Chapter 20
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: Lucky
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The man stood with a placid expression, surrounded by pointed steel.
His composure sent Kanna’s mind reeling.
Was he insane? Or was it a display of confidence? Given the motley armor he wore, she leaned toward the former.
If the men here had been mere riffraff, they might have been intimidated by his massive frame, the iron he wore, and his relaxed demeanor. Unfortunately for him, these men were not so easily categorized.
They belonged to the ‘Lone Wolves,’ one of the three organizations that carved up the city of Karzan. In Karzan, they were so notorious that the mere sight of them made people pull out their purses and bow their heads.
‘What an idiot.’
For reasons she couldn't explain, a fire ignited in Kanna’s gut as she watched him. Perhaps it was because his deep-set eyes reminded her of *him*.
Just then, Shak the Swordsman’s eyes shifted. The men beside him nodded. It was the signal to finish him in one go.
To men who had spent their lives scavenging the city's scraps, a fair fight was an insult. Stabbing a man in the back was their pride, and plunging their knives into a single man’s belly together was how they swore brotherhood.
A heavy silence fell, and a taut tension, ready to snap at any moment, filled the hall.
“Wait!”
The word escaped Kanna’s lips like a spasm.
“Wait for what… you crazy bitch! Gut him!”
Shak roared, raising his sword high, and at his cry, the others brandished their blades. A glint of reflected light danced off the various steel weapons surrounding the man, flaunting their sharpness.
Six men swung their blades at once, yet the sound merged into a single, unified whoosh.
At that moment, through the wall of steel that had closed in, the man’s eyes met hers.
“Close your eyes.”
The man stood up, flipping the massive table as he rose. As the table overturned, dice, cups, and silver coins flew into the air. Shak, who had been at the forefront, stumbled back.
The man was a head taller than the others, so the swinging blades struck his red chestplate.
*Clang!* A crisp sound of metal on metal rang out, followed by groans from several of the men. The man’s armor was so thick that the impact had torn the skin from their palms.
Kanna saw a low chuckle escape the man’s lips. The scars on his face crinkled, and the expression that emerged was one of pure satisfaction.
“This bastard!”
Just then, Guan the Slaughterer, the largest of the group, swung his axe in a wide arc. The muscle and sinew of his forearm rippled, and the air split with a vicious sound.
Guan’s monstrous strength was famous even among the Lone Wolves. It was rumored he could tear a man’s arm off with his bare hands. Kanna was certain she was witnessing the man’s final moments.
*KRAANG!* The sound was much louder than before, but the axe only managed to scrape the man's chestplate, failing to draw blood.
“What… what kind of brutish lump of iron are you wearing…”
Guan’s eyes widened as he stared in disbelief at the man’s red cuirass. He was right. A deep gash marred the spot where his axe had struck, yet even though the gash was nearly a finger deep, none of the man’s flesh was visible.
“Well, of course, it costs a fortune in gold—wait.”
The man, who had been smiling with satisfaction and stroking his chestplate at Guan’s mumble, suddenly stiffened. With a trembling finger, he traced the deep gash.
“…Ugh?!”
In the next instant, the man’s hand shot out and seized Guan by the neck. Guan’s neck was as thick as the rest of him, but the man’s hand was so large it wrapped around it completely.
Guan’s massive body was slowly lifted into the air. His complexion turned a deathly blue in real-time, and the whites of his eyes grew wider. Saliva drooled from his lips, hidden beneath a filthy beard.
“What are you doing, you bastards! Stab him!”
Shak, dodging the toppling table, swung his sword. True to his moniker, the very sound of his blade was different. Shak’s blunt sword aimed for the man’s back.
At that moment, the man spun, dragging the hulking Guan along with him as if he were a doll. Shak’s swing ended up burying itself in Guan’s back.
“Get out of the way!”
“Guh…”
Shak screamed but didn't stop his blade. A long spray of blood erupted from Guan’s back, and Kanna, standing at an angle, was splattered with it. The hot blood made her head swim.
The man shoved Guan toward Shak. Shak cursed and tried to dodge, but Guan’s sheer size made it impossible. The two men collided and tumbled to the floor.
Only then did the table the man had flipped finally crash to the ground. Realizing all of this had happened in a fraction of a second, Kanna’s body began to tremble.
‘…He used the table on purpose.’
She finally understood why the man had flipped the table. He had used its large surface to cover his blind spot.
It was the product of cold calculation. How long had he been planning this? Kanna's mind spun in confusion.
Just then, the man slammed a scrawny man to the floor.
It was the same skinny fellow who had boasted that he was too fast to need heavy armor, that he could dodge any blade.
