Chapter 44: Mage (1)
Dale sighed as he looked at the residents prostrate before him.
Why are you kneeling down again?
Why? We just felt like we should
The chief stammered in reply.
Well, what happened to that damn bastard?
Dale simply nodded his head instead of answering.
The lifeless body of Bordan drained of all life force and shriveled like a mummy came into view.
Ah!
Is he!
The residents were thrilled and astonished at how easily the warrior who had been tormenting them had been dispatched.
The chief made a fuss.
To think that a warrior who survived a battle with demons could be defeated so effortlessly To be blessed with a knight like you, truly the goddess has not forsaken us!
There were several inuracies in his statement.
First, it wasnt the goddess who sent Dale, but Erielle, and that too only after being tempted by the promise of a relic.
Moreover, the ims about Bordan were greatly exaggerated.
Indeed, he had been a strong warrior.
However, Bordan was never in a league to confront a demon.
Even the lowest-ranked demon could have snuffed out Bordan with a mere gesture.
<em>At best, he might have dealt with the minions while someone else took on the demon.</em>
Of course, even that would be a feat worth boasting about for a lifetime.
But Dales interest was piqued by the one who had directly faced the demon.
<em>He mentioned fighting alongside someone, a mercenary king or something of the sort.</em>
Back when Dale was first introduced to this world through the game, demons were akin to natural disasters.
They were not beings a mere human could contend with.
Yet, humanity had its own monsters capable of standing against such demons.
The masters of the magic towers, the captains of the royal knights, and the four generals who guarded the front lines.
But the name Mercenary King was unheard of at that time.
The idea of a mere mercenary being dubbed a king seemed overly grandiose, almost to the point of mockery.
<em>Maybe a new hero has emerged in the meantime.</em>
Dale recalled Gand mentioning it a few times.
He hadnt paid much attention until now, but he decided to investigate further when the opportunity arose.
Having sorted his thoughts, Dale gestured for the residents to rise.
Exining himself had be too tiresome. He resolved to let them continue with their misunderstandings or misconceptions.
The residents slowly got to their feet and went inside to clean up the mess.
Despite the fierce battle that had taken ce, the interior was rtively tidy.
Broken dishes and furniture were strewn around the ce, but there was not a drop of blood.
The ck mist had spread around and absorbed all the blood spilled by Bordan.
Thanks to this, the residents quickly tidied up the inside. The problem was Bordans body.
The residents looked down at the shriveled corpse with difort.
Then, Harty who had been sitting quietly strode over and nudged Dales waist.
What?
Harty pointed at Bordan with its nose. Dale caught on and nodded in approval.
When he gave his permission, Harty opened its jaws wide and chewed Bordan.
Perhaps because the body was so dried out, a crunching sound echoed with each bite Harty took.
It was a simr sound to when a dog was chewing on a dog bone.
<em>Is it really okay to let it eat a person like this?</em>
The thought crossed Dales mind for a moment, but he quickly dismissed it.
After all, the wolf had already developed a taste for human flesh, and Dale who himself took lives to drain their life force was in no position to criticize it.
Once the cleanup wasplete, the day had fully transitioned into night.
Dale surveyed the residents who had regathered in the clearing.
Now they werent just looking up to him. There was an overwhelming emotion in their eyes that was hard to ignore.
<em>Well, theyll likely follow orders now.</em>
He then shared the n he had in mind with the residents.
Stick together until this turmoil subsides. Dont wander off alone. Avoid going out after dark, and minimize contact with strangers as much as possible.
It was the least he could do to prevent any unwarranted attention.
As for the rest, he nned to observe the situation a bit longer before making any decisions.
<em>Things could go any number of ways, after all.</em>
With various interests at y, no one could predict the oue of the event.
There was even a slight chance that matters might resolve more smoothly than anticipated.
***
Dale returned to the inn, which was as deserted as ever except for the asional fly buzzing around. Ka greeted him warmly as he entered.
Aah! Youre back!
