episode_0023

After finishing the work of installing a magic barrier in the church.

The Purification Knights quickly prepared and resumed their movement.

The situation was not much different in the other villages they stopped by along the way, and the Purification Knights hurried their journey towards Geese City, carrying out only the bare minimum of relief work and barrier installation.

About 20 days after leaving the labyrinth city.

The Northern Purification Knights arrived in the city of Gis, the capital of the border region.

Thick walls and moats surround the entire city.

Dozens of watchtowers and multi-layered magic barriers that show the will to not allow even a single intruder.

The level of thorough inspection and search is reminiscent of a military city on the front lines.

“–Stop. Disarm and dismount. All carriage passengers are requested to exit the carriage.”

“Uh…. Ahem. We are the Purification Knights of the Goddess Cult, who are on an expedition to the North to cure the plague. His Excellency the Count has also given permission to visit. Here is a personal letter from His Holiness the Pope…”

“Even if you are a Duke of the Empire or the Pope himself, there are no exceptions. Everyone must disarm and dismount. You may enter the city only after a body search, a baggage search, and a proof of identity for everyone.”

“What? No, this little brat, where is he now…. Hey, do you know who I am? The second son of Count Habart….”

There was some friction due to the strict response from the checkpoint…

Huebel and Julia stepped in and mediated the situation, allowing the Purification Knights to enter the city.

— Thud, thud…..

Could this place also not escape the clutches of the Ghoul Plague?

What greeted the Purification Knights as they entered the city was an extremely gloomy street scene.

The haggard complexions and lifeless expressions of passersby.

In buildings with tightly sealed doors and windows, a strong sense of vigilance is seen to be present, refusing access to outsiders.

However, unlike other villages that were close to chaos, there are hardly any patients to be seen, so it seems that at least some level of isolation and treatment is being carried out…

In a back alley visible from a distance, the shadow of a dead, blackened corpse can be seen.

“Is this the case even in Yeongdo? I can understand why the search and inspection was so thorough.”

“Yes. In this situation, it would be normal to control the entry of outsiders. If it weren’t for the Purification Knights, entry would have been denied. ”

“I would like to get involved in relief work right away, but… If we, as outsiders, act selfishly, it will be difficult to hear good things about it later. Let’s go see the Count first.”

After giving instructions to the members of the Purification Knights to wait at the church on the outskirts of the city.

Captain Huebel, Krimhilt, and the warrior party members headed to the residence of the High Count.

— Gooo…..

(This is called , but honestly, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it )

‘Well… In the original, depending on the event structure, there was a map where a dungeon escape-type event would take place. I guess they set it up like this with that in mind.’

(Dungeon escape? Are you saying that a monster will jump out from inside?)

‘Let’s just say it’s roughly correct. Well…. Please look forward to the main story for more detailed developments.’

While chatting with Luagat.

After informing the guards of the situation, Huebel showed them the Pope’s letter, and they told him to wait a moment, then called someone over.

— Thud, thud, thud….

A few minutes later.

The one who revealed himself was a man who appeared to be in his mid-20s.

“Welcome, Purification Knights. Thank you for visiting.”

“You…?”

“My name is Bernhard, your aide. The Count is currently feeling a little unwell, so I will be greeting you in his stead.”

“……….”

For some reason, Huebel looks a little uncomfortable.

Ignoring him, Bernhard guided the group inside.

“Come this way. Oh, sorry, but we will keep the weapons. Please pass them over here.”

“Okay.”

Although Hyunwoo and Sion’s expressions were slightly crumpled, they all handed over their weapons without saying a word.

Our group followed Bernhard into the castle.

“The castle is really big~? There’s a castle wall outside, so was there a need to build an inner castle this big?”

“The Baek family is famous for being ruthless. I’ve heard rumors that if the children of the family don’t go to the battlefield and return with merit before they turn 15, they’ll be cut off. The squalid scenery inside the castle probably isn’t unrelated to that.”

“When I was attending the military academy, I was in the same department as the second daughter of the Count…. She was basically a bit venomous and murderous. She wasn’t the type of person who couldn’t understand what was being said, but… Honestly, she wasn’t the type of person I wanted to be friends with.”

