Chapter 74

“It’s a shame my mentor didn’t get to see my brilliant performance!”

The kid staying at the chapel. Already knowing he was an orphan…

Since he wasn’t returning to where the sword was stuck, I figured he must be heading this way instead, and sure enough.

“I was pretty shocked myself when you broke through the building wall with just your bare hands.”

When Luciri said this in utter amazement, Leo laughed heartily and nodded as if agreeing completely.

With his hands on his hips and chest puffed out, Louis Lin looked every bit the confident and cheerful young lad.

In fact, he quickly became friends with some of the kids gathered at the chapel.

…Though Louis Lin himself didn’t seem to think much of it.

“Of course, it’s natural for the weak to follow the strong. Not to mention, I’m such a promising female specimen!”

…And that’s how it went.

Just as Luciri happened to overhear this, she took Louis Lin aside into a corner of the chapel—whether that was a good idea or not remains to be seen.

“If by any chance you don’t have a proper place to stay… our humble home is small but you’re more than welcome here….”

Not long after checking up on the children, Ludines approached us with repeated gratitude and made this offer.

“Eh? Is that really okay?”

Luciri eagerly chimed in.

Even though Somern Village had not one but two inns, both were fully booked, leaving Leo and Luciri without a proper resting spot.

“We’ll just borrow a room from the Edenlevan Legion branch, so please don’t worry about it too much.”

Louis Lin tried to ease the burden upfront, but… perhaps his manner of mentioning it cut off the conversation awkwardly.

“Louis Lin, even good intentions can come across differently depending on how they’re delivered. In those situations…”

Luciri pointed this out while gently explaining, resembling an older sister teaching her younger sibling.

Though Luciri could also appear dignified and composed, potentially leading to misunderstandings, she seemed well-aware of these issues herself.

“In that case, we’d love to share a meal with you… despite the modest offerings, we’d truly like to treat you.”

“That’s…”

This attitude seemed unfamiliar to Louis Lin, who glanced over at me as if seeking advice.

“Not a problem at all. Given the number of people, we’ll take care of the ingredients.”

“But there’s no need to go that far…”

We barely managed to persuade the reluctant Ludines before finally leaving the chapel.

“You still enjoy giving handouts.”

“When such kindness brings great joy, comfort, and memories to others.”

Like bread given to someone hungry.

Compared to bread handed to someone full, its value is… the difference between gold and pebbles on the roadside, right?

…That’s what mother always said while being so devoted to service and charity.

So even a single loaf of bread shouldn’t be handled carelessly.

Those who have often forget—or simply don’t realize—that sharing even a little can bring immense happiness to others.

However, on the other hand, those who receive should never forget…

Its preciousness.

That it isn’t a right or something guaranteed, but rather a sacred grace born from someone else’s dedication and sweat.

And that grace should serve as a foundation to build a better tomorrow.

“But once people get used to receiving help, when will they ever learn to stand on their own?”

“Accept that not everyone matures as quickly as you do. Not everyone is as exceptional as you.”

“…Feels like a compliment, but it kinda stings.”

“It is a compliment. But just like there are wild grasses and vibrant flowers, everyone is different.”

Some flowers grow slowly, while others bloom overnight.

Some withstand storms admirably, while others wilt easily under heat or cold, like certain plants.

“Refusing to acknowledge differences leads only to constant conflict. After all, pushing your will and opinions means suppressing someone else’s.”

“Here you go again with your deep thoughts. Is it really necessary to lecture me this much?”

“……Figure it out yourself.”

Might be right.

Maybe I’m treating him too much like an adult.

Expectations I unconsciously harbor might’ve led me to preach unnecessarily.

“……”

Is this pride?

Or arrogance?

Or maybe…

……

Upon arriving at the Edenlevan Legion branch building, I finally decided to act on what I’d been contemplating.

“So you’ve finally decided to repair that thing?”

As I picked up the bent sword, Louis Lin added a comment.

“…Yeah. It’s about time.”

There’s no particular meaning behind this.

If I’m going to carry it around, better to fix it first.

Otherwise, sell it or something.

