Chapter 227
Chapter 227
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 227
Chapter Title: The Reaper of the Silver Mirror Lake (6)
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Though the 'Star Shining on the Water's Surface' had fallen, Untana had not yet regained its peace. The knights of Elga and a thousand holy warriors still remained within the castle walls.
Having lost both their commander and his deputy at once, they spiraled completely out of control. To uncover the killer who had slain their leaders, to punish the heretics, or sometimes just to vent their rage and anxiety, they seized citizens at random, torturing and massacring them indiscriminately.
But their reign of terror ended after just one night.
"Forward, soldiers!! The golden blessings of Lord Remillion await the valiant!!"
"The Lord of Ten Thousand Armies, who knows no defeat, blesses our spears and axes!! A - ta - la - !!"
"Huh...?"
"Wha...?"
It was none other than a pincer attack from the Delutana Cataclysm Troops and the Indomitable Legion.
The Delutana Cataclysm Troops freed from Silver Mirror Lake, the legion's warriors, and the Untana Cataclysm Troops released from the moat joined forces for a night raid on the holy warriors. Though outnumbered, the darkness of night and the surprise of the assault favored the alliance. The holy warriors, scattered like a ragtag mob, took a beating and chose to retreat beyond the city walls.
It wasn't a wise decision. Before they could fully cross the drawbridge, a sudden flood came crashing down.
Ku-goo-goo-goo-goo-goo - !!!
"Ughaaah!! What is th... Grrglglgl..."
"R-Run... Gah! Blubglubglub..."
Not summer, not the rainy season, but a flood in the dead of winter? It was an utterly unpredictable disaster. Over half drowned or froze in the abrupt torrent, and the survivors suffered severe hypothermia, rendering the entire holy army combat-ineffective.
Rumors of the bizarre calamity spread like wildfire. Citizens engaged in heated debates over its cause—some said a grand mage from the Magic Tower had come, others that a heavenly god had delivered punishment, still others that the Reaper of Silver Mirror Lake had been angered... Most opinions converged on some supernatural miracle.
In truth, it was neither divine retribution nor judgment. Merely someone using a distortion hole to draw moat water and cause a flood.
...Of course, from the perspective of an ordinary citizen, that was supernatural enough.
In any case, Untana had finally escaped the empire's invasion. Though the gates were now a treacherous sheet of ice... it wasn't a major issue. Not compared to the city nearly being destroyed and its people slaughtered.
And as Untana's leadership made contact with the Delutana refugees, the truth finally began to surface.
The hero who had slain the Arch Paladin, toppled Elga's star, and drowned the holy army to save the city... was none other than a certain traveling merchant.
*
Third floor of the Untana Intendent's Residence, the intendent's office.
It was evening, with a biting wind cold enough to numb the nose. The streets were still a mess, unrestored. Yet the front of the residence was thronged with an uncountable crowd.
"Untana's Savior!! Untana's Savior!!"
"The 'Reaper of Silver Mirror Lake' has protected us!!"
"Glory to Untana and Silver Mirror Lake! Perdition to Elga's mongrel dogs, who deserve to freeze to death!"
"May the golden blessings of Remillion be upon the 'Reaper of Silver Mirror Lake'!!"
True to their northern roots, Untana's people weren't ones for lavish emotional displays. For them to go wild like arena spectators cheering a champion was utterly unprecedented.
The Untana intendent, peering out the window, clicked his tongue in amazement.
"I've been posted here for 18 years, and I've never seen the likes of them acting up like that. I used to suspect they froze the blood in their veins every winter... Ah, of course, considering the feats Your Excellency has achieved, I too feel like rushing out to join the cheers."
"Uh, heh, hehem... N-No. Well, it wasn't anything that grand... Ahem."
The guest seated in the leather chair scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
A plain face, scruffy goatee beard, and an utterly unremarkable appearance that didn't scream "great man." Yet his exploits had been irrefutably proven by countless testimonies. The intendent drew the curtains, bowed deeply, and expressed his gratitude anew.
"Once more, my deepest thanks for your tremendous dedication and valor, Lord Duncan. Without you, Untana would surely have borne the shame of being the empire's first conquered city. You are truly a hero worthy of the title 'Untana's Savior.'"
"Heh... Aw, no need for that. I was just doing what I could to save my family..."
Duncan's mouth split into a wide grin. Being openly hailed as a hero for the first time made it hard to play it cool.
"Uh, by the way, Intendent. I think there was another title they were calling me by..."
