“Wow… The Empress’ Slayer? Isn’t that insanely amazing? As expected of you, Brother!”
Aron’s sparkling eyes held a sense of reverence. But my prediction wasn’t completely off either.
The other two looked surprised yet bewildered. Unlike Mary, Osten even seemed a bit guarded.
I figured Aron was more receptive since he was learning combat from me. To Aron, I was an existence akin to a Sword Master, a powerful figure. What’s more, I was practically his teacher.
It also seemed they didn’t have major aversions since they were all from the West. Osten too had come to Gorivan’s Magic Tower from the West.
Relations between the West and the Empire weren’t good. They had even fought a war recently. In the ensuing silence, Osten spoke up.
“Um, Boss. There’s something I don’t understand. You previously said the devil worshippers were our enemies, but Sir Carl Schurtafen is…”
“It’s a valid question. It’s going to be a long story. Feel free to ask me anything you’re curious about, since I won’t hide anything from you all.”
I gave them a rough explanation of events from my time in Haisen as a child until I left the Empire.
Aron seemed to find it an interesting story, listening intently and responding with murmurs of acknowledgment.Only Osten occasionally raised questions. Whenever he did, I explained in as much detail as I could.
They needed to develop their own conviction. In the future, if I recruited someone new, there would be limits to how many times I could personally explain everything to them.
‘It’s better if they hear it from others too.’
If there are already many who know the truth, newcomers will assimilate into the organization faster.
In any case, by the end of my lengthy story, my companions all seemed convinced.
Aron still had an air of finding it entertaining, and even at her young age, Mary remained composed.
Osten had a rather serious expression, but didn’t show any particularly negative reactions.
“…So you went through all that. It’s a realm the culprits could never even imagine.”
“Now it’s up to you whether you believe me or not. If you have any doubts, feel free to ask, and if you’re uncomfortable, you can leave.”
This was something I had considered from the moment I decided to tell them.
“I won’t try to stop you or threaten you. I’ll let you go freely with some travel expenses.”
The chances of my companions leaving were low. They had nowhere else to go, after all.
By saying this, I was giving them a choice.
Having to choose for themselves will create a sense of justification inside them.
“No, I believe you, Boss.”
Osten shook his head first.
“In fact, there were always doubtful points about the betrayal of Sir Carl Schurtafen, the Empire’s war hero… No, I mean you, Boss. After hearing your story, the situation makes sense.”
“I believe you too, Brother!”
Aron chimed in loudly.
“The thorough attitude you’ve shown while being with us also aligns with your past, Boss.”
“That’s right!”
Unlike Osten, Aron looked thoughtless as he agreed. You could say he was pure, to put it positively, but…
No matter how you looked at it, he didn’t seem to be thinking deeply. It was more like he just believed me because I said so.
“Also, if you were really a devil worshipper, Boss, you wouldn’t need to bring us along, right?”
“Exactly! If you were a bad person, Brother, why would you bother bringing us along? There’d be no need to treat us so well.”
Aron spoke passionately.
“For people like me and Brother Osten who have never experienced such luxuries in our lives, this is the first time eating expensive food and staying at a high-class inn.”
Mary, sitting beside him, nodded her head.
“I’m glad you all think that way.”
Osten smiled as he looked at me.
“Then does this mean we’ve passed?”
“Passed?”
“Weren’t you trying to see if we were people who could still stay with you after hearing your story?”
“I didn’t have that intention per se.”
I didn’t mean to test them. I was just telling them the truth I would eventually have to reveal.
“I told you the truth so that, knowing your talents, I could continue traveling with you.”
“I see.”
For some reason, this seemed to make an impression on them, as their eyes widened slightly. Was it because I mentioned their talents?
They had been at the very bottom, after all.
“Perhaps that’s why. The acknowledgment of our talents.”
Osten nodded slowly.
“For me and Aron, you were the first to recognize our worth. To be honest, I felt fear but also exhilaration at the time.”
