Chapter 598

"If I stay cooped up in here, do you really think that secret will be kept? There must be people in the castle who know I’ve arrived." Ian lowered his cup and tilted his head.

"Besides Patton here, at the moment, only the chamberlain knows," Declan replied, his gaze shifting to Lucia, who was sitting beside Ian. "Until she met with me, she had identified herself as the representative of the Elder of Erenos."

"Revealing Sir Ian’s identity was a last resort. Fortunately, Your Majesty, you agreed to meet with me without the need for that," Lucia said, setting down her cup.

Declan smiled faintly. "I saw it as an opportunity to hear news from the Empire, but in the end, it turned out to be the right choice. The chamberlain is a man of discretion; he will not have told anyone yet."

"So long as I’m careful, it won’t be hard to keep hidden." Ian smacked his lips, still faintly furrowing his brow.

Declan quickly added, "Of course, it will be an inconvenience. I am deeply sorry, but if you would permit it, I will prepare the ceremony as quickly as possible. After it is over, you will, of course, be treated with the utmost hospitality at the castle."

Just then, a quest window popped up in front of Ian.

[A New King.]

"Well... in that case..."

Taking in the incredibly concise quest details, Ian sat back down in his chair. Without accepting the quest, he leisurely crossed one leg and looked up at Declan.

"I’ll stay here, with the whole inn to ourselves. But you’ll be paying the bill, Your Majesty."

"Of course! Innkeeper!" Declan nodded and immediately turned toward the kitchen. The innkeeper walked out respectfully.

"Your command, Your Majesty."

"My esteemed guests will be staying here for the time being. I will send the payment tomorrow. I will send a generous amount, so serve them with the utmost care and ensure discretion. Do you understand?"

"It will be done," replied the innkeeper without a hint of hesitation, not forgetting to send a grateful glance toward Ian.

"Thank you for bearing with the trouble, Agent of the Saint," Declan added, turning back to Ian. Patton, standing beside him, did the same.

"Don’t mention it," Ian muttered, hiding the twitch of his lips behind his cup as he finally accepted the quest.

Saved myself some coins, at least.

In truth, he had no reason to refuse Declan’s proposal. If his presence became known, it would only lead to troublesome and tiring matters. Just as with the innkeeper and Sophie, it wouldn't be strange if someone in the frontier recognized him at any moment. He could only be grateful that the king was offering to handle the security himself.

"There’s no need for all of us to hide, is there?" Thesaya said then, taking out a cigarette case.

Receiving Declan’s gaze, she opened it and added, "It’s fine as long as the Agent of the Saint isn’t seen, right? If no one goes outside at all, it will only make people more curious."

"I-I agree," Simon, who had drained his cup, quickly added.

Declan stroked his beard and nodded. "That is a valid point. It will look as though we are entertaining esteemed guests from the Empire, which would be more natural."

He smiled at Simon and Thesaya. "I will leave a word with the guards. You will be able to pass freely through the castle gates starting tomorrow."

"Excellent!" Simon said with a grin.

Ignoring Brennen, who was sitting down with a frown, he added, "This is my first time visiting a major city in the frontier; I wanted to explore every corner."

"It is a safe and vibrant city, despite its appearance. Rough in places, perhaps, but never dull. Well then, I must be returning to begin the preparations at once. I cannot keep the Agent of the Saint waiting for long, can I?" Declan said with a low laugh, setting his cup on the table.

It doesn't really matter, since I’m staying until Mev returns anyway.

Ian just shrugged. If he said that out loud, the coronation would only become more grandiose.

"It was an enjoyable and fruitful evening. When the ceremony is over, I’ll host you properly again. It will be modest compared to Imperial banquets, but I’ll do what I can."

"I look forward to it. Let us know as soon as the schedule is set," Thesaya added, lighting her cigarette with a flint.

Declan nodded, then turned to Ian and bent his knee. "Well then, until we meet again, Agent of the Saint."

"See you then," Ian replied, picking up his fork,

Declan, a satisfied smile on his face, turned and left with Patton. From the looks of it, he was really going to start the preparations the moment he returned.

"By Lu Solar, reality always surpasses my imagination. To think I will be a witness at a coronation presided over by the Agent of the Saint!" Simon dropped into his seat with a gasp, just after the two shut the door and vanished.

