Chapter 23: Chapter 23

After the fight ended, the Altoan expedition party members were all stripped of their equipment and thrown into the wilderness outside the building.

Their corpses would likely disappear without a trace in no time, devoured by monsters passing by.

Just as they had intended to do to ‘Green Eyes’.

While sorting through the few belongings left by the bandits, Shan called out to Roden, who was wiping his sword clean.

“Roden, could you take a look at this?”

“What is it?”

“I think it’s an expedition journal, but I can’t read it.”

Taking the small booklet, Roden immediately understood why Shan had said he had trouble reading it.

Not only was the handwriting horribly messy, but it was written in a rushed scribble filled with all sorts of abbreviations commonly used among explorers.

At this point, it required the ability to decipher rather than mere reading.

After engaging in a staring contest with the letters for a while, Roden eventually handed it over to Zerpo, the wizard who was the smartest among them.

Not long after, having interpreted the contents, he let out an exclamation.

“Oho…!”

“Did something come up?”

“Yes. First of all, I found out why they launched this surprise attack.”

According to the contents of the journal, the Altoan expedition party had run into trouble during their last expedition and had borrowed a considerable amount of money.

That was also why they had set out on a somewhat recklessly long expedition to the north this time.

“They were already crushed under debt to the point of dying, and at a glance, they saw a group with only half their numbers bringing along two horses, carrying quite a bit of luggage, and even containing a child… On top of that, as a wizard, I must be carrying quite a few expensive catalysts, so the burden was low while the profit was certain. I’m not saying I sympathize, but I can see why they lost their minds.”

Laying out the story, it truly looked as if they had set up a trap begging to be swallowed whole.

Of course, if even a single one of them had seen Shan’s skill back in Shedil City, it was an act they never would have attempted, but they hadn’t known.

“Furthermore, it seems they excavated a fairly decent Altoan ruin in the north. A place so large that they couldn’t carry everything back at once. Plundering us and using that money as capital to make just one more trip back would have yielded massive profits.”

Selling the location of the ruins to someone else might have been an option, but doing so would inevitably mean suffering an enormous loss.

In the end, their failure to curb their greed was what drove them to their deaths.

“An Altoan ruin, huh.”

Roden groaned softly at the unfamiliar topic.

To think that a clue to the very thing countless explorers desperately wished to find just once would present itself like this.

“Does it happen to mention how far away it is?”

“I can’t decipher all of the writer’s notation system, so I can’t be certain, but we will likely have to travel as far as the distance we covered last time once again.”

“That’s far…”

At that distance, they would surely have to discard a significant portion of the loot from hunted monsters.

Because they would have to pack far more food and other supplies.

That meant it was now time to hold a meeting.

Whether to sell this information to another expedition team, or attempt the excavation themselves.

Since the ruins were located in the north, they had to bear the burden that the Holy Knights of the Ajun Kingdom might intervene.

“I want to go.”

Shan, who had been quietly listening to the story, offered his opinion.

If it was an Altoan ruin, might there not be a decent magic armament inside?

An item permanently imbued with magical power, rather than one requiring mages to continuously cast spells on it…

If he could possess equipment even superior to that of the Royal Guards he had once looked upon with dazzled eyes, it would be truly ecstatic.

“I agree as well.”

Zerpo also shone his eyes with curiosity about Altoan relics, fitting for a wizard.

“Mmm.”

In contrast, Priest Vent looked rather reluctant.

It was because the spoils obtained this time were more than enough to aid the monastery’s finances for a while, so he did not wish to take on the risk.

However, the conditions were far too good to back out here.

The location of the ruins was clear, and they had a warrior on the level of a high knight accompanying them.

As he was getting older, his joints ached whenever he returned from an expedition, so earning enough to retire completely and leave the trade did not seem like a bad idea either.

“Alright, let’s go.”

The decision did not take very long.

While everyone was rejoicing over having reached an agreement, Vent suddenly stared blankly at Roden and spoke up.

“By the way, young Roden.”

“Yes, Priest.”

“Have you perhaps never killed a person before?”

“Pardon?”

“I saw you trembling violently earlier. I couldn’t think of any other reason why a fellow who knows young Shan’s skills well and can fight pretty well himself would react like that.”

In truth, Roden had never killed a person before.

Because someone who trembled at the mere sight of a blade couldn’t possibly engage in a fight beyond fistfights with anyone.

Though it diverged slightly from the truth, Roden contemplated how to answer the similar guess for a brief moment before deciding to frankly reveal his secret.

