The Founding Monarch Became the Mastermind

Chapter 40

Except for Si-on and Piotr, the rest of the group was guided to a two-story wooden house located on the outskirts of the Buksan Elf Village.

The house appeared quite large, but it wasn’t spacious enough to accommodate all fifty people, so the mercenaries and soldiers began setting up tents in the clearing next to it, preparing to camp outdoors.

“Please be careful with the fire.”

“Of course.”

Yonas, who knew the elves best among the group, gave instructions according to their requests.

Seeing his uncle working so diligently, Sirvan couldn’t just stand by, so he reluctantly joined in, grumbling inwardly.

“Sirvan! Go over there and help with the work.”

“Yes…”

Sirvan sighed inwardly as he shuffled over to where the Janstrick mercenaries were, away from the knights and soldiers of the more comfortable noble family.

‘There are so many people, and we’re staying in that house anyway, so why bother?’

Although complaints were itching at his throat, Sirvan could only silently help the mercenaries, keeping an eye on Yonas, who had changed completely since some time ago.

About ten minutes into the work, someone began walking toward the clearing.

‘His name was Friel, right? But why is he coming alone?’

Sirvan tilted his head as he saw Friel, the leader of the elves who had guided them from the forest to the village.

He was already puzzled and a bit offended that only Si-on and Piotr were meeting the Elder, and now that Friel was coming alone, his suspicion grew even stronger.

Friel passed by Sirvan without a glance and went straight to Yonas, engaging in conversation.

Though he was still unfamiliar with Elvish and couldn’t hear well from a distance, Sirvan could tell that Yonas was greatly surprised by whatever Friel had said.

After Friel left, Sirvan hesitated for a moment before cautiously approaching Yonas.

Seeing his uncle looking unusually serious and somewhat excited, Sirvan’s curiosity piqued, and he asked carefully.

“Uncle, is something going on? What did that elf say?”

“Hm.”

Yonas, lost in thought, suddenly turned his head and looked at Sirvan with complicated eyes.

Seeing the unfamiliar look, Sirvan grew more puzzled as Yonas spoke.

“The elves have decided to go with us to the Twin-headed Eagle Castle.”

“What?”

Sirvan was genuinely shocked.

Although the elves had a long-standing connection with their family, visits to the Twin-headed Eagle Castle, where the duke resided, were rare, except for essential personnel who rotated every few years.

Moreover, Yonas had said “elves,” implying a large group, not just a few individuals.

“The Buksan Elves? How many? And why are they going to the Twin-headed Eagle Castle…?”

“Not just Buksan, but elves.”

“…!?”

“Buksan, Namsan, and Gosan Elves might all go with us to the Twin-headed Eagle Castle. No, it’s almost certain they’ll all go.”

The three elven tribes residing in the Si-on Duchy were neither particularly close nor hostile to one another.

Though they had some interaction, they did not share a deep sense of kinship or sentiment just because they were of the same race.

They were more like neighboring villages among humans—just because they were neighbors didn’t mean they were close or fond of each other.

They occasionally helped and cooperated but often maintained a distant relationship or, in some cases, viewed each other as enemies.

The same was true for the elves.

Of course, the elven tribes in the Si-on Duchy did not live like enemies. Having come here to escape the threat of extinction, they never fought among themselves.

However, while their relations were not hostile, elves were known for their lack of emotional variability, often not interacting unless absolutely necessary.

And now, these three elven tribes of the Si-on Duchy were all planning to visit the Duke’s castle together?

“This is huge! Wow! It’s almost unheard of for all three tribes to gather, except for occasions like a new duke’s coronation, a wedding, or a funeral, right? Wow…! Are the dwarves going to come along too?”

Young and unable to hide his excitement, Sirvan showed his enthusiasm openly.

However, Yonas, who was listening to Sirvan’s excited words, suddenly opened his eyes wide.

“Coronations, funerals. And dwarves…?”

It felt like a lightning bolt had struck his mind.

— From the moment you arrive at the duchy, you must trust me without question.

The firm voice of the revered founding patriarch suddenly echoed in his mind, and he knew it was no coincidence.

At that time, he had accepted those words as natural and was overwhelmed with emotion, simply agreeing to follow the command.

But if those words carried a deeper intent and strong will from the patriarch?

And if that intent was related to the recent discord surrounding the family and title?

Thump!

Yonas’s expression hardened instantly, as if something had suddenly sunk into his chest.

* * *

“Are you disappointed that I didn’t tell you from the start?”

“No, Grandfather. I fully understand your intentions. It’s just… I’m a bit surprised.”

The great shock lasted only a moment.

Si-on was satisfied with Piotr’s response, who had quickly composed himself, though his demeanor and speech had become more cautious than before.

“The original plan was to tell you once everything had returned to its rightful place. But the situation has changed. More importantly, you’ve changed.”

“Me…? Are you talking about me?”

Si-on nodded at the bewildered Piotr.

“Yes. To be honest, I initially thought it would take more time for you to fulfill your role—specifically, the role I expect of you. But that time has shortened.”

