Chapter 34
Chapter 34
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: Chapter 12 - Anne Rose
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In Dragon Hunter Origin, there were four playable characters—in other words, protagonists.
Anne Rose, the hero of the western arc.
Radian, the mage of the eastern arc.
Ash, the holy knight of the southern arc.
Reinhardt, the cleric of the northern arc.
If asked which of those four he liked best, Luther couldn't answer right away.
'For starters, Radian and Reinhardt are out. It's a toss-up between Anne Rose and Ash.'
The conflict between the brave, spirited, pure-hearted hero Anne Rose and the haughty, elegant holy knight Ash.
For the record, the reason Radian and Reinhardt were instantly eliminated was that they were male characters.
[It feels like you're lost in some endlessly pathetic train of thought.]
Integra was as sharp as ever today.
But instead of confessing the truth to her, Luther turned back to Anne Rose in front of him.
Anne Rose Tantallot.
The protagonist of the western arc.
The girl like the sun, who never gave up no matter what.
The moment he faced her, Luther found himself smiling without realizing it.
No, it was more than that.
His heart started pounding wildly.
He felt like his face would flush any second.
Anne Rose was undoubtedly a beauty.
But if it was just about beauty, then Karen and Lilia were the same.
Integra, puffing her cheeks atop the drone, was the same too—no, as Integra herself had put it, she embodied Luther's tastes to the fullest, making her the closest to his ideal image of beauty.
But Anne Rose was special.
The true protagonist of Dragon Hunter Origin.
The girl who gathered and led all seven heroes, including the four playable characters.
In the end, Luther smiled again.
He tried to compose his expression somehow, but it was pointless from the start.
Because she was Anne Rose.
Because she was the hero of Dragon Hunter Origin, the one Luther had loved.
It wasn't love at first sight.
This pounding in his chest felt more like the thrill of meeting someone he admired, rather than rational attraction.
Like encountering your favorite sports star or celebrity in person?
'Ah, I really loved it, huh.'
Dragon Hunter Origin.
Much more than he'd realized.
Savoring this newfound realization, Luther looked at Anne Rose again.
And he noticed something else.
"Ah, sorry."
"Oh, no. It's fine."
He'd been holding her hand too long.
Come to think of it, he'd probably been grinning like an idiot too.
[Anyway, now that you're aware, let go of her hand already.]
Integra spoke in an oddly stiff tone.
It seemed related to how Anne Rose's cheeks were slightly flushed.
Thanks to that, Luther let out a small chuckle as he released her hand, then spoke in a gentle tone.
"I'm Lilia's companion. You know Lilia, right...?"
In the original story, Anne Rose never really mentioned Lilia.
That made sense, since there wasn't even an event where they met.
Plus, after the tragedy at the Gleston Count's estate, she was too busy dashing all over the Holy Empire confronting the Hecatoncheires to have time for chit-chat beyond talk of her master.
'But.'
Lilia was the count's nephew, whom he cherished like a daughter, and Anne Rose was the daughter of the count's close friend.
Strictly speaking, they were both the count's nephews, so even if they weren't best friends, they likely knew of each other well.
And sure enough, at the mention of "Lilia's companion," Anne Rose's face lit up.
"Ah, so you're Lilia's companion?"
Her brightened expression and the "sister" honorific.
They seemed even closer than he'd thought.
"Wait, does that mean Lilia's here at the estate right now?!"
When Anne Rose's eyes widened as she asked, Luther shook his head immediately.
"No, as soon as the battle started, I sent her to evacuate with the others. So no need to worry."
"Phew, I see. Thanks for letting me know."
Looking embarrassed at her own excitement, Anne Rose gave an awkward smile.
It was that exact smile he'd seen so many times in the game.
Luther smiled back, straightened his posture, and said to Anne Rose.
"While we're on the topic, it might be best to bring her here. Integra?"
[Understood.]
[I'll send a drone to Karen's group.]
The mini-Integra hopped down from Luther's shoulder, and the hovering drone raised its altitude and flew out of the estate.
Seeing that, Anne Rose's eyes widened as she said,
"Wow, it can operate independently that far away? That's an amazing artifact. Did you make it yourself? Or is it some ancient relic?"
Classic Anne Rose.
She couldn't get enough of unique items, just like in the game.
Luther chuckled and flashed a slightly mischievous smile.
"Half and half. I'll tell you the details next time we get the chance."
Half and half.
Next time we get the chance.
Her face was priceless at the tease of dangling the answer without giving it right away.
Like she was groaning in frustration?
[Hoo... Master, sometimes your tastes scare me.]
[But whatever, I can accept any tastes you have, so don't worry. Got it?]
He had no idea what she was talking about, but sure, whatever.
Thanks, I guess.
Brushing off Integra's nonsense, Luther turned back to Anne Rose.
"Anne Rose, I'm about to go see the count. Would you come with me? I've checked his status via drone, but I haven't seen him in person yet."
At Luther's words, Anne Rose tilted her head in confusion for a moment, then widened her eyes in admiration.
