episode_0093

I couldn’t help but feel relieved that all my comrades who had been with me so far were standing by my side without exception.

However, as the next day arrived and the effects of alcohol faded away, a hidden sense of guilt resurfaced within me.

Was it right to push these reliable and kind individuals into danger like this?

Could it be that my selfishness would lead me to kill off all my comrades who had stood by me?

Though a wave of melancholy washed over me, I shook my head to dispel such dark thoughts.

When have we not faced danger before?

We’ve already overcome three crises; why worry now?

“As long as we prepare thoroughly this time, we’ll be fine.”

It was just like any other time.

Instead of fretting about the dire circumstances, if we earnestly prepare, we can surely emerge victorious once again.

Determined to prevail and lead a peaceful life thereafter, I began contemplating the method to infiltrate the enemy territory.

“…What approach should I take?”

Honestly, I had no clue at all.

While I was aware of weaknesses in other incidents due to abundant information in the original work, this damn enemy territory seemed devoid of any vulnerabilities.

It wasn’t lacking in military strength either.

Yet, it wasn’t susceptible to internal discord through manipulation.

Utilizing the human who was a candidate for saintess backfired, as they set traps and waited.

Unlike other foes, unable to resort to trickery, this adversary posed an incredibly challenging obstacle.

“The only viable option is the righteous path…”

But pushing forward steadfastly using the righteous path against such a formidable opponent was daunting.

Given our disadvantage in a prolonged conflict, we had to employ an exceptionally unconventional method once again.

“…Does it seem like we always resort to strange methods whenever an incident unfolds?”

Reflecting on what we had done so far, I felt a tinge of self-reproach.

But what could I do? If that was the only way, then that was the way to go.

Rationalizing my actions, I spent the next few days pondering and eventually came up with a solution.

“This is it.”

I managed to devise a method to infiltrate the enemy territory safely while avoiding direct combat as much as possible.

Although it followed a reckless, daring style, once inside the enemy territory, there was no turning back regardless of the method used.

“I need to go meet Stroheim.”

With the intention of discussing this plan, I set off towards the workshop where Stroheim resided.

—–

Clang! Clang!

The echoing sound of metal reverberated through the workshop.

As I entered through the wide-open door, the dwarf craftsman greeted me with an irritated tone.

“Still not done with the repairs? What’s the rush, lad!”

“I never asked you to repair anything.”

“Oh, it was you? I thought that stubborn fellow with the sword had come to demand it back. Phew… sorry about that. Been troubled for days on end.”

“Well, it happens. But did he really act like that? He’s not usually like that…”

“Haha! You’re the only one he has patience for; elsewhere, he’s a bit of a hothead. You should’ve seen him pressuring for the sword if you were there.”

Grumbling, Stroheim swung his hammer down on the heated greatsword, now glowing red, and spoke up.

“But what brings you here at this hour? Planning to place a separate order?”

“Yeah, I’ve come up with a good way to enter the enemy territory. Can you take a look at this blueprint and plan when you have time?”

“Just wait a moment; we’re almost finished here. I’ll head over there after finishing the snack on that table.”

“Alright, take your time. I’ll be fixing some things while you’re at it.”

Was he sitting at the table, making adjustments to the plan for a brief moment?

The distant sound of cooling metal reached my ears as Stroheim awkwardly made his way towards me.

“Blueprint… Is it another large-scale project like last time? The Distorted Clan… No, the Distorted Flame Clan is always waiting for you.”

“It’s not such a big project. Oh, by the way, what happened with the exile case? Was it resolved well?”

“Thanks to that, we cleared the air. We agreed to respect each other’s preferences. However, I was rejected from entering their territory. They said they were afraid I might set them on fire if I’m around.”

“That makes sense. Who wouldn’t be scared when someone starts detonating explosives inside a burrow? Haha…”

After exchanging a round of jokes, Stroheim picked up the blueprints and plans laid out on the table.

He then began to slowly read through them, running his fingers through his thick beard in contemplation.

“Hmm.”

“…”

“Ah!”

“…?”

“Oh wow…!”

“???”

With each page turn of the plans, the doubtful interjections of inspiration transformed into exclamations of awe.

The pure joy that took over his previously irritated face quickly turned into an almost maniacal expression, triggered by something in the plans.

What part of the plans could possibly evoke such a reaction from him?

Curious, I cautiously peeked over and soon understood the reason behind his expression.

“Hahaha! Planning to launch a missile beforehand, you’re quite the daredevil yourself!”

“…But isn’t this also a good strategy? Launching a missile beforehand, boarding it, and infiltrating swiftly. I think it’s a pretty good plan.”

