Destiny begins at a drinking party (1)
Unlike the Catalans, who were still stuck in the past, the situation in the empire changed day by day.
This is because the case of the Immortal Knights’ manipulation of the imperial family’s shield – the so-called ‘Village Gate’ became known to the world and caused a great stir.
The worst duke who made fun of the imperial family and the empire.
As a result, the reputation of the Immortal Knights, which was like the sky, plummeted. Reliability and approval ratings were at an all-time low, and some argued that the Immortal Knights should be disbanded. It was the worst crisis since its founding.
In addition, Silok Gate caused a new wind in the conflict between the affiliates.
With this incident, the cracks began to crack in the discrimination of affiliates that had been tolerated like a glass ceiling. The lesser magicians who had been silent for a while began to raise their voices.
It was the beginning of confronting the one-sided tyranny of the attacking line.
The anger that must have been built up a long time ago was directed towards the Immortal Knights, who could be said to be the culprits behind this incident. Thousands of people gathered in front of the headquarters to protest.
Their indignant voices penetrated the thick walls and leaked inside.
-Disband the Immortal Knights!!
– Dismantle!! Dismantle!!
-Explain the annals gate immediately!!
-Explain!! explain!!
A meeting room echoing with the noise of protests.
Karios stared blankly out the window. The full view of the protest was reflected in his empty pupils.
“·······”
The prestige of the Immortal Knights lost in just a few days.
It bought the wrath of the people, but it shocked the entire continent, but the most confusing thing right now was Karios.
As if I was dreaming, the scene unfolding in front of me felt unreal.
A soft sigh escaped Karios’ mouth.
“under······”
I couldn’t believe it. It still seemed like a lie.
My father, who was always honest, did such an ugly thing. Killing Sir Bernos and putting a stigma on the Imperial Guard.
To be pointed at as a traitor to the empire from a hero of the era.
It was sad, angry, sad, and resentful.
All sorts of emotions mixed together, giving me a headache. He hated his father who couldn’t make any excuses even after making the situation to this point, committing evil deeds that would go down in history, even killing his best friend’s father.
If he was alive, then I…
Kiki profit ·······
Then, the door to the meeting room that was carefully opened.
After that, the temporary knight commander, Kelos, and the officers came in. They were those responsible for attending the Ministry of Magic trial.
Karios looked away and sat down at the conference table. I asked Kelos, who was seated after me.
“How did it go?”
“Fortunately, the breakup was avoided. However, Rectacio and the Templars involved in the case were all sentenced to life imprisonment.”
Kelos wrinkled his lips.
“sorry······”
“It happened. It’s not your fault.”
Karios nodded calmly.
He didn’t even want mercy in the first place. Such unscrupulous things deserved to be torn limb from limb.
Furthermore, Rectacio insulted Sir Bernos and was directly involved in the assassination.
“Let’s go ahead with the meeting.”
“All right.”
fluffy-
Papers placed in the middle of the desk floated into the air and were distributed to each seat. Carios looked at it carefully. It was data about the magi concentration in the north.
Kelos briefed.
“This is the magi concentration measured by the northern team. Compared to last year, it has risen ten times, and compared to three months ago, it is more than doubled. It seems to be a portent of demonic men.”
The demonic southwesterly that has been around every 50 years or so.
Considering that the last trip to the south was 20 years ago, it was relatively early. However, looking at the Magi measurement, it was a clear sign.
Karios put down the data.
“Become a demon… It’s earlier than planned.”
“That’s right. It seems to be an unusual male descendant.”
“What about the imperial report?”
“I officially submitted a report to the imperial family yesterday. But…”
Kelos’ face darkened. He licked his lips for a moment, then spoke in a low voice.
“It has been dismissed.”
“what?”
Karios’ gaze turned to Kelos.
“Rejection? What is it?”
“It is… it is 30 years ahead of schedule, and there is no basis to say anything other than Magi Nongdo. Crucially, I think it is because our reliability has completely hit rock bottom.”
“Even though I attached the data?”
“Yes. That’s right.”
Kelos lowered his head as if he had no face.
Well, since the annals gate exploded a few days ago, it was reasonable for the imperial family to dismiss it. Furthermore, the fact that the cycle had been moved forward by 30 years was a claim that even Karios could not believe.
However, this was not a matter of believing or not believing. If we don’t prepare for the fall of Mansu right away, millions of northerners will be in danger.
said Carios, looking around at the executives.
