174
The third one is difficult
[The palace collapsed! The captain of Cassidy’s guard got angry and threw a rock!!]
“Ugh… no way!!”
Pulpouts jumped up. When he opened his eyes, he was in a cozy room. There was a familiar ceiling and familiar rusty objects. It was a bedroom.
“Oh my, why is that?”
His wife Mary woke up with a start.
Mary worriedly touched Pulpouts’ face. The warmth transmitted through her weak fingers brought Pulpouts back to his senses.
“Look at that cold sweat… Did you have a nightmare?”
In response to Mary’s question, Pulpouts tried to recall his dreams. However, no matter how hard he tried, nothing came to mind.
The only remaining ominousness that clung to me told me that it was a nightmare.
“It’s nothing. I woke you up for nothing.”
Pulpouts smiled weakly as he held Mary’s hand.
“You seem to have a lot of worries lately. Isn’t that why?”
Pulpouts nodded in response to Mary’s question.
Aaron was getting on my nerves as he was away for quite some time.
I was even more anxious because I couldn’t find any trace of Aaron anywhere around.
I was sure he would come back, but the longer it took, the more I feared he might have done something unacceptable.
At that moment, my eyes met with Mary’s, who was stroking my forehead.
Mary was noticeably thinner. Her eyes were still as bright as the stars in the night sky, but her smile was weak.
Was it because he had a nightmare? Pulpouts found himself in Mary’s arms without realizing it.
“Oh my, it must have been a bad nightmare. You’re acting up-”
Was it a nightmare related to Mary? Pulpouts shook his head slightly.
If that was the case, it wouldn’t have ended like this. Pulpouts only felt a faint warmth.
Mary, who was very sleepy, fell asleep first. Pulpouts covered her with a blanket to prevent the dangerous warmth that seemed like it would go out at any moment from escaping.
‘There must be a way.’
Pulpouts headed to the table, which was piled high with papers.
Pullputs, who habitually tried to light a candle, stopped moving at the short candle.
Pulpouts took the paper and headed towards a place with good moonlight.
As I was looking through the documents, a dream suddenly came to me.
‘No way… No, no. That can’t be true.’
I shook my head, but my anxiety did not subside.
***
Kwaaaaaaaahh …
‘I almost died.’
I couldn’t seem to catch my breath because I had been running so much.
If I had neglected my morning exercise, I would have run so hard that I would have collapsed in the middle of the run.
‘It was fortunate that there were many royal knights.’
I muttered, wiping the sweat from my forehead. The royal knights I met on my way out were very dependable.
The imperial knights who discovered the demon drew their swords without a moment’s hesitation.
The brilliant aura that was emitted at the same time was so brilliant that the description of it as the sword of humanity was inadequate.
The Imperial Knight exuded an overwhelming presence that was incomparable to any knight I had ever seen.
It wasn’t given the imperial seal for nothing.
However, space was an issue.
The passage was narrow, and the demon was too big compared to it.
‘They say safety insensitivity is scary.’
The narrow passage proved fatal, as if the devil downstairs had not anticipated an escape.
The imperial knights bravely faced the demons, but the passage was narrow and they could not attack together. In fact, it would have been better if they had faced them one by one.
The narrow passage was swarming with imperial knights, making it difficult for them to fight each other properly.
The situation quickly worsened as the strangely shaped demon charged forward, crushing the enemy with its might.
Still, it was fortunate that he was able to somehow endure it as an imperial knight.
‘Do you have rabies?’
The demon seemed to have completely eroded, with no trace of humans anywhere. Judging from the flames that seemed to be saliva continuously flowing from its mouth, it seemed to lack reason.
The thick sweetness it gave off tempted me, but I was able to ignore it after feasting.
Still, thanks to the imperial knights blocking me, I was able to hold out until the elevator came down.
When asked in the elevator, I asked for the express vertical. If I followed the map I had in my head as I came down, I could safely get out if I went up vertically.
Since it was a spread-out structure, the damage would be minimal, whether it was for the elevator or not.
Fortunately, there was an express route, perhaps because the royal knights had many external schedules.
My heart was pounding as I leaned against the wall of the elevator. Being chased by a demon wasn’t a very pleasant feeling.
