Chapter 207
Chapter 207
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>Translator: Ryuma
>Chapter: 207
>Chapter Title: The 31st Horse Overturns the Game Board
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A short while later, the carriage the broker had arrived in bore the emblem of a soaring hawk, the symbol of Adelin.
And that was not all.
Luxurious golden tassels, along with red checkered cloth symbolizing the royal family, enveloped the carriage.
Thanks to the skilled hands of a few craftsmen, the carriage had been completely transformed.
‘This is impressive….’
Kang Seol, with his mid-level Insight, would notice it immediately, but for anyone else, the design was so meticulously crafted that they would never suspect a thing.
“Now, stay hidden well.”
“I’ll trust you.”
“Of course! After all the coin I’ve been paid… Heh heh heh! Just leave it to me. Relax.”
A short while later.
Clatter…
Clatter…
The opulent carriage slowly proceeded down the straight road.
“Halt!”
“What is it?”
The checkpoint captain stepped forward to block the carriage, which clearly appeared connected to the royal family at a glance.
Even so, he seemed somewhat intimidated, speaking as cautiously as possible.
“We haven’t received any prior notice. Is this cargo from the royals?”
“Indeed.”
“Then, may I ask what it is….”
“Why should I tell you?”
The captain furrowed his brow for a moment, suppressing his irritation before replying.
“It’s procedure.”
“Who set that procedure?”
“Well….”
“Wasn’t it Her Holiness Holina Mekin, the sovereign ruler of Adelin?”
“Y-yes, that’s right.”
“We carry out her orders. Due to reasons we cannot disclose, we must cross into Nevenia for a time. Here—look at this royal missive.”
The captain took the royal letter from the broker and examined it closely.
There were a few suspicious parts, but it was undoubtedly authentic.
“W-well then, we’ll just do the basic checks.”
“…Basic checks?”
“Yes. We’ll inspect the interior of the carriage and verify your identity.”
“Hmm….”
“If you refuse even this, we’ll have no choice but to report it to our superiors.”
Cold sweat trickled down the necks of the group.
‘Inspect the carriage interior?’
Kang Seol sensed that things weren’t going as planned.
The broker, disguised as the king’s envoy, stalled for time.
“Ahem… No helping it. Follow the procedures.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
“This is also in line with His Highness’s teachings on fairness and justice. Go ahead and check the carriage. But do not open the crates.”
“Understood.”
Rustle…
Soon after, a choice appeared before Kang Seol.
[The situation is turning strange. Someone will soon inspect the carriage interior. How will you respond?]
1. Strike the throat of the first person to enter the carriage.
2. Pretend to be a corpse.
3. Pretend to be a statue.
4. Escape as is.
……
Poor choices.
But this situation had been somewhat anticipated.
The broker had warned Kang Seol in advance.
—I have connections with one of the checkpoint staff, but unfortunately, I couldn’t win over the captain. There might be trouble, so memorize the contingency plan well.
Kang Seol executed the contingency plan the broker had prepared without hesitation.
Clatter…
A short while later, two men entered the carriage.
“Hmm… What kind of carriage has just one crate? Suspicious….”
“What’s so suspicious about it?”
“We need to open it. Right?”
“H-ha… Haha… What would we even do if we opened it? Didn’t you hear?”
The other man, sweating profusely, was the broker’s contact.
“I’ll report to the captain. We need to check the crate.”
A short while later.
The man who had stepped out and returned said,
“The captain approved. That envoy guy initially refused, but when the captain said we couldn’t let it pass otherwise, he finally agreed.”
“I-is that so? That’s a relief.”
“Come on, let’s open it. It’s heavy, so grab that side.”
“O-okay….”
“Ungh….”
Creeeak…
“…What is this?”
“A golden statue…?”
Atop fine silk sat a gleaming golden statue.
“A coronation gift for Hein IV? Honestly… making a fuss over nothing… Hey, let’s go.”
“Y-yeah!”
“What’s with you today?”
“Nothing, really. It’s just hot.”
The man removed his foot, which had been covering a groove protruding from the base of the crate.
Shortly after the checkpoint staff exited the carriage.
“Cleared!”
“Then, good work.”
“Yes!”
Thus, Kang Seol crossed the border.
Rumble… rumble…
The crate inside the carriage shook, and the wooden panel beneath it lifted.
“Phew….”
Kang Seol had hidden in the secret compartment prepared in the carriage, then used Shadow Hand to shift the crate’s position and cover the gap.
“Kuhahaha! See? I told you we’d pass safely!”
Crossing the border had also considered using the Scales of Balance, but it was quickly discarded.
‘Getting tangled in this could be seen as rebellion.’
Kang Seol could end up labeled a rioter involved in treason, so he had even prepared a mask. In this affair, he needed to remain an invisible presence.
‘I have to stay a mysterious figure to the end.’
Using the Scales would not only reveal his identity but also implicate Frannan.
‘That won’t do. Frannan is someone I need to keep using.’
Why else would he have gone all the way to Alcatron?
He didn’t want their relationship ruined over something like this.
