Dark Fantasy’s Extra Chapter 125

Rusalka strode confidently through the main gates of ‘Tramina’, her palace situated in the depths of the ocean.

Her dress, which had been swaying in the waves, dissipated like foam and was replaced by her usual armor.

The armor, adorned with precious shells in iridescent colors and a soft pearly sheen, was a work of art beyond measure in its own right. Yet when worn by the Little Mermaid with her commanding presence and intense gaze, it appeared not merely beautiful but like a mystical artifact of power.

Her long, vibrant pink hair rippled in the currents like a victorious general’s cape.

Behind her walked a noble-looking youth with blue hair, maintaining the proper etiquette of a royal servant.

“…!”

As the Little Mermaid advanced, massive warriors in shell armor lining both sides of the grand path from the main gate raised their spears in unison, exalting their sovereign’s authority.

Rusalka walked down the path paved exclusively for her use, entering the central keep of Tramina Palace.

There, she seated herself on the massive throne situated in the deepest chamber.

The throne’s decorations literally reached the ceiling.

It was an opulent seat adorned with countless collected items, from small daggers, jewels, and pearls to the bones of all manner of creatures.

“Hmm…”

Rusalka leaned back on her throne, deep in thought.

“…Is something troubling you?”

Eric spoke up for the first time.

“…Summon my royal guard.”

“As you command.”

Without questioning why, Eric promptly left the throne room and returned leading a group of warriors.

While some among them were Deep Sea Folk, most appeared nearly human.

Though they varied in appearance, weapons, and attire, they shared one trait – eyes that radiated power.

And despite their different appearances, the spacing and positions where they stood were measured with exact precision.

“You summoned us!”

“You summoned us!”

When the guard captain at the front knelt before Rusalka, the rest followed in perfect unison.

Though lacking the precise regulation and perfect harmony of other Deep Sea Folk, their voices carried such spirit that they exuded the aura of powerful warriors rather than disorder.

“Hmm…”

The Little Mermaid’s royal guard.

Each one had been personally selected by Rusalka for their excellence as warriors, and had sworn oaths of loyalty through special bonds with their ruler.

Dara, the field commander of the land expedition force that led the vanguard in the Cranion raid, was among them.

They represented the pinnacle of Rusalka’s collection.

Seeing them, Rusalka smiled with satisfaction.

But as time passed, her smile gradually faded.

“…Our numbers have dwindled.”

“We are ashamed!”

The guard captain at the front responded to Rusalka’s words.

“Enough. It is not your fault. Rather, I am relieved that so many still remain after 500 years.”

The royal guard that once numbered well into the hundreds now had fewer than 20 remaining members.

Many had died during the war, and more were lost to the long passage of time after it ended.

“However, if numbers have fallen, it is a ruler’s duty to replenish them. Though circumstances may not permit it now, I shall surely rebuild a royal guard equal to, no, surpassing that of old.”

“Your words are wise!”

“Soon my power will fully return. When that time comes, I shall rise again and cover all land with ocean.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“Of course, war with my sisters will begin anew…”

“We shall all dedicate our lives to be Your Majesty’s sword!”

“Haha…”

Rusalka smiled again at the guard captain’s spirited response and the other guards’ unanimous support of his words.

“Very well. You may go.”

After the royal guard had departed, only Rusalka and Eric remained in the throne room.

“…Perhaps.”

Eric spoke again.

“Is it about that lower-ranked hunter?”

Eric had witnessed Rusalka showing favor to a certain lower-ranked hunter on land.

Likely the peculiar hunter that Blanc had set her sights on.

“Indeed it is.”

“I see, so summoning the royal guard just now was to consider where to place that one in their ranks.”

“Haha, you know me well.”

Rusalka rested her chin on her hand.

“Though he refused for now, he is still human after all. Just a little more reach and he will be in my grasp.”

“…What?”

For the first time, Eric voiced his doubt.

“You still intend to acquire that lower-ranked hunter?”

He understood Rusalka’s collector nature well.

Even Eric had to admire how this lower-ranked hunter named Eugene had achieved results far beyond his innate talent and strength.

The more he verified the information about Eugene that Charmol had shared, the more pure amazement he felt toward this hunter with such a lowly title.

He was indeed talent worthy of Rusalka’s interest.

But that was all – he still fell far short of decisive strength.

Though he might be tactically capable, he lacked any strategic influence befitting Rusalka’s royal guard.

The Rusalka that Eric knew might toy with the idea of adding him to the guard as one might poke at food they can’t eat.