"You call that flying artifact a drone?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Wow, it's even more versatile than I thought."
"Pretty much."
Luther smiled—with layers of meaning—at Anne Rose's awe, glanced back at the estate, and said,
"Anyway, Anne Rose, we should head out now."
"Yeah, I'll come too. And... thank you. It took me a second, but thanks so much for saving the count."
Anne Rose bowed deeply in a proper greeting of thanks.
It was so very Anne Rose, just like earlier.
"Then, Miss Anne Rose, shall we go?"
"Yes, Mr. Luther."
Beaming, Anne Rose slung her lance over her shoulder and strode toward the estate with spirited steps.
* * *
Even right after the attack, meeting the count wasn't difficult.
There were two reasons: Anne Rose, whom the servants already knew, and Luther himself.
"I saw the battle. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say you saved me... no, everyone in the count's household."
The crimson wyrm Astra.
Count Gleston was no fool.
He'd watched Luther's fight through the artifacts set up outside the estate and hadn't missed how the Antagoras flock fled the moment Astra fell.
What would have happened without Luther?
It was too horrific to imagine, but at the very least, Count Gleston himself would already be dead.
[Quick and accurate grasp of the situation.]
[Approval rising lol.]
The reason Integra kept giggling was simple.
She could clearly see Luther squirming under the count's moist, imploring gaze—so like Lilia's.
'He's handsome, which makes it even more intimidating!'
But intimidating or not, business was business.
Luther forced a smile and accepted Count Gleston's thanks.
"No, no. I only did what needed doing."
It was such a cliché line from games and novels, but saying it himself felt embarrassingly awkward.
Yet separate from Luther's embarrassment, Count Gleston and Anne Rose looked deeply moved.
As expected, despite Integra's talk of clichés, the count really seemed like a good man.
'And Anne Rose is purity itself.'
Not for nothing was she called the sun girl.
Anyway, once Luther and Count Gleston's greetings wrapped up, Anne Rose jumped in.
"Uncle, I'm so glad you're safe."
"Oh, yes. Anne Rose. You've done me a favor too. Thank you so much."
"No, I just did what I had to. Hehe."
Echoing Luther's exact words, Anne Rose blushed faintly and let out an awkward laugh.
A mix of shyness and pride?
As Count Gleston smiled warmly at that and was about to launch into more formal thanks,
[Master, Karen's group has arrived.]
No sooner had Integra spoken than the parlor door burst open, and a teary-faced Lilia came rushing in.
"Uncle!"
"Oh! Lilia!"
And then the hug.
Lilia nestled perfectly into the surprisingly tall count's arms, her voice trembling.
"I'm so glad you're safe. Really, really glad."
"Yes, you must have been shocked. You're not hurt anywhere, are you?"
"No, not a scratch."
[Heartwarming, but a bit goosebump-inducing.]
Silently agreeing, Luther nodded when—
Freed from the count's embrace, Lilia charged straight at Luther next.
"L-Lilia?"
"Mr. Luther, thank you so much. I heard everything on the way. You saved my uncle, right? And protected everyone in the household. Thank you, thank you so much."
She hugged him tight again—what could he even say?
Warm and soft and squishy, and Integra's glare was icy, but it felt good anyway—
But whether fortunate or unfortunate, Luther's enjoyment didn't last long.
Karen smoothly reached out and pulled Lilia back toward her.
"Lilia, that's enough. And Mr. Luther?"
Luther nodded reflexively at Karen's meaningful glance and smile.
He understood exactly what she meant.
'Bring up the spirit jewel.'
Karen was quick on the uptake.
She'd only seen Lilia charging into the count's and Luther's arms upon entering, but she'd gauged the situation from the atmosphere.
Count Gleston was grateful to Luther.
Count Gleston was a man of propriety.
Moreover, he was emotionally vulnerable right now after the sudden attack.
In other words, now was the perfect time to mention the spirit jewel.
[As expected of Karen. Her insight is on another level.]
[Assigning Karen one shop point.]
As Integra praised Karen, Lilia hugged Anne Rose and exchanged greetings.
Lilia had a habit of hugging anyone, but they seemed genuinely close.
'Anyway.'
The spirit jewel took priority right now.
Luther spoke gravely to Count Gleston, who was gazing moistly at Anne Rose and Lilia.
"Count Gleston, I have something to say about this attack."
Naturally, everyone's attention turned to Luther.
Luther took a deep breath, then continued while focusing on the count's handsome nose instead of those moist eyes.
"Do you know of an organization called the Hecatoncheires?"
What followed was a series of explanations.
Luther explained how he'd learned of the Hecatoncheires and the spirit jewel during his fight with Balboa, and how he'd heard about the spirit jewel again while battling Astra this time.
Of course, both were fabrications, but Luther was the only one who'd actually fought Balboa or Astra head-on.
As long as Luther's credibility wasn't in question—and everyone trusted him now—anything he said would be taken as fact, unless it was utterly ridiculous.
"I see... So that's how it is."
Count Gleston furrowed his brow, exhaled deeply, pondered for a moment, then looked back at Luther.
