Chapter 38

Chapter 38

If youd like to make a one-time donation to support our translations or subscribe to read up to 10 chapters ahead, you can do so via Buymeacoffee.

For every 2 donation, Ill release an extra chapter the following day.

Orundels Resilience.

Ian walked along a dim corridor.

As he stepped into the castle, the first thing he did was to search the bedrooms of the Marquis and the Archduke.

No one stopped him.

They all regarded him as a divine knight of TyrEn, so no one dared hinder his path.

Of course, they were also too busy to pay him much attention.

Declan needed to proceed with the formalities of inheriting the Marquiss title and dominion rights.

Mercenaries were sorting through the followers of the Marquis and the Archduke, identifying and dealing with the fallen ones.

It was essentially a purge operation. Since the coup had succeeded, this was a natural continuation of events.

Seems like the smell is coming from here.

Philip, who followed behind him, spoke up.

Ian said calmly

Seems like the stench might cover you soon enough. Be prepared.

So, what Im suggesting is, couldnt we delay our thorough search until tomorrow? Weve already had a battle today, and searching the rooms of the Marquis and the Archduke should be sufficient evidence for now. The evidence isnt going to escape on its own.

That might be possible. Thieves have infiltrated the castle grounds.

Ah.

Philip sighed briefly, thinking about the mercenaries.

Stepping onto the spiral staircase leading underground, Ian continued speaking.

Everyone seems intoxicated by shallow senses of justice and duty today, but things will change by tomorrow. If the evidence falls into the hands of those zealots, well have nothing but trouble.

True. Even though we dont know exactly whats hidden, we must gather everything without leaving a trace. Honestly, its hard for me to believe as well.

Candlelight from the wall sconces cast faint shadows on Philips face.

Its hard to believe the Duke is one of the fallen No one would believe it without solid evidence.

He seems to have a good reputation.

More than that. He acts as a representative for His Majesty, delivering decrees and addressing requests from the lords while overseeing the territory in His Majestys absence. Ive encountered him a couple of times at the borderlands. He was wise and merciful. I heard he even opposed the war

Philips gaze turned somber.

And hes the leader of the fallen

Thats why he must have successfully deceived everyone around him. In that sense

They reached the end of the staircase.

Ians eyes fell upon the concealed underground chamber.

If we leave him alone, hell eventually devour the entire kingdom. It doesnt concern me, but it wont be the same for you.

Of course.

Then stop speculating and lets move. There must be a secret chamber used by the Marquis. If its not here, it must lead to a sewer. Dont miss a single detail.

Understood.

Philip pulled out a wall sconce, and Ian followed him inside.

A proper feeling of being in the right place washed over Ian.

The underground chamber, which led to both a shelter and a sewer, was designed perfectly to conceal a secret room.

Ian had already scanned every corner using magical detection.

Whoa.

Ian stopped in front of a broken statue in a corner of the room.

As he was searching around, he pushed a brick in the wall.

Creak-

The statue shifted to the side, revealing a hidden passage.

It was a low passage that wouldnt be easily visible from the staircase side, especially with the statues shadow.

Finally, youve found your way again.

Philip arrived, his appetite already whetted.

Glancing at the passage for a moment, he led the way.

This kind of thing doesnt surprise me anymore.

As they walked through the short passage and emerged into a new scene, Ian muttered.

A dim room devoid of any light.

When illuminated by candlelight, red and purple symbols engraved on the walls and ceiling became visible.

These patterns were obviously meant to evade the gaze of a deity.

As soon as they stepped in, the Sword of Condemnation fell silent, knowing the judgment within.

Ian inspected the corners of the room briefly the desk holding books, scrolls, ritual daggers, and plates. Eventually, his gaze settled on a central dais.

A four-sided dais about chest height held a large, purple-magicked orb.

Collect everything that could serve as evidence. You can check while on the move.

Ian took out the sealing box from his pocket.

He had been using the seal that had once held Tesia.

The heads of the Marquis and Mason were inside.

Yes.

Without any surprise, Ian produced the box from thin air. Philip approached the desk.

Ian, already expecting some sort of magical phenomenon, was less taken aback by the scene before him.

Hmm.

Ian stood before the dais and hesitated.

The intense memories associated with this sphere made him pause.

Its definitely not a Fragment of Chaos. Nor a bead.

Ian had changed since that time.

He could now distinguish chaos energy to some extent as a distinct sensation.

It was the change caused by holding a Fragment of Chaos within him.

The taint of chaos energy within the sphere was very faint.

Then where Lets take a look.

Ian reached out his hand.

As if responding to his touch, the energy within the sphere shimmered.

