Star-Embracing Swordmaster — Chapter 64: Heavenward (3)

Chapter 64: Heavenward (3)

A little star rescued‌ from the darkness.‍

I don’t know who‌ I am.

But⁠ I know there’s⁠‌‍ something I must‍⁠ do.

Although‌ the memory of⁠⁠⁠ my existence has long vanished, the‌ duty I must fulfill was deeply‍‌‍ engraved in my⁠⁠ soul.

I existed solely for‌‌ that.

***‌

The‍‍ first encounter was‌ a confrontation, but‍‌ from the second⁠ it turned into‍⁠ anger, and from there on…

[Are‍‌‌ you saying you‌ went mad as‍⁠ if you could‍‍ achieve something with‍‌‍ that ridiculous ability?]‌‍⁠

It‌‍⁠ was simply violence.‌‌

At‌‍ the pinnacle of⁠ relentless violence, the headless knight was⁠‍‌ stunned and could⁠‌ only step back.‍⁠⁠

He‌‌‍ seemed to have‌ forgotten for a moment.

The‍ headless knight, who had lived by⁠‌‍ consuming the death‍ of others, also⁠⁠⁠ realized that someday⁠ he might be‍‌ devoured by someone else.

Clash!‌ Roar! Clash!

Watching the flash of⁠‌ light pierce his sword, the headless⁠ knight remembered an‍‍‍ emotion he had⁠‌ long forgotten.

“…Who⁠ are you?”

It⁠⁠‍ was fear.

He feared that the⁠‌‍ crumbling priest and⁠⁠ the distant specter‍‍‍ might become his‌ own image in⁠ moments.

[I‌‌⁠ have no words⁠ for trash like‌⁠ you who soils themselves with children’s blood.]

A roaring storm passed‍‍‌ through the left‍ eye of the‌‍ voice.

It‌ was a merciless‌‌ storm.

[So die.]

For a moment, the‌‌ whole world turned‍ white.

At‍⁠ least, that’s how‌ the headless knight⁠‌ felt.

Here‌ it comes.

A white monster.

With‌⁠ fierce teeth bared.‌

It’s‌ coming to devour‍‍ me.

A wild beast made‌‍ of white lightning⁠⁠ rushed straight toward‌‌ the headless knight.‍⁠

At‍‌ a speed not even raindrops could‌⁠ wet.

‘Left?‍‌ Or right?’

In‌⁠‍ an instant of doubt, the headless⁠ knight shuddered several⁠‍ times as he moved.

The steps of the‌‍ voice carried with‌‌ them dozens of⁠⁠ possibilities.

The‍ problem was that‌‌ each of those⁠ possibilities was marked with his death.⁠⁠‍

It⁠‌ was like a fate relentlessly closing‌ in.

‘Right!’

Despite⁠ reacting as best‌ he could to⁠‌ the voice’s movement,‍⁠ all he received‌ was a chill⁠ coming from behind.

[Were‍ you talking so‌⁠ much but are⁠ this slow?]

“…!”‌

The‍ fierce beast, which‍ had suddenly closed‌⁠‌ in, exhaled a cold breath behind‌⁠ the headless knight.‍⁠‌

How⁠‍ dare you mock⁠‍‌ the possibility I value?

Roar!‌‌‌

“Aaah!”‍

The‍‍ voice, full of‍ anger, mercilessly struck⁠⁠‍ the headless knight‍ with its fury-filled‍ sword.

The headless knight, who‍ had been so‌‍‌ heavily struck, was‌ thrown to the‌‌ ground barely standing,‌ screaming without realizing⁠‌ it, but that‍‍ wasn’t all.

Clash!⁠‍ Burst!

Floating in the air⁠⁠ and being cut⁠‌⁠ again and again,⁠⁠ the headless knight‌ fought with a fear worse than‍ his death.

“Ah!”‍

Free⁠‌ from death and⁠⁠ resilient even to‌⁠ pain, the headless‍ knight couldn’t regain reason against the voice’s attack that‍⁠ seemed to tear‍‍ his soul apart rather than his‍⁠ body.

How‍ can such a being exist in⁠ this world?

Looking‌‌ at the voice,‌⁠‌ incomparable to any⁠‍‌ enemy he had‍‌ faced until now,‍ the headless knight could only wave‌⁠⁠ his powerless hands.‍

[Give⁠⁠‍ it to me!]

The‍‌ white beast lunged‍‍ at the headless‍⁠‍ knight, lying pathetically‌ in the rain-soaked‌ mud.

[I told you to⁠‌ hand it over!]‌‌

“Aaah!”‍

The⁠ voice, echoing the‍‍‌ words of the⁠‍ boy a moment⁠‌ ago, mercilessly struck‌ the headless knight⁠ again.

Each⁠‌ time the sword and fist swung,⁠‌⁠ dry fragments fell‍⁠ impotently from the‌‍ headless knight.

