On the early morning of the day they arrived in Rock, Kassel was washing his face with water pooled on a rock, with a towel draped over his shoulder. When he lifted his head after splashing water on his face, Heder was squatting on the rock, looking down at him.
Kassel almost screamed.
“Good morning, Captain Kassel.”
“Good morning… Heder.”
“You need to be more careful. The closer we get to Rock, the more enemies are targeting you.”
“Thank you for the advice.”
Kassel finished washing his face.
Heder continued speaking as she watched him.
“Several assassin groups in Rock are after you. We’ve dismantled some of them, but the largest group is beyond our reach. The boss’s location is so well-guarded that even Balak said he couldn’t infiltrate it easily.”
“Is that group really so formidable?”
Kassel asked, drying his face with the towel.
“If Blackfoot was still an assassination guild, it would be war-worthy. The boss of that group, although young, once had a bounty of five hundred gold coins on his head, which speaks to his prowess.”
“Name?”
“We don’t know his real name, but he’s called ‘Red Hand’. Other groups like ‘Night Hand’ and ‘Skull Roller’ also remain untouched by us. These guys might make it easier for individual bounty hunters to give up their attempts, but still, be cautious.”
“Thanks. But about those who placed bounties on us?”
“We’re still investigating. Rock itself is embroiled in recent troubles. But the citizens are unaware.”
“What kind of troubles?”
“There have been numerous disappearances in recent years. The missing people are mostly poor farmers living outside the city, homeless drifters, or merchants and travelers from afar, so it hasn’t been a big issue, but we’ve identified over twenty cases in just ten days. There might be dozens more if we dig deeper.”
“There are more, then. Is this related to the current case? Like a religion that emphasizes crosses embedded in hearts…”
Kassel intentionally trailed off.
Heder quickly caught on.
“I’m investigating that connection too, and it doesn’t seem unrelated. This is just my guess, though. I have no evidence, so I can’t be certain.”
“Thank you. Let me know immediately if you find any clues. Anything else?”
“That’s all for now. By the way… Have you heard any news about Themar?”
Heder asked cautiously.
“Themar? Ah, Dunmel.”
Heder nodded slowly.
“Dunmel is in Lutia.”
“Lutia?”
Heder’s eyes widened.
“Can you explain in detail?”
Heder, who had been calmly explaining everything, suddenly seemed visibly flustered as she asked.
Kassel briefly explained what had happened in Lutia and with Dunmel until the rest of the party was ready to leave. Kassel didn’t know the details either.
“Themar is injured?”
Her voice was melancholic.
Kassel spoke reassuringly.
“He’ll recover soon. Lutia is a city of magic, with many skilled in healing magic. He’ll be back to full health soon.”
Heder smiled softly and retreated behind the rock. She disappeared as suddenly as she had appeared. Tanya, who had finished preparing to leave, brought over the horses for herself and Kassel.
“Did you get any useful information?”
“It was as expected. Just that there are many dangers in Rock.”
“…I hoped it would be different.”
“Indeed. But it’s impressive. If Heder had been aiming for my life, I’d be dead without a doubt.”
Tanya responded with a stoic expression.
“She had my permission. Otherwise, how would she have gotten anywhere near you?”
“Really?”
“She practices suppressing her presence even when she walks normally. Jaymer noticed her approach before she got close. If we were in the Sky Mountains, Rai would’ve known before anyone else.”
Tanya emphasized.
“No one can get near you without alerting the three of us.”
Tanya lightly mounted her horse.
“Let’s hurry. Before the tracks of yesterday’s enemies disappear.”
Kassel also mounted his horse with difficulty, massaging his stiff shoulders after two days of continuous camping. Rock was now less than half a day’s journey away.
☆ ☆ ☆
Jaymer was angry.
“That’s expensive!”
It cost as much to rent two rooms as it would to rent an entire inn in Leofio. If Kassel hadn’t warned him, ‘Don’t cause any trouble’, he would have grabbed the innkeeper by the collar and started a fight.
“In exchange, we promise the best service.”
The innkeeper said confidently.
Jay checked his money pouch. When traveling from Carnelock to Aranthia, he had quite a bit of money, but after leaving for the Sky Mountains, he had discarded all his heavy and useless gold coins, leaving him with only emergency funds. The other three had no money at all.
‘When I had money, I didn’t care about prices, but now that I don’t, it’s all I think about. I can’t believe I’m supporting these guys.’
Jay handed over the money.
“No choice. Give us one room… No, make that two.”
Honestly, it felt wasteful to take two rooms. Even if Tanya had become a bit prettier, no one in the group saw her as a woman, so why should she get her own room? Jay couldn’t understand it.
‘Why can’t Kassel share a room with Tanya? Then I could have a spacious room alone with Rai.’
Jay preferred camping, where he didn’t have to worry about such calculations.
“I’m going to fetch Kassel now.”
Jay declared to Rai, who was standing idly behind him.
“What about me?”
Rai asked.
“Stay in the room. If you follow me around, you’ll attract attention.”
Rai glanced around slightly.
‘This guy has no expression at all. But I prefer him over others since I don’t have to worry about manners.’
Rai shook his head.
“I don’t like being alone in the inn.”
Jay poked him in the chest with his finger.
“Stop whining. If you don’t like it, wander around alone! Even though you will get lost!”
Rai turned abruptly and headed upstairs.
‘Is he mad? Not that it matters!’
Jay called out just in case.
“Room 202! You know numbers, right? Don’t go into the wrong room.”
Rai didn’t respond and disappeared up the stairs.
Jay left the inn.
“What’s with that guy? Is he scared to be alone? Does he expect me to pamper him because Kassel does?”
Jay grumbled all the way to the meeting place with Kassel, a habit from his long years as a bounty hunter.
Kassel had said he’d be at the spot where the dragon used to be. Though Tanya was with him, ensuring his safety, Jay couldn’t help but quicken his pace.
Kassel was talking to an old man in the darkness. Tanya was nowhere to be seen.
‘Huh?’
Jay hurried over, just in case, but it didn’t seem like anything serious. The old man quickly left Kassel as if fleeing.
“What’s going on? Do you know him?”
Jay asked, hiding his urgency by slowing his pace.
