”xH4Un
Z1D3He also planned to put a collar on him.L6RnrG
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Haimiya_cutie.
Body IntegrationEchidna is really scary as fuck she really gives me chills to my spine I’m not even signing the contract still she’s giving me chills.
Haimiya_cutie.
Body IntegrationSo clever 👏
Elite Phantom
MortalI just realized isn’t Echidna here a walking reference to Re:zero lmao?? (If your confused I’m talking about Echidna in Rezero another mad woman who is also a witch)