My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 12

§ 12 – Lord Ruben (2)

“N-No way…”

Grayson’s face twisted in shock.

To be precise, it wasn’t just Grayson.

Everyone watching the scene unfold before their eyes felt the same.

“H-How could this…”

Grayson slowly looked down at his body.

Blood was still gushing from the wounds inflicted by the hobgoblin.

The pain-distorted mind was still screaming for release.

That’s why Grayson knew.

He was sure because he had experienced it firsthand.

He couldn’t win.

The mutated hobgoblin.

The berserk hobgoblin was too powerful.

No matter how skilled a hunter Grayson was.

No matter how much of a veteran he was, having survived the Forest of Darkness.

Before overwhelming power, it was useless.

The only ones who could face that hobgoblin were knights who could use Aura [a type of energy or life force].

Even then, only knights at the intermediate level or higher among Aura users.

That’s why Grayson was sure.

That defeating the hobgoblin was an impossible task.

That protecting Ruben was something that could never happen.

And that became reality the moment.

Crack!

“Kuaaaaaaagh!!”

Cyan was caught by the hobgoblin.

“N-No…”

“Ah…”

The people watching the scene let out cries of despair.

And Grayson was once again certain.

He couldn’t win.

Deep despair settled in Grayson’s and the people’s hearts.

Only the desperate scream of an old man named Hans echoed miserably.

No one.

No one here.

Swish!

dreamed of a miracle.

“Uwaaaaaaaaah!!”

That’s why when Cyan’s scream erupted.

Thwack!

When Cyan’s sword finally pierced the hobgoblin’s head.

Thud!

When the hobgoblin’s might knelt before Cyan.

“……”

“……”

No one made a sound.

No one was not in shock.

A silence descended.

Right then.

“Ruben!”

Cyan’s loud voice erupted.

It broke the desolate silence and was clearly heard by everyone.

Cyan stood atop the massive corpse of the hobgoblin.

A staggering body.

But Cyan did not fall.

The goblin legions and the territory residents.

All beings on the battlefield, as if time had stopped, looked at Cyan.

In that gaze, Cyan raised his sword.

Drip, drip, the hobgoblin’s bright red blood dripped down.

Soon, the sword was aimed at the hundreds of goblin hordes.

A roar erupted.

“Ruben will no longer run away!”

His spirit exploded.

Even with hundreds of goblin hordes before him, Cyan stood confidently, pointing his sword at them.

That figure even possessed an overwhelming force as if he were suppressing the entire world.

Was it a bluff?

Of course, it would be.

Cyan’s current appearance was nothing short of a wreck.

The hand wielding the sword trembled,

And the two legs supporting his body looked as if they would collapse at any moment.

But.

“I will fight against all impossibilities that lie ahead!”

They couldn’t approach.

The exploding spirit filled the battlefield with seething violence.

“I am Cyan Elantur! The Lord of Ruben!”

Cyan stood proudly.

As if daring them to come at him.

Then.

“Kie, kiek…!”

“Ker-lurk…!”

The exploding spirit suppressed their will to fight.

The goblin hordes faltered, beginning to step back.

Fear was etched on the faces of the goblins turning and fleeing.

Cyan stood there until all the goblins had disappeared.

The people blankly stared at the scene.

The fallen hobgoblin.

The fleeing goblin hordes.

The meaning of this situation was one.

“W-We won… We won…”

“We… We…!”

They had won.

And they had survived.

At that moment.

Cyan raised his sword high into the sky.

In that scene, the people could see.

Under the pouring sunlight.

The thing they thought was impossible.

The might they shook their heads at, thinking they couldn’t win.

Waahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

The moment it crumbled before the Lord of Ruben.

#

“Haa…”

Cyan let out a deep sigh.

And then, he plopped down on the spot.

“…… What a load of bullshit I just pulled.”

Waahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

The cheers of the people that erupted continued endlessly.

Cyan smiled wryly as he watched the scene.

“This kind of showmanship isn’t really my thing…”

But there was no helping it.

There was such a thing as momentum on the battlefield.

Cyan had managed to deal with the hobgoblin, but it was only ‘one’ hobgoblin.

There were still many goblins remaining.

And Ruben still lacked the forces to stop them.

Of course, they could somehow block them with the sturdy wooden fence.

But there was only the wooden fence.

Everything else was in dire condition.

In particular, the supplies were so scarce that they were miserable.

Moreover, the already scarce supplies would have been completely depleted to support Cyan.

