Chapter 593

Thanks to the tenacity of the limbless monster, we managed to reach the Landenburg Territory in just four days.

Even I thought it was an astonishing speed. Nigel had to change horses twice, and Ja-han was completely exhausted.

“This actually worked…”

“I feel like throwing up, sis…”

Leonor muttered in disbelief, brushing back her sweat-soaked hair.

Rana, looking pale as if she was seasick, just stared at the sky.

Yeah, Ja-han wasn’t the only one tired. Riding a horse at full speed all day was physically taxing too.

Rana occasionally cast Healing Miracles, but that wasn’t enough to fix everything. Everyone was in rough shape.

“Phew… We’ve arrived… So quickly…”

Nigel, looking dizzy, pressed his temples and dismounted, almost tumbling off his horse.

At the same time, the horse he was riding collapsed, breathing its last.

“Pffft…”

The horse had held up well until now, but seeing it bleeding from every orifice, it was clear it couldn’t go on.

“Gurgle… Gurgle…”

Seeing it bleed tears while looking at us, even I felt a pang of sympathy. If horses could talk, it’d probably be cursing us humans right now.

“Kii… Kirgeryeng…”

Like the monster in my grip. Every time it thrashed, I tore off a piece of its body, leaving only its head and part of its torso.

Even in this state, it proved the resilience of monsters, but it was reaching its limit. Gasping like a dying old man, it wouldn’t last long even if I let it go.

Of course, I had no intention of releasing it.

“Hagalaz.”

I softly chanted the Incantation of Collapse.

“Gyaaaaaaah-!”

The monster’s body shattered like glass, turning to dust.

If it were in better condition, it might have resisted the mana tearing through its body, but in its weakened state, it couldn’t hold on for even a moment.

[Hmm… Using cursed sorcery isn’t very warrior-like… but it’s truly a fascinating power.]

Hersela muttered in admiration, her tone tinged with envy.

Yeah, I get it. A left hand that can collapse anything it touches? Even I think it’s pretty cool, and Hersela, still clinging to her 15-year-old self, must be jealous.

Whether it’s her values or something else, she never used it herself even when she had control of the body.

‘It’s useful, though. Maybe I should thank that ghost.’

I brushed off the monster’s ashes and lit a cigarette, puffing out smoke.

Even for me, smoking while riding at full speed was impossible, so I’d only smoked a couple of cigarettes during meals or before bed. My craving had built up.

“Phew… I’m a bit tired after all.”

I wiped the sweat dripping down my chin and rubbed my sore thighs.

Thanks to Durandal’s Authority, I wasn’t completely exhausted, but my muscles, pushed to the limit for four days, were screaming for rest. I needed a good half-day to recover.

“From the Imperial Capital to Landenburg. You ran faster than most prized horses, and all you say is ‘a bit tired’…?”

Leonor shook her head in disbelief.

“Honestly, tell me. You’re not human, are you? Maybe a beastman in disguise or something?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’ve seen me struggling to recover every time I get hurt.”

I chuckled, tapping my left arm. Remember when my arm got blown off not long ago?

If it weren’t for the Healing Miracle, I’d be a one-eyed, one-armed wreck. Or more likely, just dead.

“Enough nonsense. Let’s go wash up. We’re all covered in dirt, sweat, and blood. We stink.”

“That’s because of you, sis…”

Leonor and Rana, bothered by the smell, sniffed their arms and grimaced. Even they must’ve realized how bad it was.

Body odor is only charming when it’s faint. Once it starts smelling like rotten vinegar, all charm is lost.

Even I, with my weird peach-scented sweat, now reeked of blood and dirt, more like a stench than a fragrance.

“Let’s head to the castle. The Lord of the Borderlands is probably at the barrier, but as Ha-shal-leur said, washing up and resting is our top priority. Everyone’s exhausted from the journey.”

Nigel nodded, agreeing to wash up and rest. His bloodshot eyes showed just how tired he was. If even a fitness addict like Nigel was saying to rest, we must’ve been truly spent.

“……”

Ja-han said nothing. I thought he might be conflicted about fighting his own people, but I underestimated his nerves.

“……Ugh…”

Ja-han, head bowed, eyes closed, let out soft groans. His steady breathing revealed the reason for his silence.

‘…He’s asleep. On horseback.’

Yep. Ja-han had dozed off. On a horse!

His waist swayed slightly to maintain balance, and his left hand still tightly gripped the reins. If it weren’t for the occasional sleep-talking, I’d have thought he was awake.

To not fall off like that, he’s got some skill.

[For a Ka`har, it’s natural. Unlike you, who don’t know how to cherish horses.]

‘Yeah, yeah.’

You horse-loving folks are so great. Why don’t you just marry the horse? In this world, it might even be possible.

Though the offspring would probably be some kind of monstrosity.

—

“That person… it can’t be!”

“It’s Ha-shal-leur! Ha-shal-leur has arrived!”

“Sir Nigel is with him too!”

I walked toward Landenburg Castle, greeted by the cheers and admiration of the territory’s people.

“Quite popular, aren’t you, miss?”

“Seems so.”

Whether it was because of our victory over Amin’s army or being declared Ludwig’s successor, everyone looked at me with goodwill, trust, and admiration.

“You’ve returned, Marquis Median. The Lord of the Borderlands has been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

The knight guarding the castle gate saluted respectfully, welcoming me.

Using the word “returned” implied they saw me not just as an Imperial noble or reinforcement, but as the rightful successor to Landenburg.

Does this mean I’ll have to live in Landenburg like Ludwig did?

Most Imperial nobles, including me, have estates in the provinces but live in the capital, leaving the management to family members. But for families like Landenburg and Pailoon, tasked with defending the borders, that’s not an option.

As Marquis Median, I can neglect my territory without issue, but as Ludwig’s successor, I can’t just leave Landenburg unattended.

Defending the Empire’s borders isn’t a responsibility you can delegate lightly.

—

Anyway, the knight at the gate ordered a subordinate to inform the barrier of my arrival, then handed us over to the maids and servants inside the castle.

The servants led us to separate rooms. Leonor and Ja-han were taken to guest rooms, while Nigel already had his own room in the castle.

The room assigned to me and Rana was a particularly luxurious bedroom within the castle, likely reserved for the successor. In other words, it was the room Ludwig’s son used.

Not that I minded. The previous occupant’s belongings had been cleared out after his death, and the room was filled with brand-new furniture.

After settling in, we headed to the bathroom to wash off the sweat and grime.

“Ahh…”

Soaking in the hot tub, my tense muscles relaxed, and the fatigue seemed to melt away.

Leonor and Nigel seemed to feel the same, their eyes half-closed with serene smiles.

Rana, however, only dipped her feet in, saying it was too hot.

Ja-han? Who knows. He probably used the communal bath with the knights, being the only male in our group.

While we enjoyed the bath, the maids took our clothes and armor to be cleaned, returning them to us after we finished.

The armor came back spotless and fresh. In just a few minutes, they’d removed all the grime and stench. Truly impressive.