Chapter 72: It’s a Misunderstanding
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 72: It’s a Misunderstanding
An uncomfortable silence hung in the air.
Ferda pressed his index finger against his forehead, rubbing it firmly.
‘I understand.’
People were bound to talk behind others' backs. Badmouthing someone was a classic, if crude, way to build a sense of belonging within a group.
Doing it was one thing; getting caught was another matter entirely—especially when the person being disparaged was the listener's own fiancée.
However, Ferda didn’t feel indignant. Instead, he grew calm. Perhaps he had already exhausted his anger during his confrontation with Erdes, or perhaps he simply didn't intend to make an issue of something that was already in the past.
For now, he decided to ask what he was curious about.
“I have a question.”
“...Go ahead,” Erica replied.
“Do other Dragons think of my fiancée this way as well?”
“...Please just assume that Dragons generally don't get along with each other.”
“No, I need the objective facts. If you’re going to help me, tell it to me straight.”
Ferda spoke with gravity. Erica couldn't tell if that serious look in his eyes was fueled by anger or mere intellectual curiosity. Nevertheless, she gave him the answer he wanted.
“Yes. Looking at her track record, one can’t help but say such things.”
“...”
“Even this very moment is proof. Wanting to take a human as a partner and get married? It’s so absurd it’s not even a joke.”
The Aspect of Power, yet an Aspect unable to use that power. Hearing that contradiction, it truly was absurd. Valdrova was an existence defined by contradictions.
“Setting aside emotional talk for now.”
Since dwelling on the past was unproductive, Ferda decided to discuss the present.
“What are the benefits of forming an alliance with Iorga?”
“I can lend strength to the Eastern Conquest you intend to carry out, Regent Ferda.”
“With your people?”
“We have been conducting research on the Far East for a long time.”
Pride radiated from Erica’s tone, carrying the characteristic arrogance of a Dragon Spawn.
“The reason the Far East cannot be conquered is the presence of demonic energy.”
This was something Ferda already knew. The corrupted mana rising from the Land of Demons destroyed both mind and body.
“To set foot in the Far East, one requires the protection of all the gods and every possible magic. That is why only a tiny, elite group—the Hero’s party—could enter that region.”
The 12 Heroes. The High Priests serving each god and all the Dragons had protected them by chanting spells of divine protection. Among those twelve members of the Expeditionary Force were the Dragon Spawns Erica Iorga and Erdes Roton.
“We have been researching Project Hestia, and only recently have we achieved meaningful results.”
Meaningful results. At those words, Ferda felt a slight surge of excitement.
“And what are they?”
“Something called Anti-Magic Resistance.”
Anti-Magic Resistance. Not a bad name. Since the term wasn't in Ferda’s vocabulary, he suspected it might be a strategic weapon Iorga had kept hidden.
“Can it be used as a cure?”
“No. It is not a fundamental solution to the problem of being eroded by demonic energy.”
“Didn't you say you achieved meaningful results while researching a cure?”
“That’s how research goes. Discoveries made in unintended directions also count as results.”
Is she playing with me?
When he shot her a sharp look, Erica glossed over it with a quick, “Anyway.”
“To put what we discovered simply, it’s the difference between prevention and a cure.”
Prevention was preparing for what was to come; a cure was resolving what had already happened.
“Then what is the status of the cure?”
“That... there is still no progress. Since it’s research that has to start from scratch, the direction of the results remains unclear.” Erica let out a long sigh. “So, the point of this conversation is that if you intend to approach the Land of Demons, I will focus more on researching Anti-Magic Reagents rather than a cure.”
“What do you plan to do with the Anti-Magic Reagents? Expect the Archduchess of Valdrova’s territory to take the risk?”
“No. I plan to involve the Adventurer Guild more heavily.”
“The Adventurer Guild?”
“I’ve already brought them in, but so far, I’ve only been throwing them requests that amount to running errands. I’ve been using stopgap measures, but now the time has come to actually put them to use.”
Adventurers handled various tasks, from mail delivery and minor errands to subjugating Guardians—the regional protectors—and monsters. The commission fees varied greatly depending on skill and difficulty.
“Will those people willingly go to the Land of Demons?”
“If this works, there’s nothing they won’t do.” Erica made a circle with her thumb and index finger—the universal sign for money. “What if it’s not just a request for investigation, but the chance to bring back the mysteries of the East from before it was eroded by demonic energy? Even the scraps will cause a fever at the Auction House.”
