Chapter 77: Returning (2)

Chapter 77: Returning (2)

Dale turned around.

There werent just one or two people there; he recognized every face.

Hasina, Hakim, Miles, Abaph, members of the Black Serpent Brotherhood, slave soldiers from the Magic Tower, nameless mercenaries, thieves, Lapin, and those demon worshippers.

All were those whom Dale had slain before taking their life force and soul force.

They stood silently on the vast plain while quietly observing Dale.

Whats this?

Dale was bewildered.New novel chapters are published on

Suddenly, the children from the orphanage and the figure of his grandfather had vanished without a trace.

Am I really dreaming?

Dale was merely reminiscing about the past. He was only employing focus to sift through and mull over his memories.

He referred to it as a dream for convenience, though it was far from one.

Dales current body prevented him from sleeping.

Then what is this?

What suddenly came to mind was the life force and soul force of Ganiagos which he had absorbed recently.

While absorbing the creatures essence, Dale felt an instinctual sense of danger and stopped the process midway.

Could this be a side effect of taking in the essence of a demon?

There was undoubtedly an impact.

However, Dale was not convinced that was the entire explanation.

Dale slowly approached them. Those who had died at Dales hand just stared at him blankly.

They neither recoiled, nor showed fear, nor harbored resentment, nor spat curses.

Just like the dead, they looked on with the emotionless eyes of corpses.

It might have been Dales imagination but it seemed as though they were saying,

You will soon become like us.

Suddenly, his grandfathers words echoed in his mind.

You reap what you sow.

Dale sighed softly and looked around.

This was not a pleasant experience.

Troublemakers in life, now clueless ghosts clinging to me in death.

With a swing of his fist, Dale struck the face of the mercenary closest to him.

The mercenarys head burst open.

At that moment, Dale awoke from the dream.

***

When he rose again, much time had passed.

As if he had indeed been dreaming.

Dale thought calmly,

Something must be changing within me.

He had never experienced anything like this before.

Recalling past memories was for Dale an essential ritual to ensure he didnt forget his humanity.

The fact that this ritual was being disrupted troubled him.

Dale suddenly pondered whether his struggles to preserve his humanity were paradoxically distancing him from it.

Hmm.

Normally, Dale might have brushed aside such thoughts but this was a matter of utmost importance to him.

He couldnt easily shake off these reflections.

So Ive been through all sorts of hardships outside Wait a moment. Sir Dale?

.

Sir Dale! Are you listening?

Hmm?

Someone spoke to Dale who was lost in thought at the dining table.

Dale lifted his head to see who it was.

As soon as he saw that curly hair, he knew immediately who it was.

Dale asked,

Harkin? When did you enter the castle?

With the demon gone, the count must have lifted the siege which allowed the merchant guild to enter the castle as well.

Hearing Dales question, Harkins face fell into a look of slight offense.

Come on, sir. I greeted you earlier! Really.

Esther who was listening scolded him from the side.

Its because Harkins stories are just so dull. You talk about camping outside as if it were some kind of heroic saga.

Then she turned to Dale with worried eyes.

You seem a bit off today. Did something happen?

Harty whose presence had gone unnoticed until then nudged Dales side with his blunt nose as if to ask if he was alright.

Dale nodded his head.

Its nothing.

Are you perhaps tired?

Ha! Priestess, youre saying Sir Dale might be tired? What a strange thought!

Still

Dale waved his hand dismissively at Esthers concern.

Its really nothing. Dont worry about it.

If Sir Dale says so

Esther trailed off before speaking up again.

Sir Dale, if theres nothing pressing today, would you like to go outside with me?

I have nothing, but why?

The castle has suffered considerable damage, and many have been lost to us. As a result, many of the residents are struggling. If Sir Dale were to show himself, it would greatly lift their spirits.

It was a suggestion typical of Esther.

Dale readily nodded in agreement; he had nothing to do anyway.

It was hardly an inconvenient request.