“Even so, we must stop the Demonic Beast from descending south. Without the support of the imperial family, he had to protect the northern people even with all his might. That is the reason for the existence of our Knights.”
“·······”
But no answer came back. The executives were staring at the floor with pitiful faces.
Silence hung over the meeting room for a moment.
Shortly thereafter, Bison, the temporary vice-captain, opened his mouth.
“I’m sorry, but Karios-sama. It’s not something we can handle on our own.”
“you’re right. It is impossible to stop tens of thousands of demons with only 80 knights.”
Kelos assisted. Of course, it was a fact that Karios also knew.
Even if they were the best knights in the empire, more than a hundred per day was a bunch. The saying ‘there is no business in front of Daguri’ was not for nothing.
said Carios.
“Can’t we ask for cooperation from other knights? If you were originally a demon, would you actively cooperate?”
“That is… there are some problems. First of all, we are not affiliated with the Templar Association.”
The ideology of the Immortal Knights is fidelity.
Under the belief that wolves could not mix with dogs, they performed all tasks independently. They only acted on the orders of the emperor, and rejected requests for cooperation from other knights like a knife. no i ignored
But now, come and ask for cooperation.
“The request for cooperation does not match our beliefs, and it is unlikely that other knights will accept it. As I said before, our credibility has fallen to the bottom, so…”
Ignore it when it goes well, but now come and ask for help.
There was nothing as unsightly as that. It was as if the pride of the Immortal Knights, which had been maintained for so long, had completely collapsed.
“·······”
Karios quietly closed his eyes. I seriously thought about this situation.
The voice you hear at that moment.
“Also, it is no different from an opportunity for us who are fighting.”
It was the voice of Delta, a low-level executive. Karios’ eyelids slowly rose. I stared at him with cold eyes.
“Currently, the reputation of the Immortal Knights has been completely tarnished. Not to mention reputation, public opinion is busy criticizing us. At times like this, we need to clearly imprint our need.”
“·······”
Carios didn’t answer. I just watched Delta carefully.
“This demonic fall. We will never get over it without our cooperation. All knights of the Empire will not be able to stop it even with a pincer attack. Then they will naturally need us, and then we just need to appear like a hero.”
······I was speechless.
“If that happens, it will imprint the necessity of the Immortal Knights on all peoples, and it will quickly restore its former reputation.”
The more I listened, the more angry I became. That reprehensible logic, the extremely prudent aspect, disgusted me. Gradually, his anger grew and his vision blurred.
“Public opinion that condemned us will soon praise us. so-“
“what?”
In the end, Karios, who couldn’t stand it, cut off Delta’s words. His eyebrows twitched with deep anger.
“Tell me again.”
A grimly crumpled face.
The sky darkened as if it would rain at any moment, and the chilly air current hovered in the meeting room.
Before long, a ray of flashing light flashed outside the window.
————!!
Delta, who belatedly grasped the situation, hurriedly lowered his head.
“sorry.”
But it was already too late to recover.
Karios’s eyes flashed blue, followed by sky-shattering thunder hitting his eardrums.
Kwagagagagang─────!!
The shoulders of all executives, including Delta, shook. I naturally corrected my posture.
A harsh life that touches the skin. A feeling of fear that grips the heart.
Karios said, looking directly at Delta.
“listen carefully. What is more necessary at times like this is a sincere apology and atonement for the victim. Public opinion is never important.”
“Yes, yes……”
Delta, whose complexion turned pale, answered with a trembling voice. The other executives nodded as if in agreement.
“I-I think so too.”
“It is a wise statement.”
“Our thoughts were short.”
In the dark conference room, Karios’ pupils were the only light, and his eerie gaze slowly scanned the executives.
At the same time, his solemn voice echoed through the conference room.
“We will somehow prevent the demonic descent. When we receive cooperation, we do our best as we receive, and when we lack, we do our best. That is the only way we can be forgiven.”
As a result of thinking about it for a while, the reason why the Immortal Knights were reluctant to ask for cooperation was because of their pride.
But because of that pride, he couldn’t put the northerners in danger. One life was more precious to Karios than such vanity.
Even though he’s an ugly father, he was taught that way.
“For cooperation, I will personally visit the Knights and ask for them. Don’t get involved in that at all.”
“However-“
Kelos hurriedly tried to stop Karios.
However, Karios stopped him with her gaze.
“······sorry.”
“Temporary Knight Commander. I heard that they haven’t posted an official explanation or apology yet. Is it true?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Write a handwritten apology letter to send to the Imperial Guard within today. Admit your mistakes without any excuses and express your regret for the death of the deceased.”
