34 – Chapter 34. Sharing a Bed with the Enemy? (2)
“We are the Hongyeomryong Knights. Reveal your identity and explain where you are coming from.”
The atmosphere was no joke, despite the ridiculous name of the knight order.
A restrained mana energy flowed out from under their flashy gochujang armor.
Their strength was on a different level from the Iron Crab Knights.
The commander of this powerful maiden knight order (presumably) was Yugyeom.
Since they created a samurai named Irene, it’s highly likely that she is a samurai too.
Could it be that they’ve been tracking me for revenge?
Two weeks is enough time for rumors to spread.
Since Mukado is here, let’s resolve this peacefully for now.
“I’m just a passing adventurer. I’m on my way from Goldon.”
Orpheus extended the Adventurer’s Guild card along with his statement.
“Goldon? What took you there?”
He also showed the letter of guarantee he received from the Lord of Goldon.
It was written in fancy script, with a signature on the parchment, like a pedigree certificate for a dog.
It could be considered proof of being a righteous adventurer.
“Here’s the proof.”
“Stay right there.”
One of them approached and started reading my letter of guarantee.
“What’s going on in this village?”
The knight who had let down his guard took his hand off the hilt of his sword.
Of course, I must have my identification card.
“We are currently escorting the client to the city. Since it is impossible to walk all the way there, we plan to wait in Evergreen Village until the carriage arrives.”
Orphe spoke fluently on my behalf.
It feels like we’ve reached a point where we can communicate with just our eyes.
“I see. There is something you should know. Have you encountered the Wild Tribe on your way here?”
What on earth is the Wild Tribe?
Did I encounter someone with that name among the monsters I killed on my way here?
“I haven’t. Doesn’t the Wild Tribe live deep in the mountains?”
Orphe seems to know something. I should ask about this too.
Just like Matryoshka, there are things I keep discovering as I peel back the layers. A cruel world for Orphan 567.
This is why compulsory education exists.
“That’s right. They tried to attack Evergreen Village a few days ago after coming down from the mountains. The Black Blades and we are protecting it, but it’s always good to be cautious.”
“I understand.”
Strange. Samurai don’t usually care about the safety of the people.
Unless they are diligent salesmen like Bonita, they wouldn’t bother explaining things so kindly.
And they are protecting the village. Samurai?
Their eyes are too serious for it to be a lie.
“…Why is that man wearing a mask? Show your face.”
The previously calm Tribore was caught red-handed.
[…pause…]
Tribore moved his hands around as if searching for a suitable excuse.
“You look even more suspicious when you do that.”
Just as he was about to bring up the topic of group assault again, Orpheus stepped forward.
“This person has a condition where their skin becomes as hard and cracked as stone. It’s a syndrome that was prevalent in Dattyman. They wear a mask because many people feel extreme disgust when they see their face. Mr. Tribore, please take off your gloves.”
[Understood.]
Tribore hesitated for a moment, then removed his left glove.
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“Hmm…”
Although there were cracks due to age, the exterior of his hand was made up of prosthetic material that almost didn’t feel mechanical.
Looking at it like this, his hand resembled that of a black person with cracked skin.
“It’s alright to check his face. But it doesn’t seem like that’s an option for both sides.”
Orpheus spoke more forcefully.
If these guys were samurai, they would have attacked her with cries of dishonor.
“…Alright. I’ll go.”
To endure this.
Is he really not a samurai? It’s confusing.
It’s too early to be relieved since there’s a possibility he’ll come back later and cause trouble like Irene.
“Good work with your duties.”
He gave a casual greeting and quickly left. I should investigate slowly.
We arrived at Sangrokso Village and checked in at the inn.
Treebo, Orphe, Diana, and I decided to share the same room.
Muka left, saying that instead of greeting the villagers, she would sing for them.
She also said she would find a different inn.
Honestly, I’m relieved.
Living in the same inn as Muka is like listening to the “Screams of Hell” every morning.
Hell is just a word. Its reality is even more terrifying.
Can Sangrokso Village withstand Muka’s ultrasonic attacks, the destructive weapon known as the “Death Siren”?
– Tsk tsk tsk.
Let’s forget about it for now. We’re all having a meal together.
[The sun is shining so brightly. It’s nice.]
Treebo, who was born unable to eat, turned towards the window.
