White cigarette smoke rose thinly like a thread inside the narrow secret room and scattered as it hit the ceiling. Ruenmus quietly followed the smoke trail and then looked at the long, thin pipe made of gold. The red lips holding the pipe were seductively tempting the man.
‘It reminds me of Narbeni.’
After Narbeni killed many council members and disappeared, Ruenmus immediately started an investigation. As Deradul had pointed out, she seduced many council members lewdly. Deradul claimed that she had such an inside story since becoming a governor and confessed that he had hidden it until now because no decisive evidence had come out.
‘No, it feels more dangerous than Narbeni. Narbeni would lure you into bed, but this woman seems capable of making you submit with a mere gesture.’
Latilda Johnstein.
The Countess from Camort, with her red hair and red dress, captivated all the men’s gazes around her with her haughty walk. However, she never looked back at them. Her cold beauty even caught Ruenmus’s attention, not as a man but as a human being.
Ruenmus had already had a woman he loved long ago but had lost her because he couldn’t muster the courage to confess. He thought that if he confessed, he would be no different from the other men around her and so remained silent. That woman ended up loving another man and left Rock. After that, he married according to his family’s wishes as a typical noble, but there was no love in it.
“Is Captain Wolf not here yet?”
Latilda asked.
Ruenmus laughed unwittingly as she spoke at the same timing as his thoughts. As she looked at him puzzled, he covered it up with a cough and replied.
“He will be here soon.”
“Did I say something funny?”
“No. I just remembered a ridiculous incident from the past. It’s unrelated to you, Countess. I apologize.”
And then Ruenmus laughed again.
In Carnelock’s council politics, important matters were traditionally discussed in public places, and secret room meetings like this were avoided. However, the suddenly arriving Countess of the Red Rose said she was not used to talking in crowded places and wanted to speak with only one representative. It was already challenging to gather all the busy council members for a meeting, so they agreed. But she added one more condition.
‘This is not a matter between two countries. If there is an important foreign figure, I would like them to attend.’
This was obviously aimed at Captain Wolf. Somehow, Latilda seemed to know that Kassel was here.
In the end, Ruenmus accepted that condition too. That was why he laughed the second time.
The woman he loved had left long ago, and it took many years to forget her. Then suddenly, the Captain of the Wolf Knights appeared, disturbing his peace. Upon investigation, he found out that his mother was the woman he loved in his youth.
Ruenmus had no intention of ever mentioning his first love from his youth, even if it cost him his head. Instead, he was taking revenge on her son for the fact that he couldn’t say a word to Emil at that time. But, like father, like son.
The son of his first love, whom he had to give up without even talking to, Kassel Wolf.
“Sorry I’m late.”
Kassel entered the room with a smile and greeted them.
Ruenmus, sweating and looking at the approaching blond young man, thought.
‘When I become a senior councilor, will his child appear in the council to torment me too? That is, if I survive this fight.’
“You’re late.”
Ruenmus said in an angry voice, though he was not angry at all. He had enjoyed observing Latilda’s beauty and taking a brief rest, but he acted as if he had been reluctantly sitting there.
“The air is stuffy. How about moving to the garden? I’ve already arranged for it to be empty.”
Both of them readily agreed to Ruenmus’s suggestion.
The two were exchanging casual greetings, saying it had been a while and how much they had matured, while walking.
“Where is Loyal?”
Latilda asked.
“He’s still in Lutia. He’ll be here soon.”
“Is he safe?”
“Of course. Well, to be honest, I don’t know for sure. I didn’t see him myself. But according to my friend who fought with him, he is very healthy.”
They continued to ignore Ruenmus, treating him like an invisible man, until they reached the garden.
Alongside Ruenmus, strangely enough, was a young man named Jaymer, who was acting as Kassel’s bodyguard. Jay was exchanging glances with a young man who seemed to be Latilda’s bodyguard. Ruenmus sighed quietly.
‘Maybe I shouldn’t have suggested coming out here.’
Ruenmus asked a simple question, and Latilda answered briefly. He had a rough idea of what was going on but was inwardly surprised by the details.
“I heard you have stationed 2,000 soldiers outside the border? If you’re taking advantage of Carnelock’s chaotic time to invade, you’re already too late.”
“You are quite the joker, Governor. It is a formal reinforcement sent by the Camort Royal Family. You are aware of this, right?”
“Yes, I was aware.”
