Chapter 80: No tree without roots (1)
M4uNBloodstains scattered on the white snowfield.oinzO
wDswI7“…”PkrS
DcpDWcKVlad sat bewildered in the snowy field and gazed at the blue-sprinkled snowfield.Z4yB9
WZaoBlHe still couldn’t believe the traces of Lindwurm scattered across the cold snow.BGHEUPV
v0NrAnd so did the sensation of the sword in his hand, with a weight different from before.0jECT74
HUv8qIj“Good job.”gSVDCQ
LSAuPRutiger waved his sword in the air, shaking the blood off the blade and walking towards Vlad.29m
LckeAlthough the boy inflicted a mortal wound, it was Rutiger’s sword that ended the dragon’s agony.FF6l
9ESrBecause Vlad’s world was still not strong enough to cut through the dragon’s scales.VNw
4E9“…Are you alright, Mr. Rutiger?”bWF45CC
Bim“Mr.? Haven’t you told me your name yet?”PIQ6
6OdAFVlad felt Rutiger’s warmth as he approached and sat quietly beside him.7cd9nL
hq6XvEIt felt similar to the warmth of the old knight who blocked the breath of the white dragon.7FGn7
HCnFnT“Well, I guess I’ll let you know soon.”3E3Hda
BflqY“…”A77F
pU5R5YmAn old knight on pilgrimage with the lowest grades rushed to save the boy.4eR0
1lNAlthough he may not have acted with the current situation in mind, his actions ultimately produced excellent results.gDwk0
9IUpbActions taken for the greater good would surely come back later.oH3a
yKrp8x“It’s broken.”2seYx
8cCa6Rutiger looked into Vlad’s still unfocused eyes.LvNO2c
PybvWThe place where his eyes rested was a sword that had been shattered, leaving only the hilt.BRdV
2rVbB“I did my best.”u1mus
CA7“Yes. It seems so.”dMLs
7Q0tkYRutiger nodded at the boy’s incoherent words.W71
qrEuX34At that moment, when everyone was frozen, he was the only one who saw the boy’s tears falling with the snow.NEvBUAz
4bvF9“You did your best.”5CO
kTXytoyRutiger remembered seeing a boy polishing his sword by a campfire on the plain.cuM
h8baWatching Vlad carefully polishing the sword as if it were a ritual, he could see how much the boy cared for the sword.1iH
BkA1I6“I’ll prepare something good for you.”djZj43J
num5gmIt was only natural that a sword made by a craftsman sought after by Rutiger would be superior to a sword made by a blacksmith in an alley.tA9T
pbIF6MMoreover, since it was handed down by Rutiger, one of the family’s successors, it must be a sword with special meaning.Obc6Q
6o3eWAo“…”NTQfb
dAqcPaHowever, while for other knights it might be an exciting opportunity to jump for joy, Vlad sat quietly, holding the hilt of his sword.oBA2IQ
7WHRaYThe boy’s blue eyes, lamenting their separation, turned to Rutiger.npUsh
1qjuz“Are there other swords like this?”zvh1f3
45OIt doesn’t have to be sharp.D6bD
w9xknb9It’s okay if it doesn’t shine or if it’s not strong.tj3jUY
Q65The boy just wanted to have a meaningful sword that fully contained his world.BZn0vb
fns1Like the sword that gave him hope in the dirty alley.3rMx5UD
lPG“…Who knows.”pdlWuPk
ctAZ4Rutiger, who seemed to understand what the boy was talking about, simply turned his head with a bitter smile.6Dq
Dim2pb1Because he didn’t have enough confidence to give that up.dKp68
dd4U24eSnowstorm disperses.886
lEtA fallen white dragon.jHkti
OM9Lindworm, who had been haunting the north, was subdued.4Dl
vJMS01YAnd the dragon left behind another title with its body.Sh1
eogtPDragon Slayer. Vlad of Soara.KnxR2
muVbHe was the second dragon hunter of this generation from the territory of Bayezid.And the broken sword testified to that title.6oN
lrRu***BgpsMRe
WaZLyJSoara’s office.cwOTLI
43FtWhile Joseph focused on his work, using the sunlight coming through the window as illumination, a one-eyed man quietly opened the door and entered.CU1
SgjKwDE“Mr. Joseph.”tY0rePP
FbTw“What’s happening?”OryO
d1AbJager let out a small sigh as he looked into Joseph’s darkening eyes, handed him the letter he was holding, and said.yB097Z