In any case, despite his various thoughts, Kang Seol successfully crossed the border.
“The real problem is crossing back from Nevenia to Adelin. Shall we use the same method?”
“Well… there are several options. Let’s think it through step by step. Where was the destination again?”
“Tembryan. Please head to Tembryan.”
“Alright, Tembryan. They’re famous for barley beer there too. Get some good rest. The carriage will keep moving.”
Before heading to the rendezvous near Tembryan, Kang Seol began his final checks.
“Hmm… This method seems the easiest and fastest after all.”
Tear…
Kang Seol tore the invitation to the Madness Shop.
It had been quite a while since he last used it, right before entering Alcatron.
* * *
“Ahem~.”
“Oh my, has something good happened?”
The maid brushing the woman’s hair asked.
“Well, why don’t you guess?”
“Um… On days when you’re this happy, Lady Janet, it’s usually because of a big deal… Is that it?”
Janet nodded.
“Yes, exactly. I have a feeling a big transaction is coming up soon.”
“Then, you’re meeting that person again?”
“That person?”
“You know, the one everyone among the brokers is talking about! The one who only deals with you, Lady Janet?”
“Heh… Yes, that’s right.”
“Amazing… Could it be that he’s fallen for your elegant figure and radiant beauty?”
“…We meet wearing masks, so I doubt it.”
“Ah, sorry….”
Janet shook her head.
“It’s fine. More importantly… what do you think?”
“Pardon? About what?”
“That man.”
“Me? Well… I find it regrettable.”
“……Why?”
“I keep track of that man’s movements diligently, and every time, I’m amazed. Like, ‘This guy is truly insane!’”
“Hohoho! That’s his charm. He’s different from the others, isn’t he?”
“Yes. But… it’s a shame that even a man like that will end up dying like everyone else.”
“…….”
“You know… those gods sold off two entire planets, right? For a life born on such planets… it’s obvious.”
“You mean he’ll die in the end?”
“Yes. Isn’t it natural? How could a life abandoned by the gods survive?”
“…You might be right.”
“Why? Do you see it differently, Lady Janet?”
“No, just… just….”
Rustle…
Janet stood up and said,
“I’ll be off now. I have a deal.”
“Yes! How’s the hair?”
“Perfect.”
“Hehe….”
Janet donned a splendid coat and left her mansion.
Step…
Step…
Many eyes followed her.
“Wow… it’s Janet.”
“Hmph, showing off like a nouveau riche just because she made some money.”
“But she really is beautiful….”
“Watch it. She’s poison.”
“I know, she’s from the supernova.”
Janet had to endure the unwelcome words.
Supernova.
A star abandoned by the gods.
No matter what others chattered, she went her own way.
“My ears are itching.”
A controlled society.
An atmosphere where even the air flow seemed stagnant—perhaps that was the feeling.
The place where the broker gods resided was stark and dim.
As if designed assuming humanity’s future would be a dystopia.
All were gods, yet none truly were.
They dominated others, yet were dominated themselves.
“What a ridiculous puppet show.”
This was a massive hub linking the universe’s flows, so-called the energy nexus.
The Madness sponsorship Kang Seol was experiencing was refined here and converted into other powers.
‘Some of it goes to their gods… the gods who abandoned them.’
Someone stood near the assigned dimensional gate.
“Senior, are you heading out?”
Janet was a respected senior.
Being respected by merchants meant she had handled deals masterfully.
Now, her junior Oria had come to see off the senior she admired before the transaction.
“Yes, Oria. Off to do business again. It’s exhausting, really~ Fawning over inferiors is quite outdated and grueling.”
“Giggle….”
“Hm?”
“Ah, sorry. I’d agree any other day, but today it feels like empty words.”
“What do you mean?”
Oria pointed at Janet’s face.
“You’re smiling.”
“What?”
“Didn’t you notice? You’re smiling right now.”
“…….”
“You never smile with your face, even if you laugh… It’s fascinating.”
“You’re exaggerating.”
Oria smiled as if she had seen through the hidden meaning in her expression.
“Time to depart, then?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s have a drink when you return.”
“Sure.”
“Then, I’ll pray you make a huge profit this time too!”
“Pray? Heh heh… To whom?”
“Well… who knows?”
Funny joke, even though they were gods.
Gods do not believe in gods.
“I’m off.”
“Yes.”
Vrrrr…
The dimensional gate activated, and Janet strode confidently into the red space beyond.
Swish…
She donned a demonic ghost mask to hide her expression.
Thump…
Her heart raced strangely.
A most peculiar sensation.
Drum roll… drum roll…
A drumroll announcing her arrival and a carpet laid on the floor.
“Long time no see. But this drum and carpet….”
The man currently eyed hungrily by the broker gods—Kang Seol welcomed her.
“Hahaha! What do you think? I tried adding some flair.”
“You change every time I see you.”
“Because of the profits!”
Sell goods, pocket the margin.
Even she, who understood this well, found deals with this man thrilling.
Nouveau riche only knew how to spill money, not spend it.
But this man was different.