Normally, councilors with average courage couldn’t easily laugh at such jokes in front of Ruenmus. But Kassel and Latilda laughed loudly.
Ruenmus thought of his son who died of illness at the age of five and became wary.
‘As the son of Dalia, I can’t help but feel affection. I need to be colder.’
Latilda spoke.
“Camort received a lot of direct and indirect help from Carnelock during the war 10 years ago, so it’s time to repay. Given the urgent situation, there was not enough time for King Charles to send an envoy, so he had to come directly with the army.”
“A most welcome reinforcement at a crucial moment. But how did you know this would happen? We only learned that monsters from the Sky Mountains are coming, and that it’s the army of a world-destroying demon, very recently. It was hard to believe even when Captain Wolf told us.”
“Just as the council learned through Captain Wolf, I learned through ‘certain channels’ as well.”
“It’s hard to believe. To move an army of that size here, preparations should have started at least a month ago. At that time, there were no signs or prophecies in Carnelock. But you assembled an army to send to Carnelock? It’s hard not to be suspicious. I ask as the Supreme Commander of Rock.”
Ruenmus spoke sharply.
“Yes, it took about a month to prepare and move the army here.”
“That quickly?”
“Yes.”
“So you can’t tell us how you found out?”
“If I don’t tell, will you drive out Camort’s reinforcements?”
Since she was blatantly hiding something, it was hard to ask further. And with Kassel present, he couldn’t press her too hard.
“No, of course, we welcome you. But we cannot allow the army into Rock.”
“Cannot allow? Did I hear correctly?”
Latilda’s eyes, with their long lashes, slightly lifted. Kassel, surprised, soon made a face of understanding.
‘This guy catches on to everything quickly. It’s annoying.’
Ruenmus was once again reminded of the past and felt his cold heart waver with complex emotions.
“It seems this garden does not suit you. Let’s change the location.”
At Ruenmus’s words, Latilda tilted her head.
“No, it’s lovely.”
“I’ve heard there’s a heavenly garden in the Camort Royal Family that rivals this one. No need to flatter. And it wouldn’t hurt for the Countess to see the battle preparations herself.”
“What would I know by looking?”
Latilda said modestly.
“Still, please take a look. I am not eloquent enough to explain the situation, so I must show you directly.”
The three rode a carriage and headed south of Rock. Jaymer and other soldiers followed on horseback.
During the carriage ride, the two continued to chat, excluding Ruenmus. But this time, the talk was not simple chatter but valuable updates on the latest news from Camort.
“They originally planned to send the Royal Knights instead of me. But as you know, Captain Derick is fully committed to restoring the royal family and cannot afford to move. Count Godimer of Koholrun is also busy providing financial support for the restoration as a guardian family. So, I had no choice but to come myself, despite my condition.”
“Captain Derick, Count Godimer… It feels like such a long time has passed that I miss those names. But Denmoju isn’t exactly in a position to spare its lord either, is it?”
“My father has a debt to repay to the royal family. After the battle, we gathered the remaining forces, and it amounted to a significant number. The minor defenses of Denmoju are being supported by Leang’s forces.”
“So, the son of the Black Lion Count is… still alive?”
“The eldest son is alive. Unlike his father, he is quite timid but at least understands guilt… Oh, dear. This must be a boring story for you, Governor?”
Ruenmus responded indifferently.
“I was aware of what Count Lumerier did and what happened. Hearing the details from those involved is not boring at all.”
Kassel looked at Latilda with a somewhat sorrowful expression.
“Even while I was away, a lot has happened in Camort.”
“A great many things have happened.”
Latilda spoke in a lonely voice.
Ruenmus doubted once more.
‘They are hiding something because I am here. Though spoken as a joke, in this situation, one might actually suspect an invasion.’
They arrived at the Tower of Arok.
Kassel was busy explaining to Latilda how the two towers of Arok worked and how they would defend Rock. Ruenmus was pleased that they could finally put the old sorcerors of Grand Rock, who lived off taxes, to good use.
Ruenmus said,
“You’ve seen the situation and heard the explanations about the towers, so I have only one thing to add. Camort’s army must fight to defend those two towers without entering Rock. Naturally, all necessary support will be provided.”
Latilda quickly understood.
“Hmmm, you don’t want a foreign army inside your castle?”
“That’s correct. Historically, ‘such incidents’ have happened countless times.”
