The Northern Grand Duke’s Crazy Son-in-Law

8. Special Forces

‘Grand Duke Bekartan-.’

Information flooded into Galahad’s mind.

He had caught a wolf with his bare hands at the age of five, killed five mercenaries who had attacked him at the age of ten, defeated a knight in swordsmanship at the age of twelve, and killed his father and brothers with his bare hands at the age of thirteen.

He was a man who was no different from a textbook for madmen.

Moreover, his hobby was killing demons, drinking their blood from their necks, and displaying their skins.

When I first read it, I thought it was just exaggeration, but when I actually saw it, it felt lacking.

Galahad moved his fingers slightly. The ice crystals that were sharp enough to pierce even plate armor sprang out with a sizzling sound.

‘Skin thicker than iron?’

Galahad’s eyes widened.

Had he grown stronger by eating the meat and blood of demons that contained mana? Did that mean that mana also worked physically?

‘Is his skin imbued with mana?’

Galahad poured mana into it, but it bounced off. Galahad’s eyes widened.

He increased the concentration and poured it in again, but it still bounced off. Oh, mana was bouncing off! Galahad’s heart pounded.

Just then, Galahad removed his hand when he saw the Grand Duke’s eyes sink.

‘The daughter carries mana, and the father repels mana-. Could there be such a charming father and daughter?’

Galahad gulped.

In contrast, the emotion in the Grand Duke’s eyes was nothing more than a very small interest.

“The Crown Prince came before, and now it’s a magician.”

Magician-. Galahad let out a bitter laugh at that blunt word.

Galahad’s mind raced. He had sent the Crown Prince. Judging from the fact that Galahad had been sent, it was clear that it had not ended well.

If so-.

“It was obvious that something big would happen. The Crown Prince is known to be crazy about women. No wonder his nickname is ‘Horny Dog’.”

His words were harsh, but it was customary to insult the king where he was not present.

“Hahaha! Horny Dog! What an accurate description!”

The Grand Duke burst out laughing. The laughter filled the space.

‘The Crown Prince was in the north-.’

This was news that even Galahad did not know.

The Crown Prince was a horny bastard who had a great deal of experience with women. If he was that kind of guy, he might have come all this way after hearing rumors about Adrianna.

“They say he falls in love at first sight.”

For that debauched Crown Prince to be the first to confess his love-. Galahad wouldn’t have believed it if he hadn’t actually seen Adrianna.

But now, he could see how it was possible.

Who wouldn’t fall in love with a wizard with her fiery nature?

“They said they’d kiss the back of her hand. They refused to listen to anyone.”

The Grand Duke chuckled. His laughter was low and rough, like a growl from a beast.

Galahad gasped softly. A kiss on the back of the hand. It was a clever idea.

The Crown Prince was quite talented in magic. He had held the title of the youngest academy graduate until Galahad took it from him.

If such a Crown Prince had held Adrianna’s hand. Galahad shook his tingling hand slightly.

“They cried and made a fuss. It was funny how they even wet themselves and shook like a leaf. They even cursed her as a witch.”

The Grand Duke laughed out loud, but Galahad felt a deep irritation.

For a wizard to give up because of mere pain? It was absurd. That was why they were still trash despite receiving massive support from the Imperial Family.

If he had received even half of that, he would have changed the history of magic by now.

“The Crown Prince is a good rider.”

Galahad frowned at the Grand Duke’s playful remark.

There was no way that the Crown Prince would ride a horse instead of a carriage or a magic car. The fact that the Crown Prince was riding a horse meant that…

‘He killed everyone except the Crown Prince.’

He was truly a madman.

It was a clear act of rebellion against the Empire, but the Crown Prince would have welcomed it. After all, he had killed all those who had seen his ugly side.

That was the kind of man the Crown Prince was.

“You’re next.”

‘It’s the Crown Prince’s doing.’

The Crown Prince didn’t like Galahad. It was because Galahad had taken away the youngest record, which was the Crown Prince’s greatest pride.

