Chapter 108 The Veteran's Return
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Translator: JayM
Chapter: 108
Chapter Title: The Veteran's Return
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Evening at the inn.
Jeong Yoo-shin and the others sat together.
Tarman, with a determined expression, began to speak.
“We’ve worked tirelessly, sacrificing sleep. Today, we stand on the precipice of our grand opening. The wind howls, and the dreary sound of rain beats against the windows. Many merchants have mocked us, but the results will show who is truly inferior.”
Jeong Yoo-shin looked perplexed.
‘What’s gotten into him all of a sudden?’
“Tarman, I don’t recall any merchants mocking us. And I certainly haven’t heard anyone call us inferior. It’s not raining either. It’s summer. Aren’t you being a bit too melodramatic?”
“…”
Everyone stared intently at Tarman, who looked slightly embarrassed while scratching his head.
“I just meant that we’ve worked very hard.”
“That’s true.”
They had spent the past few days decorating the inn and preparing food, baking bread and filling them with cream. They had repeated the cycle of trial and error while learning from their mistakes. Frankly, saying that they had worked hard was an understatement. They had poured their hearts and souls into it.
“So, Tarman, you’re going to bring Marie, right? What about Dean?”
“Dean will be coming in a few days.”
Jeong Yoo-shin stood up and clapped his hands.
“Alright. Let’s finish up here and get some rest.”
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The next day…
Labyrinth City was overflowing with an unprecedented crowd.
Every alley and street was packed with tourists. The guards looked increasingly weary.
There was one reason for this massive gathering.
The blessing of the elemental gods.
On the day of the festival, the elemental gods were known to fly across the night sky and bestow blessings upon those they favored.
Some received longevity while others received wealth and strength. He had also heard that they bestowed blessings that united lovers, but he wasn’t sure about that.
Despite the incredibly low odds of receiving a blessing among so many people, everyone flocked to the city, hoping for a miracle.
The festival lasted for about five days. Perhaps a few lucky individuals would receive some blessings during that time.
He considered it irrelevant to himself.
What mattered was the Cream Slime Bread. It was the first day, so they had to make a good impression.
Jeong Yoo-shin set up a wooden stall in front of the inn and stacked it with their special Cream Slime Bread.
“Shaped like slimes. Look at those eyes and mouths. So cute!”
“Indeed. They have a unique shape. I wonder how they taste…?”
Several people, intrigued by the unusual shape of the bread, bought one and took a bite.
And then…
“Gasp!!! How can bread be this delicious?”
“Look at this cream!”
“Butler!!! Buy more of these!!!”
“It’s heavenly!”
As those who had tried the bread expressed their delight, others quickly took notice.
“Cheap!!! Cheap!!! Only 30 copper coins per bread!”
Jeong Yoo-shin seized the opportunity and shouted.
“Isn’t that too expensive for bread?”
Someone complained, but another person pushed their way forward.
“If you think it’s expensive, then get lost! I’ll buy them all!”
“B-But that’s not what I meant…”
The complaining man was pushed away by the crowd, leaving only eager customers with sparkling eyes.
“Give me everything you have!”
“Five per person.”
“B-But…!”
Some people groaned in disappointment. Others devoured the bread as soon as they received it.
Some quietly tucked it away.
‘Rubbing their cheeks on the bread… That’s a bit much.’
Jeong Yoo-shin diligently sold the bread while observing the customers’ expressions. Most of them seemed satisfied. He felt a sense of pride.
The bread sold out in an instant.
There was no need to worry about advertising. The delicious taste spoke for itself, and word of mouth would soon spread quickly.
A perfect positive feedback loop.
“Woo… I wanted to dance.”
“Chirp… chirp, chirp.”
Luna and Lin carried the bread with glum expressions. Since Lin’s small stature made it difficult for her to carry the bread, Jeong Yoo-shin had attached a small basket to her back.
Jeong Yoo-shin chuckled and patted Luna and Lin on the head.
“There will be another chance tonight, so let’s do it then.”
“Okay.”
They diligently brought bread to the stall, but it sold out even faster.
In less than 10 minutes, the Cream Slime Bread was completely sold out.
Jeong Yoo-shin beamed.
