Chapter 131. The Guest Who Arrived First (2)

Soldiers who fled from the Northern Front could not enter the capital, nor set foot in cities with strict regulations.

Those who deserted the front were immediately sentenced to death, so they had no choice but to hide.

What, then, would the villages formed by such deserters and defectors become?

'A hideout for bandits, perhaps.'

However, for a bandit's encampment, the village seemed quite well-kept.

There were street lamps made with mana stones, and even taverns for economic activities or leisure.

The reason such villages could exist was because of beings known as 'demons'.

If a ruler of a city had such a village nearby, it could actually be beneficial.

Demons and monsters would head there instead of attacking the city.

Even if a city could prevent demon invasions through the barrier created by resonance stones, they'd rather not have demons roaming nearby.

Therefore, the Empire, despite its regulations, did not actively root out such villages.

In fact, some cities even supported these villages, allowing people to live relatively peacefully, except for the occasional demon raid.

On the surface, that's how it seemed.

"Anyway, come inside! The night is growing late, and you must need a place to stay!"

A man, seemingly the village leader, led us to a tavern with a hearty laugh.

'That guy...'

I had encountered him a few times while playing the role of a "Sword Saint" here.

'Wasn't his name... Degrid?'

Yes, I think so.

It was rumored to be a parody because it was similar to the name of a gamekeeper from OO Potter.

In any case, the place he guided us to was a rather large building in the village.

"We use this place as a tavern, but there are enough rooms to accommodate you for a night or so!"

Degrid laughed heartily again and entered the building he had recommended.

"Are you really going to stay here?"

Once Degrid disappeared, Felkhor, looking somewhat anxious, poked his head in.

Oh, shit! That startled me. Move your face away, will you?

No matter how luxurious this guy's face may look, it's unsettling each time.

"Didn't you say they were bandits? And despite knowing that...."

"Let's go in for now. It's dark outside, and I'd rather not sleep outdoors moreover...."

Moreover?

Felkhor looked at me with understanding eyes.

"If anything happens, you handle it. You're a former knight, aren't you?"

"But, that's... aah...."

Sighing, Felkhor lowered his head and followed me into the building that appeared to be a tavern.

Creak.

As soon as we stepped inside,

'It's quite well-decorated.'

The scene was just as I remembered it from the original.

The modest tables, the lively chatter, and the bar in front.

As if the owner, Degrid took out bottles, which looked like alcohol, from the display and drank it straight.

'How vulgar.'

For a moment, the noble temperament of 'Yulian' in me wanted to draw the sword in disgust.

'Let's not cause trouble.'

With superhuman self-restraint, I held back.

"So, if you plan on staying, I have to charge you 100 nar per night, how does that sound?"

Having finished the drink at some point, Degrid fiddled with the empty bottle as if it were natural for us to pay.

Of course, rejecting wouldn't cross my mind.

The purpose of stopping by this place was to spend the night comfortably on a bed, and not outside.

100 nar was a steal.

"I will pay."

Sleeping indoors in such a remote place, not even in the city, was quite appealing.

"That sounds good. But you know."

At that moment, a strong intention of hostility laced his gaze, as Degrid's demeanor shifted.

Simultaneously, the building's surroundings buzzed with numerous presences.

'They must be other bandits stationed here.'

"...... Tsk."

Clearly, Felkhor felt it too, clicking his tongue and giving me a look that asked why we came to such a place.

He might not know, but I entered this place 'knowingly'.

As soon as we stepped into the building, others would crawl out as well...

Degrid sharply perceived the essence of 'Yulian' and spoke.

"You're a soldier, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am."

Though not incorrect, as 'Blind Eyes' could also fall under the category of 'soldier'.

"That big fellow next to you looks like a former knight. I sensed inflexibility in your gait."

To detect such traits from that guy, impressive.

"Are you here to deal with us?"

"Would the capital really send someone just to catch the likes of you?"

I used a provocative tone to catch Degrid's attention, prompting Felkhor next to me to prepare for combat.

Such an overreaction...

It's not my intention here to fight pointlessly.

The plan is to explore the place where 'Yulian and the high-rank demon' clashed and verify the 'teachings of the Sword Saint' from the 'traces' there.

I don't want to lead a life accruing fatigue from unnecessary battles.

Besides,

'I know a way to peacefully get out of this situation.'

Taking a deep breath, I recalled the lines I had chosen before.

"We too are deserters from the Northern Front."

Snap!

Felkhor's head turned towards me and.

"......."

Silence ensued as the air in the surroundings grew still.

The flustered looks from both Degrid and Felkhor.

"You- you're deserters?"

I nodded affirmatively to Degrid's question, and the hostility that filled the surroundings suddenly vanished.

That said, there would still be lingering doubts.

Before Degrid could voice any thoughts, I spoke first.

"I was part of the third hunting unit of Lord Zahard's unit on the Northern Front."

"...... Part of the third hunting unit?"

"Yes."

"You deserted from there?"

"Yes."

He showed an expression beyond shock, more like exasperation, and then nodded knowingly.

For he too understood how demanding life was under the blind warrior Zahard.

The reason I said this was to erase suspicion.

Not just words, but by stating I genuinely served there, backed by affiliation with one of the most notorious units.

A believable reason to desert.

For any lingering doubts with him, I nailed the final point home.

"The food was downright awful."

In a slightly smile-free yet serious tone.

Hearing this, Degrid let out a short laugh.

"The food at the third hunting unit is infamous... When I tried it myself, even pig's swill tasted better."

"It's a well-known tale that the quartermaster there had been a former hunter, but had his tongue cut by savages and couldn't taste the food anymore."

