In unfamiliar lands, it's natural to be wary of strangers. However, in Yulguk, where everyone is a wanderer, everything is foreign, and everyone is a stranger to each other. Even strangeness becomes familiar when encountered frequently.

They didn't display excessive caution until we got closer, merely observing us from atop their mounts, ready to flee at any moment.

"Hey, I've got a question…."

But as soon as the Cataphract was fully revealed under the light, they bolted without even looking back.

About ten or so mounts scattered in all directions. Their coordinated movements, using each other as decoys, were almost military-like. Watching them flee like a swarm of rats, the Regressor clicked his tongue.

"Tch. I just wanted to ask for directions. Did riding the Cataphract make them more cautious?"

"It's not the Cataphract. Strange mounts are common in Yulguk."

In other words, nothing short of a Juggernaut-class vehicle would impress them. Suffering from muscle pain and eager to take a rest with an elixir, I gave some instructions.

"Shei, take out some random junk, please. The least valuable stuff, any kind, as long as it's bulky. Tyr, cover it with darkness to make it look like there's a lot. Azi, just… yeah, go sit on top of it."

"Huh? Why?"

"They ran because our wagon looks empty. We need to appear as affluent as possible."

"Won't that make them want to rob us?"

"At the very least, they won’t think we're the ones planning a robbery. A well-fed beast is usually more generous."

Following my suggestion, the Regressor took out alchemical steel from his pocket and piled it up. Tyr covered it in darkness. Azi jumped on top, perching himself under the firelight, making our Cataphract look like a mountain of treasure. The Regressor wasn’t pleased with the display.

"Looks like a wolf coming back after a big haul."

"That’s the idea. Yulguk fears a hungry neighbor the most and favors a well-fed one. The fuller their neighbor is, the better."

"A hungry neighbor’s actions are unpredictable, but why fear a well-fed one?"

"Because when they're fully fed, they won’t think about gutting others to fill their own stomachs. Not unless I do the gutting myself."

Just as I expected, the wolves who had run away began circling us from afar, slowly coming back when they saw the Cataphract shrouded in darkness, making it look full.

"They’re really coming back?"

"It doesn't look like we have any more room in the cargo. Reasonably, they’ll think we don’t want anything they have. They’ve got nothing, and we’ve got no space."

A man approached closer, leaning out and shouting.

"Hey there, coming back from a raid on the Military Nation?"

At times like this, it's better for me to handle things than the Regressor. I waved instead of him.

"That’s right. Are you heading out now?"

"Of course! The looting guarantee came in the other day!"

"Looting guarantee?"

The man looked at me suspiciously.

"Don’t you know about the looting guarantee?"

The right to ensure that anything one loots will be fully purchased by the Golden Palace. It’s a guaranteed looting, with no worries about being robbed. It’s a chance to strike big without fear of losing it and provides safety in numbers. But crossing the border without it for a raid?

A right that guarantees looted goods won’t be stolen—how curious. And it’s surprising that it actually motivates people. Anyway, now that I’d heard it, I replied.

"Of course I know. It’s insurance for looted goods, right?"

"Then why…."

"Why would you need that? How little confidence do you have to need that kind of assurance for looting?"

Catching my hint, Hilde smirked menacingly, releasing an aura of killing intent. The basic level of Qi Gong, her energy spread sharply across the space, pricking skin like needles. The man shrank back, shivering under Hilde's intense aura, rethinking his intentions.

‘What a powerful presence…! They’re not just scavengers—they’re predators! Better drop any idea of stealing from them!’

The man, who had been considering robbing us, adjusted his attitude and spoke exaggeratedly.

"How brave you are! Truly admirable!"

"Good. Just letting you know so neither of us ends up with unnecessary trouble."

‘I suppose he’s warning me not even to think of stealing. Well, since we’re going all the way to the Military Nation, I won’t poke a hornet’s nest if I don’t have to….’

The man gestured that he understood, and soon, the wolves that had fled began gathering around our camp, their mounts forming a circle around the campfire. In Yulguk, the wood has a high heat content, so even a small fire is enough to keep everyone warm. The wanderers in Yulguk set up their tents around their mounts, blocking the wind.

Though twilight was setting in, there was no need to push on. In Yulguk, where everything changes constantly, one can only rely on their own eyes. As darkness falls, the chances of accidents multiply. Even if one’s body is intact due to Qi Gong, if a mount is damaged, it’s as good as death.

The sun commands all to sleep as it retires. I’ll follow that command. Since it’s getting dark, I’ll take my elixir and rest.

"All right, get to it."

As I turned to go in, the man hesitated, then gathered the courage to ask me a question.

"Excuse me, may I ask just one question?"

"What is it?"

"Is it true that iron lies scattered on the ground in the Military Nation? Iron forged with magic?"

After all that courage, that’s what he asks. I looked into his eyes and read his thoughts.

‘Though I’m headed to the Military Nation based on rumors, it would be troublesome if there’s nothing to loot. I could always flee, but after going that far, returning empty-handed would be like death.’

This level of determination to loot is new to me.

