Episode 507
I was puzzled by Ludwig’s words and asked.
“You’re coming back? I heard the lord is out of contact right now. How would you know that?”
“There is a way that everyone knows.”
That’s great. Really.
I said, shaking my head.
“By the way, you brought Alberto and his men with you? How did they look?”
“Well. It seems like there are some sprouts… … Are you planning on collecting them?”
“Depending on the situation.”
Then Ludwig shook his head.
“You’re not ready to be my assistant yet. I’ll let you go after I’ve played with you a bit more and I’m sure you won’t die easily.”
“What level is that?”
“Hmm. Do you remember the red-haired butler under you?”
I said the name of the face that came to mind after a long time.
“Arzan? Of course I remember.”
“It should be at least at that level.”
“hmm.”
In fact, Arjan is not a weak character by any means. It is quite difficult to achieve the conditions that Ludwig mentioned.
Separately, I agree with Ludwig’s judgment.
The standard by which I can entrust work to someone with confidence is Arjan’s level of skill.
‘I’m going to roll around like a dog.’
Even so, it wouldn’t be as bad as Luan Badniker’s time in Yeongsan.
I only sent my condolences to Alberto in my heart.
* * *
There are also advantages to living a life like mine where you don’t stay in one place for too long and move around whenever you have time.
The point is that you don’t have to pack anything when you leave.
The only valuable item I have is a bat I received from the executioner.
The suit I had bought with so much money had gotten wrinkled after being exposed to the heavy rain, so I wore the other clothes Ryzen had given me.
“What is this? The material looks pretty good.”
“Isn’t it comfortable? It doesn’t have many decorations, but it has a certain elegance to it. It’s expensive, so wear it sparingly. This guy bought it for you.”
Ryzen chuckled and tapped my shoulder.
“… … .”
Strangely, this type of skinship between family members felt somewhat burdensome, so I nodded with a sheepish expression.
“I’ll try.”
the next day.
I packed only my clothes, a bat, and the bare minimum, and then boarded the carriage brought by the Zyren Company.
“Oh my! Your Majesty! How is the carriage?”
Zyren Trading Company… Max, the branch manager of Ulkua, rubbed his hands together fervently like a fly and bowed.
Was this guy’s personality like this?
I answered, feeling doubtful.
“It’s nice, isn’t it? It looks expensive at first glance. Just looking at it, it looks so good that it wouldn’t be strange if Drake drove it.”
“You’re really lucky! This carriage is the best of the best I’ve ever handled! I’m sure you’ll be satisfied with the test ride. The cushions are softer than a bed, and the soundproofing is perfect! You’ll feel like you’re floating on clouds as you reach your destination! Hehe… … .”
“… … .”
In fact, cushions that are excessively soft are actually not good for your joints… … .
The fact that it is completely soundproof is also a negative factor as it does not provide protection against external attacks.
I nodded my head because it seemed too old-fashioned to nitpick such points.
“It’s a carriage that’s more expensive than most buildings, and the interior is much more spacious than it looks from the outside, and all six horses that drive it are famous horses with pedigrees… … . Ah! And if I may speak of the ornaments on the carriage roof-”
I was listening to Max’s explanation with one ear and out of mind, when suddenly this guy noticed me.
“So… Big! Your Highness. You can think of this carriage as a personal gift from me.”
“gift?”
“Yes. If I have done anything rude, I hope you will kindly forgive me… … .”
“What’s the rudeness between us? I’ve been helped a lot by Mr. Max. He was a ray of light in this swampy city… … .”
“Haha. Thank you… … .”
I knew you didn’t really want to hear that kind of nitpicking, but I decided to play around with it.
I told Max what he most wanted to hear.
“I’ll tell the boss later. Branch Manager Max… … is too valuable a talent to rot away in a city like Ulkua… … .”
“Go, thank you!”
Max bowed his head deeply as if he was going to bow and left, and I waved my hand and watched him from behind.
For now, I have to go back home alone.
Ryzen left early in the morning for business, and Ludwig seems to be staying in the city for the time being as he still has some work to do.
Perhaps he plans to talk to VIXX, whom he hasn’t seen in a long time, and while he’s at it, he’ll also clean up and train Alberto?
“Don’t worry. I’ll be back before the banquet.”
“You don’t have to come, just take care of business.”
“Hahaha… … How can you do that? I don’t know if it’s a celebration of your survival or a welcome back of the expedition, but if it’s a banquet like that, all the children have to attend. You’ll get in trouble if you don’t.”
“… … .”
If you don’t show up, you’ll get in trouble.
Is that really a badnik?
