“Have you decided on a place to relocate?”
When the traveling party stopped their horses and carriages and reached the inner office, Tiamat said this.
Though it was a rather abrupt statement, Aslan had no intention of stopping Tiamat.
If Tiamat hadn’t asked, Aslan would have, and if neither Aslan nor Tiamat had asked, someone else in the group would have, since it was such an important matter.
Perhaps out of distrust that they might ask for help relocating without any plans, Tiamat’s expression was stern.
“Not really… I can’t even recall ever having communicated with the outside world.”
“In that case, relocation will be difficult.”
Regyn Solis shook his head as he answered, and Tiamat replied without changing her expression, as if she had expected as much.
Under Aslan’s glance, Tiamat seemed to sense it and nodded slightly, indicating that she could handle it.
“This fortress has too many people. Too many, excessively so.”
With a slight turn of her head, beyond the long chin pointed in that direction lay the outer citadel.
While feeling each individual walking through the outer walls, Tiamat spoke.
“Even if we reduce the population by half, relocation will still be difficult. Unless we’re given entirely new land, there’s bound to be problems because of the sheer number of people.”
“But we can’t just drive people away, can we?”
“That’s true. But we can’t simply push forward based on emotions alone. Any ruler would hesitate to accept a large influx of outsiders. It’s not just about the numbers.”
Even if the Pervere Kingdom had fallen, this would remain the same.
Foreign entities with different ethnicities and cultures do not mix easily and are prone to corruption.
The fake knight remained silent upon hearing Tiamat’s point.
However, this silence wasn’t due to a lack of solutions.
Amidst the quiet, Tiamat seemed to sense something and turned her head toward the fake knight.
“There’s something, isn’t there.”
Regyn Solis closed his eyes and nodded, then approached the desk and naturally opened a drawer.
The object lying there was a scroll.
Not just any scroll—its ancient and ornate appearance suggested it was quite old.
As it was pulled out, it felt as though the air in the room grew smokier.
The group looked at the scroll, and Regyn Solis placed it on the table.
He said,
“I found this in one of the sanctuaries. Not long after we took control of this fortress.”
Tapping the scroll with his finger, he concluded,
“With this, I believe they’ll accept our request to relocate.”
“What is it?”
Angie asked naturally. The woman crossed her arms as she questioned, causing Regyn Solis to blink.
A slightly flustered look appeared, but he still gave an answer.
“Do you know what Tiyalmisof is?”
At this rhetorical question, Aslan reflexively frowned and Lumel let out a startled sound, which made Angie instinctively glance at the sword on Aslan’s back.
It was a familiar name to the group, being the name they’d recently heard from the Emperor and also the name of Aslan’s sword.
Satisfied with the group’s reaction, he picked up the scroll.
“The unparalleled genius and greatest mage in the history of the Ancient Empire. The one who laid the foundation for the current magical system and created countless artifacts and labyrinths… The blacksmith whose talents even fire and metallurgy envied. That was Tiyalmisof.”
There must be a reason for mentioning this name. Faster than the group could guess the origin of the scroll, Regyn Solis continued:
“This is a blueprint left behind by Tiyalmisof.”
“What did he design?”
Phey asked bluntly, unfazed by Regyn Solis’ authoritative tone.
For a moment, Regyn Solis looked like he was wondering why this small elf girl was here, then his expression shifted.
“I’m not sure myself. However, every time one of Tiyalmisof’s artifacts has appeared, it has shaken the world. Magic technology advanced by years. Whatever information is contained within this, it should be sufficient as a condition for relocation.”
Apparently believing there was a reason for her presence here, he responded more seriously than expected.
On the other hand, Aslan felt uneasy looking at the scroll.
Unable to explain or even guess at this unease, he could only stare.
A vague sense of foreboding lingered as he led the conversation.
“So, what do you want?”
“We intend to offer this in exchange for relocation. Including this as a condition should make things smoother.”
Nodding, Regyn Solis extended the scroll. When Aslan grabbed it, a sense of urgency flickered in Regyn’s eyes.
“Anywhere will do. The Polaina Duchy, the Empire, the Public Kingdom of Huedail… Even that troublesome Anwurtin Council would suffice. It doesn’t matter. As long as my people can live like humans.”
That alone is enough.
Hearing the urgent tone, Aslan fell silent, and Regyn Solis set down the scroll.
“The ideal would be a small estate…”
“That doesn’t seem easy.”
“No, it’s possible.”
It was Aslan interrupting Angie’s statement.
Considering the nature of the weapon Aslan carried behind him—Tiyalmisof’s Beast—it was more likely that things would go according to Regyn Solis’ wishes.
Tiyalmisof’s Beast. This greatsword lacked the typical durability issues of transformation weapons.
In fact, there had been no observed damage during its use.
Given the complex mechanics of its transformations and confirmed abilities yet its flawless durability, Aslan understood that the craftsmanship involved was extraordinary.
If the technology embedded in the scroll were even half as impressive as that in Tiyalmisof’s Beast, it would represent a significant technological leap.
Thus, this scroll was undoubtedly the fortress’s sole way out.
“Relocation might be possible.”
That’s why Aslan, without hesitation, turned his head to look at a certain girl.
“Phey.”
Aslan handed the scroll to the elven girl, who accepted it.
