The Matter of How Only a Political Rival Duke, Not My Own Family, Recognized My Worth After I Was Disowned ~When I Turned a Remote Frontier Territory Into the World’s Greatest City, the Noble Lady Assigned to Supervise Me Became the Best Fiancée~ - Episode 9: The Stage of the Iron Hammer

Episode 9: The Stage of the Iron Hammer

“—Send word to all defense units!”

On the hill overlooking the mine’s entrance, I raised my voice before the assembled forces.

The security corps led by Duncan, and the dwarves armed with weapons—all of them stood without fear. Their faces were burning with determination and excitement.

“From this moment, we begin exterminating the vermin that have invaded our land! The enemy outnumbers us, but do not fear! They are not trained soldiers—just a disorderly mob of mercenaries bought with coin! And most importantly, their commander is the most incompetent man in the entire kingdom!”

Laughter erupted among the ranks.

Morale was at its peak.

“Our battlefield is this mine—our indomitable underground fortress that *we* built! The terrain is ours to command! As planned, lure the enemy deep into the tunnels—and annihilate them all! Operation codename—‘The Grand Cleaning!’”

A roar rose from the troops.

The perfect cast had gathered to welcome the foolish brother.

◇

Half a day later. 

Bertrand and his armed force appeared before the Grindle mine.

Along the way, they had encountered almost no resistance at all.

“Hmph, pathetic! So, you cower in a hole like rats!”

Bertrand laughed triumphantly as he looked at the barren entrance.

“That coward Noah must be trembling in fear! Listen up! Slay every last one who resists! Whoever captures that failure alive will receive a reward enough to live in luxury for the rest of their days!”

Blinded by greed, the mercenaries roared and charged into the tunnels.

Bertrand never doubted his own victory. He proudly followed after them.

None of them realized they had just stepped into the jaws of hell.

◇

“—Now!”

The moment Bertrand’s forces reached the central chamber of the mine, I gave the signal.

In an instant, a thunderous crash echoed through the tunnels—

The entrance they had come through, as well as the forward passage, were completely sealed off by massive boulders dropped by the dwarves’ collapse traps!

“W-What happened!?”

“It’s a trap! We’re trapped inside!”

Panic spread among the men.

Then, the plugs sealing the overhead water channels were pulled free—

A torrent of water poured down like a waterfall. It extinguished their torches one by one.

The mine was plunged into chaos and darkness.

That was when our counterattack began.

“Fire!”

At Duncan’s command, arrows rained down from the countless side tunnels carved into the walls.

A perfect guerrilla assault—

Using darkness and home-field advantage, we struck with precision. The enemy had no idea where the attacks came from. Their numbers dwindled rapidly.

Then, I delivered the final blow.

Using the sound pipes installed in advance, I let my voice echo throughout the mine.

“Brother Bertrand—can you hear me? Welcome to my domain.”

In the darkness, I could tell Bertrand panicked and shouted, “Who’s there!?”

“It’s me—your brother, Noah. I’ve prepared the finest stage just for you. Your men are dying because of your incompetent command. Tell me—how does that make you feel?”

“Shut up! Shut up, you worthless failure! You dare deceive me!?”

“What an awful accusation. This is merely self-defense. I’m only exterminating the bandits who unlawfully attacked my land.”

“Y-You bastard!”

Bertrand’s enraged screams echoed through the tunnels—but his soldiers no longer heard him.

Their trust in their commander was gone. Mercenaries began throwing down their weapons one after another, surrendering.

“Captain! We can’t hold out any longer! There’s no way out!”

“Silence! Cowards!”

Bertrand cut down the mercenary who dared suggest retreat.

That single act sealed the complete collapse of his army.

It was no longer a battle—it was a one-sided purge.

Before long, the only ones who refused to surrender were Bertrand and a handful of his closest knights.

Cornered, they fled to the deepest part of the mine—

To the largest chamber, the one I had prepared as the *final stage*.

And what they saw there was—

The grand hall illuminated by countless lamps.

At its center, upon a throne-like seat carved from stone, sat me.

Beside me stood Isabella. She was calm and graceful.

Surrounding us were Duncan and the soldiers of the security corps. They were unflinching and ready.

I rose quietly. I faced my brother whose face was twisted in despair.

“Well then, Brother. If you have any excuses—let’s hear them.”

My cold voice rang through the chamber. It marked the end of the foolish invader’s tale.