Chapter 16 Intelligence Officer Shiki
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Upon receiving a report that the loss of the continuous purchase buff resulted in a decrease in food production on the 92nd floor, Charles immediately called Felshiol and explained the situation.
Contrary to Charles, who felt anxious at first, Felshiol remained calm even after recognizing the fact. Felshiol placed a hand on his chin, and after thinking for a while with a dignified look, he requested that Charles come to the military conference room in one hour.
Charles allowed Felshiol to have some time because he didn’t expect Felshiol to come up with the optimal solution in a few seconds. Charles returned to his bedroom to kill time, and while lying on the bed, he let go of his consciousness into the dream world.
An hour had passed since then, and Charles confirmed this as he stood in front of the door to the designated military room from Felshiol. It was immediately clear that the room was correct, as there were imperial army soldiers waiting in front of the door.
As soon as they saw Charles, they clicked their heels and stood upright again. And at the same time Charles stood in front of the door, they respectfully opened the double doors.
There, in the military room, a large marble round table was placed. However, this room was not where the central staff under Felshiol’s command gathered day and night. This room was located within Charles’ stronghold on the 100th floor, and it was used for the final military council involving Charles.
Therefore, on the huge round table, ten chairs were placed at equal intervals, facing Charles’ throne at the head. And on the back of each of these chairs, except for Satsuki and Berdosh, the emblems of the Twelve Pillars of the Saint Tower were engraved.
However, the Twelve Pillars of the Saint Tower were not gathered at the moment. Kneeling in the room, there was Felshiol and another person.
She was a beautiful woman with short, pale purple hair. Her exquisitely chiseled face was hidden above the nose by a black cloth eyepatch.
Her voluptuous body was covered in tight-fitting, shiny enameled bondage that seemed ready to burst. Only the upper half of her ample bosom was concealed, teasingly exposing the n**ples, as if daring to be seen. The navel peeking through the interwoven bondage that resembled a spider’s web, and the perfectly cinched waist were enough to make one’s mouth water.
Her aura was reminiscent of a sadistic queen, and those in the know might desire to be kicked by her in interwoven tights or long enameled boots… However, her lower body was entirely different from that of a human.
Instead of two legs, the seductive beauty had four pairs of eight legs, like a spider’s body. It was more accurate to say that the upper half of the woman’s body sprouted from the spider’s body. The eight long legs, covered in a glossy black exoskeleton, stretched gracefully and exuded a bewitching allure, but depending on the viewer, they would undoubtedly evoke fear and disgust.
She is “Intelligence Officer” Shiki, one of Babellion’s Six Officers. She is a higher species of [Jorogumo] level 175,surpassing the [Spider Woman (Arachne)].
”Oh, it’s Shiki.”
With eyes widened at the fact that Shiki, who rarely shows herself in public, is present, a welcoming smile is shown. Shiki’s appearance is truly monstrous, befitting of a Monster (Mamono). However, even those who have an unbearable disgust towards spiders can’t help but be captivated by her beauty, which makes one think so.
”Yes, one of Babellion’s Six Officers, “Intelligence Officer” Shiki, has come here because I would like to show something to Your Majesty.”
And her low, rich voice adds to her charm.
Shiki’s lower body cannot kneel like Felshiol, so she bends all eight legs and places her right hand on her chest, bowing deeply.
Shiki’s upper body is the same size as a normal human, but her legs are extremely long, and only the spider part of her is about the height of Charles’ shoulders. Even if she kneels on all her knees, her eye level is slightly higher than Charles’… However, if you start pointing that out, there are races like the “Giant Tribe (Titans)” that cannot be overcome no matter how hard you struggle, so whether you are kneeling or not is important, and eye level is not a problem. This is the common understanding of Babellion.
”Raise your face.”
And, even if it is said formally, Charles looks up and Shiki looks down.
”What is it that you want to show?”
”Yes. I have created a map of the entire Ravendora Empire. This is the map.”
Pointing to Shiki, Charles walked towards the round table.
”Wow… this is magnificent.”
Charles exclaimed in admiration. The large map spread out on the round table was truly magnificent. It was so precisely drawn, like a satellite photograph, depicting the borders, the continuous mountains, and the shapes of the rivers. One would easily believe it was a map made in modern-day Japan. Its intricacy gave the illusion of gazing at the empire from high above.
”You did a great job yesterday. It was truly commendable.”
”I am extremely honored to receive your praise.”
As Shiki respectfully bowed, her ample bosom swayed dynamically. The exposed lower part of her breasts seemed to be pushing the limits, and with each movement, it felt like her n**ples would pop out… Charles thought.
”Your Majesty, would you like to touch?”
