Chapter 149
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 149
Chapter Title: Shocking Proposal
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A shocking proposal.
For a native to volunteer as the guardian of an Otherworlder—for the Otherworlder Snowman himself, as well as Chameli and Philia who were listening in—it was enough to leave them all flustered.
"My... guardian, you say?"
"That's right."
Viscount Brispin glanced subtly at Chameli and Philia, giving them a hint.
Chameli and Philia shot to their feet.
"It seems like this isn't something we should be hearing. We'll wait outside."
"I appreciate the consideration."
In an instant, only Viscount Brispin and Snowman remained in the room.
'Why? Why is he volunteering to be my guardian?'
Snowman was thrown into confusion by the completely unexpected condition from Viscount Brispin.
As if reading his mind, Viscount Brispin continued.
"Don't worry too much. This proposal isn't some depraved noble's wicked scheme, as you might fear."
Is this a hidden camera?
How'd he know? lol
Isn't this illegal surveillance?
Snowman responded plainly.
"I've never heard of a native volunteering to be an Otherworlder's guardian before. I'm concerned it could lead to complications for both sides."
"Times are changing."
"......"
"Don't think all the natives of Pandea are fools. Among Otherworlders, there are those dissatisfied with the current social order, and among the natives in leadership positions, there are those wary of Otherworlders themselves."
"...You're right."
"Slowly... cracks are forming in Pandea. The friction between us is piling up like fallen leaves across the continent. And when a single spark falls... those leaves will all ignite at once."
What does that even mean?
Sounds like tension between Otherworlders and natives.
Aha, got it.
Viscount Brispin explained calmly to Snowman.
"Of course, the chances of anything happening right away are low. But what concerns me is what comes after. Becoming my ward doesn't give me any real hold over you, so all I can offer is protection from the messy troubles you might run into while operating on Nevenia soil."
"Hmm..."
"You might worry I'm trying to use you politically, but that's not the case at all. No need to concern yourself there."
It's all for you (actually for me)
You lose nothing (huge loss)
So I'm the con artist? (Yes)
In truth, the terms were quite favorable.
'At least I won't have to deal with pointless harassment.'
Who would dare mess with a powerhouse backed by Viscount Brispin?
However, such seemingly generous offers usually hid venomous fangs. One misstep, and you'd get bitten on the back of the hand.
Snowman calmly voiced his thoughts.
"What is it you want from me, Viscount?"
The response was unexpected.
"Right now... well, nothing specific comes to mind."
"...Pardon?"
"As I said, this is an investment for the future. Later, when things get truly dire, just hear me out once. That's all I ask."
"You're saying you won't make any unreasonable demands?"
"No. I might, but I won't force them on you."
"Hmm..."
"And the compensation for any such demand will be fair and generous."
Snowman hadn't probed Viscount Brispin's inner thoughts, but he had been keeping close tabs on recent news across Nevenia.
'Conflicts between Otherworlders and the established bureaucrats happen often... Is he preparing for what comes after?'
If mishandled, it could spark massive bloodshed between the old Nevenian royal authority and the rising Otherworlder-backed populace.
As Snowman figured, Viscount Brispin seemed to be preparing a contingency for just such an event.
"If you can't trust my word, we can put it in writing. It won't mean much to you since you'll live freely anyway, but it could help you. Do you plan to cross borders?"
"Even if I do, not right away."
"All the better, then."
Viscount Brispin has volunteered to be your guardian. How will you respond?
1. I don't like you, Brispin.
2. Sure.
3. I'd like a closer relationship.
4. Any other rewards?
...
Snowman pondered for a moment, then nodded to Viscount Brispin.
Faction Formation: You are now on friendly terms with Viscount Brispin.
Rumors about you spread among the common folk.
Rumors about you spread far and wide in Ilia.
'I still can't forget that night.'
'A real hero does exist!'
'Tch... Strutting around over nothing...'
'Just a puppet of Brispin anyway.'
The various rumors floating in Snowman's interface brought an absurd smile to his face.
"What's wrong?"
Chameli, standing beside him, asked.
"Nothing. Anyway, what did you want to talk about?"
"Ah, about the reward for this job..."
"You mean the sacred relic."
"Yes. We've already compensated Lady Philia, but not you yet, Snowman..."
Chameli and the black pilgrims had promised Snowman the relic as a condition for his participation. Now, it was time to fulfill that promise.
'But... something feels off.'
Chameli avoided Snowman's gaze as if guilty. He'd had a bad feeling even before she spoke.
'No way they're planning not to pay up?'
In that instant, irritation surged, and rough thoughts of how to force them to honor the deal filled his mind.
"There's a bit of a... problem."
"You aren't going to pay the reward...?"
Chameli's eyes widened in shock as she retorted.
"What? Us?"
"...You're not?"
"Of course not. Keeping promises is a core value for any servant of the divine."
"...Then what's the issue?"
"The sacred relic we mentioned... We don't have it on hand right now, so it'll take a little time to deliver."
"What do you mean?"
She scratched her head and explained.
"Coincidentally, the relic keeper of our parish is studying it right now, so we need to get it back from him first."
The relic keeper was essentially the custodian of their armory.
Their knowledge of sacred relics was like that of a master blacksmith with iron—they could enhance or attune the relics themselves. Being such specialized figures, even parish leaders couldn't treat them lightly.
