Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1)

The Deathworm stood upright like a gigantic pillar, gazing over the city of Nassau.

Beneath them rose an enormous pillar that seemed to pierce the heavens.

The most resilient of all dragons breathed slowly as its colossal body barely trembled.

Large white clouds floated across the sky, now stretching higher than before.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Seated beneath the Deathworm’s shadow was Zuber.

“So? harbor Is it still watching you?”

The warm summer breeze blew pleasantly, and, thoroughly satisfied, Zuber couldn’t stop stroking his mustache.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“Yes. matrix It’s watching me very closely. atom As if it’s keeping an eye on everything I do.”

A banquet overflowing with food lay before him.

It was Nassau’s humble expression of gratitude to the hero who had saved the city.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Compared to the condition it had been in just a few days earlier, when it had been on the verge of death, it now looked much healthier.

The tiny creature greedily nursed on his finger like a baby.

Beside Zuber, Emil held the little Deathworm hatchling while letting it suck on one of his fingers.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

They were standing on the plain outside Nassau.

There, Emil and Zuber cared for the little hatchling.

The place where the enormous wave of earth created by the Deathworm’s fury had hardened into something resembling a massive wall.

“Well, that’s only to be expected after everything it went through.”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Before returning to the Black Moon, Joseph had explained how to save it.

[The best thing is to feed it dragon blood. wizard Dragons are, after all, a race that constantly seeks perfection.]

The hatchling had been severely weakened by the curse.

It had been so close to death that no one would have been surprised if it had died at any moment.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

And, by pure coincidence, beside that little hatchling stood a young dragon overflowing with potential.

“…This feels strange.”

As he watched the tiny creature curl up against him like a baby, Emil made an odd expression.

He had said that dragon blood would be far more effective than any improvised treatment.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

He had no idea what it was thinking.

Even though it didn’t even have eyes, the little Deathworm seemed to be staring directly at him.

“Huh? adjust Where are you going?”

But both the mother and the hatchling clearly showed affection only toward Emil.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

It looked like a farewell.

After spending quite a while sucking on his finger, the little hatchling climbed out of his arms.

“Kyiiii…”

Then it wagged its tail at Emil several times.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

And the tiny creature painstakingly climbed toward the top.

After wagging its tail, the little hatchling began climbing onto its mother’s shell, as though it were finally time to leave.

The Deathworm mother towered to an immeasurable height.

“…Amazing.”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

The mother could have lowered herself to pick up her hatchling.

But she didn’t. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

“Sigh… Raising little ones is exhausting. zenith Doesn’t matter whether they’re dragons or people.”

She simply remained still, trusting that her little one would reach her by its own strength.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“……”

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

“No wonder Deathworms always stay like this. auction Scholars would love to discover something like this.”

The old knight watched this newly revealed aspect of dragon biology with fascination.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“Let’s go. abandon I think we’re finished here.”

The hatchling was returning to its mother.

The young boy, on the other hand, simply watched the little hatchling climb toward its mother with a complicated expression.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“I get it already, boy.”

“We still have a long road ahead of us, don’t we?”

But the boy had to begin a journey that would take him farther away from his own.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Zuber hurried to catch up.

Hiding his emotions, Emil began walking.

Even while walking, he carefully cradled the apple cider he had brought with him.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

As he looked up at the Deathworm, relief appeared on the retired knight’s face.

“By the way, are you really going to keep treating me so casually?”

His duty as a knight.

Thanks to everything that had happened, Zuber had finally managed to leave many things behind.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“You should know you’re indebted to me. legend Who goes around stealing someone else’s secret technique like it’s nothing?”

His mistakes from the past.

And the technique he had always hoped to pass on to someone someday.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“…Don’t you think saying I stole it is a bit much? alien It really happened before I even realized it.”

Proof that they once existed in this world. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

But a knight who had not lived honorably had never been given that opportunity.

Everyone wishes to leave something behind.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“That doesn’t matter!”

Even so, there was undoubtedly a part of Zuber within the world of the boy walking ahead of him.