There must be more tangled interests, but he had a feeling that the Crown Prince’s part would be big.

Ding-ding-ding. A noisy bell rang from somewhere. The Grand Duke’s head turned. His profile looked just like a lion. An old and sick lion, but a lion with sharp teeth.

He was a beast who wouldn’t hesitate to crush his broken teeth.

And yet, the Grand Duke was offering him to marry his eldest daughter.

There was no way the Grand Duke would accept, and the Empire knew that.

The reason for his offer was obvious.

‘Is the North finally becoming tempting?’

In the war against the demons, the Empire had pushed back the demons, but the damage was severe. Recovering from it was enough to shake the Empire.

The Empire couldn’t even think about cleaning up the demons who had fled to the north.

The wise Emperor gave the title of Grand Duke to the hero who had cut off the head of the Great Demon and put him in charge of the north.

Since the north was desolate anyway, the Emperor didn’t even collect taxes from the Grand Duke. To the Emperor, the north was just a buffer zone against the demons.

Currently, the north was only part of the Empire by name. It was no different from a duchy. The Empire had no interest in the north either.

However, the situation changed when magic began to develop recently.

The value of the north, which was the frontline against the demons, had increased considerably. In fact, there were quite a few magic stone mines discovered in the north.

Of course, it was still a land with more disadvantages than advantages, but it was clear that interest in the north was growing.

Galahad was just an excuse to take over the north.

Would the Grand Duke not know that? There was no way.

“How were you?”

The Grand Duke asked in a strange voice. The interest in his eyes was fading away.

Galahad realized that if that small interest disappeared, he would be finished too.

“I’ve taken your hand. It’s very warm. I’ve got your wrist, too.”

The embers grew a bit larger. The Grand Duke’s eyes narrowed. Looking closer, it seemed like he was smiling.

I needed to fan the flames more.

“Give me your daughter.”

The Grand Duke laughed out loud.

My head was spinning, and I felt dizzy. In that instant, my mana twisted. Was that really a human?

Galahad stared at the Grand Duke with narrowed eyes. He was closer to a demon than a human.

Even more so than that perverted lord.

To Galahad, a sorcerer, he was like a natural enemy.

“You’re crazy.”

It was a harsh insult, but the Grand Duke’s eyes were smiling.

“But you’re better than that bastard.”

It was obvious.

“No matter what that bastard does, he can’t even lick my boots.”

The Grand Duke laughed even louder at Galahad’s words.

“You really are arrogant, aren’t you?”

“I’ve heard that I’m quite modest.”

Galahad closed his mouth at the Grand Duke’s raised eyebrow.

“Hmm.”

The Grand Duke observed Galahad with his gray eyes. It felt like a predator licking its lips.

“Yes, it must be better than rotting away in a dungeon.”

As he spoke, the Grand Duke’s eyes still held only a flicker of interest.

“You won’t regret it.”

The Grand Duke laughed as if he had heard a funny joke.

“I’ve never regretted anything I’ve done.”

It was suddenly quiet. It was as if the room itself was watching the Grand Duke’s expression.

“Because I killed them all before that.”

Galahad laughed awkwardly at the manly solution.

***

The Grand Duke had given him two conditions: one was to become the equal of the Northern Heroine, Adrianna, and the other was to win Adrianna’s love.

To rise to the level of becoming Adrianna’s equal from a nobody… no, from a sorcerer who was worse than a nobody…

It was a near-impossible demand, but that wasn’t a big problem for Galahad.

Instead, Galahad felt that the latter would be more difficult.

Galahad could bet his entire fortune that the Grand Duke would take his head if he failed even one of the two.

The Grand Duke must have thought that giving him permission was like a little game. A game that didn’t matter to him in the slightest.

In the end, Galahad’s marriage was the pillar that supported the survival of humanity.

‘He really is the pillar that saves the world.’

Galahad clicked his tongue softly.

