Chapter 67
Chapter 67
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 67
Chapter Title: To Lüsetro (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Two days later, we wrapped up our lives in the Ekaitz Republic and prepared to depart for Lüsetro. I wanted to stay a few more days, but with Darión's ship setting sail soon, we couldn't delay.
Before leaving the Ekaitz Republic, I finished the dungeon conquest job with Catarina and received an old scroll from her.
"What's this?"
"You stayed true to our deal, so this is your reward."
"My reward..."
"It's something that was among the Crows' smuggled goods."
"You got away with stealing this?"
"I didn't steal it. I just picked it up after it was left behind."
"You didn't return it."
"That's on them for not putting their names on the scroll."
"Hahaha."
I burst out laughing, untied the leather strap, and unrolled the old scroll. It was written in an unknown language. Ancient tongue? Or perhaps divine script from the gods? It was a form that was hard to recognize at a glance.
Wait, this is...
'...Infernal Script.'
The script of demons. It was like scraps spat out from a cesspool containing every script in existence. At first glance, it resembled divine script, but in truth, it was entirely different. It was a blasphemous script designed to be mistaken for divine script.
"No expert we called in could figure out what script it was."
"I see..."
That made sense. Infernal Script had been forbidden since ancient times, to the point where it was practically extinct now.
Even I wouldn't have recognized the writing on the scroll as Infernal Script without my [Interpreter] trait.
"...Do you know what it is?"
Catarina asked me with a voice laced with expectation.
'But should I tell her the truth about this?'
I rolled the scroll back up and tied it with the leather strap.
"I'm not sure. I'll need time to investigate it myself."
"Hmm, that's a shame."
"Luckily, our next stop is Lüsetro. With any luck, I might find something out there."
It was a lie. Elves would likely recognize Infernal Script, and if they did, there was a high chance they'd take the scroll from me. So I absolutely couldn't let them find out about it.
'I ended up with something more dangerous than I thought...'
If only this were a clue for the Origin God quest. I tucked the scroll into my bosom and thanked Catarina.
"Thanks for everything, Catarina. I hope we meet again someday, whenever that may be."
Catarina's beautiful white tail swayed gently.
"No need for such grand farewells. The Catarina Merchant Guild has branches all over the continent."
"Really?"
"...If you need help, come find the Catarina Merchant Guild anytime."
"Haha. Thanks, Catarina."
I gracefully kissed the back of her hand and stepped back.
* * *
Darión's ship boasted the sleek, dolphin-like form typical of elven craftsmanship. The figurehead was modeled after Envis, and the sails bore the crest of House Darión. It was clear a lot of care had gone into both function and aesthetics. Quite flashy. The queen's nephew's grandson, huh.
While the crew prepared for departure, I said goodbye to Catarina and Roschnak, who had come to see us off, as well as Iris, Roschnak's magic tutor.
They always bickered, but affection had grown between them. Facing parting, El couldn't hold back her tears. They were around the same age, and despite everything, the friendship they'd built over time made it natural. It wasn't just El—Roschnak was biting her lip to hold back tears too.
I let the two kids say their goodbyes and turned to Catarina and Iris.
"Thanks for everything, Catarina. Take good care of Roschnak."
"Don't worry. Have a safe trip."
"Iris, please look after Roschnak too. Help her become a great mage."
"Of course, Theodor. Roschnak is a precious student to me. I'll teach her well."
"Thank you both so much."
As I smiled, the two beautiful women each planted a kiss on my cheek. Was this an Ekaitz Republic farewell custom...?
"Stay healthy."
"Safe travels."
I awkwardly waved and walked over to El and Roschnak.
They'd apparently cried their fill—their eyes were moist, faces flushed red. It was funny seeing these kids who'd bickered like they wanted to devour each other now like this. I pulled them both into a big hug.
"Did you say proper goodbyes?"
"......"
"......"
Both were sniffling too hard to speak. I held back a chuckle and patted their shoulders.
"We'll see each other again soon."
At my words, Roschnak threw her arms around me. She buried her face in my chest, sobbing as she said.
"Become a great mage..."
"Yeah, yeah."
"#@[email protected]!$^*&......"
I had no idea what came after that. I patted her back soothingly.