But in the end, he had inherited Zuber’s secret technique.

The way Emil had obtained it had been an absolute disaster.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

But the retired knight merely cleared his throat proudly and continued walking ahead.

Seeing that Zuber still wouldn’t leave him alone, Emil frowned in annoyance.

“……”

“I think I’ll stick with you for a while to collect that debt. admire A technique like mine is worth a fortune.”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Behind them, the world’s most resilient dragon remained motionless, silently watching over the city.

The retired knight and the boy walked together toward Nassau’s harbor.

“Come on! album I’m sure Countess Lavnoma will reward us handsomely.”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

***

Their destination was Trinova, in the west.

The summer wind gently pushed at their backs.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Someone hurried through the quiet hallways of the mansion.

It was a man dressed as a mage. legend However, instead of carrying the usual magical telegram, he held a letter delivered by a messenger pigeon.

Tap, tap, tap.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“Countess, I have a report.”

The man opened the door and entered a room where a sharp-eyed woman sat waiting.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Countess Charles Lavnoma.

Every report she had received over the past several days had been shocking.

Since magical communications had been cut off, she was only now receiving news from the north. arctic Wearing a grave expression, she began reading the report.

“……”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

And the reestablishment of the Dragon Slayer Knights.

The appearance of a Deathworm.

The simultaneous attacks on Bayezid territory.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“We haven’t received any reports that he was captured by the Dragon Slayer Knights. avalanche Most likely, he managed to escape…”

Everything concerning Emil, Vlad’s son.

However, among all that information, there was one subject Charles paid especially close attention to.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

That child who resembled his father so much was still wandering through the heart of the storm ever since the attack on Sturma.

Vlad’s little son.

“……”

Despite the mage’s report, Charles only pressed her lips together tightly.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Just as she herself had when she was little.

As she read through the report, Charles kept searching for Emil’s name.

“Is there still no more news about the boy?”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“Report!”

Until then, Emil’s last confirmed whereabouts had only reached Soara.

“According to the latest report…”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“From Nassau?”

After that, his location had remained a mystery.

But another mage had just entered carrying a new telegram.

“It just arrived! album It was sent from Nassau!”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

However, the next report came not from Deirmar, but from Nassau.

Charles had assumed that if Emil had escaped safely, he would head for Deirmar.

That was why she had already sent people there to gather information.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

To them, the appearance of a new hope was news as thrilling as it was encouraging.

The people of the west, just like those of the north, held a deep hostility toward the center. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

The man delivering the report was flushed red with excitement.

“It was sent by one of our merchants stationed in Nassau through a messenger pigeon! galaxy It says the boy accomplished an extraordinary feat!”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

While everyone in Nassau had fallen into despair at the dragon’s sudden appearance, a boy had driven a carriage straight toward it.

“According to the report… the Swordmaster’s son… stopped a Deathworm!”

So enormous that it could overlook the entire city from above.

They said it had been a gigantic Deathworm.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Since all the information came from rumors gathered from different sources, it was impossible to know every detail.

But when the man mentioned that Emil had lured the Deathworm using his own blood, the western knights present began murmuring among themselves.

“He’s walking the same path as his father.”

“They say he cut open the palm of his hand to lure the dragon.”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“Blood doesn’t lie. abstract A dragon is still a dragon.”

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

“How old did you say he is? shadow Thirteen?”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“And where do they say he is now?”

And yet, for some reason, she looked deeply satisfied.

That feat had absolutely nothing to do with her.

As she listened to her knights whisper among themselves, Charles’s shoulders gradually lifted with pride.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“And according to the report, he’s heading here. amber He just boarded a ship bound for Trinova.”

As though they were praising her own son.

“What?!”

Martha, who had been watching the scene from the side, looked at her with an expression somewhere between resignation and disappointment.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Perhaps intimidated by Charles’s expression, the mage quickly handed her the letter that had accompanied the telegram.

The moment she heard that Emil’s ship was heading for Trinova, Charles shot to her feet.