The weight on his shoulders had grown heavier, but nothing had changed.

“Oh, you’re still alive.”

In front of the mansion, Gilbert, who had been waiting, exclaimed as if he was really surprised. He was an annoying guy, anyway.

“Are you going to die at the first meeting?”

“Hmm, what did you talk about?”

Galahad replied, putting a cigarette in his mouth.

“What would I talk about with my father-in-law? About marriage. He gave me too little dowry.”

“······Dowry? Did the Grand Duke really allow you to marry her?”

“Well, it’s a matter of time.”

Galahad roughly replied and organized his complicated thoughts.

He had gained a lot of weight, but nothing had changed.

“Hey, what’s your position? Groom? Guard?”

“······What do you mean groom. I belong to the 1st Battalion, which is composed of the most elite even in the North.”

Gilbert laughed as if he couldn’t believe it.

“Actually, I knew you, Gilbert of the 1st Battalion. They call you the master swordsman?”

A question appeared in Gilbert’s eyes. His face was somewhat anxious. He’s quick-witted. Galahad grinned.

“Why are you asking that all of a sudden?”

“Oh, you’ve just been specially selected for the special forces. You’re welcome. We’re close, aren’t we?”

“······Special forces? Is there such a thing?”

“I just created it. Isn’t it cool? Special Mission Force, Special Forces for short.”

“What kind of special mission······.”

“Shh, it’s a secret. Anyway, you’re a member of the Special Forces starting today.”

“No, why should I go to the Special Forces?”

“You’re not going, you’ve already been transferred. You don’t get it yet. The Grand Duke transferred you himself. You can think of it as a dowry. Where did you put it······. “

Galahad pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. It was a document with the Grand Duke’s seal. A large word, “Conscription Appointment Letter,” was written on it. The subject was Gilbert.

Gilbert hurriedly took it from him and looked it over. He seemed to be looking for a flaw, but unfortunately, it was real.

Galahad grinned at Gilbert’s crumpled face.

“······Is it real?”

Gilbert’s words were short for the first time. His face was filled with complexity.

“I always tell the truth.”

“No, why did the Grand Duke······.”

“Think of it as a dowry. Since we’ve been close, I’ll appoint you as the captain of the unit. There’s no need to thank me.”

Gilbert’s eyes wandered for a moment. Gilbert, who looked at the document and Galahad alternately, closed his eyes tightly and opened them again.

“This is not a dream.”

“Damn. But to be the captain. Do you have any members?”

“We’ll have to find them from now on.”

“God damn it.”

“You swear honestly.”

By the time Galahad had finished smoking his cigarette, Gilbert had regained his composure. He was a calmer guy than he thought.

“So, do you have anyone in mind?”

“Of course. For now, I have one for sure, and you’ll find out about the other three.”

“Do you mean you only have one?”

“Let’s think positively. You do have one.”

Gilburton frowned at Galahad’s reply. Galahad chuckled.

“I plan to take five or so, so you can make a list of the remaining three. Focus on ability. Morality is not required. I believe in the vocal theory.”

Gilburton, who was at a loss for words, checked the document in his hand again. Veins popped up on Gilburton’s hand.

“This is a document with His Grace’s words. If you tear it, you’ll be executed.”

Gilburton nodded weakly.

“Choose from the reserve forces.”

“·······Why is there such a condition? Did Adrianna ask for it?”

“She said no.”

Gilburton pressed his temple.

“Anyway, I’ll leave it to you. Captain.”

Gilburton gritted his teeth as Galahad clapped his shoulder with a hearty laugh.

Gilburton, who was thinking of someone useful, suddenly wondered.

Galahad, who had been imprisoned ever since he arrived in the North.

Galahad has someone he has in mind.

Who the hell is it?

***

“Now, Gwen. You’re a special force from today. You’ve been promoted! Congratulations!”

“······Huh?”

Gwen’s eyes, who was cleaning, widened as if they were going to tear. The broom in her hand shook as if it were lost.