Kassel looked at the old man staggering away with concern.
“I don’t know him.”
Kassel shrugged.
“He just asked where I was from.”
“Isn’t that dangerous? Should I track him?”
“Hmmm, no. He seemed like someone from the Council. We’ll probably see him again. But where’s Rai?”
“I left him at the inn. It’s awkward dragging that big guy around. He sulked about it.”
“I wish you’d be nicer to Rai.”
“Why should I?”
Kassel patted Jay’s shoulder.
“He’s like you. Neither of you trust people, both are dangerous, and neither of you is polite. But both of you have kind hearts.”
“Who did you say was kind?”
“You said you’re from Carnelock, right? Now that you’re back, is there anywhere you want to visit?”
“You’re changing the subject.”
Jay spotted Tanya approaching from beyond the barbed wire.
‘Impressive. Even from that distance, she’s ready to protect Kassel with her magic.’
Jay folded his arms and muttered.
“I have nowhere to return to. I became a bounty hunter and roamed around because I had nowhere to stay.”
Suddenly, he thought of Ewyne in his hometown.
‘I wonder if she’s still doing well.’
Kassel and Tanya had become noticeably more comfortable with each other. Although Jaymer didn’t feel like a third wheel, they did smile at each other more often than they did in the Sky Mountains. Even Jaymer, who had never seriously considered human relationships, couldn’t help but be intrigued by this odd couple.
‘A Master of Lutia and the Captain of the Wolf Knights. Hmm, anyone would think they were matched by noble families. If I were interested in such things, it would be far more amusing to observe.’
Tanya leapt over a tall iron fence, landing next to the two. Since her face had changed, she seemed to have gained tremendous strength and moved with the agility of a wolf even in her normal state.
‘What kind of swordsmanship would she show if she had learned the sword instead of magic?’
Jaymer found himself idly curious.
“There are no unusual signs. However, it’s clear that the trail of the Black Knight ends here.”
Tanya said.
Last night, Jaymer had spotted the ghostly Black Knight in the dark. He had heard a strange sound and stepped out to see the knight glaring at him from a distance. Later, Jaymer described it to the others as a black armor, though he wasn’t sure if it was truly black. In the moment, it just seemed endlessly dark—that was the only way to describe it.
‘Who are you?’
Jaymer had asked menacingly. The Black Knight slowly dismounted and removed his helmet. If he revealed his identity and sought a fight, Jaymer wouldn’t back down. If it seemed too dangerous, he would call for Rai to join him. Kassel had instructed them: never fight alone against an opponent you aren’t sure to defeat. So that was his plan.
But the face revealed under the helmet was his father, Thion. Jaymer, startled, drew his sword and stumbled backward, falling.
‘Did you think I would forget you? You vile creature who killed his own father!’
His father had said.
‘Shut up!’
Jaymer screamed, throwing his sword. But his father easily deflected it.
‘Do you think you can escape me? You will never escape me. Never!’
His father mounted his horse again and rode off.
Hearing Jaymer’s scream, Tanya had rushed over. By the time she arrived, his father’s figure had vanished.
‘What happened?’
She had asked. But Jaymer, drenched in cold sweat, couldn’t speak for a while. He was too ashamed to explain.
Kassel quickly surmised what had happened.
‘This has happened in Camort as well. Don’t be ashamed. No one can handle the nightmares induced by the Black Knight. Not even the White Wolves or myself.’
Jaymer finally explained what had happened to him. In truth, he had been debating whether to talk about his past while descending the Sky Mountains. The events that had befallen his mother, the killing of his father, leaving Ewyne behind in his hometown to become a bounty hunter—these seemed insignificant compared to the threat of the world ending. So he couldn’t speak of them.
Jaymer only mentioned that he had feared and hated his father deeply, and now the Black Knight had taken his father’s form. Kassel, perceptive as ever, didn’t fully believe his words but didn’t press him further.
The next day, Tanya traced the Black Knight’s trail, leading the group naturally into the capital of Carnelock, Rock. With no footprints and entering a bustling city center, there were no traces left to follow.
Jaymer, who wanted to claim he could handle such tracking, had to give up under these circumstances. But Tanya walked straight ahead as if she could see a clear path, without hesitation.
“Do you know where you’re going?”
Jaymer asked indignantly, his pride wounded.
“I’m tracking magic. If it were a physical trail, I’d leave it to you. Let me be for now.”
Jaymer had feared nothing until now, but three individuals scared him: Queen Sanadiel, Master Irine, and Tanya. All three were women, and all three surpassed him.
Jaymer resented that fact.
Thus, they arrived at the building of the Dragon Knights. While Jaymer and Rai secured lodging at an inn, the two continued their search around the area.
“Is everything alright?”
Through the barbed wire, Kassel observed the Dragon Knights’ building and suddenly asked.
“What? The inn I booked today? I don’t know. I just chose the closest one.”
“No, I mean about last night.”
“It’s nothing. So, don’t ask.”
Jaymer responded irritably.
Kassel remained silent for a moment and then spoke directly to Tanya.
“Tanya, be cautious. The Black Knight that appeared this time seems to be the same entity as the one in Camort. They’re different from Captain Welch we saw in Aranthia, and from the Excelon’s First Knights in the Sky Mountains. They are neither dead nor alive. Their weapon is not the sword or magic. It’s fear.”
“I understand.”
Tanya replied.
“Kassel, you be careful too.”
“Of course, I am being cautious.”
While the two were talking, Jaymer suddenly burst out.
“I didn’t scream out of fear last night! I just…”
He couldn’t continue, seeing the disbelieving looks on Kassel and Tanya’s faces.
“Damn it.”
Jaymer turned away. Kassel and Tanya didn’t stop him.
Jaymer returned to the inn and had an early drink. He thought about inviting Rai, who was lonely upstairs, to join him, but he preferred to be alone for now.
‘He’s a decent drinking buddy. Communication isn’t great, which makes it more comfortable. He loves drinking and is an excellent sparring partner.’
Rai was strong. So strong that it was overwhelming. Was there anyone among the Wolf Knights who could defeat Rai? Maybe Sheyden. Loyal or Dunmel might barely manage. In terms of sword range, the distance Rai maintained felt like a giant’s step. Even if seen, it was a distance that couldn’t be blocked. It was incredible how a sword with no technique or speed could be so powerful. Practicing with Rai was never unpleasant, even when he lost.