It seemed that women could immediately sense a man’s gaze, as Shiki spoke while lifting her chest with both hands. It was a bit embarrassing to be caught staring at her chest during the report, and making excuses like, “Oh, no, I, I wasn’t looking!?” was quite pitiful.
”Let me massage you then.”
Charles said with a loud laughter, confidently surrendering himself to the flow. Immediately after, Shiki’s hand left her breast and it fell before his eyes with a thud, following gravity. Despite being overwhelmed by its indescribable force, Charles began to knead Shiki’s breast at the level of his gaze, starting from the exposed underbreast.
Soon after, Charles didn’t miss the small gasp that escaped Shiki’s mouth… but his consciousness was completely focused on the palm of his hand, quickly forgetting Shiki’s hot breath and everything else.
As soon as Charles touched the underbreast, he heard the breast whimper with a bounce. First, he was overwhelmed by its weight, and then by its firmness as he squeezed. He had imagined it to be as soft as marshmallow, with his hand sinking in, but the breast had both softness and a rubbery bounce, like a rubber ball. It felt more like a thud or a bounce, rather than a squishy sensation… a noticeable difference in combat power.
Charles’s hand is engulfed by the tightly packed flesh bag overflowing with desire, yet it resists, refusing to yield easily. This resistance adds to the thrill, and Charles’s palm feels like it’s been glued to it.
For about a minute, Charles silently savors Shiki’s bosom, passionately kneading it as if he were a high school boy touching a girl’s breasts for the first time.
However, their time is interrupted by a deliberate cough from Felshiol.
”Your Majesty, as this is currently a military council, could the intimate matters be attended to in Your Majesty’s chambers tonight?”
Charles, who had been traveling from one world to another within his mind or within Shiki’s world, is brought back to reality.
”I did not bring Shiki here to offer her breasts for Your Majesty’s comfort…”
The object, which was stiff within the wet-colored robes, now droops under Felshiol’s stern words. The urge to expose the upper half of Shiki’s breasts, which were almost revealed, and to caress her n**ples, is completely extinguished by Felshiol… though there is no intention to reprimand the interruption.
”Understood”
Upon hearing Felshiol’s words, Charles nodded with a single word and returned his gaze to the map as if nothing had happened, releasing his hand from Shiki’s breasts.
Looking at the map again, his eyes were immediately drawn to the terrain. The southern part had a large mountain range, with a hilly landscape, but most of the country’s land was flat plains. Two rivers flowed from the southern mountains, one of which flowed into the sea in the northwest.
One advantage of water transport is the ability to carry a large amount of goods at once. Cities located near large rivers are more likely to develop because they attract many merchants. Of course, this is a different world, so there may be something more important than water transport, but it is not enough to deny the advantages of water transport.
With many plains and the advantage of water transport, it is easy to build cities. This land has prospered as it was meant to be, that was Charles’ first impression.
”Have you heard the details from the Chancellor?”
”Of course”
Shiki, who had been moaning with desire as her breasts were caressed just moments ago, returned to being the “Intelligence Officer” Shiki as Babellion Six Officers.
”Well then, go ahead and report about the Ravendora Empire from the perspective of the ‘Intelligence Officer.’”
”Yes. First, please take a look at the map.”
Shiki, who stood up, seemed to be twice as tall as Charles. If Charles were to try to touch her breasts in this state, he would feel like a cheap thief stretching his hand towards an acorn. However, he quickly pushed that thought aside.
The Empire had a shape that was close to a square, although it was distorted. While the eastern and western borders were slightly concave, the northern and southern parts protruded. It looked as if it had been compressed from east and west, resembling a hexagram from a certain angle.
”First, this old capital is located right here, at the entrance of the western part of the empire.”
With a directive rod Shiki pulled out from somewhere, she pointed to a prominently marked red dot on the map.
”The old capital is the administrative center of the western part of the empire and the key to the fan (Ogi). The second princess we captured yesterday was serving as the governor of this old capital and the head of the administrative center for the western region.”
Charles was already aware that the old capital was one of the important cities.
”Next, about 400 kilometers northeast from this old capital is the imperial capital. It is located within meandering rivers, making it difficult to attack. On the other hand, it is an ideal capital with active commerce due to its water transport.”
It’s a city inside the hook of a question mark. The design with a natural, huge moat in the form of a river surrounding half of the eastern side of the city walls indeed seems difficult to attack. However, that’s if it were a ground force composed of humans.
Babellion possesses an aerial combat force called the Dragon Army, so it won’t be a major obstacle. Alternatively, by using units consisting of [Giants (Titans)] capable of walking across the river, or units composed of [Mmerfolk] that do not mind the difference between water and land, it is possible to attack the protected eastern side as well.
