Chapter 281

Chapter 281: 😀

"We surrender."

When Philid’s declaration of surrender spread through the town via the "Psychic Call" skill, Lord Simon froze, finally relinquishing his last lingering thought of escape.

If even Philid had uttered those words of surrender, there truly remained no alternative.

Sigh…

Remaining in the town meant fulfilling his duty as lord by leading soldiers to repel the monsters—a suicidal endeavor given the overwhelming disparity in strength.

Surrender merely delayed the inevitable… Should the Duchy and Church discover this town’s capitulation to monsters, their judgment would be swift and merciless.

Though cowardly, fleeing might have preserved his life.

But with escape now impossible… surrender became the sole option. He could only pray this disgraceful pact with monsters would remain hidden from the Duchy and Church.

Wait—if these Ant Clan members could be persuaded to cooperate…

Simon’s eyes gradually brightened as the idea took root. These were no ordinary monsters: they communicated like humans, executed strategic maneuvers to block reinforcements and escape routes… Their sophistication defied typical monster behavior.

They possessed formidable intellect.

Surely they understood the political upheaval their exposed existence would trigger across the nation.

Which meant… their interests now temporarily aligned with his own.

Guided by Flying Ants, Simon and his winged mount Reifon were escorted to the ramparts.

"Master Simon!"

"Philid?"

The lord scanned the gathering—Philid stood among a dozen familiar nobles and merchants, accompanied by an unfamiliar girl of about ten.

Philid rushed to Simon’s side as he dismounted.

Leaning close, the advisor whispered urgent updates into his lord’s ear.

…

"Contract…"

After absorbing the situation, Simon accepted the Contract Scroll from Philid.

The Ant Clan’s terms astonished him—not through severity, but startling simplicity.

Submission and non-aggression toward the Ant Clan? Expected terms of surrender.

But protection? Assistance in developing the town?

While logical given the town’s new status as Ant Clan territory… could this Queen Ant truly harbor such magnanimous vision?

"Have you decided?"

A dulcet childlike voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Ah, forgive me—I was momentarily lost in contemplation."

After saying this, Simon dropped a single drop of his blood onto the magic circle of the Contract Scroll.

The contract formed, and the scroll self-ignited and vanished.

Now he was truly bound to the monster on the same vessel… The man sighed inwardly.

"Excellent."

Red Pupil nodded. She dismissed the merchants and nobles, leaving only Philid and Lord Simon behind.

"Governing the human race in this town falls more naturally to you, as those in authority, than to us Ant Tribesmen. Thus we shall not interfere with your duties under normal circumstances. Though you now serve our Ant Tribe, you remain the lord and deputy of this settlement. Is this clear?"

"That arrangement… suits us well."

"Hm."

Red Pupil studied them briefly before continuing.

"The Ant Tribe will return underground after winter passes. All tunnel entrances within the town will then be concealed, for we wish our existence to remain unknown to the human race beyond these walls."

"However, I cannot extend trust to every human within this territory."

The combined population of the town and surrounding villages exceeded fifty thousand souls – far too numerous for Contract Scrolls to control.

Complete domination through monster forces alone would prove impossible without mass slaughter.

"Therefore, I have several tasks for you both."

Simon and Philid exchanged glances, anticipating her demands.

"Speak your will."

"First, conduct a thorough census of all inhabitants within the town and adjacent villages. Investigate every resident’s background to identify spies from foreign duchies or unauthorized infiltrators. Our Ant Tribe will assist in this endeavor."

"I presume most townsfolk possess identity cards?"

"All long-term residents except the slum vermin hold proper documentation."

Philid affirmed with a nod.

"We understand. Discovered spies shall be delivered to your custody."

"Good. The second matter… You will surrender all Magic Recovery Potions in the town’s possession, along with substantial quantities of other medicinal brews."

"Potions?"

Both men blinked in momentary surprise before comprehending.

The distinction between monsters and humans lay starkest in artifice: while mankind forged weapons, concocted elixirs, and crafted wonders like the town’s Defense Magic Crystal, such creations remained beyond monsterkind’s grasp.

"As for potions," Simon acknowledged, "our warehouses and military stores hold considerable reserves."

"Then comes the final requirement."

Red Pupil moved to the battlement and gestured.

Within minutes, a golden-haired maiden and a silver-haired woman scaled the walls with effortless grace.

"Sister Red Pupil."

"Sister Red Pupil."

Army Lady and Stealth One offered their greetings before turning to study Philid and Simon.

Though forewarned, both men still gaped in astonishment at the Ant Tribeswomen’s human guises.

"Ph-Philid… What sorcery is this?"

"Master Simon, the explanation is thus…"

Philid’s concise account left the lord pale and trembling. When he finally regained composure, Red Pupil resumed:

"Only you two shall know of their true natures – including Lvzi’s. Maintain this secrecy. Furthermore…"

"Miss Lvzi?!"

Simon’s outburst interrupted her, eyes bulging.

"Could she also be… Ant Tribe?"

"Indeed."

"But how…?"

The revelation staggered him. For months he’d courted favor with… a monster? Though her human visage charmed, the mental image of Lvzi morphing into a six-limbed ant-creature with crushing mandibles chilled his blood.

"Your final instruction?"

Simon managed through a strained smile.

"Identity cards remain valid nationwide, if I recall?"

"Correct."

"Then procure human identity documents for them."