Chapter 4 – The wicked laugh deep in their bellies

Gaikaku Hikume, a mage, didn’t live in the city.

His home was a tranquil, sunlit farming village, set deep in a forest so dense that people were afraid to enter, and it was quite far away.

The village itself served as both his home and his research facility.

There were numerous herb gardens, pastures where livestock feed was grown, timber pruned for building materials, and many small outbuildings functioning as laboratories and storage.

In fact, any mage or sorcerer could see that this was a suspicious research facility, but to the dark elves and beastkin who didn’t know better, it looked surprisingly ordinary.

Technically, this was the heart of the human kingdom, yet everyone here—aside from Gaikaku Hikume—was a non-human woman, and they worked quite normally as farmers.

Legally, they should have been serfs, but their tasks and workload were so ordinary that they even seemed pretty relaxed.

Of course, this “easy life” was only “easy” compared to a typical well-to-do farm—it didn’t mean they did nothing or never got tired.

Still, it looked like a better working environment than most commoners usually had.

“All right then, let me properly introduce you to our members and facilities!”

Surrounded by dark elves, beastkin, and their seniors, Gaikaku began explaining with great pride.

“First up, yours truly—human mage and your master, Gaikaku Hikume! This is the research facility I oversee!”

It sat at the center of the village—a two-story building—but from the outside it looked like nothing more than a slightly upscale house, and the second floor wasn’t as large as the first.

Climb the stairs and you’d find only a single, modestly sized bedroom—pretty typical for a house of its sort.

Still, considering it was designed for one person, it was a rather lavish living space.

Of course, in reality it was a laboratory where illegal research was conducted.

“I alone conduct the illegal research and development of magical weapons here! No one else is allowed inside! If anyone enters, I won’t guarantee your safety, no matter what happens! After all, there’s no shortage of dangerous experimental materials related to illegal magic!”

“kira-kira”

The mage kept going on about how illegal and dangerous it all was, his eyes sparkling.

The sight of him was nothing short of terrifying.

“Well, the only ones who really want to get into this house are the elves.”

“Actually, to be precise, it’s not that we want to get into the house… it’s that all we do now is menial tasks, so we want you to teach us more about scholarship.”

“I always tell you it’s not free tutoring, right? I do teach you things as a change of pace sometimes, so just deal with that. You are, after all, slaves, aren’t you?”

The phrase “after all, you’re slaves” itself seemed to prove that their treatment wasn’t exactly harsh.

Apparently, by the standards of the human kingdom, Gaikaku’s slaves led a relatively easy life.

“Well… anyway, this is the starting point for weapons development. Let’s head to the next place—the elves’ area.”

“Yes… that workshop over there.”

Unlike Gaikaku, who explained cheerfully, the elves looked extremely reluctant.

They probably didn’t take any pride in their work.

※

Now, there is a race called the elves.

This race has high magical power—at minimum twice that of humans, and at the top tier, dozens of times higher.

However, those top-tier individuals are extremely rare—perhaps one in tens of thousands at best.

Those with around five times human magic are the most common, classified as “average.”

As for those at the lower end—around twice human magic—they make up about one in every few dozen.

In other words, they are “weak and a minority.” Even at double human magic, they’re less than half as strong as an average elf, so they’re looked down upon.

Frankly, they were treated as dropouts in elf settlements.

And in human lands, they’re considered bad picks.

Even at the lowest tier of elves, they still have twice the magical power of ordinary sorcerers.

One might think they’d be treated as elites, but that’s not the case.

Whether hired as employees or bought as slaves, nobody bothers selecting these dropouts.

That’s how it was.

And there’s also the issue of physical ability.

Elves, as a whole, have frail bodies.

This has nothing to do with magical power; it’s almost constant across the race.

In other words, if you assumed even a lowest-tier elf could do the work of two sorcerers on the battlefield, you’d be shocked when they tired out after a short run—or got killed instantly by a stray stone.

In that case, you’d hire two human sorcerers instead; they’re clearly more useful.

The story changes when you reach average level—around five times human magic. They can defend themselves and attack. It’s worth assigning troops to protect them.

Or rather, below that level, there’s no point in taking them to the battlefield.

That’s why low-tier elves feel so marginalized.

To be blunt, their value as slaves is also very low.

“Worthless… shouldn’t have bought you.”

Imagine how those words from a low-end slave trader must sting.

“Even you lot have less than half our magic power… dammit…!”

