Reincarnation of a Hunter Chapter 41 - Adding Fuel to the Fire

⚔️

 

Undead or Walking Dead.

Mostly refers to zombies, but sometimes includes ghouls as well.

However, unlike zombies, which lack humanity, ghouls are still ‘people.’ The problem is that they are physically dead, devoid of guilt.

Ah, they also go around killing people.

And eating them. Anyway. 

 

I asked the priests of the Sun God religion again, “You’re saying they turned them into ghouls?”

“Not exactly ghouls, but something similar, I heard. They said their reason remains intact.”

 

Maintaining humanity through mana?
Of course, that makes no sense. Even in my past life, there were numerous experiments, and no matter whatn method was used, dead people remained ‘corpses.’

‘They must have used some trick. Either that or it’s a scam.’

 

In a world where gods exist, trying to defy divine providence—these people must be insane.

Even ghouls, beings permitted by the gods, harm humans.

What do the devotees of Hela hope to gain by creating such beings?

If they’re lucky, they’ll only be insulted by other religions, but they might also face persecution.

‘Regardless, it’s best to keep an eye on the movements of Hela’s followers.’

 

I can’t just turn a blind eye to something that reeks of conspiracy. At the very least, I’ve decided to monitor things within my own territory.

No visible devotees have emerged yet, but I plan to issue a cautionary alert to the knights and soldiers. Then, I expressed my gratitude to the priest who freely shared the information.

“Thanks for telling me.”

“Don’t mention it. Ah… and we’d like you to designate a village for the church to be built.”

 

The young ones are impatient. They’re already trying to start construction.

Well, I have no intention of stopping them from working hard. Even without quoting that nonsense about ‘suffering being worth buying in youth,’ pain is part of being young, after all.

 

“There is a frontier village called Comansville. I will write you a letter—discuss matters with its village chief.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

“Ah, by the way, that chief attends the Church of the God of Abundance. He’s an elder.”

“…”

It’s not about discriminating against religion. He’s a reasonable chief, so I trust he’ll handle things well.

 

⚔️

 

The establishment of the Marseille Diocese under the Church of the God of Abundance proceeded smoothly.

Construction began on a grand church in an empty lot near the lord’s residence, while Bishop Daniel attended the existing church in the town center.

With the diocese office set up in the former administrator’s mansion, the number of full-time staff also increased significantly. They moved in with their families.

Simply designating a diocese was already working like magic, naturally boosting both population and tax revenue.

 

Furthermore, negotiations with the diocese office were placed under the supervision of Pascal, the head of civil affairs, with the administration also taking charge of monitoring the weekly budget usage.

Though his workload had grown, Pascal seemed invigorated by his increased authority.

 

“Monitoring a religious facility—this is unprecedented, isn’t it?”

“Not the first time in history. There have been more periods when religion stood under the shadow of the crown.”

“At least in the recent history of the northern continent, it’s a first.”

“Officially, we’re just overseeing the budget.”

But controlling the purse strings was no different from holding the reins of life itself. Pascal, who knew this well, couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.

 

“I feel like barging into the church and shouting, ‘Hand over the ledgers!’”

“Haha! Do that, and your head will roll.”

Fanatics exist everywhere. They might come for you in the dead of night.

“That’s just a figure of speech. Hehe.”

 

Then, Pascal grinned and held out a letter.

“Who’s this from?”

 

“A letter has arrived for Chief Diplomat Chloe.”

“It’s finally here.”

 

Chloe, who had been pushing for my marriage prospects, had gone to the Venetian territory of the Odoacer Empire.

The Venetian lord’s estate is home to the second-largest trading port on the northern continent and is also the wealthiest city. To exaggerate slightly, one could say that all luxury goods in the northern continent pass through there.

With its highly developed arts and culture, it is also the birthplace of trends.

 

Lately, it has popularized a rather somber fashion trend that tightly conceals one’s figure, which I wasn’t particularly fond of.

 

‘I wonder if Chloé has successfully arranged a marriage alliance with the Venetian territory.’

 

With slightly trembling hands, I took out the letter and read it.