“Thank you, everyone! Thanks to your enthusiastic support, we’ve sold out of Cream Slime Bread!”
“No!!! Innkeeper, how can you end it here?!”
“Innkeeper, bring more bread!!!”
“I haven’t even had a bite yet!”
‘Wipe the cream off your mouth before you say that.’
Jeong Yoo-shin scratched his head.
“We’ll have more bread in the evening, so it’s best to wait until then!”
“It’s a promise!”
“If you don’t bring out more bread then, I’ll burn this inn down!”
“Butler! Wait here until evening! One isn’t enough for me!”
“M-My lady…!”
Jeong Yoo-shin left the disappointed customers and went back inside the inn.
The inn was also packed with people who were enjoying their food and drinks from early in the morning.
The inn was filled with people playing lutes, singing together, clinking glasses, and laughing loudly.
A scene usually reserved for the night was now unfolding in broad daylight.
‘Hehehe. The money’s rolling in.’
Jeong Yoo-shin’s smile widened.
He had raised the prices only slightly for the festival, but people were still flocking to the inn.
And since he hadn’t skimped on the ingredients and had prepared everything deliciously, it was only natural that people would come.
He had been a bit anxious since it was his first time experiencing such a festival, but things were going surprisingly well.
He entered the kitchen where Tarman, Anne, and Karin were hard at work.
“Keep up the good work, everyone! The money’s coming in! Money!”
“Skar! You should work too!”
Karin shouted while cooking, sweat dripping down her face.
“Alright. Tarman, go outside and help Snout with the stall. I’ll work in the kitchen.”
“Yes.”
Tarman put on an apron and rushed outside.
“The money’s coming. Money, money. My time to shine has finally come.”
Jeong Yoo-shin hummed and started working diligently.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
In stark contrast to the festive atmosphere, the labyrinth exit was deserted.
Ingrid Redtail sat quietly while enjoying the hot summer breeze.
It was the same spot where Skar had sat before, directly facing the labyrinth.
‘That half-blood barbarian, I wonder what he’s up to?’
Ingrid’s thoughts were interrupted as she suddenly stood up.
Whoosh!
A bright light flashed at the labyrinth exit.
And then…
A group of black-haired men appeared.
Wearing worn and battered armor, and wielding well-used axes and swords.
With dull eyes and long beards.
Among them stood an elderly barbarian with almost white hair.
Ingrid’s eyes widened.
“C-Could it be… Lord Ragna Helblade?!!!”
The elderly barbarian smiled faintly.
“Has it been 40 years? Yurine Redtail. You seem to have gotten younger.”
“That’s my mother’s name.”
The elderly barbarian called Ragna looked at Ingrid in surprise, then let out a hearty laugh.
“Haha. A change of generations already? It’s been a long time.”
“…Indeed, it has.”
The elderly barbarian looked up at the dark sky for a long time.
The men around him also followed his gaze and counted the stars.
For a very long time.
Suddenly, the elderly barbarian looked down at Ingrid.
“I have a question. May I ask?”
“Yes, Lord Ragna. Ask anything.”
“How come not a single one of our kind has reached the depths of the labyrinth in 30 years?”
Ingrid’s expression turned troubled at Ragna’s question.
“That’s…”
“What happened?”
Ragna asked curiously while stroking his beard.
Ingrid explained the current situation of the barbarians.
It took quite a while for her to finish.
“…They are currently in the eastern district. We have been accommodating them as much as possible according to the ‘pact,’ but it’s becoming difficult. Their outrageous behavior has crossed the line in recent years.”
Ragna’s expression hardened.
“Is that so? I’m sorry. Yurine, you must have suffered greatly.”
Ingrid couldn't say a word to Ragna, who kept calling her by her mother's name while looking at her.
An immense aura fueled by his anger emanated from Ragna’s body.
The air vibrated.
‘Is this the power of a former labyrinth council member?’
Even Ingrid, who had experienced countless hells, felt her fingertips tremble with tension.
Ragna’s expression softened.
“What’s the name of the one leading the barbarians now?”
“It’s Kaiser.”
“I don't doubt your words, but not all of our kind would behave so atrociously. I need to see for myself. I’ll go in secret, so there’s no need for you to follow.”