Cursing in a way unbecoming of elves, they led the group to the workshop.

It was quite a large workshop for just twenty elves to work in.

Imagine a non-mechanized workshop, and you’ll get the picture.

There were multiple stoves, blades that looked like cooking knives, and even mortars and large cauldrons.

It looked like a kitchen—and it must have functioned as one.

“haa…”

“This is our workplace, the weapons workshop. Here, various chemicals are mixed, and Siege Towers and magic circles are created. Think of it as the place where we actually build the weapons the master devised. There are many prototypes, but we also handle mass production of weapons whose effectiveness has been proven.”

“We work here too~~!”

“…Ah, the goblins also work anywhere outside the research facility. They’re stronger than us, so they handle the heavy labor and odd jobs… honestly, we’re grateful for that.”

Saying so, one of the elves touched one of the Siege Towers.

That wooden Siege Tower had no hole in its center.

On its surface was a magic circle—an intricate design carved into it, which functioned as the core.

“haa…”

To be honest… it’s not a very fun job. I hate having my mana drained on the battlefield, but doing the same tedious work here bit by bit is…

“That’s just what work is.”

Processing chemicals and engraving magic circles often require a lot of mana.

Because of that, the elves were relatively skilled “mana laborers.”

No one could ever call it fun.

“…As I mentioned before, there are times we get to learn magic from the master. That’s very enjoyable.”

“The ones who know the work better are easier to direct. It’s a nice break, and it boosts their morale when we do it now and then.”

“…Magic is wonderful. Even with scarce mana, you can achieve great things through perseverance and training. Even if you fail, there’s always a reason, and understanding that leads to success.”

The elves all beamed with pride.

“No matter how hard we try, we can’t beat ordinary people. That effort doesn’t mean much. But with magic… if you put in the work, it leads to results. The more you push, the more progress you make—it’s such a thrill…”

They stole glances at Gaikaku.

“chira-chira”

“So… we were kind of hoping you’d teach us more…”

“You all pick things up so quickly… you’ve learned the basics, so I figured we don’t need to do it that often…”

“…I want to keep moving forward.”

Studying is a form of labor, too. The fact that they wanted another kind of work made it clear they must really love it. Well, that didn’t mean they could do only what they liked.

※

Now, this is the raw materials workshop—handled by the Ogres. It’s where materials gathered from the logging sites and fields are initially processed, and anything brought to the weapons workshop passes through here. Because the Ogres worked here and because of the sheer size of the materials, it was an unbelievably huge space. It was only one story, but the ceiling soared as high as two or three floors.

“We usually work here. Since we’re strong, the goblins help out with the finer tasks in the weapons workshop.”

Inside, it was very much like a factory. It was vast and organized, yet packed with every kind of tool.

“…I think we’re pulling our weight here. It makes no sense to be treated as useless when we’re worth at least two humans.”

“Well, others are the ones judging, and it’s true we’re below average.”

“…You’re right.”

The Ogres showed a glimpse of their gloom, but they couldn’t resist the light of Gaikaku’s truth.

“I plan to have the beastkin work here during peacetime. The goblins won’t work here anymore.”

“…Understood.”

The beastkin accepted the proposal. They preferred carpentry work—like they did back home—to the magic-intensive tasks that the elves handled.

Being told it was peacetime work was a big factor. Had they been told to do this job indefinitely, they probably would have resisted.

“So, will those goblins come to the weapons workshop instead?”

“No. I plan to put them on expanding the fields. Also… I want to revise working hours a bit. The goblins have been working hard, so I’d like to cut their workload slightly and give them more breaks.”

“…You’re paying more attention to the goblins than the elves.”

At the glimpse of kindness from their master, the elves couldn’t help but tear up.

※

“Now then… I want the dark elves to take on this work.”

At the edge of Gaikaku’s base was a rocky cliff face. In it was a deep cave. Though it was midday, ordinary eyes couldn’t see its depths. But the dark elves seemed able to peer quite deep inside.

“W-what are we supposed to do here?”

“Ultimately, I want to cultivate materials that only grow in darkness down here—like moss and mushrooms that thrive without light. But we’re not there yet. First, I need you to clear and level the ground. If the floor’s messy, hauling stuff will be a pain.”

“…Yes.”

Leveling the interior of a cave so dark you can’t see its end. Even with tools in hand, that would be rough, and the dark elves were already dreading it.

“And—this is all the peacetime work I have for you. Let’s talk about your role in battle and the training needed for it.”