She’s a little slow. Galahad clicked his tongue and continued.

“From today on, you’re a soldier in the Special Forces. We’re going to the front lines, so pack your bags quickly. The demons are calling us!”

He explained kindly, but Gwen rolled her eyes as if she didn’t understand.

Galahad waited for her while drinking the bitter tea Gwen had served him. When he had taken two or three sips, Gwen suddenly shouted.

“Why am I a soldier! I’m a maid! A maid who cleans and does laundry!”

“You’re terrible at cleaning and laundry. Even if you mop, the dust remains. You break three plates a day, and I wonder how you haven’t cut yourself. Do you have a strong backer?”

“······I only broke two yesterday!”

“That’s the progress of the giants. Congratulations. Anyway, you’re a soldier now. Hurry up and pack your bags.”

“No! I’m a maid! A maid! Not a soldier!”

At Gwen’s fierce refusal, Galahad realized he hadn’t told her something important.

“The special forces salary is ten times your salary. This is the base pay, and it will increase if you perform well. You said you don’t have enough money to take care of the orphans?”

“······Ten times!!”

Gwen unfolded her fingers one by one and drooled.

“······Then I can bring Dent and marry off Bianca! I can sleep in bed with the kids! I will!”

“Yes, that’s a good idea. Hurry up and pack your bags.”

Gwen, who was radiating heat, covered her chest with both hands and narrowed her eyes.

“······I won’t learn magic! I can’t sell my soul!”

“I have my pride too. I’ll only teach you magic if you beg me on your knees. Do you know how expensive my teachings are?”

“······Expensive?”

Gwen’s round eyes rolled around. She seemed to be fixed on the word expensive. How can a person be so materialistic? Galahad clicked his tongue softly.

“······Anyways! I absolutely detest magic!”

“Sure, sure. Your job is to be my secretary. You’ll do the same thing as before.”

“······Really?”

“Of course. What, do you think I’ve been lying to you?”

“Why me? I’m terrible at it! You’re always criticizing me!”

“I know.”

“Of course you do! Even the head maid gave up on me!”

Galahad clicked his tongue at her bold confession.

“If you don’t like it, then don’t do it. I’ll get someone else. I could just grab any passerby and they’d do a better job than you.”

“Ah··· No! Please let me do it! I’ll do anything!”

Gwen suddenly got down on her knees and grabbed Galahad’s pants. The way she moved, it wasn’t her first or second time clinging onto someone like this.

Hanging on his leg, blinking her eyes, she looked just like a puppy begging for a treat.

‘She’s fallen for it.’

He had planned to take Gwen and show her how amazing magic was. Gradually, she would come to be absorbed in the wonders of magic, and in the end, she would beg him to teach her magic. Galahad was certain of it.

All he needed to do was take Gwen with him.

“Alright, hurry and pack your things.”

“What··· about you, Galahad?”

Galahad shook the bag he had brought. He hadn’t unpacked a single thing. It was an occupational hazard.

Gwen understood when she saw him and ran off diligently. Galahad lit another cigarette.

‘She can’t even make a decent cup of tea.’

All it took was putting some leaves in hot water, but even that, she managed to mess up.

When he had finished his cigarette, Gwen called out.

“I’ve packed everything!”

Galahad looked at Gwen and groaned.

Gwen was holding a mop in one hand and a broom in the other, like weapons.

They were going to the front lines against the demons, and she brought a broom and a mop-. Galahad clicked his tongue and waved his hand.

“Since you’re short, hold the broom a little higher. That way, you can stab the demons in the neck.”

“·········Yessir?!”

Gwen let out a long scream and raised the broom higher, tears streaming down her face.

“One! Two! One!”

“One! Twooo!”

Gilbert, who had come back after making a list, closed the door again when he saw Galahad swinging a broom with a maid.

“Damn it.”

Gilbert’s quiet curse was carried away by the cold wind.