Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 275 "What? Lord Risir has returned with yet another outsider?" When Risir returned with a tail in tow after briefly leaving the camp, the elf servants who were busy preparing lunch expressed pure admiration. "To pick up someone in such a brief moment..." "Meeting dragons and Nad'ga was already surprising enough." "Oh, and- there's more." "Yeah?" "That Dibrian Knight Order. Their leader is the legitimate son of a Great Noble house, right?" "Ah! That's right. I completely forgot too!" "It was just a few days ago that we encountered that tremendous group, and now he's bringing yet another new person..." "At this point, it's not popularity but almost pheromones, isn't it? Even fully bloomed sunflowers wouldn't be this much." "Look at what this one is saying~" The Ares Knight Order. Now the protectors of that young dragon, they huddled in a corner, listening to the elves' conversation. "Even those prickly elves act like that when they're among themselves..." "It feels like we've seen something we shouldn't have." "...In any case, this is somewhat humiliating." Great Noble Ares ye Dibrian muttered with complex feelings. At the young age of his early thirties, he was approaching the Master's Realm, and the old knight who assisted him was a master who had once reached the 7th Rank. The knight order led by Ares was one of the most formidable military groups even within the Dibrian family, which ruled as regional overlords. The numerous criminal groups and demon hordes that had been annihilated simply for being in their expedition route proved this. Surely that had been the Ares Knight Order- "To think our knight order is being treated as mere background..." "Given what we're being compared to, it can't be helped." A nearby old knight muttered with resignation. It was an expedition with a dragon, and 'him' who made even such a dragon experience self-contradiction. And on top of that, Star of the Garden Lunadien. If they approached the elf servants and said 'We're also capable, please show some interest,' they would probably respond with bright smiles like village maidens being courted by bold men. "That makes a damn lot of sense." Ares muttered bitterly. The old knight quietly corrected that vulgar vocabulary with "Young Master." "In any case, Lady Alenza is running a bit late-" "That's right! Lord Ares! Since Lady Alenza is late, shouldn't we go check on her as our natural duty!?" What has 'he' dragged along this time! The knights, whose backs were already itching with curiosity, raised their voices in agreement. -Reading the room... Even so, they carefully watched the old knight's expression. He was the one responsible for the knight order's discipline in place of the relatively free-spirited Ares. -Stop talking nonsense and go do what you need to do. The knights already felt the illusion of hearing the old knight's strict voice. "Ahem. That makes sense. As knights with the duty of protecting that young girl-..." But what was this? The old knight muttered as if making excuses and left his spot. The knights were briefly surprised but quickly understood. 'That man' who had gone out briefly had returned with something. Could there be a phrase that stimulated curiosity more intensely? The knights followed behind the old knight with the impious but valid thought that 'even a Saint couldn't resist that.' "That's-" The dragon's protectors finally arrived at the camp entrance. Old knight Leonard confirmed the new face and focused more intently. "The mercenary Delron?" "Delron?" "Delron... you don't mean Stone Heart Delron?" The knights who had shown disappointment saying 'What, it's just a human?' belatedly murmured among themselves. The bald head covered with all kinds of scars was itself a pattern and business card proving his identity. Stone Heart Delron. It was a name anyone with even the slightest connection to the mercenary industry would know. Extreme situations faced after being captured during missions. Terrible torture by Dark Mages. His story of protecting both his comrades and missions by not leaking any information even in all those crises remained like a legend. Those who encountered honor rarely seen even among knights, let alone ordinary mercenaries, were eager to make him their own. Great Noble house Dibrian was also among those who had sent courting overtures. That's right. Delron had refused even that Great Noble house Dibrian's proposal. Thus he earned the reputation as 'a man who cannot be moved by Dark Mage torture or Great Noble gold coins.' Ares and the other knights straightened their posture. To show respect to someone who was merely a mercenary. "Delron, what brings you here?" "Hmm. You are-" The approaching group of knights. Delron raised an eyebrow upon confirming the Dibrian family crest engraved on their armor. "The Dibrian Knight Order... and among them, the one led by the second son, Sir Ares. What brings you sirs here?" "That's what we want to ask. Don't tell me you've come to accept Dibrian's offer now?" "Ha!" Starting with the sound that leaked from Delron's mouth like a chuckle, hearty laughter exchanged between them. The young knights caught the subtle current flowing between