While following each other, gossiping about this and that.

Bernhard led the group into the reception room and had his servants bring out refreshments.

“Please wait here for a moment. I will let His Majesty know that you are here.”

“Yes, please.”

— Crunch….

After Bernhard left.

In the quiet that had come naturally, Julia opened her mouth quietly.

“Sir Huebel.”

“…….Yes. Go ahead.”

“Your expression didn’t seem very bright when I was talking to Aide Bernhard just now… Is there a reason for that?”

“No, it’s nothing special….”

After a slight cough, Huebel continued.

“It was not just anyone, but the guardian of the church that the Pope himself had personally sent a letter to, and the fact that only an aide came out to greet him… I thought it was a bit against the rules.”

“Your Majesty is ill, so there is nothing we can do, right?”

“The Count of Hailoi has three grown sons and two daughters. Of course, his wife is still alive. If he is unable to take public office, it would be his duty as a lord to appoint a proper representative.”

Although it’s a very old-fashioned way of speaking, the argument itself is correct.

but….

If my memory serves me right, his son, daughters and wife should be…..

— Squeak….

Around that time.

Bernhard, who had been absent, returned and bowed his head.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

“No, not at all…. So, did His Majesty the Prince have something to say?”

“Yes. He asked me to convey his gratitude to the Purification Knights for coming all the way here. And… Krimhilt.”

“Yes….?”

“I fully understand that you must be tired from the aftereffects, but… If possible, could you please treat Your Majesty immediately? Your Majesty’s condition has already reached a critical stage, and if you delay any longer, you may miss your chance.”

“Oh, yes. The cream is fine.”

Krimhilt rose from her seat in a hurry.

Huebel and the warrior party members who were trying to get up from their seats after her–

“Oh, you guys can just rest.”

Bernhard stopped him with one word.

“What does it mean?”

“As you heard, I mean, I will invite only Lady Krimhilt to Your Majesty’s room.”

“Ah, no… why…..”

“This is a measure for your safety. Thank you for your understanding.”

“Safety? Are you doubting us now?”

A confrontation between Bernhard, who maintains a calm attitude, and Huebel, who is making noises with an expression that looks like he might explode at any moment.

Bernhard, who had been silent for a moment, then sighed and continued speaking.

“Of course, I do not doubt that you are a prestigious member of the religious order. However, His Excellency the Count is the shield of the North, and he carries the lives of hundreds of thousands of his people on his shoulders.”

“……….”

“As Your Excellency’s aide, I cannot help but prepare for the slightest chance of an unexpected event occurring. Please understand.”

“Huh…! This is ridiculous. As the leader of the Purification Knights, I cannot help but prepare for any unexpected situations that may arise. I am sorry, but I will not accept that you, the Guardian Knight, will meet the Count alone!!”

“Is that so? If so….”

— Crunch….

The soldiers lined up behind Bernhard aimed the weapons they were each holding.

“I guess I have no choice but to force you out and invite Krimhilt inside.”

“That….ugh…..!!”

“These kids….!!”

A tense situation where bloodshed could break out at any moment if someone moves their fingertips wrongly.

In the midst of the tense atmosphere, one person slowly raised his hand and stepped forward.

“Excuse me. Then I will go alone.”

“….Excuse me, what is your name?”

“Oh. The introduction is a bit late. I am a wanderer traveling this world to save humanity under the protection of the goddess… Choi Hyun-woo.”

“……….”

“Even if I am a changeable Count, I am sure you will allow me to accompany you. Of course, the Purification Knights will be able to feel reassured if I say that I will protect Cream by her side. Wouldn’t this be a point of agreement that both parties can accept?”

Ugh…

That little bastard, you want to come out and open your mouth right now….

“I see. Are you the warrior… Choi Hyun-woo?”

A deep, bitter smile spread across Bernhard’s lips as he looked at Hyunwoo.

“I’m sorry, but I cannot accept your offer.”

“What…? No, why?”

“I’ve heard a lot of rumors about you. Warrior Choi Hyun-woo. They say you’re greedy for money, weak to women, and have a habit of swearing when you’re excited. The nickname they use in the Adventurer’s Guild is “The Scoundrel Summoned from Another World.””

