Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Moonless Night Infiltration
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Linking with the elves was absolutely essential for the war against the Empire.
Not only Minerva, who held one seat on the Jade Throne, but also allying with the elves—who could breach the Empire's eastern border—was vital for generating countless variables.
Besides, if their plan could be derailed by mere orcs, how on earth were they supposed to win the endless clashes with the Empire ahead?
And compared to my already injured brother or sister, it was far better for me—the relatively(?) unscathed one—to make the trip.
'Well, I have some faith in pulling it off.'
But it seemed my sincere intentions weren't getting through to my brother and sister.
"...Jerome, you don't need to push yourself that hard to rack up achievements. We already know you've come to your senses."
Ares said in a serious tone.
"Yeah. You've got more guts now than scarfing them down like rice, but you're still not the worm you used to be."
Mercy's blunt words carried the same sentiment as Ares's.
Hmm. This feels like...
"...By any chance, brother, sister—are you two worried about me?"
"Worried? Please! If you off yourself responsibly, I'd be grateful, but if a direct descendant of the Shield Family keeled over from orcs, I'd be too embarrassed to show my face!"
Mercy shouted, her face flushing red.
Ares chuckled at the sight.
"Well, Mercy talks tough, but it's about the same. We're rivals in a fair competition. No need for anyone to make an unfair sacrifice."
As expected from my brother, who prized knightly honor above all.
"Sorry, but I still think I should be the one to go."
"Jerome."
Ares tried to say more, but I shook my head and cut him off.
"First, time isn't on our side. If the orcs grow stronger, we'll have another pesky enemy on top of the massive Empire. That's far from ideal."
"......"
"Second, neither you nor sister can head to the Beast Forest in your current state. Your wounds would reopen before you even got there."
"You little punk, that mouth of yours..."
As Mercy grumbled, I poked her injury.
"Kyaaak! You crazy bastard!!"
I pointed at Mercy, who winced and shrieked.
"Yeah, no need to say more."
"...Jerome. If you want achievements, there are plenty of safer paths."
Ares seemed to accept my reasoning but thought I was overreaching for successor status.
In that case, time to set things straight.
"Third and last—if something happens to me, I'll have the least impact on Banten."
"What do you mean by that?"
I answered Ares calmly. Even family couldn't have predicted this.
"I'm not taking over as Banten's heir. Might as well do one big good deed for the family before I leave."
"......!!"
"......!!"
See?
Both their eyes were wide as saucers.
Leaving my brother and sister—who couldn't move quickly due to incomplete treatment—I returned to the family estate first.
My solo trip to the mountains had only been a light recon to check the pass's progress anyway.
Now that I knew the situation, I had to inform Miron.
"So, Miron. Looks like I'm heading to the Beast Forest alone for now."
But Miron wouldn't budge despite my explanation.
"No, Young Master! I want to go too! I miss my sister, and I can control my frenzy better now! I'll definitely be useful!"
Behind the whining Miron, Beskin nodded.
"Third Young Master, take him. He didn't slack on training during the Spring Festival—he can handle a couple orcs now."
Coming from Beskin, who trained him personally, it had to be accurate.
'Time to give him some real combat experience.'
He'd only become proper muscle if drilled harder than in his past life.
Sensing my intent, Miron's body trembled briefly.
I grabbed his shoulder firmly.
"Alright, let's go together. Can't stop you from wanting to see family."
"...Uh, well, actually just..."
Miron tried to add something.
"I get it. Prepare."
I didn't want to hear more.
"Sir Beskin, handle the rear. We're moving light this time... Sir Beskin?"
Beskin ignored me, already donning his armor.
"I've always been outdone by Saladin."
"......"
"Not this time."
"No, you need to train the knights."
"Leave it to Ravins. He's seasoned enough."
Seemed the Spring Festival lack of glory still stung.
'Skip him again, and he'll sulk hard.'
I gave Beskin one task.
"...Tell the Blizzard Knight Order to watch Dwayne closely. He'll bolt if he gets the chance."
"Already handled. Don't worry."
Clean work.
"Good. And."
I pointed at a figure grasping the door handle.
"Grab that guy. We're dragging him along."
Beskin snatched the man's collar as he tried to slip out.
"Hey! Damn it! You psycho! Let me rest!"
Even our favorite(?) Saladin, screeching.