“All right.”
Kelos resolutely agreed.
Only then did Karios’ pupils return to normal. The dark clouds that had covered the sky had completely cleared, and a halo of light fell through the window again.
“We will end the meeting here.”
After saying that, Karios left the conference room. With many worries in mind, he headed to his study.
jerk- jerk-
The biggest victim of this incident is not the Immortal Knights, the Imperial Guard, or himself.
It was Leonard whose real father was killed by Terios.
The shock would be indescribable.
I couldn’t even guess how he was feeling right now… Maybe the whole world is lost.
I went to him to give him a sincere apology and somehow comfort him, but Leonard had already left the empire.
It’s been a few days since then, but it’s still dark news.
Rumor has it that the rats and birds have disappeared without even noticing…
He said he left the world in shock…
It wasn’t just that I was worried.
“Ehh…”
Carios let out a deep sigh.
I just hoped that he would come back soon.
＊＊＊
same time.
Hennes with a storm raging for the next 30 minutes.
In other words, Mikhail, who doubted my identity, was beaten for 30 minutes.
Literally, it was beaten to dust on a rainy day.
Tuk-tuk-
Under the eaves where the accumulated rainwater dripped.
Mikhail, who had become a blind man, knelt softly.
“I’m sorry, Karios-sama… I was short-tempered… Please forgive me.”
I watched it silently. Rather, it was me who should be forgiven.
It’s not that I didn’t know that I was going to hit Mikhail.
More than the relief that his identity was not revealed, he felt sorry for Mikhail.
If I had known it would be like this, I would have just been found out.
“·······”
Silence lengthened by compassion.
Spanner, mistaking the silence for anger, picked up a stone from the ground.
“how? More chill, Mr. Karios?”
“It is done.”
I raised a hand to stop him. After straightening the robe that had been scattered by the gust of wind, he raised his head.
The blue sky with the dark clouds gone. jewel-like sunshine. A rainbow drawn in the sky and birds chirping in the mountains.
Soon the weather cleared up. It was really time to go back.
“I’ll just let it go down.”
I got up from normal
Then, the members of the Self-Defense Forces and the elders rushed towards me.
“Are you leaving already?”
“There is a special performance prepared for Karios-sama this evening, just watch it and go.”
“There is also an annual event next week.”
“The first snow will fall in three weeks, so you can see it too. It is a very spectacular view.”
Tonight, next week, in 3 weeks.
Everything came out except to live here.
It was truly a grand feast. It feels like a new thing, but people here really like Karios.
To say goodbye to them, to thank them for their kindness, I smiled for the first time.
This time, it wasn’t imitating Karios, it was my true self.
“I will come and enjoy it next time.”
“Karios-sama…”
The elder gave a moved look. So did the other crew members.
“Are you sure you keep that promise?”
“You should come next time.”
“You are welcome anytime.”
“Don’t let that happen.”
I shook hands with them one by one.
The rough and thick hands were very unpleasant, but it wasn’t bad because I could feel the affection between the men.
······
boo woo woo
A sedan that goes smoothly.
After a while, the place I headed to was none other than Yerina’s mansion. Since he had obtained all the necessary medicines, he planned to make potions right away.
I turned on the crystal ball installed in the back seat. I texted Yerina.
[I have something to say for a moment. Can I go to the mansion? ]
The reply arrived in less than a minute.
[ Yerina: Yes, I like it! How long does it take?? ]
[I think it will take about 3 hours. ]
[ Yerina: Huh?? It’s taking quite a while… I get it. Come be careful!! ]
You can feel the shit and youthfulness even in the text. He had a really consistent personality. I turned off the crystal ball and stared out the window.
boo woo woo
Landscapes passing by quickly.
Past the lush grass, shabby houses were sparsely visible. Soon after, tall and sophisticated buildings appeared. We had finally reached the city.
The sedan, which entered Wenbu Village, stopped in front of a familiar mansion.
“We have arrived, Master.”
“Good work.”
I got out of the sedan. I stared at the fairy tale-like scene unfolding in front of my eyes.
“·······”
A luxurious house painted in pink, like a Barbie doll would live in.
A cutely decorated yard and a white fence surrounding it.
A blue-haired woman sitting at a table next to a swing.
“uh? come.”
Yerina found me and came running.
He came to the side as if he would be hugged right away, and glanced up and looked at him.
“it’s okay······?”
