Breaking Falsehood – 4
We were all a bit surprised by Ardwin’s tough words.
At first, I was going to include Ardwin as a party member, but I was thinking about what words to include.
But why are you talking to me like this in the first place?
‘Before the regression, Caled said it was quite difficult to recruit Ardwin.’
[At that time, Mariana also disappeared, and the statue of Somel was not found, so there must have been no motive.]
Yes.
The only thing he said was ‘Let’s defeat the Demon King together so that a victim like you does not happen again.’ Was it about
Those words are beautiful in terms of the sentence itself, but it is a story that cannot reach the ears of a boy who has lost his mother and is discouraged.
Nevertheless, Ardwin said he accepted the offer.
also a good boy
Then Mariana said.
“son. In the past, not all of the Hero Party members became happy after defeating the Demon King. Just looking at the Archmage Iori-sama right now, you must have died in the last battle.”
“……”
“I may not be able to come back. Are you okay though?”
“It’s not okay. of course.”
“then……”
“But since I will be back, such assumptions are meaningless. Yes? My hyung.”
Why are you turning arrows at me?
Everyone’s eyes are on me
I made up my mind and answered.
“I have no intention of losing party members to just killing the Demon King. including you.”
“……!”
As I said to Ardwin, strangely, Neryl and Xenia smiled softly.
Ardwin looked at Mariana as if to behold.
“My necromancy will certainly help. Right now, I can summon the souls of past heroes and warriors.”
“Yeah, that would certainly help… What?”
“yes?”
“What did you just say? Can you summon the souls of past heroes and warriors?”
“Oh, I’ve never actually done it. Still, I must say that I got a bit of a feel for it while separating Lephia-sama’s soul this time.”
“……”
“It’s not that great. Just because I can find their souls in the underworld doesn’t mean they answer my call unconditionally.”
Even so, Mariana opened her mouth in amazement.
So do I.
‘It’s amazing. Was he such a genius?’
Even before the return, Ardwin was able to call up to some heroic levels.
But can you even call a warrior?
‘Did you level up while separating the Lephia soul? But with this level of talent, I think it would have been possible even before the return.’
I don’t know how many quests we went through at that time.
At that time, this incident would not have happened, but there was an opportunity to level up enough to make up for it.
However, before returning, Ardwin had never summoned the spirit of a warrior from the past.
I thought about it and found the answer myself.
Offense had never shown shadow magic before returning.
When I think about it, there were times when I was surprised to find out that Zenia’s swordsmanship and Neril’s magic skills were not known before the return.
Was it the same with Ardwin?
‘At that time, Cale didn’t win the hearts of all the party members.’
Then Xenia opened her mouth.
“Mr. Mariana. Your son is already that big.”
“……”
“I fully understand your concerns, but Maid guaranteed it. If that’s not enough, I’ll guarantee it. I will make sure to bring Ardwin back safely.”
“However.”
“Come on, Neryl-san, should I say something at this time too?”
Neryl crossed his arms and said sarcastically.
“I will try.”
“You don’t understand the atmosphere.”
“Did you do something?”
“Well, for Neryl-san, it’s like that. I am happy that I have grown a lot.”
“Certainly, I am still growing up.”
“Wow……”
Then Mariana quietly placed her hand on Ardwin’s shoulder.
Her hands were trembling, but it wasn’t because of anxiety.
“really. When did you grow up like this?”
“……”
“Yeah, go ahead. Now that I’m all grown up, I can’t take it with my mom’s skirt until when.”
“mother.”
“When you return after killing the Demon King, let’s have a commemorative party. Our ‘three’.”
Ardwin smiled broadly and nodded.
We left the Raynus estate.
Ardwin was looking out the window with excitement all the time, as if it was the first time he had left the estate.
“I think I’m tall because I’m in a wagon!”
“It’s an illusion.”
“…Neril noona is too cold.”
Neryl’s eyes turn round.
It was a face that he liked very much the specific word “noona”.
She said in a very generous tone.
“Ugh. You’re a basic kid. I will treat you more kindly in the future.”
“……?”
Then I heard Jenia’s voice.
