Chapter 14: In His Highness' Service (3) | The Hundred Reigns
Dassein, second son of Overlord Balzam Magnos, was a lion of a man.
It had been over a year since Simon last saw his half-brother, but he hadn't changed a bit; he was still the same six and a half foot tall titan of pure muscles that towered over most men. His mane of red hair fell upon the sides of his square face and scarred jaw, being tied in a braid on his back. His eyes, the family's pale shade of grey, carried a young father's warmth and a general's hardness in equal measure. He had welcomed Simon in his castle's courtyard while clad in the golden armor of his Noble Rider Class, the only one in the world.
Simon and Agnes Firewand watched him swing his enormous claymore, Gurgurant, which five normal men would be incapable of lifting, with a single hand. The blow threw three soldiers back with such violence that their knightly Class outfits dispelled in an instant.
This caused Dassein to scowl and call upon men in the audience. "Healers!"
"We are fine, Your Highness…" one of the men lied, even as he failed to stand back up on his own two feet. "We can still… still fight…"
"You have nothing to prove, soldier," Dassein chastised him. "You fought well, all of you, and I will not have you suffer lasting wounds during a training bout. There is no shame in accepting treatment."
Simon turned to Agnes. "Would you kindly heal them?"
"Yes, Your Highness," she replied, being careful to only call him His Majesty in private as ordered. Agnes waved a hand at the soldiers—not even bothering to change into her Class outfit—and bathed them in green light. The glow quickly erased their bruises and eased their exhaustion.
"You have my thanks, the both of you," Dassein said with a nod of approval. "It had been a while, Simon. How is Lauriane doing?"
"Busy, and missing you… as is Anna." Simon chuckled. "She asked me to chastise you for refusing all her dinner invitations."
"Which I sincerely regret," Dassein replied with a heavy, auroch-like sigh. "I didn't even have the time to do the academy introduction speech. I've had my hands full with the beastmen and… other matters." He gave Simon a long, hard look as if to confirm they understood each other, then moved on. "Tell her I'll try to visit her next month."
"I will, although I admit I'm not here for Anna."
"So I've heard. What's all this talk about you joining my troops in the field?"
Simon presented his half-brother with his Gladiator Crestone. "Agnes has kindly lent it to me, and I would like to level-up quickly. I figured joining your soldiers out on missions would let me gain experience quickly."
Dassein frowned. "To help protect Anna, or to protect yourself from Thalas?"
"Both," Simon replied with undisguised annoyance. He had hoped the hunt for Casval would have caused Euphemia to send her awful son away from the academy, but he had unfortunately shown up the day before anyway. "I'm sick of him."
"I know he is a handful to deal with, and I still have no idea why he loathes you so much, but you shouldn't escalate things with him," Dassein advised. Although he was closer to the War Party than the Church one, he wasn't a fanatical supporter either. "I fear all this bickering and politicking in the family will spiral out of control. We would be better off uniting against our enemies abroad. A closed fist will always beat an open palm whose fingers stretch in all directions."
"Well, tell that to Thalas. I seek no quarrel with him." For this reign at least. "I just want to be able to defend myself if it comes to it."
"I see..." Dassein crossed his arms. "Unfortunately, I will have to decline your demand."
Simon scowled in disappointment. "Why?"
"Our current strategy to deal with the beastmen tribes is to divide and conquer," Dassein explained. "We extract tributes from those willing to bend the knee, raid those that do not, encourage strife with preferential trade agreements so they do not ally against us, and step in as arbiters once they've all exhausted themselves fighting each other. I hope to pacify all of Telluria within a few years with this strategy at a minimum cost to our forces, but it is a very complicated diplomatic dance."
"And you cannot trust a newcomer in the ballroom because you don't want them stepping on anyone else's toes."
"Yes. I would have gladly agreed had you received more extensive military training under my command, but I cannot dispatch a new recruit anywhere sensitive without extensive drilling." Dassein smiled thinly. "However, I can think of another way for you to level-up quickly in your current situation."
Simon's heart skipped a beat in his chest. "Which is?"
"Boys," Dassein told his men. "Bring him the bounties."
Simon understood the moment a soldier brought him a pile of wanted posters.