“There have been many cases where reinforcements turned into enemies. Even among Camort’s nobility, there have been countless petty fights. My own father even tried to use such petty tactics over Normant. I understand.”
Latilda agreed without hesitation.
‘She is an impressive woman. I didn’t mean to underestimate her because she’s a woman, but it seems I unconsciously did.’
Ruenmus thought but outwardly responded casually.
“Thank you for understanding. Does this mean our alliance is established?”
“Yes.”
They shook hands.
“But you must promise two things.”
Latilda proposed.
“Let’s hear them.”
“One is that my accommodation must be very comfortable and independent.”
“It’s already being prepared. I had no intention of making a lady stay in a tent, not even a bit.”
“Is that so?”
Latilda spoke in a tone that adults use to praise children, with a smile that complicated his feelings.
Ruenmus asked,
“And the other?”
“You must prepare for another alliance.”
“Is there another reinforcement from Camort?”
“Irophis.”
Ruenmus pondered her words for a moment and shook his head.
“Even if the fastest courier were sent to Irophis now, it would take over a month to get reinforcements. But the enemy is within ten days’ distance. Of course, we’ll send this news to Irophis, but we can’t expect reinforcements.”
“Yes, a month.”
Latilda continued nonchalantly.
“That’s why I requested reinforcements a month ago. When I asked King Charles for the reinforcements for Rock.”
“How?”
Ruenmus was so shocked that he forgot his manners and shouted.
“How, you ask? I’m not sure what part of it you’re questioning.”
Latilda said, tucking her red hair behind her ear.
“I mean…”
Ruenmus realized his question ‘how?’ contained too many meanings. How did she persuade them? How did she foresee the situation in Rock and request an alliance from Irophis? How could she manage all these tasks simultaneously?
“…How did you manage to notify Irophis?”
“Well, somehow it just happened. I didn’t think too deeply about it.”
Ruenmus couldn’t help but be suspicious.
‘Just how much does this woman know?’
“If my persuasion worked, they should arrive within ten days. It’s simply that, due to proximity, I arrived earlier.”
Kassel seemed to know something. Ruenmus felt a sense of fear looking at the two young individuals standing straight and gazing at the tower. Both under twenty-five, one had become the captain of the knights and brought reinforcements from the Sky Mountains, and the other had led the alliance of three countries as a countess.
‘How?’
Unable to compress his questions into one, Ruenmus asked nothing.
Around the Tower of Arok, Grand Rock’s sorcerors and magic school students were busy, not noticing Ruenmus right next to them. Normally, even the sight of a carriage nearby would make them line up to greet him, but now they were too busy carrying heavy loads.
‘What’s going on with these lazybones who usually hate walking?’
On closer inspection, he saw Tanya, the master of Lutia, personally carrying wood and stones that even men would find hard to lift. Naturally, others couldn’t just stand and watch. Thanks to Tanya, the sorcerors, usually full of pride, were sweating profusely, much to Ruenmus’s satisfaction. Soon, the head of Grand Rock and Tanya noticed the three of them and approached.
It was said that this tower was used in the war a thousand years ago. Back then, one of the towers fell, leading to their defeat. Now, the tower must not fall. The atmosphere was different from the war ten years ago, with a good feeling of unity. Three countries had allied, and if Latilda’s words were true, four countries had allied, with Lutia’s power protecting Rock. But Kassel had a worried expression. He didn’t share what he was anxious about.
‘Dalia. Your son has come to protect Rock. If I said how glad I was to hear that, I’d really be a fool, wouldn’t I? Back then and now, I can never speak the truth.’
Chairman Rependas and Tanya approached Ruenmus and greeted him with a short bow.
Tanya looked at Latilda and extended her hand for a handshake. Latilda shook her hand and asked,
“Are you a sorceress of Lutia?”
The sight of the two beautiful women standing together was somehow heartwarming.
“Yes.”
Tanya replied and, without releasing the handshake, pushed Kassel, who was standing beside her, back.
Suddenly, white frost emanated around Tanya. Latilda was startled and tried to let go of Tanya’s hand, but she couldn’t. It seemed stuck.
“What are you doing?”
Ruenmus, also surprised, stepped forward but retreated from the freezing cold that seemed to freeze his fingers.
“Apologies, Governor Ruenmus. Please do not come closer.”
Tanya warned and spoke to Latilda.
“Please answer my questions honestly. I do not wish to harm Camort’s precious reinforcements.”