If they had continued fighting, casualties would certainly have occurred.

A victory with only wounds.

They couldn’t afford to fight any more than that.

So, he put on a bit of a show.

He slightly took advantage of the reversed flow of the battlefield.

Cyan shook his head, recalling his actions just now.

It was a bit excessive… but oh well.

The result was good, wasn’t it?

“It’s a relief that it worked…”

If it hadn’t, it would have really been a load of bullshit.

“D-Domo!!!!”

At that moment, a shout like an angry roar was heard.

Looking over, Hans was running over breathlessly.

Cyan raised his hand slightly.

“Hans, I’m here.”

“Are you alright, Domo!!!”

“No, I’m not alright. I feel like I’m going to die. Seriously.”

Cyan shook his head.

Usually, people would pretend to be okay even when they weren’t to ease concerns.

But Cyan didn’t do that.

Because he really felt like he was going to die!

“Please save me, Hans…”

In fact, Cyan felt like he was about to faint right now!

Was the Forest of Darkness really the Forest of Darkness?

The hobgoblin was much stronger than he had thought.

Of course, the S-rank armor was indeed excellent.

However, it didn’t completely nullify the impact from the hobgoblin.

That’s why when Cyan was caught by the hobgoblin.

It wasn’t an exaggeration, but he really felt like his whole body was being crushed.

It was fortunate that he had the S-rank armor.

If he hadn’t, he would have left this world as it was.

No, he would have already departed.

“Ugh…!”

Cyan’s face twisted at the sharp, terrible pain.

“It seems like a few bones are broken…”

“I’ll take a look.”

Hans, who had approached, examined Cyan’s body here and there.

And.

‘This is…’

Hans’ expression instantly hardened.

That was because Cyan’s condition was terrible.

Terrible?

No, it was unbelievable that he was maintaining his sanity.

Cyan said that a few bones seemed to be broken, but it wasn’t just a few.

Almost all the bones in his body were shattered.

It seemed like they were crushed when he was squeezed by the hobgoblin.

He was only able to stay alive thanks to the S-rank armor.

He would be struggling just to maintain his sanity like this.

“What’s wrong? Why do you look so serious? Am I going to die soon?”

But Cyan was no different from usual.

‘Why is he pushing himself so hard…’

Hans blankly stared at Cyan.

And right then.

Tring!

A cheerful notification sound came from Cyan’s pocket.

Cyan took out his smartphone and checked it.

『[Tutorial Territory Quest] – ‘The authority of a lord is born when they do not forsake their duty!’ (Cleared!)

▶The goblin legion that attacked Ruben Territory!

You have truly wonderfully defeated the goblin legion!

Without a single casualty!

Well, there are many injured, but…

Still, it’s an amazing achievement!

When all the territory residents were trying to escape.

When everyone shook their heads, saying it couldn’t be done.

You alone did not give up.

You persuaded the territory residents who hated you to the end,

And wonderfully defeated the goblin legion with an effective method!

Um… good!

I’ll allow you to brag this time!

You were really, really amazing!』

.

.

“Phew, I cleared it.”

Only then could Cyan let out a sigh of relief.

“Hans, can you help me up? It’s hard to get up alone.”

“…… I understand.”

Hans carefully helped Cyan up.

Cyan returned inside the wooden fence with Hans’ support.

And right then.

Thud.

A presence was felt from one side.

Looking over there.

There was Grayson, slowly approaching Cyan.

It wasn’t just Grayson.

The territory residents of Ruben.

All the territory residents, regardless of gender or age, came out and approached Cyan.

They stopped at a moderate distance from Cyan.

“What’s going on?”

Cyan asked them.

But they didn’t answer.

Cyan turned his head and looked at Grayson.

Grayson, who was leading the territory residents.

Grayson’s condition wasn’t good.

It wasn’t comparable to Cyan, but that was only because Cyan’s condition was terrible.

Grayson’s condition wasn’t good either.

Cyan asked Grayson.

“Do you have something to say?”

And Grayson didn’t give any answer either.

A desolate silence descended.

And just as Hans, who couldn’t stand it any longer, was about to step forward.

“Right now, Domo is─.”

“The hobgoblin.”

Grayson’s closed mouth opened.

“Were you confident you could win?”

Grayson was staring at Cyan.

What did he want to ask?

Cyan slowly opened his mouth.

“No. I wasn’t confident. You know that from watching me fight.”

“……”

Grayson didn’t answer this time either.