In any case, it cannot be an obstacle for Babellion.
”Furthermore, this river, which flows from the towering mountain range, carries nutrient-rich snowmelt water to the plains. As a result, the soil of the empire, where this river flows into, is fertile. Therefore, agriculture thrives throughout the empire, particularly in the western region, where there are expansive plains suitable for farming.”
The river, which arcs like a bow along the mountains when looking north, extends straight from the southern mountains to the north, then changes its course to the west at a point that corresponds to the center of the empire. After that, it changes its direction to the north at another point and flows directly into the sea. It can be likened to the shape of Harry Potter’s lightning scar reflected in a mirror.
At the heart of the empire, where the river changes its course for the first time, lies the imperial capital. The old capital prospers, facing west at the bend of the river that changes direction to the north. However, unlike the imperial capital, the old capital is not adjacent to the river.
”However, precisely because it is fertile land, the surrounding countries are also eyeing the western region of this empire. The key to its defense lies beyond the old capital, further west… the Es-Kara Fortress.”
Shiki points to the red dots marked along the western border of the empire. The sturdy fortress located right in the middle of the empire’s western border, stretching slightly inward on the domestic side, would lose its meaning if it were to be transferred to the inside.
Then Shiki proceeds to point out the important defense bases within the empire one by one.
As he gazes at it, he realize that the shape of the empire is similar to France. In the case of the empire, the southern part also tapers outward, so it is slightly different from France, but if he imagines it as France, the important base locations would be the Valletta Castle around Lille, the Sapaam Castle around Lausanne in Switzerland, and the Yugusleim Castle at the apex of the southern protrusion that France does not have.
”What is the situation in the occupied territories?”
”So far, there haven’t been any significant issues.”
Felshiol replies.
”What about external interference?”
”The old capital is a city located on a major city road, although it lacks the splendor. Also, due to the nature of being the old capital, it is almost impossible to hide the fact that it is occupied. Therefore, we are not engaging in activities such as killing travelers.”
The old capital is located directly above the city road and also serves as the administrative center of the western part of the empire. Not only travelers and merchants, but also the civil officials belonging to the administrative center, travel to and from the western city. Certainly, it would be possible to eliminate them all, but it would only be a temporary solution. The report of the old capital being occupied would simply change to a report of numerous missing persons around the old capital.
However, the use of illusion magic could yield even greater effects. Charles considered that as well, but there wasn’t a particular need to go to such lengths to conceal.
The total number of the four major armies of Babellion is 200,000, which is overwhelming in terms of quantity, but each of them possesses the level equivalent to or surpassing that of the empire’s ace units. Indeed, they annihilated the five thousand soldiers of the old capital in less than an hour, so the disparity in military strength won’t diminish whether it’s a force of ten thousand or a hundred thousand.
Additionally, he hold the crown prince and the second princess as hostages. There is no need to put into words which side holds the upper hand.
And because they have an overwhelming advantage, hecan anticipate the enemy’s moves. It’s not complacency, but rather having the leeway to prepare after observing the enemy’s actions.”
”Does the Emperor recognize Babellion’s existence?”
Charles’s eyes fixated on Shiki.
”No, the Emperor has yet to be informed. The messenger who left the old capital has just changed horses in a city called Harneln. If they continue without rest and change horses along the way, we can expect them to arrive by early afternoon tomorrow.”
”So the conversation will come after the Emperor’s recognition.”
Of course, this doesn’t mean he’ll wait in silence.
”Shiki, continue gathering information and monitoring the Empire’s movements. Felshiol, anticipate the Empire’s actions and devise corresponding countermeasures.”
Upon Charles’s command, Felshiol and Shiki both prostrated themselves.
Seeing this, Charles considered the council concluded and attempted to leave the room.
”Your Majesty, may I ask you one last thing?”
But Felshiol called out to him. Charles was puzzled in his heart, wondering if it was too early to decide that it was over, but there was no particular reason or need to ignore it. Charles stopped and slowly turned towards the round table.
”What’s up?”
The answer he received from Felshiol was surprising.
”Yes, we would like to hold a victory parade for the first battle in this world.”
Charles was a little suspicious of Felshiol’s proposal, as he had thought that the failure to have a clear discussion was related to the military council.
”Victory parade? It’s only been two days, isn’t it too early?”
Although he did win the battle for the old capital, he had only made it through one of the first battles. He only captured the old capital, which was just a dot on the map, not an area, and would only be a prologue to the war with the Empire that might occur in the future.
However, it was not surprising that Felshiol’s proposal did not come from the excitement of winning the first battle.