“It could backfire badly, but it’s ironically a practical approach. Taking advantage of the chaos after a previous attack, infiltrating, completing the mission, and escaping before order is restored… Hmm.”

After a moment of contemplation, inspiration grinned widely as he gathered the blueprints and plans.

“I’ll give it a shot. A dwarf who bombed the stronghold… That would be a historic achievement, hahaha!”

“To me, Inspiration seems crazier than those fanatic zealots.”

“It seems less likely than a witch walking into a holy land.”

“…Fair enough.”

Letting out a sigh and nodding weakly, I soon heard footsteps in the distance.

At this, the mischievous Inspiration looked towards the wide-open door with a sly smile.

“Oh no! Your husband has arrived! I’ll step aside for a moment so you two can have some private time!”

“No, no need for that. I’ve said everything I needed to, so I’ll take my leave now. Let me know once it’s done.”

Husband? What nonsense is he spouting!

Anyone listening would think we were actually dating!

Feeling embarrassed, I quickly walked out of the workshop, only to bump into a certain sharp-looking individual on my way out.

“Beatrice? Where are you rushing off to?”

“Uh, huh? Oh, just something came up!”

Seeing him made my face flush inexplicably, so I hurriedly fled to my room.

—–

“This is strange.”

“What do you mean?”

“Beatrice. Lately, it feels like she’s been avoiding me more often.”

“Stop talking nonsense and bring me the greatsword already. And one more push like that, and there won’t be any repairs in the future, got it?”

“You’re really tough… But it can’t be helped, Inspiration. My skills are still lacking.”

“At your age, reaching that level is already impressive. Why say such things? Try saying that in front of other knights, they’d probably want to tear you apart.”

“But it’s true that I’m lacking. You saw it too, Inspiration. I couldn’t even hold my ground against the Dragon of Light and fell.”

I boasted confidently that I could last at least a minute, but the outcome was utterly humiliating.

I barely lasted about 10 seconds, but if the Dragon of Light had decided to kill me, I wouldn’t have lasted even 10 seconds.

Traveling with Beatrice, I thought I had become strong enough, but when I actually opened the lid, I realized that my skills were not even worth showing a business card to the real strong ones.

With this level of skill, I wouldn’t be able to properly protect Beatrice in the enemy country. To protect love, I needed to become even stronger than I am now.

Moreover,

“After hearing such words, how can I stay still?”

Raising the corner of my mouth and gripping the greatsword, the dwarf mentor furrowed his brow and asked me.

“…So, what exactly did you hear? This is the fifth question this time, you troublesome youngster.”

“You don’t need to be curious, Mentor. Do you want me to tell you?”

“You should be careful on your way back at night. If the opportunity arises, make sure to join me as my comrade.”

“By then, you should get permission from the witch, right? If you’re confident, go ahead.”

“You little brat… Get out of the workshop immediately!”

At the harsh scolding, I hastily grabbed my greatsword and dashed out of the workshop.

I crossed a line without realizing it, all because the reaction was amusing.

When my anger subsides a bit, I should grab some liquor and apologize.

With that rough plan in mind, I tried to head towards the forge with my repaired greatsword, but someone suddenly appeared without making a sound, blocking my path.

If there’s no presence felt, then there’s only one person.

I smirked and embraced the figure that appeared before me, who reluctantly accepted the hug.

“…Let go. It’s creepy and uncomfortable.”

“You say that, but your body speaks otherwise, doesn’t it? Please let go first, Mother.”

“In any case, resembling my father so much… There’s really no escaping the family resemblance. Tsk.”

Whispering a joke, Mother carefully pushed me away with her tongue clicking.

Seeing her like that, I awkwardly smiled and cautiously observed her reaction.

…Why are you here? Could it be about that incident?

Mother rarely reveals herself unless it’s a mealtime, so I’m trying to guess the reason for her visit.

Mother’s tightly closed lips slowly parted.

“I’ve heard the news. You’re going to the enemy country following the witch, aren’t you?”

“…Yes, Mother.”

“Do I have to hear such important news from someone else’s mouth? Disappointing, Karshian. I am very disappointed in you.”

“I’m sorry!”

Lowering my head in guilt, seeking forgiveness, Mother took a long breath and firmly grasped my hand.

Then, with eyes flashing red like blood, she began to drag me somewhere.

“Saying sorry with just words is deceitful. True apology comes from paying the price for your mistakes.”

“…What?”

“So you’ll have to accompany me for a while. It’s better not to think about running away. Imagine shedding tears and running to your father with regret at that moment.”

“…”

A terrifying threat beyond imagination.

I had no choice but to quietly follow Mother.