Volume 4 Chapter 74 I Can’t Do Politics…
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Ever since Kian had shared that excessively long kiss with Talia inside the cabin, he’d felt the cries of the seagulls were unusually persistent. Once he stepped outside, the reason became apparent at once.
Gaius, the elderly corpse-handler who had been leasing his cliffside shack to the Kian merchant guild¹, had been butchering venison since dawn.
The old man occasionally shivered in the biting morning wind of January, yet he continued to meticulously arrange blood-slicked viscera across a cloth.
”Good morning, Mr. Gaius,” Kian said.
”Ho! The God-hunting warrior has returned! Is this a harbinger of fortune or a dark omen? Behold, the Gorgon seeks to nourish the hundred serpents dwelling within its crown!” Gaius cried.
Rising from the venison strewn across the ground, Gaius spread his arms wide toward Kian, though as usual, his opening remarks were nearly indecipherable. Since this was his customary demeanor, Kian chose to interpret it as: “Good morning, Kian.”
”Animal entrail divination, I see,” Talia remarked.
Talia, following half a step behind Kian, peered at the gore-stained organs spread upon the cloth with genuine curiosity.
”It is an ancient form of augury. One administers an Elixir² to a beast and interprets the events of the morrow, or the strands of destiny itself, from the warped and altered state of the bones and viscera,” she explained.
As Talia provided her commentary, Gaius tottered over to stand before Kian. The old man ran blood-caked fingers through his white hair, which whipped about in the sea breeze, and cast a hesitant glance toward the beautiful woman with flaxen hair. Was he unexpectedly shy?
”A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Gaius. I am Talia, a Witch of the Kian merchant guild. I appreciate you looking after Kian-sama as you always do,” Talia said, adopting a refined watakushi register.
”Oho! Oho!” the old man exclaimed.
”I hope for your kind favor hereafter. By the way, Mr. Gaius—and forgive me if this seems a trifle forward—did you rest well last night?” Talia asked.
Kian instinctively exchanged a look with Talia. His eyes asked, Do you have any idea what he’s talking about? but Talia merely offered a faint shake of her head.
”…Old man, when you mention the Blade of Dust, do you mean the magic sword that was once enshrined in the Temple on Cyclops Island?” Kian asked.
”Indeed. In ages past, the Gorgon was bound by the gods. A malignant soul. Since that time, the Gorgon has bestowed the power of the curse of time upon those who crave strength, in exchange for providing live prey for the brood she carries in her head. This was plundered from the Temple. The animal’s vitals revealed this truth to me!” Gaius replied.
”……”
”……”
Kian was still lost. The Blade of Dust was supposed to grant the wielder the ability to turn into sand to bypass physical strikes or to petrify foes. He didn’t quite follow the ‘curse of time’ part… perhaps Gaius was referring to the petrification?
Regardless, Kian was still lost.
(In any case, the old man’s words are pure senility. The Blade of Dust wasn’t stolen; Guria and Kian took it out together at her request.)
During the conflict, Medea and the others searched for a suitable wielder for the Blade of Dust. However, in the end, not a single person within the guard or the members of the Order of the Lightning Knights⁴ possessed the necessary compatibility for the tachi.
At present, it should be under heavy guard within the royal treasury at the Castle on this ‘Water Island’⁵.
”With all due respect, Mr. Gaius. I suspect there may be a flaw in your interpretation of these entrails,” Kian said.
Just as Kian was searching for a polite way to dismiss the old man and take his leave, Talia suddenly pointed at the arranged organs.
”While there is no question the malformed heart signifies the Gorgon, the fact that it has shifted from its natural anatomical position—given the lack of any break or tear in the aorta—suggests it wasn’t moved by external force. Rather, one should conclude it was intentionally repositioned by the owner,” Talia reasoned.
”Oh? Oho…?” Gaius stammered.
Talia crossed her arms beneath the generous swell of her chest and continued, “Furthermore…”
”The ribs shielding the heart show no signs of trauma, and the heart itself has not ventured beyond that protection… I believe this indicates the Gorgon’s spirit core is being held in a location secure for the owner. Consequently, the Blade of Dust—which contains a significant portion, if not the majority, of the Gorgon’s spirit core—must still reside within the owner’s exclusive domain,” Talia concluded.
”…O-Oh… how can this… how can this be?” the old man muttered.
”Augury through viscera is quite a delicate art. Even if I were to attempt it ten times, I would not be confident in achieving total success for every trial,” Talia said.
With those words, Talia produced a cloth as if from thin air and began to meticulously clean the blood from the withered old man’s hands and hair.
”M-My apologies…” Gaius mumbled.
”Think nothing of it. Even in the depths of winter, blood is a harbinger of illness. That aside, your divination follows the ancient laws quite faithfully. Did you perhaps study this elsewhere?” Talia asked.
