TNM CH 97

Chapter 97

The next morning, a line of people was gathered in front of the castle, skipping breakfast. 

I chuckled at the sight while grabbing a quick bite of bread.

“What’s with all those knights?”

The knights, fully armored in plate mail and weilding halberds, clanked with a harsh metallic sound.

Are they heading to war or something?

While I was absentmindedly watching the knights’ inspection, there was a knock on the door.

When I casually told them to come in, Jin entered.

“We’ve received word from Redboron that everything is ready.”

“Is that what they’re preparing for?”

I pointed outside the window with the warm teacup I was holding.

Jin glanced out the window, now free of the chaos from yesterday, and replied briefly.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“…That noble must really love showing off.”

I swallowed a sigh and turned away.

While talking with Jin, I felt someone’s presence at the door.

I can tell just by their footsteps now.

“Si—”

“You’re here?”

I cut off Aden’s greeting, who had politely knocked on the open door.

Aden, who was about to speak, chuckled and nodded his head.

He came inside and glanced at what I was wearing, then frowned.

“Are you planning to go wearing that?”

“Why, is it strange?”

It’s a bit loose, but it’s thin and tough, so I don’t have to worry about it tearing.

It’s more of a work outfit than noble attire.

“Isn’t it too thin? Redboron isn’t a warm place. You should wear something heavier.”

“We’ll be climbing a mountain. If I wear something thick, I won’t be able to move. I plan to bring a few coats, so the cold won’t be a problem.”

I’ve been to the mines several times; of course, I know what to expect.

I reassured Aden, who was still looking at me with concern, and stepped outside.

As we left the castle together, the Lord Shearer, who was commanding the inspection, saw Aden and beamed with pride.

“What is all this?”

In contrast, Aden frowned at the sight of the knights.

Full armor, first thing in the morning? And they’re supposed to climb a mountain? Wearing all that metal is insane.

Aden, looking once again at Shearer’s foolishness, spoke in a heavy voice.

“Switch everyone to light armor and reduce the number of troops by half. More will only get in the way.”

“But it’s dangerous—”

“Are you telling me that Redboron’s beasts are a threat to me?”

“…”

At Aden’s sharp words, Shearer was left speechless.

Aden passed the frozen Shearer and ordered the knight commander to dismiss the soldiers.

Watching it all, I had a vague feeling that today would be a very long day.

The path up the mountain was well maintained but still rough.

The altitude was high, and the mountain was full of rocks.

Walking on this was twice as dangerous as on a regular hill.

Just as we were about to start, Aden said he had something to check and left the group.

He said he’d follow after sorting it out, so he disappeared.

I wondered if there was some kind of problem, but figured Aden probably had his own secrets, so I didn’t pay it much attention.

While quietly climbing the mountain, I glanced at Shearer, who was walking beside me.

Was he still bothered by his earlier conversation with Aden? He had his mouth tightly shut and seemed lost in thought.

“Lord Redboron.”

While taking a break in the shade, I handed Shearer some water.

Shearer accepted the water with thanks and tilted his head as if to ask what I wanted.

“If you’re upset about what happened this morning, I apologize. The Duke of Rippleton was probably just concerned about the knights. So, please—”

“I’m not upset.”

Not upset? He didn’t seem to be lying or holding a grudge, so I tilted my head in confusion.

After drinking from the water, Shearer slowly spoke.

“Did you really think I’d be so petty as to get mad over something like that?”

I couldn’t say no, so I smiled awkwardly.

Shearer shook his head at my smile.

“Others might fear Rippleton and call him a monster, but to Redboron, he’s a figure of respect. I’m not so foolish as to be offended by the words of someone who rules a land where powerful beasts roam.”

Shearer tossed the water bottle to a passing knight and stood up.

“Others may not understand Rippleton’s value, but lords like Redboron, who live near beast-filled mountains, know the difference between him and mere politicians who just talk.”

With a gentle smile, Shearer looked down at me.

“I’m sorry about yesterday. I acted rudely, thinking of you as just another money-grubbing merchant. Please forgive my narrow-minded behavior and forget it.”

Shearer bowed his head briefly in apology, then gave the order to continue.

Watching him encourage the knights as they climbed, I furrowed my brow.

Had I misjudged him, or was he different from what I thought?