‘Should I try deflecting instead of blocking? Where should I aim to land a blow? Is it possible that in all this practice, I haven’t landed a single hit? It’s embarrassing.’
Initially, Jaymer tried to enjoy his solitude, but he soon found himself consumed with such thoughts. As a result, he forgot about drinking and spent the night muttering to himself, holding a single glass of liquor.
“Excuse me, sir.”
The inn’s server approached hesitantly. He had been pretending to clean the same dish repeatedly, despite the many customers.
“You’re the one who reserved the upstairs room, right?”
“Yes. Why?”
Jaymer, thinking the server was concerned about the lack of orders, hurriedly finished his drink and asked.
“There are people targeting you.”
Jaymer licked his lips and asked.
“Do you know them?”
“Yes. The back door is open. Why not escape through there? They’re so violent even the guards don’t interfere with them.”
“Hmmm.”
Jaymer pondered for a moment and then handed his glass to the server.
“This drink is strong. Is it distilled? I prefer wine or beer. Still, give me another one.”
“Sir…”
“Quickly.”
The server obediently brought another glass. The strong smell of the high-proof liquor stung Jaymer’s nose. The server seemed ready to warn him again but kept quiet, pretending to polish a cup.
By then, several people had surrounded Jaymer. He moved from the bar to a table in the hall without making any sudden moves.
He took a half sip of the strong drink and set the glass down. Soon, someone roughly sat in the chair across from him.
“Long time no see, Jaymer. How’s business these days?”
The man had deep scars on both cheeks, a black eye patch over one eye, and messy black hair covering his forehead. Jaymer first checked the people surrounding him.
‘Three steps, three steps, three steps, three and a half steps, four steps, four steps.’
The man in front of him was also four steps away.
In the past, Jaymer would have been cautious about the distance, but after fighting dozens of Mozes at a two-step range, this didn’t feel dangerous.
He wasn’t careless, but he didn’t feel the need to place his hand on his sword.
The man with the black eye patch lit a pipe, and someone beside him lit it with a candle. The smell of the smoke made Jaymer crave a cigarette.
‘When did I last smoke? Should have asked the sorcerers in Lutia for some.’
The man sitting in front spoke.
“I’m really surprised. I came out wondering who I might have to kill because of this incident, and it turns out to be an old friend! This must be fate. Hmm, but do you not recognize me because I’ve changed too much?”
Whether he recognized him or not, Jaymer didn’t know the guy. As Jaymer remained silent, the man continued talking to himself.
“Well, we were both young then. I was the only bounty hunter who blocked your sword. We were both twenty-two, right? If you remember the opponent who gave you the hardest time, you’ll recall me.”
He rubbed the scar on his cheek with his thumb.
“You gave me this scar.”
Jaymer still didn’t remember. Normally, he would have snapped back, saying he didn’t know someone like him, but he recently heard from Kassel that he was as rude as Rai, so he restrained himself.
‘Let’s see, twenty-two?’
Back then, Jaymer roamed in search of stronger prey, letting anyone who wasn’t within four steps go. He didn’t have the luxury to remember all the faces of those he scarred over two years.
Not wanting to admit his poor memory, Jaymer decided to act as if he didn’t know.
“Sorry, I really don’t remember you.”
“Pretending not to know, huh? Well, the situation has reversed. While you were making a name for yourself and living it up, I gained this level of fame, skill, and organization. One of our informants found you.”
He still hadn’t introduced himself, so Jaymer didn’t know his name. The man pulled out a piece of parchment and tossed it to Jaymer.
“Someone offered a thousand gold coins to kill you and your companions.”
It was a wanted poster he had seen in Leofio. He hadn’t looked closely at it.
“I’ll give you half the reward. How about it?”
Jaymer just blinked a few times.
The man clasped his hands on the table.
“This guy killed some people in a village called Leofio. But with my men in Rock, it’s nothing. However, I don’t want to sacrifice my men. Instead, I have people who can at least kill you.”
The men surrounding them put their hands on their swords, ready to threaten.
‘Three steps, three and a half, four steps, three steps. No need to measure the others…’
Jaymer only measured their distances.
“If you do as I say, you get five hundred gold coins and your life spared. Isn’t that a good deal? I’m offering this out of our old friendship.”
Kassel had said that even in Rock, people threatening his life would be unending. Tanya mentioned that she would create a huge pillar of fire to burn any assassins approaching them first, so everyone nearby could see.
Surprisingly, Kassel agreed with her. If they didn’t come out strong from the start, they might have to deal with countless persistent bounty hunters. So, they needed to make a memorable example out of the first attackers.
“Hold on a second.”
Jaymer muttered seriously, touching his lips. The man in front smiled triumphantly.
“Changed your mind?”
“No, I just forgot for a moment what kind of world I live in.”
“What?”
“We don’t have to be polite, do we? Isn’t that right?”
“Polite? What do you mean…”
Jaymer suddenly laughed loudly.
‘Make a memorable kill…’
For a Kassel remark, it was quite aggressive. But upon reflection, Jaymer thought it was the better approach to reduce casualties. Kassel had decided to make a bold example by killing one person to prevent countless future victims.
The enemies they would fight in the future were not human. There was no time to bicker over such trivial matters.
“How do I make it as flashy as a pillar of fire?”
Jaymer mumbled to himself, then reached out and snatched the pipe from the man’s mouth. The men around him made threatening metal noises, ready to draw their swords. The man gestured for them to stop and smiled.
“Deal?”
Jaymer took a deep drag from the pipe.
“What’s your name?”
“Do you really not remember? Everyone calls me ‘Red Hand’. Do you know why?”
“Red Hand. You must be doing well to smoke such good tobacco.”
“You have quite a discerning taste. This is the best in Rock. Smooth and flavorful.”
Jaymer set the pipe down on the table and asked.
“Is your organization the largest crime syndicate in Rock?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Just wondering how much easier Kassel’s activities would be if I kill you.”
The man smirked.
“Go ahead and try. If you kill me, no one will dare challenge you.”
“Really?”
“Feel free to test it.”