But he wasn't fast enough to dodge the man’s hand. He’d been grabbed by the scruff of his neck and was now being driven headfirst into the ground.
Another thug swung his sword at the man, but the blade was blocked by a green pauldron. *Clang!* The thug cursed under his breath and dropped his weapon.
*CRASH!* The brutal sound, one you wouldn’t expect from a man being slammed down, made everyone freeze for a moment.
Judging by his lolling tongue, he was clearly unconscious, but that didn't seem to be enough for the man.
He drove his fist into the skinny man’s face. *Crunch.* A sickening sound that made one wince was followed by a spray of white teeth scattering across the floor. The man’s hand was painted red. Blood gushed out like a fountain, staining his red chestplate a deeper shade.
“You… you crazy bastard!”
The faces of the men watching the gruesome scene were filled with horror, but it quickly twisted into rage.
Having lived their lives on the streets, they knew all too well how weak fear could make you. They were like beasts puffing themselves up to appear larger, but it was what they did best.
“Dammit. You pig.”
The fallen Guan squirmed and rolled to the side, allowing the blood-soaked Shak the Swordsman to crawl out from under him. Shak licked his lips and gripped his sword in a reverse hold.
*BAM!* Another sound that had no place in a brawl echoed out as the skinny man’s limbs began to twitch. Shak lowered his stance and began to approach the man.
‘What should I do?’
Kanna’s body trembled uncontrollably in the face of such raw violence, rendering her immobile.
The man, who had once looked ridiculous in his colorful armor, was now painted a deep crimson, looking like a demon crawled up from hell.
In that brief moment, another thug was twisted into a grotesque angle and sent tumbling to the floor. He had fallen forward, yet his heels touched the ground.
Kanna was terrified of the man winning, but she was just as afraid of the thugs winning.
She didn't think this monstrous man would spare her, and if Shak won, the organization would surely send an executioner after him for committing murder against the boss’s orders.
No matter who won, she was finished. A wave of despair washed over her, and tears welled in her eyes. In the end, even at the final moment, she had no choice in anything.
Just as the man was about to slam another thug into the ground, Shak, who had been slithering across the floor like a snake, coiled his legs.
It was the Snake Sword Style he always bragged about. He’d boasted time and again that he had once killed a knight with this technique, that he could kill anyone as long as he got behind them.
Shak, whose self-control weakened whenever he drank, had foolishly used his ultimate technique on a baron’s son, which was why he had fled to this remote backwater.
*Shing—* With a chilling sound, Shak, who had been flat on the ground, sprang up. He moved so fast he looked like a striking viper, fangs bared.
Shak’s sword aimed for the nape of the man's neck. Another thug had dropped his weapon and was now grappling with the man’s waist. He seemed to trust Shak completely. The treacherous Shak the Swordsman never missed an opportunity once he saw one.
At that moment, the man was busy burying his fist in the face of a thug wearing thin leather. White teeth scattered across the floor, but the man didn't stop.
As Shak’s sword neared his neck, Kanna was sure it was the end for him. The man was terrifyingly strong, but in the end, he was alone. And in this world, the majority always won.
Kanna instinctively shut her eyes.
And then.
*CRASH!* *Gack.*
A deafening crash mixed with a shallow gasp tickled her ears.
It was strange. Shak’s sword, true to its reptilian nickname, was famous for being silent. A crash…
Kanna forced her heavy eyelids open, and the scene before her was so shocking she couldn't even scream. Only a faint, breathy ‘Ah… ah…’ escaped her lips.
Standing with his foot on the crumpled form of Shak, one hand gripping the collar of a limp thug, the man was staring right at her. His entire body was crimson, and blood dripped from a long gash on his face. Every time he breathed, a low sound like a predator's growl rumbled in the air.
His eyes met hers, and he flashed that same ferocious expression.
Covered in blood, the man was smiling at her.
It was then that Kanna realized he hadn’t even drawn the sword at his hip.
***
‘The kid can’t even control her bladder.’
I clicked my tongue at the sight of water dripping from below the girl, who was staring up at me with wide eyes.
It wasn't a pretty sight for a child, which is why I’d told her to close her eyes, but like a typical kid, she hadn't listened.
One of them had managed to escape through the door, but I didn't bother chasing him. Kel could handle a guy like that easily enough.
*Guh…* The man in the chainmail hauberk beneath my foot let out a long breath. It looked quite valuable, so I moved to strip it off him. He resisted slightly, but a single knock on the head made his mouth fall open.
With that, I pulled the coif of the chainmail, and it came off smoothly.
‘He’s not wearing anything underneath. Dirty bastard.’