the two and looked fed up. No matter how much he operated from regions beyond Dibrian's influence, for that great family's legitimate son to openly engage in mercenary-style confrontations as if he were some frontier noble. Should it be called reckless, or should it be called not easy to deal with? At least it was certain that he was no ordinary person. The bold spirit of not wanting to lose initiative even before a Great Noble. It truly matched the reputation of the name Stone Heart. The Ares Knight Order was now examining Delron's group and being wary of them. And Risir, who had stepped back to watch their conversation. "Lord Risir." Old knight Leonard approached him and spoke. "As you must have already sensed, he's no ordinary person. Please exercise caution in dealing with him-" Leonard's speaking mouth stopped. Delron's sharp gaze was staring at him. Delron looked between them indifferently. It meant whether they knew each other. Ares answered instead. "Our Ares Knight Order is working together with Lord Risir for certain reasons. Do you have anything else to say about this? Stone Heart." "...You mean you're comrades with each other?" This time Risir answered instead. "Well, you could say that's essentially the case. They say even brushing sleeves is fate, and our connection is deeper than that. I dare to believe Lord Ares is my friend." Risir produced his characteristic friendly smile. Ares immediately wanted to respond with a pleased smile, but due to Delron's presence, he could only read the atmosphere. He couldn't understand Delron's intention to probe the relationship between Risir and himself. "Ha, you two are friends-" Then. Delron let out his characteristic chuckle meaningfully. His fierce expression created a rough atmosphere as if mocking. "Enough-" It was the moment when Ares, unable to bear it any longer, was about to speak. "Then you should have said so earlier~" "?" The Ares Knight Order felt as if they were under some spell. Stone Heart was now making a servile smile with a bent posture. "Lord Ares of Dibrian and Lord Risir, the Master of Magic Sword- no, the Master of Sacred Sword, being close friends! The saying 'birds of a feather flock together' could be the highest praise!" "Hahaha! I am quite blessed with good relationships!" "Oh my, of course you would be, Lord Risir!" "..." The knights were confused for a moment. Ah. They didn't quite understand, but anyway that's how it turned out. Confirming that Delron's servile smile was directed at Risir, they accepted it. *** The camp's lunch began. The leaders of each group sat together with Risir and Delron, having time to discuss their new matters. "You want to help them?" Ah. Alenza opened her mouth. It was to receive the food Risir was feeding her with a spoon. -Risir. What kind of dish is that? -Ah, the seasoning seemed a bit bland so I adjusted it a little. Would you like to try some? -Huh? It was an extension of the small commotion that had occurred just before the meal. "Ah." "What is it, Ratsil?" The elf who, along with Alenza, occupied Risir's other arm suddenly opened her mouth wide. "Ah!!!" "Doesn't Ratsil have hands?" "This is unfair! I worked so hard directing the meals while Risir was away! Even though I knew Risir prefers strongly seasoned food, I knew the servants weakened the seasoning out of concern for Risir's condition, and I was giving advice to correct that, while guiding Lady Karoer and Lady Lunadien who were looking for Risir to- nom." Risir surrendered to Ratsil's threat(?) and obediently followed her demand. He aimed the spoon at her mouth to stop her fierce chattering. "Ratsil. Just to check, you do realize that Risir is a patient, right?" Karoer sighed watching her right-hand Ratsil compete with the young dragon. "What!? Risir!? What! Weren't you better!?" "Compared to before, you could certainly say that. But it seems complete recovery is still far off." Haah. Risir let out a deep sigh. "It's not like the old days." "Speaking of time's cruelty. I remember you being on the young side even considering you're human?" Instead of eating, Lunadien who was leaning against a nearby tree recording something burst into laughter saying it was amusing. "Ah, the thing is. In the past, when I used power while pushing myself like this, my Status would naturally rise and all aftereffects would be healed. But now that I've supposedly matured- the cycle of Status rising has become longer. I keep hoping just in case, but at this rate, it seems I'll have to handle these aftereffects entirely with my own strength. Yes, that's why I said that." "Aha~" Lunadien, who had given up understanding halfway through and was half-listening, nodded along with the end of Risir's words. 