73 – Episode 73
# 73
The world after the apocalypse is a lawless world.
With the disappearance of the society’s strongest rulers called the government, all that remains are useless bastards.
The world after the downfall of the Golden Empire was the same.
Those who were called kings still gave off the feeling of rulers, but beneath them were nothing more than shabby individuals who couldn’t rise above the level of a neighborhood gang leader.
From an individual’s perspective, it was a harsh era to live in. It was only natural for there to be a struggle between individuals without any authority.
But for those with strength and luck, it was a clear era of opportunity.
Since everyone was equally shabby, the one who grew first took the lead!
Of course, it’s easy to say, “Just grow!”
But it’s not easy to tame the arrogant ones and appease the strong ones while keeping an eye out for any changes.
Even gamers who are familiar with medieval simulation games would be frustrated by the reality of the worn-out medieval times.
Moreover, he was an ignorant commoner who had never received an education. He was prone to making mistakes at the slightest provocation.
“…Thank you.”
“It’s nothing special.”
Ian gave various practical advice to Viscount Damon.
It wasn’t anything extraordinary.
Find a count who is loyal, get along well with the neighboring viscounts, if you’re going to steal, go on an expedition to the south. Don’t prey on those heading towards Talien, and so on…
It was common sense and obvious advice, so there was nothing that could be a breakthrough for the Viscount.
However, the Viscount didn’t even have someone around him who could give him such common sense and obvious advice.
“If you become my exclusive magician…”
“Are you out of your mind? I almost said that. hahahaha.”
“…”
There was no reason for Ian to become the right-hand man of a bandit boss.
He had to at least be at the level of a count or higher to even consider making a scouting proposal. Unless he wanted to be hit by a crossbow, accepting the proposal was impossible.
“Well, it’s difficult.”
“If you need talent, start by building a temple.”
“A temple?”
“That way, won’t priests come to our territory?”
If they first built a temple and requested, “Send us some priests to our land~,” the priests would come without any complaints.
The problem was the shortage of temples, but priests could be churned out easily.
If they had priests attached to them, it would be much easier to govern the territory than it is now.
“Ah, but to build a temple, you need money…”
“I guess I’ll have to work hard.”
Ian smiled mischievously. It wasn’t my business anyway.
Ian gave several pieces of advice and persuaded Viscount Damon.
Since it was a matter of simply teasing him, Ian generously provided information.
To the extent that the Viscount would release Kira.
When Kira dressed up as a fierce fire mage, it had a lot to do with him losing interest in her.
“We’re almost at the end of the road.”
The Viscount’s influence was waning.
The Viscount showed a hint of regret, but he couldn’t hold onto Ian. Ian owed him too much.
“You’re right. I misunderstood your intentions.”
Viscount Damon willingly let go of Ian and his companions.
“I will make a contract with a good marquis and become a loyal servant. And as the territory stabilizes, I will go on an expedition to the south.”
“If you lack resources, go to the Talian territory. If you say you came with a recommendation from the mage Ian, they will treat you well.”
“…Thank you. Really.”
He had heard that the winds of war were swirling in the south. It was information that Lord Kaltz of River Ville had shared in the past.
If Viscount Damon led his army (=bandits) and participated in the war to gain merit, he might receive not only wealth but also additional territories.
If he had the ability, he would succeed.
That was the kind of era it was.
“I didn’t really understand the meaning of being kind to a mage before.”
“?”
“I can definitely tell just by looking at you.”
Lord Damon patted Ian’s shoulder.
“Why should I be kind to a magician?”
Magicians were considered high-class personnel. Especially for nobles.
But for a commoner-turned-thug, a valuable asset was none other than a magician.
Because magicians had the experience and knowledge gained from interacting with nobles.
“Just continue down the Ipari River. My friends are there, and they’ll treat you well if you mention that you’ve been introduced by Lord Damon.”
“Is that so.”
Ian and his companions bid farewell to the bandits with warm parting words.
No one died, and they shared information and connections with each other, so it could be considered a very successful encounter.
Ian recounted his conversation with the lord to Galadin.
Galadin’s expression became uncertain.
“The Ipari River? Not bad, but there are rumors that pirates appear there.”
“Ah. Those pirates must be the lord’s friends.”
“… Pirates?”
Pirates referred to thieves who operated on the water.
Bandits if they lived in the mountains, pirates if they lived at sea, and pirates if they lived by the river. That was how it went.
“Sure, we’ll get there quickly if we take a boat, but…”
Galadin’s expression clearly showed his concern.
As much as I want to sail on a boat, the idea of entering the lair of thieves is daunting.
However, the decision didn’t take long.
“Since walking is a hassle, shall we take a boat?”
“Is that okay? What if the thieves have ill intentions…”
Ian’s concerns didn’t resonate with Galadin.
Even the thieves have eyes, would they openly attack a group of knights and mages?
Count Daemon had many subordinates, and he had a wizard with him, so it was only natural for Ian and his party to be stopped.
Moreover, they didn’t even notice Ian’s presence and didn’t attack.
But thieves like them?
If they were of Count Daemon’s caliber, it might be intimidating, but if it was just a little daunting, they could easily go around. There was no need to take a boat.
Ian didn’t feel the need to persuade Galadin.
In this party where there was no one of high status like a lord, the majority ruled.
“Belenka. I want to meet the thieves. Just in case… are they scary?”
In response to Ian’s pitifully cute provocation, Belenka smirked.
“A gang of thieves can be quite scary.”
“Oh. What about the other knights?”