It was a quality piece of chainmail, but the thought of it touching that acne-riddled skin made me reluctant to wear it. Besides, it was too small for me.
‘Guess I’ll sell it or give it to the kids.’
I smacked my lips. As expected, throwing money at a problem was the best solution. Small fry like these lacked the strength or the aura to pierce thick plate armor, and in their midst, I was a man of steel.
“Guh… O-Our boss won’t let you get away with this.”
Even as he was gasping for breath, the man glared up at me with defiance. The sheer malice dripping from his voice confirmed what I’d felt when he swung his sword earlier—this was no ordinary thug. The way he’d sprung up from the floor after lying flat had been surprisingly insect-like.
Of course, in the end, he’d gone down with a squeak, just like an insect under my boot.
“Your boss?”
“Y-Yeah! Our boss will cut your belly open and eat your guts raw!”
Did my response give him a surge of courage? The man’s voice grew louder with bravado. He subtly pointed to a tattoo on his chest.
As I looked, my eyes unfortunately landed on the thick hair growing around his nipple.
‘Ah… for fuck’s sake.’
My hand moved out of habit, and the man who had been so defiant just a moment ago began foaming at the mouth and passed out. I let go of his collar and dusted my hands.
‘Guys with tattoos like this came all the way out to this backwater.’
Come to think of it, though they were clumsy, they hadn't hesitated when they swung their blades. That meant, regardless of their skill, they had plenty of blood on their hands.
The reason such men would come to a barren frontier like this was obvious.
‘They’re wanted men.’
I tapped my fingers, organizing my thoughts.
The exertion had made me thirsty. Right now, the most important thing wasn't the silver coins scattered on the floor, nor was it these thugs.
“Hey, you. The refriger— no, what’s your name?”
“Y-Yes?!”
The girl, her eyes now filled with fear, looked up at me. She was trembling.
‘I told you to close your eyes.’
I clicked my tongue, roughly gathered the fallen thugs to the side, and covered them with a cloth from one of the tables. Then I righted the table I had overturned.
“Have a seat.”
I did my best to give the child a reassuring smile and tapped the table. Did my sincerity get through? The girl, though still trembling, quickly brought a chair over and sat down.
“Joseph!”
“…Here.”
Joseph, his face pale, brought over a large wooden beer mug. I glanced at it for a moment, then pushed it toward the girl.
Her eyes widened, and she accepted it with trembling hands.
“You said you could make it cold, right?”
“Ah… y-yes! I can!”
Worried she might feel pressured, I smiled brightly again. As if encouraged by my kind expression, the girl gripped the mug with both hands and squeezed her eyes shut.
*Creak.* Just then, the door opened, and Kel dragged in the one who had fled, holding him by the collar.
“Jojang, didn't you say you'd take it easy?”
“This is easy enough, isn't it?”
Kel’s brow furrowed at my response as he surveyed the surroundings. I followed his gaze.
A broken table, splatters of blood and white teeth, and a pile of thugs wrapped in cloth. Looked easy enough to me.
“Yes, you’ve been remarkably restrained.”
Though his tone was faintly mocking, Kel lifted the cloth and began to inspect the unconscious men.
“This… looks like they’re from Karzan?”
Kel muttered as he rummaged through the fallen men’s belongings. A handful of pouches taken from their pockets piled up in his hands.
“We should be able to collect a bounty on them. For now, handing them over to the Lord seems like the cleanest option.”
“Yes. My thoughts exactly. Dragging these types around is just a hassle… and the Lord will surely be pleased with wanted men from Karzan.”
Hmm… Kel let out a small hum as he disarmed the men. His hands moved so quickly that equipment fell away with each pass. The blades and gear from their bodies were neatly stacked to the side.
“…Hic.”
Just then, the girl, stifling a small sob, offered me the beer mug.
My heart pounded at the chill emanating from it. How long had it been since I’d felt such a thrill? My hand trembled as I reached out and took the mug.
‘It’s cold! The beer mug… it’s actually cold!’
I swallowed hard and slowly brought the mug to my lips. Cool beer flowed down my throat, and a jolt like lightning flashed through my head. It felt like blood was rushing through my entire body. I was keenly aware of being alive.
‘…Now *this* is beer.’
I drained the large mug in one go and turned it upside down over my head. The coolness spread through every one of my veins, clearing my mind.
‘I have to get her.’
She may not be able to control her bladder, but this was a world where men shat on the streets anyway. Peeing her pants was practically civilized by comparison.
I had to get her. With this refrigerator, I could have cold beer whenever I wanted. I had to secure this refrigerator… no, this child. My mind raced, calculating. How much could I offer? What conditions should I present? My head was spinning.
