Dragon Knight Chronicles ~ From a mere mercenary, rise to success through tactics! A small harem with the princess and the lord's daughter!? I'll also develop my territory! ~ - Chapter 84

Chapter 84   Mastering the Beastman Transformation Technique

December, Unified Calendar 566—

Water from the river was diverted into the canal, and a stone waterwheel turned. Amidst the heavy snowfall, the settlement of the immigrants was expanding smoothly.

Yes, the development of the Gale region under the Rillburn family was progressing well.

“Elder Arias, this is Count Bartholomeus. He will be assisting with the development.”

“Oh! I am most grateful for the assistance of a noble demon prince!”

I introduced Count Bartholomeus to the elderly Arias, who was in charge of the magic stone mine. It seemed to spark the old man’s curiosity, and the two quickly bonded. They appeared to forget that I was even there.

“…Well, it’s fine.”

I left the two to manage the magic stone mine and descended the mountain to return to the Enkera government office. Integrating Count Bartholomeus into the staff had been significant, as the incidence of disruptive magical creatures had greatly decreased. After all, he was the lord of the local demonkind.

His ancient knowledge as a demon lord greatly contributed to the development of the magic stone mine. Not only in mining but also in refining, his expertise proved invaluable.

◇◇◇◇◇

January, Unified Calendar 567—

The Gale region was covered in white snow, and each settlement held New Year’s celebrations. In the port town of Enkera, a relatively large port had been developed, and numerous merchant ships were visiting from the port of Europa.

“Long live the kingdom! Long live the Rillburn Duchy! Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

Adelheid, the governor of Enkera’s port town, gave a New Year’s address and led the toast in front of the influential figures. As for me, I was her bodyguard.

The government office of Enkera’s port town had finally started to take shape. We had built a small defensive fort overlooking the entire harbor, and one corner of the fort was designated as the government office. The New Year’s feast at the Enkera government office featured dishes specifically prepared for the occasion.

Cod roe soup, grilled scallops, large grilled lobsters, salted sturgeon eggs, and other seafood specialties unique to the Gale region were served.

After most of the guests had left, we, the staff of the government office, finally had a chance to enjoy the feast.

“This is delicious!”

“Po-ko~♪”

“Gau!”

In a small room, Pokorina, Gau, and I savored the feast. Pokorina especially seemed to enjoy the grilled shrimp.

By now, a New Year’s celebration was probably also taking place in the royal capital of Shampur. As the acting lord, Io was likely attending that celebration.

However, the Rillburn Duchy had been defeated in political struggles and was under house arrest. The palace’s residence was probably very limited in space…

◇◇◇◇◇

About ten days after the New Year’s feast—

Count Bartholomeus visited the government office.

“Sir! Is there anything you need?”

“Oh, I’m all set.”

He had stationed his guards around the government office for security. Since they were skeletal warriors, they were dressed in full armor.

This allowed us to redeploy our living personnel to the security of the port town. In the wide Owen Alliance Kingdom, I was probably the only one using monsters for security.

“Now that I have some free time, how about trying some training, sir?”

“Are you offering to spar with me?”

Count Bartholomeus was renowned in the demon realm for his swordsmanship. As a swordsman from the human world, I couldn’t afford to lose.

“…No, would you like to learn the Beastman Transformation Technique?”

“Eh? Is that okay?”

The Beastman Transformation Technique was a secret art of the Bartholomeus family. I hadn’t expected to be allowed to learn it.

“Of course, sir. You are our benefactor. And with your red eyes…”

It seemed that the Beastman Transformation Technique was a type of magic. The count scrutinized my red eyes closely.

In the forest on the outskirts of Enkera’s port town, amidst the commotion of owls and bats, the count drew a huge magical circle on the ground.

“What are you doing?”

“I am summoning a monster to possess you. If you can successfully defeat it, you will acquire the Beastman Transformation Technique!”

“I understand.”

The necromancers performed the demonic ritual, lighting numerous torches around the area. They also cast several ominous spells on me.

“…Well then, let’s begin!”

“Alright! Come at me!”

I drew my beloved sword and threw the sheath far away. The enormous magical circle drawn on the ground glowed with a pale light, and a colossal demon was summoned.

“…What? A Gigas!?”

“Huh!? What’s that?”

The count and the necromancers shuddered. Before me stood a one-eyed giant, over 10 meters tall. I later learned that a Gigas was a high-ranking demon.

“Who dares to disturb my slumber!?”

The giant seemed to belong to a higher tier of giants. It uprooted trees from the surroundings and swung them around like a massive wheel.

“Graaaah!”

The impact shattered the skeletal swordsmen on guard, and the necromancers were swept away. The count and I managed to hold our ground, but we were shaken by the giant’s ferocity.

…Could I really gain such power? With a long-forgotten thrill surging within me, I plunged into a life-and-death battle with the giant.

“Spirits of the wind, guide me!”

I unleashed all the magic at my disposal and challenged the giant. The deadly battle was finally resolved as the first light of dawn began to appear.

“…Very well, I shall bestow my power upon you!”

My dragon-scale armor was stained with blood, and I had sustained considerable injuries.

…Yet, I managed to overcome the giant in our fierce struggle and subdued him.

“Congratulations. To defeat a noble of the giant race is truly remarkable.”

I heard Count Bartholomeus voice from a distance. Exhausted and relieved by my victory, I slowly let go of consciousness.