Possible Zero-Dollar Purchase
1087 Words
As the Construct's mana filled his Wing Pillars, Ira finally gathered four different monster mana sources, regaining his status as the strongest Governor...
Although there were some types of mana he wasn't particularly fond of using.
Every Governor had their preferred combination of monster mana, and Ira was clearly not someone who frequently utilized Succubus mana in battle. This was also his first time acquiring a Construct-type mana.
That said, with just the mana of the Crimson Dragon alone, as long as he infused it into the First Wing Pillar (Core), he was already among the world's top-tier (T1) combatants.
And if he used his optimal combination for all four Wing Pillars, fighting in an environment full of non-human enemies, his combat power could even be considered beyond classification (T0).
This was what it meant to be a Governor.
This was Ira.
"First Wing Pillar—Steel Golem—Wings Unfold!"
As Ira walked back toward the Demon Lord's Domain, he experimented with the mana given to him by the Construct leader…
Behind him, a pair of wings materialized, gleaming with a metallic sheen.
His body…
began exhibiting metallic properties.
Poking at his now-hardened flesh, Ira shook his head. He realized that the Steel Golem was not suitable as a Core Wing Pillar. He should have already noticed it when the mana felt sluggish upon infusion.
Neither the Second Wing Pillar (Mobility) nor the Third Wing Pillar (Ranged Attacks) seemed to resonate well with Steel Golem mana.
"Fourth Wing Pillar—Steel Golem—Wings Unfold!"
With the trigger phrase activating his ability, the mana that had been in the First Wing Pillar shifted to the Fourth. Instantly, identical yet repositioned metallic wings spread out.
At the same time, a dull silver light gathered in Ira's hand, forming a one-handed axe that gleamed with a cold glint...
An axe?
This was a weapon Ira rarely used, but judging by its hollowed-out center and the peculiar curve of the handle—this was a throwing axe.
"Hah… my first time encountering a ranged attack appearing from the Fourth Wing Pillar."
Muttering to himself, Ira willed the weapon and wings to dissipate back into silver-gray mana, vanishing into thin air…
Had the Empire always misunderstood the fundamental principle?
Perhaps the Third and Fourth Wing Pillars weren't meant to represent "Ranged" and "Melee", but rather "Magic Projection" and "Weapon Manifestation"?
The only way to confirm this theory would be to kill an elf and see what weapon their mana manifested in the Fourth Wing Pillar.
If it was a bow, then his hypothesis would be correct.
"Little Ti?"
Hearing Ira call his name, the shadow of Tikap appeared behind him.
Casually, Ira asked, "Where is that ghost lady right now? I need to discuss the matter of ships with her."
Tikap, who had been kneeling on one knee, raised his head in confusion before quickly standing up, dusting off his clothes, and catching up to Ira.
"If nothing unexpected has happened, she should be in the study."
The study, huh…
That reminded him…
Isabella also loved spending time in the…
No.
Don't think about her.
Ira shook his head slightly and glanced at Tikap, brushing off a leaf that had fallen onto his head when he knelt earlier.
"Take me there. We won’t be disturbing her, will we?"
Though Tikap appeared composed, his tail flicked rapidly against his own legs, betraying his emotions. He replied, "No, she’s probably just organizing the latest trade records."
…That’s literally work.
If she’s working, then I probably will be disturbing her.
Despite this thought, Ira still made his way to the study.
Compared to the massive, library-like halls of the Empire, this was more akin to a family study.
The door wasn’t locked.
Inside, the ghostly glasses-wearing woman sat at a desk, diligently recording data. Various documents covered the entire surface in front of her.
Tikap, as usual, had no habit of lingering when Ira was about to have a conversation.
He merely nodded slightly before excusing himself—
Most likely off to the training grounds to throw punches again.
The woman was deeply focused on her work, seemingly unaware of Ira's arrival.
Since the matter of purchasing ships wasn't particularly urgent, Ira didn’t mind waiting for her to finish.
Time passed.
After a long while, she finally took a break, lifting her head—only to notice Ira waiting quietly outside the door.
She blinked in surprise before standing up to greet him.
"Ira, sir? I didn’t realize you were waiting. My apologies."
"I just got here," Ira replied casually, following her into the study.
Taking a deep breath, he savored the faint scent of books as he settled into the chair across from her.
He got straight to the point.
"I’m here regarding the fishing port’s development."
The ghostly glasses woman immediately understood what he was asking about. She adjusted her spectacles slightly before responding.
"The issue of ships, correct?"
Ira nodded in confirmation, studying the grayscale woman before him—her entire form seemingly devoid of color.
"I was planning to bring this up during tomorrow’s meeting, but since you've come to me first, we might as well decide now."
Her words made Ira instinctively feel that making decisions without consulting Satania might not be appropriate, but as he worked to adapt to life in the Demon Lord’s Domain, he merely nodded in agreement.
"First, we must rule out purchasing ships from the Empire."
She stated this as if it were obvious, and Ira readily agreed, nodding in approval.
He skipped over the topic of which nation to buy from and simply declared,
"Buying ships from other countries is out of the question."
"Indeed, I thought the same. That leaves only one option—purchasing fishing vessels from other territories under the Demon Lord’s rule. However, if that’s the case, we might as well put this matter on hold for now."
She adjusted her calculations before continuing.
"Winter is about to end. If these territories have no intention of renewing their allegiance, then there’s no need for us to spend silver buying ships from them."
Ira fell silent.
The so-called "tribute" from these territories was, in human terms, tax revenue—money that was supposed to be sent to the Demon Lord’s capital.
If they had to buy ships from those lands, that meant those territories had resumed their offerings.
But if they still hadn’t restored their tribute payments, then…
That would be an outright betrayal.
- Writer