Up until now, he had managed to get by with ‘I didn’t say because you didn’t ask,’ but if he hid it here and the truth was exposed later, the sense of betrayal then would be hard to mend.

All the more so since they were about to embark on an important task from now on.

“Even without you bringing it up, there is one thing I must tell you regarding that matter.”

Roden confessed honestly to the two of them.

The fact that he was of a disposition where he would become terrified and helpless whenever a sharp blade was pointed at him.

At the unexpected revelation, the two briefly exchanged glanced.

“So that was it. It’s a relief to find out now instead. It would have been flustered if we found out during a truly dangerous moment.”

“It seems you can use something like a kitchen knife yourself, so does this only happen when someone else points one at you? Even if monsters are holding them…”

Roden was inwardly flustered by the attitude of Vent, who brushed it off calmly, and Zerpo, who showed academic curiosity.

Hadn’t he essentially hidden that one of their companions possessed a critical flaw as a warrior?

When it wouldn’t even be enough to get angry or request a readjustment of the share distribution.

When he mentioned this, Vent chuckled heartily and replied.

“Your case is a bit severe, but every human is bound to have at least one flaw. Compared to flaws like severe kleptomania or being unable to fight without alcohol, it’s tolerable enough.”

“Well, to be honest, it’s because Mr. Shan is here.”

Just as he said, Shan played a large role in the two of them casually accepting Roden’s flaw.

When that boy warrior’s ability was enough to slaughter an entire experienced expedition team single-handedly, having one companion who couldn’t fight in front of a blade wasn’t really much of a flaw at all.

“Please keep it a secret.”

“I shall.”

“Don’t worry. Wizards are accustomed to keeping secrets.”

The two of them likewise had no desire to unnecessarily expose Roden’s secret and break up this expedition team.

*

Returning to Shedil City after several days of marching, ‘Green Eyes’ spread rapidly by word of mouth.

Of course, Shan had already gained fame earlier through the spectacular skill he demonstrated in the square, but what mattered was that this time the focus shifted to their outstanding exploration ability.

“Heh, isn’t that werewolf leather?”

“I heard this was their first exploration, but that’s impressive.”

“To be honest, since it took quite a while, I thought something had gone wrong.”

Originally, whichever expedition team it was, on their first exploration, they would usually just lightly skim the edge of the Demonic Realm before returning.

As they lacked any information, they lacked experience regarding where monsters were mainly distributed and how to fight them, causing their supplies to run dry after fighting wasteful battles.

However, Green Eyes returned carrying a volume of spoils that clearly looked like they had gone quite deep inside.

Of course, there were two veterans, Vent and Zerpo, but since both were people who only briefly joined other expedition teams when needed, their influence could not have been that large.

“Are you accepting any more members by any chance?”

“I’m confident in my archery skills…”

“I know a secret route that only I know of!”

Although several people stepped up trying to slyly join in, Shan and Roden did not recruit any additional members.

They were about to excavate a ruin, so expanding their roster here would only decrease each person’s share accordingly.

Of course, having fewer members brought its own inconveniences, but Shan’s transcendent martial prowess alone was enough to solve a significant portion of those problems.

The few other issues could be resolved with the help of the expedition journal they had secured this time.

All the profits secured this time were used as public funds to procure the necessary supplies for that endeavor.

Not to mention buying two more horses to transport goods, they also purchased several magic tools that were useful for exploration but had been too expensive to buy previously.

“Ah, do I really have to buy this…?”

Magic tools were expensive enough that even Roden, the son of a wealthy family, squeezed his eyes shut while muttering like that.

There was good reason why expedition teams went bankrupt from time to time.

Thus, while Roden worked day and night today as well, Shan spent his time leisurely as he always did.

Of course, even in the midst of that, he trained steadily to maintain his physical condition.

He knew better than anyone that while he didn’t need to push himself to the realm of overwork like before, the moment he grew lazy, his body would rapidly weaken.

While loosening up lazily in the inn’s courtyard as usual, an unexpected guest visited.

“Long time no see, Altoan friend.”

“Ah, the person from back then…”

The one who visited Shan was the guard he had sparred with wooden swords in the past.

A skilled man presumed to be a former explorer.

“Rumors are abuzz. I heard you reaped a pretty good harvest?”

“More or less.”

“Everyone looks at you with wonder. At that age, setting aside skill, to be successful as an explorer as well.”

A strong warrior could not necessarily be called an outstanding explorer.

Exploration of the Demonic Realm required techniques such as finding the right path and appropriately allocating supplies just as much as skill in facing monsters.

