Chapter 69

It still feels surreal that it’s already been over a month since departing from the system.

Though perhaps later than planned, reaching here without any major hiccups is somewhat comforting in its own small way.

The Soremn Village nestled in the southeastern part of the Metran Kingdom looked surprisingly adept at welcoming outsiders for a village.

This was because the famous Sword of Grandeous was embedded here—reason enough to draw attention.

The sword, planted crosswise into the ground, was rusted beyond recognition.

…My feelings when I first saw it? They’re hard to put into words.

“Though this town’s only about ten years old, it’s grown pretty large by now. With trade hub roles developing, it’s not one of the top intermediary trade sites but is definitely an alternative choice place.”

And here also stood a branch of the Edenlevan Legion.

Ruslan, introduced as such, with blue skin, white hair, and a sensual body figure—a grown woman.

With twisted black horns on either side of her head, she unabashedly exuded a “I’m openly a daemon” vibe.

“Hey, Lou! You look stunning as always! No matter how many times I see you, you’re gorgeous!”

“That’s right~! I’m always beautiful! Thanks for the compliment. Still fresh every day!”

“So, do you have time tonight?”

“Nope! Not today—it’s not my day, so check back later~!”

She explodes in popularity among men.

Somewhat unexpectedly, she doesn’t seem to attract much distrust even from women.

“Everyone becomes gentle lambs before beauty, affection, and pleasure. Everyone’s simple but cute, isn’t it? It’s fun to take care of them.”

While saying this, she proudly raises her chin, adding that she doesn’t discriminate based on race and avoids touching married men or women.

…Married men, sure, but what does “touching” married women even mean?

“They criticize it as licentious and lewd where Irene’s Order operates… But this place is more open-minded.”

Then, while subtly clinging to Carriel, Ruslan says:

“If you’d like, join me….”

“Lu. Unfortunately, your teacher is a born ascetic, almost like a monk, so he probably won’t be interested in that sort of thing.”

“Do you know that those kinds of men often go crazy for exactly this kind of temptation?”

Louilin and Ruslan seemed relatively close.

“Well. What young body has he tempted yet?”

“…I keep my integrity intact?”

“Oh my. That’s what they love in the Empire. Keep your purity until entering a convent and continue preserving it forever? Maybe the gods will commend you for it?”

Still, talking down to kids like this feels oddly sharp.

The village is built in tiers due to the hills, ravines, and gorges around it.

Most residential areas are in the middle layer between upper and lower levels.

Overall, it could be seen as a four-story structure.

And at the very top lies the origin and reason for this village’s existence.

…The Sword of Grandeous embedded here is treated as another sacred site within the Metran Kingdom.

There were quite a few people gathered around.

“There are a lot of street vendors too.”

Not to mention long lines.

“Merchants may be busy securing spots below, but everyone who comes to admire the embedded sword, seek blessings, or receive divine favors ends up here.”

Here, the influence of Irene’s Doctrine reached, though there was no proper church or cathedral—just a single chapel doubling as an orphanage.

Looking at it this way, it might indicate Irene’s Order infiltrating under this pretext.

After all, indigenous religions hold firm in many places.

The founders of the Metran Kingdom were from the Ice Seaside Tribe, who had their own local religion. However, as time passed after joining the continent, elements like the ancient polytheism of Vera and regional native beliefs merged, creating their unique religious culture.

Thus, despite sharing some similarities with Dabas, which shares borders and ethnic ties, and Vanus nearby, differences emerged.

…The Metran Kingdom fosters harmony between natives and various races, making royal authority weaker compared to neighboring countries but strengthening bonds instead.

There’s no discrimination against multiculturalism or specific religions either.

…The empire’s efforts to improve relations with Metran aren’t just about containing Dabas but also because it’s a key area for expanding Irene’s religious influence.

“If Dabas clings to eternal blessings, Metran doesn’t—but they follow the South Wind God primarily while venerating other deities, spirits, and local gods equally. As long as superiority debates are avoided, disputes with anyone can be minimal.”

“…Seems like Irene’s believers caused trouble sometimes.”

“It’s the inherent trait of monotheistic believers—they boast things that aren’t even worth bragging about.”

