Volume 4 Chapter 1 (1/2)
I confirmed the contents of the letter that came from a neighboring city's feudal lord.
The phrasing was excessively overbearing but the contents written was easy enough to follow.
To summarize:
It must have been dismal to live in a savage land where the influence of the empire did not reach. However, rejoice and despair no more for His Majesty is benevolent; if you display for us your sincerity, His Majesty has permitted you to be under the empire's protection. In the interim, soldiers whose task is to examine the real state of things will be dispatched three days later and you are therefore expected to prepare a proper welcome for them.
”It's such a condescending way to write.”
The letter wasn't wrong.
Avalon was indeed a city built in a land under the dominion of monsters and was therefore not under the rule of any country and were under the constant threat of attacks from monsters. Put in another way, we didn't have a patron supporting us. It wouldn't have been surprising to be attacked by whichever country.
That was where the ”protection” came in. It might not have sounded so bad but broken down and simplified, it would.
”Accepting this will mean soldiers will be permanently stationed here and we will be essentially under the empire's rule. We will be made to follow their policies. In exchange for their ”protection”, we will be expected to hand over money and resources.”
Generally, we would have to pay a tax that the empire one-sidedly determined and also present the greater part of our produce.
The impact to smaller businesses would be significant in a negative way. Aside from imposing separate taxes on the smaller businesses, this proposal will make us lose even the ability to freely grant these businesses the right to conduct their businesses.
Probably, even the apples and the dwarven-made weapons would be demanded of us as additional offerings.
Additionally, we would be the ones to shoulder the expenses of the soldiers that would be permanently stationed here. Those soldiers' behavior as well would negatively affect the other citizens.
”Well, this much is tolerable though.”
If we could peacefully conclude things with just this much, I thought that I wouldn't mind silently abiding.
If I turned it down, we were liable to face an unknown number of beings called heroes. Some of these heroes might be from a neighboring country, sent to help aid the empire. Aside from the threat of the heroes, I would also like to avoid of the risk of being attacked by other Demon Lords just when we got exhausted from our fight with the humans.
Since we could just rebel after Avalon's operation had stabilized and I had gained enough fighting force, pretending to have an allegiance for the empire wasn't so bad.
Of course, I still intended to negotiate better terms for us but if during the whole affair, a line that I would determine beforehand was crossed, not even that temporary allegiance would happen and a show of force could not be helped.
Maybe we would even end up as the ones ruling over the neighboring city.
I decided that for the time being though, I should consult with Wight; that guy's an all-around guy blessed even with a political sense.
…no, it's better to do that tomorrow; tonight's probably not a good time for him, I thought as I put away the letter.
◇
The next morning came and I awoke in my bed.
I felt something soft and warm in my left arm. I discovered it was Kuina hugging my left arm tightly. Considering she was dressed with her favorite lovely pajamas while also showing a defenseless sleeping face, she looked completely like an angel.
I unconsciously brushed her face. Doing so, still sleeping, her facial reaction slackened.
By just seeing her like that, my will to endure and slog through the day was renewed.
”Master, Kuina, wake up. We have plans to go to the mines this morning.”
Rorono then entered my room.
”Thanks for coming to wake us, Rorono.”
”Mhm. Breakfast is already prepared.”
Rorono glanced with slight envy at Kuina who was still hugging my left arm.
Until recently, we all slept together in one bed but due to the several occasions of somebody being kicked out of the bed by Kuina's tossing and turning as she slept, a shifting system was now in place to determine who would get to sleep beside me. The previous night was Kuina's turn, the next night would be Aura's and the night after that would be Rorono's. I have to spoil Rorono as much as she wants on her turn.
Sleeping together with everyone all at once was great but sleeping with a different one each night was better. This way, I was able confirm each one's individual and distinct charms.
”Thank you as always, Rorono.”
”Mhm. I am a dwarf so as long as it's making something, whether food, weapons, or clothes, I'm fond of it.”
According to her, she was increasing her repertoire of cuisines that she could make through the cooking book I made with [Creation].
The taste was not yet up to par with a pro but my daughter's home cooking would always bring extreme happiness to me.
”Then, let's go. Though before that, we have to wake Kuina first, huh.”
And so, I poked Kuina's squishy cheek. It was smooth, moderately elastic, and seemingly addictive.
After a while of poking her cheek, Kuina opened her eyes.
”Oto-san, good morning. Hmm, Oto-san's scent.”
Kuina let go of my left arm but only to jump onto my chest where she pressed her cheek.
”You're such a spoiled child, aren't you? It can't be helped then.”
I did not have the heart to tear Kuina away so I stood up with her still clinging onto me and moved to the kitchen where Aura was waiting for us.
◇
After we finished our breakfast, I headed toward the [Mine] area with Rorono.
Kuina said she'll visit the store tended by the Mythological Foxes while Aura said she was going to take care of a new fruit.
The [Mine] area was a secret so we went there while being mindful not to be seen by the public. I greeted the golems guarding the border of the dungeon rooms and then went inside.
An aspect of the Mine was that it was very wide. On the frontside were the hard minerals while at the back were the pools of lava.
”How is it? Has something changed since last we've been here?”
”Mhm. A considerably large scale crustal movement did occur. I wouldn't know the exact figures unless I examine pretty deep down with my sonar but it looks like we can expect good results. This [Mine] has certainly grown.”
”I did level up a lot and have gotten stronger so yeah. Moreover, I have completed my [Monsters of the Covenant]. Even now, I can feel your power flowing into me.”
We usually set time and level up in the [Crimson Cavern]. However, since the monsters from [Crimson Cavern] were now in danger of extinction, we had chosen to then hunt only the ones that came out of the [Maelstroms].