Chapter 87 Freeze!
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Translator: JayM
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: Freeze!
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Morning at the inn.
Amidst the bustling customers.
Jeong Yoo-shin and Iron Mask made eye contact.
"Let's sit down."
They sat at a table in a corner of the inn.
The perceptive Tarman approached them and placed drinks on the table.
A juice, made from blended raspberries and peaches, with honey.
It was a juice he always kept on hand because Luna loved it, her tail wagging like a helicopter while drinking it.
Jeong Yoo-shin tilted the wooden cup and drank it down in large gulps.
"Ah, that's good. You drink too."
"Indeed."
Iron Mask lifted the cup and poured the juice into the mouth hole of his mask. He drank it skillfully, as if he were used to it.
Jeong Yoo-shin had hoped to catch a glimpse of his face under the mask, but the man seemed determined to keep it hidden.
Jeong Yoo-shin crossed his arms, quietly observed Iron Mask, and then spoke.
"Iron Mask, how did you know I was staying here?"
Iron Mask placed his wooden cup down and tilted his head.
"Hmm? Everyone in the southern district knows you live here."
Jeong Yoo-shin frowned.
So he had more stalkers than he realized.
He had felt the gazes of the merchants and residents as he walked down the street, but he hadn't realized it was to this extent.
"Why did you invite me to your party?"
"Do you remember the day we fought together?"
Of course, he remembered. He had fought alongside Stonefist, the half-orc, and Croak, the frog beast-person, against the monsters summoned by Hans.
"Despite being a hastily assembled party, we worked well together. And..."
Iron Mask paused, then continued.
"I was impressed by your courage and dedication. That's why I invited you to our party."
Jeong Yoo-shin scratched his cheek.
Courage was one thing, but dedication… That was a grand word.
But…
It was true that he felt a connection with this man.
He wasn't sure if they were compatible as party members, but at least Iron Mask hadn't discriminated against him for being a barbarian.
Jeong Yoo-shin tapped the table with his finger, lost in thought.
There was something he needed to know before joining the party.
"Where in the labyrinth are you going?"
"To the sixth floor, the Forest area. We might go to the seventh floor if we have time."
"Iron Mask, weren't you a novice explorer?"
"I've heard there's such a thing as an experienced novice."
"And you're that person?"
"There's no rule that says you can only gain experience in Labyrinth City. Call me a prepared talent."
At Iron Mask's words, Jeong Yoo-shin nodded.
Had he received some kind of training outside Labyrinth City? He was a thorough person.
"What's the party composition?"
"Standard. You and I are the vanguard. One guide. One priest."
Jeong Yoo-shin pondered.
It wasn't bad. Coincidentally, he was also heading to the Forest floor. The party composition seemed decent.
But…
There was one last problem.
No matter how he thought about it.
The characteristics of the First Prince, as described by the Fifth Prince, were similar to those of Iron Mask.
Should he ask?
Or not?
It wasn't something to discuss in a bustling inn.
'I have no choice.'
Jeong Yoo-shin stood up.
"Come to my room. Let's talk."
Iron Mask's voice turned cold.
"Barbarian, what do you mean? Why should I go to your room?"
"Let's just talk. I'm not going to do anything to you."
"If you have something to say, say it here."
Ha. He had thought Iron Mask was free of prejudice against barbarians.
He must have been influenced by Labyrinth City.
It couldn't be helped.
He had to use a different approach.
Jeong Yoo-shin twisted his mouth and made a strange sound.
"Owaja.*"
"What are you talking about?"
Iron Mask's voice was filled with confusion. He even pulled his chair back slightly.
"Your younger brother. Owaja. Wagu.*"
"...I see. You knew?"
The intelligent Iron Mask man immediately understood what Jeong Yoo-shin was trying to say.
Jeong Yoo-shin straightened his posture.
"Do I need to use formal speech from now on?"
"I heard that social status doesn't matter to explorers in Labyrinth City. Let's speak comfortably."
"Really? Then I will."
"..."
Iron Mask looked at Jeong Yoo-shin for a moment, then spoke.
"Now that I think about it, I seem to be older than you. Isn't it a bit disrespectful of you to speak so casually? It's a bit uncomfortable."
"How old are you?"
"27."
"You're only four years older than me. Let's not bother with formalities."
"Hoo."
Iron Mask sighed deeply.
"Keep my identity a secret. And we'll continue our conversation later."
His tone was much more relaxed.
"Why?"
"I came here straight after finishing my morning shift. I'm exhausted."
So that was why the Fifth Prince couldn't find him.
There must have been other reasons as well, but he would have to hear more from Iron Mask later.