I thought the first one would be a total hoot, but the first one was as quiet as if he had aphasia. I waved my hand in front of the helmet, but there was no response.
The elevator moved at a fast pace. Just as I was about to let go of my worries, a howling sound was heard from below. Then, a thumping sound as if someone was getting on.
‘The royal knights are useless, you punks.’
Even if there are limitations to the location, there are so many of them, so how can it be that they can’t stop even one demon?
‘No, he looked confused. It was like a very expensive hunting dog had escaped.’
It was a hunting dog that was so expensive that I couldn’t even think of touching it. It made sense considering that the demon was the owner of the tentacles. After all, he was the owner of the demon handprint vending machine.
Luckily, it didn’t get caught until the elevator reached the top.
As soon as the door opened, I ran to the palace entrance. As I ran around shouting that the demon had escaped, the imperial knights gathered from all over.
When they shouted, ‘Marshal! Order!’ the first one suddenly came to his senses.
First, he pushed my back and swore at me.
After that, the first one led the imperial knights and headed to the elevator.
I ran harder, using the strength I had gained from the guy. I was confident that I could run away.
When we arrived at the main gate of the palace.
Kwaaaaaaaang-!
The palace was completely destroyed as the demon burst out from within.
The guy was bigger than the demon I had seen in the west, and his presence was different. It seemed like he had gotten a lot of Pochi while working at the Devil’s Handprint vending machine.
That was the situation now.
‘The imperial family has fallen to the devil they raised.’
I wiped the sweat from my forehead and clicked my tongue. There were a lot of people gathered outside, so I was able to hide among them.
“Imperial Knight! There’s a demon over there…”
The ugly guy next to him pointed to the devil and said:
“I quit my job.”
I gave a short answer and sat down, pushing the guy next to me. The staggering guys gathered around and covered me.
I quickly took off my helmet, vaguely tearing off the skin on my face, only the lower part of my head.
He had a bushy beard sticking out because he had carefully plucked it. It was a dark night with no moon, so no one would recognize him.
He took it off like a piece of armor and threw it on the floor. Thinking about such a situation, he had already put on thick cloth clothes inside.
He took his boots out of his pocket and put them on. Someone screamed and chaos spread. It was a good time for a fugitive.
After I got up and changed my clothes, the guy who had spoken to me earlier looked up at me with wide eyes.
I looked at the bastard’s jaundice-filled eyes and thought about it. Killing him would be the cleanest thing to do, but-.
The little boy in his arms caught his eye.
“Have you seen it?”
“Yes? No. I am blind.”
The guy rolled his eyes strangely and replied. Fortunately, he was quite quick-witted.
“The kid is cute.”
I said, lightly pushing the imperial knight’s armor. The bastard’s eyes lingered on him and then dropped. He nodded vigorously.
Any man in his right mind would never have interfered with matters related to the royal family.
“Yes! Yes. She’s so cute. Since it’s not a common day for a succession ceremony…, the palace is also open….”
The guy stuttered. It was fortunate that he was the type of guy who didn’t have to speak at length.
“Succession ceremony? Oh, I think it was the Gray Tower Succession Ceremony.”
“Yes, it was really cool, and it was in progress too···.”
The guy turned his gaze slightly. When I turned accordingly, I saw the stage where the distinguished guests were gathered.
Beyond that, there was a glowing demon and the imperial knights who were trying to stop him. First, he was shouting at the top of his lungs among them. His appearance was quite cool, and he looked like a warrior from a fairy tale.
At that time, there was an old man approaching them.
Although he was wearing light armor and had a shabby weapon, he seemed to be of high status, judging by the way the surrounding imperial knights retreated in surprise.
Considering the casual attire, the fact that the royal knights were greeting, and the fact that there were people who appeared to be members of the royal family around them-.
‘That old man is the master of the sword.’
I squinted my eyes to get a closer look. At that moment, the old man turned his head and stared at me.
‘······Are you looking at me?’
There was no way. I was now blending in with the crowd. And since I was bending my knees and there was no height difference between us, there was no way he could be looking at me.
However, just in case, I bowed my head. Then the old man turned his head.
‘Isn’t it?’
At that moment, the panicked crowd began to leave the palace. I went with the flow and stared at the old man.