No one in the tavern realized it when Jaymer’s blade moved. In an instant, the unknown bounty hunter’s wrist, the so-called Red Hand, was severed and fell onto the table. He screamed, overturning his chair as he fell backward. His shocked subordinates’ swords flew and embedded into nearby tables like arrows. The table cut from beneath slowly fell apart in two pieces.
Jaymer brandished two swords, but then sheathed one. He had drawn the second just in case, but there was no need.
Red Hand’s subordinates backed away in fear, their eyes wide. They were already more than ten steps out of Jaymer’s sword range, and it was only a matter of time before they fled completely.
“No! Damn it!”
Jaymer was frustrated.
‘Compared to Tanya’s pillar of fire idea, this doesn’t even compare to burning a twig.’
He worried about what Tanya would say when she found out he had executed such a sloppy attack on the first assassination group targeting Kassel.
‘It would have been better if Jaymer hadn’t intervened.’
Her voice echoed in his mind, and Jaymer felt his irritation rise.
‘If she says that, I won’t be able to argue.’
Jaymer hurriedly picked up the Red Hand’s severed hand and thrust it at him. Red Hand, terrified, looked at his subordinates for help.
One of the subordinates, mustering up courage, grabbed a spear. Jaymer sliced off his wrist, another hand spinning through the air before hitting the ground. The man screamed and writhed, blood from his severed arm splattering the ceiling and walls.
Without looking back, Jaymer stabbed his sword next to Red Hand and grabbed his collar.
“You said you had more men, right?”
“Huh, what?”
Red Hand was too scared to speak properly.
“I’ll let you go for now, but bring them all here. Got it? Let’s start from scratch. I need it to be flashy. I can’t make a pillar of fire. To be as flashy, I need to kill a lot. Enough for blood to overflow in this tavern. So what I’m saying is, I need to kill a lot of your men. You understand?”
Jaymer explained as best as he could.
“I-I’m sorry, Jaymer. I won’t come back again.”
Red Hand’s face was pale with fear.
Jaymer pulled out the sword he had planted in the floor and threw it without looking back. The man who had been preparing to throw a dagger fell backward, a sword lodged in his shoulder.
“Hey, if you want to fight, come at me. Otherwise, get lost.”
Red Hand’s subordinates couldn’t abandon their boss, nor could they attack.
The other shady figures in the tavern quickly left.
‘Huh? Who were they?’
Jaymer suddenly thought they might be members of another assassin group or bounty hunters.
‘Hmm, word of this will spread. This is bad. I didn’t even make a pillar of fire, and now things have gotten out of hand!’
Jaymer grabbed the collar of Red Hand, who was trying to crawl away, and shook him urgently.
“I’m not saying don’t come back; I’m saying come back again. Didn’t you get it? You said you have a lot of subordinates, right? Bring enough to fill this tavern. Let’s start over. It needs to be grander. Should we set a time?”
“P-please. I won’t let this happen again…”
Jaymer slapped his face and grabbed his severed arm. Blood trickled from the stump, staining Jaymer’s hand red. The tavern owner, who had been too weak to run, finally vomited on the floor after seeing this gruesome scene.
“Damn it, how many times do I have to tell you! Come back! Bring as many as you can…”
Before Jaymer could finish, Red Hand fainted.
“Huh? This won’t do… Hey, don’t die. I need to kill a lot more!”
Jaymer let go of his collar and looked around. All the sensible people had already fled. Only the man who had been hit in the shoulder with a sword was still limping away slowly.
Jaymer’s sword lodged in the man’s shoulder was the finest blade he had obtained through negotiations with Lergo.
“Hey! Hey! Pull my sword out and leave it.”
Jaymer shouted. The man quickened his pace, trying to escape faster after Jaymer shouted. Jaymer leapt onto the table, caught up with the man, and pulled out the sword.
The man writhed in pain, screaming.
“Please, spare me! Spare me!”
“Shut up! You idiot! Do you know how good this sword is?”
Jaymer grumbled as he went back inside the inn.
The innkeeper, who had vomited earlier, was trembling with fear. One of Red Hand’s subordinates was carrying him out after he had fainted.
Seeing Jaymer reenter, they flinched but were allowed to leave without further confrontation.
“Hey, this is…”
Jaymer tried to recall what Kassel had said in Leofio.
‘What did he say after an incident like this? It was something restrained and composed. It would be useful now.’
Jaymer couldn’t quite remember.
“So, report this… I mean, you should report this, innkeeper. Anyway, it’s not my fault… though I did it…”
The innkeeper looked confused. Jaymer had planned to say something cool and then take a stylish sip of his drink, but he had no choice but to turn away.
Jaymer went up the corridor, checked that no one was around, and banged his head against the wall.
‘What excuse will I give when Kassel arrives? I hope Tanya doesn’t say anything.’
Entering the room, he saw Rai sitting on the windowsill with his wings draped down to the floor, staring outside like a daydreaming girl.
“What are you doing?”
Jaymer asked.
“Watching.”
“Must be nice to have free time.”
Jaymer washed his bloodstained hands. The clear water in the basin quickly turned opaque.
“Come to think of it, the Wolf Knights are impressive. Being here makes me feel like I’m the strongest. There, I was just one of fifty…”
Jaymer turned his head slightly towards Rai.
“Rai, when this is over, you should visit the Wolf Knights. You said you wanted to duel, right? There, you can have as many duels as you want.”
“Gider… led me. If my Gider is to fight, then my place is beside Kassel…”
Rai spoke in words Jaymer couldn’t understand.
Jaymer pondered his words for a while, then agreed.
“Indeed.”
Jaymer shook his hands, dripping with water.
“Kassel’s side is always a battlefield.”
☆ ☆ ☆
Kassel returned just before dawn and got up after only a few hours of sleep. The Council and the guards of Rock showed up at dawn, causing a commotion that quickly settled.
The guards questioned them first about the incident last night. Thanks to the intervention of the Council, the questioning was brief. The innkeeper who had witnessed the events actively defended Jaymer.
Red Hand’s side had started the trouble, and Jaymer acted in self-defense.
“Be careful. I don’t know who you are, but don’t feel safe just because the Council called you. We’re short on time, so we’ll end the investigation here, but we can summon you again anytime.”