HgZXH5K“This is a letter from Deirmar. It was sent directly by Baroness Alicia.”THG
kOGINcA“From Deirmar?”QlN5T
NFvvPJoseph, who had been reviewing documents for a while, shifted his gaze from his work when he heard the word Deirmar.Jbk9dzB
rdqo6mVFor Joseph, the matter of Deirmar was as important as the mayoralty of Soara.3Heo6
s0OU2“Has there been any particular trend from Gaidar?”OOWemTV
yrdu6“At least there hasn’t been any military movement.”nHdGf
oBogW3Joseph nodded at Jager’s report.pROD
RhvgZuXIn tumultuous times like these, the information you have is important.2TNj
FlQNfGSecurity and success can only be ensured if you hide your information as much as possible and allow the other person’s information to be clearly visible.88z
0L1EF“There wasn’t any particular military threat, but they sent a letter directly…”m63
T92ajkQJoseph picked up a letter opener nearby and carefully opened the envelope that Alicia had sent him.Yd3kG
bcx9Although Alicia lacked experience as a lord, she was someone who tried to be careful in all her actions.MM4Qsai
efX5This meant that, while she was a solid ally, she wasn’t someone whose value could be diminished by trivial requests or demands.XcrUlo
jca9EMg“…”Z7SH
zlsVVJager silently watched Joseph, who held Alicia’s letter.Q21PTMw
NB5SPThis was because his brows were gradually furrowing, showing that the situation wasn’t as straightforward.EX7h6
i2Vsto“…Hmm.”nghYRz6
CUgOrJoseph, who remained lost in thought for a moment, set down the letter he was holding with a subtle sound.lyA
a7LK“When will Vlad return?”gGtZsY
1xkT“He’ll take another month. They’ve at least made it to Bernhem Fortress.”JHdrxTs
OeyCL8rJoseph, who hadn’t yet heard the news that the punitive force had subdued Lindworm, furrowed his brows at Jager’s words.2FJksp
IQ1Zek“There isn’t enough time.”gHk
ohvLGHY“Do you need him?”clSdoNu
tXYTrVZJoseph silently nodded in response to Jager’s question.greSGp
P5qZ0“There seems to be a vague lack of time.”N0fVm
xXwuII9Knock, knock, knock.tGs
GED8Joseph, tapping the desk and leaning back deeply in his chair, pondered twice as long as when he read the letter.iZrrkd
9XT6GpP“The dragon subjugation team will return to Sturma after completing their mission, right?”fRQaq
Snuq“Perhaps.”Gj5P0L
6XEcW“Then I suppose I should head to Sturma as well.”xI5h4
G4EeEZxJager was momentarily surprised by Joseph’s sudden intention to return to Sturma, but then he nodded and replied.JgS
OGcNG“I’ll get ready.”Dj4
YYU1KXOnce you’ve made a decision, you must act swiftly.Ev1
c8wTUcHHesitation only wastes time and doesn’t aid in results.n0Mk
wQ7Kk“Please do.”NR0E
VX7p9HDAs Jager left the office to prepare to go to Sturma, Joseph clasped his hands together and rested his forehead against them.atuv
qD2“This is how it’s done.”wJT
gl1Although it wasn’t a visible threat, there was a movement with a clear intention.f5jUeJX
lUISlVsAlicia had been startled by the movement seen in Gaidar and had sent him a letter.VV0sxoQ
W0h“The mistake of that day turned out to be the best move.”xvJ
njDJoseph stopped silently laughing after saying those words.sF20v9
qLi4VeThis was the first time in Joseph’s life, where he always had to think about what would come next, that an involuntary action had decided his next move.mIk0F
SjzeYZThere was a blond boy who had erred with a noble lady with celestial hair.ZZehf25
lBXOPZAt that moment, Joseph was simply bewildered by the scene before him, but as that incident became a clue to the problem he now faced, he couldn’t help but laugh.ypRE
2y9Dn“I need to prepare you.”bF9
JkIZfThat day the boy accepted the lady’s handkerchief with both hands and at the same time assumed a duty and a cause for her.PhQwUII
KTb7CNow is the time to rectify that mistake.iVs56
