A Knight Who Eternally Regresses - Chapter 265

Chapter 265: CHAPTER 263
In the past, strategists, Military leaders, and Commanders from the continent tried to create magical units.

In other words, they wanted to gather wizards and elevate them into a powerful force under their command.

“If you gather wizards and form an army, it could rival the might of a Knight order!”

The first fool who thought of this idea diligently put his words into action.

He wandered the continent, gathering those who could recite spells, and promised them many things.

He provided them with resources and support, even catering to the secret desires of the wizards.

Dozens of wizards gathered, forming a single group.

Thus, the Demon’s Womb was born.

Of course, it wasn’t named the Demon’s Womb from the beginning.

“I suggest we call it the Tower of Wisdom.”

That’s what it was called initially, but later historians dubbed the place the Demon’s Womb.

Why?

Because when those wizards gathered, they did something that caused a demon and twelve Balrogs to emerge from there, making the name inevitable.

The nameless demon, or at least what was called a nameless demon by humans who didn’t have time to give it a proper name back then, swept through three surrounding territories, creating an undead army, and claimed the title of the Father of the Dead.

The twelve Balrogs serving the demon fought fiercely, living up to their name as creatures born for battle, war, and combat.

This is an event that happened somewhere between legend and history, though not quite myth.

The demon still exists.

Eventually, to drive out the demon nicknamed “The Father of the Dead” or “The Last Door of Life”, the greatest Knight orders from across the continent were dispatched.

The demon fought and fought, then retreated into the Demon Realm.

That’s the history of how the demon, known as the Father of the Dead, came to nest deep within the Demon Realm.

[Eternal, with an immortal body and spirit, that demon can never be killed by human hands.]

That’s how people used to refer to the demon.

One would hope a lesson was learned, but even after this, several people attempted to organize wizards into groups.

Some of them even succeeded, but, well, the outcome was rarely beautiful.

Rebellions, runaway spells, and wizards killing each other without anyone even telling them to.

“They are an uncontrollable source of instability.”

This was what the Empire unofficially said when referring to wizards, and there was even a period of witch hunts and magical repression.

Nowadays, most people would lower their eyes, fear, and also revere witches.

The view towards wizards is similar.

What lesson was learned from this?

‘Wizards are unpredictable, whimsical, and dangerous troublemakers.’

Despite this, some secretly sought friendships with wizards or created the position of court wizard in their Kingdoms.

However, the consensus is that it’s more of a transactional relationship.

Encrid thought this as he looked at Esther.

Having just drowned a Frog along with the Fairy Company Commander, the creature was still unconscious.

And then there was Esther.

This panther seemed to have some grievance, staring at him intently.

I have a grievance.

He could feel it without needing words.

His senses were blurred, mixed, and combined, forming a new sixth sense and intuition that spoke to him.

‘What’s with her?’

“Oh.”

Just before parting, the Fairy Company Commander let out an inexplicable exclamation.

“Let’s meet again, Onion Fiancé. I look forward to the day I peel away your layers, one by one, until I see you bare.”

Why is she wishing that on me?

Encrid found it puzzling, but since this was not someone he could converse with using ordinary logic, he simply replied, “Please, go ahead.”

He vaguely sent her off.

He also mentioned that they would interrogate the Frog together, and she agreed to that as well.

Back in the tent, Esther kept staring at him with that strange look, which made him recall the history of a wizard causing trouble.

Isn’t she also a witch capable of who knows what?

“Why?”

So, he asked.

Rather than beat around the bush and risk straining the relationship, he asked directly. That was Encrid.

The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became: she was a witch.

A witch who could even transform into a panther.

A witch who, for some reason, preferred being in the form of a panther rather than a human.

This was a misunderstanding.

Esther had to maintain her panther form due to a curse, not because she enjoyed it.

Well, every situation has its pros and cons, and where there’s something good, there’s usually something bad as well.

The curse of beast transformation wasn’t entirely a bad thing.