The captain of the guards warned sternly. He then turned to leave, glaring at the Council members. However, Kassel, still sleepy, insisted on speaking.
“I’m neither arrogant nor reassured. I won’t use the excuse of lack of time. Even if the Council summoned me, my life is in immediate danger. What does that matter?”
Despite his sleepy voice, Kassel continued without pause.
“We won’t let this go, regardless of who attacked us or which organization it was. My friend’s life was threatened yesterday. So tonight, we’ll destroy Red Hand’s organization or whatever it’s called. Stop us now or finish questioning me. Since you just ignored me, I won’t trust the guards of Rock and will act alone. Council members, report to your superiors. Tell them the Captain of the Wolf Knights will obliterate Rock’s criminal organizations today. We’ll talk after it’s done.”
Kassel turned away, stifling a yawn.
“A cheap threat.”
The guard captain shouted.
Without looking back, Kassel waved dismissively.
“A cheap threat followed by cheap actions. And I’m not one for words; I speak through blood.”
Kassel slowly walked upstairs.
Jaymer, who had come out with him, scratched the back of his head.
“Um, just to clarify, I wasn’t actually threatened by Red Hand.”
The guard captain glared at Jaymer with an angry expression.
“What do you mean you weren’t threatened?”
“What I mean is, uh, never mind. Do you know where that guy’s base is? Red Hand, I mean. Are the guards protecting him under the table?”
“What nonsense! How dare you insult the guards of Rock…”
“Then I can take him out, right?”
“Take him out?”
“I feel a bit sorry… feels like I need to finish this.”
“Who are you feeling sorry for?”
“Kassel… He ordered me to show them the pillar of fire…”
Jaymer tried to explain but failed, waving his hands dismissively.
“Just forget it. I’ll handle it. If you’re done, you can leave.”
The guard captain left the inn with a very hurt expression. However, the person from the Council remained. Jaymer asked.
“Do you still have business here?”
“We only came to inform you to attend the Council meeting today. It has nothing to do with the guards’ work.”
“What time should we be there?”
“Ten o’clock.”
Jaymer acknowledged and was about to send them off when the person from the Council asked suspiciously.
“Was that your captain who just spoke? Captain Wolf? Is he always that aggressive?”
“Well. Was he always like that?”
Jaymer gave a peculiar answer and went upstairs.
Kassel was in the bathroom, washing his face and holding a razor.
“What’s this? You were getting ready to go? You talked like you weren’t going.”
Jaymer asked.
“If you’re talking about the guard captain, it was a minor power struggle. It’s even better if he spreads the word about our conversation. So, what did the Council say?”
“They want us there by ten. By the way, I’m sorry. I made things worse.”
“What do you mean? You did well. Much better than I expected.”
“I did well?”
“Yes, you did.”
Kassel immersed the razor in warm water as he spoke. His gaze in the mirror carried a sense of solemnity.
“Are you shaving?”
“I don’t need to force it anymore. I didn’t have time to shave in the Sky Mountains.”
Jaymer touched his rough cheek and asked.
“Does Tanya dislike it?”
Kassel looked surprised.
“You call her ‘Tanya’ now?”
Jaymer shrugged.
“So what?”
“You always called her ‘the sorceress’.”
“I called her that because I was scared. I mean, calling her ‘the sorceress’ was my way of showing respect. It was polite.”
“That was polite?”
“It was a fearful title.”
“Strange manners. But you’ve changed your mind now?”
“I can handle her magic to some extent now. At some point, I stopped being scared…”
Kassel tapped his reflection in the mirror with the razor and asked.
“You’ve mentioned Irine’s test before, haven’t you? Jaymer, do you think you can pass Irine’s third test now?”
Kassel had once said that Irine’s third test to become a White Wolf was harder than the third test of Quain Gant. Jaymer shook his head.
“Surviving is the third test. It’s not about confidence.”
Kassel smiled.
“As expected, Jaymer, you’ve grown.”
“What do you mean?”
“But how long are you going to watch me shave?”
Kassel closed the door, almost shooing Jaymer out.
‘Grown?’
Jaymer pondered Kassel’s words. Kassel had certainly changed, becoming more mature since they first met. Compared to that, Jaymer felt he had become more childish.
‘Grown? This guy is mocking me again.’
☆ ☆ ☆
When they arrived at the Council, guards immediately surrounded them. They were particularly wary of Rai, who was wearing a robe and had his head covered, and asked for identification. Kassel told Rai to show his face, and Rai pulled back his hood without hesitation. The guards were horrified.
Kassel still did not reveal Rai’s wings.
“You cannot bring weapons inside the Council.”
One of the soldiers glanced nervously at Rai’s pointy ears as he made the request. Jaymer was about to refuse and unleash his anger, but Kassel casually handed over the Aranthia sword, leaving him no choice.
Jaymer had his own rules when it came to Kassel’s orders. When Kassel said nothing, he could do whatever he wanted. But if Kassel told him to do something or not to do something, it was best to follow it.
Kassel wasn’t issuing commands but teaching how to avoid troublesome situations.
The soldiers let Rai pass, since he didn’t have any weapons. They didn’t consider Tanya’s staff a weapon.
‘Idiots. My sword can only kill a few people nearby. But they take it away? If they follow that logic, Tanya and Rai’s bodies should be banned! Those two could kill all the council members barehanded.’
The soldiers were too busy stealing glances at Tanya’s face. Jaymer thought about joking that showing her transformed wolf form would get a more entertaining reaction than showing Rai’s wings but decided against it. He knew from experience that his jokes usually had unintended consequences.
As they passed through the main gate of the council building, a stunning garden spread out, enough to distract one’s mind. Kassel, delighted like a child seeing flowers for the first time, endlessly shared his knowledge about them.
Tanya already knew everything, and Jaymer wasn’t interested. Surprisingly, Rai showed interest. It was odd for Jaymer to see Rai, who liked human food, also enjoying a flower garden.
“Welcome, Captain Wolf.”
Three councilors greeted them: Governors Ruenmus, who stared at them, Narbeni, who had a strong perfume scent, and Nondolin, who kept smiling throughout the meeting.
