Chapter 39
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: Noad
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"...Do we really have to go this far?"
Adrianna asked, her voice tinged with reluctance.
"Our opponent this time is the Black Magic Society. They bear the mark of the monster tamer and are a thread leading to Dawn. We absolutely must catch them."
"..."
"Those bastards won't hesitate to flee. But what do you think would happen if you, the hero of the North, showed up? They'd run in an instant."
"Do you know them well?"
Galahad nodded in response to Adrianna's question.
"No one will think you're Adrianna now."
Galahad looked Adrianna up and down. For a woman, she was quite tall.
Dressed in armor he'd picked up from the supply depot, she looked like a slightly undersized, clumsy knight. Topped with a foolish-looking helmet, the disguise was perfect.
Adrianna hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"And it's a secret from the other members, too."
"...What?"
"Do you think Sir Gilberton would stand by quietly if he knew it was you?"
Adrianna let out a low groan at Galahad's question.
"He'd raise all sorts of hell. To deceive the enemy, you must first deceive your allies."
"...That makes sense."
"Hide your strength as much as possible. We'll say you don't use aura. You'll step in only at the decisive moment."
Galahad stressed the point again. If the enemy caught wind of Adrianna's presence, they would surely flee.
Adrianna was their trump card.
She had to act at the critical moment.
"...Understood."
Adrianna nodded, holding onto the foolish helmet. Galahad clicked his tongue softly and tightened the chinstrap for her.
"Keeping your identity hidden is key. I'm counting on you."
After one last reminder, Galahad headed for the carriage.
The preparations for departure were complete.
"What took you so long?"
Galahad's lips curled into a wide grin at Gilberton's grumbling.
"I've brought a new member. His name is Noad. The unusual thing is, he can't speak and can't take off his helmet because of terrible burns. Don't touch the helmet, ever. Everyone, give him a warm welcome. Now, a round of applause—."
Gwen looked at Adrianna with pity in her eyes.
"What? A new member?"
Gilberton eyed Adrianna up and down, his eyes narrowed. His already sharp eyes grew even thinner, his expression full of discontent.
"A knight?"
Galahad marveled silently at Gilberton's immediate rudeness. *That's Gilberton for you.*
Adrianna looked at Galahad. The foolish helmet made her look somewhat dim-witted.
Galahad gave a slight nod, and Adrianna nodded back.
"The 1st Battalion?"
*Nod, nod.*
"We didn't have anyone like this. A rookie?"
*Nod...*
"Tsk, looks like we've got a clumsy oaf."
Gilberton clicked his tongue openly.
Adrianna looked at Galahad. A sense of urgency could be felt from behind the foolish helmet. Galahad cleared his throat softly and shook his head.
"Learning under me... You should consider yourself lucky. Since you're from the 1st Battalion, I'll give you special instruction."
Perhaps it was because this was the first junior knight to join. Gilberton even offered to look after him.
"Uh... Sir Gilberton?"
"Tom, are the preparations finished?"
Galahad cut Tom off. Tom glanced at Gilberton with a look of pity before nodding.
"Yes, they're done!"
"Then let's depart immediately. We have quite a distance to cover to reach the 7th Battalion."
Galahad looked up at the thick castle walls. It was still dark, before sunrise. They would have to ride hard to arrive before sunset.
"I'll take responsibility for his training."
"Alright, Sir Gilberton. I'm counting on you."
Galahad ignored the desperate gaze coming from behind the foolish helmet and climbed into the carriage. Damian was asleep, drooling on Gwen's lap.
"...Is it really okay to leave them like that?"
Tom asked, his voice stiff with worry.
"That's not how you hold the reins, hah—how frustrating."
Hearing Gilberton's scolding from outside, Galahad couldn't help but laugh.
"Let them be. I'm curious to see when he'll notice."
"...I don't think he'll ever notice, sir."
Galahad thought for a moment. Could Gilberton really be that oblivious?
*'Perhaps.'*
Since Galahad had given his orders, Adrianna wouldn't reveal her identity first.
The only way was for Gilberton to figure it out on his own.
*'He might never figure it out.'*
Galahad nodded seriously. Gilberton was notoriously dense. There was a real possibility he'd never know.
