Before the meeting began, Dunmel quickly memorized the names of the six Lutia masters who were introduced. Loyal, having been introduced to their names, forgot them even before the meeting ended and was certain not to remember them thereafter. If Sheyden or Gerald had been there, Dunmel would not have bothered, but now he found himself taking care of such things.
‘I see why I’m in this position. Sheyden didn’t want to do it either, but the other four were so irresponsible that he was forced to. I feel a bit sorry for having assumed he wanted to do it because he came from a clerical background.’
Thinking back, since Kassel became the captain, Sheyden stopped being strictly demanding with the people around him and became more relaxed.
‘Gerald was right. What we needed wasn’t a captain, but someone to take responsibility for the tedious tasks. And Kassel was just the person who loved to do that.’
Ettley. Among the masters, he was on the younger side. His blonde hair and handsome appearance must have made several innocent female magicians’ hearts flutter when he was younger. However, his calm yet strong facial lines definitely matched the image of a young sage. He spoke very logically and clearly.
Philip looked older than Ettley, but his clear blue eyes gave an impression of youthfulness in conversation, making him seem younger than Ettley. Above all, his flowing blonde hair that reached below his shoulders was so fine that from the back, he could be mistaken for a woman. His face had many wrinkles, but it seemed that they weren’t simply due to age. Learning later that he was fifty-two, Dunmel was startled, mainly because of those wrinkles. It seemed not all wizards looked younger than their actual age.
The disheveled wizard Luder, whom he had met in the fortress’s watchtower, now looked like a true sage of Lutia, his clothes tidy and freshly washed. His short white beard and hair gave the impression that the body hidden under his robe was muscular. He had a look that could dispel people’s stereotypes of wizards as frail.
Justin’s hair, if grown out, would probably be as splendid blonde as Philip’s, but his was cut short, like a young soldier’s. His round face, coupled with the short hair, made him look younger, even juvenile. He was a couple of years older than Philip. Comparing the two, Dunmel stopped the foolish act of trying to guess wizards’ ages by their appearances.
Golbein was black. Introducing himself, he said it was common for people to be surprised at his skin color, so there’s no need to pretend otherwise, smiling as he spoke. Dunmel had known Marla for years, so it was really no big deal, and Golbein praised them as courteous knights.
Dethain, mingling among them, stared at the two with eyes that seemed to pierce through walls, just like the first time they met. Even among the masters, his gaze was distinctly fierce.
Dunmel had to admit that he too had held stereotypes about wizards. They were all wizards, yet each had their own personality, way of speaking, and appearance. However, Ruskin matched exactly the image of a wizard Dunmel had long envisioned.
Ruskin, with empty seats to his left and right, seemed to be sitting in the place of honor at the round table despite its shape. His long silver hair down to his waist, white robe, long eyebrows, and kind eyes on a bearded face, he held a black staff with a blue gem at the end, sitting leisurely. Without needing an explanation, Dunmel guessed that he was the Grand Master, standing above all other magicians of Lutia.
“After the brief introductions, let us now begin the meeting.”
Golbein conducted the meeting. His calm voice seemed capable of soothing the attendees, even during heated discussions. Golbein took the time to explain to Loyal and Dunmel what each master was responsible for, but Dunmel, busy just trying to remember names, almost forgot everything else. He could only recall that Ettley managed the village, Luder was in charge of village security, and Golbein was the principal of Kainswick.
“Is the Queen of Aranthia in good health?”
Grand Master Ruskin’s question interrupted Dunmel’s train of thought.
“She is well. Although we have been apart for a month or two, I believe she is fine. She always has been.”
Loyal responded. Ruskin smiled fondly, like a father thinking of a daughter sent far away for marriage. Although by age it should be the other way around, his appearance left no room for other interpretations.
“It is indeed a great honor and joy to have the White Wolves sent by Queen Sanadiel, but having only two of them is problematic.”
Ettley abruptly brought up the main point. He spoke to Loyal as if attacking him, without even glancing at Dunmel, who was introduced as being unable to hear or speak.
“It’s not our fault.”
Loyal retorted bluntly.
Dethain explained instead.
“There was a minor accident. Originally, four were supposed to come, but two went missing while crossing the Sky Mountains. I discussed this with Master Ruskin. Although the power of White Mystery has weakened for some reason, we believe it could be used to find the two in the Sky Mountains.” (TL Note: Originally translated as White Bee, I decided to change it. I thought it was fully transliterated, i.e. hwaiteubi, but, on careful consideration, it probably means White Secret, since 비 can also mean Secret, but it’s rarely used this way. I may change it in the future again, if I find another word that fits better.)