”Eons ago, a beast-witch instructed me. Kir… Kirke… Yes, Circe! I was her most favored disciple!” Gaius boasted.
”Is that so?” Talia replied.
”By Circe, do you mean Ms. Circe, the Commander of the Order of the Lightning Knights and the Head Witch?” Kian inquired.
Gaius nodded with immense pride.
”That very Circe! I was even scouted for the Order of the Lightning Knights!” he claimed.
(That order only admits women to begin with, and given the requirements for entry, you wouldn’t pass the trials unless you’d been groomed with vast wealth and time since childhood…)
However, Kian saw no reason to correct him. Despite his usual inability to read the social atmosphere, his years of scraping by in poverty had taught him at least some basic survival tact.
”I shall leave this cloth with you,” Talia said.
After cleansing the fabric with a touch of magic, Talia folded it neatly and pressed it into the old man’s hands. It was a pristine, high-quality white cloth, now completely free of blood. It would be a waste for a man like him to use it; if he were to sell it at a market stall, a noble or a wealthy merchant would surely pay a handsome sum for their daughter.
”Are you certain? I shall accept it with gratitude. Most excellent, most excellent…” Gaius said.
”Mr. Gaius, how is the corpse-handling business faring? Any progress on that front?” Kian asked.
”No… regrettably, none. The bodies only continue to accumulate…” Gaius sighed.
”We may require the use of this cabin for a significant duration. Should that be the case, I’d like to renegotiate the rental terms, so I hope for your cooperation when the time comes,” Kian said.
”It is a shack of no consequence to me. So long as you provide coin, you may lease it as you please. …Now then, I shall see to my breakfast…” Gaius said, turning away.
”We should be going as well, Chairman Kian,” Talia suggested.
”Yeah. Well then, Mr. Gaius, take care,” Kian said.
”Good day to you, Mr. Gaius,” Talia added.
Leaving the old man to busily gather his deer entrails, Kian and Talia turned their backs on the black rocky plateau. Kian wondered briefly if it was safe to consume organs mutated by an Elixir, but since Talia said nothing, he assumed it was fine.
* * *
Kian and Talia moved to the cliff’s edge, a safe distance from Gaius’s dwelling, and faced the large bird-type golem that had been waiting patiently. Kian felt Rufna’s presence emanating from it, the same sensation he’d noticed upon leaving the shack.
’Yo, Master,’ a voice called out.
”A voice!? Are you nearby!?” Kian asked, startled.
’Wrong. I’m at the East End right now,’ the voice replied.
The familiar, rough voice of the dark elf magician crackled from the yellow falcon-shaped bird. It was unmistakably Rufna. However, the East End was distant enough to have a noticeable time difference. Kian had imagined such long-range communication would be impossible without something on the level of Lord Azrael’s military-grade magic tools…
”Head Magician, it appears the project you mentioned earlier is complete,” Talia noted.
’Who’s that? Sounds like a voice I should know,’ Rufna said.
”It’s Talia. I’m currently inhabiting Lyritisse’s body,” Talia explained.
’…Huh? Whoa, back up. What does that even mean? What kind of mess did you guys stir up while I wasn’t looking!?’ Rufna demanded.
”Why is your first thought that we did something wrong?” Kian grumbled.
”It’s a complicated tale. Would you care for a condensed version?” Talia offered.
’Yeah,’ Rufna agreed.
Sensing Rufna’s focus, Talia provided a logical summary of the recent events. Midway through, she veered into specialized theories on necromancy that were absolute gibberish to Kian, but Rufna seemed to grasp it all. When Talia finished, Rufna let out a heavy sigh.
’I see. You two are gonna end up on the most-wanted list for the Augusto faction,’ Rufna warned.
”For the moment, I have no intention of making this possession permanent, so it should be fine,” Talia assured her.
’For the moment?’ “Wait, ‘for the moment’? Hey! Talia, that’s not what we—” Kian started.
”The Augusto faction is of no concern. I have a strategy. In fact, as of now, I intend to return ninety percent of what belongs to them, so we are safe,” Talia stated.
’Seriously…?’ Rufna muttered.
”Talia, I’ve had quite enough trouble as it is. We have a war to prepare for,” Kian said.
’Master, about that—be on your guard. Nile is crawling with magic tools designed to break immortal existences. Even just within my knowledge, there were twelve of ’em,’ Rufna cautioned.
”Could you compile a list for us, Rufna?” Talia asked.
’Can’t. The specific inventory was managed by the eldest daughter. I… wasn’t privy to anything detailed from Shajar,’ Rufna admitted.
”Ah… my apologies,” Kian said.
’Nah, it’s fine. It’s just a fact that Lady Sarah was seen as more reliable than me. …By the end, they even turned me into a bullet for Master’s assassination,’ Rufna recalled with a dry laugh.
