Chapter 231 Did They Eat Something Wrong
-------------------------------------
Translator: JayM
Chapter: 231
Chapter Title: Did They Eat Something Wrong?
-------------------------------------
As soon as the summit ended, Crown Prince Ricardo immediately prepared to leave in his carriage.
Bendrick called his royal knights and had them escort the carriage.
"Just make sure he doesn't get hurt. If you drop him off near the border, he'll find his own way back."
It wasn't that he was fond of the crown prince that he had the royal knights accompany him.
If the crown prince were to get hurt in the Eastern Alliance territory, a diplomatic problem would arise. There was a possibility that someone who wanted a war might harm the crown prince.
The crown prince himself seemed to be well aware of that fact as well.
"Thank you. Then I’ll send the promised person later."
"By the way, who’s this person the Empire is sending?"
"...Shall we say that he's a rather troublesome friend to us? He's a friend with a strong sense of justice, so you don't have to worry too much. That friend will tell you the details himself."
Bendrick asked, but the crown prince mumbled his answer.
Over a hundred royal guards watched the back of the carriage as it disappeared into the darkness.
Luke slapped his waist and let out a dry laugh.
"Hahaha. Skar, my heart pounded for the first time in a long time. I was really surprised."
The other leaders also nodded.
"Skar, your debut is quite spectacular."
Bendrick said with a smile.
Ellasein chuckled.
"Bendrick, how can you say that? I can still clearly see you fidgeting, needing to pee, when you first came to the summit with the former king."
Bendrick frowned.
"Let's stop. It's all part of the growing process."
The leaders gathered together and were about to enter the inn while chatting about this and that.
Jeong Yoo-shin scratched his head.
"The summit’s over, aren't you all leaving?"
"We've gathered for the first time in a long time, so we should have a drink before we go."
Astaroth replied with a shrug.
Jeong Yoo-shin scratched his head. Was he going to suffer until tomorrow?
Suddenly, he felt a gaze on him.
He turned around and saw over a hundred royal guards staring at him.
Eyes that seemed to have a lot to say.
"Is there something you want to say?"
At Jeong Yoo-shin's question, a human man with a dignified impression shook his head.
"No, Skar-nim."
"Yes. Well then…"
Jeong Yoo-shin was the last to re-enter the inn.
Thud.
As the inn door closed, the royal guards looked at each other. Their race, age, and gender were all different, but their hearts were similar.
The shout that had been heard from beyond the inn still lingered in their ears.
The shout, along with the threat to kill the crown prince and put him in a coffin as well as to annihilate the empire, had echoed outside the inn.
Then it suddenly went quiet.
The royal guards had made horrified expressions and glanced at the inn.
But contrary to their worries…
The crown prince came out in one piece.
Except for the fact that his face was pale.
The crown prince's boldness in coming alone without any escort was impressive, but it was nothing compared to the next barbarian chieftain who had coolly spouted curses and talked of war.
It was truly a mad move.
One of the elf queen's royal guards standing in front of the inn let out a deep sigh.
"Hoo. I've never seen anyone like that in my life."
A human royal knight stood next to the elf with a dazed expression.
"You're right. I thought a war was going to break out this time."
A dog beast-person standing next to the human knight also nodded in agreement.
"From the first time I saw him, his smell was different from others. I think I know why Ingrid-nim holds him in high regard."
The hundreds of royal guards surrounding the inn quietly exchanged opinions and held their positions.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
The crown prince sat in the carriage and looked at the receding Labyrinth City.
Even though it was a dark night, Labyrinth City shone beautifully with brilliant lights.
'As expected.'
The crown prince swallowed a groan.
He had deployed troops at the border of the Eastern Alliance territory and participated in the summit, timing it just right.
To him, what was discussed was secondary.
His biggest concern was one thing.
To confirm the solidarity of the Eastern Alliance.
How closely were they connected?
He thought it was worth risking his life to find out.
Since the Eastern Alliance was the Empire's biggest rival.
The crown prince scratched his head.
The unity of the Eastern Alliance was beyond solid. It was tricky.
How could the leaders of neighboring countries gather in an inn in comfortable clothes?
He had thought that they would at least dress up to show their dignity.
It was a big misunderstanding on his part.
On top of that…
He got goosebumps seeing them read each other's minds with just a glance.
The way they coordinated smoothly, as if they were of one mind.
Since their unity was so strong…
Even if the Empire invaded, it would be almost impossible to defeat them one by one.
