Chapter 183
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 183
Chapter Title: A Calculated Move
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The duel ended there.
“Are you all right?”
The moment Ruina was thrown aside, Pernyan shot up from his seat and ran to her.
“…I’m fine.”
A trickle of blood ran from the corner of her mouth, but her life didn't seem to be in danger.
Moreover, her expression was nothing short of exhilarated.
Pernyan poured half a healing potion on Ruina's wound and had her drink the rest.
“Thank you.”
“I'm hurt. Can't you see the hole in my shoulder?”
“Do you need a potion?”
“No need. A little grit is all it takes to fix this.”
“…Grit doesn't regenerate a hole in your body.”
Isn't that in the realm of monsters like trolls, not humans?
No matter how monstrous the Altriark bloodline might seem…
“Can you stand?”
“Yes, of course.”
Katrina ignored Pernyan's mumbling and offered her hand to Ruina.
“You should be proud of your skills. It's been a long time since I've been injured.”
“It is an honor.”
“Albinus raised one hell of a daughter. If you continue to grow like this, a future spot as a Royal Knight is practically guaranteed.”
“You flatter me.”
Ruina bowed her head at the highest praise Katrina could offer.
“I'll have a skilled healing mage attend to you. Rest well today.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
“It was my pleasure. It's been a while since I've had so much fun. I hope we can do this again sometime.”
“Really?”
“Yes. You can contact me anytime.”
“Thank you!”
Ruina's face lit up.
As if she had just been given chocolate.
* * *
As Pernyan had expected, Ruina was in no condition to leave immediately.
Although she had received first aid with a top-grade healing potion, she had three broken ribs.
Her aura had protected her organs from being damaged by the bones, but it would take some time for them to mend.
“You have a strong body. I've set the bones for now, but you'll need a full day of rest for them to fuse properly.”
“Thank you.”
And a skilled healing mage shortened that time to a single day.
“How are you feeling?”
“Excellent.”
The next morning, Ruina's condition had improved significantly, but she still couldn't leave.
“What's the rush to leave so early in the morning? What's done is done. Why don't you stay until lunch? We can talk more about your new product.”
It was because Katrina had taken a great liking to Ruina.
“You're remarkably skilled for your age. Much better than my sons.”
“You're too kind.”
“It's not flattery, it's the truth. None of my four sons could beat you.”
For breakfast, they were served a light meal of freshly baked bread, soup, and salmon salad.
“So you don't have a product that can completely remove scars yet.”
“We'll work on developing one as quickly as possible.”
“I'm willing to invest if needed.”
At teatime, they were served the same Herse leaf tea from yesterday, along with elegant refreshments.
“This is a lovely villa, by the way.”
“The location is spectacular, isn't it? Having teatime while looking out at Lake Baikan is quite atmospheric. That's why I come here to relax from time to time. And that's how I was lucky enough to spot you.”
“I see.”
Only after a hearty lunch could Pernyan's group finally leave Altriark.
“How about it, Gismond, was it? If you'd like a duel with me, I'm more than willing.”
“I-I'm fine, thank you!”
“Ruina, feel free to contact me anytime. I'd ask if you'd like to be my daughter-in-law, but none of my sons are worthy… The weaklings.”
The countess seeing them off to the very end was a bonus.
“That was incredibly insightful. It was my first time fighting a Royal Knight other than my father. It was a very different experience.”
Was it merely different? Royal Knights were individuals who had reached the pinnacle through their own unique swordsmanship and enlightenment.
Just as her father had his own mastery, Countess Katrina had hers.
To see and feel it firsthand was a rare experience that money couldn't buy.
“If possible, I'd like to duel with every Royal Knight. Though I don't know if they would accept.”
“I could arrange it with a few of them if you want.”
“No, thank you. I can't keep relying on your help forever.”
The ship moved swiftly and docked in Alfrsen.
Jesen, a port city in Alfrsen. It was a metropolis that rivaled the capitals of the Electors.
Amidst the bustling crowds, Pernyan first sought out the Golden Turtle branch.