What on earth is this incongruous, warm atmosphere?
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I wasn’t used to the changed atmosphere at my parents’ house, but I didn’t think much of it and just said goodbye to Ryzen and Ludwig.
Even though I’ve been separated from all three of my brothers, including Arts, who are no longer here, that doesn’t mean I’m alone.
Because there were two people waiting inside the carriage.
“… … .”
Verita is smiling brightly and Keian is silent with a taciturn face.
Somehow, looking at it this way, I suddenly felt like it was an unfamiliar combination.
“Let’s go.”
“Okay. Please drive safely.”
“Of course.”
One of the hounds nodded, and the carriage started off.
Max’s words were not an empty promise, the test drive was truly a killer.
Of course, since the roads in Ulkua are relatively well-paved, you’ll have to drive outside the city to know for sure.
“… … .”
Although I’ve decided to accompany Verita, I’m not going back to my parents’ house with her.
The last time we were able to visit our parents’ house together was because of a special situation where Cheolhyeolgong was in danger… … .
Normally, Badniker is a place where outsiders cannot easily enter.
Whether it was an invitation or an intrusion, it was difficult to even pinpoint its location because it was hidden in the forest.
No matter how much the family customs have changed, Badnicker’s tone will not change.
In the end, Verita decided to accompany them only to a city near Badniker’s hometown.
I don’t know what this guy is planning to do there.
Anyway, I was considering contacting the colorless believers through Verita as soon as the matter at my hometown was over, so it would be less of a hassle if they were nearby.
As I sat there in silence, my thoughts drifting here and there, a heavy silence settled over the inside of the carriage.
To begin with, Keian was a man of few words, and Verita was not the type to speak first unless the two of them were alone.
Then Verita glanced at Keian and said something unexpected.
“The Iron-Blooded Collector… Keian Goldan.”
“Do you know me?”
“I know that very well. I’ve heard a lot about it.”
“There aren’t many people I can talk to other than those from Badniker.”
“That’s right. It was a coincidence for me too. I met Miss Kaela in the South.”
“… … !”
The carriage floor rattled slightly.
Keian had a rather surprised expression on his face, and for someone else to react this way would be no different than someone else getting up from their seat in shock.
“Do you know that kid?”
“I accompanied him for a short time when I was staying in the South.”
In the meantime, I could barely remember the name Kaela Goldan.
It is the name of the adopted daughter that Keian told me about in the past, and the name of the woman who will be called the Mercenary King in the future.
The Mercenary King and the 72 Nuns… … .
Even if you listen closely, it seems like they are people with a status that would not easily create a relationship, but why is that?
Could it be because I found out about Domenico Farcone’s other identity?
I also wondered if Kaela’s true identity was perhaps that of a colorless believer.
Anyway, Keian showed a rare look of excitement while talking about Verita and Kaela.
Even though I didn’t say anything, the two of them continued their conversation in a whispered tone, which was something that the original Keian would never have done, considering it rude.
‘White noise… … .’
Since the two of them had a nice tone to their voices, I sat down and quietly fell asleep.
* * *
Strangely enough, I remember being involved in an incident or accident every time I traveled by carriage.
It was the same when I visited my parents’ house as a vassal, when I went to the system, when I went north, and even when I went south, it was no exception.
Bandits, monsters, bad weather, betrayal, ambushes, other natural disasters, and even noblemen you don’t want to get involved with…
Having had such unfortunate encounters with various guys, I secretly expected that something like this would happen on this trip as well.
To cut to the chase, my predictions were spectacularly wrong.
This carriage ride was one of the most peaceful and accident-free rides I’ve ever had in my life.
Actually, this is natural.
No sane human would rush at the sight of the Badnikker’s emblem, and the irrational monsters were torn to pieces by hunting dogs before they could even approach.
The portable sleeping bag was also top-notch, and since he was a small-scale farmer, he didn’t have to stand guard.
Since we had a hunting dog who was a chef, eating outdoors was also excellent.
Of course, I didn’t sleep outside every day.
Because the route was carefully planned, it was possible to stay in towns and cities whenever possible.
Although it was not a short journey, I really didn’t feel tired at all.
He comfortably sat in a carriage, just like a noble young man traveling around the country.
Of course, even taking all this into account, carriage travel was generally a boring journey, so when I had nothing better to do, I would go outside and walk alongside the carriage, or I would just sit on the roof and focus on practicing my skills in the sun.
At first, the hunting dogs were so surprised that they almost fainted, but he managed to get them to back off, saying that it was part of their training.
With this leisurely rehabilitation, the physical fatigue that had built up in my body disappeared, and the uninvited guest called narcolepsy that had suddenly come upon me also went away.