Of course, Shan was dumping all of this onto Roden, but to those who didn’t know the insider story, this too appeared to be one of Shan’s abilities.

Above all, it was because Roden didn’t look like someone who would be good at using his head like that.

“More importantly, there’s someone looking for you.”

“Who?”

If it was someone influential enough to give instructions to a guard, was it perhaps an influential figure in the city, say, an administrator?

However, the other party was a bigger figure than Shan had expected.

“The master of this city.”

“Ah, that Count… I mean, His Excellency the Count?”

“That’s right.”

Then, naturally, there was no such thing as a right to refuse.

If a mere commoner (and an Altoan at that) refused the Count’s invitation, he would witness a noble whose prestige was wounded flying into a rage.

He wanted to consult with Roden, but Roden had long since left the inn early to procure goods.

After pondering for a moment, Shan soon nodded.

“Alright. I’ve sweated quite a bit, so should I wash up before going?”

“That much is fine.”

After washing cleanly and changing into new clothes, Shan hesitated for a moment before unbuckling the sword at his waist once again.

Since it didn’t seem likely the Count would allow him to carry a sword into his presence anyway, he figured that if a fight broke out, it would be better to snatch and use a nearby enemy’s blade instead.

Of course, it would be best if he didn’t fight with the Count if possible, but just because he didn’t want to fight didn’t mean the other party would feel the same way.

Unaware that Shan was inwardly contemplating how to take the Count hostage and escape outside the city if a fight broke out, the guard guided Shan to the Count’s castle.

The castle where Count of Shedil stayed was attached to the outer wall rather than the center of the city.

This was because what was originally a small fortress had gradually grown in scale to form a city.

Passing through the castle gates, the surrounding gazes focused on him.

A feeling that seemed to say, ‘Who is that guy, and why is he here?’

It seemed that the Count was originally not of a personality to actively invite guests.

Stepping into the castle courtyard, the first thing Shan felt was that it was surprisingly not very extravagant.

‘I thought all nobles lived immensely lavish lives.’

Hadn’t even Callion Weavers, who wasn’t even a noble, lived a life that seemed to gather all the luxury in the world?

In comparison, Count of Shedil’s castle was frugal and practical to put it nicely, and downright shabby to speak plainly.

It was hard to believe this was a man who amassed enormous wealth by selling off massive amounts of monster by-products and Altoan relics through the Explorers Guild every year.

While inwardly thinking such thoughts, a stubborn-looking middle-aged man approached Shan and wore a displeased expression.

“Are you Shan? The Altoan explorer?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Judging by his attire, he appeared to be an administrator under the Count, which meant he would be at least a semi-noble, namely a baronet.

When Shan observed etiquette properly according to formality, the man wore a surprised expression.

Because among explorers, those who knew manners were usually priests or wizards, while warriors (with very few exceptions) were mostly ignorant fellows who couldn’t even read letters.

“Hmm, seeing this, I suppose we can worry a bit less about you committing disrespect toward His Excellency… Still, just in case, remember well what I tell you. Got it?”

“I will keep it in mind.”

“If you don’t want to get your head cut off, never forget it!”

In truth, the things the administrator told him were all matters he already knew.

Things like not making eye contact until the other party granted permission first, or making sure to kneel on his right knee when kneeling before him.

Even after mastering all of these, he had to wait for nearly thirty minutes before he could go to meet the Count.

‘What a hassle, seriously…’

He had once harbored the ambition to go beyond knight and become a noble or a lord later, but actually experiencing the empty formalities of complex noble society made him feel fed up already.

Entering the reception room a moment later, Shan stopped about six steps below the chair where the Count sat, then knelt on one knee with crisp discipline and observed etiquette.

Thanks to Sir Darkal’s and Roden’s relentless instruction, as well as his natural athletic nerve, that posture was truly as graceful as a drawn blade.

“Shan the Altoan pays respects to His Excellency the Count, master of Shedil and Shield of Pendia.”

“You have been educated quite well. Is it the work of that jeweler fellow?”

The voice heard from above his head growled as if heavy with phlegm, reminiscent of a beast.

When Shan remained still without answering, the Count clicked his tongue.

“Raise your head. I permit your answer.”

Only then could Shan raise his head and face the Count for the first time.

Count of Shedil, who appeared to be around fifty years old now, had a tall height and massive frame, proving that the words of him being a knight in his youth were no lie.

However, regardless of how he had been in his youth, he was now chubby with fat, making it look difficult for him to fight as a warrior.

Shan quietly stared at the Count, who exuded an arrogant aura like an old bear, before answering the question from earlier.

