Chapter 95 – Insufficient Staff
[We simply don’t have enough personnel!]
George strongly stressed it to Ares.
[Well… not like I can do anything about that all of a sudden…]
Ares responded with a wry smile towards the angry George. Well, he’s not wrong either after all…
Currently, except for the first corps, the entire army is participating in the development. In addition to that, many people from Heinz and all over Grants also joined in to help. Grants was hit with a shortage of labor that it’s willing to take in anyone.
[There is not enough manpower to build the waterway!]
Yes, even if Ares managed to secure the clean water, there wasn’t enough people to actually build the waterway.
But why does he have to be angry at me… Ares thought inwardly.
[Are you listening? Milord?]
[Yes, loud and clear.]
Ares replied with a sigh.
But he understood what George was telling him. Maybe he really should try to do something.
[Milord has a way to settle this problem, hasn’t he?]
[…we can try using alchemy, but that means…..]
When Ares said that, George immediately moved in to the point that his face being so close to Ares’.
[Yes. We can use『that』again just like when we explosively developed Schwarzer territory. What is needed and what is our top priority… Milord can tell already, correct?]
Ares let out more sighed on George’s words.
[Brute forcing it as usual… well, we do have the funding and this can be counted as one of George’s suggestions. I really should try using『that』, maybe?]
Having said that, Ares slowly straightened up his back.
=====
◆
Ares, accompanied by George, headed out to the quarry on the Heinz’ outskirts.
It was originally a hill full of gravel, but the workers had slowly dug it down.
With a lot of people gathering here, businesses such as taverns and inns naturally sprouted as well… it’s almost like a small village born out of gathering people.
But Ares ignored the crowds and walked towards the more unpopular spot on the hill.
[Well, why did Shion tag along too?]
[Nothing, I just found this interesting]
Ares sighed while looking at the chuckling Shion.
[…I feel like I’ll sigh even more now that you’re also here…]
[Isn’t that the sign of a good retainer?]
[Kuh… oh well, whatever… I just can’t win an argument with you.]
After confirming that there was nobody else around, Ares began chanting.
A pale glow shone around Ares.
[By the contract of old, I hereby grant you life. Answer to my call.]
Magic diagrams appeared around Ares.
[Stone Golem!]
Right then… the stones in the quarry began moving… those stones gathered and formed a 3 meter tall humanoid figure. And these humanoids were forming all around Ares… until 10 of them were formed; after which they slowly walked toward him… meanwhile Ares muttered in a low voice.
[Fuu, I used creation magic again after a very long time… it’s tiring…]
Ares chuckled in satisfaction as he gave the golems before him a look.
=====
◆
[It’s pretty cool, this thing is.]
Shion patted the golem in its leg while observing it.
George also came to check how did it go.
[Well then, this is where alchemy can be very useful.]
Meanwhile Ares took out a red stone from his bag.
[Milord… what is that…?]
[Nn? Isn’t this just a magic stone? Eh? Don’t tell me this is the first time Shion sees this?]
Ares handed over the stone to Shion. He picked it up and inspected under the sun. The magic stone radiated a warm light.
[These magic stones are obviously different from regular stones. This…contains magic power I have infused beforehand. It can also serve as power source if we embedded it to a golem.]
Ares chuckled.
[Using creation magic to create a golem is fine and all… but it’ll continuously drain your magic power. This magic stone can serve as replacement magic power supply. That’s why I call this [Golem’s Heart] ]
That’s why Ares began embedding the stone to each golem. The golem’s eyes glowed brighter in lieu to that.
[These stone golems are heavy-duty and very durable. But the magic consumption is also very high. That’s why I’m going to need a slightly larger magic stone later. For now… 10 is my limit, I guess?]
Ares continued on.
[15 small magic stones left… now let’s make a golem using mud. I’ll proceed with the waterway development with the help of these stone golems and mud golems]
[Too bad golems are too costly in terms of energy consumption. It’ll be a great help in the development project otherwise…]
Ares agreed to George’s comment.
[In any case we need to proceed with the development… I’ll use everything at my disposal, even if others may think that I’ve strayed on an evil path…]
Saying so, Ares smiled wryly.
=====
◆
The golems only started working that day… but they immediately showed great results. They worked without complaining, and they would continue working regardless of the odds. Their work speed is also constant as they don’t experience fatigue.
