Chapter 102: Formal Sitting
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 102: Formal Sitting
After finishing her conversation with the Armored Knight, Erica went to find Ferda.
Her features were familiar to him, yet the finer details had shifted. She was currently in a form that perfectly mimicked a human, devoid of horns, a tail, or wings. Nominally, this was a visit from the platinum-rank adventurer, ‘Eri.’
“Are you feeling any better?”
“Yes. The seizures have subsided, and I’ve recovered to the point where I can wield small amounts of mana.”
For a human, such a recovery would have required three years of dedicated cultivation, yet she had bounced back in a mere three hours. True to the nature of dragons who spend their entire lives researching magic, even her deep internal injuries healed with the speed of a minor scratch.
“I heard that not many adventurers participated in this incident,” Erica said, bringing up the uncomfortable topic first.
“Yes. So it seems.”
“Don’t worry. I’m currently compiling a list of those bastards to revoke their qualifications.”
Coarse insults were mixed into her formal tone, yet they didn't feel out of place at all. Besides, what was there to worry about? If he hadn't expected anything from them in the first place, there was no sense of betrayal. Those who were only greedy for the spoils always acted that way.
‘Still, this village was built to accommodate adventurers, but it seems only pests are swarming to it.’
If things continued like this, the village's existence would be meaningless. Revoking qualifications was one thing, but a proper countermeasure was needed.
“We will handle the countermeasures somehow. You just need to lend us your name, Regent.”
“Will my name be of any help?”
“With the Tower Master of the Blue Eye and the Consort of Valdrova joining forces, we can at least take the head of the current Magic Society President.”
How could a mere human escape the influence of two dragons? This was a grave matter that couldn't be resolved even by mobilizing every personal connection.
“Well, talking about this will only lead to more foul language, so let’s move on. We have something else we must face right now.”
Erica was referring to only one thing.
“You mean Gokma.”
“Yes. That fellow we all assumed was dead because he never showed his face.”
Gokma.
Known as one of Godwin’s Seven Calamities, he was one of the seven lieutenants recognized by the Demon King—disastrous entities that once exerted a profound influence over the continent.
Among them, the most underestimated Calamity was undoubtedly Gokma. It was an inevitable assessment. Because he had lost his life to the kitchen knife of a newly awakened Hero, there was a lack of objective data to evaluate him. His death had served as a wake-up call regarding the potential of humans, leading the demons to struggle desperately to prevent the birth of another hero.
“I didn't know that Gokma would be this strong.”
“Is he powerful even when compared to the other six Calamities?”
“They aren't even on the same level. At least, based on what I felt just now...”
He might even be comparable to the Demon King.
However, she didn't voice that thought. Erica herself wasn't certain. She worried that such a judgment might just be an excuse born from the fear and shame of her own defeat.
Ferda also recalled the image of Gokma he had seen with his own eyes. A body entirely concealed by a robe. Beneath it was a slender frame, much like his own, and a pair of red eyes.
‘White hands.’
The demons Ferda knew typically had black skin.
“Are Noblesse-class demons usually white?”
“No. Even the Demon King had black skin, and the same goes for his other lieutenants.”
“Gokma was different.”
“Yes, he was. I was actually curious about that myself.”
Ferda remembered it clearly, and so did Erica. The color of the fingers he had extended from beneath his robe was unmistakably white.
“Perhaps that is one of the reasons he could be so strong. If he used the power left behind by Godwin to undergo repeated mutations and alterations to maximize his own strength...”
“That is a possibility.”
While the truth remained unknown, Ferda agreed with her to some extent. Wasn't the Dark Elf named Linne currently creating a drug that could turn someone into a Knight-class demon in an instant? They learned from the past and prepared for the future. If given the chance, they would not hesitate—all to ensure that humans would never have a 'next time.'
“I don't understand why those guys targeted Hestia Village. It didn't seem like they intended to wipe it out just because it was an eyesore...”
The number of wolf monsters Gokma had sent to the village was fifteen. However, the number of monsters he had poured out to facilitate his escape was four times that. If he had unleashed that many on the village from the start, dozens would have died and hundreds would have been injured.
This half-hearted attempt was likely a probe. But a probe for what? It was difficult for them to understand why a demon, who usually only sought absolute destruction, would bother with a probe.
“For now, it would be best to erect a wall first,” Erica suggested.
“Do you think the demons will return?”
“Based on their methods, it’s unlikely they’ll come back so soon, but the people living there think differently.”
“That is a valid point.”
For now, he had to look through the eyes of the public, not as a leader. Regardless of the circumstances, an incident had occurred, and there were casualties. Any of the residents could have been the corpse lying on the road. A seed of anxiety had been planted within them.
If I stay in this city, that will be my fate someday.
Before this winter passes.
Maybe tomorrow.
No, it could even be tonight.
Even if it was just for show, it was better to let them know they were being protected.