 

[To the Esteemed Lord,

It is my honor to deliver joyful news. The marriage negotiations with Viscount Kioja, the second son of the Duke of Venice, have been successful. 

 

Soon, Viscount Kioja himself will visit Marseille. He will likely arrive within days of this letter’s delivery. I sincerely hope…

—Your loyal servant, Chloé Verbier.]

 

I raised my thumb at Pascal.

“Chloé succeeded.”

“Haha! Congratulations on your marriage!”

“We should be celebrating the alliance.”

“Either way, you’re about to become a married man. Which noble family are you marrying into?”

“Viscount Kioja the son of the Duke of Venice.”

“…What?”

 

Pascal’s expression turned puzzled.

“As far as I know, Viscount Kioja is around 20 years old. And I believe he has no children.”

 

Pascal, the son of the chief scribe, knows a little about almost every territory. If he says so, it’s likely true.

“…The marriage is just a formality. The real goal is the alliance.”

 

“But is there any reason for you to form an alliance with us? Viscount Kioja must be incredibly wealthy.”

 

The territory of Veneto is famous not only for its massive trading port but also for its vast wheat fields.

When the second son of the Duke of Veneto became Viscount Kioja, the land he received was undoubtedly endless wheat fields stretching to the horizon.

A golden spoon among golden spoons, so to speak.

 

“First, we should consider why they want to form an alliance.”

“Um, if I may…”

“Feel free to speculate.”

“Could it be related to inheritance? The Duke of Veneto is over 70 years old.”

 

Meddling in another family’s affairs is one of the most delicate matters in diplomacy.

“Let’s consider every possibility. If we recklessly welcome them as guests, it’ll be difficult to respond appropriately.”

 

From that day on, Pascal and I put our heads together to deduce the reason behind the proposed alliance.

We gathered every piece of information we could about the Veneto territory and even went to the port to ask sailors about Veneto’s recent movements.

Eventually, we reached one conclusion:

It was indeed a succession battle for the ducal title.

 

‘Why did Chloe bring up this marriage proposal?’

 

Even if she usually seems scatterbrained, Chloe is thorough and sharp-minded. There must be a reason she chose such a match.

I won’t know for sure until I meet Viscount Kioja, but it seems she believed this would benefit me. Because of that, I had no choice but to agonize over it again and again.

 

⚔️

 

Chloe and Viscount Kioja arrived a few days later.

As soon as I received word from the harbor master, I headed to the port with my chief secretaries to greet them.

 

—Booo

 

Accompanied by the sound of a horn, the ship entering the harbor was a large carrack with a displacement of at least 2,000 tons. Its high hull, with a plump stern, proudly showcased the latest shipbuilding technology, while ornate wooden carvings adorned the vessel.

 

Captain Adrienne, who was watching the ship with me, let out an admiring sigh.

“That looks like an incredibly expensive ship. Congratulations on gaining such a master craftsman as its owner. Haha!”

 

“He doesn’t even have a daughter, so what’s the point?”

“If his in-laws are wealthy, isn’t it all the better if he doesn’t have a wife?”

 

That does make sense.

“As long as he isn’t overly fussy, it should be fine.”

 

Contrary to expectations, Viscount Kioja, who disembarked from the ship, was a sturdy young man with a square jaw clenched tightly and short hair.

 

I’m not one to believe in superstitions, but men with that kind of expression are usually stubborn.

 

‘First impression: failed. Appraisal?’

 

Matteo Beneto Kioja (20 years old)
➺ Second son of Duke Veneto. 

➺ Lord of Kioja Territory. 

➺ Worships Ganesha and Tethys.

 

A follower of Ganesha, the god of commerce, and Tethys, the goddess of the sea. Even if he owns vast wheat fields, this likely means he has grand ambitions for trade and shipping.

 

I extended my hand to Viscount Kioja for a handshake.

“May the blessings of Ganesha and Tethys be upon you. Welcome. I am Eric Marseille, lord of this land.”

His expression turned to one of surprise at my greeting.

