Chapter 171
Chapter 171
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 171
Chapter Title: Tree and Iron
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'That must be the first castle.'
Uruun's capital was fairly close to the Silan Kingdom's border region, and the castle teetering precariously at the edge of that border was the first fortress owned by the Silan Kingdom. Surrounded by gray walls, it sat atop high hills, offering a clear view far into the distance.
Seeing that castle meant they were about to enter Silan Kingdom territory. Still, the distance to it remained considerable. It was visible only because the terrain was open plains rising into those hills, with no mountains in between. Perhaps pulling on their hoods so early had been unnecessary for the elves, but caution was wise—patrols might still roam the border.
'Though I doubt they're patrolling that diligently...'
Even as a border, it wasn't fortified with iron fences; strongholds dotted the area at intervals. A century ago, mighty Silan might have dared war with Uruun, but not today. There was no bad blood between the nations either. Their vigilance was surely lax.
Still, Judah preferred avoiding any encounters.
Birdsong echoed from afar. They'd taken breaks along the way, but the elves showed no fatigue. Their [Forest Kin] trait granted bonuses to stamina and agility in woods, and their condition had improved steadily since rescue from Uruun. Too much so. When they met orc or goblin packs seemingly left unchecked by Silan, the elves handled them first. Their pristine robes now bore monster blood, casually cleaned off with magic.
'Not bad at all.'
Judah nodded instinctively at their unflinching slaughter of a goblin pack. Given elves' long lives, swordsmanship and archery were basic accomplishments. Most were levels 30-40, the highest at 47—close to Judah's. With solid stats, traits, and sharpening combat sense, they could pass as a mercenary band. Useful in a pinch, but losing them would be trouble, so he planned to keep them back if possible.
As night fell, they prepared a campfire. Fire in dense forest darkness screamed their position, but without light, nocturnal beasts or monsters attacking late were hard to counter. As elves stacked wood, Arhil approached with a troubled look.
"Should we really light a fire?"
"Sure. Why not?"
"...Won't it tell the castle folk exactly where we are?"
"It's fine. I just want to avoid them if possible—no issue if guards come. I've got ways."
Arhil tilted her head at Judah's confidence, curiosity plain.
What ways?
She trusted him. Reviewing their days together, he handled matters smoothly, as if for show. It seemed haphazard, yet it worked.
Like heaven helped.
In Regen, Black Tree chieftain Isabel aided; in Uruun, Count Genur and Roxin. But here, alone—who?
Arhil feared soldiers swarming from the castle over this fire, doing who-knew-what to the elves. She knew Judah's fragment meant no real danger, but she didn't want to see death up close.
Judah stacked wood; elves lit it. Before fetching more, he warned them.
"If anyone shows up, pull your hoods low and stay silent. I'll handle everything—no matter what they ask or say, don't respond. Don't even look."
He confirmed each nod or reply before heading off. Previously four or five fires; now, lazily, just three.
Seven or eight per fire; Judah and Arhil joined familiar elves at one.
"Curious about the plan?"
After the third fire, Judah stretched, turning to Arhil. She'd followed quietly, watching wood stack. She blanked briefly, then answered.
"Curious, but will you tell me if I ask?"
"If you're curious, sure. What am I hiding?"
Arhil rolled her eyes. She was curious—why light fires so boldly after urging caution? But expecting no answer, she'd stayed mum.
"Then tell me. What's the plan?"
"Who's the most dangerous person in Silan Kingdom?"
"...No idea?"
The question blindsided her. Why would she know? If asked Uruun's most famous, she'd say Count Genur. Of Silan, only that it was a failed empire-dreamer a century ago. She sighed, shaking her head.
"I'm not from Silan—how should I know?"
Judah grinned cutely at her.
"Right. Unless you're Silanese nobility privy to key figures, adventurers or mercenaries don't care."
"How do you know?"
"Hm—Sernia's library has surprisingly useful books. Mostly ancient tomes... Visiting merchants donated plenty. Dreaming of world travel, I read them a lot—know stuff like this well."
Arhil grimaced, groaning.
"Hate reading?"
"...Heh, not really."
"Anyway. A century ago, Silan warred with elves, suffered crushing defeat—king's authority plummeted. Since then, three ducal houses seized power. Chief among them: Duke Yes. He's Silan's most dangerous. Hides much."
"What's he got to do with your plan?"
"Everything."
Judah beamed at her question. Nearby elves perked ears, curious too. But it wasn't grandiose.
"From now, I'm Duke Yes's subordinate. You, these elves—mine."
"Huh? Wait—you're impersonating another noble's men?"
"Naturally."
"You know him?"
"Nope, total stranger."
"Then how? And why would they buy it?"
The idea wasn't bad, but too far-fetched. They weren't idiots.
"Make them believe. That's why I'm telling you—it's possible."
"How?"
"You'll see. Prefer not showing, but if they come, I will."
"And if they don't believe?"
If they call bluff, strip hoods, discover elves—what then? What would Judah do? Arhil burned with questions she dreaded answers to.
"If they don't believe..."
Judah's slow smile faded at her words. Arhil's skin crawled. Nothing tangible—just faint dread from his campfire gaze.
"Kill them."
No hesitation.
"...Right."
No choice. Arhil nodded. Judah wryly smiled at the heavy air, pulling out cookware. Chatting plans left them dazed—dinnertime. Even marching, he kept meal times sacred.
As food prep finished, some elves helped naturally. They ate, talked like travelers, passing the long night. No monsters that night—peaceful rest.
Sleep was rough, but sufficient. Waking as sun rose high, embers dim, Judah shared fruit breakfast with awake elves.
Chewing cold, ripe fruit skin-on, he stretched lightly. Lingering drowsiness clung stubbornly. Mid-bite, yawning hugely, he rubbed eyes.
"Brought water."
Arhil handed a wooden basin filled by elven magic from last night. Thanking her, Judah tossed leftover fruit to dirt, washed face.
Magic was handy. Mana alone conjured water, even cleaned bodies. After face and hair, he toweled from <Bag>.
"Hoo—"
After dousing embers, they departed. Smooth sailing. But bypassing the castle stretched the path—distance closed inevitably.
"People ahead. Sneaking, but footsteps say four."
An elf whispered to Judah, then retreated, securing robe and hood. Others followed suit, silent tails.
Soon, four in leather armor, armed, appeared—just as warned. Bows drawn, hunting, they spotted Judah, tensed, arrows trained.
'Hunters.'