Crash!⁠‍‍

“Ah!”‌

The‌ voice found the⁠ breaths of the⁠‌ children in the‌⁠ arms of the⁠‍‌ headless knight, and‍⁠ kept attacking him‌⁠ with its sword‌ or crushing him with its fists.‍

Though‍⁠‌ it’s likely a weak world will⁠⁠ be devoured.

Even‌⁠ so, children are‍ not guilty; they are innocent.

Children‍‍ shouldn’t be pushed‌ into the cruel realm of rules.‍‍

[You were here.]

Thus,‌ the voice was‍‍ able to detect⁠⁠ the breaths of‍ the children who‌⁠ were being sucked⁠⁠ into darkness.

The‍ voice carefully gathered‌‍ the tiny flickering⁠⁠‌ breaths.

Though‍⁠ they were small,‍⁠⁠ the existence of‌‍‌ the children felt‌ heavy.

To‌⁠ grow the small‍⁠‍ glow they hold,‍ both worlds must‌‍ shed blood and⁠‍ tears.

The‌‍ voice, feeling the⁠⁠‍ weight etched by‌ father and mother,‍⁠ once again struck the chest of‍ the headless knight.⁠

“Ugh!”⁠‌

On⁠‍ a rainy night,‍ the headless knight,‍ who didn’t know‌ his name, retrieved⁠‌ a star from‌‍ the darkness in‍⁠ that manner.

[Now⁠‌ let’s finish this.]⁠

The‌⁠ voice carefully placed‌‌ that star in‍ the arms of‍ the youth and‌ then grasped the‍ sword once more.

Because⁠‌‍ there was still‍‍‌ something to do.⁠

[I⁠⁠ used to remember‍‌ how to kill‌ people like you‌ with this kind‌ of ability, but‍ it seems I’ve⁠ forgotten.]

“…”‍⁠

The‍ headless knight slowly looked at the⁠ approaching voice and‍ reproached himself for‍ his mistake.

He⁠ thought it was‌‍ one of his‍⁠‍ own, but it‌‌ wasn’t.

Though‌ he was someone‌ who had escaped‍ death alongside him, he possessed a pure energy different‌⁠‍ from his own and was an⁠‍ infinitely noble being.⁠‍

[I‌ can’t remember, but⁠ it’s not like there’s no way.]‍‌

From⁠‍ the fingertips of‍⁠ the voice, a white lightning began to glow intensely‌‌⁠ on the sword.‌

[I’ll‍‍ tear off each‍‌‍ and every one‌‌ of your limbs‍⁠ and tear you‍‌⁠ to pieces, that‌ won’t be different‌ from being dead.]‌

The‌‌ winners are above,‌ the losers below.‍‍

The‌ one who wins‍ decides everything.

And‍‌ today, you will⁠ be torn apart‍‍ here.

Upon hearing the merciless⁠ end decided by‍‍‌ the voice, the‌‍ headless knight recoiled‍ and reached out⁠ his hand.

It‍‌⁠ was almost like‍ a plea.

“Ramashthu…‍ Ramashthu, Lord!”

The‍ headless knight, who⁠‍ couldn’t call upon⁠ God and had‍ no choice but‍ to utter the⁠‍ name of his‍‍ master, writhed and‌‍⁠ cried out the⁠ name of someone.‌

“…Ramashthu, Lord!”

The‍‍ headless knight, who‍ couldn’t call out‍ to God and had no choice‍ but to utter the name of⁠⁠ his master, writhed⁠⁠ and cried out‌ the name of⁠ someone.

[…!]⁠

Though⁠ the voice couldn’t⁠ remember, it could sense it.

That‍ the foul thing‌ before it was‌‍‌ calling for help‍ from someone.

Crunch!‌

[…That’s⁠ right.]

However, the boy’s body began to scream,⁠ indicating it could‍ no longer bear‍ it.

The‌‍ boy’s body and⁠⁠ world had clearly⁠‌ grown, but it⁠‌ could no longer‌‍ endure.

He⁠ should have been‍⁠ grateful for everything‌ it had done⁠ for him until⁠ now.

“Here‍‌‌ I am!”

While the voice hesitated‌‍ for a moment, the headless knight‍ extended both hands⁠‌ to the sky as if seeking‍ salvation.

But‌‌ the salvation he‍ truly desired did not come from‌‌‌ the sky, but⁠‍ from the ground.‍⁠

As if a hole‍‍‌ had opened, a dark shadow began⁠‌ to slowly open‌ its mouth and‍ pull the headless⁠ knight and the‌‍ phantom horse from‌⁠ below.

“Lord‌‌ Ramashthu? Lord Ramashthu!”‍⁠⁠

Looking‌⁠⁠ down at his hands that were‌ becoming thinner and⁠‍ thinner, the headless‍ knight shouted in‍‌ desperation, but his‍‍ master was already⁠⁠ reclaiming his immortality‍‌ from him.

[Ramashthu.]‌

Hearing‍⁠‍ the familiar resonance⁠ in his mouth,‌ the voice watched‍⁠ the end of⁠ the headless knight,‍ crumbling away.

Things‍‍ that have fulfilled⁠⁠⁠ their purpose will‌ eventually disappear.