Naturally, the state religion of the Odoacer Empire is the Sun God Faith. Though religious freedom exists here, unlike in the Germania Empire, it should still be a secret for a noble lord not to follow the state religion.

 

“I heard you possess remarkable abilities, and it seems to be true. You can see right through a person the moment you meet them. Ah, my apologies. Matteo Veneto Viscount Kioja.”

He did not offer a handshake but instead bowed deeply in greeting. Regardless of our relationship as father-in-law and son-in-law, I took it as a gesture of respect toward me.

 

At that moment, Chloe, standing behind Viscount Kioja, gave me a subtle glance.

 

I responded with a faint smile and a look of acknowledgment.

 

‘Good work. Now, make sure you work tirelessly day and night.’

 

Chloe’s expression stiffened, as if she had sensed something.

From now on, she would not only handle diplomacy but also take on the role of establishing and managing the intelligence division. There would be no time for rest.

 

Then, I offered Viscount Kioja a carriage.

“Let me escort you to the lord’s residence. Please, ride in the carriage.”

“No, thank you. I’d like to walk slowly and take in the sights of Marseille.”

 

It would take at least 20 to 30 minutes uphill.

Since he seemed stubborn, I had no choice but to walk with him.

 

⚔️

 

Spring was approaching, and the walk left us slightly warm. The group entered the lord’s residence, wiping off sweat.

Soon, the meeting with Viscount Kioja began in the reception room.

 

“Everyone, leave us.”

 

However, Viscount Kioja dismissed all his retainers first. It seemed he had something confidential to discuss.

Reluctantly, I also sent all my attendants away.

 

Now, only the two of us remained.

 

“Count Marseille.”

“Absolutely not.”

 

I brushed him off right away.

 

“…I haven’t even said anything yet.”

“You’re going to ask me to interfere in the ducal succession, aren’t you? The answer is no.”

 

Viscount Kioja’s face twisted as if he had bitten into something bitter. He probably didn’t expect me to refuse so bluntly.

 

After gathering information in advance with Pascal, I had learned that a major upheaval was underway in the succession of the Veneto dukedom.

 

When the firstborn son, the intended heir, died, everyone naturally assumed the second son, Visount  Kioja, would benefit. 

 

But reality turned out a little different.

The Duke of Veneto declared his own competition, turning it into a three-way battle between the second, third, and fourth sons.

In this situation, siding with Viscount  Kioja, the second son, without any real compensation would be foolish.

If the Duke had truly intended to pass the title to the second son, he could have simply declared him heir without creating this three-way conflict.

But he didn’t.

 

The Duke of Veneto has other sons in mind besides Viscount  Kioja. This man will never become the Duke’s successor.

 

Foolish actions require appropriate compensation. That’s why I brushed him off at first.

 

Viscount Kioja barely managed to smooth his twisted expression before speaking again.

“We cannot hand over our lands to the youngest.”

The ‘youngest’ referred to the fourth son, Prince Vincent Veneto.

“It seems the Duke has considered Prince Vincent as his successor.”

“Father is blinded by Vincent. But that boy is unworthy.”

What nonsense. Though they are half-brothers, they are all sons of the legal wife. Of course, he is eligible.

“I need an explanation.”

“A dark mage is always by his side. Undoubtedly, a follower of Hela.”

“Does the Odoacer Empire not permit religious freedom?”

 

Viscount Kioja shot to his feet and shouted, “This isn’t a simple matter! That dark mage practices forbidden arts! He probably even killed my elder brother!”

His clenched fists trembled with rage.

 

First, I needed to calm him down.

“Please, sit. I’d like to hear the details.”

My words implied I’d listen before deciding. Naturally, Visount  Kioja’s expression softened.

“Will you help me?”

 

Let me calculate the expected profit first. Even if it’s a losing battle, I should at least make some money.

 

Hiding my thoughts, I replied, “If justice is needed, I must assist.”

“Thank you!”

 

He tried to grab my hand eagerly, but—

“Hahaha! Your hand is quite firm!”

He shook my hand vigorously for a long time. I didn’t particularly want to hold a man’s hand.

But since he’s a silver spoon, I’ll endure it for now.