The nobles left in the hall were frozen in fear.
I stood at the center of the bloodstained chamber, casting a cold gaze over them.
「Hear me, nobles.」
I spoke with a harsh tone.
「This is the fate of traitors. I will use any means necessary for the sake of the nation’s advancement. You have two paths before you. Obey my policies and become the foundation of a new era, or resist and be erased.」
Stepping over the blood-drenched floor, I walked toward the doors.
「This time, I will spare the rest of you. Go back and spread the word. A new era has come to the Warrior Kingdom of Bernada.」
Without looking back, I walked away.
-0-
Three days later.
After traveling several routes on horseback, I passed through steep mountain paths.
A small settlement came into view, nestled in the valley.
――The mountain mining settlement of Korbeck.
Stone houses stood humbly along the slopes of the mountain.
At the center stood a large excavation facility.
A short distance from the settlement was a town.
That town was the true body of the area, and Korbeck was no more than a temporary mining village.
At the entrance of the settlement stood a rugged man with a thick beard.
Behind him stood a group of guards.
「Your Majesty. Welcome to Korbeck. I am Bozes Rodei, the mining manager.」
The bearded man bowed deeply.
His body, hardened by mining labor, radiated raw strength.
「It is an honor to receive you. Our village is but a small mining settlement, but we shall provide the best hospitality we can.」
I dismounted and gave a nod to Bozes.
「I’m here for an inspection. I want a detailed report on the ores being mined here.」
A shadow flickered across Bozes’s face for a brief moment.
「Yes… Allow me to escort you to the lodging.」
Bozes began walking.
The lodging was the largest stone building in the settlement.
Though simple, the interior was kept clean.
A fireplace sat unlit in the corner.
At Bozes’s command, tea was brought in.
Then he began to speak.
「Your Majesty. The truth is, this mine is facing a serious problem.」
「I see.」
「For the past three years, a certain monster has taken up residence in the mid-levels of the mine.」
I took a slow sip of tea.
「Tell me about this monster in detail.」
Bozes nodded and let out a heavy sigh before explaining.
「Grado Behemoth… A massive red beast-shaped monster.」
「Grado Behemoth.」
The name rang a bell.
It was a formidable enemy well-known even in the game.
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