The old man was walking straight towards the demon. Sure enough, they had come out into a wide open space, and the imperial knights were easily able to block the demon.
First, the command was outstanding. The sight of him leading the imperial knights and fighting against the giant demon was legendary.
However, the devil’s resistance was extremely fierce. At that time, those who appeared to be magicians began to pour out magic.
A huge ice spear rained down from the sky, and fire rose from the ground splitting open to catch the demon’s feet. White lights stretched out and covered the imperial knights.
Among them, the back of the head of the guy wearing the gray hood looked strangely familiar, and even the guy’s bare left arm-.
‘Where have I seen it…’
At that moment, the old man slowly drew his sword.
Charrung- Even in the midst of chaos, the sound of the old man drawing his sword could be clearly heard. My heart raced at that clear sound.
The imperial knights who had been pressuring the demon retreated.
An old man with a sword slowly walked along the open road. His steps were light, as if he was taking a walk, but as I watched him, my heart started to feel heavy for no reason.
The devil opened his mouth wide as if to say something.
············!
A sorrowful cry echoed through the air. The bastard’s anger was clearly conveyed.
“Yeah, yeah.”
The old man answered as if he was soothing a child.
A long line was drawn in the air.
It was only a fleeting moment, but I could see it.
The aura that stretched out through the old man’s sword was long enough to reach the sky, and was also thin like a thread.
The old man swung him lightly.
From top to bottom.
It was a simple vertical slash, but it was perfect.
How can I use the word perfect, but there is no other way to describe it than that it was perfect.
It was a kind of sentence, not the old man’s black swordsmanship.
The demon was split vertically without a sound at the merciless sentence that did not ask for consent.
The moon, which had been hidden by clouds beyond the devil, appeared, either because the timing was just right or because the clouds parted.
Everyone held their breath at the dance that seemed to come straight out of a legend.
‘once.’
I opened my eyes wide and stared, muttering.
············!!!
The devil cried out belatedly. The devil, torn in half, reattached both sides with its eight arms. As soon as I thought about whether it would stick together, it did so again.
‘It got smaller.’
Judging from the somewhat smaller size, it didn’t seem like a complete recovery.
‘You’re not doing any more. I wish you’d show me two more.’
Contrary to my expectations, the old man slowly put the sword away. I followed the people diligently, licking my lips.
The devil was surrounded by imperial knights and the magic tower lords pressed him. It was a splendid fight that was a feast for the eyes, but since I had already finished my business, I mixed in with the crowd and escaped the palace.
Because there were so many people gathered for the succession ceremony, I was able to get out smoothly.
Finally, I looked back and saw that they were still fighting hard.
Caw-.
I clicked my tongue slightly and walked towards the sound of crows.
***
‘······?’
At the top of the clock tower, the crow’s master, Bakant, kept rubbing his eyes, unable to believe what he was seeing.
However, no matter how many times I rubbed it, what I saw was the same.
The palace collapsed.
Of course, only a part of it had collapsed, not the whole thing, but it was an imperial palace that had never been attacked, let alone collapsed, in all those years.
The palace was collapsing. Because of the great demon that suddenly appeared.
‘Why today of all days… Why of all days…’
The day I met that bastard, the day he entered the palace, the palace collapsed.
Is this a coincidence?
‘Was it enough to destroy the palace?’
That guy was a very bad spark. Bakant knew best how much of a mess he could create.
But to the point of destroying even the imperial palace-.
“The view is nice.”
At that moment, a peaceful voice was heard.
He turned his head and saw a man wearing the usual black armor. Bakant’s eyes narrowed at the strangely changed appearance.
Now was the time to be talking so peacefully, and the complaint that he would not have accepted this request if he had known the imperial family was the target rose to the tip of Bakant’s lips, but he forcefully swallowed it.
Bakant was the king of the crows, so he had to show his majesty. He couldn’t show any signs of excitement.
“Here it is.”
Taking a deep breath to suppress his anxiety, Bakant held out a bundle of papers. It was the information the bastard had requested.
When I first heard the bastard’s request to follow me, I was dumbfounded.
However, my thoughts changed because of the location he was heading to and the people he met there.