[This is… beyond my expectation. The development will definitely proceed faster this way.]
George was very pleased with the results.
Later that day, after Ares finished working, he returned to the lord’s mansion alongside Sigurd… and saw a servant doing some cleaning.
[Ah, Ares-sama. Welcome back!]
[…it has become harder for you, hasn’t it…]
[Yes… the other employees have changed jobs to become construction worker since it pays well… the chores can be a bit tiring these days.]
Hearing that, Ares looked around the mansion.
The rooms that hasn’t been cleaned yet and the vast garden…
Seeing this, Ares frowned.
[Ares-sama… it’s difficult to maintain the mansion properly with the number of servants currently working here…]
Ares laughed at Sigurd’s comment.
[To be honest, I don’t even need this large of a house…]
Indeed, Ares originally unwilling to live in this mansion. But Gail insisted that a lord should live in a decent mansion. When Ares didn’t budge, Gail still insisted by offering the mansion he previously lived in for Ares’ use… unable to refuse it, Ares ended up living here now…
[That’s all we can do right now…]
Many of the servants chose to change job, causing a shortage of people to divide the chores with. Fortunately, Hadora is here as the chef, so food is not a problem… but there were simply too many chores left undone. If only Theta is here… but she won’t be here until sometime in the future.
[It can’t be helped. I originally wanted to take things a bit slower… but let’s ask that guy for help…]
Sigurd instantly reacted.
[That guy….? Does Milord mean 『Helmut』-dono?]
Ares nodded to Sigurd.
[Anyways, let’s go inside first. This isn’t something that others should see…]
Saying so, Ares went into his room followed by Sigurd.
=====
◆
After closing the door behind him and making sure that no one else was around except for himself and Sigurd… Ares began chanting.
[He who is contracted to me, heed my order. Open the gate of the underworld and show yourself!]
As he chanted, a complex-looking magic diagram appeared on the floor. The diagram swirled with powerful magic power as blue flames wrapped around it.
[Summon, Helmut the Archfiend]
Following Ares’ chant… a gentlemanly looking man with a well-kept moustache the same color as his neatly trimmed silver hair appeared from the magic diagram.
[Well well… what a sudden summoning, it surprised me. How do you do, little master?]
[Stop with the little master stuff please… I’m already past that age.]
[Then… shall I refer to you by ‘master’ instead?]
[That’s still not good either, but fine… when Helmut calls me like that, it always makes me shiver.]
The two laughed at such exchange.
[Well… sorry if I summon you during your rest or tea time… but I want to borrow your power again… I want you to maintain this place properly.]
Hearing so, Helmut excitedly, albeit still keeping the gentlemanly tone and mannerism, replied.
[My life, my everything belongs to master. Master may use it in any way]
Sigurd watched the scene from the sideline. That man… he knew the true nature of that man called Helmut.
Helmut was a man who previously worked as a servant back at the Schwarzer mansion. He was very talented and capable of tackling the entire household chores by himself. Until Ares for some reason sent him back to his home.
Yes, that man’s home…
…was the『underworld of another world』
Sigurd’s instincts were ringing like an alarm. That man had this strange, shadowy presence that makes anyone want to avoid him at all cost.
But he was bound by a special contract, which apparently prevents him from actively serving as a general. The『World-crossing Contract Rule』that Helmut is bound in does not allow him to be too involved in this world’s matters. Recalling what Ares said once, he could only show his strength while inside the building he’s summoned at.
That’s what Sigurd heard from Ares.
Helmut came from another world different from this one… Back in his own world, he became part of the Four Great Archfiends because of his ‘talent in other things’. Even Ares, Sigurd, and Darius combined wouldn’t stand a chance against him.
[Helmut is not a demonkin… instead, he’s a ‘demon’ in the truest sense. He’s in a different league, a much higher league than the demonkin of this world.]
Ares often told Sigurd.
Remembering those words… Sigurd could only looked at Helmut apprehensively.
=====
◆
[By the way master. Why doesn’t master bring more escorts?]
[I already have Sigurd… and with my own abilities, I don’t feel the need of bringing too many escorts with me, but…]
(….no, that’s not the real reason, isn’t it…)
Sigurd knew what Ares meant by him saying that.