"That’s a very honorable thing, is it?"

At Shahin’s question, Simon’s eyes widened as he nodded. "Of course, boy! My name will be recorded in this country’s history alongside the Agent of the Saint. It will be undeniable proof that I stood with him!"

His glittering eyes turned to Ian. "After the coronation, may I request a copy of the record, Agent of the Saint? I wish to submit it to the Great Church myself!"

Before Ian could reply, Brennen, his eyes wide, said, "N-No, Young Master! Are you saying you will go to the capital, and not to the family estate?"

"Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. Sir Mukapa and Shahin are going to the capital anyway."

"This is not a matter to be decided so impulsively! It is not just your name, but the family’s name that will be involved. You must first stop by the estate and report to His Grace—"

"If you try to stop me, it will only make things more complicated. Because then I’ll have to disobey my father’s orders as well."

"

Sigh...

"

Looking at Brennen, who was at a loss for words, Simon smiled. "Don’t worry. This is an opportunity to elevate the family’s name, just as you’ve always wanted for me."

"But if that happens, you will have to personally—"

"I’ll have to go through a long investigation process. I hate it, but what else do I have but time?"

"Even so, this is..."

What a reckless kid.

Ian let out a chuckle, shook his head, and chewed his meat. Telling them no could wait until after the two of them finished arguing.

"A shame. The day you meet Redhead again has been pushed back," said Thesaya.

As Ian looked at her, she blew out a puff of cigarette smoke with a mischievous smile. "For both of you, of course."

"Blow your smoke upward."

Smoking at the table, really...

Ian clicked his tongue in reproach, but Thesaya only leaned comfortably back in her chair, tilting her chin up. She had a satisfied smile on her lips, as though she’d gotten exactly the reaction she wanted.

"By the way, what business do you have in the swamplands?" Lucia whispered.

"I don’t think this is the time to talk about it," Ian murmured. His eyes moved from Simon and Brennen, to Edward—who didn’t even try to stop them—to Shahin, watching with amusement, and finally to Mukapa, already absorbed in his meal.

"I think I know," Thesaya said in a low voice.

She blew a long stream of smoke toward the ceiling, then leaned leisurely across the table toward Ian and whispered, "It’s related to ‘White’, isn’t it?"

It was a word that only those who knew Ian’s secret would understand. Of course, Lucia was among the few people.

"My goodness. The Fairy Forest." Lucia’s eyes widened. Barely suppressing her voice, she said, "You’ve realized something... then, is the history of the fairies real?"

"I don’t know yet. Nothing’s certain."

"

Aha

, well, I suppose we’ll find out when we go."

"No, I’ll tell you later," Ian said, picking up the pitcher of beer.

Lucia blinked. "Later, you say?"

Filling his cup, Ian glanced at her and then at Thesaya. "You two will be going to the North with Sir Mev."

"

Eh

?"

"What do you mean?"

As Thesaya immediately frowned, Lucia leaned in closer, her eyes wide, and whispered, "That place is bound to be incredibly dangerous. That forest especially!"

"I know. But from what I hear, it’s not a good idea for a pointy-ear to set foot in that forest. You wouldn’t want to end up like those swamp fairies, would you?" Ian said, setting down the pitcher and looking at Thesaya, who had a cigarette in her mouth.

"I don’t even know what they ended up like," Thesaya said sullenly.

"It’s better that you don’t. And don’t forget, Lucy, your original plan was to go to the North as soon as you met Sir Mev." Ian shrugged and looked at Lucia.

"My sister will probably insist on going with you, Sir Ian."

"Most likely. But convincing her is one of my specialties."

"So you’re really going to go there alone?"

"Strictly speaking, I won’t be alone. I’ll have Yog and Moro."

As Ian raised his cup, Lucia was finally at a loss for words. Casually draining his beer, Ian glanced down at his hand.

It should be awake by then.

Yog was still asleep. That it had shed its skin meant it was undergoing some kind of change. In any case, it wouldn't remain in this state forever.

"So what, we’re supposed to wait at the Temple of the Brazier?" Thesaya finally asked, blowing smoke upward. She clearly didn’t like it, but she was accepting it, nonetheless.

Ian set down his cup and nodded. "Yes. I was planning to go there anyway. Mukapa?"

