Chapter 49
Chapter 49
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 49
Chapter Title: An Ominous Arrival
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"Lord Allen! Thank you!"
"The Liberator from the Curse! The Witch Slayer!"
"Waaaaah!!!"
Allen and his party departed Bergen under a shower of countless flowers raining down upon their carriage.
It was hard to imagine where they'd found so many flowers with winter approaching. The sight of the floral wind enveloping the carriage was enough to create the momentary illusion of spring's arrival.
In the center of the crowd seeing him off, Soned and Karic were bursting into laughter as if their plan had been a resounding success.
Heh.
Allen pleasantly accepted the lavish send-off as he passed through Bergen's main gate.
Karic had decided to stay in the city until the end of the year, so their returning party was one person smaller.
In his place, a chest filled with tea leaves from Soned sat in a corner of the carriage.
“Hehe.”
Hearing a delighted giggle, he turned to see Linbelle beaming, clutching a sword in a pitch-black scabbard.
“You seem happy.”
“Yes!”
She replied with a wide smile.
“With this, I won't be a burden anymore!”
Allen looked at the unadorned, black-painted longsword in her arms.
Named ‘Pure Black’ for its flawless, speck-free darkness.
*‘A sword that is said to rapidly awaken a talent designated by its owner...’*
The Dyke Guild had not yet grown into the massive enterprise Allen remembered, so he hadn't expected much when told they had rare items stored away.
That was why he couldn't help but be surprised when he heard the description of this sword.
*‘If it truly has such an effect, it would fetch a high price even at an auction in the capital.’*
However, after hearing the detailed explanation, he understood why it had been gathering dust in storage.
The conditions for using it were convoluted.
First, the talent designated by the owner had to be a talent the owner actually possessed.
Besides, how many talents could possibly be awakened by a sword in the first place?
It would likely be limited to combat-related skills like magic, prana, swordsmanship, and martial arts.
But what if the owner designated ‘swordsmanship’ as their talent, yet had no aptitude for it?
Then the owner would just be wasting their time, completely unaware that their talent would never awaken.
No matter how many days they spent practicing and swinging the sword, if they truly lacked the talent, they would see no growth.
Because of this, people who bought it wondering if they had some special talent would often return it for a refund after a few weeks.
*‘It's the same even if you do have the talent.’*
The second condition was just as ambiguous.
To awaken the talent, the owner had to devote a great deal of time to it.
In other words, they had to work tirelessly, even sacrificing sleep.
The irony was that even someone without talent would improve if they worked day and night. Someone with talent would grow even faster.
So, it was impossible to tell whether the sword was having any effect.
Since the very criteria for the existence or amount of talent were vague to begin with, this was an expected outcome.
For these reasons, the sword, which had garnered much attention when first discovered, eventually found its way to the Dyke Guild through various channels.
That was why Soned had looked troubled and recommended other items when Allen chose this sword.
But Allen had stubbornly insisted on it.
Because he was certain.
*‘With this, I can ensure Linbelle's growth.’*
Certain that he could elevate Linbelle's combat prowess.
Allen knew what kind of talent she possessed, and he knew how hard she worked when no one was watching.
That was why he chose the sword without hesitation.
When Allen refused to change his mind, Soned had reluctantly accepted his decision.
*‘She seems to be pushing herself too hard lately...’*
Allen watched Linbelle with a worried expression. With obsessive eyes, she continuously caressed the scabbard, never letting it go for a second.
“Isn't that uncomfortable? You can put the sword down, you know.”
“No, my lord. I'll never, ever let it go.”
“Just for a moment...”
“I-I'm doing this because I want to, my lord... Please, I beg you.”
She cried out, hastily clutching the sword to her chest. Her eyes wavered with anxiety, her expression shifting to one of fear.
*‘Have I put too much pressure on her?’*
A flicker of regret crossed Allen's eyes before vanishing. He gave a wry smile and shook his head.
He had seen her skills blossom in the past and had placed too great an expectation on her.
*‘She can't be the same person.’*
Her mother, who had died, was now alive.
The blind vengeance that had driven her no longer existed.
*‘Emotions have a tremendous impact, especially when using prana.’*
Her driving force for growth was gone; he shouldn't have expected the same results this time.
*‘And on top of that, I gave Inellia a separate task.’*
He couldn't imagine what she must have felt, thinking she had failed to meet his expectations.
While he had been telling himself it would be fine and paid it no mind, her condition had taken a dangerous turn.