But Helmut ardently refused.
[Well, I know that master is strong… but if master or Sigurd-dono is not present, I may find it a bit hard to compensate should someone directly target this house. This is especially true with master’s current position and duty. One more person. I would be grateful if there is one more person with superior valor to act as an escort…]
What Helmut said was certainly reasonable. But when they think about what Helmut was trying to say once more, Ares and Sigurd both had the same thought.
No, just 1 of you is more than enough!
[Then should I just hire someone?]
[No, quantity won’t matter in this case. I only require a 『strong man』for this matter.]
[Even if you say only one…]
When Ares showed hesitation, Helmut pressed even further.
[Ares-sama… how about summoning『Zetos』over here?]
[Zetos…? No, I think that guy wanted to have some rest these days…]
Ares muttered in a low voice. But that only served to make Helmut to speak in a more serious and heartfelt manner.
[…Ares-sama is too kind, but ever since [that one accident], you started to avoid calling us….Surely anyone would be pleased to be able to work for Ares-sama. Same goes with me. It’s a pleasure for us to be able to serve more than anything else. How we envy Quara since she gets to serve by working in the Schwarzer territory… That’s why my happiness is beyond immeasurable when I am summoned this time. Please allow me to share this happiness with Zetos.]
[…………….]
Helmut’s words rendered Ares speechless. He then recalled [that one accident] which caused him to send all of them back to their original world.
After thinking for a while, Ares finally caved in.
[I understand. Let’s do so. And Helmut… thank you.]
Upon hearing that answer, Helmut smiled widely.
Following his approval, Ares walked to the center of the room once more and began chanting a different spell.
[Hark, a legendary warrior born from the fang of a dragon. By your name, I once again call you, the great warrior to be reborn in this world.]
The magic diagram appeared once again, this time glowing a fierce red.
[Respond to my voice! Dragon Fang Warrior Spartoi Zetos!]
A figure appeared from the magic diagram following those sentences.
His appearance was that of a skeleton. But… he was wearing gold-colored full plate armor with a sword hanging on his waist. His body was covered with powerful magic.
Noticing his surroundings, he began to move. His armor shone splendidly.
The golden armor was inlaid with a complex design and is laden with magic power. The sword should be taken note of as well. The power of an ancient green dragon could be felt from that sword. Yes, that sword was an authentic『Dragon’s Sword』, crafted from the fangs and scales of an ancient dragon.
[Milord, long time no see. Sigurd-dono and Helmut-dono haven’t changed that much either.]
[I was being summoned only earlier. And you as well.]
Helmut laughed upon hearing Zetos’ greeting.
After confirming his appearance, Ares stood before Zetos… and commanded.
[Zetos. I command you to guard a mansion, this mansion, once more. Will you abide to my request?]
Zetos responded in the most knightly manner possible.
[Yes, Milord! Once given this temporary new life, it shall be belong to Ares-sama. Ares-sama’s wish is my wish. And I shall attend to my mission with sincerity!]
He said.
Hearing such a sincere reply… Ares could only smile quietly.
=====
◆
Thus, two more servants were added to Ares’ mansion.
Head Butler Helmut
Escort Zetos
The other servants who saw Zetos’ appearance was apprehensive at first, but quickly warmed up to him due to his friendly demeanor.
Helmut was not only talented, but despite only leading the few remaining servants, the household chores and maintenance works had always been completed in a per+fectly and timely manner.
Ever since his arrival… Ares’ mansion had turned to look like as if it’s a totally different mansion.
One day, George gave Ares a visit and took note of the changes.
[Those guys, if they’re allowed to work for internal affairs, I wonder how well the progress would be…]
He said.
=====
◆
An individual of highest rank among the demons in the another world where Helmut lives. There were 4 Archfiends fighting for supremacy in his world.
Ares regarded Helmut as a『True Demon』when compared to the demonkin of this world.
Among the undead, there is one skeleton regarded as the top alongside the Lich and Death Knight Masters.
Only a few necromancers in history have the ability to ever summon this particular skeleton because the catalyst required for its summoning was an ancient dragon’s fang.
It was also known as the『Dragon Fang Warrior』because a heroic soul coupled with powerful magic are required to summon it.