It‌‌‍ didn’t know if⁠ it was punishment⁠‌ or to leave‍‌ no evidence, but⁠ the headless knight⁠ was shrinking like‌‌⁠ that.

“No!”⁠

Death⁠ was returning to‍ the ground.

Following‍ the call of⁠‌‌ the master.

The⁠⁠ last thing he‍⁠⁠ left in the‍ world was a useless and empty⁠‍ cry.

However,‌⁠⁠ the voice, the⁠‍‍ only one who‌‍ heard the cry,⁠‍⁠ had no intention of remembering the⁠‌ man’s end.

The‍ voice began to‍‌ make its final‍ move, preserved within the bounds of the boy.

[Return.]‌

Kwaang!‍⁠

In‌ the dying screams,‍‍ the voice knocked‌ down the foul‌‌ symbol with the‍ last movement it‍ had left.

From‌‌ the tip of the sword, the‍ bright breaths of‌‌‍ the children spread⁠‍ out.

The‍ diminishing death and‌‌‍ rising life.

What⁠‌ the voice saw in the village‍ where the rain‌‍‍ had stopped was‌⁠ life or death itself.

Standing‌ on the boundary between the two,‍ it simply took‍ in the whole‌ sight without saying⁠ a word.

The‌ mist was settling.‍‌

***‌‍

A lonely inn in⁠ a village that‍⁠ still has no⁠ customers.

There was a busy‌ man moving alone in that quiet‍ place.

He‍‍‌ was also the one who secretly‌‌⁠ returned to the‌‍ now dead and‌ silent church and⁠ picked up the⁠‌ knights lying there⁠ like corpses.

“Captain,‍‍⁠ how is your‌ body now?”

“…It’s‍ just a pile of garbage.”

Vlad⁠ let out a small sigh as⁠⁠ he looked at‌‌ Goethe.

It⁠‌‍ was frustrating to‌ see himself still‌⁠ having trouble even‍ lifting a spoon.⁠

“Still,‍ it’s lucky you⁠‍⁠ came out all⁠⁠ right. At first,‍ when I brought‌‌ you back, I thought you were⁠‌ just a piece⁠‍ of rag.”

“…”⁠

Vlad⁠ remained silent as‌ he vigorously stirred‌‍ the soup he‌‌ was holding.

He’d‌ better save a bit of energy‌‍ because he had⁠‍ things to do‌‌ after eating this.‌‍‍

“There‍‌‍ are other knights⁠‍‌ we need to‌ take care of‍‍‌ too. Rest a little.”

“Alright.”‌‍

With‌‌ those words, Goethe⁠‌ left the room‌‍‌ where Vlad was.‌

Vlad,‍ making sure Goethe‌⁠‌ was away, began‍‍⁠ speaking aloud and⁠‌‍ engaging in a conversation with the‌ voice.

Perhaps‍‌ because he was‌‍ exerting himself too‍‍ much, he couldn’t‌‍‌ convey his true⁠‌‍ feelings.

Maybe he’d have to‍ do this for‍ a while, as⁠‍ the voice had‍ suggested.

“Still,‍‍ it’s a relief‌‍ that everyone is‍ alive.”

[That’s‍ right. That’s the‍⁠ most important thing.]‌‌‌

The‍‌ knights who had‍ fought against the‍‌ headless knight and‌‌ had suffered injuries⁠‍ large and small,‌ but still managed⁠⁠‍ to save their lives.

This‍ was because the‍ barrier placed by‍‌ Justia held tenaciously‍ and protected the⁠‌ knights, and Vlad’s⁠‍ cunning actions drew‌‍ the Headless Knight‌‍ out of the church.

But‌ in the end,‌‍ their survival was thanks to the⁠ voice.

The⁠‍ knights only thought‍‍‍ it was just⁠ the four of‍⁠ them that night,‍ but in fact,‍‍‍ there was one⁠⁠ more person hiding.

It⁠‌ was a secret‌ that only the‍⁠ boy and the⁠ voice knew.

“Thank⁠ you.”

[…It’s okay.]

The⁠ boy was still‌‍ not used to‍ expressing his feelings,‌‌ but at least‍‌ at that moment,‍ he tried his‍ best.

The‌ voice, knowing the⁠‌ situation, said nothing‍⁠‍ more and simply‌‍ closed its eyes‍‍ within the boy.⁠⁠

Inside‌⁠ the room with⁠ only the boy,‌ only the sound of dishes and‍⁠ spoons clinking together‌ could be heard.‍

***⁠⁠

After‍‍ finishing the meal,‍ Vlad, though having‍⁠ an uncomfortable body,⁠⁠‌ rose from his‌⁠ seat to finish what he had‍‍ to do.

“Thank you! Thank you⁠‍ very much!”

“Sir,‍‍‌ thank you very much!”

The⁠ parents hugging the children who were‌ on the brink‍⁠‌ of death that night spared no⁠‌ thanks when they‍ saw the boy‍ moving with difficulty.‍

They‌ probably preferred to‌⁠⁠ praise this young⁠‍ man more than⁠⁠ any other hero.‍

The‌ boy didn’t respond to that sight.‌⁠

He just rubbed his⁠ nose at the‌ irritating emotion he‍‍ felt.