'Is it some kind of code...?' While most showed the same accepting reaction as Lunadien, Delron alone was earnestly trying to interpret while reading the atmosphere. "The conversation briefly went off track because of Ratsil." "Mmhm!?" Ratsil, who had her mouth full of food following Risir's intent for her to chew slowly and quietly, opened her eyes wide. Just me? What about Alenza!? Ignoring her aggrieved right-hand, Karoer continued the conversation. "So, Risir. You said you want to help those people?" "Ah, yes. If circumstances permit." "Lord Risir. If I may presume-" "Hmm? Delron. Please speak." "I heard that Lord Risir is recovering his wounded mind and body for certain reasons-" "That's correct." "Then wouldn't it be right to rest and focus on recovery-" Delron spoke words he didn't mean in a servile posture, rubbing his hands. After suggesting the possibility of help, if he changed his words due to injury, nothing would be more futile. It was a part that had to be addressed. "Ah. Yes. I intend to do so." Wait. This isn't right? Delron felt a sense of 'oh no' when Risir readily agreed. When he was about to speak hastily to salvage the situation- "That's the reason for wanting to participate in Magic Sword tracking." "?" Huh? Delron made a puzzled expression and directed his gaze to the upper right. What? Did I lose consciousness for a moment? What's the context- It seems like a big part of the conversation was skipped? "Perhaps. You're trying to acquire an additional Magic Sword and utilize it in the same way?" Risir nodded at Karoer's question. "Yes. With only one currently, the Magic Sword seems to be struggling. I thought it would be good to bring in one more." "..." Delron nodded. I understand. I should just eat my food. Having given up following their conversation, Delron quietly began moving his spoon. "However, the concerning part is- I'm currently not in a position to move alone." "Hmm..." "In that sense. Delron. Where is the base location for Magic Sword tracking?" "Ah! Following this road straight ahead, it's the city of Tormund!" "Tormund... Ratsil?" Karoer looked at Ratsil. She swallowed the food in her mouth and took out a map to spread it. "If it's Tormund, that's a city on our expedition route!" "Hmm... then that works out perfectly." "Yes, Lady Karoer. What do you mean it works out perfectly?" "Originally, our expedition planned to make a wide detour around human cities to avoid unnecessary friction." "Ah." Risir nodded. The world- that is, they had also heard what stories were circulating about the Illatdein expedition in the surrounding cities. "From here, like this!" Ratsil drew lines on the map explaining the detour route. "It would have been a detour causing at least two days of delay normally! Lady Karoer seems to be suggesting- what if we get help from humans and pass through the city without detouring!" "Oh." Everyone present expressed admiration for Karoer's plan. It was a flexible and proactive plan that made one wonder if even the contact with Delron's group was intended. "Actually, I was thinking of getting help from the Ares Knight Order- you all, but wouldn't help from city officials have a greater effect?" "That's absolutely right." As the conversation progressed, Risir felt his mood becoming lighter. If it interfered with the expedition, he would inevitably have to give up the Magic Sword. It had been a situation where he could only choose one of the two, but now a way to catch both rabbits was being presented. "As expected of Lady Karoer...! If this matter is resolved well and our expedition is given ownership of the Magic Sword, Lady Karoer should have first priority-" "Risir. To me, that would be punishment, not a reward." "...Ah!" Thus, the expedition's agreement was reached amicably. Afterward, Karoer spoke to Delron. "Human. It seems our party can provide you with some help and advice. Is that what you desire?" "Y-yes, it is!" "Then let me state our side's conditions." "As you said, I'll take measures to ensure we can pass through the city without problems! If there's anything you need while staying in the city, please don't hesitate to ask!" Delron spoke as if he had been waiting. It was an audacious attempt to settle the payment with city-related conveniences. "Ah. Then could you provide convenience so I can claim rights according to my contributions in Magic Sword tracking?" "Pardon?" But fat chance. Risir lightly brushed off Delron's attempt with a smiling face. Delron, who had placed expectations on Risir's young and naive appearance, couldn't hide his confusion when he suddenly acted as cunning and experienced as an old noble. "Th-that's something I can't decide alone-" "That would be correct, wouldn't it?" It was Risir's voice catching Delron's tail as he tried to slip away. "You hold a high position within the group, enough to be granted independent authority of action like now. Isn't that right?" He spoke while still wearing a gentle smile. Delron. He was someone who commanded the trust of the entire group within the Sword Sheath of Pofendal through his excellent judgment and mission execution abilities alone. 