Ettley shook his head.
“Don’t you know, Master Dethain, that it’s not as easy as it sounds? Even when the power of White Mystery was at its strongest, finding someone lost in the Sky Mountains was difficult. Unless Master Ruskin gives it his all, now is not the time for that, is it?”
Ruskin laughed heartily at Ettley’s remark.
“That sounds like you’re blaming me, Ettley. These two guests, who have come to help us even after losing their companions, are our allies. It’s unlike you to start pressuring them right at the beginning of the meeting.”
“I apologize for that. But, Master Ruskin, Lutia is the only ally that can stand shoulder to shoulder with Aranthia. We helped them when they were in danger, and now that we are in danger, they should help us, right? But only two of them? Yes, I regret the accident that happened on the way. But even if all had arrived, there would have been only four. Isn’t it difficult to overcome this crisis with just four?”
Ruskin pursed his lips.
Luder, who had been quiet, also chimed in.
“The Queen of Aranthia, who has always led us sages with her wise decisions, might have misunderstood the crisis in Lutia this time. We need more, and more certain, reinforcements. The prowess of the two who performed before my eyes was indeed great. But having two excellent swordsmen is not enough to stop an army…”
Loyal, unable to find words, remained silent. Dunmel had no particular arguments to make either. Occasionally, the magicians glanced at them as if asking if they had anything to say, but Dunmel didn’t express his opinion. His inability to speak at such times served as a plausible excuse.
Loyal and Dunmel were merely spectators, sunk into their chairs, as the meeting went on.
“As you all know, the situation is more serious than what’s known outside.”
Master Ettley, looking reluctant, placed his hand over the round table.
“Actually, this image was prepared for more than ten Wolf Knights, but showing it to just two people seems a bit wasteful.”
“Master Ettley!”
Ruskin spoke sternly.
Ettley shook his head and sighed. His hand emitted light, and a faint, flat map appeared above the round table. It looked like a hand-drawn map, but the floor below it was visible through the map’s transparency. Loyal and Dunmel watched the magical map with fascination.
In the center of the map was Lutia, depicted with its villages and towers, with mountains to the west and forests in the other three directions, all accurately portrayed as if viewed from the sky. In the eastern forest, the Outsearch, there were sporadic red dots.
“These red dots represent the Mozes.”
As Ettley was about to explain, Loyal pointed at the map and interjected.
“They don’t seem that numerous?”
“Each dot represents ten of them.”
Ettley cut him off. Loyal closed his mouth again.
“The number has increased fivefold compared to a month ago. It’s incomparable to a year ago when the Mozes first attacked Outsearch. Now it’s different from a month ago, and even from a week ago. In another month, I might have to mark each dot as a hundred Mozes.”
Dunmel’s heart began to race for an unknown reason. Images of the village’s landscapes, ordinary people living there, and injured elders flashed in his mind.
“Compared to that, the number of soldiers protecting Lutia is limited, and it’s decreasing day by day due to battles with the Mozes.”
The layout of each village and the position of the fortresses on the map were etched clearly in Dunmel’s eyes. He recalled the history surrounding Lutia and the Larbiten Bridge. He speculated about the people’s mindset, especially regarding war and foreign invasions. Then, he realized a startling fact.
‘This is serious.’
Wizards and monsters impervious to magic. The uneasiness he hadn’t recognized at first now shook his heart. Dunmel understood the nature of his vague fears.
“If things continue this way, we won’t be able to fend off the monster attacks any longer. To speak frankly, it’s desperate.”
Ettley said. Flora had just said something similar. Despair… No, Master Ettley was someone who had never truly experienced that despair. Although older than Dunmel, he was a wizard with less combat experience.
The number of monsters was increasing. But Lutia lacked the power to stop them. The conclusion drawn from this simple premise was all too clear.
‘Lutia will be destroyed.’
Dunmel felt momentarily dazed by this unrealistic situation. Then, the scenes he had seen entering Lutia and his current thoughts merged.
This place was not prepared for foreign invasions at all. Fortresses? They were no more effective than burlap sacks tied with string to stop a flood. The guards? They were mere farmers, inexperienced in battle and formally untrained.
Lutia’s request for reinforcements from Camort to Aranthia was not due to a lack of army. It was like a man hanging from a cliff on a frayed rope, unaware of how precarious his situation was, asking for help. Even the masters who had experienced the Lontamon conquest didn’t understand what war truly was.
‘Ettley said that in a month, each of those dots representing the Mozes will signify a hundred of them. That won’t happen. Lutia will be annihilated before the numbers reach that point.’