"Ah, 'Reaper of Silver Mirror Lake,' you mean?"
"Yes, yes! Why are people calling me that?"
The intendent briefly recounted the legend of the reaper beneath Silver Mirror Lake who devoured the drowned.
Duncan's face paled instantly. Misinterpreting it as displeasure, the intendent added that locals also saw the reaper as a guardian deity against foreign foes. In truth, Duncan was just spooked by the creepy tale...
After lavishing more praise on his deeds several times over, the intendent promised fitting rewards: a medal receivable from the Delutana council, and honors befitting a hero.
"From now on, you and the Wheeled family shall receive treatment in Untana superior to that of the council chairman. Upon departure, we shall provide the finest warhorses from the Cataclysm Troops' stables, along with escorts and a military band to see you to your destination."
At that moment, the merchant's joy overflowed beyond limits. To the point of feeling a twinge of burden.
"Oh dear, n-no, you needn't go that far... The city's still in chaos; it must be hard to prepare anything, so your words alone are gra—"
"No, you more than deserve such honors. And modestly, we've contacted the council to prepare a reward of about five million luden..."
"...But since you've insisted so kindly, it would be rude to refuse! Untana is now my second hometown—call on Duncan Wheeled anytime trouble arises!"
"Hahaha..."
The conversation then shifted to more practical matters. The intendent lowered his voice, speaking gravely.
"As you know, the knight you felled was no ordinary man. A 'star' of the Decagram, deemed one of the empire's most critical forces. Having toppled him, the empire and Elga Church will mark you as a prime target and pursue you relentlessly."
"...Pardon?"
"Of course, with your superhuman prowess and wisdom, you'll manage... but your kin may not. For the time being, I advise utmost caution to ensure nothing unfortunate befalls your wife and children."
Duncan gaped blankly.
This was an unforeseen repercussion. His efforts to save his family had instead thrust them into greater peril... Well, openly slaying a top knight made it inevitable... His heart pounded fiercely, breath quickening like a fish on dry land.
Yet he regained composure far swifter than before.
Killing the 'Star Shining on the Water's Surface' had been unavoidable. The man had hunted Kadim and him relentlessly, holding his family and countless others hostage.
He recalled Atala's great warrior's dictum: Those who do not struggle gain nothing. Rather than useless regret and fretting, he resolved to prepare thoroughly henceforth, ensuring no one could touch his family or his lord—and eliminate any future threats.
Duncan steeled himself, his body, mind, and very presence elevated further.
Reading his expression, the intendent offered a faint smile and added counsel.
"The Elga Church's most likely threat would be another 'star.' Other Decagram knights can be dealt with to some extent... but there's one you must never face."
"...Wh-Who might that be?"
"Decagram's Second Seat, the 'Star that Devours Darkness.' Flee at all costs, regardless of circumstances. Witnesses describe an aura beyond any knight... beyond any human—transcending norms entirely."
Duncan dismissed that as mere praise of the intendent's information network. But the next words stuck.
"And refrain from using distortion holes for the time being."
"...Pardon?"
"Night doesn't guarantee safety from the 'Watching Eye.' You got lucky this time, but flaunting dark holy arts openly will invite inevitable 'divine punishment.'"
"...!!"
Thud—whoosh!
Duncan sprang up like a coiled spring, darting forward with startling speed to press the World Tree dagger to his throat. The intendent calmly placed something on the desk and raised his hands.
"No need for alarm. This will reveal my identity at once."
What he proffered was none other than the 'Silver Coin of the Fallen Kingdom.'
A holy relic proving affiliation with the Forgotten God's cult. Closing his eyes, the intendent made the sign of the cross over his face.
"Ah, Lady Ilenia asked me to relay her apologies for leaving without proper farewell last time."
"..."
Fine, even a university archaeologist in disguise... but an 18-year veteran intendent too?
Duncan stared dumbfoundedly at this second fake official after the phony archaeologist.
*
When it came time to leave Untana after settling all affairs...
The Delutana elite refugees gathered once more before Silver Mirror Lake.
No exceptions for councilors' wives, noble daughters of ancient houses, heirs of economic magnates, or even the council chairman's daughter. Those who had spent lives making others kneel now knelt in reverse—before one man at the lakeside.
Short and unimposingly built, yet none dared defy him. He was the hero who had felled the empire's top knight, Elga's 'star.'
Mere hearsay would have been dismissed as exaggeration. But they had watched the entire battle from the lake, helpless. Thus, they knew full well: he was superhuman enough to topple a 'star,' capable of slaughtering them all single-handedly.
