Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: Chapter 2. Tenth Fragment, Althemia
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But introducing himself now would just be awkward. Thinking back, there had been plenty of opportunities during their conversations for him to reveal who he was. It seemed like he had deliberately kept it hidden, probably to avoid things getting awkward if their statuses came to light... She appreciated the consideration, but it made it hard to guess his identity.
She wanted to use the [Information Window] function, which revealed everything about a person—name, abilities, titles, true name, traits, skills, and more—but to do that, she needed to know their name. The full name wasn't necessary. Even a pseudonym would do. The damn system only provided info if Yuda had heard the name herself or if the person had said it in a way she could recall.
'But figuring it out from his appearance...'
His clothes were too ordinary. The monocular with its dangling chain was a common accessory among nobles, and the suit he wore was nothing special. It looked high-quality in material, but that alone wasn't enough to distinguish him. His hands were folded over the top of a staff embedded with jewels, so no rings were visible. He wasn't wearing any special pendant like the Blue Window Knights... Sigh.
'The sense of familiarity means he must be an important NPC I know. Damn it. If I just had a name, I'd remember.'
She couldn't speak aloud and had to stew in silence, all while keeping a smile on her face during the conversation, which only gave her a headache. Since nothing came to mind right away, Yuda figured he wasn't that important and gave up, chatting idly with him to pass the time. Before long, they arrived in Dempha. After disembarking from the carriage and bidding farewell to the coachman, they entered the castle together.
"Thank you. Thanks to you, the trip was comfortable."
"Not at all. So, are you off to meet your daughter now?"
Yuda recalled their carriage conversation as she asked. He had mentioned arranging to meet his runaway daughter here in Dempha. She had been lost in thought during their talk, but she hadn't completely tuned him out.
"Indeed. We still have some time before the appointed hour, but that girl is probably already waiting. Care to join me? It wouldn't exactly be repayment, but I'd like to treat you to a meal."
If a noble was treating, it was sure to be an expensive, delicious place, but Yuda politely declined. After days in the carriage doing nothing, she was tired, and above all, she wanted to wash up and sleep as soon as possible. Glancing at Jeanne beside her, Yuda saw her expressionless face—she clearly felt the same.
"I'm afraid we'll have to postpone that opportunity. We plan to rest briefly and head straight to Aslan."
"Ah, right, you mentioned you had someone to visit. In that case, no helping it. Still, I'd hate to part like this... By any chance, will you have reason to visit <Uruun> in the future?"
"Uruun...? Yes, I do have business there. Even without it, it's a country I'd like to see."
Uruun was famous for its natural scenery and entertainment culture. It was also home to a Fragment owner, but even aside from that, it was a place Yuda wanted to visit at least once. The fact that he brought up Uruun suggested he wasn't Phlorian nobility but from Uruun instead.
She had roughly guessed as much since his daughter had run away to join the Green Banner, but Yuda now looked at him with renewed curiosity. What kind of guts did it take for a noble from another country to wander Phloria alone without a single attendant? If he was confident in his skills, though, it made sense. Oblivious to her thoughts, he smiled warmly.
"Splendid. Then, when you visit Uruun, come to [House Lava] in the capital."
"House Lava?"
Suddenly, Jeanne beside her tilted her head and muttered. She seemed to be thinking, then her eyes widened as recollection hit. Her mouth fell open in a foolish "Ah, ah!" before she grabbed Yuda's collar. It was the first time Yuda had seen her so flustered.
"What's wrong?"
Staring at the speechless Jeanne in bewilderment, Yuda turned to the noble. He was pressing a finger to his lips toward Jeanne, signaling silence.
"Y-Yuda. That person... no, that lord!"
"Ah, wait. Allow me to introduce myself. It's late, but... I am [Jenner de Lava], Count of the Uruun Kingdom."
He extended his right hand as if requesting a handshake. Yuda reflexively reached out but hesitated.