====

A short distance away from Soremn Village lies a tomb, nearby which is a small-scale communal cemetery and columbarium within the same area.

Originally, when the first grave appeared, people naturally began burying bodies here as if by unspoken agreement, leading to its current status.

Due to varying religious burial customs, even cemeteries are somewhat divided into sections.

The local lord overseeing this region is relatively lenient regarding such matters.

Referred to as “Jarl” in their vernacular, he ranks equivalent to a baron in the empire.

However, it would be misleading to view him solely through that lens.

Although the empire optimized and subdivided the noble hierarchy first, that’s their standard.

To them, Jarl signifies a clan leader, lord, military commander, and warrior simultaneously—a crucial name establishing the governance of the Ice Seashore Folk.

Occasionally, this has caused confusion, mistaking their feudal kingdom for a military state despite being a monarchy.

While Dabas Kingdom officially denies this outright externally, Metran surprisingly neither confirms nor denies it.

In any case, Lord Lutengar governs this area tolerantly, respecting each village’s autonomy and culture.

Primarily concerned with taxation, respect, and whether conscription orders can be fulfilled when needed.

Naturally, they periodically engage in daemon hunts, using these occasions to gather troops and reaffirm loyalty each time.

The reason Soremn Village established both a vigilante group and security patrol.

Despite numbering less than a hundred, they still maintain a dedicated professional soldier class for such purposes.

Venus headed toward one such location.

A shabby cottage situated slightly away from the graveyard.

Upon entering, instead of warmth, a chilling draft greeted him.

“Haa…”

Even though the sun hadn’t fully set, the interior of the cottage was unexpectedly gloomy.

“You came?”

A man who had just pulled a wooden wine glass from his lips habitually tapped his ash-colored mustache with his index finger joint and asked.

“Well, yeah. Did you think I fell off somewhere?”

“Hmph, unable to bear seeing you speak politely.”

“Then tell me why you summoned me.”

“How about it?”

“……”

Venus’ expression twisted.

“Uthserph. Stop messing with people’s heads and just state your business.”

“This is part of the business.”

“Are you intentionally provoking your opponent?”

“Huh? Is this provocation? I merely asked for your opinion. How exactly does that become provocation?”

“……”

The balding, pot-bellied man fiddled with his half-shaved head, feigning innocence.

“We’re different.”

“Yeah, that’s obvious.”

“Fundamentally different. And that sword—I’ve already mentioned it before—it’s mine.”

At this, Uthserph turned to Venus, not mocking but genuinely curious.

“If you can’t even draw it?”

“Once it’s drawn, I’ll just cut off whatever’s in the way and claim it.”

“No need to throw a tantrum like a kid over a toy.”

“What did you just say?”

“Ho ho ho.”

He tilted his wine glass while pretending to be nonchalant.

Though tempted to kill him instantly…

He was once someone who followed the same person.

Some realized the truth and parted ways.

These ones stubbornly remained loyal despite knowing the truth.

…Had it been otherwise,

I would’ve killed him long ago.

“Why was Ruelde’s brat chosen?”

“That’s something the gods know. Or perhaps Grandeous foresaw it.”

“……”

“If Rupert doesn’t know, how would we?”

The power to glimpse the future.

Even Rupert, who received this directly from Grandeous, only understood a fraction.

And even that was often wrong.

Even if prophecies and signs are received, interpreting and comprehending them… in many ways, he lacked capability.

That’s why…

His decade-long companion needed to stick around.

Rather than blindly following, striving to shape the prophecy into the desired form.

That was Uthserph’s role.

Simultaneously, based on this prophecy, he amassed considerable wealth.

And through this wealth, extended eyes, ears, and hands everywhere.

“Everyone has their part to play.”

Didn’t Grandeous himself say this?

I am merely a messenger.

I am just the one who delivers the message.

I couldn’t be an executioner, revolutionary, or judge.

But perhaps future generations can choose to be if they wish.

“……”

But.

This isn’t Uthserph or Rupert, nor is it ourselves.

Even among the various members of the Salvation Knights, who each have their roles, they might as well be no different from countless beasts pulling carts and wagons.