If guiltless, they could simply flatter him. But their guilt was immense.
Indulging in luxury amid war, scorning and insulting Mrs. Wheeled, his wife... above all, evidence of conspiring with the empire, centered on Mrs. Volgaruis.
In other words, if he wished, he could denounce them for treason or execute them on the spot.
"..."
"..."
"..."
The chattering noblewomen fell deathly silent. Mrs. Volgaruis, once the social hub, stood isolated. As tension dried their blood and cramps seized their legs...
Duncan scanned the weary nobles and spoke.
"Uh... everyone, please stand."
""...""
"Clean yourselves up properly and gather again. Even if you're Delutana's social elite, you look pitiful like this."
They glanced warily between Duncan, eyes brimming with pity, and Yulia beside him.
All noblewomen and heirs scrambled up, calling for attendants and maids.
"Alexei, Alexei, where are you! Bring my dress and brooch!"
"Meris, come here! Where's my perfume? Serien, pick out earrings and necklaces..."
"Lubra, where'd that wench go..."
No one understood. Telling those who insulted his wife and plotted treason to primp? Was he unaware?
One thought united them: Only the most beautiful and elegant wives would earn his mercy.
"What? You left all my dresses in Untana? Kyaaah!! Are you insane?!"
"Mrs. Mondemed! You've barely touched that rouge—lend it to me if you're not using it!"
"Not using it? I need more than that—hands off, find your own!!"
"Mrs. Cesar!! That's my ring! Why's your maid holding it?!"
The lakeside turned into a battlefield of screeching noblewomen. Decades of preening, sabotaging rivals like war.
Finally, braided hair, spritzed perfume, donned dresses and jewels, the social flowers desperately arrayed themselves and reformed at the lakeside. With forced smiles to charm the man holding their lives.
Of course, their guesses were wrong. Duncan knew their misdeeds full well and had no mercy for those who dared scorn his family.
"Everyone, finished primping?"
""Hohoho, yes!""
"Whew, you all look splendid now! Then, without exception, enter the lake."
""...Pardon?""
The noblewomen froze, ears doubting.
In this midwinter, after exhaustive efforts, into the water? Absurd. But Duncan pointed to the icy chill, voice colder still.
"The three slowest to enter will have their entire houses denounced for treason."
""...!!!"
Noble women raced to the water's edge, stakes their lives.
Tearing million-luden dresses, flinging ten-thousand-luden shoes. Yanking hair, tripping followers. Forgetting decorum and reputation, they plunged into the bone-numbing cold. Screams and wails echoed everywhere.
"Kyaa!! Kyaaaaah!! Save me!! Save me!!"
"Kyaaaaah!! Ah, so co-cold, cl-clattering, so coooold..."
Duncan stared blankly at the pandemonium, then tugged Yulia's sleeve slyly.
"Mommy, those aunties... are weird. Last time they said it was cold just in the tent, but now they're swimming in this freezing water..."
"...Yeah, Dunsen. Such strange aunties."
Moments later, shivering noblewomen and heirs crawled from the lake. Traces of finery gone, drowned-rat wretches on death's door. Especially the last three in—faces like heart attacks imminent.
Still, cheap for treason's punishment. As survivors sighed relief, wiping before frostbite, cloaking in furs...
Duncan snatched towels and cloaks, tossing them aside. Then beamed brightly.
"Whew, you must all be freezing, right?"
""Y-Yes...""
"Well then, to warm up, let's run to Delutana like this! The three last to arrive—your houses denounced for treason!"
To prove no bluff, Duncan bolted ahead. The noblewomen felt chills worse than the plunge.
Begging Yulia yielded only the contempt they had shown. Helpless, barefooted nobles scampered down dirt paths. Yulia and Dunsen watched the karmic march briefly, then strolled leisurely after.
Just before departing, Dunsen pointed at the lakeside.
"Huh, Mommy? Isn't there an aunty still not out of the water?"
"Hm? What're you saying, Dunsen?"
"No, there's a shadow there... Huh? Gone? Something was definitely there just now..."
"..."
Dunsen tilted his head at the water.
Above, only fleeting cloud shadows. Yulia dismissed it as a mistake, gently stroking her son's hair before walking on. Legion warriors and Cataclysm Troops followed, the refugee column at last trailing Untana's savior on a triumphant return.
Once all lakeside visitors departed...
Beneath the mirror-like ice, a stain hidden amid cloud shadows vanished into the lake's depths.