And‍⁠ there was also‌‌⁠ something he had‍‍ to finish.

“Don’t⁠ come any closer‌ than this.”

“I’m‌ from Soara. Paladin‌ Justia will know⁠‍ me.”

“…Wait.”‍

Vlad‌‌ stood in front‍ of the church,‌ slightly hunched over,‍ awaiting the scrutiny‍‌ of the Paladin‍ of Saint.

The‍‌ paladins called by⁠ Justia arrived a little late, but‍⁠‍ they were still‍⁠‍ ensuring that everything was resolved.

The‌ sight of the‌‌⁠ paladins investigating and‍ examining the curse‌‍ that had spread‍‌ from the church⁠ would surely have⁠‍ reassured the villagers.‌

“Go‍ inside.”

With the permission of‌⁠ the unnamed paladin, Vlad cautiously entered‍ the church.

The‍ church, still filled⁠ with traces of‍⁠ that day and‌ the sound of⁠ creaking floors, had‌⁠‍ a gloomy atmosphere even though it⁠ was daytime.

If‌⁠ it weren’t for busy paladins moving‌ back and forth,‍‌ Vlad would have‍ moved with his‍⁠ sword drawn.

“Justia.”‍

“…What⁠‍ are you doing here, Vlad?”

Vlad, who was searching for the woman with green eyes‍ scanning her head,‌ found Justia holding‌ a book resembling⁠‍ the Bible under‍ the foul symbol.‍

“Could‍ I go down⁠‌ to the basement?‍‌ There’s someone I need to find.”⁠

“The‌ missing women from‌‌‌ Soara have already⁠ been confirmed by‌ Lord Gregory.”

The‍ investigative team sent⁠‍⁠ from Soara originally came here to‍ find the missing⁠⁠ women.

Although‌ things got out‌‍ of control along‌‍ the way, Gregory⁠ did not forget⁠ his mission.

“There’s⁠⁠ someone I want⁠ to find personally.”⁠

“Then‌‌ come with me.”‌⁠‌

And‍‌ so the boy⁠‌‍ did.

There‌‌ was someone he‍⁠ had to find.‌⁠‌

Justia,‌ who had guessed⁠‌ the situation, closed‍⁠ the book she⁠ had been looking⁠ at for a while.

Two‌‍ people descending the‌⁠ stairs leading to the basement, opening‍‍ the burnt and‌⁠ darkened door.

In‍‍ the shallow basement,‌ some light came⁠ in through a small hole in‍‍⁠ the wall.

“There may still be‌ traces of the⁠ curse here.”

Descending‌ to the basement⁠ with Justia’s consideration, Vlad frowned at the smell of blood emanating from‍‍ there.

“May⁠ I take a look?”

“After‌ we’re done, if‌ you have my⁠‍ blessing.”

Understanding⁠‌ the meaning of‌ Justia’s words, Vlad⁠‍ began to carefully⁠⁠ search through the⁠‍ rubble, looking for‍ someone.

“…”‌

All you need are‍⁠ the pained faces of young women.‍

He‌ lifted it carefully,‌⁠‍ prayed for her‍‍‍ peace, and covered‍ it.

Vlad,⁠‌ who was searching⁠‌ among the rows‌‌ of corpses one‌‍ by one, let‍ out a small‍‌ sigh.

The‌ familiar brown hair,⁠‌ though dirty, was⁠ there.

“I’ll⁠‌ step out for⁠ a bit.”

Justia,⁠ noticing that the‌ person Vlad was⁠⁠ looking for was‍ here, made way for him.

An⁠ empty basement.

In⁠⁠ a place where‌ only a small amount of light‍ shone, Vlad looked‍ at Anna without‍⁠‌ saying a word.

“Life⁠ is so cruel.‍⁠ Right?”

The woman who had asked the young‌ man to protect‍‍‍ her while offering‍‍‌ him food lay there after being⁠⁠‍ struck by a man who didn’t⁠ even seem suitable.⁠⁠

With‌‍ marks of black⁠ tears that had‍‍ not yet dried.⁠

Seeing‌‌⁠ that scene, the boy felt more sadness than anger.‍‍⁠

If⁠⁠ the tip of‌‍ his sword had‌ been a little sharper, if he⁠ had been a little stronger, maybe⁠⁠‍ she wouldn’t be‍‌‌ lying on the‌ cold ground right⁠ now.

The⁠ young man, who‍‍‌ couldn’t be satisfied⁠‌⁠ despite having done his best, swallowed‍‌ bitterly before speaking.‌⁠‌

“…In⁠‌‍ the next life,‌⁠ I wish you‌ were born as‌‍‌ something different, not‍⁠ as a prostitute.”⁠

Vlad⁠⁠⁠ raised his hand‌ and closed the‍ woman’s open front‍ chest, which was‍‍ fully open like‌‌ that day.