Kassel threw away the bright expression he had in the garden and spoke to the three councilors with a stern face.
“Governor Ruenmus, I’m relieved. If you had openly insulted Captain Wolf, I would have walked away without a backward glance.”
“If we thought that, we wouldn’t have sent our staff to search every inn for you. Fortunately, your subordinate caused quite a commotion yesterday, making it easier.”
“Are you blaming me? If so, I’d like to settle matters with the guard captain who warned me this morning.”
Kassel asked stiffly.
“Not at all! We heard a lot from Administrator Seresmus in Leofio. We apologize for allowing such ruffians to roam freely. Our guards are currently rooting them out. We’ll ensure no friction with the guard captain.”
“I don’t intend to cause problems either. But if the meeting is ready, shall we start? There’s much to discuss.”
“Come in. We are used to long talks.”
The council building’s interior was a large hall with seats for 50 council members arranged in a semicircle. The central seats were occupied by the three councilors, surrounded like an attacking formation, and the ceiling was domed like an overturned egg, allowing voices to resonate clearly. A loud voice would echo for a while.
As soon as Kassel sat next to the three councilors, he had to endure countless echoes. The council guards were wise; Jaymer thought he would have drawn his sword and shouted “Silence!” at least five times if he had his weapon.
Kassel pretended not to understand their mocking and repeatedly asked them to explain or blatantly did other things.
“What’s the size of the Wolf Knights? Comparable to the Dragon Knights?”
“How does Captain Wolf’s succession ceremony take place?”
“There’s no proof that your sword is the Aranthia sword, right?”
“The letter from the Administrator of Anbaldi says you threatened him. What right did you have to do that?”
The questions were clearly intended to doubt Kassel’s identity, and it continued for half an hour, irritating Jaymer greatly.
Kassel’s answers were equally infuriating.
“Comparable.”
“Was I supposed to have a succession ceremony? I didn’t know.”
“No proof.”
“Sorry if it sounded like a threat. I won’t apologize.”
One of the irritated council members, angry at Kassel’s dismissive answers, spoke with open hostility.
“Then, how is the Queen of Aranthia’s bedroom decorated? Does she sleep on leaves like the fairies of the Sky Mountains?”
It was Tanya who got angry. She glared at the councilor with cold eyes.
‘I know that look.’
On their way to Rock, they had to camp a few times as not all villages were on their route. Jaymer had once remarked by the campfire upon seeing Tanya holding Kassel’s hand.
‘Is holding hands all day not enough?’
Tanya had given him the same icy look back then. Having experienced her cold stare before, Jaymer could fully empathize with the councilor who clutched his chest in shock and collapsed into his chair.
“Any other questions?”
Kassel dismissed such questions with responses that didn’t require effort.
“What is Kassel doing?”
Jaymer whispered to Tanya.
“Kassel is indirectly showing his anger to the councilors. They just don’t realize it.”
“He’s angry?”
“Can’t you tell?”
“…What if I say no?”
Tanya pointed her chin at one of the governors.
“At least one of them seems to have figured it out.”
Governor Narbeni stood up from her seat.
“Alright, councilors. Let’s stop here. It seems Captain Wolf is quite angry. Why are you holding back your anger, Captain Wolf? When will you release it?”
Kassel looked at the seductive woman and replied.
“What reason do I have to be angry in this situation, Lady Narbeni?”
“Just call me Governor, Captain.”
“Very well, Governor. I have little to say. But it seems the councilors still have much to say to me. I will continue to listen.”
Narbeni looked surprised. Even Jaymer could tell she was trying to help Kassel, but he rejected her assistance.
At that moment, the council doors quietly opened, and a middle-aged man with a sturdy build and a short white beard entered. Unlike the complicated attire of the councilors, he wore simple, light white armor with a red sash at the waist. He quickly walked in and took a seat in the middle of the hall. Drawing everyone’s attention, he gestured for them to continue.
Although he looked different and much older, Jaymer felt something familiar in his demeanor, reminiscent of Master Quain Gant.
Like Quain, his formidable presence could be felt even from a distance.
“Who is that?”
Jaymer whispered to Tanya again.
“That is Captain Deradul Machi of the Dragon Knights. He’s not part of the council, but he has the right to participate.”
Jaymer had only asked that, but Tanya provided more unnecessary information.
“The Council of Elders elects the councilors, the councilors elect the governors, and the governors have the authority to dismiss senior councilors. Thanks to this mutual power check, Carnelock is politically stable, second only to Aranthia. But the Captain of the Dragon Knights is not part of this power check system. Only a dragon can control the knights.”
“All the dragons in Carnelock are dead.”
“So, Captain Deradul now wields power almost equal to the governors. He’s a very dangerous figure. Kassel and I were investigating him late into the night instead of returning to the inn.”
“So, the relationship between the council and the Captain of the Dragon Knights is different from that between the Queen of Aranthia and Kassel?”
“Completely different. Kassel is entirely loyal to Queen Sanadiel and follows her orders, whereas Deradul can move the knights independently, though he usually follows the council’s suggestions. But who knows now.”
Kassel gave Deradul a slight nod, which Deradul returned.
“We need to verify if you truly are Captain Wolf. Without proof, why should we believe you? Do you have nothing to say about that? Did you attend this council just to listen without speaking?”
Governor Ruenmus asked in a harsh tone.
Kassel rubbed his smooth, freshly shaven chin and replied.
“Then did the Council of Rock summon me just to ask questions?”
“Governor Narbeni just gave you the floor, yet you chose not to speak.”
“What use is planting seeds in dry soil not ready to sprout?”
Governor Ruenmus glared fiercely.
“So, you’re waiting for rain to water the soil?”
“No, the Council of Rock is like a sun that’s too harsh.”
Kassel suddenly stood up and slowly looked around at each council member. He only spoke when one impatient member was about to point a finger and ask when he would start talking.
“How am I supposed to convince you that I am who I say I am? The Council of Rock isn’t any more interesting than other royal courts.”
Someone chimed in, asking if he was here as a joke, but most of the councilors waited for Kassel’s next words, ready to pounce as soon as he finished.
Jaymer felt as if sharp glares were stabbing into the back of his head. He could handle fifty swords but found fifty pairs of eyes intimidating. Yet, to Jaymer, Kassel seemed to be enjoying the situation.