Dunmel breathed deeply, trying not to show his disconcertion as his vision darkened.
“Have we discovered where these monsters are coming from?”
Ruskin asked everyone.
“We don’t know. We also haven’t figured out why our magic doesn’t work on them.”
Ettley replied, and Dethain continued.
“It seems someone is using some evil power to block our magic.”
“That theory has been raised several times, but who on the continent could possibly cast such magic that could penetrate the protection of White Mystery?”
Golbein asked, smiling weakly.
“There might not be one in Acrand, but perhaps in the Sky Mountains, Master Golbein.”
Dethain responded firmly.
“No, it rather seems more plausible what the teachers at Kainswick are saying. That one of us is a traitor.”
The meeting came to a brief halt at the unexpected words from the usually amiable Golbein. During the pause, Dunmel pondered his conclusion about the situation.
The situation was simple. Monsters were invading. Eliminating those monsters would end Lutia’s problems. There were no nobles like the Black Lion Count, who approached with hidden motives, no Red Rose Count to keep the Black Lion in check, no entangled political interests that could escalate the situation into a war between nations.
The solution was just to defeat the attacking Mozes. However, because it was too simple, there was one easily forgettable fact.
The aftermath of Lutia’s destruction would certainly affect Aranthia. The damage would be larger than imagined!
Although the exact nature of the damage was unknown, if Lutia’s downfall was merely due to the monsters’ attacks, then these attacks were not simple.
‘Someone is intentionally targeting Lutia.’
Dunmel cautiously reached his conclusion.
After a while, Golbein broke the silence he had created.
“Let’s put aside talks of traitors and such for now. I don’t want to believe in such baseless conspiracies. Why our magic doesn’t work on the Mozes, I and the teachers at Kainswick will figure it out. Also, about where these monsters come from and why they are attacking Lutia specifically… Ah, does Master Ruskin have something to say?”
Ruskin raised his hand, and Golbein gave him the floor.
“It’s already been discussed several times in Lutiano. The theory that someone is targeting Lutia and sending these Mozes.”
Dunmel, having just thought of this, was a bit surprised. Ruskin glanced at Dunmel, smiled faintly, and continued.
“Master Golbein, have you not reached a conclusion on this?”
“It doesn’t add up. Unless the ‘Lemifs’ of the Sky Mountains are attacking us, why would any country in Acrand attack us and benefit from it?”
“Have we not made contact with the Lemifs yet?”
“We’ve tried all possible communications, but there’s been no response.”
Loyal was already bored with the difficult conversation filled with unfamiliar words, and Dunmel found parts of the discussion hard to digest. He simply understood that these people also did not know the real nature of these monsters.
“Well, let’s set aside this unresolved issue that has been discussed countless times, and continue the meeting for the reinforcements from Aranthia. Master Ettley, please continue.”
Golbein resumed the meeting.
“The Mozes are now cooperating with each other to climb over fences. These beasts are learning combat methods one by one through experience. Just locking the doors and holding out is no longer enough. The village guards have suggested a counterattack, but they say this not knowing the number of Mozes, and at this point, we should focus on defense.”
As the discussion turned to village security, Luder, who was in charge of it, spoke for the first time.
“As you know, even our defenses have reached their limits. How long can we just focus on defense?”
“What about fortifying the fortress more?”
“It’s not a fundamental solution. If the Mozes attack in full force, fortifying the fortress will only buy us a day or two at most. Of course, I’ll put effort into fortifying it for that one day. But what more can we do after we’ve bought some time? Isn’t that the purpose of this meeting in Lutiano?”
The meeting dragged on, with the same discussions repeated. They occasionally looked at Loyal and Dunmel, hoping they would participate, but both remained silent. There was nothing the two could do in Lutiano.
The meeting continued into the night without reaching a conclusion. Dunmel had some ideas but didn’t express them. Loyal just watched the meeting indifferently. Considering Loyal’s personality, it was fortunate he didn’t fall asleep.
The meeting ended. Ruskin spoke last.
“I’ve left the White Mystery unattended for too long. Master Luder, please introduce these two knights to the village guard and decide on the future defense strategy. I hope all possible cooperation is provided to them.”
“Of course.”
When Ruskin stood up, everyone got up, paid their respects, and then dispersed. Everyone greeted Loyal and Dunmel, welcoming them to Lutia, except for Dethain, who left the meeting room without greeting anyone.
“Follow me, Wolf Knights.”
Luder gestured to them with a smile.
It was already evening outside. Dunmel looked up at the stars in the sky, trying to calm his heavy heart. However, he couldn’t settle down due to a feeling of emptiness, as if he had forgotten something important.