‘And here I thought we were always short on manpower...’
Building a wall meant fewer people available for urban planning. The pace of infrastructure development would naturally slow down. This was a headache-inducing variable for Isabella, who was in charge of the city's design.
“We’ll handle the city issues like that. Shall we talk about the item I brought?”
Erica took something out of her pocket and placed it on the table. It was an amulet embedded with an orange gemstone.
“It’s an anti-magic charm.”
It was the concept she had mentioned before they formed their alliance. To Ferda, who had heard it was still in the research stage, this felt early.
“We still need to test how much demonic energy it can actually block in the Land of Demons, but I predict it can shield against 95% of infiltrating energy.”
“Which means 5% still gets through.”
“Even that 5% is a remarkable achievement if we’re talking about the inner regions of the Land of Demons. It allows humans to step foot into places they originally should never enter.”
“How long can one last with that?”
“Three days if you’re willing to take a risk. The safe range is about one day.”
One day.
“Won't it take time to detoxify after being exposed to demonic energy?”
“Our scholars at the Blue Eye recommend about fifteen days of rest.”
“So, one day of work requires fifteen days of rest.”
“Yes, it’s far too long.”
While adventuring naturally involved long periods of preparation, fifteen days was excessive. Since they would be exploring uncharted territories, it would be difficult to produce results. Above all, the biggest flaw was that it gave one too much time to think.
‘Overthinking is poison to an adventurer.’
When one must embrace danger, one shouldn't think too much. Excessive thought naturally leads to fear, and fear leads to depression. Depression is a lethal poison that ends an adventurer's life.
“The profession of an adventurer isn't viewed through the lens of efficiency, but even considering that, this isn't good. It would be wonderful if we could reduce that rest period by about a week...”
“A week, you say...”
Was there a way to solve this? Ferda thought about it for a moment but soon gave up. This wasn't something he could solve with his own abilities anyway. Therefore, he replied:
“I will mention it to Burnell.”
“That genius scholar? The one who recently distinguished himself in Halim?” Erica asked, her face filled with anticipation. It was the first time she had shown such excitement upon hearing a human's name. “Do you think he can solve it?”
“He should be able to.”
Ferda didn't know how he would solve it, but Erica didn't question him further.
‘If it’s someone under Regent Ferda, it might be possible.’
His resourcefulness was among the best she had ever seen, not just among humans his age, but among all humans she had encountered. She was almost afraid that trying to peer into his mind would only reveal her own shallowness. Erica believed Ferda possessed a unique wisdom she couldn't comprehend.
In truth, he didn't have a specific plan either. Ferda simply thought:
‘Burnell will figure something out.’
Ferda still didn't understand how Magitech worked. Even the assistants working directly under Burnell only understood a fraction of it; how could Ferda? So, in his mind, whether it was actually possible remained a mystery. Still, since Burnell was a genius of Magitech, he would surely provide some kind of answer.
Burnell was the only one being ground down by such vague expectations.
* * *
Late at night, after all duties were finished, Ruri went down to Valdrova’s lair. As usual, she carried a summary of political affairs to discuss. However, her expression was unlike its usual self. She looked as if she were going to face a prisoner locked in a dungeon.
“Master, it is Ruri. I am coming in.”
She entered Valdrova’s lair through a small side door.
“Master, what I have to tell you today is—”
Ruri’s words cut off abruptly. The great presence of the red-scaled dragon was nowhere to be found in the massive lair. Instead, a small woman sat kneeling on the floor, her armor removed.
“Why are you sitting in such a formal posture?” Ruri asked, looking down at her in bewilderment.
“Well...” Valdrova replied in a flustered voice. “Because Ruri will be angry...?”
“I am not angry.”
“Really?”
“I am just... a little disappointed.”
Valdrova lowered her head, fidgeting with her fingers. Those words sounded more painful than an angry outburst.
“But, Ruri...”
“Yes.”
“How did you know?”
“...Given your conduct, Master, it was impossible not to notice. It was that very conduct that made me suspect the armor’s functions.”
“Was it that obvious?”
“It seems it wasn't entirely obvious. Lord Ferda doesn't know, does he?”
“I see.”
Valdrova let out a sigh of relief. Seeing that, Ruri’s expression sharpened slightly.
“It is too early to be relieved.”
Ruri pulled something out and showed it to her. The Rumors of Calamity was open.
“I looked through the records, and it seems you are active under the name ‘Armored Knight.’”
“Y-yes...”
“And you’ve already been working here for several months.”
“That’s right...”
Valdrova’s shoulders slumped heavily.
“A Vow of Silence. How very clever. If you had spoken, Lord Ferda would have realized who you were immediately.”
“That... that just kind of happened unintentionally as I went along...”
“I suppose so. There is no way you would have been that meticulous, Master.”
Ruri let out a sigh.