“…”
There were only two knights who followed Galadin as his guards.
They glanced at Belenka and boldly shouted.
“Fear not thieves, how can we call ourselves knights!”
“On the contrary, I’m looking forward to it! Just thinking about slitting their throats!”
Those bastards. All talk.
A knight is still a human. There’s no business with a dog in front of you.
If they had worn something fancy like the glorious [Full Plate Mail], then they could talk all they want, whether it’s Daguri or whoever.
But in this era, there was no Full Plate Mail. It was the era where Chain Mail and Scale Mail were the best.
Even knights die if enemies throw nets and stab them from afar.
But even if they die, they couldn’t say they didn’t want to fight.
A knight being a coward?
That would immediately lower their worth.
“Kira…”
“Seems like a hassle.”
The knights looked at Kira.
Kira spoke in a gruff voice.
“If we accidentally set the ship on fire, we have to swim, don’t we? I hate moving.”
“…”
You’re the champion, Kira.
Kira was the winner of the Greatest Braggart Competition.
As everyone boasted, the atmosphere naturally leaned towards heading to meet the enemies.
Galladin’s eloquence? Was there such a thing?
Ian and his group headed towards the Ifari River.
A Life-or-Death Battle with Bandits!
But nothing happened.
The bandits attacked Ian and his party as soon as they met.
“Oh my! Who do we have here, such precious guests!”
The bandits’ target was, of course, the merchants.
Their first target was the merchants, and then the heretics. They wanted to capture them and sell them as slaves…
A party with a mix of mages and knights. Ian’s party, who didn’t seem to have anything worth money, had no reason to be hostile towards them.
Well, they might have been greedy for equipment farming, but isn’t it common sense to consider the opponent before doing that?
“We’ve come with an introduction from Viscount Damon.”
“Viscount Damon? Oh my, he’s become a new viscount!”
They didn’t know that he was still self-proclaimed.
Ian immediately persuaded the bandit leader gently.
“Viscount Damon has talked a lot about you.”
“About me?”
“He said he’ll greatly value all of you because he thinks you’ll be of great help soon.”
“Oh!”
It wasn’t a lie.
When the viscount went on an expedition, it would be convenient to have the bandits’ help in various ways.
“We’re heading to Lord Dobosi.”
“Oops. That place is a bit…”
The mercenaries hesitated to go down to Lord Devochee’s estates.
“If we make a mistake, we’ll die.”
Galadin stood beside them, wearing a confident expression.
As befitting of an estate situated by the river, Lord Devochee possessed several boats.
If the mercenaries were caught red-handed, they would be immediately executed.
“It’s fine. Anyway, he won’t have time to pay attention to you.”
“What? Why?”
“Haven’t you heard the rumors? The lord was brought down by a curse or illness.”
Galadin’s expression turned gloomy.
Only then did the mercenaries burst into laughter.
“Then let’s go!”
“And this person is the lord’s vassal. Galadin. Say a word.”
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“…By the name of Lord Devochee, vouch for your identity.”
“So it is. Will you give us a ride, by any chance?”
Ian pointed at Kira and spoke.
“Just so you know, if you don’t give us a ride, we’ll give you a ride.”
“…What?”
Kira didn’t even blink an eye and casually shot a firecracker.
The mercenaries marveled at Kira’s magic and were eager to die for her.
“Wow! It’s Kira-nim’s fire magic!”
“It’s always so cool!”
The enemies swallowed their dry saliva.
It was much more beneficial to burn the ship than to be burned…
“Welcome aboard!”
“Thank you.”
The departure was prepared smoothly, like water flowing.
There was only one small problem.
There were too many people compared to the size of the ship.
Galladin quickly solved this problem.
“Hey. You guys. Come here.”
“Yes!”
The servants and slaves agreed (?) and walked over.
Since the Count was right in front of them, they were useless.
Galladin even had the servants leave, and had the enemies get off the ship.
The enemies who had their ship stolen cursed and complained, but what could they do even if they cursed? If someone higher up wants to pass, they should make way.
Thanks to that, Ian was able to comfortably ride the ship and go to the Count.
With a little bit of space, Ian called Kira over and sat her down.
The cabin was so cramped that they had to sit close to each other on the bed.
“…”
“Don’t be scared. Who’s going to eat you?”
From the moment Kira entered the room, she couldn’t calm herself down.
First, she needed to calm down in order to have a conversation.
“I’m not trying to scold you or anything, I just wanted to talk.”
Kira looked up at Ian with fearful eyes and spoke.
“Really…?”
“…”
Looking at her like this, it’s almost as if she has a split personality.
Kira the magician and Kira the ordinary girl.
Just to be sure, I asked.
“Are you still acting? Or…”
Upon hearing that, Kira responded in surprise.
“N-No, I’m not acting! How dare you think I would act in front of a magician…”
Ian nodded his head.
From the moment Kira got caught cosplaying as a magician, it seemed like she had completely lost the motivation to act in front of Ian.
If she had acted to survive, she should have put on some kind of show.
All Kira had done so far was silently avoid speaking near Ian.
She was already halfway to giving up.
“Anyway… Anyway… Sigh.”
“???”
“I, I… You’re going to kill me…! Or sell me as a slave…!”
Kira burst into tears, filled with sorrow. The anxiety she had been holding back finally erupted.
But Ian had no idea about such a fact.
No, he had never said anything about being a magician cosplayer before, not even once.
So Ian thought it was fine.
Ah, this friend. Despite appearances, he has a kind heart.