Chapter 150
Chapter 150
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 150
Chapter Title: Chapter 4. The Land of Revelry and Culture, Uruun.
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…Hm.
Judah slowly replayed what he had said. Hold off for a bit?
"Wolfram… Is it okay to call you sir?"
"Call me whatever feels comfortable."
"Is what you're suggesting… what I think it is?"
Wolfram narrowed his eyes and slowly nodded. The maid who had been watching quietly must have decided they were done eating, because she came over and began clearing the dishes.
But more than that, Judah's face twisted at Wolfram's implication.
No, this is insane.
Fortunately, no curse escaped his lips. Asking for more time? What kind of nonsense was that?
Coming to Uruun, getting the fragment without fighting Count Jenner, meeting Roxin and securing cooperation—thanks to his high luck, everything had been going smoothly.
If not for Wolfram's words just now, he would have thought so even more.
As Judah clamped his mouth shut, Wolfram, seeing his expression, cautiously spoke up.
"I understand. How you must feel right now."
Judah had no idea what there was to understand, but Wolfram continued slowly.
"I've done my share of adventuring too. If a comrade at your side suddenly leaves, all you can think about is the loss and the gap in the team. But before that, consider not just your position, but Lady Jeanne's as well. Can you swear that if she follows you, she'll make it back to the Byron Empire in time?"
That was easy—just get a magic stone. Count Jenner might make one if asked. Or with the hefty sum won at the casino, he could buy one at a premium.
But as if reading Judah's mind, Wolfram went on.
"You're thinking a magic stone will solve it, right? Unfortunately, within the Byron Empire, there are only a few teleportation circles permitted for use. And if she sneaks in illegally and gets caught, the punishment is severe—unless you're high-ranking or have permission."
"……"
"So that's why I'm asking this of you."
Judah let out a hollow laugh at his words.
"But if she returns to the Byron Empire, we won't be able to travel together for at least a few years, right? And who knows how much longer it might take."
From what he knew of the Blue Lance Knights, trainees could roam freely for a few years, but from intermediate to advanced, it was like military barracks life. After advanced, they had more freedom depending on missions, but reaching advanced could take who knows how long.
As he said that, Wolfram seemed about to respond, but Judah wasn't done.
"And."
He glanced at Jeanne mid-sentence. She looked uncomfortable in her seat. She'd probably just expected a simple introduction, not for things to escalate like this.
"……"
Judah paused, closed his eyes. Without her, there'd be no one to protect Arhil in emergencies, which was troubling. But holding onto her felt selfish. Thinking ahead, they'd pass through the slave kingdom Silan to the elves' forest— she might not be able to leave easily then.
He might even break their one-year promise. Jeanne had her own duties; clinging to her wasn't right.
A little time passed since Judah stopped speaking, but no one broke the silence. Arhil, who had been quiet, cautiously glanced at Judah and spoke.
"It'll be sad to see Jeanne go, but if she becomes a fine Blue Lance Knight, you'll have something to brag about later, right? Of course, I'm already proud of her."
Judah, who had been silent, finally spoke. He didn't like starting the morning with heavy talk, and he especially didn't want to say this to her, but there was no choice.
"Yeah. …Maybe I've been too stubborn. You have to participate in the Flag Tournament too."
"Judah…"
She called his name in a low voice. All Judah could manage was a forced smile. The bitterness already felt far worse than when he'd killed Cain.
"There's always next time, right? This request is void, so…"
"Wait, void?"
Wolfram nodded contentedly beside them, then looked startled. No, Jeanne was the one who should be surprised—why was he?
"Anyway, next time we meet, I'll have a new request, so look forward to it."
"…Are you really sending me away?"
"Don't feel too bad about it. Thinking it over, this seems like the perfect spot to part ways with Lady Jeanne."
"Why is that?"
Jeanne asked for his reasoning. She'd thoroughly enjoyed adventuring with the party.