“Right now? You can rest for a while. It’s the Blue Moon Festival today, so it’s best to recover from your journey…”
Ragna waved his hand, cutting Ingrid off.
“I don’t have much time left. Prepare a robe for me.”
“Alright. Can you give me a moment before that?”
“Not too long.”
“Yes.”
Ingrid called for her subordinates.
“Quietly inform the council, the captain of the inner guard, and the captain of the outer guard. Make sure they keep their mouths shut.”
“Yes, ma’am. What should I tell them?”
“Tell them the true barbarian has returned.”
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“S-Skar! People are clamoring outside!”
Tarman rushed over and said.
“Why?”
Jeong Yoo-shin, who was drenched in sweat from working in the kitchen, asked.
“Th-They’re saying the bread isn’t out yet.”
“Tell them it’s ready. I’ll be right out.”
“Yes!”
He went outside to find a massive crowd.
“Innkeeper! Bring the bread!”
“We’ve been waiting here too long!”
“I’ll pay anything! Sell me everything!”
‘Am I going to get rich? Should I open a bakery after this?’
He had frivolous thoughts as he opened the stall.
“Alright!!! Cream Slime Bread for sale!!! Cheap! 30 copper coins! Line up! Fresh milk is also available!!!”
“Waaaa!!!”
People rushed forward while shouting. Copper coins flew through the air, arguments erupted, and some even grabbed each other by the collars.
Jeong Yoo-shin grinned and diligently handed out the bread.
‘Let’s make some money.’
An hour later…
The bread that had been piled high on the stall was completely sold out.
“Oh!!! This is what it tastes like?!”
“Innkeeper! Sell me the recipe!!!”
“Crazy… All the bread I’ve eaten until now was fake…!”
“I ate 10, but I can’t eat anymore. Damn you, stomach! Make room for more cream bread!”
The people who gathered at the inn stall with their mouths covered in sticky cream patted their bellies with happy smiles.
‘Was it that good?’
Jeong Yoo-shin scratched his head. He thought they were overreacting.
“We’re sold out! See you tomorrow!”
In any case, he was happy that he had sold so much.
He had some time left, so he intended to help the others prepare ingredients for tomorrow.
Just then…
Someone approached the stall.
Well over two meters tall.
A strong, muscular body that couldn’t be hidden by a robe.
If a chilling sensation could be turned into a scent, this would be it.
An indescribable aura that sent shivers down his spine.
Jeong Yoo-shin recognized the man at once.
‘A barbarian!’
“Hey. Do you have any bread left?”
A raspy voice came from above.
“…”
Jeong Yoo-shin paused and peered inside the robe.
An elderly barbarian with more white hair than black.
He was momentarily surprised but quickly regained his composure.
‘A barbarian is a barbarian.’
“Get lost. I don’t have any bread for criminals.”
Jeong Yoo-shin growled at the elderly barbarian.
“…Criminals? What do you mean?”
The elderly barbarian paused, then asked.
Jeong Yoo-shin’s expression twisted into a demonic grimace.
This bastard…
The joy he had felt from his successful sales vanished instantly.
These arrogant bastards who relied on their strength didn’t even realize that they were committing crimes.
He couldn't just stand by and watch.
“Aren’t you the ones who told me to offer you holes?! You must be senile. Get lost and go back to the red-light district! Ptoo!!! You came all the way here in your old age to demand tributes? Get a grip, you bastard!!!”
“…”
Ragna Helblade.
A veteran warrior who had faced the abyss in the labyrinth for 30 years.
He had never been subjected to such insults even while facing countless dangers with his companions.
‘Huh. My sins are grave.’
How much had this young half-blood suffered at the hands of Kaiser to scream like this while consumed by rage?
He couldn’t help but feel remorse.
A single tear rolled down his cheek.
Jeong Yoo-shin saw it.
“What…?!”
A barbarian… crying?
‘Did I go too far…?’
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T/N - Okay, the MC went a bit too far there. I mean, he’s been doing this for a while now to show how wound up he is, but this is getting ridiculous now.
Also, now we know why the barbarians are the way they are now. So the elders were fighting down below while the young ones were mucking it up outside. No wonder the city council tolerated their… shenanigans.