Chapter 183
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 183
Border City is home to a multitude of species. There is likely no multi-species settlement on Planet Novas more chaotic than this one.
Even the Bellato Federation, for all its posturing about diversity, is ultimately a human-centric nation. The elite schools, government offices, and upper-class neighborhoods I’d seen were all predominantly human. The proportion of other species only grew higher the closer you got to the slums.
'The species diversity in Border City is excessive.'
Different species mean different thoughts and values. Even among humans, hormones alone are enough to alter one’s thinking. The gap in values between biologically distinct species is not one that can be easily bridged.
Embracing differences is a difficult ideal, no different from chasing the mirage of a rainbow.
That is why the Bellato Federation remains human-centric, allowing only those species whose values align with their own to join the mainstream. Reality is not a dream; it’s still there when you wake up.
'The more resident species and cultural diversity a society has, the higher the social cost.'
Border City solved this problem with a stroke of genius.
'By abandoning social stability.'
They simply gave up on management altogether, throwing the various species onto the cold, harsh blade of reality. They didn’t care if they clashed, caused trouble, or slaughtered each other in the streets.
A society lacking stability would normally self-destruct, but Border City's explosive vitality consumed that chaos whole. It was a city maintained by a delicate balance born from pandemonium.
...There’s always a reason I start rambling like this in my head.
"Do they really think a human woman would like this?"
I muttered, staring blankly into the gift box. Inside lay the severed finger of some unknown species. It even had a ribbon tied around it, with the words "With all my heart" written in neat script.
Twitch, twitch.
Even severed, the finger’s nerves were still firing, causing it to twitch intermittently. Incredible vitality.
"They probably want me to use their finger for... nighttime activities. It's not the first time. The sender must only have two fingers left by now."
Anguis Regina remarked, peering into the box from a few paces away.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what they send after they run out of fingers," I joked.
"Probably 'that.' In a way, I'm actually looking forward to it—to see if they’ll really send it. Oh, and don't throw that finger away. I might have a use for it later."
"What?"
My head whipped around to stare at her. It was a shocking enough comment to make even me flinch.
"It's a joke. My, you actually get surprised by things like that."
Anguis Regina took the box and tossed the finger into the trash.
'...Hmm, was it really a joke?'
That question was likely to linger in my mind for some time.
Anguis Regina and I were on the second day of the tour. The schedule was grueling, with four performances a day from morning till night. In between, we used the various branches of Japa Trading scattered across Border City as our lodgings.
Rustle.
I continued opening the gift boxes addressed to Anguis Regina. Since they occasionally contained hazardous materials, a bodyguard like me had to check them first.
'A large doll, perfume, cosmetics, handwritten letters…'
Most of the gifts were within the realm of common sense. Still, bizarre offerings like the finger popped up from time to time.
Though the gifts were shocking enough to startle me, Anguis Regina remained completely unfazed. In that regard, she was far more composed than I.
In Border City, the morals, ethics, and values of countless species were tangled together. There were practically no unspoken social rules. In short, it was a society where "common sense" did not apply.
'Blood…'
I opened another box, the metallic, coppery scent hitting my nose. Inside was a letter written in blood.
– If you don't go out with me, I'll die!
Clearly a gift from someone in a dangerous mental state.
"Just looking at these gifts, something is bound to go wrong on this tour."
"It probably will. There's never been a tour without trouble. Actually, it's better that way."
"Better?"
"If a sensational incident occurs, people will pay more attention, and my fame will soar. They’ll think, 'Just how charming and amazing is Anguis Regina for someone to go that far?' Once fame reaches a certain point, it grows on its own. At my level, charm operates like an invisible halo."
Anguis Regina understood the public and the nature of popularity well. She wasn't just Japa's puppet.
"Did you learn that from Kinuan, too?"
I prodded subtly. It was a childish tactic, and she had likely seen right through it.
But it would work to some extent. Anguis Regina craved stimulation and enjoyed playing mind games.
"Tell me your story with Kinuan. Let's trade, one for one," she said, pulling out a bottle of red liquid. The label read, ‘Wine from a vineyard grown with snake fertilizer.’
Pour.
Anguis Regina deftly held two glasses and poured the wine. She set one down in front of me and brought the other to her lips.
"You go first. You walked away last time even after losing the bet."
She sat by the window without answering my question. The sun had already set, and the night was deep.
However, the light pillars of Border City filled the sky with pollution, stretching in all directions. Occasionally, a beam of light swept past our window, illuminating the room as bright as day.
Anguis Regina sipped her wine, gazing outside.
"Kinuan was an incredibly smart person. It was the first time I realized a human could be so brilliant. And despite being from the Empire, he was warm and kind."
I suspected that Kinuan had betrayed both Japa and Anguis Regina.
"How did you meet him? The Kinuan I know isn't someone who shows kindness without an angle. His every word and action has a calculated motive."
"Now, tell me your story. If you do, I'll tell you something Japa would never mention."
Anguis Regina smiled and lightly raised her glass. In response, I brought my own to my lips and took a sip.
The wine was bitter and astringent.
