Chapter 33

Chapter 33

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Declan spread his hands wide.

Since your skills have already been verified, if you undergo some training and take an oath, I would like to appoint you as the white battalion leader and officer in my unit. Isnt it a good proposal?

Are you talking about reorganizing mercenaries into regular troops?

Philip asked, narrowing his eyes.

Having lived on the front lines for a long time, he knew how empty and meaningless such stories were.

Declan nodded casually. His eyes, looking at Ian, sparkled with sincere ambition.

With the impending war, its a feasible option. Other lords might dismiss mercenaries, but Im not inclined to do so. Battle-hardened mercenaries are a formidable force. Given the right price and opportunity, of course. If theyre under my command, they can rise as much as their accomplishments warrant. Of course, I wont disregard you either.

Hmm

Ian stroked his chin.

Of course, he wasnt interested in the proposal itself.

What interested him was Declans attitude.

Declan was genuinely attempting to integrate the mercenaries into his power.

And judging by the success of his methods, it was evident, just by looking at Paton.

He looked as if that was same way he had become Declans officer.

Have you received permission from the lord?

Of course. He was more like, If youre going to do it, go ahead. Its not a loss from my fathers perspective either. Hell place us at the forefront.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

It sounds like a perfect opportunity to become a blade for hire.

I wont deny it. However, in return, if we survive, well become a powerful force with a strong justification. I will make it happen. Even though, by no means am I foolish.

Declan tapped his temple with his index finger.

Ian nodded in agreement.

Although Ian might think that Declan was trying to bait him, in fact, Ian had been considering that since the moment they first met.

Conversely, it was like, lets catch the interest and use it to solve the request.

He had been listening to irrelevant talk diligently, and thats why.

If I help you with your task, would you consider my proposal?

If I think about it. I cant be entirely sure if youll be of help.

If your duty lies within this city, then perhaps. Theres nowhere my reach wont extend except for my inner circle.

Declan spoke confidently.

His gaze upon Ian held warmth and desire.

Ian met his gaze calmly.

Whether this was Declans true face or not didnt matter.

If hes as good as he appears, he will come to know his fathers true face.

If not, everything will become much easier.

I apologize, but wouldnt that expose our task?

Philip intervened at an opportune moment.

His characteristic naivety was helpful in times like these.

Ah, the mercenarys code of secrecy, I suppose. Well, Paton?

Declan turned to Paton, who smiled.

Uh, my lord?

Sorry, but could you stop them? Those who are loitering around, looking curious.

Yes, well, understood. Did you hear? Dont loiter around like rat pups. Lets have a drink.

Paton turned away.

A small space was created around the corner where Ian was seated.

Ian looked at Declan.

It might be too sensitive for you to hear.

Your friend seems to know how to pique curiosity. Go ahead, tell me. Its alright.

Weve come here to find someone.

Ian half-extracted a partially decayed badge from his bosom.

Declans eyes narrowed.

Dave?

As you can see, hes from Orundels regular army.

Seeing him in this state, I assume he is already dead.

Thats right. He was transporting prisoners. Finding the one who gave the order is the first goal of our task.

And the second goal is to find out what happened to him?

Declan lowered his voice.

Ian nodded.

Go on with your story.

Sure.

Phillip quickly began talking.

In fact, he had been following Declan all day at Ians command.

Surprisingly, Phillip had a knack for tailing and infiltrating.

His naturally timid disposition shone in situations like this.

I apologize for the interruption earlier. His Lordship arrived earlier than expected. There was no significant deviation from the route you mentioned earlier. Incidentally, I also heard about his reputation.

Making progress. Even things I didnt order.

I couldnt help but overhear. The people in Orundel seem to like His Lordship. Probably because of his mixed heritage with the Freemen Anyway.

Phillip cleared his throat and lowered his voice.

His Lordships mother died a few years ago. The Marquis did take him in as his son, but didnt use him for anything important. The eldest son, Lord Mason, seemed to consider him a thorn in his side. They were all worried that His Lordship would be sent to the most dangerous battlefield and not return.

Just an ordinary commoners family.

Looking at Ian, who was nodding his head, Phillip added.

I dont think His Lordship is a corruptor as far as I can tell. If he were hed be hiding his true self very well.

Ian sighed.

Thats interesting. Let me tell you something, Phillip. Ive never seen that lord as a fallen one. If he had fallen hed be concealing his true nature very well. At least for now.

Ian brought the beer in front of him to his lips.

Well find out if he continues to hide that after everything is said and done.

Already, he could smell blood at the tip of his nose.

***

Ippotranslation

***

Seated on the bed, Ian unfolded the research journal he had brought from the grave.

Within a few days of arriving in Orundel, he had been given the best room.

By resolving various trivial requests in the village without conflicts with other mercenaries and befriending the waitress, he had gained favor.

The serving girls at the inn and taverns always treated Ian with unusual comfort.

Perhaps it was because he looked non-threatening and had a calm way of speaking.

Considering those factors, the favors were excessive.

In any case, it allowed Ian to enjoy some quiet time alone.

The priest I met after a long time opened up a new path for me. At first, I adamantly rejected and was angry, but eventually, I listened to his words. I couldnt help it. It was the real truth. Everything I had believed to be the truth until now was all false. This world is the same way

Conrouds research journal was a typical record of a delusional mind.

Intermittently, there were formulas, magic equations, and rules he had organized, but none of it made any sense to Ian.

Of course, this world was a place where nonsensical things worked, but

Ian confirmed once again that he wouldnt be able to understand things that didnt make sense in the first place.

Well, this world allows humans to learn magic using skill points and even use it. I must be an even more absurd existence.

Ian looked over the careful documentation of Conroud, a mage from the remote outskirts, who had delved into darkness and finally escaped human restraints.

As expected, the man behind the summoning of him to the underground grave was in Agellan.

Although the name wasnt mentioned, Ian knew who it was.

When the time came, Conroud planned to bring that man out as his vanguard and underling.

With the goal of mystifying the entire Agellan Kingdom.

Creating void-like entities, such as the wall, to consume the entire realm was their grand plan.

They sought a life dominated by the ancient gods, not demons or gods of light.

Although the content seemed to be disguised as legitimate doctrine, it was basically pseudo-religious nonsense.

This world isnt all sane, so its hard to know whats true.

The journals contents reached the part where Conroud first met Ian.

Sir. Are you sleeping?

The door opened, and Phillip stuck his head in.

He whispered.

The place for conversation is ready.

Smart guy.

Ian smiled and closed the journal without a trace of regret.

It was time to console the one who sacrificed his subordinates for the darkness.

With blade and fist.

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