fidIbJoseph sat in his chair and silently looked out the window.5DRfTxN
TVgSeThe urban landscape, the sturdy gates, and the snowy fields of the north in the distance.Kwi
vPVycThe direction Joseph was looking was where the blond boy was.1L2nrSN
RqBr4O6***TvU
TY3L“What the hell are you doing? Are you moving a corpse? Why the hell do you have all these cloths over my head?”FAau6v
qiRbCTsVlad grumbled as he looked at Ramund murmuring beside him.5nS
G5E“The wind is getting in.”QKVmvi
8C9“Do men from the north fear the winter wind or what?”1REt2m
W7X“They say when you get older, the wind hits your joints.”Xl5z4q
FRe“…”fhvHZRm
yAj1ihOn top of the creaky carriage.67JqfMn
votLying on it, Ramund, covered in leather and scraps of cloth, was left speechless at the boy’s comment.DDaU
iA4“Honestly, if you look at it now, it’s just a receipt.”xYA
lMq“At this age, there are some words that make you more sensitive when you hear them from others, you know?”wfIUDlr
WMSVlad was doing his best to take care of Ramund, who blocked Lindworm’s breath.YRN
fyPOKdbHowever, the old man and the boy, who were not used to caring for anyone or being cared for by anyone, but continued on, grumbling at each other.UcSD3PT
yq9qkA punitive force returning after defeating the dragon.iKHXxR
n6LyVRutiger, who had temporarily transferred his position as captain of Bernhem Fortress to his original knight, was returning to Sturma with a punitive force.ssbMf
nNnqq0With the Steel Forge Knights joining forces to face the dragon threat.Bwn
nikGzB9“Aren’t you planning to go to Sturma together like this? I think my father will be pleased because you are guests from a prestigious place.”CRsP
8jrTOomAnd along with the Dragon Slayer Knights who suddenly invaded the north under the guise of a cause.Iw6
pgZUuJ“I don’t think the opportunity to see the matriarch of Bayezid in person will be so rare in the future.”OjHNv
8aRlMirshea stroked his chin and smiled at Rutiger’s courteous invitation.wms
HOj3qyl“But I’m not sure I can go there and live peacefully without getting excited.”RlIKd
IDzAyAlthough they spoke to each other with the manners and conversation of nobles, there were warnings shining brightly in a brilliant blue within.J9m
n41uVxcJust like the knights from the north and center who still watched each other.CuwWU
jnJTFEz“Then I suppose we should part ways here.”KB2K
LUOmG8Mirshea could only smile bitterly at Rutiger’s clear order to congratulate the guests.h6Ub
RI9ZDwThe cause of the Dragon Slayer Knights is the subjugation of Lindworm.3AB
H6aoHowever, that cause was lost due to the actions of the boy, and he no longer had the right to remain in the northern land without the owner’s permission.NJuTf9j
S97“What should we do with the barbarians? Can we handle it?”RHb
Z6CdsO“Leave the northern affairs to the northerners.”6NmC
luXaLY8No matter how barbaric they may be, they cannot be handed over to the Dragon Slayer Knights.ZYMD24
9VtsT39Agge, who had been silently following Rutiger’s firm denial, perked up.zyDj6La
1h3H0“If you say so.”aJPUG
Ha4jrJ9Two groups gradually split according to Mirshea and Rutiger’s gestures.qtD
Tmc9A gap that could no longer be bridged began to widen between the knights of the center and the knights of the north.60T60vl
JzPSdT“May I finally greet the new Dragon Slayer?”8jsmNz
c3uet1E“….”mJ3C3YT
9OH“I have some things to ask him.”Ff5JdxT
BYXuAEquals recognize equals.OKtTwLW
DZwTherefore, the Dragon Slayer Knights never hesitated to show respect and appreciation to those covered in dragon blood.DQc
SDyDoL0If Mirshea and Rutiger had not opposed, their relationship would have been quite different from what it is now.GxXe
alh2P“Just for a moment.”jP2Nq
geQ“Thank you.”hfNyKp
MaHIRutiger nodded at Mirshea’s strong will to do at least that much.Wu3aQ