"Well, it'll be a new experience, won't it?"
Galahad chuckled.
Tom looked ahead worriedly.
Gilberton always grumbled, but he was a good person. And his swordsmanship was remarkable, but—.
He was hopelessly oblivious.
"Hah! This guy is so frustrating! Seriously!"
Truly—.
****
"You call yourself a knight and you don't even know how to hold the reins?"
Gilberton clicked his tongue in frustration.
"Use your words—. Ah, right, you can't speak."
Gilberton focused on the man's gestures. The general meaning was—.
"You've never held carriage reins before?"
*Nod.*
"Hah, are you bragging about being raised in luxury?"
Adrianna's head froze stiffly. Gilberton clicked his tongue openly.
She had endured so much of his nagging she couldn't even remember it all. However, Gilberton's points weren't wrong.
Adrianna didn't let his advice pass her by; she committed it to memory.
"Tsk—alright, is there anything you're curious about?"
Gilberton asked with a reluctant expression. Adrianna thought for a moment, then gestured.
"What's the Special Task Force like?"
*Nod.*
"Hmm..."
Gilberton let out a long hum. Adrianna pulled on the reins and waited.
"It's a mess. A complete mess."
Gilberton answered bluntly.
"The first member he brought in was a maid. The next was a beast-like boy soldier. How could a unit be so lacking in fundamentals? It's a good thing we have Tom, at least. Otherwise, we would've fallen apart long ago."
Despite the content of his words, Gilberton was smiling as if he found it all absurd. It was a side of him she had never seen when he was in her direct command.
"And our luck is so rotten, we've fought the Demon Race, monsters, and even been to the Miasmic Realm and back."
Gilberton laughed out loud. It was an unfamiliar sight. Adrianna watched him quietly.
"And the captain, that guy, he nags so much I've lost a fistful of hair."
His hair did seem thinner than when he had served under her. Adrianna nodded seriously.
"Hmm, what kind of man is the captain?"
*Nod.*
Gilberton considered it seriously, his brow furrowed deeply.
"...A competent madman?"
Gilberton nodded seriously.
"That's right, a competent madman. At first, I thought he was just stubborn, but that wasn't it. The captain has an unshakeable conviction."
Conviction—. Adrianna murmured softly. Glancing back for a moment, Gilberton continued.
"The conviction that he is right and everyone else is wrong. I guarantee it. Even if the whole world pointed their fingers and called him wrong, the captain would say this:"
Gilberton paused for a moment.
"I'm sorry, but I'm right, and you're all wrong—."
Gilberton did a pretty good impression of Galahad's voice.
Gilberton cackled aloud. He looked incredibly cheerful. Adrianna felt a strange, indescribable emotion.
Just then, the carriage door flew open. Galahad appeared, holding onto the carriage roof and leaning out.
"An ambush! What a spectacular welcoming party!"
Fire erupted from Galahad's hand. The dark forest lit up, revealing a massive monster. A fireball struck it, sending the creature flying.
"Now, it's time to show them the terror of the Special Task Force! Damian!"
"Yes, brother."
Damian leaped out from beside Galahad. He rolled forward, sword in hand. *Thwump!* The moment Damian bounced up, the monster's leg was severed.
"You're next! Gwen!"
"Ah... Aaaah!"
Galahad pulled Gwen out as if she were an object. Gwen, dangling by the scruff of her neck, let out a long scream.
"Aaaaaaaah—!"
"Come on, Gwen. Show them what you've been practicing!"
Galahad shook Gwen. Still screaming, Gwen launched a sizable fireball.
"Aaaah! Ex... Exploding Crater!"
The fireball hit the monster. An explosion sent it stumbling back, but the blow wasn't significant.
Just then, Damian closed in on the staggered monster. His sword sliced a long gash across its snout.
"Gwen! Excellent! Do it again!"
"Uh... Aaaah..."
Galahad praised Gwen while shaking her. In response, Gwen fired another fireball.
"Watch closely. This is what a knight is."
Gilberton swung his sword, unleashing a long stream of aura. An approaching monster was split in two.
On the monster's fallen carcass, a familiar symbol was drawn on its belly.