As his hand made contact, a purplish energy surged up his arm.

Ian didnt panic. He had intended for this to happen to some extent.

He had trapped a bit of chaos energy in his palm.

Of course, thats part of it.

But unfortunately, I cant fulfill that request. Im not someone who can settle in one place.

I see I had a feeling youd say that.

Declan let out a rueful laugh, nodding his head.

It was a long shot. I said it because I felt a bit sorry. Its the first time someone seemed to see right through me like that.

Its probably because we share some similarities. Like you, Im familiar with deceiving those around me.

It was a casual tone, but it was enough to surprise Declan.

Ian sighed at his gaze.

Neither the mercenaries nor the people, in fact, like them at all.

Since when did you know? No, how did you know?

Well . I just got it.

Okay. You have good eyesight. Glad then I thought my acting was messed up again. thats a problem We have to keep having.

Seeing Declan finally let out a sigh of relief, this time Ian smiled.

You were worried about your acting skills.

It cant be helped that Ive already been caught. Its not a wrong word. Actually, Im still worried. Now that the rebellion has succeeded, the mercenaries will rot my insides from now on.

It was a legitimate concern.

Although thanks to Ian, Declan got a chance.

In fact, when he appeared, Declans original plan was ruined.

Originally, while rolling on the battlefield with mercenaries, he intended to solidify his dominance over them.

Eliminate the uncontrolled ones, and tame the ones that remain.

With that process gone, Declan had to find another way to put a leash on the unlearned and wayward mercenaries.

If youre worried about the wolves, you could always bring in hunting dogs to fight them in your place.

Ian blurted out abruptly.

Declans eyes lit up.

Hunting dogs?

The ones that were abandoned by their owners and are waiting only for death.

Ah!

Declan let out a short exclamation. He immediately realized that Ian was referring to the commanders and officials who survived the purge.

Wouldnt they be grateful if their new master personally put the leash back on them? Theyd fight the wolves to show off to their master, struggling against the wolves.

I suppose I could pull both sides leashes depending on the situation After all, youre amazing.

Declan looked at Ian with genuine admiration. With Ian by his side, he could perhaps dream even bigger dreams than before. However, he didnt voice those thoughts. If he were to bring up a topic he had already declined, it might eliminate any remaining possibilities.

Just then, the stable hand came out with the horses.

A gleaming black horse with a flowing mane caught Declans eye.

Looks like your horse is here.

I dont think thats my horse.

Your horses had been groomed so nicely. I chose one that suits you. It was your brothers favorite.

I wont decline, but its also a bribe. Please convey my regards to His Majesty. Tell him that the new lords loyalty to the kingdom runs deep.

Not difficult. It doesnt matter whether what I say is true or not.

Indeed. You cant lie in front of me.

Well, as long as you dont turn into a fallen. Remember that you might meet me again someday when youre tempted.

But then, you might not meet me as a friend or ally.

Declan laughed.

Thats quite a threatening remark. Remember this. I have no desire to imagine meeting you as an enemy.

Someday, we will meet again, Lord Marquis.

Philip approached to take the reins. Ian resumed his stride, and under Philips guidance, he mounted the horse with skill.

Watching him silently, Declan finally voiced his last question.

Can I ask one more thing?

With such a splendid bribe, ask as many as you want.

Do you think His Majesty will go to war even when there are such conspiracies brewing within the kingdom?

Treating me like a fortune teller, arent you?

A peculiar smile curved Ians lips as he held the reins.

But its likely he will.

!

And after that, who knows, something even greater might occur. This world is so chaotic, after all.

Ian shrugged his shoulders and turned his head.

Good luck. The fate of this region is in your hands now.

With that, Ian rode the horse.

Philip followed, skillfully leading the horse. Declan watched them for a moment before suddenly turning his gaze.

Paton was approaching.

Have they left?

Yes, they have, Sir Paton.

Declan said with a smile on his lips.

Paton added, smiling as if the title was unfamiliar.

You should go. The townspeople are gathered by the castle wall, waiting for the address from His Grace, no, Lord.

And on the wall?

Our mercenaries no, the soldiers of the Vanguard, along with the spared officials and commanders, have all gathered.

Good. Lets go right away.

Like this? You should change your clothes.

Its fine. This looks more natural.

Declan turned around.

A double leash I need to come up with a convincing excuse for that. I dont want to be resented from the start.

Mulling over the advice, he continued walking. Then, he suddenly looked back.

The sight of Ian and Philip was nowhere to be found.

Tl/n: Consider donating, Your support is needed.

Translator; ippo

Please rate this series here.

Schedule: Pending @ UTC+ 12:00 am. 3 4 ch a /ippostranslations