"Is it hard to get it back?"
"Oh, no. It's just that... the relic keeper is in Timbrian right now, so the time to retrieve it and return to Ilia..."
"That's fortunate."
"Pardon?"
"I was planning to head to Timbrian after wrapping this up anyway."
"Then, would you mind traveling together?"
"Sure, no problem."
The distance from Ilia to Timbrian meant he could receive the relic within this rest period anyway.
'Speaking of Timbrian... Jo Kyung-taek should be there already.'
We were supposed to head to Timbrian originally, but a Timbrian noble needed something.
This time, he could chat leisurely with Jo Kyung-taek.
'Last time, the Black Knight kept me too busy...'
As Snowman mulled over that, Chameli brought up something important.
"Brother, about that... You said you wanted to wield the Lament, right?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"...I believe abominations are born of evil by nature and can't mix with humans, like water and oil."
"......"
"But if there is someone who can wield it, you're the closest to that person. Even the Black Knight who swung the Lament fell to you. So... regarding the Lament, we'd like to help too."
Snowman was startled by the unexpected offer and asked again.
"Really?"
"Yes. If it helps you, it could spread your bell's toll farther. Conveniently, our relic keeper has handled abominations before, so if things don't go well, we can ask for his help."
"...Thank you so much."
The relic handover was delayed a bit as compensation, but the unexpected aid made it worthwhile.
"Then when do we... depart?"
Snowman answered Chameli's question.
"Tomorrow, we'll move out."
"Th-that soon?"
Rumble...
The jolt of the carriage wheels crushing over rocks transmitted through the vehicle as it advanced.
"...The road's rough."
"It's a path people don't use much."
"You didn't have to come along just because of me..."
"Traveling with company is nicer anyway, right? Even if it's just a short trip to Timbrian, I'm excited to spend it with you, Brother."
Snowman and Chameli were now on the road.
True to form, Snowman left without looking back once the job was done, so Ilia's citizens would hear of his departure late.
Philia had surprisingly warmed up to him.
Since he and Philia had friended each other, they'd contact if needed.
Trade happened between Ilia and Timbrian, so why the bumpy ride? Because their destination wasn't Timbrian.
Neigh...
"We've arrived, Parish Leader."
"Ah, let's get down."
A remote forest.
The occasional bird calls felt eerie rather than beautiful.
A lone cabin stood starkly there.
A scene fitting for a fairy tale.
Snowman stepped down from the carriage and recalled Viscount Brispin's words.
As Snowman loitered near the house, a thunderous bellow like lightning split the air, and the door hinges ripped free as a gruff old man burst out.
Crack-!
"Damn it, who's making noise in broad daylight? Thieves?"
"......"
The old man eyed Snowman and said.
"What're you staring at, punk? Who sent you? You don't look like some idiots who got lost in the woods..."
Whoa... we're screwed.
Hand over the letter and lose an arm?
Feels like he'll smack you with it;;
To avoid being turned away at the door, Snowman hurriedly pulled the letter from his bosom.
"Are you Master Prannan?"
"Yeah, so?"
"Here's a letter of recommendation."
Smack-!
The old man slapped the letter from his hand, sending it flying.
"Get lost! No sane person would send someone to me with a damn letter."
Creeak...
A chest emerged from the carriage.
"Trying to bribe me with goods...? Sniff sniff... What's this?"
Clunk-
The chest was filled with premium liquor bottles.
"Brought some as a token gift."
Prannan brightened and said.
"Alright, who might you folks be? Weather's still chilly—come on in."
He then called a servant.
"Hey, you! Light the hearth quick."
"Yes, sir."
A few pilgrims, Chameli, Snowman, and others crammed into the small house, filling it up.
"Bear with the cold. I'm used to it chilly."
"It's fine."
"Now, let's see that letter."
The old man had somehow retrieved the airborne letter and was reading it. Halfway through, his expression grew grave; he tossed it aside and barked.
"Show it."
"Pardon?"
"The thing you brought. Show it."
Snowman placed the Lament on the table.
Thud.
The Lament stirred noisily again.
【Hee hee hee! Old man, your mana power's delicious! Kill everyone in front of you right now, and I'll give you strength!】
"What foul thing is this?"
"It's the evil spirit that dwelled in the abomination called the Lament."
"...Can't you shut it up?"
"Unfortunately, scaring it is all I can do..."
"I see. Too bad, then."
"Pardon?"
Pop-!
Prannan uncorked one of Snowman's bottles and chugged it down.
"Ahh... Every fool who's boasted about taming evil spirits has died. Boy! Remove the logs—the old man's freezing! Tell the guests to see themselves out."
"Pardon? Oh... yes."
"Has Brispin lost his mind, sending a lunatic here...?"
Snowman stayed seated and told Prannan.
"I can wield the Lament. Definitely."
"No, every single person who could wield an evil spirit..."
Swish...
Snowman showed Prannan his hand.
There hung the mark only those who conquered the Labyrinth of Penance could possess.
"Should be dead... Huh?"
Prannan yelled at the servant removing logs.
"What're you doing? Light the damn fire!"
"......"
Achoo-!
Prannan sneezed and shouted.
"Fix the door too! Guests are freezing!"