Let’s see. He’s from Yulguk. He likes easily transmutable iron or materials that are easy to alchemize. He’ll probably like things that can be transmuted, though he won’t value them as highly as the Military Nation does. Heavy yet practical items would be ideal.

What would be the best answer here?

"It’s a bit different. Instead of lying around, it grows throughout the Military Nation like plants."

"P-Plants? Like trees?"

"Like lampposts and fences. They sprout up everywhere. They even say that buildings use alchemical steel for their columns. So, go there with the mind of a lumberjack rather than a warrior. That’s how you’ll make a better profit."

"Oh, oh! Thank you! I’ll remember this valuable information!"

"Well, I didn’t give it for free, you know. We have some questions of our own."

"Ask away!"

Having given him the answers he wanted, I set the stage for our questions. I gestured at the Regressor.

"Shei, go ahead. I’ll be setting up the tent."

"Got it."

‘…Hmm. It’s quite useful, really. Not even resorting to threats, and he can so naturally extract information from people he meets for the first time? And from wolves of Yulguk who constantly look for a chance to stab someone in the back?’

Maybe I should try doing the opposite of what he does.

And honestly, I envy him. Rather than bothering with reading people’s minds and crafting responses, using brute force is simpler.

Returning to the Cataphract, I found Hilde had already set up the tent. Not only is she skilled, but she’s also incredibly quick. Contrary to the saying that generals don’t make good engineers, she’s quite capable.

Entering the tent, Hilde greeted me with her hands neatly clasped.

"Welcome back, Father! Please, come in!"

"Here I am. Whew, exhausting."

In one corner was Tyr’s coffin parked, and in another, Azi was stretching out his back. I collapsed onto a spot layered with two blankets. Hilde set a cup of water and a lantern in front of me, sighing.

"Who would have thought the Golden Palace would issue orders. It’ll be chaotic near the border soon. Poor people of the Military Nation~."

Curious, Tyr asked.

"What is this looting guarantee?"

I answered while washing my hands and feet with the water Hilde offered.

"Hmm, it’s complicated to explain. Simply put, it’s an order to ‘plunder this.’ Then, wolves scattered across Yulguk hear the rumor and swarm in for the spoils."

"Why such a convoluted approach? Why not just gather an army and invade?"

"Unlike the Military Nation or other countries, Yulguk doesn’t have a clear chain of command. Yulguk revolves around the Golden Palace, and while news spreads fast, power doesn’t. The wolves are too scattered to be forcibly united."

‘So, they lack a central authority. What a peculiar nation, one without attachment to land.’

Tyr understands quickly—or rather, he’s quick to accept things. He doesn’t question why Yulguk wanders or their lack of land attachment; he simply accepts what I say as truth, making explanations easier. I should explain this gradually.

"That’s why the Golden Palace uses incentives to mobilize the wanderers. They encourage raids on the Military Nation, guaranteeing to buy the spoils. The wanderers, drawn by the scent of opportunity, flock there—whether to loot, rob other wolves, or protect their loot."

"Ah, so while they don’t form an army, it has a similar effect."

"Exactly. You catch on quickly."

Hilde, who was conjuring water with magic, grumbled with dissatisfaction.

"Meanwhile, it’s the communications officers and citizens of the Military Nation who die~. Ugh, I feel like assassinating them all tonight."

It’s terrifying, but the person before me is the former terror of the Military Nation, Young-gwi of the Six Generals. Assassination is something she could easily do—and has done before.

I held her back, though not with much enthusiasm.

"Not exactly ambassadorial behavior, is it?"

"So what? If no one finds out, it’s like it never happened!"

"But we already know, don’t we?"

At my remark, Hilde playfully placed a finger on her lips with a mischievous smile, her lively voice carrying a dark undertone.

"Hehe, you’ll keep quiet, right?"

"I get the feeling that if I don’t, I’ll never get the chance to open my mouth again…."

Well, as long as I’m not the one getting killed, I’ll leave it to her.

Wiping my hands and feet with a damp cloth, I took a deep breath, feeling relatively clean. My limbs ached a bit, but my body was fine overall. This should be enough.

I reached for the elixir in the wooden case. Elixir, huh. I’m not expecting much, but I’ll take it like a nourishing tonic.

"Now, time to take it."

"Drumroll! I can’t wait to see Father reborn after drinking the elixir!"

"If I regain my strength, I won’t forget your efforts. When taking the elixir, you all know the drill: try not to disturb me."

Not that it would matter much, but just in case. This elixir might work particularly well for me.

Curious, Tyr asked.

"Is it necessary not to disturb you, nor speak to you?"

"It’s not strictly necessary. If something urgent happens—like if the tent catches fire—then by all means, run for it. But to conserve my energy, it’s better to leave me alone."

"Hmm. Fascinating. Understood."

Tyr moved his coffin closer, sitting atop it as he watched me quietly. He seemed intent on watching until the elixir had fully digested.

It’s a bit unnerving, but if he’s just watching, that’s fine.

"Alright. Here goes."

I lifted the elixir, the sharp aroma wafting up. It didn’t look appetizing, but I closed my eyes and drank it down in one gulp.