Chapter 91
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: Holy Knight City Erection Association
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I didn't need to see his face. That booming voice alone told me exactly who it was.
"You who disturb the order of the Sanctuary—!"
God, can't he do something about that tone?
"—Will you face the shield of Loginin?!"
Our friendly neighborhood Guard, the hairless bear Holy Knight, had even announced his own name.
Ebu and I were hiding behind the wall, peeking out just our heads.
Hama was mimicking us. Put your tongue back in. It's caked in dirt from dragging it everywhere.
Loginin had two burly men by the scruff, one in each hand.
Probably the ones who'd started the fight.
No, seeing as they were both unscathed, it looked like they'd been stopped before it even began.
They dangled limply in the air, swaying with every shake Loginin gave them.
"Boss, can't we just go? Loginin's kinda scary. Ebu's super noble, so he can't be scared. Yeah? Let's just leave. Say we will."
"Sure."
We'd come out to the streets anyway, so we took a lap around the castle.
Ebu scratched his head as we strolled.
"It's so... peaceful. Happy? I see it on those human faces. 'Cause there're so many humans?"
"Maybe because they're all here for the same purpose? They didn't come to fight—they came from far away just to survive. And there are people maintaining order, sharing jobs, providing all sorts of protection. Makes 'em feel at ease."
I'd said too much.
Ebu's eyes went all foggy, like his brain circuits had shorted out.
"Let's go."
I grabbed Ebu—who clearly hadn't understood a word—and headed back to the top of the central tower.
A wide-open spot with no roof or railing.
Our post, whether we had work or not.
The ultimate vantage point, letting us surveil from inside the castle to the outer plains without Blue Eye's help.
My place is here.
To the world, Tropsini Arron. To us, the Sanctuary.
A spot where a lone outsider could hug their knees.
"Boss, looks like rain."
Kuuuuh—.
...Not that I was alone.
"Boss, weren't you gonna follow Requiya and Yuderg? To chew 'em out?"
"Nah. Even if they'd done well or screwed up, I wasn't gonna chase after them right away."
"Why?"
"Someone's gotta take responsibility."
"Responsibility? Like protecting Ebu, Hama, and Starlight?"
"Kinda different, but... what is it..."
Ah, was it the same?
Was I worried about the Sanctuary and couldn't leave these people behind?
Can't explain that to Ebu without confusing him more. And I'm no good with words anyway.
Let's break it down step by step.
"Requiya, Fred, and Yuderg trusted me and left. They figured I'd have their backs even if they stepped away."
"But why didn't they tell you? Steron said even a rock would hear if you sat still."
"No idea there. But they didn't need my permission. They're not my subordinates."
Hold on.
Then why was I mad?
They're not my men.
They're free agents.
Hell, sometimes I even thought about ditching them 'cause they were a hassle.
Ah...
They'd volunteered to follow me, sure, but they were never my underlings or property to begin with.
I'd dumped the Sanctuary's burdens on them on my whim, claiming it was for my side.
They'd helped without complaint.
Restricting their freedom and getting pissed they'd left? Not fair.
"Hm... Ah!"
Ebu, who'd been squinting in deep thought, smacked his knee like he'd figured it out.
"Boss is protector to Ebu, Hama, and Starlight. But to those bast—guys, he's a friend. That's why no permission needed. Right? Yeah? Tell Ebu he's right."
"Pretty much."
I nodded.
Not because Ebu insisted, but because it rang true.
"So I'll wait. Till they come back."
"Protect the ones you protect by sticking with 'em, wait for friends? While covering their work?"
Ebu, you're getting sharp.
First time I've seen someone catch on this quick.
Did he sneak some brain-boosting soup behind my back?
"But Ebu's worried. First black mage we met was weak. Then later, strong. Next time, even stronger."
Ah, what can you do.
It's what I expected—no surprise there.
Evil bastards always grow freakishly fast and strong.
Drug addicts, crime syndicates...
Why's it stinging?
Damn, am I one of the evil ones?
That why I'm growing abnormally quick?
Off to hell I go.
"Wears a mask, so no face. Skills super varied. Like this, close eyes, can't see."
If you close your eyes, of course you can't see, Professor Ebu.
But Ebu was describing the black mage's nature.
Can't detect him. Like Toolsep, like Requiya, masking his mana.
Ebu had me even more on edge.
I'd been worried ever since learning they'd left.
Friends, right?
I stretched my arm toward the blue dot on the distant western watchtower.
"By my command—."
The blue guy shot over like an arrow and landed on my wrist.
"No, not a command. A favor."
I tickled the blue bird's chin with my index finger and relayed the message.
"Round up everyone you can muster and keep an eye out. They're heading toward the border town east of Fiore. Three of 'em, out of my sight, so probably far gone. Moving faster than normal humans. Might be dangerous, so don't get too close. Report back regularly."
Piiiii—.
The blue bird cocked its head.
What're you saying.