“What the…. Shit…..!!”

“I heard that you recently failed a B-rank mission, and that you even ran away from a raid party, abandoning your comrades. I guess that means you don’t hesitate to throw away your faith or honor for your own safety. I can’t believe that there’s zero chance that you would take on someone’s mission and harm His Majesty the Count.”

“I, I am…. a warrior!! I am a warrior who was chosen by the holy sword and was asked by the goddess to save this world! Why on earth would I do something like that!!”

“Saving the world…. That’s not a story that I really believe in.”

“What…?”

“I have been working on the front lines of this North for over ten years, risking my life fighting against the monsters. But I have not even seen a shadow of you. Now that the tip of the Demon King’s sword has reached the throat of humanity, where on earth are you and what are you doing? A disciple of the Goddess? The chosen one of the Holy Sword? Honestly, it’s not even funny. ”

“This… little bastard!!!”

It would be impossible to suppress one’s temper any further.

Hyunwoo swore and snatched the sword from the hand of the guard standing next to him.

— Crunch…!!

— Sreung……!!

Bernhard and the soldiers aim their weapons with a murderous spirit.

“Sir…!! Stop it!”

“Warrior, this is it…..”

◦ Shut up, and that’s a dog and treats it very much?

“………”

“From what I’ve heard from you since a while ago, it seems like you brought us here with the intention of picking a fight so openly!! You’re clearly trying to pull some trick by saying you’re only going to take Cream!!”

“Brother Warrior…!! Cream is okay, so… please, stop…!”

“Fuck, that bastard, that bastard who’s like a changeling, wasn’t that whole sick thing a joke from the start? That disgusting old bastard who dragged the cream into the area and tried to do something about it, with dirty intentions…..”

“–That’s not it.”

Hyunwoo’s voice, who was screaming and shouting out words that were not true, as if he couldn’t control his anger–

A heavy, single-line voice blocked the way.

— Thump, thump… jieeeek…. beetle, beetle….

“Your Majesty the King!!”

“Your Majesty….!! Your doctor said you should rest….!!”

“They’re making such a fuss downstairs…. Phew. How…. Can I get some peace?”

What appeared at the top of the stairs was a middle-aged man covered in bandages.

Stark von Albert Heilroy, Count of Heilroy.

His sturdy physique and deep voice truly fit his nickname, “The Iron Margrave”…

It would be difficult to find his reputation as the best warrior in the kingdom in his complexion and gait.

“Ugh…..”

Dark skin peeking through the gaps in the bandage and an unstable appearance that looks like it could collapse at any moment.

Hyunwoo belatedly realized that he had made an irresponsible remark, and took a couple of steps back with his mouth shut.

“I apologize for causing unnecessary misunderstandings. If it becomes known that I am in this state and that I cannot even move on my own… It is obvious what the Demon King’s army will do.”

“That’s right… Yes. That’s right.”

“According to the stories I’ve heard, it takes more than five hours to cure the Ghoul Plague.”

“……….”

Krimhilt nodded timidly, and the Count coughed a few times before barely continuing to speak.

“While receiving that treatment, I will be completely exposed and helpless. In that situation, I do not want to bring rude people like you into my hospital room. I am sorry, but please stay here and reflect.”

“Ha, but… Your Majesty the King!! We…..”

“I swear on the honor of Stark von Albert Heilroy, Count of Heilroy, that nothing unpleasant will ever happen to Lady Krimhild.”

Since Hyunwoo caused such a mess and the Count himself swore like that, Huebel probably had nothing to say.

Huebel nodded, his teeth chattering, and the count walked up the stairs with a heavy gait.

“Ms. Krimhilt, I will guide you to the sickroom. Please come this way.”

“Hey, Brave Brother…. Don’t worry too much…. Cream, I’ll be back soon…..”

After offering words of comfort to Hyunwoo, who was grumbling with a rotten expression.

Krimhild followed Bernhard out of the drawing room.

— Swish….

I quietly summoned my shadow spider servant and instructed it to follow her.