'Jenner?'
Her gaze shifted to his right hand. He flipped his palm slightly, revealing an antique-designed ring glowing with an eerie red light. The sight hit her like a blow to the head with a blunt weapon. Memories she couldn't recall until now flooded back.
Count Jenner.
The name of the man who possessed the fifth Fragment, Valentine's Glory. He had ascended to Archmage at the relatively young age of thirty-five thanks to the ring's power and was infamous for turning those who coveted it and approached him into charred husks.
'He's nothing like his in-game image.'
The original artwork showed a stubborn-eyed, greedy nobleman, but the count before her was a refined middle-aged man worlds apart from that. She had no idea he even had a daughter who dreamed of knighthood and joined the Green Banner. That was why she hadn't suspected him at all. He chuckled at Yuda's stunned expression.
"Come now, why so surprised? This is exactly why I didn't say anything... You won't leave me hanging without a handshake, will you? Don't worry. Unlike the rumors, I don't turn just anyone into charcoal. I promise. As long as you're not plotting harm against me right now, I'll never cast magic on you."
"Ah, my apologies."
Realizing her rudeness, Yuda took his hand.
Ziiing!
But the moment their hands touched, they both flinched back, quickly pulling away. During the handshake, her hand had naturally brushed the Valentine on his finger, and the ring suddenly vibrated. Resonating with something, it hummed wildly, leaving them both startled.
'Is it resonating with another Fragment?'
Fortunately, the Carpediem on Yuda's left index finger showed no reaction. Only the count's ring acted up. The vibration stopped quickly, but his pupils didn't settle. Staring alternately at his ring and Yuda with shaking eyes, he couldn't hide his puzzlement.
"This reaction... hasn't happened once in the past ten years."
He muttered softly, but Yuda heard clearly. It seemed new to him too.
"Forgive me, but could I trouble you for your hand once more?"
At his request, she willingly offered it. The fifth Fragment reacted the same way upon contact. He fell silent for a moment, then let out a small sigh.
"...I have no idea what's causing this. Anyway, when you come to the Uruun Kingdom, be sure to visit House Lava. I'll remember you both. If you come, I'll treat you with utmost hospitality."
"I'm looking forward to it. I won't forget."
"Sorry for holding you so long. If fate wills it, we'll meet again in Aslan. Farewell."
The count bid Yuda and Jeanne goodbye and turned to leave. Watching his retreating figure, Yuda nodded. Now everything made sense. His story about his daughter running away to join the Green Banner wasn't a lie. But a noble traveling Phloria alone without attendants had seemed odd—until she knew he was Valentine's owner. It all fit.
Before obtaining the Fragment, he had wandered as an adventurer to revive his declining house. As Yuda recalled, he was already famous as a Silver Badge adventurer pre-Fragment, skyrocketing to Platinum Badge afterward. With over a decade of adventuring under his belt, traveling solo was no big deal. It probably even stirred fond nostalgia. Soon, he vanished from sight.
'Come to think of it, I didn't even consider taking his Fragment.'
Not that she could have anyway. Her current power couldn't pierce his barrier. Now finally calming, Jeanne released Yuda's sleeve with a flick.
"Yuda."
"Yes?"
"How can you be so oblivious? He had a Fragment! One of only twenty-four in this world!"
*I have one too,* Yuda thought, offering Jeanne a wry smile at her agitated reaction. It was understandable—she'd be excited. Meeting the owner of one of only twenty-four items across two continents was huge. In her original world, it was like bumping into Bill Gates on the street, getting his help, then turning down his dinner invite. Seeing her drained without accomplishing anything, Yuda chuckled.
"Why so disappointed? Were you planning to snatch his Fragment?"
"N-No."
Jeanne stammered, caught off guard.
"You'd have ended up charcoal if you tried. We couldn't do a thing with our skills. Holding onto vain hopes is foolish. If we had a Spirit Sword owner... maybe then."