"Captain! It's the mark of the monster tamer!"
"Well, well! Looks like the 7th Battalion is planning a grand banquet!"
Galahad waved his hand. A spark struck a monster and shot out violently to the side. Another monster burst into flames.
"Rookie, just hold the reins!"
The moment Adrianna reached for her sword hilt, Gilberton shouted.
"Haha! Sir Gilberton says to just hold the reins!"
Seeing Galahad's mischievous smile, Adrianna hesitated for a moment before gripping the reins tightly.
Adrianna felt a truly unfamiliar sensation.
****
After the monsters failed to inflict any significant damage, there were no more attacks.
*'They've become quite cautious.'*
The Black Magic Society of old would have kept charging in.
But this time, when they couldn't land a blow, they didn't press the attack. It was as if their only intention was to gauge our strength—.
They were more calculating than before.
*'What have they prepared?'*
Galahad muttered, gently shaking his canteen.
*'Are they counting on a high-ranking demon?'*
That was a strong possibility. A high-ranking demon was no easy opponent.
However, this wasn't the Demon Race's territory.
*'I have a feeling there's more to it.'*
Palho was a cunning one. It was highly likely he had downplayed his report. It was better to assume they had something even more dangerous than a high-ranking demon prepared.
Of course, it didn't matter what they had prepared.
He had Adrianna on his side.
"Hah, this rookie Noad. He's so much work. Is there anything this knight can actually do?"
Gilberton grumbled openly. Galahad barely suppressed his laughter.
Just then, castle walls came into view in the distance. It was the 7th Battalion.
Whether because the sun had set or because of dark clouds, the 7th Battalion's fortress was shrouded in darkness. Crows flew everywhere, cawing incessantly.
The fortress itself looked like a giant monster. The torches embedded in the walls resembled its red eyes.
*'We've found the right place.'*
Galahad muttered, putting a cigarette to his lips.
The carriage slowly approached the fortress. Despite its massive size, there was no one on the road. They were the only ones on the empty path.
As they neared the fortress, sharp gazes fell upon them. Figures in black hoods could be seen on the walls, watching them as if on guard.
Galahad gave a casual wave with his cigarette. The figures on the wall flinched slightly.
As they drew closer to the walls, a man who appeared to be a knight approached with soldiers. Their hands rested on their sword hilts, ready to draw at a moment's notice.
Ballistae on the walls aimed at them. The walls and the area around the gate were heavily manned.
From the knight to the soldiers, the atmosphere was thick with tension, as if they were about to start a war. It felt like they were laying siege to a fortress all on their own. The pressure was immense.
"This is quite the welcome."
Galahad took a deep drag from his cigarette. The scent of lemon filled the air.
Would they show their aggression right away? Galahad shook his head. If that had been their plan, they would have attacked on the way here.
They must have set a trap inside. A trap they believed their guests would never escape—.
"I am Sherpa, company commander of the 7th Battalion's 3rd Company. The deputy commander is waiting for you."
To be greeted by a mere company commander, not even the deputy commander—. Galahad's lips curled at the menacing atmosphere of the men behind him.
"Galahad, captain of the Special Task Force."
"Ah, would you mind stepping out of the carriage? We've had some... unfortunate incidents recently."
Galahad quietly nodded in response to Sherpa's request.
Just then, the carriage door opened. Out came Gwen, Damian, Tom, and the foolish helmet.
Seeing them, a smile appeared on Sherpa's face. It was clearly a sneer.
"And who might this be? I was told the Special Task Force had a total of five members."
"A new recruit. His face is covered in burns, so we keep the helmet on him. Best not to take it off. It'll ruin your appetite."
"Please, come in. The deputy commander is waiting."
As if he had only asked out of curiosity, Sherpa beamed and led them inside. The man was brimming with confidence.
Getting Adrianna inside without being discovered—. The most crucial part of the plan had succeeded.
"Ah, before we go, can we wash up?"
"...What? But he's waiting."
"I feel grimy. Besides, it's proper etiquette to wash up first, isn't it?"
After a moment's thought, Sherpa nodded. Galahad then waved him off.
"Ah, I've come on the Grand Duke's orders. It's an urgent matter, so could you gather all the key personnel?"
