CH 85

Chapter 85 Ten thousand leaves(5)

Translator: BaeBae Editor: BaeBae

“It’s too early in the night to be sleep-talking, 10,000 leaves?”

“Don’t change the subject. Back then, you could have handed me over and received the 10,000 leaves that you’ve been prattling about over and over. So why take the dangerous path instead?”

“Well, I can see here Mr 10,000 leaf don’t believe in good faith and professionalism huh. Are you saying that you’re suspicious of me because I didn’t hand you over and decided to protect you instead?”

“I like my back the way it is. You can never be too cautious.”

Swallen tried to smile but her lips didn’t go up. She realised that the force coming out from Juan was making her feel timid.

For the young black haired teen who was looking at her while sitting relaxedly on the side of the ditch, it wouldn’t take much effort to kill her.

While she didn’t feel any murderous intent, the sudden weight of the air around her made it hard to breath causing her to wipe away some sweat.

“Well, you’re not going to let this go are you.”

“Whatever you say, I won’t kill you at the very least. I still need you to guide me to Drugal.”

“Fine. I’ll admit it then. I had been intending to take you to Drugal before I met you.”

“Even if you’d have to face off against Paladins?”

“For quite some time, the eastern people have been disregarded by the capital. Are you aware that there aren’t any bishops, or Paladins in the east? The Abhorrent knights are an exception. They’re only here because of the wanted arrest of a 10,000 leaf bounty individual. The moment Mr 10,000 leaf is caught, they’ll be out of here.”

“Okay, so I understand that Paladins aren’t your concern. But if gold wasn’t what you’re looking for, why are you taking me to Drugal?”

Swallen made a ‘found out because of those bloody Paladins’, expression on her face.

In all honesty, it didn’t really matter whether Swallen gave him an answer or not. He needed a guide right now.

Whether Swallen would betray him or not, for now all Juan wanted was for her to get him to Drugal. To lop off her head or not would be a decision to make later.

However, Juan was admittedly a bit curious as to how Swallen would answer. Right now, people wanting to help and willing to turn against the empire from him were a rarity.

“Hmm.”

After a slight pause, Swallen opened her lips.

“In truth, it might be for the same reason as Mr 10,000 leaf.”

“What?”

“It’s as I said. Didn’t you say that you were looking to kill someone at Drugal? Me too. But the thing is…… I simply couldn’t see a way to make this possible by myself. But then, I heard of the rumours about you. That a person at Hiveden is causing a real headache for the higher ups. Then I found out that you were looking for Drugal, so I figured not to miss the opportunity.”

“Who are you trying to kill?”

“Heeey come on, I didn’t ask any private matters so Mr 10,000 leaf should consider doing the same.”

Juan looked at Swallen with a bemused look but understood where she was coming from.

Did it matter what she said?

The excuses could go on without end but Beltre surmised it in one word.

Carelessness.

Maybe it was only natural that they were careless because a whole knight order had been mobilized for the task.

If they wanted to, a knight order had the capability to besiege a city.

But now that his identity had been blown, he needed to approach with far more cautious and secrecy.

He’d already paid an eye for his lack of carelessness.

“Brother Beltre nim.”

Someone from behind begun to conversate. A female with long silver hair, which looked like a mirage as her semi transparent hair moved limply in the air. Her green pupils were cut vertically.

“Sister Nora.”

There hadn’t been an official sighting of Gared Ga-in since his aassasination on the emperor.

The fact he hadn’t been confirmed dead meant Gared Ga-in was the highest ranked on the empire’s list of enemies. If he was captured then executed, there would be no greater honor as the church would be praised for carrying out justice.

Beltre’s chest swelled up upon thinking about the possibility of catching a fish bigger than he could have imagined.

But immediately shook his head.

He needed to focus on his target. The black hair was his target given to him by the Pope.

Take too large of a step, and his leg would be ripped apart.

“Keep watch on the black hair for now. There’ll be more and more insects taking notice of him sooner than later. Also, find out what you can about that female wielding the bow. Her skill with the bow is beyond what an average mercenary is capable of doing.”

*****

Sina Solbein looked devastated as he stared at her horse dying in front of her.

Losing a horse in the middle of a wasteland was basically a death sentence.

But, lucky or not, the black being which was munching on her horse seemed to have no interest in her.

Everytime the black beast opened its mouth, a part of her horse disappeared.

She estimated that her horse would be gobbled up in about 10 mouthfuls. The thought of her being next did pop into her mind, as her eyes wouldn’t look anywhere else but the beast.

“Apologies.”

She turned around upon hearing a voice from behind. A man who looked to be about thirty was looking down at her.

Wearing the empire’s military uniform, he held a lengthy spear on his shoulder.

Sina blankly stared at him before turning her head back at the black beast.

“That……..is that what I think it is?”

“Dragon.”

Black scales and a white horn stretch like a mane, ability to devour a horse in several mouthfuls and its giant mass.

It had the same characteristics as a dragon from the stories that she’d heard many times. As a knight, Sina of course had an interest towards stories about dragons.

But believed to be extinct, what would one think upon seeing one land from the skies before chewing up their horse.

‘In all honesty, it doesn’t concern me.’

She was sad that her horse had died but she’d never considered the thought of seeing a dragon that was alive. On closer inspection, on its back were a saddle and equipment designed to keep it under control.

“I heard that they’d gone extinct after the Lindworm knight order disbanded…….”

“One survived.”

The man gave a short answer but upon realising his words needed a further explanation, he added on.

“Occasionally, I’d let him wander if I see no one over the wasteland. I didn’t expect anyone to be so nearby. I’ll of course compensate you for your horse. Double in fact. And if your alright with it, I’ll take you to the nearest village.”

“No. I don’t mind……..but uh, are you perhaps a member of the imperial army?”

“Ah.”

The male stretched out his hand at Sina.

“Horschel Helmer, 4th division Centurion. Currently carrying out Earl Henna’s orders. Am I speaking to a knight?”