“If by jeweler you mean Callion Weavers, that is correct.”

“I severed that old man’s hands and feet and drove him out in the past. Lately, I heard his son brought along a swordsman, so I invited you over wondering if you might be an assassin.”

He had heard from Roden that Count of Shedil had banished Callion’s merchant guild from Shedil in the past.

Strictly speaking, it wasn’t just him, but everyone involved in handling mana stones at the time who was chased out, so Roden had said there probably wasn’t any personal malice, but judging by what he said now, bad blood seemed to overflow contrary to expectations.

“I merely sought out this city to work as an explorer.”

“Yes, I heard you achieved quite decent results. I received the report.”

Immediately knowing the identity of Roden who came with Shan, as expected of a ruler, he seemed to hold a firm grip on the city’s information.

Well, since he owned the Explorers Guild in the first place, it was only natural that he was thoroughly knowledgeable about information regarding explorers.

“I heard you drew a sword and made a racket in the square… Hmm, playing coy like this really isn’t to my taste. I’ll speak plainly. I heard you handle a sword better than most knights, so I’ll have to see your skill for myself.”

At the unexpected demand, Shan narrowed his eyes and looked around his surroundings.

Judging by the presence of the two knights standing beside the Count and the other soldiers, they did not seem poised to pick a fight immediately.

“Is it a spar?”

“Indeed. Your opponent is a knight. Are you lacking confidence by any chance?”

At the Count’s question, Shan pondered for a moment.

Would it be better to answer that he was confident here? Or would it be better to moderately tuck his tail and act subserviently?

It was hard to judge why he suddenly wanted to see his skill, and whether that Count held malice toward the Weavers family and Roden.

If Roden were beside him, he would have at least given him a rough hint on how to answer through social cues…

After brief deliberation, Shan soon decided on his response.

His judgment was that as long as Roden wasn’t by his side, rather than doing complex political calculations he didn’t even know how to perform, it would be better to just act as he pleased.

Inwardly, he was already annoyed by the Count’s attitude of calling him over at will just because he was a noble and demanding to test his skill, so he wanted to strike a blow against him.

Besides, he had wanted to match skills with a proper knight for some time now.

If things really went awry, holding a sword to the Count’s neck and fleeing would somehow work out anyway.

“If you grant me just one sword, I can fight no matter who the opponent is.”

“Full of confidence! Very well, Sir Gowell.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

The one who stepped forward at the order was the knight standing on the Count’s left.

Clad in full plate armor from head to toe with a longsword at his waist, his appearance was truly majestic to the extreme.

Standing opposite him, Shan was dressed in just ordinary cloth clothes with an overcoat to ward off the cold, making the contrast look even starker.

“Here is your sword.”

What the nearby guard handed over was a longsword that looked noticeably inferior in quality compared to the knight’s sword at a glance.

No, even a decent longsword couldn’t compare to that weapon.

In the middle of the blade of the knight called Sir Gowell, unidentified letters were engraved, glowing softly.

‘A magic weapon…’

Since wizards didn’t go as far as engraving to temporarily enchant a weapon, that was surely a relic passed down from the ancient Altoan Empire.

Though such items were usually passed down only in a few noble families or knightly families of long standing, did he bestow such a treasure even upon a subordinate knight because he was a noble of the Demonic Realm?

He didn’t know what spell was placed upon it, but if his half-baked longsword clashed against it head-on, it would likely snap right in two.

From the contrast between full plate armor and cloth clothes, to a powerful magic sword versus a low-grade iron sword, malice could be felt from the overwhelming gap in equipment.

“Then let us begin.”

The moment the spar began with the Count’s single word, the knight charged straight toward Shan.

Unlike ordinary warriors, his neatly refined movements were clean, as expected of someone who had invested his entire life in martial arts.

While the technique itself fell somewhat short compared to Sir Darkal, it was clearly several steps above Sir Katra, whom he had met when hunting the troll.

Considering his prime age and outstanding physical ability, in terms of skill he was second only to Feonil, whom he had met previously.

Staring calmly at the sword raised high and swinging down, Shan quietly raised his sword to meet it and parried.

With the base of his blade closer than the opponent’s edge, and with firmer spirit imbued into it.

The knight’s flustered expression was visible at the fact that his magic sword, even loaded with spirit, failed to break the opponent’s worn iron sword.

With such a faltering added when a gap in skill already existed, the outcome of the match went without saying.

Riding up along the opponent’s magic sword, Shan’s blade dug between the visor of the knight’s helmet.