Because he had seen it.

Clearly with his own eyes.

“If I was confident, would I have fought so messily?”

So he knew that what he said was true.

Grayson knew it all too well.

That’s why he was so confused.

What are we to you?

Cyan and Grayson.

No, Cyan and the territory residents of Ruben.

The time they had met was short.

No, it wasn’t just short, it was practically non-existent.

There was no reason for Cyan to go this far for Grayson, for the territory residents.

As Cyan said, was it because Cyan was the lord and they were the territory residents?

However, Grayson had denied it to Cyan’s face, saying that they were not territory residents.

But why then…?

Grayson, the territory residents of Ruben.

They were too confused right now.

And Cyan also had those questions.

In fact, Cyan couldn’t understand his own actions.

To be precise, he couldn’t understand his actions of jumping in to save Grayson.

Because it was too reckless.

It would have been a wise decision to watch the situation from behind and deal with the hobgoblin.

Cyan was well aware of that fact at the time.

But when he came to his senses.

Cyan was blocking Grayson’s path.

‘Cyan. Love people, have pity on them, and care for them. This is how Cyan can live like a noble.’

Was it because of this?

Well, I don’t know.

“We’re in the same boat, aren’t we?”

I don’t know.

“It’s not good to abandon each other when we’ve been abandoned together. We should try to get along, at least among ourselves.”

“Just….”

Grayson made a dumbfounded expression.

“Was it just because of that reason? Just because of that reason, you risked your life…!”

“I guess so. I don’t really know either.”

Cyan shrugged.

And he frowned slightly, perhaps from the surging pain.

“……”

Grayson quietly stared at Cyan.

Cyan’s current appearance was truly unsightly.

His battered body looked as if he had been rolling around in the gutter.

Cyan was truly unimpressive, to the point where one wondered if he was really a noble.

Neither the dignity of a noble.

Nor the majesty of a lord.

Could be found in Cyan.

Maybe….

Yes, maybe.

That’s why.

In an instant, Grayson’s body slowly lowered.

Soon, he knelt on one knee,

And quietly bowed his head.

“Territory resident Grayson.”

And Grayson’s voice was heard.

“I greet the Lord of Ruben.”

That was the beginning.

“I greet the Lord of Ruben.”

“I greet the Lord of Ruben.”

Everyone knelt on one knee and paid their respects to Cyan.

All the territory residents of Ruben, regardless of gender or age, paid their respects to Cyan.

“Uh…”

A dazed mind.

And at the same time.

Tring!

Once again, a cheerful notification sound came from Cyan’s pocket.

《You have excellently fulfilled your duty as the Lord of Ruben!》

《No, you have gone beyond your duty and sincerely understood and accepted them!》

《All the territory residents have clearly witnessed your nobility!》

Tring!

《Quest Super! Over! Achieved!》

《The level of rewards changes!》

Soon, the screen changed.

And new notification windows popped up one after another.

《The territory residents will sincerely serve and follow you as their lord!》

《From now on, all the territory residents will obey your orders!》

《Even if it is an order based on injustice!》

《But don’t be relieved.》

《If unfair demands are repeated and repeated, they can turn their backs on you at any time!》

《Authority is born when you fulfill your duties!》

《Always remember that the duties you must protect must always be done together, and that they become even heavier!》

#

Immediately after the situation was settled.

“Domo. It seems we need the power of a priest.”

Hans, who was examining Cyan’s condition, said.

His stiff expression suggested that the situation was quite serious.

But Cyan shook his head.

“Where would we find a priest in Ruben?”

“Of course, we’ll invite─.”

“Would a priest come to the Forest of Darkness?”

“……”

Hans was momentarily speechless.

Because he couldn’t deny Cyan’s words.

“Then at least a potion…”

“Where would we get a potion?”

“……”

Hans was once again speechless.

Because potions that enhance the body’s recovery were quite difficult to obtain.

Right then.

“There is a merchant group I know…”

A familiar voice was heard from somewhere.

Looking over there.

“It’s the merchant group we sell the hunted magical beasts to.”

There was Grayson.

“Oh…?”

Cyan exclaimed softly.

A merchant group that comes all the way to the Forest of Darkness.

As expected, merchants would do anything for money.

“Actually… it’s embarrassing to call them a merchant group. There are only two members. And they don’t come often. But since they’re nominally a merchant group, they should be able to get some potions.”

“Hmm… but potions are expensive.”

“That’s true… but do you have any support from the family?”