“What do you mean?”
I asked calmly. Yerina, who was looking at my face, smiled brightly.
“No~ I’ve been driving for 3 hours, but aren’t you tired?”
“it’s okay. I wasn’t driving anyway.”
“okay? good luck then Come in quickly.”
Yerina opened the gate wide. Following her guidance, I entered the yard and sat at the table I had just seen.
There were Ministry agents nearby, but they didn’t come close.
Is it because of how much trust has been built up in me?
It seems to be looking at me for that.
“·······”
I watched the agents carefully. Then the agents completely fled. Suddenly, he entered the mansion.
It was suspicious at this point, but it wasn’t a bad situation for now.
I shifted my gaze.
When I turned my head to the other side of the table, I saw Yerina wearing a chin rest. Toxically bright eyes. she asked in a sonorous voice.
“why? I have something to say.”
“I got all the medicine.”
“Yes? Already??”
Yerina’s eyes, which were already large, became even bigger. Her lips pressed against the chinrest purred like a goldfish.
“Awesome~ You got it really fast, right? They were medicines that were not available on the black market. How did you do it?”
“I met some benefactors.”
answered briefly.
And then he immediately went on to say the following.
“By the way, I want to make a potion as soon as possible.”
“A potion…?”
Yerina asked in a meaningful tone.
As if he had been waiting for this moment, but as if he was a little embarrassed, his cheeks turned red. At the same time, Betsy raised the corner of her mouth.
“That’s good.”
It’s definitely not a request to react like that.
I have to seriously think about how to avoid the Ministry of Magic’s surveillance.
Is there any good way?
I asked nonchalantly.
“Do you have any plans in mind in advance?”
At that moment, the corners of Yerina’s eyes drew an arc.
Hehe- He snorted lightly, then murmured quietly, averting his gaze.
“Well… you can use the same method as last time.”
＊＊＊
A-2902 Lab in the Magic Tower.
Even though it was an annual vacation until today, Narsha went to work at the Magic Tower. And immediately regretted it. It was because of the music box that had stuck to his private lab like leeches.
“Ah~ I heard that all the other teams are having a dinner~ Even the 5 teams that ruined the project are having a dinner~”
A desk with research assignments on it.
The music box lay flat on top of it. He interfered with Narsha with his whole body. I don’t know how many minutes this has been.
“Even though we put out the first place result, there is no word saying let’s have a dinner~ Isn’t this usually led by the team leader?”
Just because you want to have a dinner, you’re occupying the desk without permission.
It’s a shame because Narsha is a healing mage.
Because I hated being disturbed more than anyone else.
“Wine is good~ Whiskey is good~ At least canned beer is welcome~ What do you think, Narsha?”
The music box stared openly at Narsha. I wanted to have a party, so I sent my eyes that would kill me.
Narsha shook her head.
“Yes, do as you please.”
“really? Is it real?”
As if a spring had bounced off, the music box jumped up. They clenched their fists and cheered.
“Ahhhh~! It’s a party!!”
“Okay, so get out now.”
“OK. Then, are you looking forward to it, Team Leader?”
Are you looking forward to it? what to me
Narsha looked at the music box with bewildered eyes. The music box winked.
“Make a reservation at a hot spot. Ideally, a place with a good atmosphere.”
“What? Now to me-”
Before Narsha could finish her words, the music box quickly ran out of the lab. Only the cold wind lingered in her empty seat.
Narsha grabbed her bangs.
“Ugh it’s frustrating.”
To be honest, I’ve never been to a party. He didn’t attend the usual after-party or party, and he refused every invitation from Catherine, the owner of the mage tower.
Of course, I didn’t even know what the atmosphere was like at the dinner party or where it was held.
But to see me asking for a party?
This is what farts are.
“·······”
After thinking for a while, Narsha first turned on the crystal ball.
I need to know the number of attendees so I can make a restaurant reservation or not.
Meriel, Kelly, Lalina, Chafien, Julia…
The music box will attend anyway, so I’ll leave it out.
When I was texting each team member, I suddenly remembered one person.
He’s not a healer, but a defense mage who helped a lot with this project.
A man who took good care of himself in Catalonia and helped me with bee-weeding with sincerity.
Leonard Adonis.
There was something I was indebted to, and I thought it would be okay to share it with this dinner party.
Well… I don’t know if I’ll participate or not.
Narsha sent a text message to Leonard.
[ hey. Are you busy today? I was thinking of having a simple dinner party . ]