“Oh…”

Piotr’s face flushed with a mix of joy and embarrassment at the acknowledgment from his legendary great-grandfather.

“Most importantly, you’ve seen the level.”

“Level…?”

Bael and Friel, who had been quietly listening to the conversation between the great-grandfather and great-grandson, showed a slight change in their expressions at Si-on’s words.

Noticing the shift in the two elves’ demeanor, Si-on turned his gaze to them and continued.

“What I’m about to say may not be entirely true. But I believe it’s likely true, so keep that in mind as you listen.”

“Hm. I understand.”

Bael, who had watched Si-on closely since his youth, quietly focused on him.

Friel, who was well aware of the legendary actions of Duke Jang Si-on as told by the elders of his tribe and the consistent and honorable treatment of the Si-on Ducal family toward the elves, also listened attentively.

“What my great-grandson and you all saw is called a level. It’s like a type of grade or rank.”

“A grade?”

“Yes.”

Si-on calmly explained the concept of levels. It wasn’t difficult, so the three quickly grasped it.

However, Bael, who had lived the longest among them, was curious about something else.

“But Jang, how do you know about this level?”

Si-on, who had anticipated such a question, answered without hesitation.

“I heard it from someone.”

“Can you tell me who it was?”

Si-on looked into Bael’s slightly clouded eyes, indicative of his dwindling lifespan, feeling a twinge of mixed emotions.

Though not as close as his other friends known as the Six Heroes, Bael was still an old comrade, and it bothered Si-on that he had to lie to him.

However, he couldn’t reveal everything to Bael.

Now was the time for a benevolent lie.

“Is that really important?”

“…!?”

“Isn’t it more crucial to know what the level is, why it suddenly appeared, and why it’s only visible to a few rather than everyone? Is who told me about it more important than those questions? Especially between us, with our long-standing relationship and the bond between my family and the elves?”

“Hm.”

It would be a lie to say it wasn’t frustrating, but Bael had to concede.

The elves in the Si-on Duchy and Si-on himself had a complex relationship.

Si-on had never extended kindness to the elves without expecting something in return, and the elves hadn’t settled here solely on his promises.

It was a mutually beneficial relationship.

Si-on’s goals aligned with those of the elves, and thus they had coexisted for many long years under mutual trust.

Here, what mattered most was that trust.

And Si-on and his descendants had kept their promises to the three tribes.

“You’re right. That’s not what’s important.”

“Thank you for understanding, my friend.”

Si-on nodded at Bael’s response.

Though they hadn’t seen each other for a long time, he knew Bael would understand and follow his intentions.

While Piotr and Friel, who were present, might not grasp it, the bond between the two was deep.

‘That’s what comradeship is all about.’

The two old comrades, who had shed blood and fought together toward a common goal, quickly restored their past trust.

“Levels are…”

Si-on looked around at the three of them and continued.

“A measure of a person’s current state. It won’t decrease, and it can rise depending on one’s efforts.

And as I see it, for now, not everyone can see it; only those with exceptional talents in either body or mind, or those with specific skills superior to others, seem to have the ability.”

“Talents and skills…”

“Yes. For example, Friel.”

“Yes.”

“I observed you on the way here. In my opinion, you’re the strongest among the Buksan Elf warriors, aren’t you?”

“That’s correct.”

“And you’re also the best at tracking and detection skills.”

“That’s correct as well.”

“That’s why you can see the level. And Bael, you’re the Elder representing the Buksan Elves and were the strongest warrior when you came to the duchy with me.”

Both Friel and Bael were special among the Buksan Elves. That’s why Si-on was confident they could see the levels.

“Hm. Jang, what about the other tribes?”

“Not right now, but eventually, I think everyone will be able to see the levels.”

Elves, though very much “people,” made up less than 1% of the world’s population and were a special race.

Si-on was certain that they would be able to see levels faster than humans.

“Hm. So that’s why you’ve gathered the siblings from Gosan and Namsan as well.”

“Yes. The elves sent here in response to my call would be the exceptional ones from Gosan and Namsan. At least three or four of them should be able to see the levels.”

These “special” elves who could see the levels would not only be of great help to Si-on himself but also to the ducal family, which he planned to reform and restore to its rightful state.

“Special siblings… Jang, do you plan to take them and go to the ducal family? And will you step forward again?”

Bael asked, almost convinced.

He believed the reason his old friend, who had left the duchy for decades, had returned was no other.

“No. I don’t plan to do that.”

“What? Why not?”

Knowing Si-on as well as he did from observing him over a long time, Bael was surprised.

The same went for Piotr.

From the moment he realized Si-on’s true identity, Piotr had felt excited at the prospect of standing by his revered patriarch.

“Having lived a long time, you know.”

Si-on smiled and addressed the three.

“It’s much more comfortable and enjoyable to work from behind the scenes. Though it’s not my favorite term… you could call it being a mastermind?”

“A master…mind?”

Seeing Si-on’s mischievous grin, Bael wondered if his old friend had turned into a dark lord while he hadn’t been looking.