I hope my current⁠‌ touch warms her‌⁠ a little.

In⁠‌ the place where‌ the boy left,‌ only the carefully‍ tended woman remained.

The⁠ woman, unlike the‌ other women, had no marks of‍ black tears.

In‌ her hand, illuminated‌ by a small‍ filtering light, she‌‍ held a flower‍ ring with a single flower.

A woman who doesn’t‍ breathe.

A woman who doesn’t⁠ tread the ground.‌

Free‌ from gods and‌ not subject to‍ the laws of⁠ the world.

“…”⁠‍

The⁠ woman closed her⁠⁠ eyes and remembered⁠‌⁠ the blue eyes⁠⁠ of the boy.‌

Also‌‍ the soul of‌⁠ someone trapped in‌ the boy’s left⁠‌ eye.

It⁠⁠ was a bright‌‌ soul but with cruel marks, clearly someone who had⁠‌⁠ used some ancient⁠ spell.

“Old‌‍ things are waking‍ up,” thought the⁠ woman with closed⁠ eyes.

The‌ time has come.‌

Time⁠⁠ of chaos. Time‍ of cracks.

It‌⁠ was the perfect‌⁠‍ time for those‌ like them, who‍‌ lived on the⁠‌‌ margins, to take⁠‌ a stand.

The‍⁠⁠ woman had been‍ waiting for this⁠ moment for a long time.

“Let⁠⁠ my knights choose what they wish⁠ from what is⁠ before them,” said‌⁠⁠ the woman as‍‍ she continued with‌⁠‌ her eyes closed,‍‌ pointing with her⁠‍ finger amidst the⁠ darkness.

In‌ the place indicated‌ by the tip⁠⁠ of her finger,‍‍ there were still‍⁠ faces dripping blood.⁠

Faces‌⁠‌ of agony, faces‌‍ of horror, faces‌ of dread.

All⁠⁠‍ you need are‌⁠⁠ the faces of‌ the knights of Baron Utman.

“Stay here as our‍‍ vassals for a while.”

“Understood,⁠‍ Lady Lakshma.”

The headless knights, who‍‌⁠ waited silently in⁠‌ the darkness, bowed‌ their heads to⁠ their lady.

Baron⁠‌ Utman had paid‌ the price.

His‍⁠ only son had⁠⁠ returned from death,⁠‍ and as payment,‌ the city of‍‍ Mosiam plunged into⁠ darkness.

Darkness⁠‌ seeps everywhere.

And‌ it always waits‌‍‌ for its chance.⁠

Like‌ the woman who⁠ now has her⁠ eyes closed.

The night sky that‍ approached the city‌ of Mosiam this‍‍ night came with‍ a slightly darker⁠‌‌ color.

***⁠‍

Vlad‍‍ thought as he‌‍ looked at the‍ woman making eye‌⁠ contact with him.‍‌

If‌ you look closely,‍‌ her eyelashes are‌ long.

Although‍ she had the same bright eyes‍‍ as Lady Oksana,‌‍ the sensation of⁠ brightness was completely‌‌‌ different, and it‍⁠ was amusing to⁠ look at her‍ closely.

“So,‍⁠‌ were you absorbed‍⁠ by a black‌ hole that suddenly⁠‌‍ appeared?”

“Yes.”‌‍

Justia’s‍ harsh tone and‍‍ facial expressions recorded‌⁠ a scene of‌ interrogation, but her‍‌‌ actual attitude towards‍ the boy was⁠ considerate.

It‌ was the blond-haired‌‌ boy who took‌‌ care of his‌ headless knight while⁠⁠‌ they lay in the half-collapsed church,⁠ leaning on a weak barrier.

It⁠‍ would be natural‌‍‌ for him to‍ want to give⁠ something more to⁠‍ the boy who⁠⁠‌ did his best.‍

“Please⁠ explain it in‌ more detail.”

Justia⁠⁠ asks in a rough tone, but⁠ in reality stirs‌ the sweet tea with her hand‍‌‍ and hands it over.

Although‍⁠ their first encounter⁠ was disastrous, after⁠ facing together a battlefield that was‌⁠ like death, they⁠⁠ were now comrades‌‍ close enough to call each other companions.

“So‍ I climbed up⁠‌ the bell tower‍ and broke the‍‌ pattern. Then he⁠⁠ got angry…”

Vlad‍‌‍ began to explain‌ in detail the‍⁠ situation of that⁠‌‌ night, strengthened by‌ Justia’s consideration.

The‍‌ boy, the last witness and survivor who faced the‌‍ headless knight, held in his hands an important clue⁠ to explain what‌ had happened.

In⁠‍⁠ other words, it also meant that⁠ there was no‌⁠ solid evidence that‌‌ could replace the‍‍ boy’s testimony.

“The‍ battle was very‌‍ intense. I could‍ barely withstand dodging⁠ the blows of the sword that‍ guy wielded.”

The‍‌ scene recreated through‍‍ careful investigation was⁠‍ truly heartbreaking.