"Mr. Luther, I heard you out. So, we just need to hand over the spirit jewel, right?"
Luther felt a mix of bewilderment and joy at the count's words.
Joy at getting the spirit jewel without a fight, but... what was it? It felt oddly disconcerting that he'd hand it over without suspicion.
Count Gleston seemed to share the sentiment, smiling warmly as he continued.
"If what you say is true, then yes, we should. And even if it's not, you've saved me and everyone in the household. We can certainly spare a spirit jewel. Consider it payment for our lives."
Everyone smiled at the count's warm response—except Integra.
[It sounds reasonable, but it's not.]
[The spirit jewel is for the household's safety, so life-debt payment needs separate calculation.]
[Make sure to clarify that later. Don't let it slide.]
[Got it?]
'Yeah.'
That's our Integra.
It didn't fit the heartwarming mood, but she wasn't wrong.
So Luther nodded—doubly so—and the count instructed a butler to fetch the spirit jewel.
Despite the chaos of the attack, actual damage had been limited to the guards, so the estate had regained order surprisingly quickly.
After about ten minutes,
The butler returned to the parlor, holding a silver tray.
Atop it sat a green gem.
He'd never seen it before, but it was undoubtedly the spirit jewel.
[Master, it's a large, beautiful gem, but I don't sense any special power.]
[Could it be fake?]
Luther frowned briefly at Integra's question but soon shook his head.
Besides, the original story never clearly explained the spirit jewel's purpose.
It was only described as a necessary material for the western arc's main event, the beast lord's descent, and it never even appeared on-screen.
And right then—
"Ah!"
Anne Rose, still clinging to Lilia, suddenly widened her eyes and raised her voice.
"Anne Rose?"
Startled, Lilia blinked and asked, but Anne Rose snapped out of it with an awkward smile.
"Oh, no, it's just... Master has something similar. It looked so alike, I blurted it out without thinking."
Lilia nodded at Anne Rose's ehehe laugh, but Luther couldn't react that way.
Anne Rose's master was none other than Weapon Master Arma Valentine.
"Does your master have a spirit jewel too, Miss Anne Rose?"
At Luther's question, Anne Rose furrowed her brow briefly, then spoke uncertainly.
"Well... I don't know if that's what she calls it... But she might know something. About why that Hecatoncheires group is after it..."
[Her voice trails off more and more; sounds like she's just rambling.]
[But per Master's info, Anne Rose's master is one of the world's top powerhouses and a collector of countless artifacts, so she might really know something.]
[If possible, it might be good to show the spirit jewel to Anne Rose's master.]
Luther thought so too.
But Arma lived far from here, holed up in her abode, so actually showing it to her wouldn't be easy.
But then—
"Master should arrive in Venus City soon anyway. How about showing it to her then?"
"Oh, the Weapon Master?"
At Anne Rose's words, Count Gleston and Lilia's eyes lit up simultaneously.
Karen and Max looked shocked too, glancing at each other upon learning Anne Rose's master was the Weapon Master.
But Luther turned to Anne Rose in surprise for a different reason.
'Arma Valentine is coming to Venus City?'
[Master, didn't she stay in her abode in the original?]
She had.
In the original, Arma Valentine never left her home, and by the time Anne Rose visited in the mid-to-late game, she was already dead, leaving only her legacy.
Yet now Arma Valentine was leaving her abode for Venus City?
'Is that why Anne Rose arrived at the Gleston estate earlier than in the original?'
But why?
What butterfly effect had caused these two to deviate from the original path?
He wanted to ask.
But how should he phrase it?
"The Weapon Master's coming? That's great, but why all of a sudden? She always stayed in her abode."
Lilia.
Oh, Lilia.
As Luther silently praised her inwardly, Anne Rose scratched her cheek with an embarrassed smile.
"Well... A while back, a meteor suddenly crashed."
"A meteor?"
"Yeah, and it hit Master's house—of all places, the artifact warehouse—causing a huge explosion... I know it sounds weird, but it's all true?"
"No, I believe you. But a huge explosion?"
"Yeah, a massive one. The whole house blew up. Oh, luckily Master and I were training outside, so we weren't caught in it... Anyway, when we checked later, it wasn't a meteor—it was some unidentified artifact."
"An artifact fell like a meteor?"
"Yeah, maybe it's an artifact designed to attack like a meteor. Anyway, Master was furious and said she'd hunt down the culprit, so she came down the mountain. She told me to head to Venus City first since she had a quick stop to make alone, so that's why I arrived early by myself."
Meteor.
Unidentified artifact.
A while back.
And a fuming Weapon Master.
As Anne Rose finished, Count Gleston and Lilia marveled innocently at the curious tale, but the rest of the group didn't.
Karen and Max stared at Luther with faces that screamed "sweat, sweat, sweat."
Luther broke into a cold sweat without meaning to.
[We found another clue to the fragments, so isn't that good enough for now?]
Integra's words—whether realistic acceptance or denial—left Luther covering his face with both hands amid the confusion.