Chapter 73
The barrier stretching across the path to the distant eastern foothills seemed as natural as if it had been guarding this place for ages. Like many other locations, it appeared to be an ancient wall that had been modified and expanded into a gate. The guards atop the wall, armed with crossbows, looked down at the carriage.
The captain of the guard, after giving Charlotte a dry look, approached Ian.
"Identify yourself."
Ian, as if he had been waiting for this, handed over a thin piece of parchment, "A mercenary, Ian Hope."
As the captain unfolded the parchment, his eyebrows narrowed, "The Temple of Brazier...? Can you prove this isn't a forgery?"
"If I had intended to forge my identity, I wouldn't have used that name."
"Well, that's true." The captain nodded.
Ian had cleverly utilized the Temple of Brazier, not just for maps or blessings but also for documents to verify his identity. The purification of a corrupted essence beat rotting away in a pocket dimension was a bonus. Naturally, the temple fulfilled all his requests, granting Ian a certificate with the seal of Cherwyn Astrea. It was a name respected in the north and even in the Empire.
"It seems you have a special relationship with the temple. I've heard the temple's flame is dwindling."
"It was this Ian here who played a significant role in reviving that flame," Charlotte spoke up, receiving Ian's glance and nonchalantly licking her lips as if it were the obvious thing to say.
As Ian's gaze narrowed with her overlapping some peculiar characters,
"That makes sense. I did think there was something extraordinary about you. It's a relief that it's in a good way. Are all those with you your subordinates?"
"...Yes."
For now.
"A mercenary band... You're esteemed guests here." The captain muttered as he stamped the parchment, waiting for the ink to dry before looking back at Ian.
"So, where are you headed? Travelga?"
"We're heading north for now."
"How far north? Ninglosth here is already quite north."
Quite the curious fellow. Despite this thought, Ian responded nonchalantly.
"Further north. We’re going near the Ahigorn Mountains."
Given the carriage and its occupants, the captain’s curiosity was justified: an imperial black carriage, similarly black-armored purebred warhorses, a beastfolk on the coachman's box, and a scrawny woman in a robe leaning against his feet. This was indeed an unusual assembly even in this unconventional world.
"Ah. You're really going north. That's not a place for people, especially not in this season. Are you on a mission?"
"From the Temple of Brazier." Ian casually used the temple's name, betting it wouldn't be taken lightly.
"You must be very skilled if you're taking on such a perilous mission."
"Is the north in such bad shape?"
"...Is this your first time going to the north?"
Ian nodded lightly. The captain hesitated, conflicted about whether to speak further.
"Speaking up won't change our course, so feel free to enlighten me. It might help." Ian encouraged him gently, and the captain nodded.
"To answer your question, it's quite bad. Though the entire north is called the Northern Autonomous Regions, in reality, you can only consider the land not covered by snow as part of the north. Beyond that is akin to a white demonic realm. Those who lived near there have long since moved to the closer south. Ninglosth is one of those places."
After a brief pause, the captain stroked his grizzled beard, "If it were me, I'd stay here at least until spring or head east. There's no need to go as far as Karlingion; even Travelga has plenty of work for skilled mercenaries. It might be a bit dull here, though."
That's one way to put it.
Nodding, Ian asked, "So, is this one of the northernmost cities?"
"Not yet, but it will be soon. The cold is creeping further down each year. It won't be long before the towns even north of here are covered in snow. At best, there are only small villages beyond here, hardly comparable to this place. Frankly, I doubt the sanity of those still trying to hold out there."
"Then we'll need to stock up well before we leave..."
"You must be on an urgent mission."
"Waiting until spring doesn't seem like it would make much difference."
"That's not entirely incorrect."
The captain rolled the parchment back to Ian, adding, "There are mines beyond the west of the city, an area off-limits to outsiders. The same goes for near the castle. Try not to venture outside the city proper. I trust you won't cause any trouble."
"Don't worry. We'll just rest up, spend a good deal of money, and then be on our way."
"Excellent."
The captain stepped back, and the soldiers parted the way at the gate. Charlotte leisurely drove the carriage through, revealing the expanse of the city and its desolate fields, marking the season. It was a sight beyond Ian's expectations, primarily because this city had never been mentioned in the game. While it wasn't unusual for new locations to pop up in his experiences, a city of this magnitude was a first.
It's a bit disappointing there are no quests... There's time to spare.
Regardless, such a city would likely avoid trouble, even if a vampire adjudicator followed them here. Spreading the word of demon appearances in the heart of an Autonomous City would quickly attract Imperial scrutiny.