Because‌ there were traces‌⁠‍ of another person‌ who had been⁠ miserably treated before‌ the violence of⁠ a single person.⁠

Among⁠ the confusingly mixed‍⁠ footprints, the Holy⁠ Knights who found‍⁠‍ someone’s desperate struggle‍ in the place⁠⁠‌ applauded the boy in a sign‍‌ of respect.

Because⁠‌ no one had thought that the boy, just a squire, could have⁠‍‍ mastered the headless⁠‌ man.

“And then, suddenly, a black hole appeared‌‍ in the ground.‍‌ It looked like‌ the mouth of‌ some giant beast,⁠⁠‌ and the headless‌ knight disappeared…”

Justia⁠‍ was focused on listening to Vlad’s‌⁠‍ testimony, who described‌ the events of that day mixing‌ truth and lies.‍⁠

The⁠ boy, who had‌‌ lived among prostitutes‌ who made a living with their⁠ eloquence, spoke quite skillfully.

“And⁠ then he disappeared.⁠⁠ Although I’m not‍‍ that old, I’ve‌ never seen anything‌‍ so strange in‌ all my life.”‍‍

“Hmm.”‌‌⁠

Justia,‍ although she seemed‌ distracted, was sunk⁠⁠ in worry as‍‍ she listened to⁠‌ Vlad’s words.

“Oh, and I think‌‍ I called him‍⁠ by some name.”⁠‌

“What‌ name? What name?”‍

With‌ a hint of⁠‌ clues, Justia looked‌‌‌ at the boy,‌ who was tearing‌ his hair trying to remember.

“Oh,⁠‍‌ I don’t remember.⁠⁠ My mind went‍‌‍ blank.”

“Wait. Can’t you remember anything?”

Justia quickly grabbed a fruit nearby and began to peel⁠ it at a rapid pace.

In⁠‌ some aspects of‌ her, not a single crack could‌ be seen, but⁠ in her current⁠‌⁠ appearance, Vlad saw‍ her innocent gaze⁠‌ and made a subtle expression on⁠‍ his face.

“Oh,⁠⁠‌ yes. I think‍⁠ it was… Ramasht?”⁠

“Ramasht?”⁠

“Yes,‍⁠ that’s it. I think I said‍ ‘Ramasht’.”

When‌‍⁠ Justia heard Vlad’s‌‌ words, her expression‍ suddenly hardened, and‍ she stopped moving.‌‍⁠

Even⁠‌ without realizing it,⁠ her hands tightened‌ more and more around the fruit she was holding,⁠ leaving deeper marks.‍‍

“I‌‍ understand. Thank you⁠‌‍ for your cooperation.”⁠‌‌

Justia⁠ left the fruit‍⁠ she was peeling and got up‍ from her seat.‌

“San‌⁠ Rogino will never⁠‌ forget your bravery‍‍ that day.”

“Yes…”⁠‍

“Rest.”⁠⁠

After‌ saying her words,‌ Justia hurriedly got‌⁠ up from her‌ seat, leaving Vlad⁠‌ sitting with an‍‍ absent expression.

Somehow,⁠⁠ she showed firmness‍⁠ in moments like‍‍ this, so Vlad‌⁠ really couldn’t catch‍⁠ Justia.

But‍‌ anyway, it was‍ a relief.

Everything had passed without⁠ incident.

[What‌ luck. That she‍‍‍ didn’t suspect.]

“Even⁠‍ the size of‌⁠ the footprints was⁠‍‍ the same! Even I would get‍ confused.”

A boy who had⁠ given false testimony⁠ to a faithful‌‍ paladin, using common‍ sense and prejudice as a shield.‍‌

Although⁠ he lied, the‍ information contained within⁠‌⁠ his words was‍ true, so Justia’s efforts would not be in vain.⁠

“If⁠‌ you’re going to peel it, peel⁠ it all.”

Vlad‍‌ took the fruit‍⁠ that Justia had left and bit⁠ into it in‍ one gulp.

“Sour!”‍

In‍‍ the half-peeled fruit,‍‌ you could still⁠‌ taste the flavor‌⁠ of it.

***⁠⁠‍

The‍⁠ next morning.

Justia⁠ and her Sacred‍⁠‍ Knights bowed their heads as they‌ bid farewell to⁠‍ the group leaving‌ the village after⁠ faithfully completing all‍⁠‌ the investigations.

Although⁠‍ they were people‌⁠ of pride as‌ great as their⁠ closeness to God,⁠⁠ Soara’s expedition to‍‌ this village had⁠⁠ clearly been something‍ worthy of recognition.⁠⁠‌

Even‌‌ now, the knights were grateful and‌ extended their hands‌ in respect to‍⁠⁠ the young man⁠⁠ who had distinguished⁠ himself.

“San⁠ Rogino will never‌‌ forget the brave‍‍ sacrifice of all⁠‌ of you.”

“…Then‍‌⁠ please speak to me kindly. Because⁠‌ the mayor I currently serve is a very strict‍‍ person.”

Justia‍ had no choice‍‍‍ but to respond‍‌ silently to Gregory’s‌‍⁠ joking remark.