Scenery and sounds of nature that change from time to time, people with different outfits, different races, alternating night and day, and unheard of food.
Taking in all these sights with my eyes, listening to them, and feeling them with my skin, my mind and body also became the most comfortable state since my return.
At some point, that’s why I classified this trip as a rest.
Rest relieved even the most delicate fatigue that was difficult to clearly categorize as internal or external, and thanks to this, the energy in the danjeon stabilized at a faster rate than the time spent practicing.
When the energy of the inner danjeon finally became completely mine, we were able to arrive at a city close to the Badniker home.
Verita looked around and said in an admiring voice.
“This is [Leath], the territory of Badniker. A land blessed by the earth… … I heard it is one of the most fertile lands in the empire.”
Actually, it didn’t look that fertile because it was winter, but Keian and I nodded our heads roughly.
The view of Leart from the hill was certainly rich enough to be admired.
“We will enter Butterfly Forest right away and return to our home. Sister Razbeth, can we drop you off here? Do you have a place to stay?”
“Of course. In such a prosperous city, there must be a cathedral. I am sure the brothers there will be happy to receive me.”
“Okay. See you later.”
Verita smiled slightly and bowed her head.
Likewise, Keian, who saw Verita off with a low smile, changed his expression as soon as he left and spoke to me.
“What is your relationship with that nun, Lord Soga?”
“We’re just friends. We entered Heros at the same time, and we’re in the same clan.”
“… … .”
“Why? Is something wrong?”
“Hmm. It’s like the old man’s worries, but it seems like he’s hiding something.”
“…Why do you think so?”
“It’s just a feeling. I felt like he was wearing a mask and not showing his true feelings… … Of course, I’m not sure.”
I guess it has to be Keian.
Although he said that, he seemed almost certain of it.
From the middle of the trip, it seemed like they were almost like a granddaughter and grandfather, but in reality, it was all an act.
It was a cold truth that could only come as a surprise to the innocent Luan Badniker.
Along with the thought that I should try to prevent the two from meeting again if possible… … .
Soon, I looked straight into the forest of butterflies spread out before my eyes.
‘… Finally, I’m back here.’
In this awkward, uncomfortable corner of the house.
* * *
My return itself was quiet.
It seemed like there was nothing that could be done today since the sun had already set.
After making arrangements to meet with troublesome gentlemen like Assad and Elder tomorrow, I returned to the Socheoldang.
I didn’t really feel like I was home.
Actually, I don’t really know what it feels like to be home.
“Am I going to be really busy starting tomorrow?”
“That’s right. I’ve already told the other siblings and Lucia about this. We’ll be reunited at our home soon.”
“I’m worried that your mother might be very surprised… … .”
“hmm.”
Kean looked like he had something to say, but shook his head.
“Then I guess I can rest for today?”
“Yes. Oh. Excuse me for a moment before going to bed. Excuse me, but could you please go up to bed?”
“In bed? Like this?”
Keian nodded as he watched me lay down on the bed and roll around while I was at it.
“Yes, that’s perfect.”
And then immediately something like iron bars fell from the ceiling.
Kuung!
“… … .”
In an instant, I became like a prisoner locked in iron bars.
“What? Take it out.”
“I’m sorry, Lord Soga. I am merely carrying out an order.”
“What is your name?”
When I’m embarrassed after a long time, I develop the habit of speaking formally.
Whether my habits are good or bad, said Kayan in a dry tone.
“The Lord of the Household has instructed you to be careful not to leave the main house after the Lord of the Household returns. Until he returns.”
“I’m trapped in bed instead of at home?”
“This iron bar is a magical tool. It is something that Lord Asad has painstakingly crafted, and it is so strong that even the lord cannot easily cut it.”
“That’s too much.”
“It’s not excessive at all. You are most defenseless when you are sleeping.”
“This is the Badniker’s bedroom? Who would dare harm me in a place like this?”
“It can’t hurt to be careful, right?”
“What should I do if I need to go to the bathroom while I’m sleeping?”
“Please check under the bed.”
I checked under the bed with a trembling face, and there was a chamber pot with a uselessly luxurious design.
“… … .”
I was speechless at the thought of this crazy family, but Keian continued.
“The Socheoldang has everything you need. Even if there is something that is not there, just ask and we will definitely get it for you, so you will not have any inconveniences during your stay.”
“I’m already uncomfortable.”
“You’ll get used to it.”
I closed my eyes tightly.
Just an hour after returning home, regret came crashing down on me like a wave.
What a f*cking corner of the house… … .