I’d assumed he was just bowing his head to power and the name Rippletone.

“Miss Sierra.”

“I’m coming.”

For a moment, I wondered if he might be a better person than I’d expected.

***

Screeech—!

The hobgoblin that had charged forward was cut in half before it could even swing its short sword.

The other goblins hesitated, seeming to weigh their options, then screamed and fled.

Aden, who had been silently watching them run, wiped the blood from his sword and examined the goblin corpses scattered on the ground.

With an emotionless face, he rifled through the body of the goblin he’d cut in half.

After a moment of searching, Aden noticed a faint glow.

He slowly reached out and picked up the shining object.

It was a diamond-shaped stone glowing with a purple light.

Aden wiped the bloodied stone with a cloth and narrowed his eyes.

“So that guy’s guess wasn’t wrong. A magic stone, huh?”

Aden pocketed the magic stone and stood up.

Around him, dozens of beasts, including goblins, lay dead.

While the lower-tier beasts had realized they were no match for him and kept their distance, the mid-tier beasts, thinking he was prey, had bared their teeth and approached.

Though it was daylight, the mountain forest was as dark as night, and Aden’s golden eyes gleamed with brilliance.

The beasts, who had been approaching with snarling faces, hesitated, then, as if sensing danger, backed away and fled.

Once Aden was sure there were no more beasts around, he turned his gaze elsewhere.

Have they arrived yet?

Kicking aside the corpses, he walked toward the remaining beasts, who were now fighting over the bodies.

All that remained in the spot where Aden had left was the slaughter of the corpses.

***

“Are we leaving now?”

At the voice coming from behind, Fiorette turned her head.

Her father, Holland, was approaching.

Fiorette stood still, waiting for him to reach her.

Once he stopped in front of his daughter, Holland glanced over Fiorette’s appearance.

“Your clothes are a mess. How many times have I told you to keep your attire in order?”

Holland had noticed a small wrinkle at the hem of her outfit and scolded her with a heavy tone.

He watched her impassively until she finished straightening her clothes.

Once she was done, the baron slowly spoke.

“I’ve heard from the princess. It seems you’ve finally gathered your wits after being so useless for a while.”

“…”

“Right, it’s a good thought. Since you were born a Bairon, you should forget your idle thoughts and learn only to be loyal to Bozbourne.”

Looking proudly at his daughter, Holland patted Fiorette’s shoulder.

As soon as his hand touched her shoulder, she reflexively opened her mouth.

“Father… I…”

“I’ve been worried since you were little because of your strong pride. I thought you wouldn’t be able to serve as a Bairon princess after getting beaten and crying. But now, you’re standing guard by her side. I’m proud of you.”

Before Fiorette could say anything, Holland’s voice cut through.

Biting her lip, Fiorette couldn’t say anything more.

Holland stared intently at Fiorette’s pale face before taking a step closer.

“Fiorette, the wounds you’ll receive from being beaten are nothing compared to what you will gain. Your scars will turn into vast wealth and power, and you will enjoy them alongside Bozbourne.”

“…”

“Don’t act foolishly. There’s nothing to gain by opposing Bozbourne in this land. Please, act wisely.”

Holland’s hand slid off Fiorette’s stiff shoulder as he walked past her without a second glance.

Fiorette slowly relaxed her tightly clenched, white-knuckled hands.

Her twisted expression shifted to a stoic one as if nothing had happened.

“Wealth and power…”

They were rewards too insignificant to compare with the scars engraved on her body and the nails lodged in her heart.

With a doll-like, emotionless face, Fiorette took her first slow step forward.

***

By the time they reached the mine, Aden, who had disappeared, had returned. He looked incredibly clean, as if he hadn’t just climbed the mountain. Aden approached, surveying his surroundings.

“Did you return?”

“Where are Jin and Ripert? Why are you alone?”

“They had some matters to attend to, so I sent them elsewhere. More importantly, did you finish what you needed to do?”

Aden nodded slowly. 

Whatever it was, there was no need to ask. 

I turned to look at Shearer, who was preparing to enter the mine. 

The conversation we had earlier came to mind.

I thought about telling Aden, but then I decided not to. 

Since Shearer hadn’t brought it up himself, it wasn’t my place to meddle. 

He would manage it on his own.