As⁠‌ a knight of‍‍‌ God, she always‌ had to tell‌ the truth, so‌‍‍ she couldn’t afford‍ to forget Gregory’s‌ name, even in‍ this situation.

“Although‍ I cannot lie, I promise to‍ consider Gregory’s position‍‌ as best as⁠‍ I can.”

“I‍ just hope you‌ don’t mess it⁠‍ up.”

“I’m‍ very sorry.”

The⁠ group, revitalized by the divine power⁠⁠⁠ of the knights,⁠⁠ was making final⁠‍ preparations and awaited‌ Gregory’s signal to⁠‍ depart.

Justia’s⁠‌ green eyes stopped⁠ at a particular spot as she‍ looked around.

There‍‍‌ was a small flag that the‌ boy was carefully‍ folding.

“…It‍ seems Vlad had⁠‌ the flag.”

“It’s‍‌ a talent that‍⁠ has caught Bayezid’s⁠‌⁠ attention; we are⁠‍ being cautious in‌‌ handling it.”

The‍ paladins nearby who‌ heard Gregory’s words‌ nodded, saying it was worth it.⁠‌

He⁠ was a brave‌‌‍ boy, so his‍ potential was probably‍ extraordinary.

“Then,‌ we will withdraw‌‍ for now.”

“May‌⁠ the grace of‍‌‌ San Rogino be‍ with you.”

Bidding⁠‍ farewell to the‍‍⁠ knights and the village waving them⁠ off at the‌ entrance, the group‌‌ left back to⁠ Soara with a lighter heart than⁠ when they arrived.‍⁠

The‍‌‍ group rode in‌‍ a rickety carriage⁠‍ instead of the one they had⁠ lost in the‌ fire.

Although⁠ they had lost⁠ the carts, they‌‍ now had the favor of the‍‌ northern diocese, Rogino.‌

They⁠ didn’t know when‌‍‌ they might need⁠ it, but they⁠ could surely count on help in‍‌ the future.

“Are‍⁠ you okay?”

“Yes,‌ I can keep‍‌⁠ sitting.”

“If‌ you feel uncomfortable,‍ let me know.‌ We don’t want you to get‍ hurt.”

The‍⁠ echo of the‌ voice still resonated⁠⁠ in Vlad’s mind⁠⁠ as he settled⁠ on the edge⁠‌‍ of the modest⁠ cart borrowed from⁠‌‍ the village.

Though⁠ riding in a cart was somewhat unsettling for him,⁠‍‍ he had no choice but to‌ accept it since‌‌‍ he didn’t know⁠⁠ how to ride a horse.

“It’s⁠‌‌ nice to see‍ the fog clearing.”

“They⁠ said it was⁠⁠ originally a place⁠‌ with good sunlight.‌⁠ After all, that⁠‌ was all it was doing.”

Gregory’s⁠‍⁠ words reassured the⁠ boy a bit.‍‍‌

It‍‌ would be better⁠ for Anna to‌‌ be in a village with sunlight‍‍ and fresh air⁠‍ than in some⁠‍‌ dark alley in‍‌ Soara.

The‌‍‍ village, which was⁠ once shrouded in‍ fog.

Now‌ filled with light‌⁠ as the inhabitants‌⁠ came out to bid farewell to‌ the departing group‌ headed for Soara.‌

Among⁠‌‍ them, Vlad noticed⁠ a boy who⁠ had handed him‌‍ a small ring‌ of flowers and‍ returned the greeting by waving his⁠ hand to him.‍‌

The‍‌‌ boy looked up⁠‌ as he swayed‌⁠ on the shaky‌ cart.

The⁠ sky, full of‍ white clouds, was tinged with a clear and fresh⁠ blue.

“It’s⁠⁠ nice.”

I hope Anna is‍ warm and safe‌⁠ here.

The‌‌ boy thought sincerely.‍

The‌⁠ group returning to‍ Soara, blessed by‍‌ the sacred knights‍ and bid farewell‌ by the villagers,‍‍ felt much lighter‍⁠ in heart than‍ when they arrived.

***‍⁠‍

The‍ mayor’s office in⁠⁠⁠ Soara bathed in‍ sunlight.

Joseph,‍ the owner of⁠‌ the place, sat‌‌ across from an⁠‍⁠ elderly man at‍‍‌ the reception desk,⁠ serving him tea.‍

Although dressed modestly, his⁠ gaze was as sharp as his attire.

“When‍ did you arrive‌ here?”

“A‌⁠ while ago. I think it’s been‌‌‍ two days.”

“If⁠⁠ you had notified⁠ me, I would‌ have come right⁠‌ away.”

The elderly man, observing⁠‍⁠ Joseph with a satisfied smile, looked‌ at him with pride.

The‌ boy who seemed‌⁠ as fragile as⁠‍ to faint at⁠ any moment had⁠⁠‌ grown to this‍ point.