Galahad took a letter from his coat. It bore the Grand Duke's seal.
Sherpa's face hardened instantly upon seeing it. It seemed he feared the Grand Duke.
"Everyone?"
"It's an urgent matter. Thank you."
Galahad's lips curled into a wide grin.
Feeling a sharp gaze, he turned his head to find the foolish helmet staring at him.
****
*'They have a lot of soldiers.'*
Galahad replayed the route they had taken in his mind.
The movements of impure mana everywhere, the armed soldiers—.
*'This won't be easy.'*
A tension so palpable it made his fingertips tingle rose within him.
"Where are you going?"
Gilberton asked, tilting his head.
"To work. You'll draw their attention here."
"...What work?"
"I hear the commander of the 7th Battalion is locked up in prison."
"Do you know where?"
"That's what I'm about to find out."
Gilberton blinked blankly. Galahad pulled a cord on his shirt sleeve, causing the fabric to tighten against his body.
"Didn't you just call a meeting?"
"Yes, which means their forces will be thin elsewhere."
"Didn't you see all the soldiers posted around here? There are tons of them. Tons—."
Just as Gilberton said, the area around the building was swarming with soldiers.
Sherpa had claimed it was to prevent any unfortunate incidents, but the soldiers were facing inward, not out. More importantly, there were sinister figures lurking behind those soldiers.
"It's fine. This is my specialty."
"But—."
"Shh, you're being too loud."
"But... didn't you see on the way here? The 7th Battalion has a considerable force. There were even some who looked like mercenaries or mages among them."
"I say this every time, Sir Gilberton, but you have a habit of stating the obvious in a grandiose way."
Galahad clicked his tongue softly, applied some oil to his hands, and slicked his hair back. *Dashing.* He nodded at his reflection in the mirror.
"They'll come looking for you soon. And in that time, you're going to rescue the 7th Battalion's commander, whose location you don't even know?"
"Correct. You've gotten smarter, Sir Gilberton."
Hearing footsteps right outside, Gilberton clamped his mouth shut.
"Sir Gilberton, do you know when a person is most careless?"
Galahad circulated his mana. The Orb of Pain throbbed. It seemed ready. It certainly felt a bit calmer after Gwen had soothed it. Like it had found a babysitter—.
"Careless, you say?"
"Yes, careless. A person is most careless when they believe their opponent has fallen perfectly into their trap."
His preparations complete, Galahad checked the ceiling. It was just a shabby wooden roof. He clicked his tongue softly.
"So you're saying that in the time you bought by showing the Grand Duke's seal to summon everyone and asking to wash up, you're going to break through the outside guards and rescue the 7th Battalion's commander?"
"Oh, precisely."
Galahad nodded, loosening his hands.
Mmm—. Gilberton let out a quiet groan, followed by a low sigh. It wasn't as if Galahad would listen even if he tried to stop him.
"They're an impatient bunch. They'll give you enough time for a bath, but probably only until the moon starts to set."
Enough time for the moon to set—.
Galahad muttered to himself.
"That's plenty. Ah, you should take this chance to wash up, too."
With a casual farewell, Galahad vanished.
Gilberton watched where he had been for a moment, then shook his head.
There was no need to try and understand Galahad.
"Alright, let's try this 'bathing' thing."
Gilberton finished taking off his armor.
****
"...The Grand Duke has disappeared?"
The Grand Duke's vassal, Theodore, desperately covered his own mouth. He felt he was about to scream.
"Wh... When did he disappear?"
"He... disappeared after receiving Lady Adrianna's letter."
Theodore's mind reeled. The Grand Duke never made a move lightly.
Above all, if the Grand Duke left the castle—.
*'The pact with the Emperor...'*
Theodore pressed his temples firmly.
There was no way the Grand Duke didn't know about it. In fact, he would know better than anyone. For him to move despite that meant—.
*'Has the time finally come?'*
Theodore let out a small sigh.
Then, a question suddenly occurred to him.
What could have been in that letter to make the Grand Duke himself take action?
*'...Was it that bastard again?'*
Theodore shook his head.
*Nah. Surely he wouldn't be that crazy.*