'What, what kind of terrible person...!' Such a person had made his judgment. "O-of course! I'll raise my voice so that Lord Risir's opinion can be reflected!" *** "Ratsil. Now slowly eat by yourself. You're an adult, aren't you?" "What!? Me? I'm the same age as Risir!?" "...That can't be right?" "Just looking at appearances, it's true!" "..." "Th-then what about Alenza!? Alenza is a dragon!?" "Uwah!" Risir was briefly startled by the courage of the elf who unhesitatingly grabbed onto the young girl. "...Come to think of it-" He suddenly had a question too. Alenza. What would this young dragon's age be? "Alenza, speaking of which- how old are you, Alenza?" "Me? About five hundred... or so?" "Kugung!?" "But if you count just actual age, thirteen?" "...Pardon? Actual age? What's the difference?" "I was asleep for quite a long time." "Ah..." Risir was intrigued by the young dragon's story, but since it didn't seem like something he could listen to lightly, he decided to carefully preserve that curiosity. Eventually the meal ended. "Delron. What do you think about going ahead first to relay the situation to your companions?" "Lord Karoer...? What do you mean-" "Moving from here to Tormund would take at least three days." "Three days...?" "Yes. If we move as an expedition unit." "Ah." "However, if you move first and we separately divide our personnel to move, that period would be greatly shortened." Risir, who was listening to the conversation from the side, exclaimed 'oh' and said. "So you're saying if certain personnel depart first to resolve matters, the entire expedition's time would be greatly shortened by that much?" "That's right." "That sounds good? Let's do that, Delron?" Before long, Delron's companions were standing behind him watching the situation. "That guy. How dare he to Lord Delron-" Delron's companions showed dissatisfaction with the other party's unilateral attitude. They directed expectant gazes at Delron. Surely Stone Heart Delron would draw out the optimal result in this situation! Delron certainly accomplished that. "Yes! It's an excellent proposal! Let's go with that!" "... Lord Delron?" They looked at Delron as if possessed. *** Delron, who led the way back to Tormund. He was relaying the whole story to his master. "The elf expedition. They've agreed to help us?" "That's right." Delron didn't say 'We might be able to get help from the Master of Magic Sword and Sacred Sword!' If he conveyed what he saw and felt as it was, he would immediately be treated as a madman dominated by a Magic Sword. "...And if things are resolved well. You promised to guarantee the rights they demand according to their contributions?" "Please trust me. It was the best judgment I could make in that situation." "..." That office was located at a height where the entire city could be seen at a glance. Delron's master looked down at the city's panorama through the window and let out a deep sigh. "Yes. With the elf expedition and even that Dibrian Knight Order together- certainly, it's worth having expectations. Honestly, there are many suspicious parts, but Delron. Since it's your judgment, I'll trust it." "You won't be disappointed." "So. They said they'd separately select personnel to send to us?" "Yes. They said they'd depart immediately once decided, so they'll arrive soon." Then. Just then, a knock was heard. The expected personnel had arrived at the city's main gate. The master sat in his chair and leaned back. He asked about the personnel composition with expectation. Delron's master expected those names to be mentioned in the report: Ares Knight Order. Star of the Garden. Observer of the Forest. However. The names mentioned from their mouths were extremely unfamiliar and trivial. "One young man and one young girl, presumed to be siblings?" The master jumped up from his seat. Looking at the personnel composition alone, it was a group that should be participating in a picnic rather than Magic Sword tracking. "Any special characteristics!?" "The man seemed like a young noble. He had quite a good impression. The girl was completely hiding her appearance with a cloak." "..." For the special characteristic of someone participating in Magic Sword tracking to be 'good impression.' At this point, the master reached one conclusion. 'Damn it, don't tell me- those elves have insulted us!?' It was strange from the beginning. For that elf to willingly offer to help humans. He glared at Delron and said. "Delron. It seems you need to have a word with their person in charge." "..." Delron nodded with a serious expression. "Yes. To show such 'sincerity'... certainly, this needs to be clearly addressed." He nodded while being dissatisfied with Delron's appearance. "Yes. It's definitely 'sincerity' that needs to be addressed." Judging by Delron's sarcastically mocking reaction, it seemed he had this in mind too. He decided to watch closely what kind of response Delron would show. A moment later. The 'man' and 'girl' sent by the elf expedition arrived in the room. "Are you two all there is?" The master was quite surprised. To come on so strong from the start? Delron sarcastically asking if they only sent two people. The master focused more intently and observed his next actions. "Yes. For now, we are all there is." "...I see." A moment later. He raised his voice toward them. "Oh my!!! Lord Risir!!! Lady Alenza!!! With both of you personally visiting like this, I don't know where to put myself in gratitude!!!" "..." Delron? The master looked at him. Is that supposed to be sarcasm? 'Greenhorn noble' and 'milk-smelling brat.' It was just those two. Yet Delron was treating them as if they were a mighty army. The master was confused about what rhythm he should follow. (E/N: both the official and true guardian of harmony and balance. Of course it's impressive)