“Welcome, Gongjanim. We've been expecting you.”
The branch manager, who had received word from Duke Ivon, greeted Pernyan warmly. Pernyan met with him privately in his office.
“Where is my father?”
“His Grace the Duke is currently resting at his villa on Moldin Island.”
Moldin Island was a small island in Lake Baikan. With its mild climate and beautiful scenery, it was a famous retreat where nobles built their villas.
‘So when the time is right, he plans to come over, take full command, and proceed with things.’
A figure as prominent as the Duke of Fallenberg had no reason to be in a foreign country from the start.
That was why the duke had settled nearby under the pretext of a vacation, waiting for an opportunity.
“What's the situation in the Hopen Plains?”
“The rain hasn't stopped for two weeks now. As a result, parts of the northern region are beginning to flood. If this continues, the damage will only worsen.”
As expected.
“And Alfrsen's response?”
“They were lukewarm at first, but with the continuous rain, they've dispatched the army to help evacuate refugees. They're trying to manage flood recovery, but it's not going well with the rain still falling.”
Of course. The rain wouldn't stop until the Hopen Plains were completely devastated. That's what the Vile Breed wanted.
‘Times like these make me think demons really are the masters of magic. How in the world do they make it rain over the entire northern region of Alfrsen for over two weeks?’
And it was going to rain for at least another week.
Even if it wasn't a constant downpour, it was beyond Pernyan's comprehension.
It seemed impossible even with ten Archmages.
Not that he knew for sure, having never been an Archmage.
“What about grain prices?”
“The prices for most grains, including wheat, corn, and rice, are skyrocketing. All Alfrsen branch warehouses are currently being stocked with food, but we haven't received further instructions. His Grace said to await your orders, Gongjanim…”
It meant Pernyan was to use his foresight to pick the perfect time for maximum profit.
‘Not yet.’
The rain would continue for several more days, and the damage would worsen. When that happened, grain prices would soar even higher.
He would have to start releasing supplies little by little before the price peaked.
‘Saving the crown prince is one thing, but I need to be compensated for it.’
The profits from the skyrocketing grain prices would be quite a satisfactory reward.
“I'll let you know when the time comes. Not yet.”
“Yes, sir. We'll be fully prepared and await your word. Ah, and…”
The branch manager took a letter from his drawer. It was embossed with the whale crest symbolizing the royal family of Alfrsen.
“A man claiming to be the Alfrsen crown prince's attendant secretly delivered this letter.”
“Thank you.”
In his room, Pernyan tore open the envelope. Inside was a letter and a small earring.
[When you arrive, leave this earring at the Jesen city hall. I will then visit the guild within a few days.]
The message was short and concise, but perfectly clear.
Pernyan had Hyde deliver the earring to the city hall.
And the next day.
“Are you Pernyan Fallenberg?”
“I am.”
“My apologies. His Highness intended to come himself, but he left for the north yesterday, so I've come in his stead. If you could just wait a few days…”
…He already left?
Pernyan's eyes widened.
* * *
A difference of about half a day.
Knowing his target's destination, closing the distance wasn't particularly difficult.
“Welcome!”
Roderick Fisher handed his tired horse to an attendant and entered the tavern. A quick scan of the bustling room revealed the person he was looking for.
‘Aint Armian!’
A face he had seen to the point of exhaustion in Prasia.
A murderous impulse flared for a moment. It was rare for Aint to be outside the academy or his family's estate, away from Pernyan's protection.
This might be the perfect opportunity to kill Aint.
‘…It will be difficult. I missed the right moment.’
But he soon came back to reality.
He should have killed him long ago. The current Aint was too strong, especially against Vile Breeds and demonic beasts.
He could never kill him alone.
Moreover, flanking Aint were Aria Friedien and Verian Calburden.
They were among the most prominent students at the academy, making the task seem even more difficult.
‘…Wait, two of them? Not three?’
Where was Pernyan?
Roderick found a suitable spot, sat down, and ordered a dark beer.
He watched, thinking Pernyan might have just gone to the restroom, but even after he finished his beer, Pernyan didn't appear.