Allen sighed and replied.
“No, if you're comfortable, then do as you wish.”
“Yes, yes! Thank you.”
Linbelle's bright smile returned, and she hugged the sword tightly.
*‘It's my fault.’*
Inellia's expression was grim. Allen looked at her dark face, then closed his eyes.
*‘I hope the upcoming trip to the Divine Beast's Forest will be an opportunity.’*
Her existence proved that Allen could change the future.
So he couldn't give up.
Leaves crunched underfoot along the late autumn road as the carriage headed for El Raund, moving swiftly beneath the fluffy white clouds.
The time to meet Julius again was fast approaching.
***
Just as when he had left the estate, Allen entered the city quietly.
News of his achievements in Bergen had not yet reached El Raund, so his arrival in the city caused no stir.
Allen handed his father the report he had written in the carriage.
“You stopped by Bergen on personal business, confirmed a widespread curse, and subjugated a witch?”
Gaiel asked with a dry laugh after reading about the events in Bergen.
“Is this true?”
“Yes.”
His father, whom he hadn't seen in weeks, was no different than before.
Stiff and cold.
A man who, upon hearing of a witch's subjugation, would first verify the truth rather than offer a word of concern.
That was the Head of the Reinhardt family, his father.
“A witch reappeared and spread a curse... I won't doubt that you subjugated her completely. However...”
Gaiel turned his glass-like eyes to look at him.
“Why didn't you request support? A situation of that magnitude didn't call for acting alone...”
He was clearly wondering if Allen had another motive.
Faced with such transparent suspicion, Allen recited his prepared answer.
“Many of the domain's residents were already cursed, and I judged that any delay would be dangerous, so I acted first.”
“Is that all?”
“What could be more important than the safety and lives of the people?”
Faced with Allen's sound reasoning, Gaiel was left speechless.
“It seemed many would lose their lives to the curse while I waited for support, so I had no choice but to act.”
Despite his additional explanation, Gaiel, who had been watching Allen silently, nodded with a reluctant expression.
“...I apologize for doubting you. You've done well. You must be tired, so you may go.”
“Yes, I'll be on my way.”
Allen gave him a small nod and turned to leave.
*Click.*
Just as he opened the office door halfway, Gaiel suddenly spoke.
“Allen.”
Allen paused, and his father asked casually.
“What was your reason for going to Bergen? I don't believe I heard.”
*Is that all?*
Allen answered his question quietly.
“I couldn't forget the flavor of the elven tea I shared with you, Father. I went to Bergen to acquire some.”
“Is that so? I happen to be running low myself...”
“My apologies.”
Allen replied firmly and opened the door completely.
“I was only able to obtain a small amount, so I'm afraid I cannot share it.”
A small sigh could be heard from behind him.
“That is a pity.”
*I think so too, Father.*
*Truly.*
After his meeting with his father, Allen was immediately dragged away to see Eliza.
“It's been such a long time, Allen. Hm? Haven't you forgotten something?”
She chided him with a pouting, resentful face.
“I'm disappointed, Allen. Is a promise to your mother not a promise at all?”
“Mother, I had too much to do, I couldn't help...”
“Are you really going to say you couldn't spare even a moment?”
She sent him a sharp look as if she knew everything, and Allen meekly admitted his fault.
“I apologize.”
Finishing the matter with Acandus, training, and then subjugating the witch with Soned.
To be honest, it was true he hadn't been able to keep his promise to her while planning and executing so many things.
“I will visit you more often from now on.”
“Well... it doesn't seem like you will... but since you admitted it honestly, I'll forgive you.”
Allen answered with silence.
Eliza looked at him with displeased eyes before letting out a sigh.
“...Still, I'm glad nothing happened to you. I heard you subjugated a witch. Wasn't it dangerous?”
“It ended without any particular incident.”
“Still, be careful. You were reckless this time, honestly.”
Allen wanted to say he had acted because he was confident he could win even against the witch's full power, but the words caught in his throat at the sight of her worried eyes.
“...I will be more careful next time.”
“You're not saying you won't do it again.”
As she let out a deep sigh, Allen gestured to Inellia.
He had planned to give it to her a little later, but he didn't know how long he'd have to listen to her worries if he just sat there.
Inellia, who had been exchanging greetings with the head maid she hadn't seen in a while, took Allen's cue and discreetly placed the prepared item on the table.
“What's this?”
