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121. The Golden Statue of Marge

「According to werewolf lore, dwarves were already heavy drinkers back when they lived in these woods—long before they had any endemic skills. They still managed to make excellent tools and weapons through sheer blacksmithing skill. So I’m not saying you’re wrong, but… even when they couldn’t hear metal talking, they drank. A lot.」

「Wha…?」

「Back then, they just blamed it on ‘bad ore quality’ or whatever. So I think the drinking came first, and the excuses came later.」

「I have no idea what you’re talking about～」

「Most damning evidence? The village brewery is already empty.」

「I know nothing. Absolutely nothing～」

「Okay, let’s change the subject. I’ll put in an order with Guran for more alcohol. In the meantime, let’s hear what you and Shizuku came back for.」

It seemed best to change the subject, so I decided to ask about Shizuku and the others’ business. When I gave a look prompting a report, Bellman was the first to speak.

「Perhaps it’s because I’ve been diving into the Farthest Ends of the Blue, but it seems the dungeon has resumed its growth.」

「The power of the dungeon’s ‘king’ is increasing, is that it?」

「Most likely. It won’t be long before Vritra’s egg hatches.」

That was good news. The egg had properly settled in and begun functioning as the core of the dungeon. The next challenge would be whether the newborn could coexist with humans.

「Got it. Good work, Bellman.」

「Marge-dono, if I may… There’s something I’ve long wanted to ask but never quite managed to.」

「What is it?」

After a brief pause for dramatic effect, Bellman began speaking with his signature theatrical flair. It was probably meant to express sorrow.

「Why, when you were in that city overflowing with gold, didn’t you bring more back with you!?」

「Oh, that. I brought back enough to cover the village’s material needs, didn’t I? If I’d hauled back too much without thinking, it could’ve crashed the value of gold. I thought that amount was reasonable. The dwarves gave me some, too.」

「That’s not the point! If you had that much gold—」

Bellman pointed emphatically toward the center of the village, where the usual bustle of villagers could be seen.

「We could’ve built a Golden Statue of Marge right there!」

「A golden」

「Statue of Marge」

Koe-san and I ended up reacting in perfect sync.

A golden statue of me.

A statue of myself made entirely of gold. That was… well, a pretty extravagant thought.

「…Wouldn’t it just get in the way of foot traffic?」

I thought it was a reasonable reaction, but Bellman practically fell over.

「Y-Your disregard for appearances is part of what makes you virtuous, Marge-dono! But sometimes, a symbol that clearly conveys a ruler’s dignity is essential…」

Bellman launched into a passionate speech about the importance of royal statues. I could tell he meant well—his intentions were good. I got that much.

「Still, let’s skip the golden statue. I get what you’re saying, though, so I’ll think of something.」

「Please do. In politics, a symbol can speak louder than words. I truly, deeply implore you.」

「You’re being unusually insistent today. Did something happen?」

When I asked, Bellman lowered his voice.

「Actually…」

His posture made it clear this wasn’t something just anyone should hear.

Bellman had once served as captain of an elite unit under Duke Abik. Even now, while living in the village, he maintained outside connections. He occasionally brought in intel from the government or military, and this seemed to be one of those times.

「…Lately, things in the capital have been getting rather tense.」

「The capital? You mean something happened with the royal family?」

「Yes. It seems there’s internal strife. One faction has brought down several ministers—some may even be targeted for assassination.」

「A power struggle, then.」

「There’s even talk that the knight order is involved. From what I hear, the royal palace is on the brink of erupting.」

A political power struggle at the heart of the kingdom, taking place far, far away. It was not something we could afford to ignore.

This was, of course, a matter that concerned the entire country—but the biggest reason was that the ruling Abik ducal family was originally of royal blood.

They had lost political power in a power struggle several generations ago, but they likely still held royal succession rights. A civil conflict could easily spread to this region.

「This could be a crisis… or an opportunity.」

「So you see it that way as well.」

「Yeah. With Duke Abik at the helm, the Abik Territory and Vita-Tama have become places where demi-humans and humans can live apart in peace.」

「Indeed.」

「If, just if…」

If—Duke Abik were to become King Abik, this nation would change dramatically.

I didn’t say it aloud, but Bellman seemed to catch the implication.

「When we consider that potential future, the dignity and prestige of a ‘king of the demi-humans’ cannot be overlooked. Gold is the clearest way to project authority.」

「I understand. I appreciate your concern. I can’t promise anything using gold, but I’ll come up with something.」

「That would be wise.」

「Keep at it. Let me know if you get any more intel.」

「Of course. I shall never let my ears grow dull.」

With that, Bellman stepped back, and the second report came from Shizuku.

「After diving into the Farthest Ends of the Blue, I’ve realized something. I really don’t think that place is the ‘Womb of the Star’ that birthed the werewolves.」