“That’s right. You survived a fight with a Sword Master, and you acknowledged me, Brother. That means I have an amazing talent, right? One day when you become a Sword Master, I’ll be the disciple of a Sword Master.”
Hearing Aron’s words, I could understand why he had been so elated earlier. If I were in his position, I might have reacted the same way too.
“In any case, it feels like we’ve truly become part of your crew today, Boss.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. You haven’t really been open until now.”
That was due to my insistence on secrecy up to this point.
“Anyway, I’ll be counting on you going forward as well, Boss.”
“Me too, Brother!”
As Osten bowed his head, Aron and Mary hurriedly followed suit.
“Well… alright. I’m counting on you all too.”
Things had flowed so smoothly that I was actually flustered instead.
I had been fully prepared to address any doubts or questions, with thorough explanations ready for various situations.
From our very first meeting, my companions have been strangely well-disposed towards me, even considering their backgrounds.
Do I not understand the mindset of those who have lived at the bottom, having trodden the well-paved path under the Chief of Intelligence?
‘Perhaps I stayed at the intelligence agency for too long.’
Being in a place that views the world with eyes of suspicion for so long, maybe I’ve become unaccustomed to this kind of sincerity.
Or maybe I’m just reaping the benefits of the titles I’ve accumulated over time.
In fact, creating a secret organization could be seen as part of my Stratagem. If we assume this persuasion is part of that Stratagem…
Then my companions’ reactions become understandable.
The kindnesses I show them would have additional positive modifiers attached. Of course, I can’t be certain.
Osten glanced around cautiously before continuing.
“Boss.”
“What is it?”
“Shouldn’t we have a drink on a day like this?”
These days, Osten had started showing interest in alcohol. He had been a drinker in the game too.
It seemed his hobbies were reviving as his situation improved.
“Not a bad idea.”
I ordered the most expensive liquor at the hotel. Of course, Aron and Mary just had beverages.
Aron expressed a bit of disappointment, but he didn’t dwell on it after I said it wasn’t good for training. In any case, it seemed I didn’t need to worry about my companions anymore.
“Brother, I don’t know if I should say this, but…”
The next morning, as we were training, Aron suddenly brought something up. Unusually, he seemed to be gauging my reaction.
Had he developed some doubts after yesterday’s conversation? As I thrust my sword, I spoke.
“Just say it.”
Aron blocked my continuous attacks as he responded. Moving hurriedly, his words came out fragmented.
“That’s it! The Nun’s words…you can’t trust them, I’ve heard!”
Ah, was that the reason? I had told him about why I came to the southwest. Though not in detail.
Situations can change at any time.
But they knew I was going to meet Ines. Aron seemed worried about that.
In fact, the continent’s reputation of the native Nun tribe was not good, to say the least. Those who trusted the words of the Nun were often treated as foolish. (+)[1]TLN: Hmm, I’m thinking that Nun is not the right word for this. Since I’m guessing that the author means some sort of ‘priest’ who could see the future but live in a tribe, I don’t think Nun is the right word. I might change it in the next chapter or so to make sure.
I didn’t feel bad about Aron’s words. He wasn’t looking at me as a fool, but rather showing concern.
I could somewhat empathize too. Back on Earth, I didn’t believe in such superstitions.
‘That remained the case until I came here and experienced it firsthand.’
The wind in the darkness. With just those words, Ines had seen right through me. The chances of it being a coincidence were low.
After meeting Ines, for a while I had dreams of going to meet Erendil.
These things are difficult to explain in words. I couldn’t just say, “You don’t get it because you haven’t met a real talented Nun.”
If I unnecessarily defended the already ill-reputed Nun, it could undermine their loyalty towards me.
“It’s not a wrong statement.”
“It’s an impertinent remark, but just in case! Be careful!”
Aron said, panting heavily. I thought about stopping the training for a bit by elbowing Aron’s shoulder.