“Still, you’ve given sufficient warning, haven’t you?”

“…Yeah.”

It wasn’t supposed to reach this point so quickly.

But he made it happen.

This guy in front of me.

And what does he say now? Giving warnings to provide minimal response time? Or just to exchange pleasantries?

He’s clearly insane.

“Why is that kid somehow related to the Demon King? And more importantly, what kind of Demon King is he talking about anyway? There are more rumors about Demon Kings circulating across the continent these days.”

“That much I don’t know either. All I’ve done is piece together scattered rumors.”

“Alright, assuming that’s true. Why have these sudden Demon King rumors started popping up all over the Middle Realm? Was this something you orchestrated?”

“Impossible. Don’t paint me as some ridiculous conspirator. Even if you’re young, understand this: what one individual can accomplish is extremely limited. Personally, I consider it miraculous that I managed to bring this kid—or more accurately, pushed the Rutania system—this far.”

“……”

“Given the numerous collaborators involved… even without my interference, it seems fate was destined to unfold this way. Personally, I find it disheartening concerning this child. That’s sincere.”

Venus snorted in disgust.

“Sounds fake.”

“Still, let me ask. Why… exactly why did this kid end up here? Without some guidance, how could he possibly target this place? Is this the result of prophecy? But it doesn’t quite add up.”

Uthserph’s words, as he spoke them, lacked coherence.

But for those who use prophecy as a guiding light, such rambling makes perfect sense.

After Grandeous’ death, the Salvation Knights splintered.

Currently, there are only three factions left.

The First Holy faction where Venus belongs, and the so-called Snake-Eye faction where Uthserph and Rupert reside.

And then there are the Insane Ones.

The Redeemer faction.

Including the Redeemer faction within the Salvation Knights feels somewhat absurd… but what can you do when they insist they’re the legitimate Salvation Knights?

No, more precisely, they claim to be the sole authentic Salvation Knights.

Simply put, unless every last one of them is wiped out, stopping their nonsense is impossible.

…Since they weren’t wiped out yet, among the many things happening, they continue their activities openly.

Yet even they remain vigilant, sensing the imminent drawing of Grandeous’ sword and the emergence of his successor through prophecy.

…From the perspective of someone stuck locally like myself, enduring periodic attempts to draw the sword, they all seem equally absurd and irritating.

“The Redeemers reportedly show great satisfaction with Carriel’s actions.”

“…Should’ve killed them all back then.”

Hypocrites.

Their narrow-minded view of justice.

These pseudo-virtuous lawbreakers deluded into thinking they’re good.

They’re nothing but disgusting.

“Our pursuit of world purification may lean extreme, but your ideals seem far worse.”

“What’s wrong with my goal of eliminating the private use of force?”

Corrupt power.

Even the tyranny of invading Demon King armies.

It’s all the same at the core.

So ultimately, shouldn’t corrupt powers be dismantled just like Demon King forces?

Every last bit of it.

“Power and strength are instincts inherent in all life forms, humans included. No matter how you suppress them, something will inevitably rise to replace them. Your efforts are thus utterly futile.”

Uthserph marveled at the warped ideology surpassing even theirs while instinctively shaking his head at the absurdity of trying to remove desert sand or drain the ocean.

An idealistic youth meant to become a hero met Grandeous, the greatest hero of his time, and witnessed his mentor’s death.

Thus, this boy grew to despise heroes.

Despite having all the potential to become one.

…Likewise.

‘It must be destiny.’

Uthserph tilted his wine glass.

Though long empty, he kept tilting it out of habit.

‘Sorry it turned out this way.’

There’s nothing that can be done.

Carriel. When this boy eventually uncovers the truths and plots surrounding himself…

Even if he comes to hate and kills us—Uthserph included—he willingly accepts this fate.

‘If our aspirations are achieved through this…’

He’d gladly die a hundred times over.

Having lived through the most brutal era and lost everything, to him,

This world remains as crimson and ash-gray as ever.

Adding another drop of blood to it,

What anxiety could that possibly bring?

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