"Yes." Mukapa, who had been devouring his food, turned his head a beat later.

Looking at him over Lucia’s head, Ian nodded his chin. "After I meet with Sir Mev, I’ll be heading west alone. I’ll leave the group in your care until you part ways for the Empire."

"Understood," Mukapa replied and buried his head in his plate again.

Concise. I like it.

Just as Ian was about to smile, Simon, who had clamped a hand over Brennen’s mouth, whipped his head around. "You’re parting ways here?"

"Don’t worry. The Red Knight and her squire will be with you instead. Both of them are probably no less skilled at killing monsters than I am. And I hear she has some kind of holy sword, too."

"Good heavens. What could be in that swamp that you—"

"Want to come and see for yourself?"

Simon paused and shook his head. "

Ah

, no, sir. I respectfully decline.

Haha...

."

"That holy sword might be one of your swords, newly forged at the temple. Miguel might have chosen my sister as its keeper." Lucia said then.

"Have you not heard this story?" asked Lucia, looking at Thesaya.

"

Huh? Uh

, well..." Thesaya blinked.

She then moved the cigarette from her lips to her fingers and clicked her tongue. "We had too many other things to talk about to worry about a sword. Besides, Redhead isn’t the type to talk much about herself, you know?"

"I see. We’ll find out when we meet her."

At Lucia’s glance, Ian also nodded. If the sword Mev had was really his, it would be a great help in exploring the swamplands.

And in any case, he had more than enough reason to stop at the Temple of the Brazier. Not only was Nila with Miguel, but the durability of his Truesilver Steel Sword was almost gone. If the Platinum Dragon failed to appear, he intended to find a way to have it repaired there.

"Just in case, take this beforehand. We might forget when we part ways. And don’t you dare say you won’t take it," said Thesaya, setting a long glass vial in front of him. It was the Sap of the Tree of Life.

"I wasn’t going to say that," Ian smirked and picked up the vial.

Thesaya shrugged and looked at Shahin. "I forgot about this, too, but your siblings have arrived safely at the estate, sprout."

"Really?" Shahin’s eyes widened.

Thesaya nodded. "I checked while you were sleeping. They’re doing well, so don’t worry."

She had a Letter of Correspondence with her. Clearly, a reply had come through.

As Ian took the opportunity to put the sap in his pocket dimension, Shahin shot up and bowed. "Thank you, Elder. I will never forget this kindness!"

"If you’re so grateful, you can repay me later. After you’ve been sufficiently trained by Freckles, I mean, Sir Philip."

"

Uh,

I’ll think about it." Shahin paused, blinked, and sat down, ignoring Simon’s gaze.

Thesaya, who had been staring at Shahin like a trapped animal, put the cigarette back in her mouth and looked at Ian. "A letter came from Kitty, too, Ian. She said she’s raised a statue of Karha. Yours stands right beside it."

Ian, who had been leisurely drinking his liquor, paused. "My what?"

"Your statue. They set it up next to Karha’s."

"Well, you are the Great Warrior of the Southern Jungle, Sir Ian." Lucia nodded.

Ian’s brow furrowed, and Simon swallowed hard before blurting out, "The Great Warrior of the Southern jungle, you say?"

Brennen and Shahin also tilted their heads.

Thesaya wore an arrogant smile. "Curious?"

"Save that story for after I leave," Ian said with a sigh, set down his cup, and stood up. "Sophie?"

"Yes, Sir Fixer?" Sophie promptly ran out of the kitchen. She looked cheerful, likely thanks to the gold Declan had promised.

Ian tipped his chin. "Prepare my bathwater."

"Yes. Shall I just keep bringing it up until you say you’re done?"

"Yes. You know me well."

"Please take off that armor and wait a moment. The room at the end of the hall is the largest, so use that one." Sophie turned and rushed into the kitchen.

Tapping the ash from her cigarette, Thesaya wore a playful smile. "You sure you want to call it a night already? The evening’s only just begun."

"You can enjoy yourselves. From here on, I’m doing nothing but resting. From experience, it wouldn't be strange if that man gives me the schedule tomorrow." Ian turned and trudged toward the stairs.

And true to form, Declan delivered the coronation schedule the very next day. It was set to be five days later. The group scattered to busy themselves in their own ways, and those five days vanished in the blink of an eye.