“It's tea leaves I acquired from a merchant guild.”
“I have plenty of tea leaves, so I'll just accept the thought—”
Allen watched her wave her hand dismissively and added.
“They're tea leaves grown by elves.”
“—but I can't refuse a gift from my son. I'll gratefully accept it. Laura.”
The head maid, who was around his mother's age, gave a wry smile as if this were nothing new and took the box of tea leaves.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
“Already? Hmm... right. You haven't been back long, have you? You must be very tired. Go and get some rest.”
“Understood.”
Allen bowed to her joyous smile and rose from his seat.
*Step, step.*
As he was leaving the outdoor terrace, her voice reached his ears.
“I don't know what you're doing, but please don't do anything dangerous.”
*He froze.*
“Allen, I've had enough of loss for one lifetime.”
Allen didn't answer and resumed walking.
She didn't seem to expect a response, as she started her tea time with Laura, her smiling face restored.
But the emotion contained in that one phrase he'd felt for a moment...
*‘...Mother.’*
It was dark, like a terribly deep and murky swamp.
So deep he dared not fathom it.
***
From the moment he arrived, Allen spent his days quietly, waiting for news of Julius.
Eliza also said little to him after their conversation that day, and Allen began to pass the time by repeating the estate's daily routine.
He reviewed his remaining plans and sent secret orders to Karic and Soned.
He learned from Vestla about the secret technique she had finally completed and researched the Divine Beast's Forest.
And so, three days passed.
“Brother Allen!”
Julius had arrived.
“Julius.”
“Brother, have you been well?”
“Yes. But that...”
Allen gestured behind him with a surprised expression, and Julius replied, trying to look as if it were nothing.
“A lot happened in the capital. These are the things I acquired thanks to that.”
The main gate of the estate was in an uproar as dozens of cargo carriages, which had entered in a long line from the city gates, were being unloaded.
Even without seeing it himself, Allen could guess what had happened.
*‘Gifts from the Third Princess and Lady Irene, and things acquired from the auction house and the black market.’*
He hadn't felt much when he read about it in the black book, but seeing it in person was astounding.
*‘In my past life, I would have been holed up in my room at this point.’*
This was the first time he had seen it for himself. The servants gaped in awe at the endless parade of gifts.
“Young Master Julius, as expected...”
“He's incredible. To acquire such things in the capital...”
“That's Lord Julius for you.”
The male and female servants seemed completely reassured by Julius's transformed appearance.
*‘...Tsk.’*
Allen watched Julius without a change in his expression.
“You wouldn't believe what happened to me, Brother.”
“Haha, that sounds fascinating. I'd like to hear about it right away, but... you must be tired from your journey. Let's hear it tomorrow.”
At Allen's consideration, Julius smiled warmly and replied.
“I'm fine, but... if you insist, Brother, then yes, I'll tell you tomorrow.”
“Good. Your health comes first, so rest well.”
*That body belongs to my brother, after all.*
“It would be a loss if you were to catch a cold.”
“Haha, I understand, Brother. I'll rest. I'll rest, alright?”
Julius left the servants to handle the remaining luggage and disappeared into the estate with Reina.
Allen watched until their backs were out of sight, then turned away.
*‘Telling me tomorrow, you say... I wonder if you'll have the time.’*
Allen swallowed a cynical smile and returned to his room with Linbelle and Inellia.
For now, he had to remain Julius's friendly brother and a righteous man.
Fortunately, Allen's prediction was not wrong.
The next day, as the entire family was gathered for a meal for the first time in a while, a servant burst through the dining hall doors with an urgent expression.
*Bang!*
“My lord! My lord!”
Julius, annoyed at being interrupted in the middle of an exciting story, immediately shouted.
“What is the meaning of this! Interrupting us during a meal...”
But the servant, his face pale, paid him no heed and yelled.
“An elf! An elf has...”
No one questioned his behavior.
“arrived at the estate in a terrible state!”
His words were important enough to overlook his rudeness.
At the servant's words, Gaiel and Eliza's expressions changed, and they shot up from their seats.
“What did you say?”
“...An elf?”
Julius furrowed his brow, not yet seeming to grasp the meaning of the servant's words.
Amidst it all.
*‘...It has finally arrived.’*
Only Allen's eyes deepened, as if he knew what was coming had finally come.
The incident that had greatly boosted Julius's fame in his past life, an event that nearly became known as the disaster of the count's domain, had begun.