wH2AqXQIt was ridiculous to extend his hand just to avoid a simple greeting.JTVVWrh
33NYxMirshea slowly advanced among the northern knights.GIHS7oT
zQF2LmThe threatening force and the stares coming from all directions were harsh, but Mirshea didn’t seem to mind at all.wiPx
a7tBecause those who are confident in themselves can create their own territory at any time and place.GHbWTwv
xDgxl“Bayezid’s squire, Vlad of Soara.”e84T
l6510After passing among the knights, there was a boy standing there as if blocking the carriage where the old man lay.JxdM
sDjrTBlond hair and blue eyes.OEw
rAEtAnd Mirshea, who glimpsed the temperament within him, smiled.CJfdP
dRW“That sounds quite nice.”Q4l
Ox6AJ“Quickly say what you mean.”yvaWzz
ygoThe blue eyes that bore into him.vh3
KaARecalling the memories of those moments when his intentions were not good, Vlad showed Mirshea his teeth.yuhX1F
Bw0lIf it hadn’t been for his interference, Ramund would be fine right now.6rWdy
ARqpjNH“I’m happy for you, but I guess you’re not.”8RFVGw
2bl“There’s no reason to be happy, but there are plenty of reasons not to be.”cVnoef
L9XaBAlthough there was no sword in his hand, the force he emitted was sharp enough to cut.ZmUZa
mYC0hu9Vlad expressed his anger not with his mouth, but with his eyes and energy.RbYj
yGv78“Is that so?”6pxT5a
mdAqcTMirshea narrowed his eyes and looked at the air currents flowing around Vlad.Eo2Q
Bc3The boy’s hair, which had been fluttering, and the snowflakes that had been flying nearby, stopped.XK5O1H
CJhHtEoAlthough it wasn’t his intention, the boy was building his own territory with fervor like Mirshea’s.wQIJvX
xvNkHIt was proof that the world’s methods of expression had become more mature.N3XHe
KXW“This is a little disappointing. It seems my intention of not going to dangerous places was not adequately expressed.”uEsT6s
SmU“Don’t talk crap.”tH2
2DXKBdoMirshea smiled silently as he looked at the boy growling in front of him.pYbNP
8iIIt really has to be like this.n8Q
ug5hsYou must be able to hold your head up proudly wherever you are.hyRGiE
L94sZrf“Then I’ll ask you some questions and disappear.”DTy
gnrhTfrHowever, compared to Mirshea, his world is still fragile.XK5lkt
cZgMirshea traversed the boy’s territory with one step and slowly approached Vlad.6iEEN
lXzSo close that we can feel each other’s breath and see each other’s faces reflected in our blue eyes.On1g7GT
rE84Z“First question.”uvmAw
8lJkHiThen Mirshea began to whisper quietly.0vjE9
oqM7qDon’t let anyone hear you.Xya
rM5With a voice only the boy can understand.9GDrp
5ugIo“Do you not feel your heart beating faster every time you see a dragon?”o84HTwm
2g3“…!”at0nD
nbO8v7Mirshea slowly gained momentum with a question.crG
woVi8DJust like that time, Vlad squeezed his chest unconsciously with a force only a dragon could perceive.0sLfg
8dqgu9x“…What are you saying?”aNr
JgYVUpa“Second question.”g9r
aqPE88Mirshea smiled as he listened to the boy’s heartbeats, which he could feel even if he didn’t respond.uYZ
FaP0Q“Lindworm’s blood was blue.”yY5vs2
kSsKVlad, who could barely stand while his heart beat strongly as if it were about to burst, was puzzled by Mirshea’s next words.0nff
goxFGThis was because his question was very absurd.LxN
KLbdjl“Don’t you feel the dryness in your throat at the sight of that blood?”UDxYsM
xFEj“What?”ESWJg
d8RKAThere’s something strange about the question.Cc158i
CPOpyiVlad, sensing something suspicious in Mirshea, slowly backed away and looked at the man in front of him.X5thmR
SefX3h7Leader of the Dragon Slayer Knights. Mirshea.6AvnTJ
Q8IAMirshea Dragulia.zj4Wch
4uCpL0g“I’m asking if you wanted to drink dragon blood.”hrWEe
OqGYuz8The blue eyes resembling the boy’s smiled coldly.UXbXkB
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