‘What a terrifying guy.’
Kassel raised his hand leisurely and spoke.
“Let me first tell you about the enemy approaching Carnelock. This enemy consists of Black Knights serving an evil dragon from the Sky Mountains and thousands of monsters never before seen in this land. And all of it is controlled by an evil sorcerer aiming to turn this land into a realm of death.”
Someone laughed, followed by more laughter around the room. One councilor laughed loudly and said,
“Five years ago, Master Quain Gant brought the Queen to Carnelock. At least he didn’t spew such nonsense and lies. Have you ever even seen Quain Gant?”
Kassel calmly asked,
“Have you ever seen a dragon?”
The councilor who had spoken looked annoyed.
“What kind of absurd question is that?”
“You live in Rock, don’t you? Tell me, have you seen a dragon in the last ten years?”
“Are you going to insult the spirit of the great dragons now? It’s absurd to think a councilor of Rock has never seen a dragon. What a ridiculous question.”
“Then let me say this. You just insulted the spirit of the great Quain Gant. Do you think Captain Wolf has never met Master Quain Gant? What a ridiculous question.”
Kassel mimicked the councilor’s words exactly. Another councilor stood up to defend his colleague, saying,
“Are you trying to confuse us with absurd arguments? You’re already ignoring proper procedures. You need to prove yourself first before discussing anything. And you want to start a meeting about battles right away? This is not just about procedures. Claiming an ‘evil dragon’ is attacking from the Sky Mountains! What’s more comedic than that? Did you say you came from the Sky Mountains? Do fairies live there?”
“Do you live in Carnelock? Do humans live in Acrand?”
“Why are your answers like this?”
“Because your questions are like that. Honestly, I doubt whether the council members here are from Rock, who grew up seeing dragons. They seem to be people who find dragons unrealistic. Why are you so desperate to turn the news of something coming from the Sky Mountains into a lie?”
“It’s a matter of proving yourself first. How can we discuss national issues with someone who isn’t even Captain Wolf?”
“So, I’m frustrated too. You don’t believe I’m the captain. Shouldn’t you be prepared to find out if I am or not? You let the guards outside take the Aranthia sword, a symbol of the Captain of the Wolf Knights, showing you don’t know about that. A fairy from the Sky Mountains is currently strolling through the garden outside, but instead of looking, you ask me if fairies live in the Sky Mountains. The Master of Lutia is sitting right there, but you haven’t thought to verify it. And now, you demand I prove myself first? So, I have few options left to prove myself. Master Tanya, freeze this entire chamber with your power. Jaymer, kill all the guards here.”
Kassel calmly continued while looking at the wide-eyed, shocked council members.
“Of course, I can’t say things like that. It’s not that I’m unprepared to prove myself, but that you aren’t ready to listen to what I have to say.”
Tanya gently pressed Jay’s shoulder, stopping him from getting up. Jay was worried they might actually have to follow through.
‘If I was this shocked, the councilors must have been terrified.’
In the awkward silence, Kassel spoke to the Captain of the Dragon Knights, standing at a distance.
“The Dragon Knights are independent of the council, correct?”
“Correct.”
Captain Deradul responded firmly.
“You probably expected Master Quain Gant, not me. But I formally request a dialogue between our orders.”
“Agreed.”
Deradul’s response was immediate and decisive.
The councilors, initially stunned, began to murmur loudly. Many of them started talking to Captain Deradul at once, plunging the chamber back into chaos.
Governor Ruenmus tried to restore order and asked,
“Captain Deradul, what did you just say?”
“I accepted the young captain’s request for a dialogue, Governor. Is something wrong with that?”
Governor Nondolin also intervened, clearly flustered.
“This is problematic, Captain. This man is not yet…”
“Does a knight of Aranthia need the approval of the Carnelock council? Captain Wolf, continue what you were saying. We need to clarify your position here. We can talk elsewhere if needed.”
“Thank you.”
Kassel replied smoothly.
“Governor Ruenmus, how many days would it take to assemble the defense forces of Rock, the council’s guards, and the national army of Carnelock?”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. The council has not accepted your position yet.”
Ruenmus showed no hesitation. Kassel was dismissive of the other councilors’ insults and provocations but took Ruenmus seriously.
‘Ah, now I understand.’
Jaymer finally grasped Kassel’s perspective a bit. Kassel was engaging in a ‘battle.’ He saw no real threat from the other councilors and treated them casually. But he saw Ruenmus as a threat and focused on him.
In Jaymer’s terms, Kassel was only measuring the ‘steps’ with Ruenmus.
“Three days.”
Deradul answered instead of the hesitant Ruenmus.
“Half a day for council approval, another half day to gather the capital’s defense forces and the council’s guards, another half day for orders to reach nearby cities, half a day for them to assemble, and another half day to march to Rock. That’s the fastest.”
“Ca-Captain Deradul.”
Nondolin tried to stop Deradul from giving such detailed information to a foreign knight captain, but the other councilors were equally shocked. Kassel nodded without changing his expression.
“Even if the enemy were to sprint from Leofio to here, it would be difficult to arrive within four days. It would take a day for the message to arrive, plus three days… If the Administrator of Anbaldi follows my instructions, three days might even be optimistic.”
Kassel turned his attention to the three governors. Jaymer noticed Kassel still only focused on the ‘steps’ with Ruenmus.
“If news arrives that Leofio has fallen and thousands are dead, maybe you’ll believe me then. Call me back, and I’ll come running.”
Kassel walked slowly out of the chamber. He ignored the various emotions directed at him: anger, bewilderment, fear, and ridicule.
In the still breathtakingly beautiful garden, Rai stood in the center. Strangely enough, he had removed his robe and spread his wings wide. The nearby soldiers had backed off considerably, while the maids and noblewomen watched in awe, as if they were seeing an angel.
Even Jaymer couldn’t help but admire Rai, surrounded by flowers with his wings spread. His shoulders, muscled just enough for battle, and his broad chest were enviable.
“Do you like this garden?”
Kassel playfully tugged on the tip of Rai’s impressive white wings as he asked.
Rai, breathing deeply, answered in the language of the Lemif. Tanya translated for him.