"Uh… Yeah. I don't want to send Jeanne off either, but what can we do? Timing's an issue, so don't take it too hard."
Who wouldn't want her along? She was a reliable shield. One you could trust at your back.
Sensing the mood had grown too heavy, Judah stood.
"Instead, let's make some fun memories while in Uruun. Come on, let's head out. Oh, Wolfram sir. If you don't mind, I'll borrow her for a bit."
"Hm? Ah, go ahead. I'm fine, so have fun."
Leaving Wolfram behind, Judah hurried out of the mansion with Jeanne and Arhil. He skipped scenic spots or tourist attractions. No point—they wouldn't create happy memories anyway.
He took her to the plaza where street artists sketched portraits. There, he had them draw the three of them sitting together.
Afterward, they visited a clothing shop. The Requiem coat he'd gifted her suited her well, but…
"Th-that… It's too expensive."
"You're not just going to train, right? Take it. Wear it proudly, like a true Blue Lance Knight."
Uruun's clothes targeted high nobles and merchants, so they were pricey. But the quality and designs were exceptional, with custom tailoring available. It'd be a burden for her, but Judah had won a fortune at the casino. Gifting her barely dented it. He bought Arhil outfits beyond her nun's habit too. She was thrilled at the new clothes. After arranging for custom dresses and outfits in her preferred designs to be sent to Count Jenner's estate, they left the shop.
"Wow— But Judah, where'd you get all this money? This amount is no joke."
"Gambling."
"Wait. You gambled? With who?"
Jeanne exclaimed in shock. Regretting mentioning it at her scolding expression, Judah suddenly bolted. Jeanne chased at terrifying speed, Arhil flustered and trailing but too slow to catch up. By the time the pouting Arhil yelled, Judah and Jeanne had stopped.
Uruun brimmed with entertainment. Beyond gambling and women, there were wholesome, fun traditional games like archery and javelin throws.
After a full day of enjoyment, they returned to the mansion and dined with Count Jenner's family, sharing drinks and stories. Late into the night, they retired to their rooms. Judah said he'd get some air and stepped out. His face burned from the alcohol, but activating mana and breathing cool air sobered him instantly. Fatigue lingered, though.
"Urgh…"
Walking the streets, he stretched his body. Having to unexpectedly send Jeanne off soured his mood. He'd vaguely anticipated parting someday, but not so abruptly.
They hadn't said goodbye yet, but lamenting the short time left together. Whatever else, her presence had been reassuring.
Haa—
With a small sigh, he activated and walked while checking it, soon arriving. The grand estate of House Neyubae, one of Uruun's great nobles. As opulent and imposing as Count Jenner's, it boasted high walls. No people or guards nearby.
'Well. Mood's already down; hope this wraps up easy.'
Hiding in a shadowed alley, Judah donned one of the masks from Rizeng. Isabelle's gift was too flashy, but the crude wooden one was fine. If it broke, swap it out.
He jogged in place, loosening up. Then activated his skills.
Potential Release.
Shadow Deployment.
Demon Eye Open.
Abilities activated in sequence, flooding his mind with info. A deep breath, and steam billowed from his mouth.
"The moon's up bright… surroundings quiet… Nice atmosphere."
Shall we?
How well-guarded is a great noble's estate? Moving to an alley unlit by streetlamps, he pressed against the Neyubae wall. Shadows climbed it, extending beyond.
Dark night, no lamplight— even dyed black, no one would notice.
"Ah, every day, but still a hassle."
"Sleepy too. Wonder if these patrols even matter."
Perfect timing—two guards passed by. He sensed them clearly through the shadows. Once past, Judah bent and straightened his knees. Immense leg strength launched him— whoosh—landing atop the 3m wall. Balancing, he scanned around. The patrolling soldiers were far off, not looking back.
"Grant me permission to be a righteous thief."
Mumbling a line from a childhood cartoon, he chuckled to himself. As if in response, clouds veiled the moon, darkening everything further.