Apparently, this is both customary advice and a warning for someone from the empire and a follower of Irene.

“In any case, if you need help, visit our Soremn branch. This concludes the basic guidance—do you need anything else?”

“No, this was sufficient.”

“Go already! Shoo!”

She blew a raspberry like chasing away a snake, causing Louilin to respond:

“You little brat!”

Was Louilin’s attitude bothering her?

Ruslan, flashing her characteristic yellow eyes and frowning, quickly changed her expression and smiled brightly at Carriel.

“See you again soon! Cutie!”

Suddenly, I gained a sister.

“Was this your teacher’s ultimate goal?”

“Hmm… we’ll see.”

That remains to be experienced.

The spacious surroundings likely weren’t designed for accommodating many people or allowing street vending.

However, upon closer inspection, there appeared to be certain rules governing the area.

Then, I locked eyes with a young girl.

At a flower stand set up properly—not merely on the street.

At first glance, there didn’t seem much difference between a roadside merchant and a street vendor.

“Are you new here?”

“Yes.”

A cheerful girl greeted me politely.

I took the opportunity to ask:

“Everyone seems to buy flowers.”

“I’m not sure who started it, but that’s how it became.”

The girl with sky-blue hair reminiscent of the heavens smiled warmly with pure white eyes.

Wearing a pristine white dress with a voluminous shoulder-length brown fur shawl and a fluffy wool scarf above it, she looked quite bundled up.

Perhaps it’s due to the high altitude, though not as extreme as a plateau.

“Would you like some?”

“…Surely, I’d have to pay for them, right?”

“Hehehe.”

As I browsed the colorful array of flowers, I asked:

“Do different flowers carry distinct meanings?”

“Of course.”

She explained each one.

“Plants aren’t really useful unless they’re herbs.”

Meanwhile, Louilin, seemingly uninterested, glanced elsewhere until her gaze fell on a cane-like tool beside the chair she sat on.

“Oh, this?”

Before rising from her seat, she leaned on it with both hands.

“As you can see, I’m like this.”

Only with the support of the cane did she manage to stand up, and even then, she still leaned on it heavily.

“I see.”

Carriel nodded slightly.

“For newcomers, I recommend these flowers.”

A pure white flower with a striking yellow center.

Unaware of flower structures, Carriel vaguely recognized the yellow part as where bees would bury their faces.

Suddenly, memories surfaced of him once plucking several flowers, mimicking bees by licking around them, only to spit it out afterward.

“These are common wildflowers. They say Lord Grandeous loved them most.”

“…Is that so?”

“He often compared himself to wild grass, so they say. Though I don’t know much myself—it’s hearsay.”

Wild grass, huh.

“Teacher. Was he so interested in flowers? Or was his interest drawn elsewhere?”

“……”

Reluctantly, Carriel picked up a small wildflower.

“Thank you.”

Her smile felt sweet yet tinged with melancholy for reasons unknown.

By the time we joined the line, it was still a long wait.

“Leo, do you know anything about the legends of Grandeous?”

“Me? I’m from the neighboring kingdom, so I don’t know much.”

“…What an appropriate topic for visiting here.”

“Luciri?”

“Listen. This is the story of the perilous Golden Beast, a dangerous Demon King invading back then.”

Two youngsters near the front were already deep into storytelling, unable to bear the boredom.

A brown-haired boy with dark eyes dressed plainly in a faded linen shirt and leather pants stood out with sturdy leather boots. A worn-out dagger handle peeked from his waistband.

On the other hand, the girl appeared to hail from a colder region, her pitch-black dress adorned with fur integrated into its hem and collar. Over it, she wore a white cloak, though dirt stains suggested prolonged exposure to dust.

Despite this, her radiant golden hair and balanced features evoked images of beauty.

Judging by attire alone, she wasn’t of ordinary birth.

“But isn’t that just a story from a bit over ten years ago? Why call it a legend?”

Interrupted by Louilin’s impatience,

“Technically, it’s been 18 years since the Golden Beast’s defeat. This year. Lord Grandeous first appeared 23 years ago.”

