Chapter 33


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    Den spread his hands wide.


    Since your skills have already been verified, if you undergo some training and take an oath, I would like to appoint you as the white battalion leader and officer in my unit. Isnt it a good proposal?


    Are you talking about reorganizing mercenaries into regr troops?


    Philip asked, narrowing his eyes.


    Having lived on the front lines for a long time, he knew how empty and meaningless such stories were.


    Den nodded casually. His eyes, looking at Ian, sparkled with sincere ambition.


    With the impending war, its a feasible option. Other lords might dismiss mercenaries, but Im not inclined to do so. Battle-hardened mercenaries are a formidable force. Given the right price and opportunity, of course. If theyre under mymand, they can rise as much as their aplishments warrant. Of course, I wont disregard you either.


    Hmm


    Ian stroked his chin.


    Of course, he wasnt interested in the proposal itself.


    What interested him was Dens attitude.


    Den was genuinely attempting to integrate the mercenaries into his power.


    And judging by the sess of his methods, it was evident, just by looking at Paton.


    He looked as if that was same way he had be Dens officer.


    Have you received permission from the lord?


    Of course. He was more like, If youre going to do it, go ahead. Its not a loss from my fathers perspective either. Hell ce us at the forefront.


    It sounds like a perfect opportunity to be a de for hire.


    I wont deny it. However, in return, if we survive, well be a powerful force with a strong justification. I will make it happen. Even though, by no means am I foolish.


    Den tapped his temple with his index finger.


    Ian nodded in agreement.


    Although Ian might think that Den was trying to bait him, in fact, Ian had been considering that since the moment they first met.


    Conversely, it was like, lets catch the interest and use it to solve the request.


    He had been listening to irrelevant talk diligently, and thats why.


    If I help you with your task, would you consider my proposal?


    If I think about it. I cant be entirely sure if youll be of help.


    If your duty lies within this city, then perhaps. Theres nowhere my reach wont extend except for my inner circle.


    Den spoke confidently.


    His gaze upon Ian held warmth and desire.


    Ian met his gaze calmly.


    Whether this was Dens true face or not didnt matter.


    If hes as good as he appears, he wille to know his fathers true face.


    If not, everything will be much easier.


    I apologize, but wouldnt that expose our task?


    Philip intervened at an opportune moment.


    His characteristic naivety was helpful in times like these.


    Ah, the mercenarys code of secrecy, I suppose. Well, Paton?


    Den turned to Paton, who smiled.


    Uh, my lord?


    Sorry, but could you stop them? Those who are loitering around, looking curious.


    Yes, well, understood. Did you hear? Dont loiter around like rat pups. Lets have a drink.


    Paton turned away.


    A small space was created around the corner where Ian was seated.


    Ian looked at Den.


    It might be too sensitive for you to hear.


    Your friend seems to know how to pique curiosity. Go ahead, tell me. Its alright.


    Wevee here to find someone.


    Ian half-extracted a partially decayed badge from his bosom.


    Dens eyes narrowed.


    Dave?


    As you can see, hes from Orundels regr army.


    Seeing him in this state, I assume he is already dead.


    Thats right. He was transporting prisoners. Finding the one who gave the order is the first goal of our task.


    And the second goal is to find out what happened to him?


    Den lowered his voice.


    Ian nodded.


    I cant reveal the details, but it was an unjust death.


    Are there corrupt individuals within the regr army?


    Well, thats something you probably know better than I do. What do you think?


    When Ian asked, Den scratched his cheek.


    Im embarrassed to admit it, but Im not well-versed in the internal affairs of the lord. Theyremanded by my brother and father. Theyre the ones in charge and the sessors.


    In that case you wont be able to help us.


    I didnt say I couldnt help.


    Den smiled. To Ians eyes, it seemed like the smile of someone who had seized an opportunity.


    He looked at Ian with enthusiastic eyes.


    Ill look into it. My personal curiosity is also piqued, so there wont be any disappointment.


    Okay, as long as youre offering. We wont refuse.


    What will you do once you find the one who gave the order?


    Itll depend on the circumstances at that time. As you know, Im a mercenary. To fulfill a contract, I can do anything.


    Den smiled brightly, as if he had heard the story he wanted to hear.


    Wait a little while as I deal with this matter. Ille back with good news.


    ***


    Ippotrantion


    ***


    Dens wait a little while turned out to be really short.


    The next day, just before sunset, he arrived at the inn.


    In the corner that had now be Ians designated spot, he sat facing him.


    From what Ive looked into, things are as strange as you said.


    The mercenaries, who had spread out to make room and were chattering near the entrance, turned their seating area into a small enclosed space.


    Ian smiled.


    Which part seemed odd to you?


    Dave had only his younger sister as family. And she believed Dave was alive. She said he left to guard the prison of Agen. There was no way to confirm, so she had no choice but to believe. Do you know whats interesting?


    Den leaned toward Ian.


    His blue eyes sparkled.


    Six soldiers were sent to transport prisoners with Dave. And all of them were either orphans or had lost their parents. People who wouldnt be missed even if they disappeared overnight. Everyone, including siblings and friends, thought they had migrated to Agen.


    Ian nodded his head.


    It wasnt a surprising story.


