Episode 269

“Zeke, big brother!”

A girl with brown skin and pigtails ran toward Zeke, throwing herself into his arms.

Simone, who had hurriedly followed her, was sweating nervously.

“Y-Your Majesty, you must maintain your dignity.”

The girl clinging to Zeke was none other than Vivian Cusco, the last heir of the Cusco Kingdom.

Zeke patted Vivian’s shoulder warmly.

“It’s been a while, Lady Vivian.”

Zeke had once rescued Vivian from being held hostage by Don Juan and protected her from falling into the hands of the rebels. Thanks to his help, Simone was able to absorb the McCain Cartel’s power and drive out the rebels, allowing Vivian to reclaim her throne and become queen.

Now fourteen, Vivian adored Zeke like an older brother, ever since he saved her as a child.

Seeing Simone’s awkward expression, Zeke nodded reassuringly.

With Vivian still clinging to him, Zeke began a conversation with Simone.

“It feels like ages, Simone.”

“I’ve been so focused on the kingdom’s affairs. I heard bits and pieces through Kay, but seeing you now, it seems you’ve made significant progress.”

Simone could sense the aura emanating from Zeke, realizing he had grown even stronger.

Zeke responded with a smile and led Simone and Vivian further into the camp.

In the makeshift round table meeting room, high-ranking members were already seated.

“Kay! Boris!”

Vivian, who had been hanging onto Zeke, ran over to Kay and Boris.

Boris, who had worked under Simone to dismantle the cartel, knew Vivian well, and Kay had spent considerable time with her in the Cusco Kingdom.

Kay greeted Vivian warmly.

“Lady Vivian, how did you get here? Did you pester Simone again?”

Vivian shook her head vigorously.

“No! This island is going to be crucial for our kingdom, so I wanted to see it with my own eyes.”

Though she appeared younger than her age, Vivian was astute and perceptive. When Simone restored her to the throne, many expected him to act as regent. But defying expectations, Vivian quickly demonstrated her capabilities as queen, stabilizing the kingdom. Even Kay was impressed by her intelligence.

Kay nodded with a smile at Vivian’s decisive words.

Zeke introduced Nerissa to Vivian.

“Lady Vivian, this is Nerissa, the representative of the merfolk who will become new citizens of the Cusco Kingdom.”

Vivian turned to Nerissa with curiosity, her expression shifting from childlike innocence to regal composure.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Vivian Cusco, Queen of the Cusco Kingdom.”

Nerissa, caught off guard by Vivian’s sudden change, stammered as she bowed.

“M-my name is… I mean, my name is Nerissa. I was once called Peter Pan… I mean, ma’am!”

Vivian laughed gently at the nervous Nerissa.

“Welcome, Nerissa. The Cusco Kingdom welcomes you. As queen, I vow to protect the merfolk and uphold your rights as citizens.”

Nerissa beamed.

“Thank you! I look forward to working together!”

With introductions complete, Zeke took his seat and began the meeting.

“By eliminating the Four Fiends’ leader, Gung-gi, who controlled the beasts of the Southern Archipelago, we’ve neutralized most threats on this island.”

Zeke pointed to the islands on the map spread across the round table.

“This archipelago is vast, comparable in size to the Republic of Dortha. We’ll start by developing the three largest islands.”

He pointed to the central island.

“We’ll build a trade hub here. The sea route through the Death’s Strait must pass this point, so we’ll see a surge in visitors annually.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Zeke then pointed to the island on the left.

“This will be designated as a merfolk residential area, providing a safe haven for those persecuted on the continent.”

Scattered across the southern seas, many merfolk lived in hiding, often falling victim to pirates or worse. Zeke planned to relocate as many as possible to this island, offering them a place to settle.

Finally, Zeke pointed to the last island.

“This is where we are now.”

He looked up.

“We’ll develop this island into a mining site.”

The others looked puzzled.

Kay asked, “Boss, are there enough resources to justify turning the entire island into a mine?”

Zeke pulled a black ore from his pocket. While most couldn’t identify it, Kay, a mage, recognized it immediately and gasped.

“Is that… blackstone?”

His shock was evident, slipping into his usual speech.

The mention of blackstone stunned the others.

Simone, incredulous, asked Zeke, “Sir Zeke, are you saying there’s blackstone here?”

Zeke nodded.

“The dwarves’ survey suggests this deposit might be the largest known.”

Everyone’s jaws dropped. Blackstone, rarer than the finest magic stones, was invaluable.

Zeke continued.

“We’ll bring in more dwarves to settle here, establishing a munitions factory alongside the mine to produce weapons.”

Boris expressed concern.

