Chapter 69 – Crossroads

That a full month has elapsed since departing the Capital continues to inspire profound disbelief.

Though perhaps behind original schedule, the mere accomplishment of reaching this destination without significant incident provides modest reassurance.

The village of Somern, situated in the southeastern region of the Kingdom of Metlan, demonstrated surprising familiarity with outsider reception despite its modest classification.

Understandably so—this location houses the legendary sword of Grandeus.

A rust-encrusted blade embedded diagonally into the earth.

…My initial encounter with this artifact evoked sentiments difficult to articulate precisely.

“Despite scarcely reaching its decennial anniversary, the settlement has achieved considerable development. While not precisely a focal point for intermediary commerce, it functions adequately as a trade nexus, representing a viable secondary option.”

Here too, an Edenrevan Regiment branch maintained presence.

Self-introduced as Ruslan—a mature female with azure skin, alabaster hair, and distinctly voluptuous proportions.

The twisted ebony horns protruding from her cranium unequivocally proclaimed her demonic heritage with absolute transparency.

“Lu! Your resplendent beauty remains undiminished today! Your perpetual allure astounds!”

“Indeed~! My magnificence persists eternally! Your admiration refreshes me regardless of repetition.”

“Might this evening find you available?”

“Absolutely not! Today remains unsuitable—inquire again subsequently~!”

Her extraordinary popularity among male inhabitants was evident.

Surprisingly, even female residents exhibited minimal wariness.

“Affection and attentiveness. Before beauty and pleasure, all become docile as lambs. Their simplicity proves endearing, doesn’t it? Their caretaking provides distinctive satisfaction.”

With elevated chin conveying pride, she emphasized non-discrimination regarding race and, significantly, avoidance of married individuals regardless of gender.

…Married women included? What precise interaction does this prohibition encompass?

“In regions where the Irenis Order maintains activity, accusations of moral dissolution and sensuality proliferate… however, this locale demonstrates relative openness regarding such matters.”

With this statement, Ruslan effortlessly positioned herself against Cariel, embracing his arm and nestling against him.

“Perhaps we might together…”

“Lu. Unfortunately, Teacher embodies natural asceticism, practically monastic in temperament, likely disinterested in such propositions.”

“You remain unaware that precisely such men frequently harbor intensified interest in these domains?”

Luillin and Ruslan exhibited considerable familiarity.

“Indeed. What seductive experience might your juvenile physiology encompass?”

“…I maintain principled restraint.”

“My goodness. The quintessential feminine archetype cherished within the Empire. Perhaps perpetual chastity culminating in conventual seclusion would suit you? Perhaps your deity might commend such virtuousness?”

Nevertheless,

Her acerbic commentary seemed disproportionately caustic for juvenile teasing.

The village’s architectural configuration incorporated tiered construction throughout hills, valleys, and ravines.

Residential areas predominantly occupied middle elevations between upper and lower tiers.

Comprehensive assessment suggested four-level organization.

The summit level represented both origin and catalyst for this settlement’s existence.

…This location, where Grandeus’s sword remained embedded, apparently received veneration comparable to secondary sacred sites within the Metlan Kingdom.

Observational survey revealed substantial population concentration.

“Vendor stalls proliferate extensively.”

Even waiting queues extended considerably.

“Merchants expeditiously establish lower-level operations, yet all seeking sword observation, benediction, or purported blessing invariably gravitate here.”

Irenis ecclesiastical influence permeated here as well, though instead of formal cathedral or ecclesiastical structure, merely a solitary chapel existed.

This chapel’s additional function as orphanage suggested Irenis organizational infiltration under charitable pretense.

Fundamentally, indigenous religious practices maintained firm establishment here.

The Metlan Kingdom’s progenitor originated from the Ice Sea Sand Tribe.

While possessing distinctive indigenous spiritual traditions, continental integration over generations incorporated both ancient Veran polytheistic pantheon and various regional spiritual practices.

Consequently, unique religious cultural synthesis emerged organically.

This development created both similarities and distinctions with neighboring Dabass—sharing ethnic heritage and territorial borders—and differentiation from nearby Kingdom of Banus.

…Unlike those neighboring kingdoms, Metlan Kingdom prioritized harmonious integration between indigenous populations and diverse races. Though royal authority might appear comparatively diminished, community cohesion demonstrated remarkable strength.

Cultural embracement and absence of religious discrimination further typified this approach.

…The Empire’s focused diplomatic engagement with Metlan stems partially from Dabass counterbalance strategy, but undeniably correlates with Irenis ecclesiastical expansion priorities within this region.

“While Dabass obsesses over eternal benediction, Metlan maintains no equivalent preoccupation. Their polytheistic cultural framework centers on the Southern Wind deity while simultaneously venerating additional divinities, spiritualities, and indigenous entities. Provided theological supremacy debates remain avoided, minimal conflict emerges regardless of interaction partner.”

“…Irenis adherents apparently instigated occasional disruption.”

