Chapter 57
Chapter 57
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 57
Chapter Title: Winding Strait (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Despite the group's objections, I stated firmly.
"No need to worry. He won't be able to stop me."
Nederman clapped in admiration and shook his head.
"To break through the walls the enemies have built alone and rescue Lordr—what incredible confidence. Halent is probably watching the scene with a pleased smile, arms crossed. Or am I wrong?"
Twisting my words, Nederman sought agreement from Allen and Iriel. Iriel nodded and stepped forward in support.
"For once, Mr. Nederman seems right. They've prepared thoroughly too. No matter how much of a Sword Master you are, it's impossible alone."
"I didn't say I was going alone."
I looked at Nederman as I spoke. The guy, who had been shaking his head, flinched and eyed me warily.
"Wait. What's with that look? You're not saying you want me to come along, are you?"
"Quick on the uptake. Good."
No sooner had I finished than Nederman hurriedly opened his mouth.
"Look, we're not close enough to die together. I'm grateful you saved my life, but I have to get married, have kids, live a full life, and kick the bucket at a ripe old age."
"You always said freedom was the best."
"That was then. Not now. I'm thinking of starting a family soon. After nearly dying once, I realized how precious family is. A kid that looks like me—how cute would that be."
"Don't worry. You can still do it when you get back."
"That's because I don't think I'll be coming back."
I stabbed a piece of oriole meat with my fork and looked at him.
"So, you want to die right now?"
"......Damn it. If you keep threatening me like that every time, I'll—"
"You think that's just a threat?"
"What are you talking about? I've been ready to follow you since earlier. So put down that knife for a moment. I'm an adult. An adult who can reach an agreement through conversation."
I nodded and set the now-unneeded knife on the table.
"So, when do you plan to depart? I was thinking of leaving a will before dying."
I replied indifferently to Nederman, who switched attitudes in an instant.
"You don't need to know. I'm going alone."
At my words, he looked dumbfounded.
I had never planned to take him along. I just teased him because his sarcasm was annoying.
The effect was definite.
He instantly switched to agreeing with me.
"Hahaha! As expected of you, a true man. It's a long way, so eat up slowly. If there's anything else you want, just say so. Today, I'll treat you to a grand feast."
He laughed heartily, like a man who had escaped death.
Allen asked with a worried expression.
"Then what about our plans going forward?"
"There's still time until the public execution, so nothing changes. We'll head to Tainan first and meet the leader of the Winding Strait."
"......Understood."
Allen nodded in response.
"Who died?"
"Pardon?"
"Why do you look like you're at a funeral?"
"Well, because it feels like you're about to head off to your death, sir."
I smacked the gloomy guy's head.
Thwack!
"Ow!"
"Who's dying?"
Seriously, he always does something deserving of a hit.
* * *
At that moment, Cardron, the leader of the Winding Strait, was reading the note delivered by the messenger bird.
'How did he connect with them?'
It seemed Nederman was handling things properly for once.
If they were the independence fighters under the Northern White Lion who killed the Prairie Wild Dog, they were surely the source of the rumors stirring up the north.
The small note contained limited information, but it looked like Nederman was traveling with them.
'Was one of them Nederman?'
There were rumors of two White Lions, so it was a reasonable deduction.
Even the Special Task Force and the Prairie Wild Dog had fallen to them.
If the White Lion and Nederman had joined forces, it was entirely possible.
That made the rumors, which he had dismissed as exaggerated, fit perfectly.
"So, a top-tier figure has emerged from the Northern White Lion side...... Who could it be?"
Famous figures from the north flashed through his mind one by one, but none stood out.
Perhaps they had recruited a new talent this time.
"They're growing steeply."
The Northern White Lion was an organization that had risen late compared to other factions.
Yet its growth was so rapid that it now stood shoulder-to-shoulder with forces that had been active since right after the fall.
'Not entirely welcome.'
The growth of other independence forces was good for Francia's independence, but afterward, they could become enemies, so they warranted caution.
Under the banner of independence, each harbored their own ambitions.
They were allies now, but who knew when they'd turn foe.
'If played right, this could be an opportunity for me.'
Cardron grinned as he pondered.
He didn't know why they were coming with Nederman, but it might be a chance to recruit the White Lion to his side.
If he moved too overtly, it could cause discord, but if he discreetly gauged and fulfilled their desires, the Winding Strait would gain another powerful blade.
'Wonder what kind of guy he is.'
He was already curious about his identity.
Hopefully not another loose screw like Nederman.
No way he's more willful than Nederman.
At least not that bad.
Cardron hoped he was the greedy type. That would make recruitment and handling easier.
He tossed the note into the fireplace and curled his lips into a long smile.
'I look forward to meeting him.'
* * *
"It's finally in sight."
Allen said, shielding his eyes from the sun with the back of his hand. Leaving the forest path, a grand fortress on the cliffside revealed itself.
"Whew. It's been quite a while."
Nederman whistled as he gazed at Tainan Castle. Beside him, Iriel exclaimed in admiration.
"It's definitely the largest castle we've seen so far."
As one of Francia's premier fortresses, Tainan Castle exuded impregnability even from afar.
Known as the mountains of the west, it served as a gateway fortress to the capital and was a crucial strategic hub.