"Alright. When do you need me to be ready?"
Jeong Yoo-shin asked.
"It will take about five days. We'll meet with the other party members before then. How about we meet here again in three days in the evening?"
"Sounds good."
At Jeong Yoo-shin's agreement, Iron Mask nodded, stood up, and left the inn.
Jeong Yoo-shin didn't see him off, just watched his receding figure.
The First Prince, who was afflicted with a fatal illness.
He had stepped down from the line of succession and come to Labyrinth City.
Although he hadn't explicitly stated it.
There were a few things Jeong Yoo-shin could infer.
That the imprints of the labyrinth were his only lifeline.
In a way, he was in a similar situation to Jeong Yoo-shin.
He felt a sense of kinship with Iron Mask, who was also hoping for something that didn't exist in this world.
And…
He liked that Iron Mask was able to have a normal, rational conversation despite his terminal illness.
Royalty, huh?
He had been getting involved with high-ranking individuals quite often.
Jeong Yoo-shin scratched his head and stood up.
It was time to prepare for entering the labyrinth.
Since he had made up his mind, there was no reason to delay.
He moved quickly.
He went to see Mion, explained his situation, and then went to Boron's smithy in the western district. Of course, he didn't forget to bring a bottle of liquor.
"Boron, I'm here."
"Skar! You came?"
For once, Boron looked well. The last time he saw him, Boron had looked like death was coming for him.
"Did something good happen?"
"I made a hefty profit thanks to the Alkion Metal you gave me!"
Boron grinned and patted Jeong Yoo-shin's knee.
One of the items he had extorted from Oswald, the underworld clown, was high-quality iron. He had Snout deliver it here, and it seemed Boron had put it to good use.
"I made a longsword, just as you ordered. We used the remaining Alkion Metal well. And the repairs on your light armor are also complete."
"I see. Where's Einhorfer?"
He couldn't hear the sound of hammering.
"He went to a family gathering. They have to make several decorations for the Blue Moon Festival, and they're short-handed."
Is that so?
Jeong Yoo-shin nodded.
"Don't you do anything with your family, Boron?"
"..."
Boron's lips tightened at Jeong Yoo-shin's question.
Had he asked something he shouldn't have?
"I apologize for my careless question."
He apologized sincerely.
"...You barbarian, you have a knack for hitting a sore spot. Alright. Are you taking the equipment?"
"Yes."
Boron went behind the counter and returned with the equipment.
His light armor, which had been neatly repaired.
And…
A longsword with a bluish sheen.
Jeong Yoo-shin's jaw dropped.
It was an elegant sword. It had a captivating aura.
It was completely different from what he had expected. He had thought it would be just an ordinary sword.
"It's a beautiful sword."
Boron grinned.
"Einhorfer and I worked hard on it."
"Is that so? Einhorfer's skills seem to be improving day by day."
"He's dedicated to his craft. He hammers away, even sacrificing sleep and meal times. It would be a problem if his skills didn't improve. He's my pride and joy as my disciple."
Boron's eyes were filled with pride.
"Didn't you call him a shop-ruiner before?"
"Me? I never said that."
He looked at Boron, who was feigning ignorance, and placed the bottle of liquor on the counter.
"May I take a look at the sword?"
"Look as much as you want. It's yours now."
Jeong Yoo-shin took the blue longsword.
A picture of a wolf howling at the moon was engraved on the scabbard.
Shing.
A clear sound echoed through the smithy.
The gleaming blade reflected Jeong Yoo-shin's face.
'It's wider than a typical longsword.'
A characteristic of swords specialized for slashing. But the tip was sharp. This meant it was a longsword with a balance between slashing and thrusting.
In short, it was a longsword designed for both unarmored and armored combat.
He swung the sword a few times.
The center of gravity was in the hilt. It meant that the sword was easy to handle and allowed for versatile maneuvers.
It wasn't knowledge he had learned from someone. It was something he had naturally acquired through fighting with a sword.
A satisfied smile appeared on Jeong Yoo-shin's lips.
Thanks to Oswald, the generous clown, he had obtained a good longsword.
"Hmm?"
There was an inscription on the blade. He couldn't read it.
Jeong Yoo-shin showed the sword to Boron.
"What's this inscription on the blade? Is it some kind of magic or a good luck charm?"
"Ah, that's dwarven script."
Boron replied with a smile.
"Oh! What does it say?!"
Jeong Yoo-shin's voice rose in excitement.
An inscription on a sword, like something out of Norse mythology... His heart pounded with romantic anticipation.
"It says, 'A sword made by Boron and Einhorfer. Its owner is Skar, the barbarian.'"