”The results of the survey on the general public show that there are very few people who feel anxiety about being transported to another world. However, I believe that this is a good opportunity to show the stability of Babellion to the public, especially in such a situation. It may also contribute to the improvement of the military’s fighting spirit by praising the First Army, which made its debut.”
Charles puts his hand on his chin and thinks.
In the midst of the confusion that could be expected from a sudden transportation to another world, the First Army not only responded immediately to Charles’ orders, but also achieved perfect results. Charles has strong trust in the First Army…no, in all four major armies. That’s why he didn’t doubt the victory…but that doesn’t mean it’s a given.
As a ruler, one must understand that it is not insignificant for capable subordinates to produce results as a matter of course. It is necessary to praise the results precisely because they respond to expectations as a matter of course.
”Understood.”
Felshiol bowed deeply, and when Charles nodded, he expressed his gratitude. However, since Charles himself is not familiar with parade planning, and there is a possibility that getting involved may cause problems, he decided to refrain from using Ferciol.
”If necessary, I will appear in front of the people.”
”People will be happy with that. Thank you for your consideration.”
”Let’s make a good plan.”
And then it seemed that the meeting was over. Charles turned his backs again and walked toward the exit——but he stopped there again. However, this time they were not called out. No, they might have been called out. An idea popped into Charles’ head, as if the tactician in his head had suggested a great idea.
”Ah… I thought of something good.”
Charles reflexively spoke those words and turned around again, turning on his heel to face Felshiol and the others.
”Let’s make our move before anyone else.”
Charles said, a wicked smile creeping across his face as he thought of his brilliant plan.
They’re just a step away from the contact between the Empire and Babellion. What lies beyond? Will it be war or friendship? And what has Charles come up with in the end?
More than anything, the hassle of setting the terrain is what needs to be addressed. If it’s done haphazardly, it’ll surely come back to bite us, so we have to get it right from the start. I’m no geography expert, so it’s quite challenging. I mentioned it in the story, but I’m using France as a significant reference. It’s not an exact replica, but the size is similar, making it a rather large country.
And finally, Shiki has made an appearance. She’s an erotic Arachne big sister. Characters like Faelrith, who are dragons but appear as humans during peacetime, are great, but since it’s a Monster’s dungeon, it’s nice to have truly creature-like characters. A character with an eye bandage style, and just so you know, she has compound eyes beneath the bandages. As for Shiki’s wisdom, it’s still undecided at the moment. Or rather, how does an Arachne, breed? Do they have a womb in the upper body like humans, or do they have reproductive organs in the lower spider abdomen? Are they oviparous or viviparous? These are the questions.
Also, since the topic of military force has come up, I will write a side note from here. If you’re not interested, please skip this part.
I want to make it clear that Charles, who casually talks about having a standing army of 200,000 as if it’s a given, is frankly an idiot. Charles’s style is all about the best defense being a strong offense, and he excels in lightning-fast operations, attacking the enemy’s dungeon with a large number of soldiers.
However, during its heyday, it didn’t actually have 200,000 troops. The four major armies during its peak had 25,000 soldiers each, totaling 100,000, which was already a considerable number. Having a large number of armies means an increase in the total salary, and also an increase in citizen units to support them.
This, in turn, means expanding the city floors where the citizen units live, and increasing the number of citizen units means expanding the food production area… which ultimately means reducing the defense floors. So, the dungeon’s army is mainly divided into two classifications: those like Charles who emphasize having a large number of subordinates around floor 100, and those who focus on the quality of subordinates raised up to around floor 150. It’s probably a ratio of about 3:7. Charles is definitely the former. However, unlike many players who simply focused on gathering a large number of troops, Charles is a player who focused on the skill composition and equipment of each individual soldier within his 100,000 troops, so he was often called crazy by his comrades.
So why did the army of 100,000 people increase to 200,000? It is the result of receiving the former comrades as subordinates. Charles did not only receive level 200 subordinates such as Esmeralda, Faelrith, the skeletal commander Sarikir, and the dragon commander Rigalvan, who are only mentioned by name. Even if the friend himself said he didn’t, he couldn’t be selective based on level, so he ended up taking on almost all of them, resulting in an army of 200,000. However, it’s not mind all of them, and some of the received subordinates are allocated to citizen units, so the maximum limit that can be managed is 200,000.
Of course, in order to support the 200,000 troops, the city floor and food production floor have been expanded, and as a result, the defense floor has been reduced. It was not a problem because there was no peace or rivals in the world, but from the perspective of the defense floor alone, Babellion has definitely become weaker compared to its heyday when it fought in the world tournament.
The total of Babellion’s food production floor and city floor is only 10 out of 100 floors, but in terms of area, it is more than 30%, which is an unbelievably high proportion. It is almost at a floor where it is questionable whether it is still a dungeon or not.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.