“Characteristic monotheistic behavior. Pridefully proclaiming unadmirable qualities.”

This constitutes customary advisory notification for Imperial citizens practicing Irenis faith.

“Regardless, should assistance become necessary, please contact our Somern branch. This concludes fundamental orientation… require additional information?”

“No. Your assistance proves entirely adequate.”

“Depart expeditiously. Shoo!”

Luillin expelled air through pursed lips as if repelling serpentine presence.

“Diminutive impertinence!”

Ruslan’s evident displeasure regarding Luillin’s demeanor manifested briefly.

Her distinctive amber ocular manifestation flashed momentarily before transforming into radiant expression directed toward Cariel.

“Until our subsequent encounter! Adorable sibling!”

Unexpectedly, fraternal connection materialized.

“Was this Teacher’s ultimate objective?”

Luillin observed the extensive queue with exasperation, all awaiting momentary contact with oxidized weaponry.

“Perhaps…”

Direct experience shall determine reality.

The expansive surrounding area unlikely accommodated multitudes for spatial purposes.

Nor for informal commercial establishment authorization.

Nevertheless, careful observation revealed systematic organizational principles.

Then eye contact established with a young female.

Not roadside commerce but legitimately positioned floral establishment.

Initial assessment suggested minimal distinction between roadside general merchandise vendor and designated commercial stall.

“Inaugural visitation?”

“Ah, affirmative.”

The young woman’s refreshing smile accompanied nearly greeting-like verbal exchange.

Opportunity presented inquiry:

“Floral acquisition appears universally practiced.”

“Origin remains uncertain… but tradition established regardless.”

The female possessed striking pale azure hair reminiscent of celestial expanse, with pure white eyes curved into gentle expression.

Her attire included white dress, vibrant light-brown fur shawl resembling protective curtain, and additional woolen scarf seemingly constructed from compressed fiber.

…Substantial thermal insulation evident.

Perhaps not highland elevation, but significant altitude regardless.

“Interested in acquisition?”

“…Monetary exchange presumed?”

“Hehehe.”

While examining diverse chromatic floral varieties, I inquired:

“Individual floral specimens possess distinct symbolic significance?”

“Naturally.”

She provided comprehensive individual explanations.

“Unless medicinally significant, personal interest remains minimal.”

Luillin, displaying evident disinterest, actively examined alternative surroundings.

Momentarily, attention diverted to staff-like implement adjacent to her seating arrangement.

“Oh, this?”

Prior to standing, she grasped it bilaterally.

“As observable, mobility limitation exists.”

Only through implement dependence did she achieve upright posture, and maintained similar dependence subsequently.

“I understand.”

Cariel acknowledged with minimal cranial movement.

“For inaugural visitors, this particular specimen receives recommendation.”

White petaled flower with distinctively golden central region.

Cariel’s botanical knowledge limited recognition to bee attraction zones within central floral regions.

Suddenly vivid childhood recollection emerged—experimental flower collection followed by simulated bee behavior, placing labial contact near central regions with subsequent expectoration.

“Common wildflower variety. Reportedly Lord Grandeus’s preferred botanical specimen during mortal existence.”

“…Indeed?”

“Reportedly self-comparison to field vegetation occurred frequently. Personal knowledge remains limited, merely acquired through casual verbal transmission.”

Field vegetation reference.

“Teacher. Previous floral interest existed? Or alternative floral fascination developed?”

“……”

Without viable alternatives, Cariel retained singular wildflower specimen.

“Appreciation expressed.”

Her brightened expression somehow conveyed paradoxical melancholy.

Causation remained indeterminate.

Despite queue positioning, considerable duration remained before progression.

“Does Leo possess knowledge regarding Grandeus legendary accounts?”

“Personal knowledge limited due to foreign origination.”

“…Curious motivational factor for current location visitation.”

“What about Luciri?”

“Attentive listening requested. This narrative concerns initial invasion by notoriously dangerous Demon King, designated ‘Golden Beast’.”

Two juvenile individuals positioned anteriorly engaged in conversational distraction from prolonged waiting.

Male youth with brown hair and dark eyes,appearances unremarkable.

Attired in faded linen upper garment, leather lower garments, and substantial leather footwear—distinctive impression.

Waistline revealed partially visible weapon with extensively wrapped handle showing considerable utilization evidence.

In contrast, female youth presented appearance suggesting colder regional origin—basic black dress with substantial fur integration along upper and lower boundaries.

Additional white cloak overlay exhibited significant terrestrial particle exposure over extended duration.

Despite travel-weathered appearance, her luminous golden hair and balanced facial features naturally evoked aesthetic appreciation regarding feminine beauty.

Garment assessment suggested non-ordinary social classification.

“This account barely exceeds decennial age. Why ‘legendary’ classification?”

Luillin, unable to sustain patience, interrupted.

“…Precisely, Golden Beast mortality achievement reaches eighteenth anniversary this current year. Lord Grandeus’s initial manifestation occurred twenty-three years previously.”