Something too crucial but so simple that it’s easy to forget. Like rushing into battle without a weapon, wanting to drink wine but having no glass, or trying to eat soup without a spoon… He wanted to ask Loyal what he had forgotten, but Loyal was already talking with Luder.
‘I’ll ask later, if I don’t forget.’
Luder asked Loyal.
“It seems the meeting didn’t quite resonate with you?”
“That’s right. To begin with, the terminology used was different from what I’m accustomed to…”
Loyal replied honestly.
“Besides, the atmosphere in the meeting room felt like being scolded for no fault of ours.”
“I too drifted into that mood while trying to soften Ettley’s words. I apologize. Right, it’s not your fault. It’s ours. Perhaps our expectations were too high… After all, no matter how outstanding a knight is, they’re just one of the soldiers, aren’t they?”
Loyal had heard the same thing in Normant. Although the situation was different, he responded awkwardly as usual.
“Anyway, I’m confident in fighting. But I’m ignorant when it comes to such theories.”
“Were you upset?”
“Not really.”
Loyal indirectly expressed that he was indeed upset.
“How did you feel, Dunmel?”
Loyal asked.
‘I agree. If Kassel were here, he would have given them a piece of his mind. I was disappointed. I’m curious what Kassel would have said to these magicians.’
Loyal relayed Dunmel’s words with a smile.
“Dunmel says, if our captain were here, he would have eagerly engaged in discussion with you all.”
Luder laughed heartily.
“Then why didn’t the captain come along?”
“Well…”
Loyal started to say something but then stopped abruptly, looking at Dunmel in surprise. The situation they had just experienced in the meeting room almost exactly mirrored a recent casual conversation among the White Wolves.
Dunmel once raised the topic with his friends on the way back from Camort, wondering, ‘What would have happened in Camort if Kassel hadn’t been there?’ They didn’t usually enjoy discussing hypotheticals, but they all agreed that they would have ended up not saying a word in the meetings filled with officials and nobles and would have just returned to Aranthia.
That exact scenario had unfolded in the Lutiano. They hadn’t said a word, not against hostile nobles like the Black Lion Count, but to friendly magicians. That’s why Loyal was surprised.
Dunmel signed briefly.
‘Let’s talk, just the two of us.’
Loyal asked Luder for a moment and approached Dunmel to communicate through sign language.
‘Is something wrong?’
‘There is. I’ve been thinking about it all through the meeting. I just realized what it is. Stupidly enough.’
‘What is it?’
‘We have no voice now.’
‘Did I misunderstand your sign language? Voice?’
‘Think about it. When we were still a group of five, who usually spoke in public? It was Azwin. She always stood at the front, regardless of who the opponent was, and lashed out with her sharp tongue. It caused backlash, but that approach worked well with the High Lords. They found it endearing. Gerald, too, while terrible at humor, always enjoyed talking. And Sheyden, who controlled those two, essentially played the captain’s role externally.’
‘That’s right.’
Loyal deeply agreed.
‘We made Kassel our captain, and he performed that role brilliantly. More than we expected! Who do you think was happiest about that? Sheyden?’
Dunmel shook his head, continuing in sign language.
‘Sheyden probably felt relieved that he didn’t need to control us anymore. Azwin was happy that there was a captain to restrain her when she got too excited, and Gerald was happy to have someone above him to obediently follow. But think about it. Who really benefited from Kassel being there?’
Loyal paused, then inhaled sharply.
“That would be me.”
Dunmel nodded.
‘Exactly. After Kassel joined, you were completely freed from the duty you never wanted, which is to step forward and speak officially. But we left such a captain behind. Along with Sheyden.’
“And we lost Azwin and Gerald too. My God, we currently have no ‘voice’.”
Loyal, excited, spoke aloud, forgetting that Luder was listening.
‘Kassel once said this when you weren’t around. The White Wolves, by their name alone, can be a weapon. But the two of us can’t make that name a weapon.’
“Maybe with a bit of effort…?”
Dunmel smiled.
‘Can you?’
Loyal pondered for a moment, then shook his head.
‘I can’t.’
‘The situation is much more serious than we thought. Even the people called sages are faltering in the face of their crisis. But I don’t have the confidence to convince them of this fact.’
‘So, what do we do?’
‘For now, let’s be voiceless. We have no choice but to follow their opinions.’
Dunmel knew the problem but didn’t have a solution. Perhaps the magicians were ignoring the core of this situation because they too didn’t have a solution.
The two followed Luder again. Luder was curious about their conversation but chose not to ask.
–TL Notes–
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