After setting aside his helmet, Dale picked up a spoon and began to sip the soup.

The woman tentatively asked,

Does it suit your taste?

Of course, Dale couldnt actually taste it. But food wasnt just about the flavor.

Dale nodded enthusiastically,

Its delicious. Ill eat it with gratitude.

Thats a relief!

The three of them chatted over their meal. It was a trivial and unremarkable conversation that any ordinary citizen would have.

For Dale, this too was a feeling he hadnt experienced in a long while.

After much talk, Riddel even inquired about the goddess of the night.

That. Do I have to go to Irene to become a follower of the night?

Dale paused momentarily.

Do you plan to convert?

Yes. I thought perhaps this was some kind of destiny

Dale intended to dissuade Riddel. The world may have changed, yet the followers of the night still lived amidst discrimination and rejection.

Was there really a need to endure such hardships to believe in the goddess of the night?

Dale searched for words to persuade Riddel but he eventually decided against it.

It must have been a decision Riddel arrived at after deep contemplation and with firm resolve. It would be absurd for Dale to interject.

Dale said,

Theres no temple in Kaelum, so when you find the chance, come to Irene. High Priestess Erielle will welcome you warmly. But theres no need to push yourself. The goddess of the night wouldnt want an elderly believer to risk his health on such a difficult journey.

Ah, I appreciate your advice and will take it to heart.

After speaking, Dale thought to himself,

Looking at it this way, I really do seem like a true dark knight.

Perhaps this was the first time hed done something befitting a knight who serves the night goddess.

In any case, an increase in the number of the goddesss followers would be beneficial for Dale.

Having even a slightly larger faction friendly towards him would be advantageous.

With the meal concluded, Dale prepared to leave.

Riddel seemed to wish for him to stay longer but it was time to return.

Well, I shall take my leave now.

As Dale rose from his seat, Riddel who had a look of lingering look of regret in his eyes suddenly stood up with a jolt.

Just a moment. Please wait!

Hmm?

Father, whats the matter?

Wait!

Riddel hurried off and returned holding something in his arms.

It was a cape of a slate-gray color.

The material was unknown but it possessed a rustic and antique charm to it.

Riddel held out the cape towards Dale.

It is said that all great knights of history wore capes. Please, wear this.

Dale looked at the cape and remarked,

This seems rather valuable.

Its a family heirloom, passed down through the men in our family. I received it from my father, who got it from my grandfather. Our family is a family of tanners, so weve taken great care of it. It wont be of poor quality.

Dale shook his head and pushed the cape back.

I cannot accept such a precious item.

Please, take it.

Shouldnt you pass it on to your son?

Riddel said with sad eyes.

My son and grandson have both passed away.

.

Dale fell silent.

He had suspected as much.

There was an air of melancholy surrounding the house.

Riddel pleaded earnestly.

Would you honor my son and grandson by wearing this cape? They would have been overjoyed to see a knight like you wear it.

Are you sure its alright for me to accept this?

Please do!

With those words, Riddel stood on tiptoes to drape the cape over Dales shoulders.

Then he took a step back and said brightly as if he had the world in his hands.

Really. It suits you really well.

My goodness.

Dale saw the smiles on Riddel and the womans faces. They were genuinely delighted to see him wearing the cape.

He thought to himself while looking at their expressions.

I did well to help.

Saving Riddel at the womans request might have been merely an act of acting like a human.

But at this moment, Dale felt a genuine sense of fulfillment in his actions.

Even his cold heart seemed to warm a bit, though it was perhaps just a feeling.

The confusion from the previous nights dream had settled.

I worried over nothing.

Dale thought about this as he gently touched the cape.

Though it seemed like a simple cape, to Dale it was as precious as any treasure.

Hmm?

As he caressed the cape, Dale sensed an unusual power emanating from it.

This cape.

Its no ordinary item.

The phrase You reap what you sow flashed through his mind. For some reason, the words his grandfather said passed through his head.