‘The enemy of the Imperial Knights, Balhar Khan, the concubine of Grand Duke Sherharten, Harmina, the Archbishop of the Church, Bagetta, and the rebel general Skataf… What kind of combination is this?’
Each and every one of them was extraordinary, or rather, a person worthy of attention. The combination was so bizarre that it was hard to tell if there was any connection between them.
If you hadn’t been following the bastard, you wouldn’t have even been able to follow his tail because his actions were so covert.
“Good.”
The guy who gave the short answer read the paper. The cool night breeze fluttered the paper, but the guy’s eyes did not leave the paper.
‘How can you be so calm?’
Is that the kind of attitude someone who just blew up the palace can have? Bakant clicked his tongue inwardly.
While I was just a bystander, my speed was fluctuating like this, but the guy who was actually causing the trouble had a calm expression on his face. All he looked like was a little tired.
Bakant turned his head towards the palace.
‘I can’t believe it.’
The sight of the demons spewing flames from their entire bodies clashing with the imperial knights was truly beautiful. And there was even magic added to it.
‘Where on earth did that devil come from?’
The crow squinted his eyes and examined the demon. Although it was much smaller than when it first appeared, its intimidating presence remained.
With flames burning from its entire body, countless horns extending from its head, and flames streaming from its eyes, is there another being that fits the word devil so well?
The atmosphere seemed to be gradually calming down. It couldn’t be otherwise. No matter how great the demon was, there were several imperial knights there, and there was also the sword master. It was a succession ceremony, so there were also magic tower masters.
‘···You said it was a gray magic tower. It’s the best.’
In the face of the obvious crisis in the palace, the Gray Tower Master was more active than anyone else. He continued to pour out magic as if he had prepared for the current situation.
Considering the limitations of a wizard, it would be right to prepare. It could have been because it was my succession ceremony, but-.
‘Surprisingly, time passes quickly.’
Bakant’s eyes narrowed. Any great demon would have lost its head long ago if it had been up against something of that scale, but it took unexpectedly long.
In particular, the movements of the imperial knights were passive.
“Not bad.”
I turned my head at the muttering and saw the guy tearing up the paper. Bakant took out his magic tool.
The bastard threw the paper and Bakant swung his magic tool. In an instant, the burnt paper turned into dust.
“Is the compensation sufficient?”
“It went beyond the best.”
Bakant nodded in response to the bastard’s question.
Crows thrive on chaos. But the chaos he created in the capital overnight was enough to burst my stomach.
“That’s fortunate.”
The man who gave a short answer took a water bottle out of his bosom and put it in his mouth. The fragrant smell of wine spread along with the dawn breeze.
“Ah, the royal family will not be able to produce any knights for the time being.”
The man who emptied his water bottle spoke calmly. Contrary to his simple words, the content was shocking.
Bakant, who had always maintained his composure, furrowed his brow. If the imperial family could not produce knights, there would be more than one problem.
Knights are the backbone of the empire, its greatest weapon, and also-.
‘No, as long as there is a master of the sword···.’
Drool flowed from the corner of Bakant’s mouth.
“Then finish it well.”
The man who spoke briefly turned around. Bakant swallowed his questions with difficulty.
He was an observer, not a questioner.
‘It was the spark that burned down the capital.’
Bakant looked at the guy with sunken eyes and raised his evaluation of him to the highest level.
After the bastard disappeared, Bakant put his finger in his mouth.
Beep-.
At the sharp sound made by the bakkant.
Caw- caw- caw-.
Crows crowed everywhere.
‘It brings back old memories.’
Now that the bastard had made his way to his heart’s content, it was Bakant’s turn to make his move.
If he is the spark that burns everything-.
The bacchanal was the wind that made him spread.
***
‘I’m hungry.’
I walked diligently, dragging my tired body.
It seemed like he had somehow survived.
I survived being chased by a mean demon who was angry at me for going down to the basement of the palace and pulling out a tentacle from the imperial knight’s den.
‘This is really gross.’
I scratched my beard while giggling. All sorts of complicated thoughts came to mind, but I had already worked my brain to its limit.
First, I had to get something onto the boat. Most of the capital cities were closed at this late hour, but some were not.
‘Oh, it’s still there.’