‘…Pernyan Fallenberg isn't here?’
I heard they left on the ship together. Where could he have gone?
He had no clue. The uncertainty made him anxious.
‘Without Pernyan, I can't control Aint.’
It was impossible to use suggestion on Aint, who possessed a conflicting aura.
Therefore, he needed to place an additional suggestion on Pernyan to control Aint through him, but the crucial piece, Pernyan, was missing.
After a long moment of deliberation, Roderick steeled himself and approached Aint.
“Well, look who it is. Some familiar faces.”
“Oh, Captain Roderick?”
“That's right. Miss Aria, it's been a while.”
Roderick naturally pulled up a chair and sat down.
“What brings you here?”
“What else would a mercenary be doing? Following quests all over the continent. My men are over there.”
“It's been a while, Captain. We owed you a lot back then.”
“It was nothing. I just do what I'm paid for.”
*Heh heh.* Roderick brought a newly ordered dark beer to his lips and asked.
“So, what brings you all here? I may wander like a tumbleweed, but it's not the academy's break, is it?”
“We're here on some business.”
Business. It must be about Esrin.
*I have to stop them.* Roderick Fisher inwardly ground his teeth.
“Aha, I see. No need to say more if it's difficult to discuss. Heh heh, but is it just the three of you?”
“Yes, why?”
“Oh, no reason. I just thought if Pernyan was here, a gold coin or two might fall my way.”
“You're so materialistic.”
“All mercenaries are.”
“That's true.”
Roderick and Aria looked at each other and laughed.
“Pernyan Sunbaenim isn't here. He should be at the academy.”
“Ah, I see. That makes sense.”
‘What a load of crap. I know damn well he isn't here. But where the hell did he go?’
The meal continued for thirty minutes, and Roderick subtly asked about Pernyan's whereabouts again, but he received the same answer.
In the end, he had no choice but to give up and leave.
“It was a pleasure. I'll see you again.”
“Yes, take care.”
As Roderick Fisher left the tavern with his mercenaries, Aint's eyes turned cold.
‘What do you think?’
- Just as Pernyan said.
‘I know. Sunbaenim is amazing. How did he predict all this?’
“If anyone approaches you and asks where I went, do not answer them under any circumstances. Just say you don't know.”
Aint recalled Pernyan's instructions.
He had said someone would come looking for him, and someone did. A Vile Breed, no less.
Aint had heard directly from Pernyan that Roderick Fisher was a Vile Breed. He had wanted to kill him, but held back when Pernyan said they would pretend not to know and use him instead.
‘Why is he looking for Sunbaenim?’
- Isn't it obvious?
Gardner's laughter echoed in his mind.
- I don't know exactly what he did, but it must have been something that made those Vile Breed bastards shudder.
- Leave it be. Pernyan will handle it.
Hearing the trust in his voice, Aint suddenly felt curious.
‘You seem to trust Sunbaenim quite a bit now. You used to call him nouveau riche all the time.’
- I had no choice but to think that way then, but hasn't he proven himself now?
- I don't deny what I've seen with my own eyes.
‘For someone who says that, you called him nouveau riche for a pretty long time. Anyway, why would the Fallenbergs be nouveau riche? They've been the continent's wealthiest family for over a thousand years.’
That's only true now. Gardner continued.
- When I was alive, they really were nouveau riche. They had made a name for themselves on the Pandrein Continent, but at the time, Pandrein was far less developed than the Lutar Continent.
- The Fallenberg Kingdom couldn't even compare to the powers on the Lutar Continent.
- But then they started making deals with demons and began accumulating enormous wealth.
Since demons didn't value gold and metals, the Fallenbergs' profits were maximized.
They intended to use the Fallenbergs to sow discord among humans, and they were all the more willing because the Fallenbergs desired things that were useless to them.
That ignorance created the Fallenberg of today.
‘The Fallenberg family is really something else….’
Then and now.
- A clan well and truly mad for money.
But they were also incredibly reliable allies.
Reassured, Aint focused on his meal again.