Mysterious records of the East were items capable of fascinating mages and knights alike. Even Ferda had thought that if he could learn Eastern magic, he might make significant progress.
‘Though it was impossible because of the demonic energy.’
Because that great barrier could not be crossed, such things were often dismissed as mere legends. But if there was big money to be made, adventurers were the type to jump into a pit of fire.
It was a truly excellent idea. People had only observed the current ecology of the Land of Demons from afar; who had actually set foot there? Identifying the terrain and what lay within would be invaluable for future conquest attempts.
Based on her proposal, Ferda continuously mapped out the future. The gaps in his plans were being filled, and his imagination grew richer. Yet, Ferda couldn't let go of one suspicion.
‘Can I really trust this woman?’
The emotions he had felt during the Grand Council were still vivid in his mind.
“You’re wondering if you can trust me, aren't you?”
“Yes.”
“You certainly are blunt.” Erica lifted her teacup, pretending to savor the tea as she narrowed her eyes. Then, as if she had made up her mind, she looked him in the eye. “What you said kept coming back to me. You asked what I would do at the very end, didn't you?”
Those were words Ferda had thrown out in a fit of pique.
“My conclusion is that I will not think about that end at all.”
Ferda was dumbfounded. Was wanting to escape the future something a leader should say? But he soon realized that wasn't it. What dwelt in her eyes was the heavy responsibility of a leader.
“I want to do my best with what I can do right now.”
Looking into those eyes, Ferda could be certain. He could trust this woman.
“Very well. Let us form an alliance.”
Joy spread across her face. However, like a seasoned leader, she responded with a composed expression.
“I hope we can develop a good relationship.”
“Since we’ve formed an alliance, may I make a request now?”
Erica, who had been about to wrap things up, was slightly flustered by Ferda’s immediate request. “I didn't expect you to need help so soon.”
“The timing is coincidental.”
Ferda had Ruri bring the items he had seized from the Linne Research Director to show her.
“What is this?”
“Items taken from a Demon research facility. The director’s journal and samples.”
“Demons!” Erica was more than a little shocked.
Ferda briefly explained what had happened at the research facility. As the explanation continued, Erica grew increasingly agitated.
“My god... are you saying the Demons have created a drug that can turn someone into a Knight-class in an instant?”
“It’s still a prototype, but a Bouncer-class was able to contend with two of our knights.”
“There’s a difference in skill, but if it were a real Bouncer, they wouldn't have struggled that much. That must mean the prototype’s efficacy is lower or there are severe side effects...”
Erica peered into the liquid inside the bottle. Her eyes, glowing with multiple layers of mana and magic circles, attempted to analyze the components. But she only came back with a frustrated expression.
“Above all, this is something mimicking the power of that Godwin. Heavens. To only find out about such a thing now... Erica, you stupid girl. What have you been doing all this time?”
With wide eyes and her body trembling, she couldn't contain her excitement. Then, she locked eyes with Ferda and gasped.
“I-I’m sorry. I’ve made a fool of myself. Before being a leader, I am a researcher. When I see things like this, I get... overstimulated.”
“I’m used to it.”
He already knew a guy who ran out naked screaming and a girl who sniffed hair to absorb components; this was practically charming in comparison.
Next, she examined the journal. Upon seeing the characters, she furrowed her brows.
“This is... the language of the High Elves.”
Unlike Ferda, she recognized it instantly.
“Can you translate it?”
“Unfortunately, I only know enough to recognize it as High Elf script. The language of the Guardians of the World Tree exists for the sake of secrecy.”
“So it’s impossible?”
“It’s not entirely impossible. No matter how secret it is, the principle is that the Elven spirit must always be connected. Those closest to the rooted source handle everything.”
Ferda understood the meaning of that source. “The Great Chieftain.”
“Yes, that person should be able to interpret it. We’d have to go deep into the West, but that shouldn't be a major problem...”
They had found a way through, but it wasn't as simple as he’d hoped. High Elves were the highest tier among Elves and a very reclusive group. The Great Chieftain would certainly not be easy to deal with.
“If we can persuade the Great Chieftain, it might work out somehow...”
“There’s no need to persuade them,” Ferda interrupted. “We can just blackmail them.”
“Pardon?”
“If we tell them we’ll reveal to the whole world that a High Elf became a Dark Elf, they’ll come running out barefoot.”
“That’s... well...” Erica hesitated. It was a delicate issue. She wasn't sure if she should call it a brilliant idea or a crazy one.