For a genius witch who had lived in her world of spells since before she could even fully comprehend things, extracting something useful from the curse was an easy task.

Of course, the catalyst for all of this was the man standing in front of her.

‘Why.’

At first, it was only a question.

When she was in the man’s arms, the power of her curse weakened. If the curse was a tangled thread, then it was as if the knotted thread unraveled on its own.

If it had been forcibly cut, her world would have been polluted and damaged, but by slowly unraveling it from the starting point, there was no such danger.

The man was someone who could effortlessly unravel the tangled threads of the curse.

Because of this, she had fallen asleep and woken up in this place, in the man’s arms.

‘Why?’

The question persisted. For a witch, such questions were like poison.

That’s why she had to delve deeper.

She had to ponder repeatedly because that was the right answer.

Of course, there was much more to do than just pondering.

She had to refine the first summoned creature she had placed in her world of spells and gather various items to extend the time she could remain in human form.

Although it still wasn’t enough, unless she captured an alchemy master, she had already obtained everything she could for now.

After that, she began the process of refining her world of spells once again.

She couldn’t afford to fall victim to such a petty curse again.

Esther had a purpose.

A purpose she had to fulfill after overcoming the curse. There were two main things.

The first was revenge.

She needed to go and pierce the head of the bastard who had done this to her with a flaming arrow.

The second was different in nature, but it was her original, ultimate purpose for mastering magic.

‘The world must be ruled by spells.’

To recreate a new world through spells.

Even if it meant that thousands of humans and other races would die, nations would collapse, the land would rot, and lakes would turn black in the time of destruction.

‘If it must be done, then so be it.’

How long had she harbored this goal?

Was it during the time she was called the Witch of Fire?

Or was it when she was known as the Sage with Blue Eyes?

In any case, it was an ambition she had nurtured since then.

The world would be reshaped by magic, by spells, by mystery.

Grrr.

As Esther was lost in thought, she unconsciously bared her fangs slightly.

Even with such a display, the man paid no attention and simply raised his hand to pat her head.

“Are you sulking?”

However, she didn’t like his tone, so she gently bit his hand.

It should have hurt, but the blue eyes peeking through his black hair only smiled.

“It hurts, you brat.”

Though she still didn’t like his tone, she let it slide.

Seeing that smiling face, she couldn’t even get angry.

His appearance was undeniably beautiful.

Within Esther, there was a great, powerful will and determination to overturn the world.

She had nurtured and carried it with her all this time, but recently, her thoughts had started to change.

It was the first change in a hundred years.

If the curse was the beginning of the change, then this man was the end of it.

‘Why?’

Why is it that when I look at this man, I want to cheer for him?

Why do I want to see what lies ahead for him?

Why do I want to help him?

Why is it enjoyable to watch him wield his blade?

While she was lost in thought, the man left for a neighboring territory, and she thought he would return soon, but days passed, and he didn’t come back.

She was irritated at the thought of going to find him, and waiting around was equally nerve-wracking.

She needed to be in his arms. The energy of the curse needed to be suppressed again. But Esther first needed to organize her thoughts.

‘In the world of spells, distractions are poison.’

It could be an extremely dangerous poison.

Poison that affects the mind is twice as dangerous as that which harms the body. This was a fact proven by countless wizards.

As she cleared the poison from her mind and once again felt the need for the man’s calming presence, he finally returned quietly.

But without seeking her out or even looking for her, he went out again.

Apparently, a Frog had arrived, but why did he seem like he had been playing with the Fairy?

‘Why do I want to hit him?’

Esther didn’t understand why she felt this way, but she didn’t dwell on it too much either.

If this happened again, she decided to act on her feelings.

She was a witch, a wizard.

They are inherently whimsical. Selfish explorers whose own world of spells is their top priority.

It might have been inevitable that the man before her caught her curiosity.

‘How can he be like that?’

She had encountered dozens, even hundreds, of people who claimed to be skilled with the sword.

But never had she met anyone like this.