For reference, she was praying with her hands closed.
“I’m sorry, but I’m praying. Please don’t focus on small talk.”
“Isn’t it a problem to talk to us while we’re praying?”
“I promised the Heavenly God that I was going to rest for a while.”
Be honest.
Are you just a paladin?
Is it even okay for a god to give such a rogue devotee such enormous divine power?
[There must be a situation there too.]
‘Don’t say that you will be punished.’
[Hey, I didn’t know you were so devout.]
‘It’s a body that made a lot of donations to the temple. Mercenaries are usually devout believers.’
Because there must be something to believe in on the battlefield of today and tomorrow.
Then Xenia said.
“found.”
“ok?”
“You answered my prayers.”
“Were you looking for something?”
“yes. If the next journey isn’t urgent, can I turn the reins for a moment? There is a temple not far from here.”
“It doesn’t really matter. What are you looking for?”
Xenia scratched her head with a slightly awkward smile.
“Lord Tibr.”
The Knights of Light do not have a bad relationship with Al-Khad, but there are also organizations that are friendly with each other.
A temple dedicated to the heavenly gods. And the priests who manage the temples and gather believers.
The paladin and the priest maintain a friendly relationship, almost as if they were real brothers and sisters.
Tibr was recuperating in a temple at the edge of Raynus’ estate.
When we asked for a visit, the priest in charge refused because he was still a patient with limited mobility…
lesser evil.
When Xenia showed the certificate of the deputy commander of the Light Paladins, it passed very easily.
After all, in the Empire, that’s the all-rounder.
after a while.
We could face Tibr in a quiet, small room.
Xenia said in a very refreshing tone.
“You look fine.”
“Ugh, it’s the sound of it now.”
Neryl will interpret for you.
“Is that what you are going to say now? Teeth are very precious.”
“It is cruel whoever did it. I hope to get teeth again soon. Sir Tibr.”
“You are the cruelest.”
Xenia ignored it and opened her mouth to Tibr.
“Do you know why I came?”
“……”
“I have already reported everything to the manager. I ordered that the Raynus estate case be transferred to me, and you tried to break it. Thanks to Mr. Maid here, it ended in an unsuccessful attempt.”
Then Tibr stared at me as if to kill me.
I waved my hand lightly with a bright smile.
That seems to have provoked quite a bit of anger.
“Wow. If it wasn’t for Nenoma!”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“If it wasn’t for you!”
what. You can pronounce it well.
After all, humans are animals of adaptation.
I shrugged and asked Xenia.
“therefore? Why did you come to this person?”
“I have a request for you personally.”
“Come to think of it, that’s what I said last time.”
“yes. Whoa.”
She put her arms on the table and said seriously.
“Sir Tibr. Remember Ophelia Mays?”
At her question, I and Neril’s bodies stiffened.
Ardwin, who does not know English, whispers.
“Who are you?”
“You don’t have to know little boy.”
“Sorry, I’m sorry. sister.”
“……! An old friend of Xenia and a companion of the Knights of Light. It is said that he disappeared during a certain mission in the past.”
Aren’t you being too biased?
‘By the way, Ophelia.’
I’m not even familiar with myself, but the influence that my name has on our party is heavy.
Neril and Xenia’s relationship has developed beyond comparison with before the return, but if that problem is not resolved, it will always remain like a thorn in the neck.
Then Tibr answered in a sullen tone.
“I know. Isn’t that your motive for joining the group?”
“He’s a friend I’ve known since then.”
“What is the reason for bringing up that story? I heard that he went missing while on duty. With the skill of the wicked witch there.”
He beckoned to Neryl.
Read at noblemtl.com
Judging from that figure, he doesn’t seem to know about Dame’s and Neril’s contract behind the scenes.Xenia shakes her head.
“Mr. Neril is not the kind of person who would do that.”
“……! I beg your pardon? Am I right now?”
“Don’t stop talking. Do you think that I forgot my own tragic image because I was treated well?”
“……”
“The reason that her disappearance was known as the work of Ms. Neryl was because the remnants of her mana remained there. Exactly because the report went up like that.”
Neryl’s expression deteriorated.