”Rufna, I am not like Shajar. I hold you in high regard. Ultimately, you were the only one I could trust to manage the East End base. Thank you for always handling the party’s tedious errands. I wouldn’t be standing here today without you,” Kian said sincerely.
’Haha. Thanks. Well, regardless of what others think, I’m just gonna do what needs doin’. …The list is incomplete, so sorry about that, but I’ll send what I have later. Use it as a reference,’ Rufna said.
”That will be most helpful, Head Magician,” Talia added.
’Don’t mention it. Anyway, down to business—the prototype for that vampirization⁶ Elixir we discussed back in autumn is finished,’ Rufna announced.
”Autumn? Did we talk about that?” Kian blinked.
”We did. The morning of the fourth day of the tenth month. You were just leaving the room, mentioning you’d had quite the rough session with Esther and were heading off to train with General Isthbaran next,” Talia recalled.
”Ah… oh?” Kian muttered.
Kian liked to think he had a decent memory, but he had a habit of completely filtering out trivialities, things he didn’t understand, or matters he’d rather forget for emotional reasons. Since it was in the middle of sex and combat training, he probably assumed the technical details were over his head anyway and was too focused on wanting to go spar with Isthbaran, so he must have just tuned Rufna out.
’Master told me to just handle it as I saw fit. Well, the timing of my report was pretty lousy, too. Everything after that was just sent as a written summary,’ Rufna said.
”Sorry. I delegated all the reports outside my expertise to Talia,” Kian apologized.
’You remember that body-remodeling chair Mrs. Camilla sent us? Combine it with this, and the vessel for the Madam to inhabit should be ready. Did you secure a slave yet?’ Rufna asked.
”No, that’s our next task. I’ll find a suitable sacrifice during the war. If that proves impossible, I’ll have Sarah purchase the body of Lady Eleonora,” Kian planned.
’Got it. Since it’s a prototype, don’t go using it on the main slave right away. Test it elsewhere first if you can. I’ve included extra, just in case… It’s pretty inhumane, but if it’s a prisoner of war who’s already marked for death, it might serve as an excuse. Still ain’t a good thing, though,’ Rufna cautioned.
”It is the price for the Madam’s cooperation. We’ve already received a vast number of golems, and frankly, I haven’t even finished paying her back for the support in the Count Cain’s territory. If I don’t settle this debt, she’ll eventually defect. The responsibility is mine alone. You shouldn’t let your conscience suffer for it,” Kian said firmly.
’Don’t be so stiff. If we’re heading to hell, let’s go together, Master,’ Rufna joked.
”When life ends, the soul simply converts to magic power and returns to the Spiritual Vein. There is no heaven or hell in this world,” Talia whispered, her voice barely audible over the wind.
Rufna, seemingly not hearing her, pressed on.
’The communication devices are ready too, based on that proposal from autumn. Prototypes are done. To put it simply, they relay voice info over long distances by using the Count Cain’s territory as a relay hub. The drawback is the risk of interception—Erynys is still locked up there, and Mrs. Camilla might be lurking around. Don’t say anything too sensitive,’ Rufna explained.
”I can’t imagine ‘Glasses’ would be able to do much with a conversation like this. That girl is even more useless than I anticipated,” Kian said.
”Kian… you’re vastly underestimating her. No matter how simple-minded she may seem, she is a spirit with power far beyond our own—even if she is a ‘former’,” Talia warned.
’Plus, there’s the chance Kharab or some dark spirits could be eavesdropping. They’re the real deal, right?’ Rufna asked.
”Yeah. I don’t know much about dark spirits, but Kharab is definitely a threat,” Kian agreed.
”Actually, I’d say Kharab is the more manageable of the two. Dark spirits are dangerous without exception. You must never involve yourself with them,” Talia added.
’Moving on. Two more things,’ Rufna said.
Kian nodded. Talia was busy gathering her long hair, which the wind was making a mess of, and securing it with a ribbon. Kian had no clue where she’d produced that ribbon from either.
’First, about Dacia—the place we’re gonna be pioneering. How are you gonna handle recruiting settlers? If you wait ’til the last minute, you won’t hit your numbers, or you’ll end up taking people without any kind of screening,’ Rufna pointed out.
”Is there a problem with skipping the interviews?” Kian asked.
’High risk of spies or criminals jumping at the chance. I’d really rather not have our settlement turn into a game of ‘who’s the werewolf’ further down the line,’ Rufna replied.
”Then start the recruitment now however you see fit. I’ll leave it all to you,” Kian said.
”You’re being far too reckless… A suggestion, Head Magician. Why not prepare advertisements in the Beastmen settlements north of Ramsey, the displaced residents in Sunlightland, and the domain governed by Cardinal Augusto? We might even draw people from Shakerdoust in Azrael or the old Umar faction,” Talia proposed.