Bounties in the empire usually fell into two categories: criminals on the run, and monsters preying on merchant routes or communities. Most were wanted dead or alive, with very few exceptions, and claiming the reward usually involved bringing back a body part that imperial diviners would then use to confirm the target's death.
The empire had a very strict system in place to avoid incidents or mishaps. The state had to validate a bounty—usually from a judge or guilds who had been wronged by the target—with a baseline reward, after which any private citizen or organization could contribute to the common pot. Anyone wishing to claim a reward needed an official license, which usually involved registering with the military and a long vetting process. Few people even passed it without a Crestone.
"You would grant me an official license?" Simon asked, dumbfounded. "Just like that?"
"I wouldn't have considered it if you didn't have Firewand by your side, but she's more than over-qualified to deal with these small fry and keep you alive," Dassein replied. "I will also grant you a special authorization to skip certain courses at the academy so you can focus on your hunts."
That's an even better deal than joining the army, Simon thought while he checked over the posters. I'll be able to fight without supervision, and thus level-up in the Overlord Class undetected.
Casval had his own poster, much to Simon's immense amusement. He was only wanted alive and carried a large six-figure bounty sure to bring every professional bounty hunter in the empire after him.
"Everyone is after that man, my own troops included, so these local troublemakers have been left mostly unchecked." Dassein drew three posters from the pile. "They'll be worth their weight in gold and experience alike."
Redhand, Marilith Bandit Queen
Threat Estimation: Rank B
Reward: 2,000 gold coins (plus one gold coin per allied Redhand scalefolk scalp).
A rare, six-armed lamia matriarch of the Scalefolk Tribe has gathered a large bandit group raiding imperial patrols. Locals have taken to calling the bandits 'Redhands,' from the shape of their markings. The lamia herself is suspected to possess a fighting-oriented Vassal Class of some kind and is extremely dangerous. Engage with caution.
The Horse-Eater Ogre
Threat Estimation: Rank C
Reward: 1,500 gold coins.
An abnormally large ogre, roughly fifteen to sixteen feet tall, has developed an appetite for horse flesh. It raids both merchant caravans and members of the Centaur Federation allied with the Empire of Endymion, who have petitioned the army for assistance; you may receive local assistance in your hunt by contacting Lyncia of the Centaur Federation.
Hellhound of Marsile
Threat Estimation: Rank D
Reward: 1,000 gold coins (plus one silver for every wolf pelt).
The imperial army wishes to open a new trade route between the settlements of Marsile and Bramimonde, but a hellhound has turned the area into its territory. The creature leads an abnormally large pack of at least a hundred wolves and feral dogs that prey on beasts and men alike. The animals are expected to scatter once the beast is dead.
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"What does the threat estimation scale represent?" Simon asked Dassein. "Their level?"
"Sort of. Rank D would be the equivalent of a criminal with a Class level between 1 and 20; a rank C threat, between 21 and 40; rank B would be between 41 and 60, and so on, with E being weak enough to be handled by people without Classes."
Since Agnes out-leveled all these creatures, Simon could confront them with a safety net and gain some experience. It was simply perfect.
"I will give you copies of the reports we received on all these bounties, to make your hunt easier," Dassein added. "I can also grant you access to military-grade gear and weapons to complement your Class."
"That's… that's more help than I'd hoped," Simon replied, overwhelmed with gratitude. He had almost forgotten how good it felt to interact with a truly pleasant brother. "I don't know what to say."
"I will be the one thanking you once you clean up all these messes for me. You'll make the region safer for everyone, too." Dassein smiled warmly. "To be honest, I'm very happy with your initiative, Simon. I feared you wouldn't amount to much, considering you spent all your days with your nose stuck in books, so I'm glad you've taken steps to improve and better yourself. You'll find yourself a wife in no time at this rate."
"Quicker than you, Your Highness!" one soldier joked, which caused all the others to burst out laughing; none louder than Dassein himself.
"See how they rub it in, Simon?" Dassein patted his half-brother on the shoulder. "Take care, and bring glory to House Magnos."
"That's the plan."
"I must protest, Your Highness," Leonard said when Simon and Agnes returned to the academy to announce their intentions to depart immediately for a bounty hunt. "At least allow one of us to accompany you."
"Firewand will be more than enough to protect me should the need arise," Simon replied. "Until then, I need someone here to keep an eye on Eole, Lorimor, and Anna."
