Chapter 12: Return to Italica

In Dolvan's shop, Ray arrives and drops 60% of the dragon's material in the warehouse beloy the shop. In exchange, he obtained exactly 100 kg of each mithril, Orichalcum and Orichalcum-Mithril alloy. While for Adamantine, Dolven only managed to procure 60kg of them.

Do remember that Adamantine is very dense and heavy. Ray's own chunk alone is around 8 kg. The Adamantine that Dolvan procured also isn't a pure Adamantine like Ray's own. Dolvan estimates that 12% of the ore is impurities but this amount is enough to infuse a full set of armor and leave him with some for his experimentation.

After the trade was finished, they returned to the surface again and Arpeggio this time suggested the Forest of High Elves because they produce Magisteel, a special alloy that is mainly made up of iron but mixed with Orichalcum and magic crystal. A special material that defies common sense and is able to conduct mana with great efficiency.

"The forest is approximately 10 times the distance between Rondel to this Dwarven city. We also have to pass through the Mountain Range of Ice and Snow or risk passing through the Head-hunting Rabbit's territory." Arpeggio points out the places on the map to give me an idea of the location.

"Isn't Head-hunting Rabbit the warrior bunnies? Surely that path is safer than the Mountain Range that is infested with ogres and trolls." I argue but Arpeggio simply shook her head.

"You are not wrong but not correct either. The Plain that warrior bunny tribes live in is indeed safe but their residents aren't very welcoming toward any humans unless you are an Apostle or worshipper of gods. This is due to the invasion of Emperor Molt that caused the conflict between our races. Humans are almost always be killed on the spot by the warrior bunny."

"The recent weakening of the empire gives them a chance to raise a revolt against their oppressor. I don't find it weird if they suddenly declare war on the empire since there is news that all the tribes had formed an alliance."

"So, either risk being attacked by the combined warrior bunny tribes or a harsh environment with fewer enemies to deal with." I rub my chin while focusing on the satellite to give me a view of both places.

The plain indeed has a lot of warrior bunny tribes and is almost impossible to go unnoticed because their settlements are more to the left of the plain. All paths that lead to the High Elves Forest are blocked by them.

The Mountain Range however only has a sparse population of monsters but the harsh terrain means that passing through it would be very difficult unless he travels through the air.

Suddenly while he was checking on the satellite, he saw a large crowd of army marching from the Imperial capital to Italica. He checked closer and saw row upon row of infantry, cavalry, monsters and siege machine around 3 day away from Italica since their numbers are very large.

He quickly contacts Kaine, the head maid, using a servant drone similar to Servitor in function. This is the agreement between him and Kaine to contact each other in case of emergency.

A screen appeared in his interface and saw the surprised face of Kaine. She was in the kitchen when Ray contacted him and it's almost afternoon, she is probably preparing meals for the residents of the mansion.

"Lord Ray?" Her expression turned grim because she knew there was an emergency if Ray contacted her this way.

"Has anything happened to the capital recently?" I ask in a hurried tone which further enforces the fact that something bad is about to happen.

"Yes, Lord Ray. The capital recently had a turmoil when Prince Zorzal replaced Emperor Molt as the first born. We didn't know yet the reason since it's been only a day since it happened and the capital hasn't released any official news about it." Kaine replied while several figures of other maids are seen peeking behind her.

"I just saw an army marching from the capital toward Italica. Maybe my recent actions stepped on someone's toes and now are retaliating. Told Myui to raise the security to highest for possible war and wait for my return. I will return immediately now." I said while gritting my teeth.

"Yes Lord Ray." Kaine bow respectfully before the transmission ended.

The nobles and royalty of the empire cannot give me time to rest. First Cheshire and now they target Italica.

The empire is like a lion, when it is hungry, it will not feel thankful for being spared before and will attack again. Better shatter its pride, pluck out all of its fang and claw. Make sure to cripple it through and through.

He had been avoiding conflict with the empire but if they keep provoking him then he will not hesitate to unleash his fury. He will stack up corpses like he did in tutorial world and Mission. The word 'conscience' no longer exists to him since his mind views his enemies the same as he views the undead. An existence that he needs to cleanse from the world without mercy since they are 'sick' and too late to be saved.

Little did he know, his mindset had already changed since his transmigration. His moral and sense of justice was nonexistent even before his death and he followed the principle of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

If the empire wants to seek death then he will give them death.

…

"Sorry Arpeggio but I have to drop you here, on Alnus Hill. You can seek your sister there or return to Rondel and I will pay you extra 100 gold coins as compensation for the abrupt end of our trip." I told her after she exited the car.

"Ah, I don't mind it. The trip was fruitful enough for me and you have been generous to me. I wish you luck in your battle." Arpeggio grabbed her robe tightly and wanted to say something but ended up swallowing back the words and accepting the pouch of gold I offered to her.

"I might be a people of the empire but I don't support this meaningless war. So, I hope that you will be victorious." Arpeggio said before walking away quickly to the small town next to the JSDF base before I could reply back.