Moreover, that barbarian man…
Even though he was around the same age as him, his atmosphere and gaze were unusual.
He had also heard that he was a rather fearless person.
But seeing the guy was on a different level.
He had never seen anyone say that they would kill someone to their face at a summit.
The barbarian had also casually spat out that he would annihilate them all without leaving a single one.
It didn't end there.
After exuding such a menacing atmosphere, he was able to completely change his face and uttered the words "eternal companion."
Thinking about it again, the crown prince realized that he was no ordinary madman.
'The most belligerent man has become the leader. Was his name Skar?'
The other leaders had at least tried to solve things with common sense.
The crown prince branded the barbarian named Skar as the most dangerous person.
In any case…
It was worth risking his life to find these things out.
Still, he couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Because that barbarian's words and atmosphere kept lingering in his mind.
Crown Prince Ricardo shook his head and closed the carriage window.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
After the summit ended.
A simple banquet was held.
Skilled chefs and servants filled the table with delicious food made from ingredients purchased in Labyrinth City.
The drinking party continued late into the night.
The leaders sat comfortably, eating food and drinking alcohol while chatting about this and that.
The dwarf chancellor was the first to leave the inn.
The leaders saw the dwarf chancellor off.
"Travel safely. I’ll send a separate messenger later."
"If you need support, just say the word."
The dwarf chancellor barely changed his grim expression and managed a faint smile.
"Thank you. The king will be pleased."
A short night passed.
The next morning.
The leaders left the inn one by one.
"The food was good and the bed was comfortable. Thank you, Skar."
The elf queen said as she stood at the door.
"It's an honor. But I have one thing to ask."
"What is it?"
"How do I unsummon that golden coffin?"
"You just have to wish for it strongly in your heart."
"Ah. I see."
It was a simpler method than he had thought.
"Then I'll see you again later. If you have time, come to the Great Forest in the east. I won't treat you poorly."
"I understand."
Ellasein left Labyrinth City with the elven royal guards in silver armor.
"Skar, it was an impressive meeting. Come and visit the southern Lionel Kingdom with my son later."
Bendrick patted Skar's shoulder once and got on the carriage.
The royal knights in golden armor engraved with the image of a lion surrounded the carriage and went out to the streets.
Finally, Ingrid stood in front of Jeong Yoo-shin.
"Ingrid-nim, are you leaving too?"
"Yes."
Skar's face looked somehow lonely.
Ingrid's heart pounded.
She had seen a lot of embarrassing things while staying under the same roof as this man, but she had no regrets.
"Skar, please take good care of Lin and Karin."
"I understand."
"A-And if you ever want to rest, follow Karin to the place where the Red Wolf tribe stays."
"Thank you. I'll make time and be sure to visit."
Ingrid looked at Karin, who was standing next to her.
"Karin."
"Yes, Mother."
"Y-You have to be healthy. Take care of yourself. Y-You don't have to push yourself so hard."
"Don't worry."
Ingrid left the inn with the beast-people.
Only Jeong Yoo-shin and Karin remained in the inn.
Karin looked at the lonely-looking Jeong Yoo-shin and then smiled wryly.
"Skar, are you sad because everyone left?"
"It's a bit empty now that everyone suddenly left after it was so crowded before."
"So Skar’s a lonely man who gets sentimental in autumn?"
Jeong Yoo-shin smiled and looked at Karin.
As she had been following Ingrid around and doing work for the Beast-person Alliance these days, her nose was held high like before.
Jeong Yoo-shin whispered in Karin's ear.
"Karin, do you want to get your butt spanked?"
"..."
Astaroth, who had been watching the leaders leave with her arms crossed, suddenly blushed and moved away.
"I-I'm going! Skar, see you later!"
Astaroth hurriedly ran toward the central area.
Jeong Yoo-shin watched Astaroth's retreating back and then turned around.
"Let's go inside. We need to tidy up the inn and get ready to go to the 20th floor of the labyrinth."
"Y-Yes."
Karin's red tail twitched as she quietly followed Jeong Yoo-shin into the inn.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
3 days passed.
The city found peace again.
Except for one rumor that was going around.
Whenever people gathered, they would whisper to each other.
"Did you hear that rumor?"
"What rumor?"
"Well, they say that the half-barbarian Skar threatened to kill the crown prince by shoving him in a coffin."
"...That's a little different from the rumor I heard."
"Different?"
"I heard he grabbed the crown prince by the collar, spat on his face, and then slapped him. And that he also threatened to annihilate the empire bastards without leaving a single seed."