“I don’t understand why I am being subjected to such a hostile attack. Ask your questions.”
Latilda spoke with wide eyes but a steady voice. In the midsummer heat, white breath came out of her mouth.
“Have you recently died?”
Tanya asked.
‘What kind of foolish question is this?’
Ruenmus looked at Kassel. But Kassel didn’t seem to take it as a joke. Tanya’s long hair fluttered, and long icicle-like ice spikes began to surround Latilda.
A frightened Latilda shouted.
“What is the meaning of this!”
Tanya did not stop, and Latilda called for help from Kassel.
“Captain Wolf?”
Kassel was already reaching out to stop Tanya.
“Tanya! At least explain…”
“Step back, Kassel.”
Tanya pushed Kassel away with a firm tone and glared at Latilda. Jaymer, who had been standing at a distance, also ran up but stopped.
“I’ll ask you again. I warn you that if you don’t answer, you will die once more. Have you died before?”
Latilda’s red lips turned blue, and her once vibrant red hair began to freeze white.
“Your question already contains the answer. Yes, I have died. I wanted to die again, but I couldn’t leave my attachment to life behind.”
“Have you met the Lord of the Undying after that?”
“I don’t know who that is.”
“No, you do know! Tell me. How did you come here?”
Tanya continued to glare at Latilda, not letting go of her hand. Despite trembling, Latilda didn’t avert her gaze.
Tanya’s black hair and clothes fluttered, and Latilda’s dress flapped violently, revealing her calves and thighs. The floor froze, and a cold wind whipped around them. For some reason, Latilda looked at Ruenmus.
‘Is she seeking help?’
However, in front of Tanya, the position of Governor of Rock was of no use.
“I had a dream.”
Latilda said.
“What kind of dream?”
Tanya asked.
“A dream where a tower in Rock collapsed.”
“And you brought reinforcements because of that dream?”
“Yes.”
Ruenmus was too stunned to speak.
‘Is she saying she brought reinforcements based on a scene she saw in a dream? And even involved another country?’
Tanya didn’t withdraw her magic at all and continued speaking.
“What were you in that dream?”
Latilda hesitated.
“I can’t tell you that.”
“If you don’t tell me…”
“At least speak to me alone!”
Latilda almost screamed. Tanya stared at her for a moment before letting go of her hand. The cold disappeared, and the ice spikes vanished as if they had never existed.
Latilda collapsed to the ground, clutching her shoulders. Though the magic had dissipated, Tanya’s gaze remained cold.
Tanya spoke.
“Governor Ruenmus, I need to take the Countess somewhere for a while. May I?”
Before the speechless Ruenmus could answer, the trembling Latilda spoke first.
“I’m fine. I’ll go with you.”
Though her lips were blue, and her hair and clothes were damp with moisture, Latilda’s eyes were undaunted. The magic still seemed to linger. She spoke challengingly.
“I leave the command of my army to Governor Ruenmus. If I die while with her, do as you see fit with my forces.”
Both Latilda and Tanya looked at Ruenmus, seeking an answer. With the two beauties staring at him intently, he felt he had no choice.
“Understood.”
That was all he could manage to say.
“Let’s go. But I need to borrow your shoulder for a moment.”
Latilda extended her hand to Kassel.
“I’ll help you.”
Tanya offered her hand, but Latilda refused.
“Why should I hold your hand when I don’t know what else you might do?”
Tanya snorted and turned to Kassel.
“Please, Kassel.”
Reluctantly, Kassel took Latilda’s hand and supported her. Tanya watched them for a moment before turning on her heel and walking away. Kassel followed her.
Ruenmus, unsure what to do, shouted from behind.
“Where are you taking her?”
It was a question for Tanya, but Kassel answered.
“To the Tower of Wrath!”
Latilda, Tanya, and Kassel boarded the carriage.
Jaymer approached and asked.
“Should I follow?”
“No, it’s fine.”
Kassel replied. Jaymer shrugged and stepped away from the carriage, which then headed north of Rock.
Ruenmus whispered to Chairman Rependas.
“Why is Master Tanya doing this?”
Lipendas, seemingly having realized something, whispered back.
“She must have plans for the Countess elsewhere.”
‘Elsewhere?’
Ruenmus felt lost. Latilda’s claim that she had seen a tower in Rock collapsing in her dream and brought reinforcements based on that was absurd.
‘Tanya asked what Latilda was in her dream. What kind of question is that?’