Even thinking back to the time when she was first called a witch, she couldn’t recall meeting anyone like him.

How could she not be intrigued?

“Want to go check out the market? I noticed they’re selling a lot of stuff.”

With those words, Esther stood up.

She had dispelled the poison that had entered her world of spells.

‘Follow your heart.’

That’s what she decided to do.

As the previously sullen Esther got up, Encrid picked her up into his arms.

“Going to the market? Then let’s go together.”

“What about the Frog?”

“Whatever it ate, it’s still in a daze. That drug is potent.”

“Did you find out what it was?”

As he adjusted Esther in his arms and stepped outside, he saw Rem beating up Dunbachel.

Audin and Teresa were also sitting idly by.

Should I take them with me?

The thought crossed his mind, but they all shook their heads.

“I’m seeking the answer to the Lord’s question.”

Audin mumbled some nonsense.

“I’m Teresa, the wanderer. It’s time for training. I need to prepare for the next sparring session.”

Teresa, who was as serious about training as he was, was drenched in sweat.

“I’m busy. Go play by yourself. Seriously, can’t you even go to the market alone without me? If someone saw, they might think I’m your father.”

Crazy Rem, that bastard.

Instead of emphasizing that he was older, Encrid simply gave Dunbachel a long look.

“Hit him hard. You can do it.”

As he offered his encouragement, the beastwoman’s eyes lit up like never before.

“At your command.”

“Huh? You’re crazy. Today, let’s have a truly exhilarating training session.”

Seeing that, Rem smiled broadly. It seemed he was excited now that his opponent was showing a will to fight.

A consistently crazy guy.

Jaxon was nowhere to be seen, and Ragna, rarely, was wielding his sword here and there, so Encrid didn’t dare to interrupt.

Thus, they set out for the market.

He bought some of Esther’s favorite spiced jerky and some marmalade.

This time, they also brought a few bread-making artisans from Martai, so there would be plenty to eat and see.

But that wasn’t all.

Previously, in his hasty comings and goings, he hadn’t noticed it, but now he realized,

“Doesn’t it seem like a lot has changed?”

Encrid said as he scratched behind Esther’s ear with his finger.

Esther, nestled in his arms with her chest puffed out, purred happily.

Krais responded indifferently to his Commander’s words.

“You can say that again.”

Indeed, things had changed.

Although he hadn’t paid much attention to the market before,

“Marcus, that guy… he’s really something else.”

It was meant in a good way. Krais succinctly summarized what he had heard and seen.

“He’s been spending Krona like a madman, like a foal with its tail on fire.”

Under the clear, cloudless sky, the sun shone down. It was exceptionally good weather for the North’s winter.

The number of people bustling around the market had increased several times over, and the inns were packed.

The inn known as Vanessa’ Pumpkin Soup was even expanding. Workers could be seen carrying wood and stone.

It wasn’t just happening at that inn.

The streets, the castle gates, the walls, and all sorts of buildings were bustling with activity. Crowds of people moved around in groups.

“I overheard something…”

As Krais continued talking, Encrid could picture the work that Battalion Commander Marcus had done.

“Let’s raise the watchtower a bit higher.”

“What?”

“And dig a moat in front of the inner castle gate.”

“…We don’t have enough manpower for that. And we don’t even have an outer wall.”

“Then we’ll make one.”

Marcus didn’t get angry at his adjutant’s words.

He had a lot of experience, and he didn’t think everyone around him was smart.

‘It would be strange if everyone were like Encrid.’

In fact, most people are foolish. Idiots. Marcus knew that well.

So, he didn’t bother explaining further.

“Send out the troops from the barracks.”

“What?”

“Weren’t a lot of mercenaries coming from outside? Hire them all and put them to work digging.”

It started in a corner of the office. Marcus’s will was clear, and his direction was firm.

He didn’t tolerate any dissent.

“Raise the watchtower.”

The moat and watchtower were built simultaneously.