A radiant smile spread across Kas face, lighting up the room. Harkin who had been sitting in a corner grumbled at the sight.
Whats this? When I walked in, all I got was a face like youd been chewing on dirt. Why is there such a difference in treatment?
Ka retorted.
Well, maybe if you looked a bit more handsome like Sir Dale.
Im not saying Im as handsome as Sir Dale, but Im not bad-looking, am I?
..
Sorry.
Kas stern look silenced Harkin who then sheepishly lowered his head.
Turning back to Dale with a beaming smile, Ka then noticed Harty for the first time.
Wow! Is that a new puppy Sir Dale is raising? Its soo cute!
Harkin interjected with a scoff.
Calling that beast a puppy? With that size? Its clearly a wolf, anyone can see that.
Whats the difference? A puppy, a dog, a wolf, theyre all the same.
Ka showed no fear of Hartys huge size. She was, after all, a woman with a lot of guts.
Dale inquired.
Would it be possible to keep it at the inn?
Hmm, keeping it indoors might be a bit difficult, but how about the backyard? It could also deter thieves, which would be great!
Dale nced at Harty and gestured toward the back door.
Understanding the cue, Harty nodded and lumbered outside.
Ka was momentarily impressed by Hartys intelligent response and she asked Dale,
Would you like something to eat?
Yes.
Engaging in the mundane act of eating, Dale sat down opposite Harkin. He removed his helmet and asked thetter,
So, why are you here?
Well, Ive decided to follow Sir Dale from now on, havent I? It only makes sense that Id move to this inn too.
Dale nodded his head indifferently. An additional long-term guest meant good business for Ka.
Though she herself didnt seem too thrilled about Harkins presence.
Harkin took a big gulp from his beer mug, then grimaced slightly as he muttered,
The beer tastes a bit strange, though the food is passable.
Dale remained silent. He didnt care about Harkinsint about the food.
To Dale whocked a sense of taste, such concerns seemed utterly extravagant.
Harken who downed his entire beer while grumbling nced at Dale. It seemed he had something to say.
What is it?
Well, its about that request Gand made earlier. What do you n to do about it, Sir Dale?
At the gathering with Gand and Kadal, the party received a request.
The request was to join in a search of the slums.
Mazel had tly refused.
Dale said he would think about it, and Harkin had given the same response as Dale.
Dale asked him
What about you? What do you n to do?
Of course, Ill decide after seeing what you do, Sir Dale! Why would Gand ask me unless it was because of you? Its all because of you.
Harkin had a fairly objective view of himself.
So, will you do it?
Dale shook his head.
Ive received another request, of the opposite nature.
Dale roughly exined the request he had received from Erielle. After listening intently with a serious face, Harkin responded.
Hmm, then I guess Ill have to sit this one out.
It wouldnt really matter if you took Gands request. It seems like a decent enough job.
No, no. What if I end up fighting with you, Sir Dale? And something about this job smells fishy.
Fishy?
Like it has a hidden agenda, perhaps? It seems like getting involved would bring no good. Just a hunch, though.
A hunch.
Mercenaries who had danced with death tended to trust their own instincts.
Dale didnt add more to the conversation. Perhaps Harkins intuition was correct.
Images of the armed vigntes and Eirek shed through his mind.
They didnt seem inclined to go down without a fight.
<em>This could be much more dangerous than Gand suggested.</em>
Dale picked at the ham Ka had served with his fork and he tasted nothing as usual.
Whether she knew this fact or not,
Ka was about to bring out a te full of food with a beaming smile when,
Aaaaah!
A piercing scream came from outside. The next moment, the inns door burst open.
A woman in a white priestesss robe hurriedly shut the door behind her and slumped to the floor.
It was Esther.
O-outside! A monster! Theres a monster!
Her already white face became even paler and she pointed outside.
Harkin who had been staring nkly suddenly realized something and eximed,
If youre talking about the wolf outside, dont worry, priestess. Its a wolf Sir Dale is keeping.
I always say my name is Esther. But more importantly, how can you keep such a hideous creature! Its clearly not an ordinary wolf, anyone can see that!