I pulled a small pearl from my pocket. It was a holy pearl infused with a 'blessing' sold at the Donar Temple. I attached it to the center of the seashell pendant I'd given her before. The pearl around Roschnak's neck gleamed with a soft light.
"A gift."
"......"
"It holds Donar's blessing. It'll protect you."
"Hic..."
Roschnak nodded. Seeing her tear-streaked face stirred emotions in me too. Affection is a scary thing.
"Stay well, Roschnak."
With that, we gathered our things and boarded Darión's ship. The departure horn blared long and loud, and we waved to the people on the pier.
The start of a long farewell.
* * *
I popped a motion sickness candy into my mouth and leaned on the railing, staring blankly at the rippling waves.
-Grrrr...
Ayla, who was beside me, suddenly growled. I looked up toward the source of the presence.
"Theodor, what are you doing alone? Can't sleep?"
It was Darión. Even in the dark midst of the sea, his golden hair shone dazzlingly as he smiled brightly.
"It's fine, Ayla."
I stroked Ayla's head to calm her growling, then offered Darión a motion sickness candy.
"I'm resting because the seasickness is bad."
"What's this?"
"Motion sickness candy."
"Motion sickness candy?"
"It's candy made with dried ginger powder, dried mint powder, and honey. Great for nausea."
"Hoo."
Did elves not get seasick? Darión examined the candy curiously before popping it into his mouth.
"Not a bad taste."
"Right?"
Darión leaned on the railing and nodded. He gazed at me with a rather sentimental expression, then spoke in a syrupy voice.
"How does it feel to be heading home?"
Oh, right. He still believed I was an elf half-blood. An ancient elf half-blood descendant abandoned outside Lüsetro for centuries, maybe millennia... Overkill backstory.
Anyway, no harm in playing along. His status would be a big help in Lüsetro.
'I absolutely can't let him find out it's a lie.'
Fortunately, I knew quite a bit about elves. From game lore in my past life, and stories from that old hag who obsessed over elves...
"It's surreal. I never thought I had a homeland."
Not a lie. The Republic of Korea didn't exist on this continent.
"Heh heh heh..."
What was that syrupy laugh?
"Lüsetro is a beautiful place, little brother. You, who lived a normal life, might shed tears of emotion the moment you enter."
"......"
"You can look forward to it. I'm quite eager for the day I introduce you to everyone."
"......Everyone?"
"Yes, my family. Meeting Her Majesty the Queen isn't easy, but..."
Darión flashed a dazzling smile and patted my shoulder.
"I'll make a special request."
Suddenly, the scroll in my bosom felt heavy. If they found this in front of the elf queen...
I'd be dead meat.
'I need to hide it as best I can.'
The subspatial ring would definitely be inspected at entry, so... maybe stash it in the Dimensional Garden?
"What are you thinking to make that face?"
"Oh, nothing."
I hurriedly changed the subject and looked out at the distant sea. In the middle of the horizon, the waves sparkled unusually.
"A pensive face..."
"......Huh?"
Darión was about to say something syrupy again, but I didn't hear it properly. The sparkling waves were drawing closer toward us.
'Wait, it's the middle of the night—can waves sparkle like that?'
As it neared, the waves began to reveal their true form.
"That's...!"
"Sea goblins!"
I cut off Darión and shouted to the crew on deck.
'It wasn't the waves sparkling—it was the spears and swords the sea goblins were holding!'
I thought all the sea goblins around here had been wiped out, but some remained? Four or five rode each red sea lion, approaching at high speed.
"Battle stations! Everyone to your positions!"
At Darión's command, the armed soldiers took their places. True to elven style, most weapons were bows.
'But if the sea goblins dive, bows won't help...'
What worried me was them boring holes in the ship's hull. Damn, I'd used up all my gill potions, none left...
"There are a lot of them. Theodor, stay in the cabin with your retainers."
"Better if I help..."
Darión shook his head with that infuriating elven smile.
"This is my ship. And my soldiers are highly skilled."
Ah... suit yourself? I barely hid my shit-eating expression and stepped back.
"Fine, I'll watch then. Just in case."
"Haha, yes. It'll be good experience for you."
Darión nodded as if he had no choice. What a hassle just offering help. Elven superiority complex... truly sickening.
To prevent any mishaps, I glared at the sea goblins from the deck, ready to summon something and sweep them away if needed.
-Rumble rumble rumble...
Then, an even larger wave began to rise.