He was dying of curiosity and simultaneously felt anxious. Although he knew nothing about magic, he could tell that Tanya had risked her life while threatening Latilda.
‘A woman without a sword or magic? The Master of Lutia? What just happened before me?’
☆ ☆ ☆
“There is dark power flowing within you. And it is very strong!”
Tanya spoke quietly inside the carriage. Latilda, not bothering to dry her wet hair, glared at Tanya.
Though Kassel had given her his coat to cover her shoulders, she continued to shiver as if the cold had not left her.
“If you reveal that power, every living being around you could die. You haven’t used it yet because you don’t know how.”
Tanya said.
Latilda responded sarcastically.
“I didn’t realize I was such a dangerous being. Why didn’t you just freeze me then?”
“I wanted to. But even the slightest signal from the Lord of the Undying could turn you into a monster. Frankly, if it weren’t for ‘this issue,’ I’d want to send you back.”
Kassel, who had been watching the two cautiously, asked carefully.
“Do you mean Latilda could become like Narbeni?”
Tanya shook her head.
“It’s different. Narbeni moves as the undead and is completely controlled by the Lord of the Undying. But this lady is controlling her body. She is alive.”
Latilda snorted.
“I’m still alive! That’s quite fortunate. Thank you for the analysis, Master Tanya.”
“Why did you say I was Kassel’s lover earlier? How did you know?”
“How did I know? I saw it in a dream.”
“Don’t be sarcastic.”
“I’m a perceptive woman. When Captain Kassel looks at a woman with such a disheveled expression, she’s obviously his lover!”
Tanya glanced at Kassel, who blinked awkwardly.
Latilda asked.
“Now, can you tell me why you’re taking me and where?”
“To the Tower of Wrath. We need your dark magic there.”
“I have a task?”
“Yes.”
“And is that how you ask for help?”
Latilda growled.
“Let me explain briefly. A thousand years ago, there was a war in Rock. A great war, like now, determining humanity’s fate.”
Tanya explained without any hint of an apology.
“At that time, to counter the demon’s magic, one hundred light sorcerors gathered at the Tower of Blessings, and one hundred dark sorcerors gathered at the Tower of Wrath. However, the Tower of Blessings fell to Guanil, and the magic barrier was broken, leading to Rock’s downfall. The sorcerors at the Tower of Wrath were all tainted by evil. Regardless of their will! The hundred sorcerors who loved Rock became the demon’s army that destroyed Rock’s forces.”
“So you want me to be one of the hundred dark sorcerors in the Tower of Wrath?”
Latilda sneered.
“You’re very mistaken. Until recently, I had never even seen magic. I can’t even light a spark on a log now.”
“Magic is not something you learn step by step like a science. It’s an event. I am stronger than sorcerors thrice my age. And I gained this magic suddenly. It’s the same for you.”
“I don’t believe it.”
“You’ll believe it soon enough. And I didn’t say you’d be one of the hundred. You will take on the role of all one hundred sorcerors.”
“What?”
“I’ll explain later. First, tell me. In your dream, when you saw the tower in Rock collapse, what were you doing? You said to speak alone, but Kassel can stay, right?”
“Do you believe my dream?”
“Absolutely! I know what happened to you from Kassel. And I sensed your dark power the moment I saw you. I recently learned about the defensive magic using Rock’s towers. But you saw it a month ago. How could I not believe?”
Latilda looked at Kassel with bitter eyes. He smiled awkwardly and asked.
“So you couldn’t talk about this in front of Governor Ruenmus?”
“Yes.”
Latilda sighed. Before Tanya could ask another question, she spoke ahead of her.
“In the dream, I was the Dark Lady. It was a terrifying dream. Countless armies were trampled by a black dragon… I screamed. I wanted to tell it to stop but couldn’t. I was afraid that what happened to my father would happen to me.”
Latilda put her hand on her chest, struggling for a moment. Kassel quietly placed his hand on her shoulder and said,
“If it’s too difficult, you don’t have to continue…”
“No! We need to know.”
Tanya said in a cold voice. Kassel reluctantly removed his hand from Latilda’s shoulder.
Latilda, saying she was okay, continued.
“The tower collapsed, and I uttered words I had been trying to forget all this time. ‘Make everything happen according to my will.’ I don’t remember what happened after that. If this was a premonition dream about me becoming the Dark Lady who would destroy the world, I wouldn’t have come here. I would have avoided it on purpose. But just before I woke up, I heard my father’s voice. He said I had to come. That I had to be here. So I came.”