The path leading to such a castle was steep and narrow. Thus, a long line snaked toward the gates.
"I never knew the Winding Strait's headquarters was inside there."
At Allen's words, Nederman raised an eyebrow.
"You know Tainan well?"
"Of course. The Teynan Marquis House's swordsmanship has a fine reputation. The current lord is said to have served as a knight in the Leonir Lancers in his youth. Well, now he's just called the 'First Traitor.'"
"You really know everything, unlike some people."
"This much is basic common knowledge. Haha."
Allen puffed out his chest and laughed heartily, then quickly furrowed his brow.
"Still, it looks like we'll have to wait quite a bit."
As he said, the line of all sorts of people showed no sign of shortening. Nederman added an explanation.
"Sometimes you have to camp overnight for long waits."
It was exactly the kind of situation I hated.
"But no need for such worries. You've got this body right here."
Nederman pointed his thumb at himself boastfully, then slipped out of line and headed up the side path without waiting.
Iriel shot him an incredulous look.
"What are you doing? Are you drunk?"
"Drunk? I haven't touched a drop."
"Then why? Don't cause trouble and get back here quick."
"Puhaha. Such a distrustful lady. Why would I do this for no reason? Take a good look at my face. Doesn't look like a con artist's, right? Just trust me and follow."
Nederman laughed breezily and took the lead. Iriel turned to me.
"He looks like a total con artist, doesn't he?"
"Think of it as getting conned. He must have something to rely on."
Since I followed without hesitation, Iriel and Allen had no choice.
We overtook the long line behind Nederman. People watched us with curious eyes.
Reaching the gates amid much attention, we saw the guards conducting inspections.
They eyed us suspiciously for bypassing the line.
Bypassing such a long queue meant either high status or trouble.
"What brings you here?"
Fortunately, he asked politely without jumping to conclusions.
Nederman raised a hand signaling him to wait, then reached into his bosom with dignified poise.
Did he have a pass that allowed entry without delay?
Moments later, Nederman pulled out a tempting piece of jerky and showed it to him.
Obviously not a pass, and too shabby for a bribe.
"......?"
The guard's expression watching it was quite the sight. His brain seemed to freeze, unsure how to process the situation.
Only then did Nederman notice the jerky scrap he had pulled out and smacked his own forehead.
"My mistake."
He handed the jerky to the guard and began rummaging through his luggage properly.
"......"
We watched him with profound distrust.
"Ah, found it. Here it is."
Grinning widely, Nederman pulled out an ornate golden plaque and showed it to the guard.
It looked far more plausible than the jerky.
The guard startled at the golden plaque erased his suspicion and bowed deeply.
He then ordered his men blocking the way to step aside.
"Thanks. Keep up the good work."
Nederman patted the guard's shoulder leisurely as he passed, and we easily crossed the gates behind him.
"Ooh! What was that? Where'd you get it?"
"No kidding, what the heck?"
Allen and Iriel praised Nederman the moment we passed the gates. Buoyed, Nederman slicked back his hair and showed off.
"This is nothing. That's the kind of guy I am. Chwahaha!"
We followed the adept Nederman into the city center. A neatly paved main street stretched long, flanked by orderly tall buildings.
It was by far the most prosperous territory and city we'd visited. Fittingly, it bustled with people.
"To think such a large city lies within these high walls—impressive."
Allen gawked like a country bumpkin, then sharpened his gaze.
"But there aren't many imperial citizens here."
"The Teynan Marquis is so insular that imperials can't settle easily."
"That explains it. People look happy."
As Allen said, it had a lively human vibe unlike other cities. Probably because the imperials' tyranny was milder.
The Teynan Marquis House was one of Francia's renowned noble families.
Since traitors ruled the territory, even imperials couldn't act freely.
Nederman agreed and added.
"At least he knows how to cherish his own."
"Still a traitor."
Iriel, who had been listening quietly, smirked.
As she said, the Teynan Marquis was just a traitor—the 'First Traitor' among Francia's nobles.
Thus, I knew well of their betrayal.
Nederman readily agreed with Iriel.
"A bat flitting from one side to the other."
"You talk like you know him well."
"I do, in my way."
Nederman grinned, and Allen shifted the topic with sparkling eyes.
"So, where are we headed? Now that we're here, you can tell us, right?"
He seemed curious about the Winding Strait's headquarters.
"Haven't I told you yet?"
Nederman grinned slyly and pointed to one place.
"That's where we're going."
His finger pointed to the lord's castle in the distance. The Tainan Marquisate's emblem of a soaring wyvern flapped at its peak.
The inner castle of the Tainan Marquisate was as grand as the outer walls.
"Pardon?"
Allen stared blankly and asked again. Iriel wore an equally baffled expression beside him. Nederman smiled mischievously at them.
"The person we're meeting lives there."
Allen frowned in disbelief.
"You're joking, right?"
"Not a joke. Have you ever seen me joke?"
"Tons of times!"
Allen and Iriel answered in perfect unison, as if rehearsed.
Nederman shrugged at me.
I spoke.
"So your leader is the Teynan Marquis."
Nederman grinned and nodded.
The Winding Strait, representing the western independence forces.
Its leader appeared to be the First Traitor, the Teynan Marquis.