The light streaming in through the window seemed quite warm. The excitement that had built up was subsiding, so the cold air bit into my armor.
As I pushed open the thick wooden door and went in, the warm air filling the room melted my body.
There were quite a few people in the bar. I strained my eyes at the sudden attention. Everyone turned their heads in surprise.
I sat in a corner.
A skinny man approached.
“Your order is-.”
“A strong drink and a warm stew… freshly boiled. And water to wash with.”
I waved my hand roughly. The man stepped back. It seemed like the person had changed since he was different from before.
But where are the stores still left?
‘Even though there was chaos in the palace, everyone was at peace.’
I spent my time giggling at the noisy conversations of the guys around me. The conversations were similar to those in the East. Women, money, fights. It was a story about guys.
A skinny man brought me a bowl of lukewarm water.
I washed my face and head with water. I felt a little uncomfortable because I was sweating, but after rinsing with water, I felt quite refreshed. Finally, I washed my hands and pushed the bowl aside.
Next came a bottle of liquor and a bowl of stew. They also gave me a blunt wooden spoon. I took a sip of the steaming stew straight to my mouth.
The feeling of the hot, tangy stew going down my esophagus was thrilling. It felt like I was sucking life into me. Adding a strong drink to it made me feel worthwhile in life.
‘It tastes even better because I destroyed the palace and ate it.’
It was definitely more delicious than the stew I ate after destroying the kingdom. I slurped the rest of the stew while giggling to myself.
At that moment, the door to the bar opened with a bang. A familiar face came in through the open door. My eyes were instantly drawn to it.
The guy who had been looking around the inside for a while came towards me.
“They don’t sell cake here.”
I looked at the guy sitting across from me and asked him without even asking for his consent.
“···.”
The five elders stared at me without answering. Judging from the slightly tired look on their faces, it seemed like they had had a busy night too.
Although you may not have achieved as much as I did.
I sipped my drink and studied him. My other hand was around the handle of the knife. I wanted to stop working today, but things in this world don’t always go as planned.
“You made a big deal out of it.”
“The principle is that if you’re going to do it, do it big.”
The bastard’s eyes narrowed slightly. Knock knock. I tapped the handle of the knife.
“Which one is first?”
“Overtime.”
“okay.”
At that moment, a skinny man came over to take their order. The five men ordered cider.
“The goal has been achieved.”
As the employee stepped aside, the guy asked. No, his voice sounded like an evaluation.
“As you can see.”
I shrugged my shoulders and waved my palm. The bridge of his nose moved slightly, as if he could smell something very sweet coming from me right now.
“I see.”
The guy closed his mouth at that. I raised my hand and ordered two more bowls of stew.
The guy’s expression was subtle. It seemed like he had something he wanted to ask, but was too busy trying to figure out what to ask.
I didn’t really have any intention of answering, so I didn’t bother to touch on it.
Next came the drinks and stew. He sipped the cider and I slurped the stew.
The loud chatter had left, so the only sound that could be heard was the fireplace on one side.
“I am a scatoph.”
The man spoke briefly. He brought the glass to his lips. Perhaps because of his unlucky appearance, he looked quite presentable.
I looked at him and thought about it.
‘Why do you give that kid a glass and I give you a whole bottle?’
I nodded my head in thought. It was information that the crow had already brought me.
“General Skataph of the Rebel Army.”
“···Hmm.”
The guy coughed slightly and looked away. He seemed embarrassed that his name had been recognized.
I clicked my tongue and slurped the rest of the stew into my mouth.
“Don’t you know how to use a spoon?”
The guy muttered with a tired look in his eyes.
What an idiot, why would he use a spoon that he doesn’t even know when it was washed or who touched it.
However, I didn’t bother explaining it to that uncivilized guy.
“You have destroyed the imperial palace. The palace that has stood firm at the center of the continent for so many years.”
He suddenly said something about the taste of the stew being bad. It wasn’t completely impossible, but I had a different opinion.
What did I do wrong? All I did was pluck out a weird tentacle that attacked my chest without asking for my consent.
The biggest problem that got things going was lax security, then ingrained safety insensitivity, and finally…
‘hmm······.’
I was sure there was something more, but I couldn’t think of anything, so I just scratched my beard.