“A message from your deceased father? But your father was exposed to dark power…”
“Not in his final moments!”
Latilda interrupted Tanya.
“In his last moments, he returned to being the father who loved me more than anyone. I hated the black knight he became, but he was different. I trust my father.”
Latilda’s eyes were glistening with moisture. It was unclear if it was tears or leftover dampness.
“Let’s see if you can activate the tower first.”
Tanya said.
The carriage stopped. They were in front of the Tower of Wrath.
“If you can’t, then all this talk is meaningless anyway.”
Tanya said.
Latilda shook her head.
“Of course, I can’t. As I said, I don’t know anything about magic.”
The Tower of Wrath was shaped like a pyramid, broad at the base and narrowing towards the top. The middle part of the tower was twisted, making it look unstable even from the side. It was amazing that this building hadn’t collapsed in a thousand years.
Tanya, Latilda, and Kassel climbed to the top of the tower. Latilda, without receiving any proper explanation, sat in the center of the room as Tanya instructed.
“What should I do?”
Latilda asked.
“Just sit there. I’ll draw out your power now.”
Tanya lightly placed her hand on Latilda’s shoulder.
The tower shook a few times, similar to how the Tower of Arok had trembled yesterday. Dust fell from the ceiling.
Tanya waited silently for a long time without saying a word.
Latilda sighed and said,
“It’s not working, right? As I said, I…”
“Wait a moment.”
Tanya touched her lips and looked up at the ceiling. She seemed to be staring into space without focusing. After a moment, she spoke.
“It’s beyond my expectations. At this level, the hundred sorcerors of Grand Rock at the Tower of Blessings might not be able to keep up.”
“That’s impossible! I just sat here. I didn’t feel any power being drawn out.”
“That’s why it’s amazing. If given the right trigger, you could release power equal to mine. That’s how magic works.”
Latilda didn’t believe it at all. But Tanya, still looking astonished, continued.
“Unfortunately, your magic works similarly to mine. If you use your real power, it will draw from the life force around you. Remember, if such a moment comes, using too much could kill you.”
“Well, fortunately, I don’t know how to use it even if I wanted to.”
Latilda spoke sarcastically, but Tanya continued to gaze into space, not listening.
Latilda looked at Kassel, who stood by the window, with a perplexed expression.
“Tanya seems quite excited.”
Kassel said.
Tanya agreed.
“I’ve been researching this tower since yesterday, and suddenly finding the answer is…”
Tanya nodded several times and removed her hand from Latilda’s shoulder.
“Alright. I’m done. I still need to stay in this tower, so Kassel, please go to Grand Rock and inform them that this tower can be activated. Chairman Rependas or other sorcerors will likely come. And escort the Countess back.”
Tanya’s robe fluttered as she quickly descended the stairs.
Kassel and Latilda, still a bit bewildered, descended the tower and boarded the carriage. Inside the quietly moving carriage, Latilda sighed.
“You have a very scary woman by your side, Captain Wolf. Is your company always like this, or is it just when I’m around?”
Kassel tried to change the subject.
“How is His Majesty King Charles?”
“He is actively participating in state affairs. There were even rumors that the ministers had a hard time stopping him from joining this expedition himself.”
“That’s surprising.”
“Everyone says so. They say Captain Wolf has changed the King.”
“I’m just a farmer’s son in Camort.”
“There are people who value status and formality, but most want you to work for your homeland of Camort after returning from Aranthia. What do you think?”
“About what?”
Latilda spoke in an amused tone.
“I’m saying that the King has personally chosen you. You’re not asking because you don’t know what that means, are you?”
“Well, I…”
Kassel scratched his head awkwardly.
“Let me change the question. What will you do after all this is over? Stay with the Wolf Knights of Aranthia? Follow Master Tanya to Lutia? Or join the royal court of Camort?”
Latilda asked persistently.
“I don’t know. I really don’t. I haven’t thought about it.”
Kassel looked out the window as they passed through the northern gate of Rock and into the city.
“I apologize for Tanya’s sudden attack.”
“I really thought I was going to die.”
“She’s on edge. The enemy we have to fight is an enormous presence.”
“Like my father?”
Her words were sharp, but Kassel didn’t hide the truth.
“Even more than that. Perhaps the one who made your father that way.”
“I see.”