“Let’s discuss this later. The High Elves are currently in the middle of their Autumn Festival, and they’ll be preparing for the Winter Festival soon.”
Their prayers honoring the abundance of autumn and the desolation of winter wouldn't stop until the buds of spring began to bloom. He would have to wait at least a full quarter of a year. Still, he took significance in the fact that a glimmer of possibility had emerged.
“I’ll return the journal, but I’ll take these samples. Perhaps I can find a clue for the cure.”
Her excited face made him think she might actually pull it off. Perhaps that was why he decided to share one more thing.
“There is one more thing.”
“What else is left?” Erica’s eyes sparkled like a child receiving a birthday present.
“My mana.”
“...Excuse me?” She looked disappointed, like a child who had received a gift suited for a grandmother. “Mana? What do you mean by that?”
“I can resolve Lady Valdrova’s blood energy with my mana.”
At those words, her eyes went wide. Her vertically slit pupils shrank like a cat’s in the midday sun.
“Do you mean you cured her?”
“No. I simply resolve the blood energy that arises in those situations.”
Erica looked more puzzled than interested. It was such a radical claim that it was hard to believe at face value. The mages of the Blue Eye were elites. They had all put their heads together to research it, but they hadn't even been able to create something to suppress it, let alone resolve it. And yet, a mere human possessed such bizarre mana? And a human’s mana was affecting a Dragon?
“I knew the mana of the Red Circle possessed unique properties because it is composed of emotions. But for it to be a power that can suppress or resolve Godwin’s chaos...”
She thought and thought again. Yet, she couldn't understand it. Iorga was the Aspect of Water and Magic. For Erica, who served as a leader under that Aspect, to not understand this was a massive blow to her pride.
In the end, Erica cast that pride aside. “Fine,” she said. “Let’s try it.”
“Try what?”
“The mana. I need to find out what kind of mana yours is, so I’ll have to feel it for myself, won't I?” Erica took off her glove and reached out her hand to Ferda.
“It probably won't have much effect. It only works on Lady Valdrova.”
“Are you sure? One hundred percent?”
It worked on Valdrova. But it hadn't worked on Ruri, Silverwind’s Spawn. Therefore, it should have no effect, or at least a negligible one, on Erica, who was also a Spawn.
“I’m reasonably sure.”
“‘Reasonably’ and ‘sure’ are words that cannot coexist. Let’s feel it directly. It’s not like it’ll mean much anyway.”
Right, what special meaning could there be in passing mana? Thinking that, Ferda took Erica’s hand.
“I expect your mana isn't anything special. You likely used magic unconsciously like those born with sorcerous blood, or it flows in a way that— Hkkyiaaaaaang?!”
The moment the mana was injected, a sharp, strangled cry burst from her lips. It was the sound of a young lady startled by a freezing wind blowing up her skirt. Erica’s legs gave out, and she slumped right where she stood.
Sitting on the floor, Erica looked up at Ferda. Startled by the unexpected reaction, Ferda quickly let go of her hand. On the face of the cold leader was a flush of deep shame and trembling pupils.
“??”
“??”
Ferda and Erica stared at each other’s faces.
“?????”
“?????”
Even though they stared at each other, there was no one to solve this mystery.
* * *
“Womanizer.”
Ruri denounced him with a cold gaze. She hadn't said anything during the meeting, but she had watched everything with bated breath.
Ferda was quite flustered. “What’s this talk about being a womanizer?”
“Didn't you just flirt with that arrogant girl?”
“We only held hands, and the Tower Master was the one who screamed.”
“Scream? To anyone’s ears, that was a moan.”
Ferda had to concede that point. “I only channeled mana. It was what the Iorga leader wanted.”
“You’ve brought out the exact repertoire of a cheater.”
This is driving me crazy.
“You’ve felt it before too,” Ferda argued.
“And did I wail like that arrogant girl?”
“No, you didn't.”
“There was nothing special. It was just mana. But when you did it to the Iorga leader, there was something different. Could it be...” Ruri narrowed her eyes. “Do you like that woman?”
“Are you insane?” He reflexively snapped back with a grimace. “It was just mana.”
“Then why was I the only one who was fine?”
“Does that matter?”
“It matters.” Ruri irritably pulled off her glove. “Try it. If I feel even a little something, I’ll put all my strength into moaning for you just like she did.”
Since Ruri was acting this way, he didn't feel like taking her hand, regardless of the truth. Ferda decided to respond firmly.