Chapter 95 – Insufficient Staff
[We simply don’t have enough personnel!]
George strongly stressed it to Ares.
[Well… not like I can do anything about that all of a sudden…]
Ares responded with a wry smile towards the angry George. Well, he’s not wrong either after all…
Currently, except for the first corps, the entire army is participating in the development. In addition to that, many people from Heinz and all over Grants also joined in to help. Grants was hit with a shortage of labor that it’s willing to take in anyone.
[There is not enough manpower to build the waterway!]
Yes, even if Ares managed to secure the clean water, there wasn’t enough people to actually build the waterway.
But why does he have to be angry at me… Ares thought inwardly.
[Are you listening? Milord?]
[Yes, loud and clear.]
Ares replied with a sigh.
But he understood what George was telling him. Maybe he really should try to do something.
[Milord has a way to settle this problem, hasn’t he?]
[…we can try using alchemy, but that means…..]
When Ares said that, George immediately moved in to the point that his face being so close to Ares’.
[Yes. We can use『that』again just like when we explosively developed Schwarzer territory. What is needed and what is our top priority… Milord can tell already, correct?]
Ares let out more sighed on George’s words.
[Brute forcing it as usual… well, we do have the funding and this can be counted as one of George’s suggestions. I really should try using『that』, maybe?]
Having said that, Ares slowly straightened up his back.
=====
◆
Ares, accompanied by George, headed out to the quarry on the Heinz’ outskirts.
It was originally a hill full of gravel, but the workers had slowly dug it down.
With a lot of people gathering here, businesses such as taverns and inns naturally sprouted as well… it’s almost like a small village born out of gathering people.
But Ares ignored the crowds and walked towards the more unpopular spot on the hill.
[Well, why did Shion tag along too?]
[Nothing, I just found this interesting]
Ares sighed while looking at the chuckling Shion.
[…I feel like I’ll sigh even more now that you’re also here…]
[Isn’t that the sign of a good retainer?]
[Kuh… oh well, whatever… I just can’t win an argument with you.]
After confirming that there was nobody else around, Ares began chanting.
A pale glow shone around Ares.
[By the contract of old, I hereby grant you life. Answer to my call.]
Magic diagrams appeared around Ares.
[Stone Golem!]
Right then… the stones in the quarry began moving… those stones gathered and formed a 3 meter tall humanoid figure. And these humanoids were forming all around Ares… until 10 of them were formed; after which they slowly walked toward him… meanwhile Ares muttered in a low voice.
[Fuu, I used creation magic again after a very long time… it’s tiring…]
Ares chuckled in satisfaction as he gave the golems before him a look.
=====
◆
[It’s pretty cool, this thing is.]
Shion patted the golem in its leg while observing it.
George also came to check how did it go.
[Well then, this is where alchemy can be very useful.]
Meanwhile Ares took out a red stone from his bag.
[Milord… what is that…?]
[Nn? Isn’t this just a magic stone? Eh? Don’t tell me this is the first time Shion sees this?]
Ares handed over the stone to Shion. He picked it up and inspected under the sun. The magic stone radiated a warm light.
[These magic stones are obviously different from regular stones. This…contains magic power I have infused beforehand. It can also serve as power source if we embedded it to a golem.]
Ares chuckled.
[Using creation magic to create a golem is fine and all… but it’ll continuously drain your magic power. This magic stone can serve as replacement magic power supply. That’s why I call this [Golem’s Heart] ]
That’s why Ares began embedding the stone to each golem. The golem’s eyes glowed brighter in lieu to that.
[These stone golems are heavy-duty and very durable. But the magic consumption is also very high. That’s why I’m going to need a slightly larger magic stone later. For now… 10 is my limit, I guess?]
Ares continued on.
[15 small magic stones left… now let’s make a golem using mud. I’ll proceed with the waterway development with the help of these stone golems and mud golems]
[Too bad golems are too costly in terms of energy consumption. It’ll be a great help in the development project otherwise…]
Ares agreed to George’s comment.
[In any case we need to proceed with the development… I’ll use everything at my disposal, even if others may think that I’ve strayed on an evil path…]
Saying so, Ares smiled wryly.
=====
◆
The golems only started working that day… but they immediately showed great results. They worked without complaining, and they would continue working regardless of the odds. Their work speed is also constant as they don’t experience fatigue.