"...True enough."
"But hey, we now owe Count Jenner one. When we visit Uruun, we'll meet him. Ask all your questions then. It'll be fun."
Jeanne stared blankly at Yuda.
"What?"
"No, just... Hmm. You really are mature, Yuda."
"I hear that a lot. Come on, let's find lodging quick. We need to head to Aslan soon."
Yuda smiled and stepped forward. She had no business in Dempha, so after resting, they'd leave right away. Walking the streets with Jeanne, they looked for an inn.
"By the way, Yuda."
"Yes."
"You explained why you recruited me in the ruins, remember?"
"Right."
"You said you wanted to travel and see various countries."
Nodding slowly while scanning signs, Yuda recalled. She hadn't mentioned collecting Fragments—just wanting to tour the continent's nations. Wondering why the sudden question, she turned to Jeanne, whose eyes sparkled with interest.
"Then what you said in the carriage contradicts that."
"Contradicts?"
"Yes! You said you weren't sightseeing."
Oops. She must have let it slip.
"Of course. To be blunt, Phloria has little to see beyond the martial tournament and castle. But nothing is as vital for experiencing a nation's culture and life as tourism. So, I have a suggestion."
"...?"
Jeanne suddenly stopped and looked down an alley. From where Yuda stood, it wasn't visible, so she moved beside her and followed her gaze. There was a market.
"No place beats a market for experiencing another country. So, I strongly suggest we check it out tonight or tomorrow!"
* * *
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#Setting 3. 「Fifth Fragment - Valentine's Glory」
Among those who know of Perlnirn's Fragments scattered across the Midplane, the one most coveted is the ring known as <Valentine>. Its antique design alone suggests immense value, but more importantly, possessing it changes one's fate.
For out-of-spec beings like Perlnirn, it merely boosts mana capacity, magical talent, and casting speed. But for those below a certain level, the owner gains wealth, honor, and considerable magical aptitude.
If someone talented gets it, they can aim for even higher realms.
But if unlucky, they remain mediocre or die before success. Rest assured—at least so far, every owner has risen high, gained fame through adventures, and found a beautiful, skilled spouse.
Yet despite these successes, owners describe lives of profound misery. Among all Fragments, this fifth one changes hands most frequently.
It's said the current owner is Count Jenner of Uruun Kingdom, though unconfirmed. But his sudden revival of a failing house, marriage to a stunning beauty, and becoming an Archmage at thirty-five fuel the speculation.
Incidentally, he's thriving even now.
Many who prefer living boldly short over dragging thinly have challenged him for the ring, only to become charcoal before his fire magic.
So, ready to challenge him for the Fragment?
Fail, and you're charcoal. Succeed, and your life might be a bed of roses.
If you don't mind risking your neck, why not give it a shot?
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========== Author's Note ==========
Ding! Unfortunately, all wrong.
One reader mentioned a betraying companion, but remember the phone call: "Among companions who never betray Yuda in the game, one was this Phlorian knight." In the original game, Yuda recruits one companion in Phloria, and she stays loyal to the end.
Another guessed "Ea's fighter father!" Wrong too.
Remember the 'Chaeya Family Ring' from defeating fighter Ea?
[Name: Chaeya Family Ring]
[Grade: Unique]
[Equip: Ring]
[Effects]
Magic Defense/Resistance +10%
[Description]
A ring proving membership in Baekje Empire's Chaeya family, a sort of ID.
Silver-made with subdued crest, likely not direct lineage.
-Chaeya Family (Passive): Renowned swordsmanship martial house producing generations of fighters. Grants swordsmanship proficiency bonus.
-Purification (Passive): Neutralizes ingested poisons. Ring color changes first to warn of poison.
Might introduce more later, but in Baekje's Chaeya family, Ea wasn't loved much. That's why his slightly unhinged personality. Useless now that he's dead, though.