The Founding Monarch Became the Mastermind

Chapter 78

“Monster-specialized… do you mean an extermination unit?”

“The unit I have in mind is a bit different from what you’d call an extermination force.”

“If not extermination, then what…?”

Blaho cautiously asked.

He had fully recovered from the injuries sustained in the sparring match with Si-on, and his respect for Si-on had grown even deeper.

“An extermination unit typically brings to mind a large force that wipes out monsters until none are left, right? What I have in mind isn’t quite that. Although, the unit will likely be fairly large.”

“Apologies, but I’m struggling to fully understand.”

“Well, it’s… hmm.”

Si-on, uncharacteristically, hesitated for a moment.

There was actually a phrase that could explain everything in one shot.

– Monster Hunter.

But it wasn’t something he could casually say to people in this world, who had no concept of RPG games.

“First, I need to know this. Friel, did you find out what I asked you to investigate?”

“Yes. The messenger arrived yesterday. I was planning to report to you anyway.”

“Good. Then, let’s hear it now. These guys need to know as well.”

“Understood. I’ll report now.”

Friel gave a slight nod and glanced at Blaho, who was squinting as if wondering what this was all about, and Sminov, who looked utterly confused as to why he was even present in the August Estate.

“Before heading to the Pamel Count’s territory, Lord Si-on tasked me with something. He asked me to investigate the movements of monsters within the territories managed by all the clans of the Duchy, including those in North Mountain, South Mountain, and Gosan.”

Seeing Si-on nod as he sipped his tea, Friel continued.

“Due to the recent events in the Duchy, some of our brothers from South Mountain and Gosan are working together. Therefore, Si-on’s request was immediately relayed to all the clan territories. And yesterday, I received the results of that investigation.”

Friel, as always, spoke in a detached, emotionless tone, even as he delivered chilling news.

“It has been confirmed that the activity of small bipedal monsters like goblins and kobolds has increased by nearly 1.5 times compared to last year. Additionally, the number of trolls—whether rock trolls, swamp trolls, or forest trolls—has significantly increased, and the frequency of sightings of medium to large monsters has also risen compared to last year.”

“…!”

Blaho and Sminov’s eyes widened.

“That’s not all. There have been sightings of creatures we’re not sure are subspecies born between beasts and monsters or something newly created under some influence… but new types have appeared.”

“W-What!?”

“No way! Is this true? Are you certain?”

Both Blaho and Sminov gasped in shock.

Despite making an earth-shattering statement that could possibly overturn not only the Duchy but the entire world, Friel remained expressionless and nodded.

“Even if it were just North Mountain, it would be alarming, but our brothers from South Mountain and Gosan reported the same findings. Right now, all three clans are likely in a state of confusion.”

“…”

As the two stood dumbfounded, Si-on spoke up.

“As I expected, it’s worse than I thought. Now, do you understand why I said the unit to handle monsters won’t take the form of an extermination force?”

“You’re saying we won’t be able to completely eradicate them.”

“Probably not. Even if we go through all the trouble to drive them beyond the mountains, they’ll just come back soon enough. So instead of an extermination unit, we need a unit that specializes in constantly hunting monsters. Think of it as a monster hunting unit.”

“A hunting unit…”

“Every year, after the harvest, knights are gathered for boar or deer hunts, right? The only difference is the target. Instead of animals, we’ll be hunting monsters more frequently and professionally. And while the situation is worse than I expected, it’s not all bad.”

“Pardon…?”

Monsters were enemies of humanity, regardless of race.

And the Si-on Duchy had once been nothing less than a paradise for monsters before Duke Jang Si-on came along.

Small, medium, and large monsters of all kinds inhabited every corner of the vast lands.

This was precisely why the Duchy had such a small population relative to its size.

With monsters roaming everywhere, people had only been able to farm a very limited area around Sionia.

But one day, Jang Si-on, a member of the Hero’s party and the hero of the Duchy, arrived and, after a grueling three-year war against the monsters, drove them out toward the Forest Without Echoes and the Brandin Mountain Range at the Duchy’s waist.

In other words, no one had fought monsters more fiercely in the Duchy than Si-on, and no one had more reason to despise monsters than him.

Yet here he was, saying that the sudden rise in monsters and the appearance of new species wasn’t entirely a bad thing.

The three couldn’t understand.

“You all know that there’s no one in this Duchy, or even the entire region, who has killed more monsters than I have.”

“…”

Si-on continued as the three silently acknowledged this.

“Someone like me is saying that the rise in monsters isn’t all bad. Why? Because monsters are money. Big money. Am I wrong, Vodka?”

“Uh… no, you’re not wrong. In fact, you’re absolutely right.”

The Cheolsan Dwarves didn’t just mine and build structures in the Duchy.

The goods they produced were a significant source of income for the Duchy.