“Is what you are doing now a human diversion?”
“It’s not a diversion. I-I’m helping the humans.”
“...”
Indeed. This couldn't even be called a diversion. A dragon’s 'diversion' usually referred to doing things that ordinary humans couldn't handle. The main purpose was to leave behind great achievements or notoriety before vanishing, thereby flaunting the dragon’s greatness to future generations.
That was how it was supposed to be. But what kind of dragon would disguise themselves as a human just to work as a laborer carrying loads at a construction site? That wasn't a great achievement or even a simple diversion; it was a laughingstock.
As a dragon’s servant, Ruri did not approve of this. She wanted Valdrova to treat her power and reputation with more care.
“But you see...”
Unaware of Ruri’s feelings, Valdrova smiled brightly and held something out.
“I worked hard and saved up this much money!”
She proudly showed off a pouch. Inside was a mix of copper and silver coins. Ruri felt her emotions boiling over. One could get more money than that just by kicking a random item out of the storehouse. It was displeasing to see her finding fulfillment in such a pittance. She had to get angry.
“Are you happy?”
“Yes. I’m happy.”
“What is so good about it?”
“I realized that I can build something without breaking it.”
“...”
Upon hearing those words, Ruri’s anger subsided remarkably. Ruri knew. Beneath that pure smile and the self-deprecation she casually tossed out lay an immeasurable abyss. Because only Ruri had looked deep into that inner self, she was the only one who could scold her—and the only one who could pity her.
But that joy was short-lived. Valdrova’s head bowed toward the floor.
“But... in the end, I broke things again. Is that all I’m capable of?”
Valdrova scratched her cheek, a faint, awkward smile on her face.
“How could that be? You are the Aspect of Power, Master. You are capable of deeds far greater than that.”
Ruri wrapped her arms around Valdrova’s shoulders. Valdrova leaned her head slightly against her.
“But the people were afraid. Because I broke things again...”
“They were simply caught in the heat of the moment. You know how it is, don't you? Humans are foolish. They may fear what is right in front of them, but once they reflect on it, they will soon realize your deeds and sing your praises.”
Valdrova looked up at Ruri. Her golden eyes were moist.
“Do you think so?”
“Why don't you go see for yourself? While wearing that armor.”
Valdrova’s eyes widened at Ruri’s words.
“Am I... allowed to keep doing that?”
“You may.”
“Even though you dislike it, Ruri?”
“How could a mere servant stop the will of her Master?”
Things had come to this; she couldn't possibly stop her.
‘If such a trivial diversion can soothe her heart even a little and help her wounds heal...’
How could she call it foolish and tell her to stop? Even if it went against the dignity of a dragon, she would gladly endure it if it meant Valdrova could be a little happier.
“Then, then, you see...”
With an excited face, Valdrova asked for one more thing.
“Can I also be Lord Ferda’s knight?”
Ruri felt the limits of her patience already.
“...And why do you want to do that?”
“Well... because then I can see Lord Ferda often?” Valdrova said, fidgeting with her fingers.
“Don't you see him often already?”
“O-of course I see him often... I do, but...” Valdrova scratched her cheek as she answered. “He looked a little... cool, acting differently than usual.”
“...Cool?”
“Lord Ferda has always been kind to me, so I always thought of him as a kind person. But...”
“But...?”
“Seeing him act a bit cold made it feel like we were strangers, and because of that...”
Valdrova blushed. Her face was that of a girl in love.
“It made my heart flutter, I guess?”
“...”
In an instant, the fire was rekindled in Ruri’s calmed heart. A light called 'responsibility' blazed in her eyes.
“Master.”
“Yes?”
“Sit formally.”
“Wh-what?? Why?”
“I am beginning my lecture.”
The Rumors of Calamity was opened in earnest, and Valdrova’s complexion turned pale. She teared up with a pained expression, but even those tears became fresh material for the lecture.
* * *
Following Ruri’s advice, Valdrova visited Hestia Village again. The same armor, the same demeanor. She was the Armored Knight, exactly as before.
‘They’re looking at me.’
She could clearly feel their gazes. At the same time, she heard their whispering.
— The monster is here.
— Another monster that kills people...
— Kyaaaak!
The phantom whispers born from those stares tormented her persistently.
‘Should I just go back after all?’
Her legs, which had never wavered against any attack, shook from her fragile heart.
“Sir Knight.”
The fog cleared, and she returned to reality. A young girl had boldly approached and was standing before her. It was the small child who had been caught by the wicked adventurers. The child who had almost been swallowed by the monster’s maw.
And the child who had looked at her as if she were a monster.
“Th...”
The girl struggled to open her mouth as she held something out.
“Thank you for saving me.”
It was a flower. A common wildflower one could find anywhere in the forest. However, Valdrova grasped that flower as if it were more precious than anything else.
The gap-toothed smile the girl wore was beautiful beyond measure.