Bird chirps all sound the same—how'd Silver Star translate?
I stared into its eyes, then added just in case.
"If all's well, perch on my shoulder once then go. If shit's bad, come peck Hama's head."
Flap flap—.
The blue bird took off.
Ebu, waving at it, asked,
"Why peck Hama's head?"
'Cause it'd hurt if he pecked mine, duh.
"Only one's wearing a helmet."
"Ah, super smart. Guy in steel pants takes the weight of steel pants. Ebu got it right? Say yes."
Think whatever you want.
I closed my eyes and slipped into mana cultivation.
Lately: the guys who'd left vowing revenge, bandits, residents, mercenaries and merchants, Ebu, Hama, Hellite, Ruler of Frost, Draven...
I didn't push away the endless swarm of thoughts.
I let all the tangled worries inside me stew as they were.
Even the knottiest yarn has an end.
I pondered and pondered until the order of things surfaced.
Clearing the mind's too hard—might as well go with the flow.
Focus didn't waver.
I felt Starlight's hot-chill stab at my crown.
Something soft brushed my cheek, lightly pressed my shoulder, then vanished.
I opened my eyes. Morning.
A tiny, dazzling white bird flew toward the rising sun.
Good.
I wrung out water from my hand.
Soothed my cracked palate, moistened my dry lips.
Pfupafupa—.
Washed my face with what was left, then headed to the first floor of the tower.
Kruuk and the bandits were crammed in the conference room, hashing out even the trivial stuff.
Been a while since the conference room.
The bandits spotted me entering and started rising.
I raised a hand to hush them.
Sat far off so as not to disrupt.
Spectating's best and easiest. Total perv.
I'd only chaired the first few days.
Intended for them to report, listen, learn.
Handed it to Yuderg after.
Yuderg to Steron, Steron to Requiya.
Eventually to Kruuk.
Kruuk was a quick study.
A real talent for gauging opinions, finding common ground, forging consensus.
Didn't stop there—Kruuk rotated the chair among the bandits.
Even mute Syrgraph took the seat sometimes.
Maksim today? What scam's the burn-scar guy's pulling now.
In the stark stone first floor of the tower, a lone quack salesman sans shirt stood out.
"Ahem—!"
Maksim put hands on hips, cleared his throat. Pecs twitched grotesquely.
"Esteemed caravan reps, mercenary captains, Free Mercenary Alliance chair, blacksmith guild master, food distributor head, water management chief, guard captain, security squad leader, Verdant Mothers' secretary, disabled vets support chair, herbal research Sanctuary branch chief, Holy Pilgrimage and Exploration Citizens' Meet president—."
Hey, hey.
Acceptance speech?
No one interrupted Maksim.
Shouldn't they just skip this?
"—On behalf of the Holy Knight City Erection Association brothers, I, Maksim, extend our thanks."
Holy Knight City Erection Association?
Sounds like it has two dirty words in it.
Probably just me.
Ebu and Hama had slept all night and were dozing off again.
I silently waited for Maksim to finish.
And watched the whole meeting without a word.
"Finally, from our guiding leader who saved us from the path of evil—."
Who's the leader?
"—We conclude today's meeting with words from Holy Knight Captain Luke Seid."
Oh, me?
Thunderous applause shook the room.
Everyone shot up, cheering toward me.
Clapclapclapclap—!
"Shit—!"
Kuuuuh—!
The stone building echoed so loud it jolted the sleep demons awake.
Ah, embarrassing. That punk, pulling this crap.
Couldn't back out with all eyes on me.
I'm no runner.
Well, I run to survive, but not that kinda running.
I know the difference—I'm a civilized Holy Knight.
Borrowing Luke's poise, I squared my chest and shoulders, standing tall.
Locked eyes with each bandit.
Eye contact I'd skipped when secretly watching their goodbyes.
Felt like a chance to shake off regrets—made me glad, even.
"You're all geniuses."
What? The bandits' eyes went wide.
First time hearing it in their lowly lives.
"They say everyone's born with one talent to make a living."
Luke's deep voice filled the hall.
The murmurs died.
I looked at Kruuk.
"Some have killer adaptability—."
Kruuk, who'd beamed at my words, turned serious.
Glanced at Maksim.
"Some are silver-tongued—."
Maksim scratched his nape, grinning sheepishly.
Eyed Edin.
"Some till the land like pros—."
Edin rubbed his nose tip.
Looked at Erakins and Eratkal.
"Some have nimble hands—."
The two craftsmen stared down at their feet.
Callused hands right there.
Gazed at Syrgraph.
"Pure hearts that don't gripe at hardship, steadfast faith—."
Syrgraph, lips pressed tight, nodded.
Proud of himself.
"—Silently enduring."
The Sanctuary's new owners smiled with sealed lips, satisfied.
Bums.
Marathoners.
Smurf bastards.
Minion types.
Holy Knight City Erection Association core members.