Latilda sighed deeply and asked,
“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen any of the White Wolves.”
“Due to circumstances, I came first. I expect them to arrive soon. Loyal too.”
He hoped it wouldn’t be too late. But it was uncertain. The Sky Mountains were still unpredictable.
“I see…”
Latilda said quietly.
‘I hope Loyal comes soon. I want to see her happy. She must be safe.’
Kassel calculated when Loyal would arrive and suddenly thought about something else.
‘Camort has sent reinforcements. Irophis will too. If Tanya is considered Lutia’s reinforcement, what about Aranthia’s reinforcement? Is it just me?’
Even if all the White Wolves arrived, they would still be weak against the Lord of the Undying.
‘What can I do?’
In Aranthia, he wouldn’t receive Queen Sanadiel’s blessing. The enemy included dragon-killing dragons and life-manipulating demons. They were ferocious monsters who knew only battle and seasoned knights.
‘What can I do against them?’
Kassel felt a pang in his heart, so intense it hurt.
‘Nothing.’
He had always felt it vaguely, but Latilda’s arrival made it clear.
‘My role in Carnelock is over.’
☆ ☆ ☆
After escorting Latilda to the council, Jaymer brought unexpected news.
“Rai has been captured by the Rock Guard and is in prison.”
“That doesn’t make any sense…”
“I don’t know the details. A prison guard came running and told me.”
Kassel rode his horse straight to the prison. He was so shocked that even after finding Rai behind bars, he stood dumbfounded for a while.
The warden explained that the man Rai had beaten was a wealthy merchant with connections to the council members, so they had to detain Rai, knowing who he was, as a formality. Kassel understood the situation and told the warden it was fine.
The warden, relieved, opened the cell door.
“Well, since I was already dissatisfied with him frequently coming here to take people away with money, this time, I’ll release him under my authority. In the first place, this prison is for imprisoning ‘people,’ not fairies, so there’s no legal problem.”
“Thank you.”
Kassel gave his thanks and was about to enter through the open door but stopped. Rai, despite seeing that he had come, did not turn his head towards them. Kassel had no choice but to ask the head jailer instead of Rai.
“But specifically, what happened?”
“This fairy…”
“Not a fairy, but a Lemif. His name is Rai.”
Kassel immediately corrected the term he disliked.
“Well, according to the person who filed the complaint against this Lemif… ‘I tried to scout him under good conditions, but he suddenly threw a punch.’ I barely managed to persuade him and sent him away. Even though he knew that this Lemif was working for Rock and guarding Captain Wolf, he acted like that, so he must have been quite angry…”
The jailer added in a lower voice.
“Actually, it wasn’t us who captured him, but this Lemif who let himself be captured. We didn’t even tie him up. He just followed along. Lucky for us, right?”
Kassel and Jay entered through the iron door and stood next to Rai. Kassel squatted down next to the sitting Rai, who was facing away.
“It’s just like when we first met, isn’t it?”
At Kassel’s words, Rai turned his head. His beautiful eyes shone even in the darkness.
“I’m sorry.”
Surprisingly, Rai started with an apology. Kassel smiled.
“There’s nothing to apologize for. I know you wouldn’t have done that without a reason. What was this about scouting?”
“They said they’d give me money. To become a spectacle. So, I hit him.”
There was a loud noise from outside. Voices of guards trying to stop someone and someone shouting could be heard. Kassel ignored it and continued.
“You went through the ‘same thing’ as before.”
“That’s right.”
“Well done. Then I’ll lend you my name. If that kind of guy shows up again, break all his teeth.”
Jay laughed and said.
“You can say things like that?”
“It’s better for my mouth to be dirty than my friend’s honor to be tainted.”
Despite the jailer’s attempts to stop him, a middle-aged man, clearly the victim of this incident, entered. With swollen eyes and a torn eyebrow, he shouted with a small, angry look in his eyes.
“Do you think Captain Wolf’s guard will maintain his reputation after such an assault? You must take responsibility.”
Jay looked at Kassel as if asking how to handle this, and Rai remained silent.
Kassel asked.
“What were you trying to do by bringing Rai?”
“I said I’d make him successful! Is that wrong? I wanted to give the citizens of Rock a chance to see the beautiful figure of the fairy of the Sky Mountains. Fame and money! That’s all! I was just praising his appearance in my own way, and this is what I get in return?”
He pointed to his swollen face.
“So, in other words… you were trying to make Captain Wolf’s guard a spectacle?”