The slums on the outskirts of the territory were demolished.

All the displaced were employed as laborers.

“From now on, those who don’t work won’t eat or sleep.”

What about those who resisted? How dare they.

A single word from the Border Guard Battalion Commander now could even bring down birds from the sky. Even a dragon would lose a scale or two.

All the battles he had fought alongside Encrid had given him this power.

Moreover, the territory had recently emerged as a trading hub, causing a sharp increase in internal taxes.

In other words, the territory was becoming wealthy.

Marcus did pocket a little for himself, but he reinvested most of it.

They dug a moat, but instead of doing something insane like filling it with water, they just dug it deep.

It was enough to prevent siege engines or close-range siege weapons from approaching.

Bringing in water was something they could do later.

They also dug a few more wells. This had been started long ago.

It was something he had begun even before the influx of people. When the population grows, water and food issues must be addressed first. Marcus did just that.

And he kept moving forward relentlessly.

“Train archers. If you find any mercenaries who are good with a bow, persuade them to join the army.”

He also implemented a bold talent acquisition strategy.

“They say they won’t come unless we hire the entire mercenary group they lead…”

“Bring them all. Give them some gold coins.”

There was plenty of gold to spare. They had taken Martai, and earlier, they had won the fight against Aspen.

For the time being, there was no need to worry about an attack from Aspen, making this place a safe zone.

Naturally, trading companies and merchants began to gather.

And the mercenary groups needed to protect them entered the territory.

Thus, the Krona flowed freely. It was only a matter of time before the Lord of the territory at the center of it all became incredibly wealthy.

Radical training for archers.

In addition, training warhorses.

Expanding watchtowers and fortifications.

They spent Krona as if there was no end to it.

And there was no shortage of talent either.

“Aren’t there some of those guys who were defeated by Encrid still around?”

There were many of them.

Some who heard the rumors, got involved, and then stayed.

Some who got scared after witnessing the fight and awkwardly lingered behind.

There were more who stayed than those who left.

Normally, these would be troublemakers or potential criminals.

“Round them all up.”

They were made into slaves to gold.

First, they were given Krona and brought in.

Expanding the barracks was a given.

It was something already in progress. However, it wasn’t something that could be done entirely from this side.

“Contact the Northern Battalion.”

The Border Guard Reserve Unit originally had two battalions.

One had already set out and built a barracks near Aspen, where they were stationed.

They were laying the foundation to establish a new territory altogether.

Within the reach of gold coins, Marcus did everything he could.

Krais was both impressed and bewildered by how excellent Marcus was as an administrator, politician, and skilled manager.

“And so, now it’s like this.”

The number of watchtowers increased to sixteen, the castle walls were being repaired, and during the construction of the moat, countless arrows were purchased.

Not just regular bows, but also composite bows were acquired.

Every single penny earned was being used for the defense and development of the territory.

“Someone must have died in the process.”

Encrid imagined what might have happened in Marcus’s office and asked.

Just because orders are given doesn’t mean everything goes smoothly. The administrative work, processing, and organization beneath it all are no small tasks.

Krais nodded.

“Of course. The Commander of the Heavy Infantry Company collapsed two days ago. Even the nobles who were somewhat competent were on the verge of being ground down.”

Marcus’s specialty.

Neither Encrid nor Krais had known, but Marcus’s specialty was working people to the bone.

He utilized his specialty to the fullest.

Once known as “Millstone Marcus” within his family, he was now able to unleash his abilities without restraint.

The territory of the Border Guard was changing rapidly, almost dazzlingly so.

It was surprising, yet also the natural order of things.

When people, Krona, and capable individuals come together, this is the result.

As Encrid looked around the market that had changed so much, he saw that there were indeed a lot of people.

And among those people was someone who suddenly thrust a knife into his side.

Feeling the blade slip in, Encrid grabbed the wrist of the assailant.

Esther half-opened her eyes.

In front of them was a hunchback who appeared to be bowing.

He was an assassin.