[This is… beyond my expectation. The development will definitely proceed faster this way.]
George was very pleased with the results.
Later that day, after Ares finished working, he returned to the lord’s mansion alongside Sigurd… and saw a servant doing some cleaning.
[Ah, Ares-sama. Welcome back!]
[…it has become harder for you, hasn’t it…]
[Yes… the other employees have changed jobs to become construction worker since it pays well… the chores can be a bit tiring these days.]
Hearing that, Ares looked around the mansion.
The rooms that hasn’t been cleaned yet and the vast garden…
Seeing this, Ares frowned.
[Ares-sama… it’s difficult to maintain the mansion properly with the number of servants currently working here…]
Ares laughed at Sigurd’s comment.
[To be honest, I don’t even need this large of a house…]
Indeed, Ares originally unwilling to live in this mansion. But Gail insisted that a lord should live in a decent mansion. When Ares didn’t budge, Gail still insisted by offering the mansion he previously lived in for Ares’ use… unable to refuse it, Ares ended up living here now…
[That’s all we can do right now…]
Many of the servants chose to change job, causing a shortage of people to divide the chores with. Fortunately, Hadora is here as the chef, so food is not a problem… but there were simply too many chores left undone. If only Theta is here… but she won’t be here until sometime in the future.
[It can’t be helped. I originally wanted to take things a bit slower… but let’s ask that guy for help…]
Sigurd instantly reacted.
[That guy….? Does Milord mean 『Helmut』-dono?]
Ares nodded to Sigurd.
[Anyways, let’s go inside first. This isn’t something that others should see…]
Saying so, Ares went into his room followed by Sigurd.
=====
◆
After closing the door behind him and making sure that no one else was around except for himself and Sigurd… Ares began chanting.
[He who is contracted to me, heed my order. Open the gate of the underworld and show yourself!]
As he chanted, a complex-looking magic diagram appeared on the floor. The diagram swirled with powerful magic power as blue flames wrapped around it.
[Summon, Helmut the Archfiend]
Following Ares’ chant… a gentlemanly looking man with a well-kept moustache the same color as his neatly trimmed silver hair appeared from the magic diagram.
[Well well… what a sudden summoning, it surprised me. How do you do, little master?]
[Stop with the little master stuff please… I’m already past that age.]
[Then… shall I refer to you by ‘master’ instead?]
[That’s still not good either, but fine… when Helmut calls me like that, it always makes me shiver.]
The two laughed at such exchange.
[Well… sorry if I summon you during your rest or tea time… but I want to borrow your power again… I want you to maintain this place properly.]
Hearing so, Helmut excitedly, albeit still keeping the gentlemanly tone and mannerism, replied.
[My life, my everything belongs to master. Master may use it in any way]
Sigurd watched the scene from the sideline. That man… he knew the true nature of that man called Helmut.
Helmut was a man who previously worked as a servant back at the Schwarzer mansion. He was very talented and capable of tackling the entire household chores by himself. Until Ares for some reason sent him back to his home.
Yes, that man’s home…
…was the『underworld of another world』
Sigurd’s instincts were ringing like an alarm. That man had this strange, shadowy presence that makes anyone want to avoid him at all cost.
But he was bound by a special contract, which apparently prevents him from actively serving as a general. The『World-crossing Contract Rule』that Helmut is bound in does not allow him to be too involved in this world’s matters. Recalling what Ares said once, he could only show his strength while inside the building he’s summoned at.
That’s what Sigurd heard from Ares.
Helmut came from another world different from this one… Back in his own world, he became part of the Four Great Archfiends because of his ‘talent in other things’. Even Ares, Sigurd, and Darius combined wouldn’t stand a chance against him.
[Helmut is not a demonkin… instead, he’s a ‘demon’ in the truest sense. He’s in a different league, a much higher league than the demonkin of this world.]
Ares often told Sigurd.
Remembering those words… Sigurd could only looked at Helmut apprehensively.
=====
◆
[By the way master. Why doesn’t master bring more escorts?]
[I already have Sigurd… and with my own abilities, I don’t feel the need of bringing too many escorts with me, but…]
(….no, that’s not the real reason, isn’t it…)
Sigurd knew what Ares meant by him saying that.