    Even among the Freemen, the lowest of the low.


    Like pawns in chess, they were the inevitable sacrifices of all conspiracies.


    So, who gave the orders for their transportation?


    A man named Bradley. Hes amander and also my younger brothers subordinate. Were not close. In fact, you could say its the opposite. He doesnt like deferring to me, so we hardly speak.


    Den looked at Ian with a cheerful voice.


    So, what do we do now?


    Were going to have a talk. Privately.


    It wont be easy to get the words you want out of them.


    Ian drew a dagger and ced it on the table.


    This is an excellent means of conversation. Its enchanted to loosen even the most reticent of individuals.


    Den burst intoughter.


    Im curious to see that enchantment too. Will you let me try it on?


    Theres no reason why not. As long as you set the stage for the conversation.


    Ah I didnt expect this. The more time goes on, the more I find myself liking you. Its been a while since Ive had someone I canmunicate with so well. By any chance, are you of noble birth?


    There he goes again.


    Ian said with a wry smile.


    Im afraid not. If anything, its the opposite. As you know, half of my bloodes from the Freemen. Alright, then lets get up. I have a lot to think about. Once the seating is arranged, Ill send someone right away. It wont take long.


    Den stood up.


    Im curious about how your request will turn out.


    I am too.


    He smiled brightly and moved away among the mercenaries.


    Watching him interact with the mercenaries like friends while buying them drinks, Ian opened his mouth.


    You dont often touch your nose or pull on your cor.


    I think you might be saying hes too easy going when ites to people.


    Taking Dens seat, Phillip said.


    Ian looked at him with a wry smile.


    Go on with your story.


    Sure.


    Phillip quickly began talking.


    In fact, he had been following Den all day at Iansmand.


    Surprisingly, Phillip had a knack for tailing and infiltrating.


    His naturally timid disposition shone in situations like this.


    I apologize for the interruption earlier. His Lordship arrived earlier than expected. There was no significant deviation from the route you mentioned earlier. Incidentally, I also heard about his reputation.


    Making progress. Even things I didnt order.


    I couldnt help but overhear. The people in Orundel seem to like His Lordship. Probably because of his mixed heritage with the Freemen Anyway.


    Phillip cleared his throat and lowered his voice.


    His Lordships mother died a few years ago. The Marquis did take him in as his son, but didnt use him for anything important. The eldest son, Lord Mason, seemed to consider him a thorn in his side. They were all worried that His Lordship would be sent to the most dangerous battlefield and not return.


    Just an ordinarymoners family.


    Looking at Ian, who was nodding his head, Phillip added.


    I dont think His Lordship is a corruptor as far as I can tell. If he were hed be hiding his true self very well.


    Ian sighed.


    Thats interesting. Let me tell you something, Phillip. Ive never seen that lord as a fallen one. If he had fallen hed be concealing his true nature very well.  At least for now.


    Ian brought the beer in front of him to his lips.


    Well find out if he continues to hide that after everything is said and done.


    Already, he could smell blood at the tip of his nose.


    ***


    Ippotrantion


    ***


    Seated on the bed, Ian unfolded the research journal he had brought from the grave.


    Within a few days of arriving in Orundel, he had been given the best room.


    By resolving various trivial requests in the vige without conflicts with other mercenaries and befriending the waitress, he had gained favor.


    The serving girls at the inn and taverns always treated Ian with unusualfort.


    Perhaps it was because he looked non-threatening and had a calm way of speaking.


    Considering those factors, the favors were excessive.


    In any case, it allowed Ian to enjoy some quiet time alone.


    The priest I met after a long time opened up a new path for me. At first, I adamantly rejected and was angry, but eventually, I listened to his words. I couldnt help it. It was the real truth. Everything I had believed to be the truth until now was all false. This world is the same way


    Conrouds research journal was a typical record of a delusional mind.


    Intermittently, there were forms, magic equations, and rules he had organized, but none of it made any sense to Ian.


    Of course, this world was a ce where nonsensical things worked, but


    Ian confirmed once again that he wouldnt be able to understand things that didnt make sense in the first ce.


    Well, this world allows humans to learn magic using skill points and even use it. I must be an even more absurd existence.


    Ian looked over the careful documentation of Conroud, a mage from the remote outskirts, who had delved into darkness and finally escaped human restraints.


    As expected, the man behind the summoning of him to the underground grave was in Agen.


    Although the name wasnt mentioned, Ian knew who it was.


    When the time came, Conroud nned to bring that man out as his vanguard and underling.


    With the goal of mystifying the entire Agen Kingdom.


    Creating void-like entities, such as the wall, to consume the entire realm was their grand n.


    They sought a life dominated by the ancient gods, not demons or gods of light.


    Although the content seemed to be disguised as legitimate doctrine, it was basically pseudo-religious nonsense.


    This world isnt all sane, so its hard to know whats true.


    The journals contents reached the part where Conroud first met Ian.


    Sir. Are you sleeping?


    The door opened, and Phillip stuck his head in.


    He whispered.


    The ce for conversation is ready.


    Smart guy.


    Ian smiled and closed the journal without a trace of regret.


    It was time to console the one who sacrificed his subordinates for the darkness.


    With de and fist.


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    Trantor; ippo


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