"Kinuan was my master. I've had more than a few teachers, but over half of my current abilities stem from him."
"Did you like him?"
"I didn't dislike him."
"But surely you must have thought, at least once, that you could risk your life for him."
I couldn't deny it. It was true. Even a cynic like me had once felt a bond and affection for Kinuan.
"...I did."
"I was the same. So was Japa. We liked Kinuan. He acted as if he could do anything, and for the most part, he could. Whenever we had a problem, we relied on him. My 'father' did too."
A new figure had emerged: Anguis Regina's father.
"Did your father die by Kinuan's hand?"
"That's a rude question."
"We don't exactly have the kind of relationship where we need to mind our manners," I said nonchalantly, tracing the rim of my glass. The friction produced a faint, squeaking sound.
"My father's death is related to Kinuan. Whether he killed him directly or indirectly."
"So you're looking for Kinuan to get revenge."
"Perhaps. I believe it's my turn to ask a question now..."
Anguis Regina deflected my questions again and again. But this was enough information for now. A direction was taking shape.
"...Even if it weren't for Japa's request, you would still be searching for Kinuan, wouldn't you? Because of what happened in the past?"
"Probably, but it's not a priority. I don't care if I never find him."
"Lucaus Custoria."
My eyes narrowed. She knew.
"Why bring up that name?"
"Quite a few of my acquaintances and fans are from the Empire. I've heard the name Lucaus Custoria a few times. Oh, don't worry, I won't tell anyone you're here."
"You'd better not. For your sake and for Japa's."
I layered my words with meaning.
"They say your popularity was quite substantial about a decade ago, though it’s died down with time. Back when Crimson Fransek was the political partner and advisor to the current Emperor, your name was a tool for Imperial propaganda."
I was aware of the general circumstances.
'After the Storm Era, the Empire was in a highly unstable state.'
From top to bottom, the Empire was in chaos. The state had actively used my name to quickly unite the masses.
Born a commoner, I was selected as an Imperial Guardsman, had my talents recognized, and was adopted into a prestigious noble family. I was even favored by Crown Prince Fransek. It was a highly dramatic life story.
The Empire is fair. Anyone can rise if they work hard. Look at Lucaus Custoria. Even after killing several corrupt nobles, he enjoys the favor of the Imperial Family. The Imperial Family of the Empire is still on your side.
During the Storm Era, I had sided with the people. It had nothing to do with my beliefs; I simply needed power quickly and exploited my background to get it.
"They say because of you, a trend of adopting talented commoners swept through the noble families of the Empire. Thanks to the chaos and your fame, social mobility was highly active for a while. You really are a self-made man in many ways."
"Thanks for the compliment, but I didn't come here to listen to my life story from your lips..."
As I spoke, a message forced its way onto my retinal display. It was from Japa.
– The tour is canceled. Prioritize the protection of Anguis Regina above all else. Further instructions will follow.
I checked the safehouse coordinates Japa had sent. I could hear footsteps approaching—the Equesian mercenaries must have received the orders as well.
...But the footsteps stopped. The silence was artificial.
"Did you see Japa's message? It seems something has happened."
Anguis Regina's sparkling eyes narrowed.
"I saw it, but I have no intention of stopping the tour—"
I shot to my feet and held up a hand. Anguis Regina caught on instantly and fell silent.
Click.
I quietly gripped the hilt of my sword, heightening my senses to detect any anomaly.
'This feeling… I’ve experienced it before.'
I parted my lips slightly, tasting the air. The faint, metallic tang of combat gear struck my tongue like a poison.
Creak.
The door opened. An Equesian mercenary entered my line of sight. But I already knew he was dead.
Thud.
The mercenary collapsed, pushed limply inward. Through the gap in the door, a red glow stared at me.
Shring!
I drew my Hwagwang Yedo. The friction against the scabbard caused the blade to gleam with faint thermal light. There wasn't enough heat yet to trigger the cutting-force enhancement. I’d have to ask Lapis for some equipment that could act as a flint.
Crackle, crackle.
The distinct static of a voice modulator came from beyond the door.
"Hwagwang?"
It was just one word. My memory flashed back. I immediately recognized the source of this déjà vu.
...I had met this assassin before.
Click.
I pulled the combat mask from inside my coat and put it on. The enemy likely hadn't recognized me yet. I must have changed a lot since then.
"Should I call the other guards—"
"They're probably all dead," I cut in curtly. "Don't bother."
The enemy's skill was exceptional.
Even if the assassin beyond the door had only remained at their past level… I couldn't guarantee my chances of winning. Let alone now, when they must have grown more experienced, more powerful.
'The female dual-sword assassin who attacked Fransek.'
A bitter memory, much like the wine I had just drunk, resurfaced.
It was one of the few fights vividly etched in my memory. Although I had succeeded in protecting Fransek, I had tasted a profound defeat.
'She overwhelmed me through sheer capability alone.'
Crisis had found me. Yet, a part of me fluttered with anticipation.
Fighting this assassin would make one thing clear: whether I had grown weaker or stronger than I was back then.