Esther spoke with a quiver in her voice.
She was clearly shaken by the sight of Harty.
Both Dale and Harkin turned to look at Ka.
Her reaction was vastly different from Esthers startled one. Ka had thought the creature was merely a cute puppy.
<em>It seems this is the more normal reaction, though.</em>
Ka who caught their gaze muttered something about it being just cute before approaching Esther to help her up.
Are you alright, Priestess?
Th-thank you. I was just a bit startled.
Would you like something to eat? Or perhaps a room for the night? You seem to know Sir Dale, so I can give you a discount.
Ka saw an opportunity to make a sale in Esthers flustered state.
Unfortunately for Ka, her attempt was in vain as Esther quickly regained herposure and declined.
Ah, I apologize. Im quite busy with church duties at the moment I just made time to stop by for a moment.
<em>And yet you took the time toe visit me despite your busy schedule? </em>As Dale looked at her curiously, Esther approached him.
She hesitated for a moment as if she found it hard to talk to Dale then spoke up.
Um, Sir Dale, do you still have the Ring of Faith?
The ring?
Why was she suddenly asking about a ring?
When Dale asked back, Esther asked anxiously.
Dont you remember? Isnt there a ring that priestess Maria gave to you, Sir Dale? Surely you havent, ah, thrown it away?
Only then did Dale recall what Esther was referring to.
<em>I did help a priestess once and received something like a ring from her.</em>
Dale rummaged through his pockets. The ring was buried among various other items.
Esther was visibly relieved when he took out the ring that gave off a subtle luster.
Phew. You didnt throw it away.
So, what about this ring?
In response to Dales question, Esther said something a little different.
This isnt just any ordinary ring. Its said to be a relic containing a fragment of a heros soul from the past. Its an item that offers great power once to a person with a noble soul and strong convictions.
Dale didnt respond.
Frankly, he was unsure what to make of it.
In any case, Esther asked with a certain earnestness in her tone.
Of all things, Sister Maria entrusted such a special ring to you, Sir Dale. She must have believed in you in her final moments, didnt she? No. She definitely did.
Well, she must have had her reasons.
Exactly. Sister Maria wasnt one to judge people lightly.
It was then that Esther seemed to be relieved.
Her face bore the expression of someone who had found the answer to a troubling question.
Before Dale could inquire further, Esther bowed her head.
Im sorry for the sudden intrusion. Ill take my leave now.
With those words, she disappeared without looking back.
She had arrived abruptly, posed her questions on a whim, and then vanished, seemingly satisfied with the interaction.
Harkin muttered in bewilderment.
What did she eat to act like this?
Dale nodded his head in agreement.
And then a momentter,
Aaaah!
Once again, a piercing scream rang out but no one paid it any mind.
They simply assumed Esther had been startled by Harty once more.
***
As soon as morning arrived, Dale made his way to the mercenary guild.
He intended to exin the situation and decline Gands request.
However, the mercenary guild was unusually bustling that day.
It seemed as though all the mercenaries from the outskirts had gathered, crowding around the bulletin board in a buzz of activity.
Dale made his way through the crowd and pushed past the mercenaries.
The mercenaries grumbled in annoyance.
Whos the bastard shoving through?
One mercenary looked up at Dale, who in turn looked down at the mercenary.
Please, go ahead.
With a polite bow, the mercenary slowly stepped back.
Dale moved through the mercenaries with ease like this.
Despite their typically rough and fierce demeanor, the presence of Dale brought forth a sense of respect and manners from them.
In this manner, Dale reached the front of the bulletin board and examined it closely.
The board disyed a recruitment notice.
<em>Theyre really going through with it.</em>
The council had finally announced an official search of the slums.
This included a massive hiring of mercenaries.
This much was already widespread knowledge and was likely known by most of the other mercenaries as well.
The issuey in a sentence prominently disyed on the notice.
Reading that sentence, Dale sighed deeply.
[This operation is fully supported by the Magic Tower.]