Chapter 209

The group walked back in silence, not because of the watchful eyes around them, but because each was lost in their own thoughts. As soon as they entered the estate, Philip's expression brightened.

"What’s that? Why are those people carrying all those things?"

He was glad for a distraction to lighten the mood. His eyes followed servants struggling to carry numerous swords. Behind them, another servant carried a steel helmet, while another held chain mail and steel gauntlets. As they entered the annex, Philip, now genuinely curious, continued.

"Why are they taking them to our rooms?"

Other servants, empty-handed this time, emerged from the annex, their expressions indicating the task was not yet complete. Mev looked at Ian expectantly for an explanation.

Without stopping, Ian replied. "The Count opened his storeroom and armory for us as a reward."

Philip let out a short exclamation. "Oh, that’s why he summoned you."

"Well, partly."

"Was there something else? Come to think of it, what did you discuss with the Count?"

You sure ask quickly.

Ian chuckled softly as they entered the mansion.

"Nothing you need to know. It wasn’t important."

"Yes, I expected you’d say that." Philip nodded as they ascended the stairs.

The servants, now empty-handed, made way for them, bowing slightly as they passed.

Smiling at them, Philip added. "I’ll ask my lady separately later. I’m sure she’ll be happy to tell me everything."

Why do you bother asking me first, then?

Ian thought to himself as he opened the door.

"Back already? I’ve been waiting."

Thesaya, sitting on the edge of the bed with one leg crossed, greeted them with a smile, the smile of Countess Aynas. It was a signal for them to maintain their roles, as the servants would return soon. Charlotte, wrapped in bandages, nodded to Ian from her spot in the center of the room.

Mev, who had paused at the door, finally spoke. "... This seems like too much for a simple reward."

My thoughts exactly.

Ian mused as he surveyed the room, which was filled with an array of weapons. All were swords, but they varied in shape and length.

"It looks like you cleaned out the entire armory."

"It wasn’t my idea. That was Sharon’s doing."

Thesaya replied calmly, and Charlotte, meeting Ian’s gaze, licked her lips and smacked them.

"There were quite a few useful-looking items. I didn’t know what you’d want, so I brought everything that seemed good. Once you’ve chosen, we’ll return the rest."

"This reminds me of when we met that Imperial merchant. Though the selection isn’t as extravagant this time, it’s still impressive."

Philip, his eyes gleaming with the excitement of a mercenary, pulled out a bundle of necklaces from his pouch. Each necklace had a small, intricately made leather pouch attached, clearly intended to store Della Lu's blessings. Luce must have prepared these.

As Philip placed the necklaces on the bed, Thesaya, wearing a smug smile as if she had arranged everything, added, "Take your time and look around. We have plenty of it."

Philip, already reaching for a longsword propped against the wall, turned away. The sword, with a broad blade of medium length, was commonly used as a secondary weapon by Imperial soldiers. As Mev leaned against the wall near the door and Ian approached the dining table, a knock resounded again. Three more servants entered, carrying additional items. They awkwardly bowed to the group and placed their burdens down before scattering. Another three servants entered immediately after.

"These are all the items you requested, my lord," one of the servants said politely, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Thesaya nodded. "Wait outside the building. I will call you when we’re done selecting."

There is no other viscous noble quite like you.

Ian chuckled quietly and turned to the servants, reaching into his pocket.

"Call the other servants to stand by. You all can step back and rest," he added, extending his hand with a silver coin, "and have a beer while you're at it."

"Thank, thank you, my lord," the servant, wide-eyed, accepted the coin and bowed deeply.

Ian continued, glancing at the now cheerful servants. "While you’re at it, I have another small request."

"Yes, please tell us."

"The Count has agreed to provide us with horses. Inform the stable master to prepare them and have them ready with our carriage. Also, tell the steward to pack provisions and wine for us. Preferably, have it done by tonight."

"I will deliver it without fail, my lord."

The servants exchanged glances and left, their fatigue seemingly lifted.

Once the door closed, Thesaya nodded and murmured, "Pretending to give a reward while assigning more work—classic Ian."

"What's so 'classic' about it?"

It’s not like that at all.

"Freckles said he's learned a lot from you. I’m learning, too. It’s definitely helpful."

"...." Philip, sensing Ian’s gaze, quickly cleared his throat and shifted his attention to the sword in his hand.

"B-but is this really okay? If there’s truly a demonic realm in Tessen, our horses might die on the way. The provisions could spoil too."

"That’s why we need to consider traveling on foot."

Thesaya grimaced at Ian’s response, but got up without a word. Ian, ignoring her, picked up a small sword from the table and tossed it into his pocket dimension.

"We can store some of the provisions this way."

"Oh, right, you have magic. But didn’t you say there’s a limit to the storage capacity?"

"So don't be greedy. And don’t give me that look."

"... Yes."

As before, if the items weren't too bulky, it could store spare equipment for the entire group. The plan was to place the food supplies in a sealed container since he did not want bread crumbs floating around in his pocket dimension.

The group began inspecting their weapons with a more serious demeanor, except for Mev and Ian, who were leaning against the wall. As always, Ian simply tapped the items with his fingers. For him, that was enough.

In any case, it was clear that no one could match Charlotte's expertise in evaluating weapons; more than half of the items she chose had information windows.

Nothing exceptional, but the Imperial gear definitely has high stats.

Ian could once again feel the shift in his environment. Even lower-tier equipment had become useful, marking the point somewhere between the late Second Chapter and the early Third Chapter of the game. Unlike in the game, where Ian headed straight for the capital upon entering the Empire, he had no such plans now.