“Uh….”

At Grayson’s words, this time Cyan was speechless.

“Domo. Even if it’s not a potion, don’t you have money from the family? With that money, you should be able to buy enough potions.”

“Ah, that’s….”

“What’s wrong?”

Cyan scratched the back of his head and replied.

“I spent all that money….”

“……?”

And this time, Hans was speechless.

That was because he knew the money Cyan had received from the family.

A whopping 10,000 gold.

Of course, Hans knew that he had spent 3,000 gold to buy the S-rank equipment.

Even so, there was still about 7,000 gold left.

7,000 gold was enough for a family of four to live and eat for 20 years.

But he spent all that money?

Is he saying that with a sane mind─!

“Hahahaha. It’s okay since we managed to stop the goblin attack thanks to it.”

“No, what kind of…”

Hans lost his words.

Right then.

“Lord. Can you improve the wooden fence further?”

Grayson joined the conversation.

Cyan tilted his head and said.

“The wooden fence? Why suddenly? Is there a problem?”

“That is….”

Grayson opened his mouth with a troubled look.

And the gist of the content was simple.

Something seemed to have happened inside the Forest of Darkness.

“The speculation is that a powerful magical beast has settled in….”

Because of that, the groups of magical beasts that had settled inside were pushed out.

The place that was pushed out and pushed out was here, Ruben.

“These goblin groups were also the ones that were pushed out. They were the first to be pushed out in the power struggle.”

In short, countless more magical beasts would be coming.

More powerful than goblins.

“So, Ruben needs stronger defense facilities.”

“Uh….”

Then I have to spend more money.

No, more than that, more magical beasts are coming?

I thought I could finally catch my breath, but more magical beasts are coming.

Even though it’s the Forest of Darkness, where magical beasts are rampant….

Cyan’s mind went blank.

Of course, if he could build defense facilities in Mobile Lord [referring to a game or system], he could somehow block them.

The problem was that he didn’t have the money.

Moreover, it wasn’t just about building defense facilities.

Mutations like the hobgoblin.

The hobgoblin alone had bizarre power.

What about the mutations of high-level magical beasts like trolls and ogres?

Could he guarantee that there wouldn’t be such mutations?

He could somehow block them with the defense facilities of Mobile Lord.

The artifact left by Arnaize boasted amazing performance.

If he spent money properly.

But defense was only defense.

He couldn’t directly deal with mutations.

And someday.

The powerful magical beast that Grayson just mentioned.

What if that powerful magical beast headed towards Ruben?

Defense facilities alone had a clear limit.

In the end, he needed a force that could confront the powerful magical beast.

The strongest force that could protect Ruben.

But who, how…?

Right then.

Tring!

In an instant, a notification sound came from his smartphone.

《Achievement ‘True Lord of Ruben’ achieved!》

《Special discount items will be additionally unlocked!》

“…… Huh?”

He was wondering for a moment.

A new window suddenly popped up.

『[Lord Only] – Beginner Growth Support Starter Pack (Sold Out)』

It was none other than the Beginner Growth Support Starter Pack.

It was the package that allowed Cyan to obtain the S-rank equipment set.

And next to it was written (Sold Out).

It was natural.

It was limited to one purchase, and Cyan had purchased it.

That’s why Cyan casually moved on.

But below that.

To be precise, right below where the ‘Beginner Growth Support Starter Pack’ was.

Until a newly emerging notification window caught Cyan’s eye.

『[Lord Only] – Beginner Growth Support Intermediate Pack (10,000 G)

Contents: Arnaize Martial Arts (武功) [Wugong, a Chinese term for martial arts skill]』

-This product can only be purchased once.

-This product is a special discount product due to karma, and refunds are not allowed upon purchase.

.

.

‘…… The beginner pack wasn’t the end?’

And the contents of the intermediate pack.

‘Arnaize Martial Arts…? Could that be…?’

Tring!

《When you get stuck while progressing, try spending money!》

Cyan hurriedly took out the money pouch from his pocket.

The amount he confirmed was….

Clink.

Four platinum coins.

400 gold.

What was left after buying the sturdy wooden fence and the instant completion ticket.

If he bought one potion, it would be gone.

“……”

“Did you really spend it all…?”

Cyan and Hans’ bewilderment left for different reasons.

A silence descended.

And what this silence meant was one thing.

Money.

“Grayson. You said you sell magical beast carcasses to the merchant earlier?”

He had to earn money to spend.