Hmm, no. This might help too. There are actual training exercises done in noisy environments.
“Impertinent? No. It’s good that you’re concerned. You can voice such concerns anytime.”
People aren’t perfect. I’m even less perfect.
In Haisen and the Empire, they called me a genius, but I don’t think so myself.
I’m no genius. That term better suits the likes of Hanut, who was assigned to the Princess.
My intellect may be above average, but the only reason I could be called that was because I knew the future.
In Haisen, my age worked in my favor too. I was in a 13-year-old body, so being called a genius was inevitable.
And in the Empire, they needed a war hero amidst repeated defeats, which added to the hype.
‘Being headstrong can be poisonous for anyone.’
Even that Hanut had taken others’ opinions into account in the game. I had to do so even more.
I must not discriminate against anyone. I must not disregard Aron, now or ever.
In the new organization I’m building, there should be no hesitation in giving me advice.
For my own sake, and for the soundness and future of the organization.
‘Even Duke Harvan Brusek didn’t carelessly disregard his subordinates’ words.’
If people feel their opinions won’t reach their superiors, they simply choose not to speak up.
That’s why I must listen well. Otherwise, issues that could’ve been resolved may get complicated.
“But this matter is fine. It’s not about going to see a Nun, but rather using an old connection to achieve another goal.”
“Is it needed for the fight against the devil worshippers?”
“Yes.”
I said so and sheathed my sword. Aron, breathing heavily, nodded in relief.
“As expected of you, brother! You’ve thought it through!”
“Thanks for the concern. If you have any other worries, speak up. My thoughts aren’t always right.”
Aron, having caught his breath quickly, nodded brightly. He seemed worried I might take it the wrong way.
“Yes! And I’d like to meet the devil worshippers myself sometime.”
“You’ll get the chance soon.”
If I had to point out an issue with my party, it’s that they don’t know much about the devil worshippers.
Only the infamous reputation that’s spread across the continent.
We would have to encounter them sooner or later. Especially when they’re committing atrocities.
That would strengthen our party’s resolve. If we have free time while traveling, we could seek them out deliberately.
I checked the time.
“Take a 2-minute break, then leg training.”
“Yes!”
Training Aron wasn’t just about teaching him swordsmanship. I was passing on exactly what I’d learned from Marhan.
Surprisingly, there were many deficiencies. While his talent was exceptional, he had started in the fighting pits.
There, one had to focus on immediate results and victories.
So his foundational training was lacking. His swordplay had many tricks, and so did his musculature.
Core training especially – the waist and legs. Essential for sword mastery, but lacking in Aron.
Around thirty minutes into the resumed training, the hotel boss appeared in the vacant lot behind the hotel.
“Mr. Henry.”
Using the alias I had provided. Behind him stood a native, waiting obediently – the guide I had requested.
Getting a guide in Derenet was quite troublesome. Incapable folk would volunteer as guides.
And half of them would attack travelers from behind. After conversing with the natives in advance.
It was better to have a local arrange it, instead of me vetting them myself.
“I’ve brought a guide from the Patrac tribe.”
“Thanks. That was faster than I expected?”
“Well, it’s your request, Mr. Henry. I had to drop everything else.”
I had made the request before starting the training, and the boss had moved swiftly.
Probably because of the money. The single rooms and dining charges were substantial.
And the liquor I had ordered yesterday was even costlier. He couldn’t afford to displease such a patron.
Of course, there were no guarantees this boss wouldn’t attack us from behind either. Our party’s composition was dismissible.
Nothing could be done about that. I just had to vet the guide he brought.
“Nun Ines?”
And then I received some unfavorable news from the Patrac tribal guide.
“Well…the Nun has been captured by the Arwali tribe.”
- 1. TLN: Hmm, I’m thinking that Nun is not the right word for this. Since I’m guessing that the author means some sort of ‘priest’ who could see the future but live in a tribe, I don’t think Nun is the right word. I might change it in the next chapter or so to make sure.
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