There was no rush to go to the capital, and taking things slowly by exploring the surrounding areas seemed more beneficial. Reality might be different, but there was no need to take unnecessary risks without certainty. Moreover, safely navigating obstacles that he previously either skipped or barely overcame through numerous attempts was his priority.

Just like before, without a single failure.

Damn it, it's like trying to beat this in one life...

The unknown obstacles waiting in Tessen were just another one of those challenges.

"Why are you just standing there, redhead? Aren’t you going to pick something?" Thesaya suddenly asked.

Mev, leaning against the wall lost in thought, brushed her red hair aside and replied, "My current gear is good enough."

"No, it isn't. You might not notice because you wield holy power, but your weapons were rusting and breaking quickly. Look at me and the kitty; we have to replace half of our gear."

"It does make sense," Ian said, picking up a pair of steel boots and turning to Mev. "We know you can freely wield holy power against them, but it's still wise to have some minimum defenses. After all, we're dealing with entities of the void."

Moreover, the corrosion curse didn't just occur during battles, although it was something the group hadn't yet realized.

"That's true, but..."

"This is your revenge too, isn't it? Don't hold back. Choose what you need."

"Oh, you were worried we might not have enough space for our stuff? You're so considerate, redhead." Thesaya teased with a smile.

"... That’s not the only reason." Mev, embarrassed, cleared her throat and began examining the weapons.

Ian, having already made his selections, quietly watched her profile. It wasn't just about confidence or consideration for the group; Mev was probably struggling with lingering thoughts in her mind, just as she had before. Ian didn't mention it, knowing her struggles were hers to overcome.

"... I know, Ian. My worries are premature." Mev said suddenly.

Ian shrugged. "I didn’t say anything."

"What... were you worrying about, exactly?" Philip asked, pausing his inspection to look at her.

Mev replied while reflecting her face on a blade. "As I said, it’s a premature worry, Philip. It’s not too late to think about it once it becomes a reality."

"Ah, I understand now. You’re worried about losing the trail again." Philip nodded in understanding.

Mev placed a long, thin greatsword in the center of the room and continued. "I feel like I’m very close to the root of my revenge. That’s why I’m anxious. I’m afraid of losing the trail again when the goal is right in front of me."

"Even if you do, you won’t be wandering alone." Ian, holding a bottle of liquor from beside the bed, turned to her and added, "I’m also looking for certain individuals. As you know, they’re likely the same ones you’re after."

Mev gave a faint smile.

Philip shrugged and added, "That's right. So what if we hit a dead end? With lord Ian leading us, he'll undoubtedly find a way out, no matter how unexpected."

"Of course, surviving this fight is a prerequisite for that," Ian replied with a wry smile, dismissing the baseless confidence.

He then scanned his companions and added, "So, for now, focus on the immediate goal. Our opponents won't be easy enough to take on with wandering thoughts or a picnic mindset."

Both Charlotte and Thesaya nodded seriously, meeting Ian's gaze.

Ian briefly smiled at Charlotte and continued, "Make sure to get plenty of rest with the time we have left."

"Wise words, Sir Ivan," Thesaya chimed in, stepping forward with her chin raised, surveying the group with a downward gaze. "As Sir Ivan has said, rest is part of our journey. Philip? Go and summon the servants. Tell them to prepare a feast. Make it grand."

As if trying to change the atmosphere, her demeanor was more exaggerated than usual.

Philip, with a broad smile, bent at the waist equally exaggeratedly. "I will follow your orders, my lady."

After spending an entire additional day resting, the group finally left Drenorov the next morning. They departed with the farewells of the villagers and Luce, turning their backs on the withered and fallen wheat fields.

***

Luce was adjusting the spacing of the chairs in the chapel. After the purification prayers and rituals conducted by the Count and the townspeople, he was returning the chapel to its original state. Although temporarily elevated to the position of the town's sole priest, Luce faced all the arduous tasks with a calm demeanor.

This was only possible thanks to the support of the townspeople and the Count, who had placed great trust in him after the tragedy.

"Priest! Priest...!"

A young man burst through the doors, running into the chapel. He was someone who had been helping around the church and had taken it upon himself to assist Luce.

Luce turned to him, his face showing concern. "What is it?"

"P-people from the Great Church are here...!"

The young man's breathless announcement momentarily froze Luce's face. However, that was only for a moment. He quickly composed himself and spoke calmly.

"Are you sure they are from the Great Church?"

"Yes, they're wearing the robes only the Great Church members are allowed to wear."

"I see... are they coming to the church?"

"I didn't see it myself, but probably. They said they asked the guard captain about the reason the nearby wheat fields had withered and died, as well as about some incidents in the city."

"... Go inform the Count immediately. Tell him I sent you, and he'll let you in."

"Yes...!" After catching his breath and wiping the sweat from his forehead, the young man turned to leave.

As Luce watched him go, his eyes betrayed the tension and fear he was hiding.

Why are priests from the Great Church here...?

It was a natural concern. Neither he nor the Count had informed the Great Church about the tragedy yet. They had just erased all traces of that day's events from the city. This meant that those arriving had come for an entirely different reason. Even if the Great Church had been informed, it was far too soon for an investigation team to be dispatched. The ancient fairy and her party had left less than a week ago.

Still... if this becomes an issue...

Creak—

At that moment, the chapel's large doors opened again. Two silhouettes appeared in the doorway, and Luce froze.

N-no way...