Then, Thesaya, glancing around cautiously, raised her head. Her face was more radiant, probably thanks to last night's hunt.
"Is it always such a hassle to enter?"
"Only in non-free cities."
"It was an interesting experience. It's the first time I've passed through a gate so openly."
"I imagine so."
"I'll manage inside too. I always seemed to attract attention before."
"That's because you used to walk around naked."
"Ah...."
And likely other unconventional behaviors. Ian snorted at Thesaya's seemingly oblivious response, turning away. With Charlotte around, Thesaya was less likely to draw attention, relatively speaking.
"Where should we head first?" Charlotte asked, restarting the basic inquiries.
Ian gestured, "There should be an inn or stables somewhere in the city. We'll start there."
"Understood."
"Why did you chime in earlier? That was unlike you."
"Ah, that. Learned it at... the Temple of Brazier." Charlotte's voice carried a hint of embarrassment.
Ian's brow furrowed, "Miguel?"
"When you were speaking with the High Priest, he came over and started explaining how to introduce you, along with the virtues I should display as your attendant. It just came to mind. After all, I am... more or less your attendant now...."
"Ha...." Ian let out a hollow laugh. That tradition was still being passed down.
It was after Thesaya's eyes lit up, "Is there a special way to introduce Ian? What is it?"
"That guy said—"
"Stop." Ian cut her off, his gaze coldly shifting between them.
"I said not to fight, not to pretend to be friends. And Charlotte, forget that nonsense. It's not needed."
"Well, I'd prefer it that way... but it seems necessary to spread your deeds, Ian. Reputation is crucial for a mercenary band, after all."
"We're barely three people. How does that make a band? It's not necessary. Reputations can be rebuilt."
"Why? I like the idea of a mercenary band." Thesaya smirked.
Of course, you would.
Rubbing his temple, Ian said, "If you want to keep up that act, then do a good job pretending to be a fairy mage."
"Okay. I will."
The carriage entered the city, revealing its dreary black earth and brick buildings. Finding the stables wasn't difficult. It seemed like a place accustomed to frequent transport of goods, with a sizable stable located just off the main road, not far from an inn.
"These are fine horses, my lord." The stablemaster glanced back and forth between the carriage, the horses, and Charlotte, commenting.
Ian disembarked and said, "We might stay for as short as two days or possibly a few more. Feed them the best you have and make sure they can rest comfortably. We're heading north, after all."
"How far north?"
Again with this question. But then, this was already considered the North by Imperial standards.
"Near the Ahigorn Mountains."
"That far... You might not return with these horses, then."
"Just make sure they can last the journey. And keep them clean, too."
The coins Ian handed over made the stablemaster's lips curl into a smile.
"I'll do my best."
Ian nodded and turned around, with Charlotte and Thesaya following. Passersby's gazes lingered on them momentarily.
Ian sighed silently, I’m not keen on standing out....
But with Charlotte's company, becoming accustomed to the attention was inevitable.
***
Finding the blacksmith was easy since an entire street was dedicated to forges.
"Hold it steady, you fool! It keeps jumping when you strike!"
"Work the bellows properly!"
Humans and dwarves were intertwined, working tirelessly. It appeared that the goods made here were destined for the northern frontlines
It's lively here, just like any other place where people live.
The scene reminded Ian anew that this world was not virtual. The vitality felt in a city not featured in the game made the experience all the more poignant. Despite still wondering how such an extreme world could exist, Ian considered that his perspective might be influenced by his upbringing in a more developed country. Had he been born in a war-torn or impoverished nation, he might not have been so surprised.
As Ian idly tapped on the items displayed at the stalls while passing through the street, he eventually started heading back the way he came. His gaze settled on a middle-aged dwarf leaning against one of the stalls.
"That one seems to be the most skilled."
"...How do you know that?"
"Well."
An explanation about how that store's goods showed the most information or similar wasn't necessary.
"You don't have a choice anyway. I'm paying."
"...I have money, too."
"My money is your money."
"Well... that's true."
Approaching the stall, Ian picked up a few items, including a dagger, prompting the dwarven craftsman to finally look his way.
"You've got quite the eye."
"I hear that often. How much?"
"It's quite expensive. Do you have money?"
Of course, the craftsman's mouth shut as soon as Ian placed a few imperial gold coins on the counter. Ian stopped the craftsman's short, thick fingers from reaching for the money.
"This includes the custom work fee."
"Custom work?"
Ian removed Charlotte's frayed arm guard and a cracked shoulder piece right before the craftsman's eyes.
"Repair these and make something to fit in between."
"Oh... These are enchanted armors..." The craftsman examined the items, impressed.