Among these goods were items so impressive that they were considered ‘artifacts,’ and the most notable of these was:

“We hunt monsters, use their byproducts to make equipment, and arm the monster hunting unit with it. After securing enough for our own use, we sell the rest. Of course, the ones we sell will be slightly lower in quality than what we use ourselves.”

“…!”

Sminov, the head of the Dwarves, who was quick-witted in such matters, widened his eyes in surprise.

“Forgive me, Your Grace. But such equipment would be incredibly expensive, wouldn’t it? The number of people who could afford it would be quite limited.”

Blaho, being a Swordmaster and the leader of the Black Eagle Regiment, was well-versed in military equipment and supplies.

He knew that no matter how high the quality, expensive items weren’t particularly popular among armies or mercenaries.

Blaho doubted that selling even a few hundred pieces would amount to the “big money” Si-on spoke of.

“You’re right. The demand is limited.”

“As I thought…”

“It was limited—up until now.”

“Pardon?”

“Do you think the rise in monsters is limited to our Duchy?”

“…!”

“They will increase across the South, Central, and Northern regions. In fact, they’ve probably already increased. The more diligent and perceptive lords are likely already noticing something strange. Anyway.”

Seeing that Blaho was finally catching on to what he was saying, Si-on continued.

“Demand will undoubtedly increase. Lords, nobles, and mercenaries alike will soon have no choice but to use equipment made from monster byproducts. And as you know, skilled craftsmen who can properly handle monster byproducts are extremely rare. But as for us?”

Si-on threw a glance at the excited Sminov, who was practically vibrating with anticipation.

“We have the Cheolsan Dwarves. With enough byproducts, we can mass-produce equipment that offers excellent performance for its cost. Now, do you still think this is such a bad situation?”

“No, this is an absolutely ideal situation. Your Grace, leave it to me! I’ll make sure the forges are burning day and night…”

“I said it’s not all bad. I didn’t say it’s a good thing.”

“Gah!”

Si-on gave Sminov, whose head retracted like a turtle, a cold stare.

“When the number of monsters increases, the people of the Duchy will inevitably suffer, whether in small or large ways. The monster hunting unit we form will also suffer casualties. We don’t know how many brave warriors will have to sacrifice their lives. ‘An ideal situation’? Vodka, don’t overstep.”

“My sincerest apologies.”

Si-on then turned back to Blaho.

“Anyway, that’s the situation. So, Blaho, I want you to take the lead in organizing the monster hunting unit.”

“Yes. I will devote myself entirely to the task.”

“Good.”

“But, Your Grace, will the unit members be volunteers, or should I select them myself?”

“Ah, I didn’t explain that part.”

Si-on gave Blaho a knowing smile as he looked him up and down.

“You’re usually sturdy, but didn’t you find that your injuries from our last sparring match healed faster than usual?”

“Uh… yes. I thought it was because Your Grace showed me some mercy.”

“I did go easier on you than I did on your father and grandfather. But still.”

Blaho, momentarily sympathizing with his late father and grandfather, focused on Si-on’s next words.

“The reason your bones healed faster and you recovered quicker is something else. You’ve seen the Divine Message, haven’t you?”

“…!”

“Right. You need to prioritize recruiting those who can see, or might be able to see, the Divine Message into the monster hunting unit. Don’t consider their status, age, or previous experience. Gather anyone who seems like they might have the potential. I’ll personally handle the final selection.”

After registering at the Twin-headed Eagle Castle and accepting some members as part of the clan, Si-on had formulated a hypothesis.

Those who could see the Divine Message might, even in this world, become ‘Hunters.’

Of course, just being able to see the message wouldn’t guarantee that they’d become Hunters.

If this world were governed by something like a ‘system,’ each person’s talent and stats would likely be divided into categories, and not everyone would have the traits necessary to be a knight or warrior.

But if he was going to create a monster hunting unit anyway, it was only natural to bring in those with potential and take them to North Mountain to see if they could access the level message.

If one or two out of every ten candidates could see the level message…

‘Then I’ll have a battle force capable of standing up to the adventurers—users—who will inevitably arrive in this world.’

By hunting the growing number of monsters, they would gain experience and level up.

Their byproducts would provide massive financial support to the Duchy.

And, they would be prepared in advance for the global crisis that might soon strike (whether it turned out to be a crisis or an opportunity was still uncertain).

That would be killing three birds with one stone.

“Now, go inform the Hender that you’re forming the monster hunting unit. Use the budget I’ve allocated for this. Anyway, you two handle the initial preparations.”

“A… as you wish.”

The Swordmaster, who had been burning with anticipation and duty as a knight of the Duchy, suddenly felt deflated.

It seemed that the Finance Department in this world hated people who requested unplanned budget allocations just as much as in any other.