“…Here is the letter sent by the Governor of Nassau, Countess.”

It bore the wax seal of the Governor of Nassau.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“He’s extraordinary for someone so young. afford Instead of heading to Deirmar, which everyone expected, he decided to come here. artist It was a very bold decision.”

The commander of the Lavnoma Knights, who was reading the letter alongside Charles, clicked his tongue in admiration.

The letter explained why Emil was heading there, who was accompanying him, and ended with a request that they take good care of the boy.

He also praised the excellent judgment of the companion who had made that decision.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“…Don’t you think so too?”

“Pardon?”

She was only paying attention to everything related to Emil.

But Charles didn’t hear a single word of it.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“Block every road connected to the central region. beacon Set up checkpoints and inspect anyone who looks suspicious. alien Above all, make sure the Dragon Slayer Knights are not allowed in.”

“Wouldn’t you also wish our family had a child like him?”

Charles was completely flustered.

The commander saw Charles standing there with both fists clenched, covering her lips.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“But what do children from the north like? anxiety Shouldn’t we prepare something special for him to eat?”

Yet in front of a blond-haired, blue-eyed boy, she was still that young woman in love.

The cold Countess of the West, Charles Lavnoma.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Seeing her like that, Martha silently cast a warning glance toward the western knights.

Caught between her role as a countess and that of an ordinary girl, Charles spoke in a flustered rush.

“Hey… we have to take really good care of this boy. antique Then… Sir Vlad might come to pick him up. galaxy Right?”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Charles Lavnoma stammered like a machine that had broken down.

“Don’t worry, Countess. admire We’ll take care of him as though he were in his own home.”

The Lavnoma Knights exchanged a glance with Martha and silently nodded.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

***

After exchanging a look with the head maid, Martha, the knights bowed their heads with determined expressions. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Everyone understood the tremendous importance of the mission they had just been given.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Yet the reception hall was as silent as if it were midnight.

The capital, Brigantes.

The mansion atop the hill where the first rays of sunlight caressed the city.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

A blond-haired, blue-eyed man gazed at a cracked mirror.

“It was an unexpected harvest.”

It was the mirror connected to the red gem embedded in the Deathworm’s forehead.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“The gem was destroyed, but I recovered my investment.”

As he traced the fracture with his fingertips, the man smiled.

A long crack ran through the mirror from its center.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

But that no longer mattered.

After all, sooner or later it would have gone out of control anyway.

It was a shame to lose the Deathworm.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“Emil.”

The man fell silent for a moment before repeating the name.

What had truly captured his interest was the boy he had seen through the mirror.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

It wasn’t his swordsmanship.

“Emil Aureo.”

Nor was it the blood with which he had attracted the dragon.

What had completely seized his attention was the way the boy had become someone entirely different at the very last moment.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen someone use his potential that way.”

“Paying a fair price and borrowing a false self…”

The temperature of the hall suddenly dropped.

The corner of his lips slowly curved upward.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Someone who cheated death with lies and concealed the truth with words.

And it was the first time he had encountered a boy walking a path similar to his own.

“That is my method.”

He was a man who deceived the world.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

Even though the two of them were moving in completely different directions.

The butler entered respectfully, carrying another mirror.

“Master.”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

A dark blue sea.

“……”

“Would you like to check it?”

Without saying a word, the man looked into the mirror.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

And there, another enormous dragon swam through the depths of the ocean.

The world reflected in the mirror was a cold and gloomy place.

A bottomless abyss.

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

There was also a ship that had been completely wrecked.

Beyond the vision shared with the dragon appeared a vast expanse of ice.

And atop a towering hill, a man stood with his eyes closed.

“…Just who in the world have you placed beside your son, Vlad?”

Translation of Star-Embracing Swordmaster - Chapter 308: Side Story – The Western Sea (1) by Indra Translations.

As Vlad stood motionless, immersed in a profound world of contemplation, the gigantic sea dragon chuckled above his head.

Not even the immense shadow looming over him could make him open his eyes.

“Now even I want to meet him in person.”