"Uh..."
Jeong Yoo-shin's shoulders slumped.
Seriously?
My romantic fantasy...
He had hoped for something grand, like an inscription on Admiral Yi Sun-sin's sword: "With a single swing, I swept them away, and the mountains and rivers were stained with blood."**
Jeong Yoo-shin pleaded with Boron to inscribe something like that next time.
"Wh-What?! That's too scary!"
Boron's face turned pale, and he trembled.
"Then why did you inscribe this?"
"Most stolen weapons pass through smithies, don't they? And dwarves run most smithies. If a conscientious blacksmith sees your lost weapon, they'll contact you. It's also good for advertising."
'Hmm.'
It seemed like it was just for advertising.
He felt like Boron's only intention was to brag to other blacksmiths.
"Tsk. Alright. Inscribe something cool next time."
"Hey! You're always losing or breaking your swords, what inscription are you talking about?!"
Jeong Yoo-shin left the smithy while ignoring Boron's ranting farewell.
The next things to prepare were antidotes and healing potions.
He walked through the southern district and stopped in front of a building.
It was a small, unassuming building.
Made of stone and wood, it exuded a simple, homely atmosphere.
Clink.
He opened the door and entered. The fox beast-person sitting at the counter stood up.
"Skar."
"Edel, how are you feeling?"
"I'm much better. Thank you."
Indeed.
She looked healthier than the last time he saw her.
"I came to buy some healing potions and Insecticide."
Insecticide.
A medicine used to repel monsters in the Forest area. He had learned about it during Mion's tutoring sessions.
"Are you going to the Forest area?"
The intelligent Edel immediately grasped his intention.
"Yes."
"I see. Please wait a moment."
Edel, her golden tail swaying, rummaged through the cabinets.
"Here you go."
A short while later, a red potion, a yellow potion, and a few pills were placed on the counter.
"The yellow potion is a Stamina Potion. It restores stamina. The white pills eliminate parasitic monsters and eggs found in the Forest area. And..."
Edel began explaining the potions and medicine in a calm voice.
Ten minutes passed, and the explanation ended.
Jeong Yoo-shin put the medicine in his backpack and opened his pouch of silver coins.
"Thank you. How much do I owe you?"
"It's on the house."
"I can't accept that."
"No. Thanks to your help, I was able to obtain valuable herbs and reopen my shop. I wouldn't be able to hold my head up high if I couldn't even do this much for you."
Edel firmly refused payment.
"Then I'll accept your generosity just this once."
"Yes. Please visit often. Luna often asks when you'll be coming by."
"I see. I'll visit soon."
Jeong Yoo-shin smiled and left the shop.
Lastly, he went to the Swordsman's Guild to meet Ashur.
"I'll be going to the Forest area."
"Alright. I have something to tell you when you get back, so don't die."
"Yes. I'll do my best to survive."
"Take care."
Ashur, surprisingly, let him go without much fuss.
Jeong Yoo-shin frowned.
'Hmm. That's strange.'
He was letting him go so easily?
"What? Do you have something to say?"
"No."
He shook his head, dismissing the uneasy feeling. Trying to understand the stalker elf's intentions would only lead to paranoia.
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Three days later, in the evening.
Jeong Yoo-shin sat in a corner of the bustling inn.
All preparations were complete.
As he waited for Iron Mask, he saw many familiar faces.
Mostly people who ran businesses in the southern district.
They were gathered in small groups, whispering amongst themselves.
He thought about joining them but decided against it.
Hadn't the famous Mr. White from the restaurant industry said something similar?***
Don't pretend to be friendly with customers.
Just as he was waiting quietly.
"Whew."
He heard a whistle and felt something slip out of his pocket.
A pickpocket?
He immediately reached out and grabbed the thief's hand.
"Freeze! You bastard. Who are you?"
A gray-furred rat beast-person, caught red-handed, was sweating profusely.
"S-Sorry. T-This wasn't my intention."
What?
In the bustling evening inn.
Jeong Yoo-shin's eyes narrowed.
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T/N - The sword inscriptions of Admiral Yi’s swords are quite chuuni, but you have to admit, they sound pretty cool. A “made by” and “owned by” inscription are pretty lame by comparison.
*This is the literal translation. Seems to be some sort of wordplay to hint at the Fifth Prince “Arnoa Lionel” but it gets lost in translation.
**There were actually two swords. One inscription translates to “I swear to heaven with the sword, the mountains and rivers tremble” while the other says “With one swing, it sweeps away, the blood stains the mountains.”
***No clue what this is a reference to. Please comment if you know.