But if she truly intended to recruit Eugene…

“Of course. That bold spirit and clear eyes. And a warrior who has honed themselves tirelessly despite modest talent. How could I not desire such a one?”

“That is… true, but hadn’t you decided to use him as a bargaining chip with Blanc…?”

“That was my initial thought. But seeing him in person made me realize. It would be too wasteful to use him so.”

“…Forgive me for continuing to question Your Majesty’s words, but that lower-ranked hunter killed Dara of your royal guard and ruined the Cranion raid.”

“…”

And for the first time, Rusalka showed signs of discomfort.

“That is true. However, doesn’t that further prove his capability?”

“But he is also White Witch’s minion. Though we have indeed recruited former hunters to the royal guard before, they were all those who had willingly abandoned being hunters. From what I can see, that Eugene will never…”

“Enough.”

A single word.

But at the subtle emotion underlying that voice, Eric immediately knelt and bowed his head.

“Eric.”

“Yes.”

“Everything you say is not wrong.”

“…”

“However, to raise such objections to my decision. Could you perhaps be worried?”

“Not at all.”

“Eric. You are my first knight, and my one and only knight.”

“I am unworthy of such honor.”

“So be at ease. I desire that hunter purely as a member of my royal guard.”

“Yes.”

“You may go now. I wish to be alone for a moment.”

“Yes.”

Though unconvinced, Eric chose to show proper respect rather than further upset Rusalka’s mood and left the throne room.

Many thoughts crossed his mind as he walked the corridors.

If acquiring Eugene would be too burdensome, he would have tried to dissuade Rusalka to the end, but he was just a lower-ranked hunter after all.

While Blanc was certainly a major variable, opposing that behemoth was decided from the start.

What concerned him more was why Rusalka had suddenly come to desire Eugene so strongly.

Eugene was certainly an excellent hunter and warrior.

Though somewhat lacking in raw power, he was not unworthy of being Rusalka’s collection and royal guard.

But surely Rusalka must realize Eugene would never truly be loyal to her.

Unless she used mind control…

“…Mind control.”

Rusalka’s change was like someone who had been mind controlled.

Of course, her eye for collectibles was excellent.

But she wasn’t the type to stubbornly prioritize personal desires over strategic decisions like using him as leverage with Blanc.

Yet after just one brief meeting, how could her perception change this drastically?

This was almost like…

Almost like… White Witch.

That eerie power that drew in surrounding emotions just by existing, like a whirlpool in stormy seas.

Of course, Rusalka the Empress of the Ocean and Sea Witch, so great that Eric would dedicate his entire being to her, could not have fallen to such an ability.

Those with the power to enchant humans naturally rise to the top without effort.

If Eugene had such an ability, they wouldn’t have remained a lower-ranked hunter for 10 years.

But… then how to explain Rusalka’s change?

“…Am I overthinking this?”

Eric tried to clear his mind.

He was undoubtedly just a lower-ranked hunter after all.

He couldn’t possibly have such terrifying abilities, and Rusalka’s behavior could simply be a whim.

Or perhaps she was excited to find a worthy addition to her collection after so long.

No, that must surely be it.

He was being too sensitive.

He was just a lower-ranked hunter, just a human with some skill.

Being chosen by Blanc was their only notable trait.

“…”

Though that must be true, why did he feel so uneasy?

Why had Charmol investigated that hunter’s information so thoroughly?

The number of humans Blanc had chosen to play with before killing was beyond counting.

Charmol must know this, no, must know it better than anyone, yet the information gathered about Eugene was notably meticulous.

Moreover, he had even shared that information unprompted.

Could there be… something more?

What was this Eugene?

Was he really just an ordinary human?

Or…

“No, my thoughts are running wild.”

Eric held his head and shook it lightly.

While it was good to be wary of uncertain threats, too much caution could paralyze action.

While Eugene was noteworthy enough, he ultimately couldn’t escape the framework of a lower-ranked hunter.

That would suffice for now.

There were plenty of other matters requiring attention now anyway.

Eric headed to where a scout who had returned from land reconnaissance was waiting.

“You’ve worked hard scouting the land.”

Eric addressed the scout.

“It was my duty to Lady Little Mermaid.”

The Beast kneeling before Eric replied.

Their appearance was somewhere between human and Deep Sea Folk, and with their fluent command of continental languages, they were talented enough to move about on land if properly disguised.

“But where you went was perilous beyond measure. Returning alive alone is a remarkable achievement. I shall personally report this to Lady Rusalka.”

“I am deeply honored.”

“Now then…”

Eric sat down and picked up the scout’s report.

“Let’s hear about it. The place Blanc mentioned where Snow White’s main body is… what was it really like?”