While he hadn't yet found a use for Eole, since she refused to share anything about her people and culture, he had given Lorimor a handful of documents from Duchar's archive to study. The man would be more useful working at the academy than dispatched out into the field. Most importantly, Simon intended to use the bounty hunt to practice with his Overlord Class, so the fewer eyewitnesses, the better.
"Your Highness, please," Meredith insisted. "Your father will have our heads if anything happens to you. We do not doubt Lady Firewand's abilities, but…"
"I simply cannot understand why Your Highness wouldn't want more bodyguards on a difficult mission," Leonard said before giving Simon a long, hard look. "Unless, of course, you wish to level-up in a Class whose existence you feel you cannot trust us with."
Simon froze in shock, but quickly regained his composure and held Leonard's stare for a very, very long time. The tension was palpable, with Meredith straightening up.
"I knew the moment Your Highness resisted the shifter songstress' attempt at enthralling your mind without wearing any magical item," Leonard said. "A passive Perk of some kind was the only possible explanation, and the Gladiator Class offers no protection against mental effects."
"What makes you think she tried?" Simon replied, noting that Leonard used the term 'shifter' rather than beastwoman.
"Because I would have tried in her place, and because Your Highness insisted on meeting her alone after I warned him of the possibility, probably as a test of loyalty; a test which she likely failed, considering your orders to keep her under close surveillance."
The man was far too sharp for his own good. It was the second time he had guessed that Simon owned a Class based on limited information. His deductions were as annoying as they were impressive.
"I am not certain what Your Highness wishes to hide, but you need not fear anything from us," Leonard insisted. "Our oath is to you and your father, the Overlord. We would not betray your secrets under the pain of death and torture."
"Is that so? Then let me ask you a hypothetical question." Simon studied the man's face. "What if I knew a secret I didn't want the Overlord to know? Something that you knew the Overlord should be informed of? Would you tell him, or not?"
"Yes, I would." Leonard raised an eyebrow ever so slightly. "Does Your Highness have such a secret?"
At least he was honest. "And if my father were to die and say, Thalas, were to inherit the Overlord's throne?"
Leonard smiled thinly. "I find that an unlikely prospect, Your Highness."
"I agree," Simon replied with a chuckle, "but hypothetically, if a man as ill-suited as Thalas were to become the Overlord and I knew a secret I didn't want him to know, but that he should… would you betray my secret to him?"
"Yes, of course."
Leonard didn't even hesitate, which only strengthened Simon's respect for him. It was nice to have people clear about their loyalties.
"What of you, Meredith?" Simon inquired. "Would you inform Thalas?"
"I…" Meredith cleared her throat. "With all due respect to Your Highness… yes, I would. My oath is to the office, not the man."
"So you would follow the Overlord, no matter who they are?"
"Yes. The Overlord is Endymion itself, whose will is law."
Simon pondered what to make of this. He was starting to wonder how long he could keep the Overlord Class a secret from his men-at-arms. Leonard consistently guessed something was afoot within days through mere observation, and Meredith had already followed him to Duchar's home in the previous reign. Not telling them anything would only cause them to grow more suspicious and act in ways he couldn't foresee. It might be better to give them information now, but in a way that gave him leverage over them.
Moreover, his father had picked these two to become his men-at-arms while knowing Simon was set to inherit the Overlord Class. The old man had anticipated his death well enough to leave breadcrumbs for his successor. There had to be a reason why he chose these two. If they were truly more loyal to the Overlord's office rather than anyone who held the position… then Father might have put them on Simon's path so they would help train him.
Simon decided to take the risk, albeit with some insurance on the side.
"My true Class is a carefully guarded state secret," Simon said, surprising his men-at-arms. "I will need special guarantees that you cannot spill it to anyone."
Meredith cleared her throat. "If Your Highness wants an oath from us–"
"Words are wind. If you truly want to know, then I will cast a curse upon you both. A spell that will punish you with death if you reveal anything to anyone outside this room. Are you truly sure you want that?"
It wasn't entirely a bluff. The Brand of Sloth's description said it would inflict 'heavy damage' on the bearer should Simon decide to remove it. He hadn't had the opportunity to test out that feature yet, but it might very well slay its host.