“Boss, building a munitions factory is a different matter. It could cause international issues.”

Zeke nodded.

“Good point, Boris. That’s why I have a request for Her Majesty.”

Vivian, shifting from her usual sisterly demeanor to her queenly role, replied, “What is it, Sir Zeke?”

“Please grant me a title within the Cusco Kingdom. If this land is designated as Cusco territory, we can avoid the sensitive issues Boris mentioned.”

Boris was taken aback. Currently, the land was Zeke’s personal domain, transferred from Kali. Technically, it could be seen as part of the Draker family’s territory. But if Zeke received a title from Vivian and the land became Cusco territory, it would deter interference from central continent families or empires.

Despite the implication of using the Cusco Kingdom, Vivian approached Zeke with a smile, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“I, Queen Vivian Cusco of the Cusco Kingdom, hereby grant you the title of Duke.”

In an informal ceremony, Vivian bestowed the title upon Zeke.

He kissed her hand in response.

“I pledge my loyalty to Your Majesty and the kingdom.”

Vivian smiled.

“For now, let’s leave it at this. When you visit the palace, I’ll formally grant you the dukedom.”

Zeke nodded. Though informal, he had received the title. He was now a duke of the Cusco Kingdom, and the Southern Archipelago became a duchy under the kingdom.

Zeke entrusted Kay with the development of the archipelago. The defense would be managed by Nerissa, the merfolk youth, and former syndicate members. Additionally, a garrison from the Cusco Kingdom would soon arrive to bolster security.

Addressing those gathered at the round table, Zeke spoke.

“Though this island is barren now, in a few years, it will be a crucial bridge between the central and southern continents. Your efforts are vital. Let’s unite for our new home.”

Inspired by Zeke’s words, the attendees were filled with enthusiasm. His newfound charisma seemed to subtly influence his speech and actions.

‘I’ve never been confident speaking in front of others, but it seems I’m getting unexpected help,’ Zeke thought with a satisfied smile.

After the meeting, Zeke called Simone aside, offering him tea.

“Simone, there’s something in your recent report that’s been on my mind.”

“What is it, sir?”

“The part about cultists expanding their influence in the southern continent.”

Simone frowned.

“As I mentioned, they’re quickly filling the void left by the cartel.”

“What do you mean by filling the void?”

“You know the southern continent’s economy revolves around soma farms.”

Zeke nodded.

Simone continued.

“The cultists are attacking cartel strongholds, liberating villages, burning soma farms, and planting coffee trees instead.”

“Coffee trees?”

Zeke furrowed his brow, surprised. During his interrogation of Dario, the boss of the Nostra family, he had learned that the cult’s base was located in a coffee-producing region.

Shadia, the assassin from Salmak, had been tasked with investigating the matter, and to everyone’s surprise, she discovered that the traces extended not only across the southern part of the central continent but also reached into the southern continent itself.

When Simon’s report revealed that the influence of a cult was steadily growing in the south, Zeke couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Zeke turned to Simon with a question.

“What’s the point of planting coffee trees?”

“Quite literally, they plant coffee trees and have the villagers cultivate them. Instead of producing soma, they can grow and sell coffee to make a living.”

Zeke tilted his head, puzzled.

“Isn’t that… a good thing?”

Simon nodded in agreement.

“It is a good thing, in itself. In fact, some villages have become more vibrant after the cartels disappeared and they started growing coffee trees. But…”

Simon trailed off, then continued his explanation.

“The problem is that the cultists use this method to win over the villagers, gradually infiltrating and turning the entire village into a network of cells.”

Zeke’s expression shifted as he absorbed Simon’s words.

“So the villagers are being assimilated into the cult.”

“Exactly. It starts with helping them set up coffee farms, then providing food and loans, subtly making them dependent.”

It was a malicious tactic, masquerading as benevolence to exploit those in need.

Zeke frowned and asked Simon, “What are they trying to gain from the villagers?”

Simon paused before answering slowly.

“They take the children.”

“What?”

Zeke was momentarily stunned by Simon’s words.

Then, a terrifying aura emanated from him, shaking the entire tent before he managed to rein it in.

Barely containing his anger, Zeke spoke.

“So they revitalize the village, then persuade the parents to give up their children?”

Simon nodded in confirmation.

“Yes. The problem is that the villagers, already assimilated, resist any attempts by the kingdom to intervene.”

It was the classic behavior of fanatics.

The southern people, having suffered under the cartels, had vulnerabilities that the cult exploited, brainwashing them without a doubt.

Zeke gritted his teeth.

“Have you found out where they’re taking the children?”

Simon responded slowly.

“We’ve tracked them to the Black Market City in the lawless zone.”