But Helmut ardently refused.
[Well, I know that master is strong… but if master or Sigurd-dono is not present, I may find it a bit hard to compensate should someone directly target this house. This is especially true with master’s current position and duty. One more person. I would be grateful if there is one more person with superior valor to act as an escort…]
What Helmut said was certainly reasonable. But when they think about what Helmut was trying to say once more, Ares and Sigurd both had the same thought.
No, just 1 of you is more than enough!
[Then should I just hire someone?]
[No, quantity won’t matter in this case. I only require a 『strong man』for this matter.]
[Even if you say only one…]
When Ares showed hesitation, Helmut pressed even further.
[Ares-sama… how about summoning『Zetos』over here?]
[Zetos…? No, I think that guy wanted to have some rest these days…]
Ares muttered in a low voice. But that only served to make Helmut to speak in a more serious and heartfelt manner.
[…Ares-sama is too kind, but ever since [that one accident], you started to avoid calling us….Surely anyone would be pleased to be able to work for Ares-sama. Same goes with me. It’s a pleasure for us to be able to serve more than anything else. How we envy Quara since she gets to serve by working in the Schwarzer territory… That’s why my happiness is beyond immeasurable when I am summoned this time. Please allow me to share this happiness with Zetos.]
[…………….]
Helmut’s words rendered Ares speechless. He then recalled [that one accident] which caused him to send all of them back to their original world.
After thinking for a while, Ares finally caved in.
[I understand. Let’s do so. And Helmut… thank you.]
Upon hearing that answer, Helmut smiled widely.
Following his approval, Ares walked to the center of the room once more and began chanting a different spell.
[Hark, a legendary warrior born from the fang of a dragon. By your name, I once again call you, the great warrior to be reborn in this world.]
The magic diagram appeared once again, this time glowing a fierce red.
[Respond to my voice! Dragon Fang Warrior Spartoi Zetos!]
A figure appeared from the magic diagram following those sentences.
His appearance was that of a skeleton. But… he was wearing gold-colored full plate armor with a sword hanging on his waist. His body was covered with powerful magic.
Noticing his surroundings, he began to move. His armor shone splendidly.
The golden armor was inlaid with a complex design and is laden with magic power. The sword should be taken note of as well. The power of an ancient green dragon could be felt from that sword. Yes, that sword was an authentic『Dragon’s Sword』, crafted from the fangs and scales of an ancient dragon.
[Milord, long time no see. Sigurd-dono and Helmut-dono haven’t changed that much either.]
[I was being summoned only earlier. And you as well.]
Helmut laughed upon hearing Zetos’ greeting.
After confirming his appearance, Ares stood before Zetos… and commanded.
[Zetos. I command you to guard a mansion, this mansion, once more. Will you abide to my request?]
Zetos responded in the most knightly manner possible.
[Yes, Milord! Once given this temporary new life, it shall be belong to Ares-sama. Ares-sama’s wish is my wish. And I shall attend to my mission with sincerity!]
He said.
Hearing such a sincere reply… Ares could only smile quietly.
=====
◆
Thus, two more servants were added to Ares’ mansion.
Head Butler Helmut
Escort Zetos
The other servants who saw Zetos’ appearance was apprehensive at first, but quickly warmed up to him due to his friendly demeanor.
Helmut was not only talented, but despite only leading the few remaining servants, the household chores and maintenance works had always been completed in a per+fectly and timely manner.
Ever since his arrival… Ares’ mansion had turned to look like as if it’s a totally different mansion.
One day, George gave Ares a visit and took note of the changes.
[Those guys, if they’re allowed to work for internal affairs, I wonder how well the progress would be…]
He said.
=====
◆
An individual of highest rank among the demons in the another world where Helmut lives. There were 4 Archfiends fighting for supremacy in his world.
Ares regarded Helmut as a『True Demon』when compared to the demonkin of this world.
Among the undead, there is one skeleton regarded as the top alongside the Lich and Death Knight Masters.
Only a few necromancers in history have the ability to ever summon this particular skeleton because the catalyst required for its summoning was an ancient dragon’s fang.
It was also known as the『Dragon Fang Warrior』because a heroic soul coupled with powerful magic are required to summon it.