Seeing‌ this, the old⁠‍ man felt proud‍⁠ because he felt he had contributed‍‍⁠ even a little.‍

“Now‌ I am just‍ a simple servant,⁠ how can I dare to call‌‍ a noble?”

Although‌ he referred to‌ Joseph as “sir”‍ instead of “servant,”⁠‍‌ both he and his companion, Jager,‍ overlooked this detail‍⁠ without saying anything.⁠‌

The‍ elderly man who‍ was drinking tea⁠⁠ at the moment‍⁠⁠ had the right‍ to call Joseph⁠‌ “noble” wherever he‌ was.

“Well,‍‍ where’s that guy?”‍

He⁠ knew well that‌‍‍ the elderly man‍‍‌ had an impatient⁠ temperament since he‌ was young.

Joseph responded with a carefree laugh as‌‍ he looked at‍⁠ the elderly man,⁠‌ who went straight‌⁠ to the point‍‌ before setting down‍ the tea cup.‌

“I⁠⁠⁠ sent him on‌‌ a temporary mission.‌ I sent him⁠ to Baron Utman’s,‍‌ so he should‌ be back soon.”‍

“Oh,‌‌ I see. The brat already has‌ a mission.”

The‍ elderly man, upon⁠‍ hearing Joseph, nodded⁠‌ enthusiastically.

Perhaps‌⁠ this boy will‌ turn out to‍ be useful after all.

“In⁠ fact, before coming⁠‌‌ to Soara, I passed through Sturma⁠⁠ to see the⁠ Master. Only the‌ Duchy remains, so⁠ I wanted to‍‍‍ finish here.”

Upon⁠ hearing the word‌ “Duchy,” both Joseph‌ and Jager were‍⁠ taken aback.

Was⁠‌ he really here‌‍ for that reason?

“Those‍⁠ guys there are⁠‌⁠ all blind. How⁠‌ is it possible⁠‌‍ that all those‌‍⁠ who will bear⁠⁠ the name of‌⁠ Bayezid are like‌ this?”

The‌‍‌ elderly man clicked‌⁠‌ his tongue, saying‌‍‍ that nowadays there‍‌ are no useful‌ young people, then turned his head⁠ and spoke, this⁠ time looking at‌‌ Jager.

“Are your apprentices like‍ that too?”

“They’re⁠‍‌ probably better than‍⁠ those guys.”

“It‌‍⁠ seems the whiner‍‍⁠ has some talent.”⁠ {1}

Jager‍⁠ pursed his lips‍‍ upon hearing the‌ elderly man calling⁠‌ him a whiner.‌

But⁠ what can be⁠‌ done.

In‌‌ his youth, he‍ had shown the⁠ elderly man all‌‍ possible facets, so‌‍ he had nothing‌⁠ to say.

“I⁠ hope that boy⁠‍ named Vlad likes‌ it. If he‌ acts arrogantly relying‌‌⁠ solely on his‍ parents’ backing, even‌‌ if he is‍‌ a noble’s apprentice, he will get‌⁠ what he deserves…”⁠

“He‍ doesn’t have parents.”‍‍

Joseph extended a tray‍⁠ of snacks to‍ the elderly man‌‍ with an ironic smile.

“He’s‌ a boy who grew up parentless⁠‍ in an alley⁠ and made it here through his own efforts.”

“Oh…”‍

Joseph,⁠‍ realizing the old⁠‍ man’s intentions in⁠ coming here, tried‍‍ to keep his‌‍‌ interest as much⁠‍‍ as possible.

Joseph’s‍ story about the‌ beginning of self-confidence⁠ would surely evoke‍ the old man’s⁠ nostalgia for the‍⁠ old tough times.‌‍

“I⁠⁠ don’t need to⁠ go to the‍‌ duchy, just teach⁠‌ a lesson to‍ that friend of‌ yours.”

“Well, if you say so…”

While‌‌ chewing on a snack, the elderly⁠ man stroked his‍ beard.

Joseph‍⁠ turned his gaze⁠ to the flag‌ placed behind the‍ elderly man.

“Of‌‍‌ all the young people I’ve seen‍ these days, there‍ wasn’t one I liked.”

Although‍⁠‌ small and worn,‌⁠ the flag, which⁠‍‌ had been carefully⁠ maintained, was clearly similar to the one Joseph had⁠‌‌ given Vlad.

“You‌ also had a request, so I will look into‍‍‍ it thoroughly.”

The⁠ elderly man toyed‌‍‍ with his upright⁠‌ beard.

The‍ old flag brought⁠⁠ by the elderly‌‌‍ man had over‍ ten patterns engraved.‍‍⁠

The flag, as old‍ as its owner,⁠ was the flag⁠‌ of someone who⁠ had proven their‍ own honor.

Translator’s‍‍ notes

(1):‍‌ A “whiner” is‍ someone who frequently‍‌⁠ complains or expresses‍ dissatisfaction in a persistent or annoying‌ manner, often about‌‌‍ trivial matters. It’s‍‍ typically used to‌⁠ describe someone who⁠⁠⁠ complains excessively or‍‌⁠ in a way‌ that others find⁠‌ bothersome.