“Huh? Why me?”
The elf tilted her head. Aslan looked at her.
Considering the time it would take to send a courier to the emperor and receive a response or negotiate, it would take several months at the very least using conventional methods.
However, Aslan had an elf who could surpass even divine speed, moving nearly at the speed of sound.
An elf who could travel a distance that would take days on horseback in just half a day alone.
“I have a favor to ask.”
Upon hearing the word “favor” after so long, the elf softened her expression slightly.
*
After Phey departed toward the empire, Regyn Solis visibly relaxed.
Fortunately, the relocation destination was under the jurisdiction of the strongest nation in the southern continent—the Empire.
He sighed in relief and expressed gratitude.
Though he had verbally stated that the Anwurtin Council would be fine, deep down, he was hoping for a better location.
Out of a desire for his people to live more humanely, the fake knight sincerely felt relieved.
Aslan smiled awkwardly at the knight, understanding that with the weight of responsibility, there was no other choice but to feel relieved.
Once Phey left, Regyn Solis marveled at her speed and told the group they could rest as if they were at home before excusing himself, citing some business.
Thus, all that remained for the group was to rest.
Carrying their belongings to the assigned quarters, the scene they encountered was somewhat disappointing—at least to Lumel and Angie.
The quarters were communal.
A massive room with ten beds, capable of housing around ten people.
Lumel openly sighed, while Angie clicked her tongue and asked Aslan if there weren’t other rooms, only to be stopped by Richard.
Eventually, the two put aside their complaints, unpacked their belongings, and after finishing, Regyn Solis returned.
“Ah, has that girl not returned yet?”
The knight asked, perhaps unable to gauge her speed, and greeted the group with a slight smile.
“A little disappointing. I wanted to convey something to her when she returns.”
“If you have something to convey, we could deliver it for you.”
“No, it’s not something meant solely for her…”
The fake knight stroked his black beard and chuckled, then paused briefly upon hearing Lumel’s words before speaking.
“In fact, I’m planning a final festival before we relocate.”
More accurately, it had already started.
Upon noticing the group’s gaze, Regyn preemptively addressed the unspoken questions.
“I understand what you’re thinking, but to these people, this place is more than just a stronghold; it’s a refuge. Perhaps even more special than their homeland.”
Standing in the doorway, the knight scratched his head sheepishly while defending his people.
“We found this fortress when the kingdom was collapsing, and everything seemed doomed. We survived. And leaving this fortress is justified; we knew we would eventually have to leave, but it feels regretful to just go. It’s the place where we’ve lived.”
“You mean to resolve this regret through a festival?”
“Mm, yes.”
When Richard pinpointed the unspoken part, Regyn Solis nodded.
This explanation clarified most of the group’s doubts, causing them to fall silent.
However, while silent, their eyes moved either toward each other or toward Regyn Solis.
In the lingering silence, Regyn scratched his chin, and Aslan looked at him.
To Aslan, this excuse sounded awkward.
It felt as though he was reciting someone else’s thoughts or words.
Just as Tiamat noticed this and crossed her arms, Lewena exchanged a glance with Aslan.
Her purple eyes held faint, almost imperceptible emotions.
It was a proposal devoid of sentiment.
She was asking, through her gaze, whether they should quickly create the illusion of a grand farewell festival for everyone in the fortress and move on swiftly.
Aslan shook his head in response, prompting Lewena to lightly smile, expressing her mild regret.
Shaking his head at Lewena, Aslan turned back to Regyn Solis.
“Are you asking us to guard during the festival?”
“Hmm?”
Wondering if this was the purpose of his visit, Aslan casually mentioned it, causing Regyn Solis to widen his eyes in surprise before shaking his head.
“Not exactly. Rather, I merely hope you enjoy the festival. If you don’t wish to, staying in your quarters would be fine as well.”
Explaining that the guards would manage themselves and that it wouldn’t be right to assign trivial tasks to those helping with the relocation, he added.
Upon hearing this, Tiamat, still with her arms crossed, asked,
“Is there alcohol?”
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Regyn Solis glanced at the blind dragon person before reflexively nodding.
“Yes, there is. Since we’ll have to leave or discard everything anyway, I plan to serve it generously.”
“Good.”
With Tiamat’s unexpected approval, the tense atmosphere loosened, and Regyn Solis momentarily gauged the group’s reactions.
Their responses weren’t particularly hostile.
Thus, the fake knight sighed in relief and smiled.
“I was worried I might get scolded, but I suppose that won’t happen. Please enjoy yourselves fully. After all, this festival is happening largely thanks to you.”
With that, Regyn Solis withdrew, and the group looked at the spot where he had stood.
Festival.
An invitation to enjoy.
Lumel and Angie predictably turned their heads toward Aslan’s position.
“Aslan, will you—”
“—with me!”
Only to realize Aslan was already gone.
And not just Aslan.
Ereta was missing too.
The conclusion was obvious.
Both Lumel and Angie’s gazes landed on Lewena, who sat not far from Aslan’s previous spot on a bed.
“Why are you looking at me?”
Lewena smiled faintly at their stares, shrugged, and offered a barely perceptible smirk that revealed nothing.
Realizing they were too late, both Lumel and Angie came to this realization.