"Dwarven craftsmanship... The material isn't ordinary imperial steel either. The enchantments are intricate. I can't replicate these exactly as they are."
"As long as it's easy to move in and durable, it doesn't have to be the same."
"Well, if that's the case... Come this way."
Charlotte leaned toward the stall as the craftsman, after yelling at a dozing apprentice in the corner to wake up, began taking her measurements.
"It's been a while since I've seen a beastfolk. And with a fairy, no less. An odd pairing."
As Charlotte's face stiffened, Ian chuckled, "To my eyes, you folks are just as strange."
"...The strangest are those who bring together beastfolk and fairies. Do you not understand what that means?"
The craftsman casually noted as he began to write something on a piece of paper.
"Come back tomorrow. And it seems you're a bit short on the payment."
"Make sure it's well made. With the price you're overcharging..."
Ian placed another gold coin on the counter as he spoke. The craftsman nodded after a quick glance at Ian's stern look.
"Customers who knowingly let themselves be overcharged deserve no less."
Turning away, Ian could hear the craftsman waking the still-sleeping apprentice.
"Rude and greedy dwarfs..."
"Don't worry. If it's not up to par tomorrow, that half will become a quarter."
"...And... spending money on me again..." Charlotte murmured, unable to finish her sentence.
"Just make it worth the money."
With Ian's added comment, Charlotte nodded awkwardly. Ian also purchased a few outfits for Thesaya. Despite her whispers of reluctance, she, of course, had no choice in the matter. After securing some dried food, the group finally entered an inn.
“...” Thesaya hesitated at the doorway. Ian, turning his head after a moment's delay, remembered she was of the vampire clan.
These two really know how to be a hassle.
Charlotte and Thesaya were, frankly, more of a handful than Lucy ever was. Thesaya only stepped inside the building after Ian had called for a maid. The houses in the north, built entirely of bricks, were significantly warmer than the wooden and mud huts.
The tavern’s first floor was already bustling with drunkards, even before the evening had fully set in. Dwarves and humans intermingled, downing spirits in a spectacle worth seeing. While Thesaya went upstairs to change her clothes, Ian found a corner to settle in. As always, upon entering a new town's inn, he could feel the fleeting glances thrown his way. Since they bore no malice, Ian paid them no mind and proceeded to order some food.
“You’re the mercenaries going toward the mountains, aren’t you?” the waitress asked, glancing fearfully at Charlotte after taking their order.
Ian blinked, “News travels fast, huh?”
“They say you’ve been spreading money around... If it's not too bold to ask, why are you heading there?”
“What else would mercenaries do? We're off to hunt monsters,” Ian said with a half-smile.
The waitress brightened, “Of course...! In that case, I sincerely wish you the best. It's not just me here... many of us have come from the north. Please, even if it's just one less monster, reduce their numbers. So, hopefully, someday, we can reclaim our homelands.”
The waitress bowed deeply before rushing off to bring their food.
Ian gave a bitter smile as he looked down at his left hand, knowing a confrontation with monsters was inevitable. He was starting to understand how this mark worked. It wasn't just randomly scattering vibrations. It activated only when there were monsters nearby that could be summoned. Perhaps it was the other way around, and it was them that were drawing out the resonance. Whichever the case, the outcome would likely be the same.
After dealing with this... we should be able to head to Travelga before spring.
Ian's gaze drifted as he sifted through his memories. Even though many aspects had changed from the flow he remembered, it was unlikely that the major currents had reversed. The essential quests still awaited him. Now that he had set foot in the north, he intended to complete what needed to be done before heading back. By that time, the war on the frontier would likely have reached its climax.
...Unless an absurd variable comes into play.
“...It’s uncomfortable.”
At that moment, one of the biggest variables sat beside him. Thesaya, her hood pulled down deep, fidgeted in the new clothes, seemingly uncomfortable.
...The one I must kill.
Ian watched her quietly, sensing that their current companionship was a situation absent from the game. No quest had appeared, suggesting he might be treading an entirely new path.
Of course, this one individual likely won't have a massive impact on the overall flow...
Yet, part of him wondered if it might be more sensible to end her life now, just in case.
“...Why are you looking at me like that, Ian?” Thesaya tilted her head, her eyes gradually reddening as the sun set.
“Enjoy your meal. I've added extra.”
Food was placed on the table.
"...It's nothing. Don't take off your clothes just because you're uncomfortable."
Saying this nonchalantly, Ian turned his attention to the plates, thinking there was still time to decide.
***
On the hard bed.
“...!”
Ian snapped awake, staring briefly at the dark ceiling before his expression turned grim. It seemed that what he thought impossible might have happened.
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