I sighed and understood that she might have affection for me. Not purely out of love and having interest in my wealth but she is genuinely in love rather than faking it for my money like a gold digger.

Unfortunately I simply have no intention of being in a relationship. Yet.

I quickly continue the rest of the trip back to Italica at the fastest speed this car can go. It was afternoon when I left the Dwarven city and I arrived at Italica at night, a few hours after sunset.

The whole city is on high alert. Turrets that are usually hidden in the wall are now activated and ready to defend the city from its invader. People who are afraid of being involved in the war are leaving through the gate and mostly being merchants who only seek profit in the city rather than settling down.

When I arrived at Formal Clan Mansion, a human shaped cannon ball hit me as soon as I exited the car.

"Sigh, I apologize for her unbecoming act but Lady Myui was very excited for your return when I informed her about your return." Kaine bowed slightly to apologize before peeling away Myui, hugging me and sniffing my scent like a dog meeting its long lost owner.

Myui protested against Kaine and hug me tighter and I feel guilty because this caused my my stupid title. She became obsessed with being dedicated to me and having me missing for almost a week made her like a crack addict on withdrawal finally get another dose. I wonder what will happen if I leave for a longer time. She might become insane by the artificial feeling forced to her.

"It's okay Kaine. Let's get inside first." I ordered which Kaine nodded and we went in with Myui still glued to me.

I rub Myui head which made her slowly relax and raised her head to look at me. Only then did I notice that her eyes were wet from tears.

"Please don't leave Myui again. Please? Myui will do everything Brother Ray asks and Myui promises to obey to the last letters. So, please don't leave Myui." She said with very small volume, almost like a whisper.

With another sigh, I nodded to reassure her while I slowly rubbed her head and carried her in my arm. Thankfully Cheshire seems to understand something isn't right and didn't pester me to do the same to her since she always wants the same treatment I gave Myui.

I didn't notice that Yao went missing after I entered the mansion. I shrugged and put that thought to the side. She is probably checking on the city as she usually does when I didn't need her help.

After I enter the study room, I take a seat on the mahogany chair while still comforting Myui who rested on my chest while Cheshire wanted to join and sat on my other unoccupied thigh.

"Should I prepare refreshments, Lord Ray?" Kaine asked but I waved to tell her no.

"No need."

"Are you aware about the details of the Italica's military? I remember that we should have around 200 active soldiers before I left."

"Yes, Lord Ray. I always accompany and assist Lady Myui with the paperwork and governing tasks. The number of active soldiers is 250. All well trained using the VR device that Lord Ray provided to learn to fight with guns. They are rough between the edges compared to a knight in fighting but their weapons can compensate for their lack of experience."

"Besides, the weapons that Lord Ray provided are so magical that anyone that can pull the trigger can kill well trained empire soldiers."

"Hmn, good then. We will evacuate all the merchants and tourists while our citizens are welcome to assist the defence if they want. I am very confident that our walls are impregnable to the empire's soldiers with the exception of their mages." I stated to reassure Kaine. She might look uncaring to the incoming army but she is very worried about Myui's wellbeing.

After a short talk, I dismissed Kaine and decided to continue checking the satellite to spy on the army and locate their weakness. This continued to the morning and both Myui and Cheshire fell asleep on me despite how uncomfortable it would be.

Myui even had a nightmare when she became restless and heartbeat increased very high. She whispers words to stop me from leaving or why I leave her.

This made me even more guilty. After she caught my arm and hugged it in vice grip, she stopped having nightmares.

Perhaps I treated her too harshly when I simply escaped and left her behind because I didn't want to deal with it. This is my fault then…

Damn that bastard creator!

…

*Achoo!*

"Are you alright husband?"

"Ah, I am alright, Shinano. Maybe someone is talking about me."

"I see, then, let's quickly finish this paperwork before Scáthach returns from training Ddraig and Albion."

"Uh hu, let's keep it up! Only two stacks left." The man said while looking at the two towering stacks of paper.

"Yes~ *yawn* I will help give you emotional support instead because I am too sleepy right now." The 9 tailed fox woman, Shinano said before dropping to the table and instantly fell asleep.

"Wait, there are two more stacks. Please help me just a little longer, Shinano."

Then Ravel entered the room.

"Oh, you still have time to mess around instead of doing paperwork huh. Here, I have more that you missed." Ravel drops 14 more stacks with a flick of finger before leaving.

His face hit the table as his face became dull with hopelessness and his soul leaving through his mouth from the neverending paperwork.

—————

(Notes: This Ray has a real name and Ray is just a short form. Real name is Raymond D'Angelo but he disliked his birth name and got obsessed with anime and wanted cool edgy names from anime. When he grows older, he simply gets used to calling himself Ray since his full name is quite mouthful to say.)

(The name meaning is Angel of Protection. Raymond=protection and D'Angelo=angel.)