"Khaha, yes! I've heard of that too!"

The suspicions gradually dulled.

In essence, this was a gathering of 'deserters' who had congregated over a shared history.

Because of this, the approach of someone with similar experiences usually breaks down the guards.

Switching from a soldier here to capture them,

To a comrade with shared experiences.

With such drastic shifts in perception, an equally rapid camaraderie developed.

Moreover.

"Damn the Empire."

Having a shared adversary harbor resentment within, fosters even stronger bonds.

"Hah, I almost charged a comrade for money."

Degrid, laughingly, briskly went outside and shouted loudly.

"Hey! Everyone come in! They're not soldiers sent to capture us. They are our comrades!"

Listening to Degrid's announcement, Felkhor now looked at me with skeptical eyes.

"......have you really served in the third hunting unit?"

Grinning.

Without a word, I just smiled.

Would I have?

***

Useless fights are unappealing.

This isn't from a 'spirit of struggle' but purely for the sake of my mental well-being.

"Come on, let's drink up!"

"Long time since we have a deserter from the North! How can we not drink for our juniors today?"

The problem is that this drinking party is one of the factors affecting my 'mental health'.

Usually, it wouldn't matter.

But 'Yulian's' severe aversion completely denies the environment here.

'... Though it is bearable, that alone is fortunate.'

The feeling of having successfully navigated the situation based on past game experiences was satisfying.

The sense of achievement, perhaps?

Originally, I went through killing everyone ignorant of anything.

But once aware of the key choices, I avoided such annoyances.

Instead, such scenarios unfolded.

"Ha ha ha, this hulking fellow looks like he could snap a demon's neck! Why did he desert!?"

"Heck, right?"

"Who deserted! I just took a short leave."

"Isn't that called desertion?"

"Ha ha ha ha ha!"

Even Felkhor, who initially showed signs of reluctance, was now raising glasses with the other deserters, embodying camaraderie.

With arms around each other's shoulders, laughing heartily, they looked like true bandits.

Have you found your rightful calling, man?

There's nothing awkward about it.

"Still, you know, there's something about your face that seems familiar. I feel like I've seen it somewhere before."

The leader of this village, sitting at the same table conversing with me, squinted as he stared at me.

Murmuring about familiarity, it seems, he had heard of or seen 'Yulian's' features from somewhere, likely thanks to the influence within the unit.

"Could be. The third hunting unit traveled quite extensively across different places in the North."

"Is that it? You just have a face that resembles that renowned guy from the Northern Front, what's his name, Yu... something."

"Surely someone like that wouldn't be here, right?"

I feigned innocence towards Degrid's remark.

In the capital, it would be impossible not to know the 'slit-eyed villain', yet Degrid and everyone here were deserters from the Northern Front.

Despite this, the fact they had an inkling of my traits still showcased how famous 'Yulian' was.

While I sought peace and quiet, the innate prideful nature of 'Yulian' stirred beguilement within.

The corners of my mouth twitch uncontrollably.

It's definitely not me doing it.

"It's true, hick! 'Blind Eyes' would be groveling before the imperial family, missing limbs!"

"Aye. Perhaps, some fingers have vanished by now."

"Ha ha, isn't it so!"

Degrid, continuously consuming alcohol, felt jovial as he poured more into my glass.

As I drank, the spicy taste of the wine lingered on my tongue.

While it seemed of lower quality, my general indifference to drinking left me unfazed.

"But you know, hiccup... You're a pretty good drinker! You drink better than anyone here!"

As though a fighter encountering an unmatched adversary after years, Degrid continued to fill my glass.

It's been a long while since someone approached me so unreservedly, and it wasn't an unpleasant feeling.

Despite him being a deserter and bandit, it left a somewhat bittersweet feeling.

"Hiccup! So, did you come here intending to stay with us and live here?"

"Not quite. I have matters to tend to in the Firente Gorge."

"Firente Gorge? Why a dangerous place like that?"

To discover some realization from 'Yulian's' battle remnants.

I couldn't exactly say that, so I tried to mask it.

"Hey, Yu... Sir! I heard something interesting!"

Felkhor, heavily inebriated, staggered towards me with an amused expression.

Even in his intoxicated state, his brain functioned well enough to refer to me as 'Sir' instead of 'Yulian'.

Though his speech had shortened due to drunkenness, I'd let it slide.

For now.

Once we leave here?

He'll have bigger issues to handle.

"Apparently, these fellows recently kidnapped a noble who claims to be from the Cryphart family. Isn't that ridiculous?"

"Ha ha ha ha! How could a member of the Cryphart family wander alone?"

Laughing uproariously and recounting tales, the others.

Listening to them, I tilted my head curiously.

'A member from the Cryphart family?'

Interesting.

Could it be Herand? No, he got beaten to a pulp by Right and wouldn't leave his mansion.

"Kheeheehe, it's someone from the same family as Sir! If Sir sees their face, you could verify if they indeed belong to Cryphart!"

Felkhor, still oblivious to his impending circumstances later on.

But has this guy gone mad? He suddenly brings up family matters out of the blue?

"......"

The once bustling tavern plunged into a silent eeriness, as if haunted.

"... What did you say?"

Degrid, who had been drinking across me, turned his head sideways locking his gaze onto mine.

Nearby drinkers' expressions shifted to something uncanny.

'In the end, it turns out like this.'

Felkhor, damn it, we'll talk after we're done here.

Clacky's Corner:Felkhor and his mouth. Wahahaha.I thought they would pass by without any trouble. Apparently not.

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