I couldn’t see Xenia because she had her back.
“Please find out who posted the survey.”
“under. At that time, I know that Ophelia’s mission is on the other side of the continent. Why do I have to go there and suffer? I am the one who awaits the next mission.”
“You have no next mission.”
“……I beg your pardon?”
“The leader has fired you from the Knights of Light.”
Quang.
Tivre got up from his seat.
“What a crazy… heh.”
But soon after, some place sat down again.
Xenia and Neryl. and me.
It is impossible for only one member to bear the burden of living under the pressure of three people.
“Sit.”
“Hey, he’s already seated.”
“Good job.”
Xenia told him the real thing again.
“In addition to the tragic image of me, I was even taken away by some evil spirit. And I showed it to all of Raynus Young Ji-min.”
“……”
“Is there any way to disqualify the Paladin of Light? You are lucky that it ended with your dismissal.”
“Ugh.”
Tibr trembled.
At that moment, Xenia opened her mouth in a subtle tone, as if throwing a bait.
“But it’s not like there’s no way to make up for it.”
Tibr’s eyes roll back.
Xenia shook her head as if she was right.
“If you do my request, I will suggest your return to the manager.”
“Deputy, deputy chief.”
“I say it with my own mouth, but the general manager hardly ever crushed my suggestion.”
Tibr thought for a moment, then opened his mouth carefully.
“The Light Paladins send wizards to each territory on the continent. But their identity is known only to the leader. As you well know.”
“okay. If the lords know that the wizards belonging to the Holy Knights are doing secret tricks in their land, they will try to find them. Information needs to be controlled for personal protection.”
“Then, isn’t it just a matter of asking the manager? I don’t know if it’s anyone else, but if it’s the deputy chief, it would be possible.”
At that question, Xenia remained silent.
The air seems to have gotten heavier.
After a while, Xenia said as if chewing and spitting.
“Because even the headmaster is not a perfect person.”
“……!”
“So, please keep this request a secret from the manager.”
Tibr seemed surprised, but not as much as I or Neryl.
In particular, the emotion I felt was close to astonishment.
‘Is that Zenia talking like that? Xenia, who believes in his father after the heavenly god?’
Certainly Neryl has changed, but Xenia has also changed incredibly.
[That was the first time I started to doubt my father.]
‘maybe.’
[If that’s enough, can I just tell you about the contract?]
‘Then the thing that Dame is holding, called Neril’s weakness, becomes dangerous.’
[You cannot take both at the same time.]
‘no. A warrior can get drunk Because that’s a warrior.’
I clenched my fists.
Someday I will untie this twisted knot.
Tibr said.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about… Anyway, I get it. You mean you just need to find out who the wizard belonging to the territory Ophelia is dispatched to is?”
“yes.”
“just. Be sure to tell the manager.”
“Do not worry. If you listen to my request, I will strongly suggest it.”
Tibr nodded.
Xenia got up from her seat and held out her hand.
“Please.”
After meeting with Tibr, back in the carriage.
Neryl was staring at Xenia in an unfathomable way.
At first, Xenia pretended not to know, but soon became impatient and became angry.
“What’s wrong. why. If you have something to say, do it.”
“ah. yes. Hmmm.”
“You’re not like Neril, are you? Such a rude attitude.”
“…why do you believe so much? I didn’t kidnap Ophelia.”
Xenia burst out laughing as if to say what she meant.
“It’s not because it’s not Mr. Neryl himself. Maid also guaranteed it.”
“Is that over?”
“I’ve seen and felt a lot while working with you. I don’t think Neril is a person who doesn’t deserve the nickname the Witch of Witch.”
“……!”
“I don’t have to tell you what’s going on. It’s not something I’m going to hear from Mr. Neryl, I’m going to have to figure it out.”
Neryl opened his mouth a few times and said.
“Hey, hey.”
“why.”
“I will allow it.”
“What?”
“You can call me my sister. Just like Ardwin calls you sister.”
I wondered if those words came from Neryl’s mouth.
Xenia looked at Neril for a moment.
Soon she opened her mouth.
“You are crazy at last.”
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