The Villainous Son Loves His Mother - Chapter 72

◆

The office of Imperial Chancellor Digitalis Ira Salman was filled with an uneasy atmosphere from early morning.
The cause wasn’t Hein—but rather the arrival of a “bird.”
These weren’t ordinary carrier pigeons. The “birds” used by the nobility were, in essence, Demon Beasts.
Trained by Mage, these avian Demon Beasts could soar at altitudes of several thousand meters and speeds of up to six hundred kilometers per hour.
The Duke Avis House, one of the Twelve Noble Houses, managed the entire operation, supplying these special “winged messengers” to the Empire’s nobility.

“A letter from the Duchy of Calliste,”

A civil servant said softly, offering an envelope. Digitalis narrowed her eyes slightly.
She opened the white seal and quickly scanned the contents.

“Hmm… A considerable number of refugees are pouring in from the Duchy of Yggdra. And they’ve requested aid. Odd, considering they should be experts at exterminating Undead… Ah, it must be an overwhelming scale. Could this be the remnants of the Undead King, who’s been quiet for some time?”

Her voice carried a tone that was all but mocking: Serves them right.
The attendant stepped forward and repeated the report.

“We’ve received indirect reports from the Duchy of Yggdra that they’re facing a danger their forces can’t handle. Duke Calliste, concerned about potential collateral damage, seeks guidance on whether the Empire should intervene…”

Digitalis lightly rested her hand on the desk and swept her hair back with the other.

“Imperial Law dictates that territorial disputes are the responsibility of the local lord. Important matters must be reported to the central government—that’s fine. Then there’s only one answer: ‘Do as you see fit, but don’t overextend yourself.’ Write that down. Duke Calliste should have no trouble dealing with Undead, but his duty isn’t Undead extermination, nor is it charity work.”

“Understood. I’ll prepare the response immediately and have it delivered by ‘Bird.'”

After seeing the attendant off with a formal bow, Digitalis stared intently at the map left on the desk.
The Duchy of Yggdra was said to be overrun with undead.
Given the risk of the plague spreading to the Empire, Digitalis believed that providing some assistance was warranted.

◆

The Orkenstein Mountains were a collective name for the rugged peaks that stretched across the western border of the Gaines Empire.
The Duke Caliste House held dominion over this region.
The mountains yielded abundant high-quality stone, which was shipped both within and beyond the Empire for construction and crafting purposes.
The quarried stone was processed in workshops at the foot of the mountains before being transported directly to the Empire’s capital.
Despite the harsh climate and high altitude, the Duke Caliste House enjoyed a powerful source of revenue through its monopoly on the stone trade.

Duke Calliste’s manor was built on a broad terrace carved into the mountainside.
Its exterior, constructed from gray stone blocks, was somewhat more subdued than the flamboyant residences of other great nobles.
However, the interior was decorated with a unique and elaborate aesthetic.
Down the corridor, the secluded room at the end was Duke Calliste’s study.
Stepping inside, one was greeted by an astonishing variety of dolls adorning the space.

Each doll was roughly human-sized or slightly smaller.
There were dolls modeled after young boys, middle-aged men in military uniforms, women in their prime, elderly women, and young girls.
Scattered among them were figures resembling small animals and others dressed as dancers.
What they all shared was an unsettling level of craftsmanship, making them appear almost lifelike.
Near the center of the room, away from the bright window, stood a tall doll.
It wore a wig that resembled silver hair, and its joints were fastened with decorative golden clasps.
The doll remained motionless.
But a few moments later, the girl doll standing nearby seemed to suddenly open its lips.

『…That little girl says, “Do as you please.”』

A trembling voice echoed as if someone were speaking from behind.
Then, the boy doll spoke next.

『How arrogant. “Do as you please,” she says.』

A low chuckle spilled from nowhere.
Next, the old woman doll tilted its head and spoke.

『But… she says not to get too involved…』

Following this, the middle-aged doll in military uniform raised one hand and declared:

『Intervention might be wise. The Duchy of Yggdra is in chaos. The wave of the Undead may soon reach us.』

As if in response, the doll shaped like a young woman let out a sweet, tinkling voice.

『They’re our neighbors, after all. Besides, undead? How wonderful!』

The dolls spoke to each other in distinct voices, conversing as if they were human.
The tall, silver-haired doll slowly moved its arm, gesturing as if surveying the others.

『We can safely assume that Undead King Fabian has been resurrected.』

The doll clad in a military uniform cracked its joints in response.

『If the Great Forest of Yggdra falls into rot, it will be a disaster! We must send in the “legions” immediately!』

The old woman doll let out a dry chuckle.

『If they start marching into our territory, then yes, that may be necessary…』

The young girl doll chimed in with a sweet voice.

『Yes, I think so too.』

The mature woman doll giggled softly.

『Even so, the time isn’t ripe yet, is it? It’s best to observe carefully. The Undead King is a formidable opponent, after all. We need to see his hand before making a move.』

The boy doll shook its head with a snort.

『Hmm, in that case, let’s just test the waters a little.』

The silver-haired doll spoke as if to conclude the discussion.

『It’s settled. For now, we observe. If necessary, we extend a hand, as a good neighbor should. Let’s leave it at that.』

As if reaching a consensus with those words, the dolls fell silent.
Yet the air in the room felt lukewarm and faintly damp.
Dozens of dolls settled into a deep, synchronized silence.
The room, now shrouded in an eerie stillness, held no human presence.
Only rows of neatly arranged dolls remained.