Orphe, who is usually quiet, silently ate his food, and Diana, perhaps because of earlier events, glanced at me with suspicion.
“Orphe, what are the Beastfolk?”
Since Saten, the atmosphere-maker, isn’t here, I have to lead the conversation.
Speaking of Saten, I wonder how Martolan is doing?
I hope Bonita, Jina, and Jina’s father are doing well.
I hope everything is going smoothly for them.
“The Beastfolk is a term used to refer to tribes that live in the mountains. Some of their characteristics include exceptional physical abilities, facial tattoos as part of their coming-of-age ritual, and a tendency towards violence.”
Are they naturalists or barbarians?
They wouldn’t eat things like “Fish Head Curry” or “Gazelle Liver,” would they?
If they do, they must be monsters.
[I want to add some explanation. The term “Yainjok” refers to a tribe that worships spirits. It is said that they made a contract with mountain spirits and gained the right to live in harmony with nature. The tattoos are a symbol of that.]
“The history books of the Irugal Kingdom don’t mention this. Are they controlling the information…?”
Anyway, if they’re trying to attack the village, they need to be dealt with.
“Orphe, tell me everything you know about the Yugeomgyeong.”
Last time, I only heard that it was one of the Seven Swords and Irene’s master.
Now that I might have to face him, I need detailed information.
“I don’t remember much about the Yugeomgyeong. But I’ll tell you what I remember. He’s currently the youngest and most active of the Seven Swords.”
“…”
“He’s gained quite a reputation among the people as being just. But I’ve heard that he doesn’t get along well with the members of the Geomseonghoe, the organization of swordsmen. There are rumors that he’s subtly ostracized…”
Why is this explanation so long?
“The Hongyeomryong Knights, led by her, operate as a small elite group and are known for choosing only the strong regardless of status. They may consider gender, being a female-only group.”
“…”
“I’m not sure if it’s true, but they say she wields a sword that collects the souls of those she kills. There are often exaggerations like this. She also possesses an elemental horse. But I’ve never seen it myself, so the information is uncertain.”
If she doesn’t remember in detail, how can she talk so much?
I can’t understand.
“Did you hear about Tribo?”
[Saved.]
First, I entered it into the wiki.
“I think it’s best to avoid conflict. The Seven Swordsmen are different from anyone else. It’s not even confirmed that the Black Swordsmen are your enemies. First, let’s escape-“
“If the Black Swordsmen are definitely samurai, I will fight.”
I can strategically retreat like during the Yakuzama tent, but I can’t completely run away.
A coward who runs away in fear of strong enemies is not a true ninja.
If I leave under the excuse of strengthening myself, Yasayo will kill the people like catching mice.
I can’t bear to see that.
“If it can’t be changed, then I understand.”
“…If that’s your will.”
Orpheus obediently steps back.
She must have given her opinion considering me in her own way.
I put some meat on her plate.
“Eat. You’ve been doing well so far.”
I still don’t understand why she has come this far, considering me as her master.
Why did she follow me for such a simple and pure reason, wanting to become stronger?
An introverted and meticulous child like Orpheus?
There must be a reason that I don’t know.
“Are you apologizing? I’m fine.”
“Let’s eat quietly.”
But I won’t ask.
It is true that Orpheus struggled to protect the people.
Would he really stab me with a spear at a decisive moment?
“…It must taste good.”
Diana, who had been watching, tasted it beside me.
Come to think of it, I decided to take care of Diana “a little.”
“Hu… Diana, my student? Just this once.”
And so, I passed the meat again.
“Nin?”
Damn it, if it’s like this, I won’t have anything to eat.
“I’m really fine, so eat. Here.”
“Orpheus, don’t make me a bad person.”
It’s not cool to give and take away, so I decided to endure.
That’s when the atmosphere suddenly softened.
– Marcha marcha marcha marcha marcha~! Marcha~! Marcha~! Marcha~! Marcha~! Marcha~!
“Ah, what is it?”
Muka’s voice, which had become 10 times louder than usual, reached the restaurant.
Did he really intend to play the song for the entire village?
“Let’s eat quickly and go to the inn.”
After the meal, I tried to figure out Diana’s doll, but it didn’t work.
I hope sparks won’t fly to us.
I’m planning to be active at night, so it’ll be troublesome if something annoying comes up.