“The human concept of beauty is different from the harmony created by the forest itself, which the Lemif prefer. However, this forced harmony has its own appeal.”
At that moment, a few council members, seemingly wanting to say something to Kassel, opened the door and came out. Upon seeing Rai, they gasped in shock, losing their composure and screaming. Captain Deradul, who had also stepped out, looked surprised but did not retreat like the others. He merely shrugged and approached Kassel and Rai. He placed one hand on his waist and admired Rai’s wings for a moment before speaking.
“Those wings are magnificent. One could believe you came from the sky, not the Sky Mountains.”
Rai alternated his gaze between Deradul and the sky. Deradul smiled, his wrinkled face warm, and asked.
“Where are you staying?”
“Just an ordinary inn, Captain Deradul.”
“I didn’t expect Quain Gant to name such a young man as his successor. He said there wouldn’t be a captain for a while. I guess that was a lie.”
Deradul laughed warmly, like a long-lost uncle.
‘How can he act so familiar when they’ve just met? Something’s fishy.’
Jaymer was wary, but naive Kassel responded to Deradul’s friendliness with friendliness.
“The decision to make me captain was made by Master’s disciples, the White Wolves. Master Quain Gant merely approved it.”
“That’s a story worth hearing. Anyway, we’ll provide your accommodation. We have plenty of rooms. And the lady here is a Master of Lutia?”
“I am Tanya.”
Tanya introduced herself.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve hosted a guest from Lutia. Welcome, Master Tanya. There’s a magical association here called the Grand Rock; they’ll be eager to meet you. And this?”
“This is Rai. He’s a Lemif from the Sky Mountains.”
Kassel introduced him. Rai did not respond to Deradul’s greeting, but Deradul didn’t mind.
“And this is Jaymer. He’s my friend and protector.”
“Nice to meet you.”
Deradul extended his hand. Jaymer, intending to shake it, was suddenly struck by a strange memory.
Over a decade ago, when Jaymer was still young and couldn’t gauge sword distances, a knight named Kar, who had served his father Thion and his mother, was from the Dragon Knights.
Jaymer vividly remembered Kar crying in front of his mother, who was a mess from working in the fields. Kar promised to come back for Jaymer but died in the war. During their conversation, Kar mentioned a name to Thion. While Jaymer couldn’t recall the last names of Billy and Suvel, whom he’d met not even a month ago, Deradul Machi’s name was unforgettable.
‘The man who called my father back to the war.’
Thion had refused that call. Jaymer exuded an inexplicable aura of hostility towards Deradul.
‘If you had come yourself instead of Kar, I wouldn’t have had to kill my father, and my mother wouldn’t have died!’
The face of the Black Knight he had seen recently, with his father’s face, resurfaced in his memory, speaking again.
‘Do you think you can escape me? You’ll never escape me. Never!’
No! Jaymer’s eyes widened as he gripped Deradul’s hand tightly. His hand was tense as if ready to draw his sword and strike.
It was fortunate there was no sword. He would have drawn it if he had one.
“Jaymer.”
Kassel, sensing something was wrong, tapped Jaymer’s shoulder.
“You have great spirit, young man.”
Deradul released his grip on the handshake and asked,
“But even with such strength, could you have cut me if you had a sword?”
Jaymer, realizing he was still gripping tightly, let go and took a step back.
Deradul smiled and spoke to Kassel, though his gaze remained on Jaymer.
“Let’s discuss the details at the knights’ office. Should I send some knights to escort you?”
“We know the place. We need to gather our belongings, so we’ll come later.”
“Very well.”
Deradul walked away, disappearing across the garden.
Kassel asked, a hint of reprimand in his voice,
“Jaymer, what’s wrong?”
“Just brought back some unpleasant memories.”
Jaymer replied nonchalantly.
“Have you met Captain Deradul before?”
“No.”
Jaymer answered curtly, and Kassel didn’t press further.
The four of them left the garden and exited through the main gate. Jaymer continued trying to recall his exact memories of Deradul and then asked,
“Isn’t it strange how overly friendly that old man Deradul is? Given how the councilors treated you like a fraud, why does he act like he knows you well? Doesn’t it seem odd?”
Surprisingly, Tanya agreed with Jaymer.
“I had a similar feeling.”
“Well, he reminded me of Master Quain Gant, being both difficult and comforting, so I didn’t mind…”
Kassel’s words were cut off as Jaymer stepped in front of him. A shabby-looking man approached Kassel. Though he didn’t show any threatening distance, Jaymer remained cautious.
“What do you want?”
The man, reeking of old sweat, was clearly a beggar.
“Um… someone asked me to give this to you… Don’t ask me anything. I don’t know anything. Just told me to pass it on. So, I’m off…”
The man handed a small note to Jaymer and walked away, verifying the coin in his hand was genuine.
‘I see how the note was delivered.’
Jaymer handed the folded note to Kassel and asked,
“What does it say?”
Kassel unfolded it and read aloud just loud enough for the others to hear.
“Be wary of Deradul.”
Jaymer couldn’t help but shout,
“See! I was right. He’s the one who sent bounty hunters after us…”
“Why don’t you shout a bit louder? So the whole council can hear?”
Kassel snapped, and Jaymer clamped his mouth shut.
“From the start, we could only rely on the four of us.”
He looked at Tanya, Jaymer, and Rai one by one as he spoke.
“It’s nothing new. And I find this note more suspicious.”
Even as he spoke, it was clear Kassel was unsettled.
“But if Captain Deradul is a traitor like Ruskin, it’s like having Master Quain Gant as an enemy. We can only hope that’s not the case. Let’s wait for Blackfoot’s information. The one who gathered the bounty hunters and the master of the Black Knights are likely the same. Once we know that, this note won’t matter.”
Kassel moved forward with heavy steps.
Jaymer wanted to support Kassel but was too entangled in his own issues to do so.
‘Stay out of it. If you get involved, it’ll only make things worse.’
Jaymer advised himself.
‘I hate inconsiderate men!’
Somewhere, it felt like Irine was shouting at him. He didn’t want to try something that would only end up hindering Kassel.
Images of Thion kept surfacing.
Jaymer repeatedly told himself there was no ghost of his father.
–TL Notes–
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