"R-Really? Well! How terrifying."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Jeong Yoo-shin sat at the counter and soothed Beatrice by stroking her.
Beatrice was quite disappointed that she had to stay quietly in Jeong Yoo-shin's room and couldn't be at the summit.
At that moment.
Creeeeak.
The inn door opened, and two people in robes came in.
Jeong Yoo-shin raised his head.
A familiar face.
The Mage Tower's elder, Mathias.
And…
A boy with a cute face.
"What is it?"
At Jeong Yoo-shin's question, Mathias bowed his head deeply.
"Skar-nim, I apologize."
"For what?"
"For carelessly suspecting your origins and considering you a kin of an Outer God."
"So?"
Jeong Yoo-shin replied with an indifferent expression.
"..."
Cold sweat flowed down Mathias's forehead. He had to speak, but standing in front of this man, his mind went blank for a moment.
A few days ago.
He had heard all sorts of harsh words from his fellow elders.
For framing the next chieftain of the barbarians without knowing his place.
The recent rumors circulating in the city also amplified the anxiety of the Mage Tower elders.
"Mathias, what do you want to say?"
"I-I'm sorry."
"Just words?"
"I heard that you’re going to conquer the 20th floor of the labyrinth. The Mage Tower will support you."
"How?"
"Armin."
Mathias said while looking down at the boy standing next to him.
The small and frail pretty boy staggered forward.
"H-Hello?! I'm Armin, a mage from the Mage Tower! I’ll do my best to support you, Skar-nim, in this exploration!"
Jeong Yoo-shin looked at the boy's trembling legs and then raised his head.
'He looks like a friend who hasn't even grown hair on his balls yet.'
Honestly, Jeong Yoo-shin didn't even know if he was a boy.
"Mathias, did you come here to play a joke on me?"
"It's not a joke. Armin is an intermediate-rank low explorer and an excellent summoner."
"A summoner?"
"Yes."
When it came to summoning magic…
He could only think of the fox beast-person, Luna, who summoned soft slimes.
"Do it."
"Y-Yes!"
At Jeong Yoo-shin's request, Armin closed his eyes and his lips trembled.
A moment later.
[Living Armor]
With Armin's chant, a flash of light appeared, and an empty suit of plate armor appeared.
The plate armor moved smoothly according to Armin's will.
"There are various other summons besides this one. I believe he’ll be of great help in your exploration."
Jeong Yoo-shin stood up and went in front of the Living Armor.
He looked it over here and there, but there was nothing to find fault with.
'This is good.'
As Mathias had said, it seemed to have various uses.
Jeong Yoo-shin approached Mathias.
The latter flinched.
"Look at me."
Mathias barely managed to meet Jeong Yoo-shin's eyes.
He was so scared that his heart felt like it was being squeezed.
Because he had no idea what this man would do.
The rumor that had shaken Labyrinth City kept echoing in his head.
It felt as if this man in front of him would grab him by the collar and slap him at any moment.
Jeong Yoo-shin observed Mathias's pupils, then placed his hand on his shoulder and smiled faintly.
"So the Mage Tower finally recognizes my true intentions. Let's forget about any hard feelings we've had so far and try to do well. Don't be so nervous."
"Huu-ee."
Armin, as if his legs had given out, collapsed to the floor.
Jeong Yoo-shin placed his hand on Armin's head.
"Armin, right? I'll be in your care too. I'm a good person. There's no need to be scared. Feel free to call me hyung."
"Gek."
Armin looked at Jeong Yoo-shin's smile, then his eyes rolled back and he fainted.
Jeong Yoo-shin made a dumbfounded expression.
"Mathias, what's wrong with this friend?"
Suddenly, Mathias bowed his head deeply.
"I-I'm sorry! I’ll correct it!"
Jeong Yoo-shin was so dumbfounded that he scratched his head.
No.
These people.
Aren't they too scared?
'Did they eat something wrong?'
-------------------------------------
T/N - Lol, those rumors. Well, that’s par for the course for the MC. He’s been through worse. I mean, at one point, him being a virgin had spread in the city as well.
Also, so the man that the Empire is sending is troublesome, huh? It feels like they’re just trying to get rid of someone. I wonder if it's Zeke and his harem party? Still remember him? He was the guy who saved the MC and his 2nd party, the reject party. Last thing we heard of him, he was in the Empire destroying slave trade and causing a rukus. Now that I think about it, his surname is also Lionel…