He was always short on Madness. Perhaps because he knew how to use limited resources.
“Janet sells anything, whatever it is.”
“Yes.”
“Today… oh, wait!”
Janet smiled.
“Don’t I seem different today?”
“…You do.”
* * *
A village on the outskirts near Tembryan.
Just a short walk and the friendly smell of cow dung wafted strongly.
Three men and women in shabby clothes conversed on the first floor of an inn. With the innkeeper nowhere in sight, it felt like only the three of them were there.
Small, sharp eyes and features like finely embroidered needlework. The woman’s radiant beauty couldn’t be hidden by her ragged attire. However, her expression was timid.
“I’m dead.”
“…Please don’t say such things, Rio… Lady Rine.”
“Brother, you are truly cruel. Is it right to trample the life of a girl full of dreams like this?”
Like a pitiful heroine, Princess Riona slumped over the table. The group of three included Count Brispin and her guard knight, Cardi.
“We will surely return to the Jonia Kingdom. Hold onto hope.”
“Brispin.”
“Yes?”
“I’ve always trusted you. After all, you’ve been my loyal vassal since childhood. Even now, when everyone else has left, you remain by my side.”
“Of course, Your Highness. Hein IV is the wrong one. His very existence will lead Nevenia to ruin.”
“Hehe… Speaking such ill of my brother—if the people heard, they’d be disappointed.”
“My apologies.”
Riona bowed her head deeply and said,
“I’m not an idiot.”
“Of course, you are wise and compassionate.”
“That’s why I know. There’s no hope.”
“…….”
“…Do you know how far the Jonia Kingdom is from here? It’s almost at the western edge.”
“But it’s a very resilient nation. Perhaps even more than Nevenia! Once there, even Hein IV cannot threaten you, Your Highness. The rulers of Jonia are… your maternal relatives.”
“Why did Mother have to come to this distant place….”
Brispin gazed at the princess with firm eyes.
“The hardships we face now will greatly aid you when you ascend the throne later.”
“What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger… that saying?”
“Exactly!”
“But what if it does kill me?”
“Pardon?”
“What if I die?”
“Who would dare!”
“People passing by were whispering that earlier….”
“Those bastards! Ahem… Ignore them. Trust in me, Brispin. I will make it happen.”
The princess spoke with still gloomy eyes.
“How… Jonia is too far.”
“There’s more than one path in the world—there are paths by sea too!”
“You mean use the sea route instead of land?”
“Yes!”
“And the ship?”
“A ship prepared by Jonia is already docked at the harbor. We just need to get there! We’re defecting to Jonia!”
“Brispin.”
“Yes!”
“The harbor is… in Priyon….”
“…….”
“To reach Priyon… we’d have to cross all of Adelin, evading my brother’s pursuit. The chances of arriving….”
“Urgh….”
Distance was an issue, but traversing while shaking off pursuers was the biggest problem.
“Wait here just a moment, Your Highness.”
“…We have nowhere else to go.”
Creeeak…
Brispin, who had stepped outside, clutched his forehead.
“Is this truly the end….”
In preparation for such a situation, Brispin had sown seeds.
To mercenary captains, powerful warriors, and free knights alike.
“No one… is coming.”
No one reached out to help them. At best, not reporting them to Hein IV was their last shred of loyalty.
“In the end, for Her Highness….”
At that moment, a shabby carriage arrived at the inn.
“We’re here.”
“Please wait here a moment.”
“Yes, sir.”
Someone disembarked from the carriage.
Brispin confirmed who had just gotten off.
“…….”
“Long time no see, Count.”
A man wearing a bizarre crow mask.
“This voice….”
Count Brispin immediately rushed back into the inn.
Thud…
“Whoa, Your Highness!”
“You shouted like that and we didn’t get caught somehow….”
“It’s f-fine!”
“Fine how? Could it be my brother….”
“No. That damned… I mean, anyway! H-he’s arrived!”
“Arrived?”
Following him, a robed man entered the inn.
Creeeak…
The crow-masked man looked at Brispin and asked,
“Where’s the statue?”
“I-I have it. But that mask of yours….”
“This isn’t something to show openly, is it? …I’d like to inspect the statue first.”
Brispin pulled out the eerie statue from his bosom.
“This is it.”
“…It’s genuine.”
Kang Seol could tell just from its rough appearance. There was only one such statue in Pandea: the Degenerate’s Ecstasy.
“…Escort Her Highness safely to the destination, and I’ll give you this statue.”
“What’s the destination?”
This was essentially the most critical negotiation moment.
If the one who came to help the princess balked at hearing Priyon, it was all over.
Princess Riona thought that far and her face crumpled as if she might cry.
“P-Priyon….”
The crow’s aloof golden eyes scanned the group. As that gaze brushed past, Riona flinched.
It was wrong.
“Priyon, you say….”
Kang Seol smacked his lips for a moment before speaking.
“Not far at all.”
The southern situation turned like interlocking gears.
Into that machine of violence and irrationality that should spin smoothly, a foreign substance named Kang Seol had wedged itself.