“Respectful admiration evident.”

“Metlan Kingdom and proximate territories avoid extinction through his intervention. Certain territories likewise.”

She positioned palm over curved thoracic region during articulation.

“Commemorative preservation regarding sacrifice and dedication remains prioritized. That contemptible Luelde initiated confrontation citing knightly honor, resulting in precious individual mortality. Nevertheless, contemporary singular individual capable of direct engagement with Luelde… knightly status additionally applied.”

“Ironic contradiction—regional warrior veneration despite knightly appreciation, contrasted with Imperial chivalric idealization producing neglect. Paradoxical manifestation.”

“Imperial representative superficiality explains such contradiction.”

…Profound agreement emerges.

Why does Imperial criticism evoke agreement rather than indignation?

Did she perceive this reciprocity?

Her observational focus transferred from Luillin toward myself.

“Shared perspective exists? Optical indicators suggest agreement with personal assessment.”

“…Affirmative.”

“Ideological alignment confirmed! Pleasing acquaintance. Self-identification: Luciri Olgoret.”

Inadvertently, contact established with her gloved extremity.

Her pale gray ocular organs reflected unexpected camaraderie.

“Riel designation applies.”

“Teacher represents distinguished aristocratic progeny currently undertaking knightly progression.”

“…?”

Luciri’s bilateral ocular blinking preceded alternating observation between Luillin and myself before inquiry:

“Imperial origination possibility?”

“Accurate assessment, though Imperial hypocrisy and depravity acknowledgment renders criticism inconsequential.”

“……”

“Hahaha. Conversational defeat experienced, Luciri.”

“Inappropriate commentary, Leo! Inaccurate assertion!”

Luciri’s femoral impact produced unilateral victim effect—Leo experiencing painful consequence while maintaining injured appendage during subsequent hopping locomotion.

“Knightly progression while originating nationality receives criticism? Doesn’t knightly virtue fundamentally require loyalty?”

“Nationalistic sentiment correlation remains unnecessary.”

“Ah, alternative perspective possibility. Patriotism and loyalty represent distinct attributes? Intriguing philosophical position.”

…Queue duration passed with surprising rapidity due to anterior conversationalists.

“Additional consideration—diminutive female’s ‘Teacher’ designation implies relationship possibility…?”

“While knightly progression received acknowledgment, fundamental objective represents journey rather than formal training.”

Displaying dorsal stringed instrument, clarification continued:

“She functions as directional guide, relationship developing spontaneously.”

“Truly unconventional association.”

Female youth displayed considerable intrigue.

“Imperial-to-current-location trajectory undoubtedly presented challenges.”

“Circumstantial development.”

During this exchange between myself and female youth,

“Regarding… feminine designation methodology?”

“Excessive formality unnecessary given observable chronological superiority.”

“Ah, comprehension achieved? Personal designation: Leo. Your identification?”

“Luillin. Retention inconsequential. Additionally, ‘Leo’ designation suggests intimidating physical manifestation requirement?”

“Really? Such expectation exists?”

Complete exhalation remained suppressed, representing potential discourtesy.

“Luillin. Previous advisory provided regarding nominal confrontational initiation representing inappropriate behavioral pattern, applicable beyond personal interaction?”

“Confrontational characterization? Nominal designation represents spiritual verification. Personal development alignment with nominal significance represents logical progression?”

Luillin responded with perplexed expression.

“Is that demonic… correction, Edenrevan philosophical position?”

“Developmental environment confirmation. Maternal and paternal figures absent. More precisely, unknown.”

“……”

“……”

Atmospheric desolation materialized instantaneously.

“Luillin.”

Why does she consistently pronounce this with apparent pride?

Motivation understood.

Immediate disclosure likely represents strategic assessment regarding relationship viability based on recipient reaction.

“Initiating interaction with such direct disclosure creates recipient discomfort.”

“Preferable to subsequent accusations regarding non-disclosure?”

“……”

She demonstrates exceptional adverse relationship termination but refined relationship development… problematic tendency evident.

…Though personal social proficiency and interpersonal relationship quality remain questionable…

Nevertheless.

Social navigation knowledge exists, informing advisory capacity.

“U-Unique personality manifestation. Exceptional decisiveness evident.”

“R-Resilient development achieved. Commendable.”

Sympathetic observation and commentary elicited:

“H-Huh?”

Luillin’s evident confusion.

“……”

Having experienced consistent contempt and rejection, Luillin’s preemptive aggressive stance represented defensive mechanism against perceived devaluation.

Such genuine, innocent concern clearly represented unprecedented experience.

“……”

Yet receiving positive interpretation and benevolent assessment…

Rare interpersonal connection materialization.

Cariel silently observed Luillin’s discomfort amidst heartfelt supportive commentary from juvenile conversationalists.

He merely produced subtle lingual clicking sound.

Gradual queue progression continued.

Finally, their opportunity materialized.

Before them stood:

The oxidized blade, diagonally embedded within terrestrial surface.