“Come to the rebels. I will protect you.”
He suddenly suggested a transfer. I looked into it.
The bastard’s eyes were straight and unwavering.
When things got tangled up, my eyes got tired.
“The rebels are currently the only force resisting the empire…”
“I don’t like it.”
The guy narrowed his eyes at my answer. He looked flustered, as if he couldn’t imagine a rejection.
After a while, the man who had nodded continued speaking.
“Ah, I didn’t understand. The rebels are the only force currently resisting the Empire. The survivors of the sixteen kingdoms that were trampled and disappeared by the Empire······.”
The guy continued his explanation at length.
‘You can talk at length.’
I sipped my drink and listened to the bastard’s explanation.
“So, coming as a rebel······.”
He asked again.
“Third, I hate rebels.”
The bastard’s eyes widened at my answer.
I showed my third crazy smile and ordered three more stews.
The fifth eldest son muttered as he watched the ignorant man eating the stew whole.
‘Cathedral… it’s not far.’
If he didn’t come as a rebel, then he could have gone from this side.
***
‘···Selena?’
Avery narrowed his eyes at the woman in front of him.
There was a man hiding behind Selena, who was taller than the man.
‘···Gesher Wind? You can’t stand that bird and betray it? That’s why you guys are running like this-.’
Avery chewed his lips.
“Director of the Eastern Management Bureau, Avery?”
“Yes, that’s right,”
Avery tried hard to hide his true feelings and answered calmly.
This was the administration. It was not his fault. This was an accusation of Selena’s past actions. It is obvious that they will be more embarrassed.
However, since the opponent was the opponent, I couldn’t help but feel nervous.
“Hmm.”
Selena clicked her tongue slightly. Meanwhile, Avery’s head was spinning quickly.
The thought was short. The sword handle was clearly in their hands. Avery straightened his back and strained his eyes.
“Director Selena, I know you lied about Aaron’s death. Aaron is the one who ruined the Western Bureau’s plans. You lied about him and ruined the Bureau’s work-.”
Foot.
Avery, who was speaking quickly, stopped at a small laugh.
“Oh, sorry. Please continue.”
Selena gestured. Avery’s mind went blank for a moment, as there was no such dismissiveness in the reaction he had expected.
But I couldn’t just sit still.
“You, the director of the Central Administration, fell in love with the Empire’s public servant and ruined your work. As a pure-blooded elf, you abandoned your homeland for love······.”
Avery desperately took out everything, but Selena’s expression didn’t even change.
It was as if he was speaking to a beautiful statue.
Avery poured out everything he had prepared, including his guesses, but Selena remained the same.
Selena, who had been listening to him quietly until the end, opened her mouth.
“Avery, Avery. Do you know why I let you live when you betrayed him?”
Selena asked, the corners of her lips slightly raised. Her emotionless voice stirred Avery’s mind like a curse.
“Of course that’s an excuse······.”
Avery answered, clutching his cane. Selena’s eyes furrowed slightly, as if whispering, “Wrong answer-.”
Selena sighed softly and slowly opened her mouth.
“Avery Avery, I’ve been here since before you were born… no, before your mother was born… no, before your mother’s mother was born. I’m a pure-blood elf, as you say. Do you think I can handle you alone?”
Selena spoke kindly and in detail, as if explaining to a child.
Gulp. Avery gripped the cane tightly. A rough sound came from his hand.
Selena approached, observing Avery’s reaction as if she was appreciating it.
Even though she was the same woman, her face, so beautiful and yet cold that it made my heart flutter, came closer.
The smell of blood, which could not be hidden among the fresh scent of grass, filled the air.
“Avery- Avery, you are one of the gifts I will give him.”
Avery shuddered at Selena’s whisper.
‘······Gifts?’
Avery’s mind snapped back to the scent of blood coming from Selena.
When Selena, who speaks without any accent, said the word ‘gift’, it was full of color.
Gulp. Avery swallowed hard.
“You can do whatever you want, but could you please wear clothes? I don’t know when he might come back.”
Selena said as she fixed Avery’s robe.
Although his words were round, as if he was coaxing a child, his voice and face were colder than ever before.
Avery could only nod.