Gaikaku let out an evil laugh. The dark elves flinched even more, while the beastkin’s faces turned savage with anticipation.

※

Gaikaku regularly visits Count Borick. He’d receive tasks and carry them out, but once in a while, he’d be summoned with an order to “come at once.” Count Borick didn’t even know Gaikaku was an Illegal Mage, but even from his perspective, calling in such a suspicious man couldn’t bode well.

In other words… it must have been an urgent matter.

Gaikaku ordered his subordinates to be ready to mobilize at any moment, then headed to Count Borick.

Count Borick, waiting for him at the castle, complained with a somewhat excited air.

“You’re late, Gaikaku Hikume. When your employer says ‘come right away,’ you come right away, don’t you think?” “Please forgive me, Count. I, Gaikaku, was choosing a route that wouldn’t inconvenience you…”

“Hmph. Fine… I’m magnanimous, so I’ll let it slide.”

With that, Count Borick handed over several wanted posters. They bore faces and names—official wanted posters.

“Take down these soldiers. And keep their faces intact as much as possible… if I may ask, bring them back in one piece like you did with that Elf the other day. About that… ah, you truly outdid yourself.”

“I see… If it pleases you, Count, I couldn’t ask for higher praise. Yet one as untalented as I… making such a promise is…”

“Very well. Unlike the other day… this isn’t that important. It’s just a soldier and his cronies who slipped into crime. If it’s too much, so be it.”

“…?”

Gaikaku didn’t know why the Count had summoned him or why he was in such high spirits. If it was a low-priority job, there was no reason for the Count to risk calling him in.

“…”

(He seems like he wants me to ask him something…)

Apparently, it was for personal reasons. Gaikaku, slightly exasperated, switched to host mode and spoke.

“Count… you seem rather elated. If you don’t mind, would you also share that joy with me?”

“Hmm? You want me to tell you what makes me happy? You’re such an impudent man…”

(He’s dying to brag…)

“Well, very well… It’s not meant to be shared, but there’s no harm in you knowing.”

He yelled at the top of his lungs, shaking his body violently.

“To me!”

(Is yelling this loud okay?)

“To me! To this Count Borick! I’ve been summoned by the Royal Family!”

(Well… if I bring back that elite Elf intact…)

“They’re asking me to join the Knight Order—as a knight and as a mage!”

He was overcome with joy, celebrating with his whole body.

“I never imagined a day like this would come… I can’t believe it.”

“It’s only natural—once your deeds are known, Count…”

“Indeed, but that’s only if fate smiles upon you. No matter how talented one is, without luck you’ll just be buried…”

A man lacking ability uttered what only the incapable would say. At the absurdity of it all, Gaikaku almost laughed. He could laugh, but he shouldn’t burst out laughing—it was a delicate balance.

“It’s a pity, but our association ends here. If someone like me keeps meeting a noble knight frequently, I’d be the one holding you back.”

“Hmph, you speak as if it’s already decided I’ll become a knight. Becoming a knight is an honor… but I have duties as a Count. I can’t move around that easily…”

(He’ll find out I’m unworthy anyway… and use that as an excuse to refuse.)

Count Borick didn’t understand Gaikaku’s tricks, but even he knew he lacked real ability. He also knew his own sorcerer, Gaikaku, was far inferior to a knight. Or rather, because he hated the idea of someone like Gaikaku being better than a knight, he chose to believe it. He understood that if Gaikaku performed his tricks, his lack of skill would be exposed.

“Nevertheless, it is an honor. It makes sense that I should be pleased.”

“Yes, you’re absolutely right.”

“Once this matter is settled, I’ll reward you again. And in the future as well.”

“Heh heh.”

Seeing Gaikaku’s humility, the Count gave him an evil grin.

(Being used for cheap… how pitiful for a shadow dweller…)

(He must be thinking that, this fatso.)

Meanwhile, Gaikaku also wore an equally evil grin.

(Here I am, living on your land without paying a single coin in taxes… you have no idea how much I’m profiting.)

The reason Gaikaku could occupy vast land and amass tremendous wealth (slaves included) wasn’t just because he received hefty rewards from the Count—it was simply because he didn’t pay taxes. In effect, the Count lost more to Gaikaku’s tax evasion than he pocketed by skimming his rewards.

(Thanks to your influence, I get to take it easy. “kihi-hi-hi-hi”… keep getting fatter, Count Borick!)