“Ahem… First, the terms of my proposal are…”
“Please spare me! Please! Spare my life!!!”
The girl suddenly cut me off with a piercing shriek.
Her desperate cry made Kel shoot me a strange look. The fact that he didn’t ask, just went on with his work, was somehow even more annoying.
“Ahem…”
The surroundings weren’t exactly child-friendly, so I figured she could be forgiven for misunderstanding. I put on my kindest smile once more and opened my mouth.
“I’ll provide you with room and board, and I’ll guarantee your safety. We can negotiate, but I’ll give you a certain amount of silver as well. All you have to do is make my beer cold like that whenever I want.”
I laid out the conditions I thought a ‘wandering little mage who’s given up on her books’ would want.
The girl would need an umbrella. This was a place where a harsh rain fell all too often for a child to endure alone.
“…Yes? Y-Yes! Yes!”
The girl, still looking terrified, nodded her head furiously.
‘Did she even understand me?’
It was usually best to be clear in these situations, so I was about to speak again when—
*BANG!*
The door suddenly flew open with enough force to break it.
“How dare you!! Running a scam without the permission of Ska, the shadow of Castle Kasethic?!”
““Running a scam?!””
In burst Ska, the bear-like man in a flat cap, along with his rabble. He’d brought so many of them that the tavern was instantly packed.
Their faces were stern, and in their hands were not weapons, but tools that were clearly from a carpentry shop.
Among them was a pervert wearing nothing but a flat cap on his upper body.
“Huh? Aron? What’s Aron doing here?”
Ska, who had made such a grand entrance, tilted his head when he saw me.
His large, inappropriately sparkling eyes made a surge of irritation rise in me. I beckoned with my finger, and Ska approached, still tilting his head.
When he was close, I grabbed his ear and gave it a sharp twist. Ska slapped at my hand with his huge paws.
“Ack! W-Wait! There’s a misunderstanding! A misunderstanding!”
“Misunderstanding my ass. I hear you’ve been skipping the workshop again.”
“W-Who was it! I even told Cassie I was going to work this time! Have you planted a spy, Aron!”
“Spy, my ass. And what are you doing here? Why did you steal the workshop hammers?”
“Steal! I merely borrowed them for a greater cause! Oww! That hurts!”
Ska swatted at my hand and glanced sideways at the rabble behind him. He was trying to save face in front of his underlings. I felt a wave of exasperation and let go.
“Your timing is perfect. Drag those guys over there and dump them near the inner castle. Put it on my tab.”
“Huh? Oh! You already took care of them? A step too late, I see.”
Ska, who had instantly reverted to his usual infuriating expression, nodded as he looked at the tied-up men.
I couldn’t help myself and punched him. Ska tried hard to pretend it didn’t hurt, clenching his jaw, but his eyes were watery.
“Ahem… Get up, you scoundrels!”
Ska, who had nothing if not strength, yanked on the rope binding the men, and they were dragged along in a line. At the sight, the other flat-capped men applauded in admiration. Thrilled by the attention, Ska gave the rope a sharp tug, and the men crashed into chairs and tables, instantly turning the place into a chaotic mess.
“N-No… Aron is forbidden…”
Joseph the goat-beard let out a low whimper.
Ska shot me a look, then chuckled awkwardly.
***
“…Aron!! You have a daughter?! No wonder you never fell for my charms!”
My head throbbed at Hana’s shocked cry.
I was trying to think of how to explain, but then I got tired of the idea and just waved my hand dismissively.
“Hic.”
“Oh my, did I startle you? I’m sorry. Why is this child so grimy? First, let’s get you cleaned up.”
When the girl hiccupped, Hana patted her on the shoulder and led her toward the back.
For now, I had successfully acquired the refriger— no, the child. The thought that I could now have cold beer whenever I wanted brought a smile to my lips.
The heavy weight of a pocket full of silver, a brand-new refrigerator, and an incoming bounty. My armor had a scratch, but that was just a bit of wear and tear.
“Lucky me.”
I muttered to myself, then chuckled and habitually touched the pommel of my sword.
[Get a feel for it when you roll the dice like this. Get so used to it that you know what number will come up as you roll. You might see it as just a silly dice trick, but as you practice, the precision of your swordsmanship will improve along with it. That’s the secret to my dagger techniques.]
I shook my head, dispelling the voice that surfaced in my memory.
There was no such thing as luck here.
It was the sweat I’d shed and the effort I’d accumulated that decided the battle in that fleeting moment. Only those who didn't understand would call it luck.
Whether it was a game of dice or a blood-spattering sword fight.
Luck had nothing to do with it.