Leonard and Meredith briefly exchanged a glance, then nodded at once.
"Then kneel, and close your eyes," Simon ordered. His men-at-arms obeyed without any complaint, so he moved behind them. "This is your last chance to turn back without any shame. Do you accept the cursed mark? Nothing can remove it once applied."
"I am ready, Your Highness," Leonard replied.
"As I am," Meredith said.
Let's cross that bridge then. Simon briefly donned his Overlord outfit, his men-at-arms wincing when they sensed the miasma exuding from him, and then applied the Brands of Sloth to each of them on a spot close to the heart. If the damage of removing them focused on the mark's area, then it would likely kill them.
Level 11 Perk: Devour Crestone I (Active): You can consume a Crestone–destroying it utterly–to permanently gain one of the Perks you've unlocked with its associated Class; once selected, the chosen Perk will then replace Devour Crestone I across your reigns.
Oh, a new Overlord level? Then again, he could feel the Class' delight at claiming new servants. A ruler thrived on the size and quality of their retinue–
Wait.
DevourCrestones?
Simon reread the notification for a moment as the implications dawned upon him, then quickly forced himself to focus back on the present moment.
"You may now open your eyes and turn around," Simon said. His retainers obeyed, with Meredith gasping in shock upon seeing him wearing the Overlord armor. Leonard's response was more subdued, but the shock was written all over his gaze. "You see me as I am: your lord and master."
"You are…" Meredith covered her mouth with her hand. "But then it means His Majesty is–"
"Alive, as far as the world is concerned," Simon replied through telepathy to both of his retainers, startling them. "From now on then, there shall be no betrayal. That information shall remain a strict secret until I am ready to ascend to the Crimson Throne."
Well, he had no intention to take it at all, but the thought that they were protecting Endymion's future sovereign ought to delight these two. This position would bring them great prestige, and sensing his presence in their minds should dissuade them from sharing his secrets.
"I see… I understand your need for secrecy and your desire to gain levels better now, Your Majesty," Leonard said before coughing. "Forgive me, but I must ask: did you–"
"No," Simon replied, anticipating Leonard's question. "My father's death is no sin of mine."
"His Late Majesty was assassinated by an outsider who remains unidentified," Agnes Firewand said. "His Current Majesty was chosen as the heir in secret as a precaution, though I was not aware of it until today."
It surprised Simon that she would come to his assistance without prompting. Did her slave mark compel her to assist the Overlord and not simply obey his orders or defend him? It served him well in any case.
"I suspect my father selected the two of you to protect me until the day I am ready to rule," Simon said, assessing his two retainers. "Was he right to think so?"
"Y-yes, of course!" Meredith immediately knelt at his feet. "Your secret is safe with us until the day you seize the Crimson Throne."
"My oath remains unchanged," Leonard added as he bowed. "You are the Overlord. My sword is yours, Your Majesty."
"I shall count on it." And betrayal would carry severe consequences during this reign and future ones. Simon cancelled his Class outfit to reduce the chances of his miasma being detected. "The curse will manifest as a brand on your back. You are forbidden to show it to anyone outside the people already in this room."
"I can sense a coldness crawling on my back," Meredith muttered under her breath. "It touches my very soul."
"It shall bring you a few benefits," Simon said. "Serve me well and you shall be richly rewarded."
There, the carrot and the stick. Father would be proud.
"You're both dismissed for now," Simon informed his retainers. He watched them leave his quarters without a word, and prayed to the Light he hadn't made a huge mistake when they closed the door behind them. "Have you ever seen one of my predecessors devour a Crestone, Agnes?"
"Lord Gargauth ate the Paladin Noble Crestone after the Fifth White Unicorn Rebellion, to prevent another rebel from gaining its powers," Agnes confirmed. "The Crestone was stuck in his belly for two decades until your father slew his predecessor and freed the Class by slicing Lord Gargauth's stomach open."
This implied that Gargauth had tried and failed to consume the Paladin Crestone. Was it because the Paladin was the Overlord's natural enemy, or because it was a Noble Class? Maybe the Devour Crestone Perk only worked on Vassal Crestones? Simon couldn't be certain until he tried.
If Simon understood the Perk correctly, he could absorb one Perk from the Gladiator Class which he had already unlocked, and make it an Overlord one by sacri