I asked Beskin to summon Baukalrak too. He was key to this op.
Ah, now it felt complete.
'Alright, let's go.'
Time to meet the elves.
A dim view.
The three full moons that lit Cardia Continent's nights were hidden, making it pitch black.
The Dragon Mountains' nights, shrouded by dense trees, were utter darkness.
Entering the range now was suicide.
At the foothills.
A small group was committing that suicide.
A faint grumble came from the rear.
"Ugh, seriously. I'm insane. How'd I end up tangled with this lunatic..."
"What can you do? Head to Olivia, and you'll stick even closer. Fate's fate—give up and relax."
Too tempting to ignore, so I whispered back.
"You... Ugh, fine. Shutting up."
Finally got through? Truth prevails everywhere.
"Third Young Master, any special reason for this late hour?"
Beskin, watching the skit, asked cautiously.
"Monsters grow fiercer at night, danger doubled. Why choose now...?"
Beskin's question was spot on. Normally, daytime was safer.
"Ah, that's because."
"Kruk, I'll explain, Beskin."
Baukalrak, leading from the front, answered for me.
"We Moon Tribe lycanthropes grow stronger when the moon's power peaks."
Beskin glanced skyward instinctively.
Pitch black, no light at all. Naturally, the question arose.
"...So aren't you weaker now?"
"Krr. Exactly, Beskin."
Baukalrak nodded as if obvious.
"Once a month, at new moon when the moon hides, our power dips lowest. We know it well."
Baukalrak's ears perked.
"Krr. Right flank, 200 meters ahead. Three orc footsteps, Jerome."
"Good. Plan?"
Baukalrak sniffed the ground, pointed to a spot.
"Krr. Damp mold smell there. Must be shade or cave. Head that way, avoid orcs."
"Got it. Move."
The group, confused but following Baukalrak and me, shuffled along.
Soon after, three orcs appeared where we'd been.
"Chiiik, smelled humans, I think. Chiik."
"Chiik, chiik. Nothing, chiik. Here. Chiik."
"Chiik. Boss is, idiot. Chiik."
After they passed.
Rustle.
"Gone?"
"Krruk. Yes."
Baukalrak confirmed. We rose from the moldy shade he'd picked.
Just as he said, thick with mold.
The stench masked our scent perfectly.
"Kruk, Beskin. See?"
Baukalrak dusted off, explaining.
"We lycanthropes weaken sharply on moonless nights. We must endure it."
Dust gone, Baukalrak resumed leading by nose.
"To survive, our danger sense sharpens unmatched. Kruk."
Today—no, last night now.
"Kruk, Jerome. What's up?"
Baukalrak, summoned at my request, asked.
"Need to contact elves, but orcs everywhere. Need your lycanthrope skills. Can you help?"
Desperate enough to force him if no, but Baukalrak eagerly volunteered.
"Kruk, Jerome. That orc you mean—same as the rising star threatening our tribe."
"...Huh?"
"Kruk, didn't you ask in the capital why I want strength? The mountain rising star was an orc then too. Monster already—now unifying them."
Understanding, Baukalrak rolled up sleeves more fiercely.
"Kruk, head to our tribe at dawn? Our breakthrough power can pierce orc lines."
Tempting proposal.
Lycanthropes, combat elites, could spear through orcs.
But.
I slowly shook my head.
"Kruk. Why, Jerome? Monsters fiercer at night."
Valid doubt, but I was certain.
"No, Baukalrak. If I'm right, this is easier infiltration."
"Kruk, why?"
I gazed skyward.
"Tonight's pitch-black new moon night."
'Didn't expect it this smooth.'
Recalling last night mid-thought, Baukalrak evaded orcs flawlessly, like juggling them.
"Kruk, never thought I'd use our trait like this."
Impressed by my use, as I was by his guidance.
No lycanthrope dreamed of turning survival evasion into infiltration.
"Third Young Master, impressive. How'd you know lycanthrope traits?"
"Just recalled from a book once."
I brushed off Beskin's question.
'Can't say the Holy Empire pierced lines this way before.'
Holy Empire used enslaved lycanthropes to mock the alliance.
'No wonder they won. Superior forces, thorough strategy.'
Musing on Ibarella's madness, how long had we trekked?
"Kruk. This far."
Thought we'd coast to Beast Forest, but it wouldn't go that easy.