“Why are you being so hypersensitive?”
“Don't change the subject.”
“I didn't mind the interrogation so much. But you’re being incredibly persistent today.”
“...Isn't it because someone who has a fiancée is acting like that?”
“To me, it looks like more than just hypersensitivity. Did I whisper sweet nothings? Did I drag her to the bedroom? It was just a new reaction born out of ignorance, so why are you making me out to be a scoundrel?”
Ferda showed his anger while remaining calm. Hearing those words, Ruri’s expressionless face showed signs of agitation. She thought about Ferda’s words and then lowered her head.
“I’m sorry. You’re right. I am merely Lady Valdrova’s attendant...”
Seeing her mumbling like a dejected puppy, Ferda recalled the events of the day. Ruri had had a day just as difficult as his. The pressure of war and the cold gaze of Goz Silverwind—she had to endure all of it.
‘Right, it’s been a hard day.’
That must be why she was being so hypersensitive and making a fuss. She was just trying her best, as always. This was a time for praise, not a reprimand.
Ferda looked down at the bowing Ruri. “You worked hard today.”
Then, he placed his hand on her head and gave it a light stroke.
“...”
Ruri didn't lift her head or react. The moment his hand touched her, she froze solid.
After placing his hand on her head, Ferda thought: Wait, what the hell am I doing?
He had done it instinctively, but why? Ferda realized why the action felt familiar. Hadn't someone said that when an adult male praises a child, stroking their head is effective? That was why Mori had asked him to do that when he praised her.
That was it. Ferda had treated Ruri like a child. She was already someone who got annoyed at being treated like a child. She was bound to be angry.
“Ugh...”
But as he thought that, it wasn't the case. Contrary to his expectation that she would snap at him, Ruri remained silent. With her head lowered, she was simply feeling Ferda’s touch.
‘Why?’
He didn't know. They say animals feel a sense of comfort when the scruff of their neck is held. Is it because they feel a mother’s love, or is it just habit? Or perhaps her anger had so overwhelmed her that his hand was like a detonator—the moment he pulled it away, he’d be dead.
As all sorts of thoughts filled his head, she finally spoke.
“G-get out quickly. I have to clean.”
“Right, I understand.”
Only then did Ferda remove his hand, and Ruri moved as well. She immediately spun around and began sweeping the floor. For a very brief moment, he saw her skin where it wasn't covered by her hair. Her face was flushed bright red.
* * *
Ruri thought: All humans change.
The heart cannot resist the flow of time. Consistency is as fragile as a reed, so much so that it is treated as a revered virtue. Ferda was the same. She no longer knew what that man was thinking. To think a person could change so much in less than a year.
He had Lady Valdrova, yet now he was acting like a womanizer, holding other women’s hands. He kept doing things she hated.
“...”
No, Ruri knew. That man hadn't changed. He hadn't thought much of it when he held their hands. He had no intention of cheating. He had simply used it as an excuse to tease her.
But now, a stifling emotion welled up within her. Right. The one who had changed was Ruri herself.
Ruri was also vaguely aware of it. When she became anxious, Ferda’s name naturally came to mind before the thought that she could handle it herself. And when Goz arrived at the castle, she had even grabbed Ferda's sleeve without thinking.
That change had begun after Ferda killed Abel, when she had sobbed in his arms.
‘Lord Silverwind.’
Ferda had felt like the Silverwind of the past.
‘Why...’
She couldn't understand why she had made such an absurd mistake. Silverwind and Ferda were different. Unlike the rough men of the North, Ferda was gentle and intellectual. His strictness regarding rules was something forged by the harsh North and the second-in-command, Goz.
‘They don't look alike at all.’
When Silverwind polymorphed, he was a middle-aged man with a long beard, whereas Ferda was a young man in his prime. If there was a resemblance, it was perhaps the hair color, but even that was a stretch.
She retraced her thoughts carefully. Ruri realized one thing.
‘The scent.’
The scent she had smelled while leaning against Ferda and crying. A cool scent of peppermint and chamomile, intense yet subtle. And the scent of ash that brings desolation.
Why had she smelled that scent on Ferda?
‘It’s a misunderstanding.’
An absurd misunderstanding. Her memories had been muddled because she was overwhelmed by emotion. That’s what Ruri thought. She had to think that way. To mistake him for her father, Silverwind, was a profanity.
‘I really need to scrub him clean.’
She would fill the bath with lavender and soak him until the scent was completely erased. Whatever the case, Ferda was the one at fault.