“You respect him, don’t you?”

“Thanks to him, nations and territories around Metran and neighboring kingdoms avoided ruin.”

She placed her hand on her uneven chest and continued.

“We strive not to forget his dedication and effort. Damn Luelde challenged him to a duel citing knighthood and honor, leading to the loss of such a precious person. Still, he was the only knight capable of facing Luelde back then.”

“Respected here among warriors who value fighters over knights. Yet ignored in the empire that upholds chivalry. Contradictory, isn’t it?”

“That’s because those empire bastards are all shiny on the outside.”

…Strangely, I found myself agreeing.

Why am I feeling empathy rather than anger hearing empire insults? And did she sense it too?

She turned her gaze from Louilin to me.

“You agree, don’t you? Your eyes suggest alignment with my thoughts.”

“…Yes.”

“A comrade! Nice to meet you. I’m Luciri Olgolett.”

Caught off guard, I ended up shaking her gloved black hand.

Her light gray eyes sparkled with unexpected camaraderie.

“I’m Leil.”

“Our teacher is of noble lineage and currently serving as a knight.”

“……?”

Blinking twice, Luciri alternated glances between Louilin and me before asking:

“From the empire by any chance?”

“Correct, though the empire’s hypocrisy and filthiness remain true, so feel free not to mind.”

“…….”

“Haha! Gotcha, Luciri.”

“Leo shouldn’t say that! Absolutely not!”

Due to Luciri’s kick, Leo, the boy, ended up clutching his sore leg and hopping around on one foot.

“You claim your teacher is on a knightly quest but badmouths his homeland? Isn’t loyalty the knight’s most crucial virtue?”

“That has no connection to patriotism.”

“Oh, I see. Patriotism and loyalty are different? An interesting perspective.”

…Thanks to the two ahead, waiting in line wasn’t boring.

“Anyway, you mentioned that tiny lady as your teacher—is there something between you two…?”

“She claims it’s a knightly quest, but in reality, travel is the main goal.”

Showing the lute slung on my back, I added:

“She’s my guide, though things turned out this way somehow.”

“That’s quite an unusual relationship.”

The girl seemed highly intrigued.

“Considering the journey from the empire to here wasn’t smooth, right?”

“Well, somehow.”

As we conversed,

“By the way… uh, what’s your name, Lady?”

“Don’t use strange tones. Clearly older, so let’s keep it casual.”

“Oh, um… alright? I’m Leo. And you?”

“I’m Louilin. Remembering isn’t necessary though.”

“Doesn’t the name Leo imply an intimidating presence?”

“Huh? Does it?”

Suppressing a sigh, I refrained from commenting—it would’ve been rude.

“Louilin. Didn’t we discuss last time how picking on names isn’t good etiquette?”

“But isn’t a name proof of one’s soul? Isn’t it natural to cultivate oneself accordingly?”

Luciri curiously questioned.

“That sounds like something from the daemon side… or Edenlevan faction, no?”

“I grew up there. I don’t know my mom or dad—or should I say, I don’t remember?”

“…….”

“…….”

The atmosphere froze.

“Louilin.”

Why does she always blurt this out like a badge of pride?

“Won’t it confuse them to hear this upfront?”

“But knowing beforehand prevents future complaints of ignorance, right?”

“…….”

Handling confrontations well but lacking finesse in improving relationships… clearly problematic.

…Though, am I, as a human, qualified to advise on social skills or relationships?

No, but I do possess knowledge of diplomacy, so offering advice based on that is the best I can do.

“What a distinctive kid. Straightforward, huh?”

“She must’ve grown tough. Admirable.”

Receiving sudden empathetic and concerned responses,

“Uh, er?”

Louilin began to falter.

Used to preemptive strikes to avoid being underestimated or rejected, Louilin found this pure, genuine concern unsettling.

“…….”

Still, seeing her positively and interpreting actions kindly helped.

Realizing such connections exist made Carriel quietly observe the two youngsters genuinely comforting and encouraging the flustered Louilin, silently clicking his tongue.

As the queue shortened further,

Finally, it was their turn.

Over there.

The rusty sword embedded crosswise into the ground awaited.

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