At Kassel’s words, the man flinched. But he raised his voice again.
“Choose your words carefully! I wasn’t proposing it in that way. Besides, I said I would pay accordingly.”
“Payment? Well, this is getting stranger. I’m not good at understanding these things, but you were trying to take my guard with money?”
Kassel asked.
The man did not back down.
“I have close ties with the council here. If you handle this like this, no matter how much you’re the captain of the Wolf Knights, you’ll face trouble.”
“Sorry for causing trouble.”
Kassel continued with a smile.
“Then please tell me the name of the councilor you are close with. Since I’m not familiar with Carnelock’s customs, it seems I have committed a rudeness, so I will apologize separately later. No, no. Since you mentioned a councilor, this isn’t something that can be easily resolved, is it?”
Kassel continued speaking without breaking his smiling face. The man’s face turned to fear more and more.
“Let’s talk more after this war ends. You said you’d talk about trying to make the most important warrior in a war that determines the fate of Rock, the continent, and humanity itself into a spectacle by offering money in the council. You tried to settle this too quietly. I will also discuss this matter with Governor Ruemus and escalate it further. You should also escalate this as much as possible to trouble me. Please do so. Only then will I not feel guilty.”
The jailer and guards couldn’t intervene and just watched. The merchant hesitated and couldn’t continue speaking. Kassel found it hard to contain his anger as he spoke.
“The councilors were murdered by Narbeni just a few days ago, and there’s a guy spouting crap about his close ties with the council?”
Getting angry like this wouldn’t ease his heavy heart or heal Rai’s wounds. He didn’t want to waste any more time on such matters.
“Jaymer, it seems my words won’t work on this person. It’s better if you handle it your way.”
“What do you mean by my way?”
“Make sure he can’t even think of retaliation.”
“That sounds good.”
The merchant hurriedly spoke.
“I have no thoughts of retaliation.”
“I’m saying this because it seems like you do.”
Jay dragged the merchant outside. At first, the merchant threatened, then apologized, and eventually begged. There was no particularly loud scream afterward.
Kassel waited until it became quiet, then put his hand on Rai’s shoulder and said.
“Let’s go, Rai.”
☆ ☆ ☆
For the first time in a while, Kassel, Rai, Jaymer, and Tanya all sat together for dinner. Without any particular arrangement, Tanya returned just in time, and Rai, who had been spending time alone on the roof, came down as well. Jay also coincidentally returned at dinnertime. Kassel, who thought he would be dining alone, welcomed them with a happy heart.
As the food was all prepared, Kassel picked up his fork but then put it down again. All three pairs of eyes were on him. He was having a hard time starting to speak, but the three of them continued to wait. Kassel was grateful for how much they understood his feelings. Perhaps they were also grateful to him in the same way.
“I don’t know how many more of these precious gatherings we’ll have…”
He started to speak but hadn’t prepared a grand speech. Kassel just smiled and raised his wine glass.
“…Let’s enjoy the meal.”
Jay also raised his glass.
“Yes, let’s enjoy.”
Tanya raised her glass, and Rai, who had recently acquired a taste for wine, awkwardly followed human customs and raised his glass.
The meal after the wine was enjoyable. For a brief moment, the four of them did not talk about the war or the impending tragedies. They did not mention what Rai went through today or Kassel’s worries.
Instead, Kassel talked about his experiences farming with his father. Tanya, who had been under constant tension, laughed several times, and Rai, who usually had no interest in others’ stories, asked twice about farming.
Jay tried to make an interesting story about chasing a wanted criminal but ended up finishing with how many people he had killed, earning a scolding from Tanya.
Tanya shared stories from her solo travels across the continent. Although it seemed like the story would conclude with her loneliness, she abruptly changed it to end with an intense criminal takedown.
Jay retaliated by saying, “Isn’t that just like me?” Surprisingly, Tanya accepted the defeat, which made Jay even more annoyed.
Rai also shared about a Lemif he had a crush on as a child. Partway through, Kassel and Jay realized the crush was on a ‘Lemif boy,’ not a ‘Lemif girl,’ and were shocked. Tanya was the only one who found it intriguing and encouraged him to continue.
Tanya tried to determine who was more proactive, and Rai explained indifferently. Kassel thought it was the first time he had seen her so excited.
Rai’s story ended the meal.
And that was the last dinner the four of them enjoyed together.
–TL Notes–
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