’Recruiting in Church territory? That’s a long haul,’ Rufna noted.
”Augusto hasn’t much time left. He’ll likely pass before the spring thaw. Or rather, I doubt he can survive the return journey to Church lands. Even if he does, his territory is in absolute chaos from constant assassinations. The scholars, artists, and hangers-on supported by Augusto’s children must be reaching their wits’ end. If they have the resolve to pick up a plow, we should offer them a new home. Some of them are far too talented to be wasted on manual labor; we should find them proper roles and employ them,” Talia explained.
’Talia, just to be clear, this isn’t a charity project,’ Rufna reminded her.
”I’m well aware. We should select for productivity. That’s what the interviews are for, isn’t it?” Talia countered.
’…True enough. Got it. —Master, you okay with that? Any other places you want to recruit from?’ Rufna asked.
”I’m in no position to meddle in things I don’t understand, like politics… If I suggested the Royal Capital or Izerland Fortress right now, you’d just laugh in my face, wouldn’t you?” Kian said with a wry smile.
’I wouldn’t laugh, but I’d steer clear of the Capital. People would have to move too far, so there’s probably no demand, and the ad costs would be astronomical for a distant location. We’d need someone on the ground there we could actually trust, too… Besides, anyone who did show up would likely be a spy or a crook. Not worth the investment,’ Rufna explained.
”Kian, Izerland Fortress is out of the question. Doing that in the home territory of Marchioness Maribel—who just appointed you as a Brave Earl—would cause unnecessary friction. It would also create a burden for Sarah, who already has enough political rivals as an outsider,” Talia added.
”See?” Kian shrugged. “That’s exactly what I meant.”
’No, no, it was a solid suggestion,’ Rufna offered.
”Don’t fear making mistakes; keep speaking your mind. Your Head Magicians will provide the necessary guidance each time,” Talia encouraged.
Their support truly resonated with Kian. The lingering habits of a bottom-tier adventurer life were showing their downsides, and it was a bitter pill to swallow. He wasn’t particularly motivated, but since Marchioness Maribel had thrust the lofty title of Brave Earl upon him, it seemed he had no choice but to start learning the things he was bad at.
’Second item. I actually received a request for support from Linca,’ Rufna said.
”If it was addressed to you, shouldn’t it be your call?” Kian asked.
’Not that simple. I’m only at the East End because you ordered me to be,’ Rufna reminded him.
”Right. My apologies. I’ve been giving too many half-hearted answers,” Kian said, shaking off his gloom. “What did Linca say?”
’Lady Sarah left the fortress, and Linca can’t manage the Salon on her own anymore. That place is desperately short on bureaucrats. Oswald went and scorched almost every skilled worker to death,’ Rufna explained.
”Granted, the ones he burned were mostly sycophants. I see. Well then—and I’m sorry to keep piling work on you—once the recruitment and current projects are settled, head to Izerland Fortress. Though I expect Sarah might be back by then…” Kian said.
’Even if she is, the lack of Maribel-faction bureaucrats is a permanent problem. Linca is pushing for me to be reassigned there for good,’ Rufna stated.
”What…? She could have just asked me directly; why is she whining to the Head Magician…?” Kian wondered.
”Reflect on your own behavior before you start complaining, pig,” Talia chided.
Kian nodded. “I understand the staffing shortage. I’ll discuss it with Sarah and decide whether to send you. I’ll respect your wishes, of course. I’m a bit hesitant to put you and Sarah in the same place.”
’Look, if you order it, I’ll do it. But yeah, I ain’t exactly looking forward to it. Sorry,’ Rufna admitted.
”No need to apologize. I’ll write to Linca and Sarah myself. You focus on the recruitment and keep those other projects moving. For now, stay on standby,” Kian instructed.
’Understood,’ Rufna acknowledged.
Kian felt a sense of Rufna nodding through the golem. This was their first time communicating like this, so he’d been worried if his intent was getting through, but… he decided to trust that Rufna would fill in the gaps and handle things well.
’Think I pushed this golem a bit too hard. Circuits are probably gonna glow red and fry any second now. If anything else pops up, I’ll send prototype number two. Catch ya later,’ Rufna said.
”Got it,” Kian replied.
’I’ll send over that list of anti-immortal tools as soon as I can. Master, Talia—be careful out there. Doesn’t matter how high you rise if you end up dead,’ Rufna warned.
”I know. You take care of yourself too. It’s snowing there, isn’t it?” Kian asked.
’Pretty much. But ‘The Boar’s Trot Inn’ is cozy, so I’m fine. I’m living the easy life thanks to you. See ya,’ Rufna said.
”Yeah,” Kian said.
The mechanical whir of the falcon-golem, which had begun to smell of ozone and burnt wiring, suddenly ceased. The golem split open, revealing a glass vial containing a transparent liquid. This was apparently the vampirization drug.
”It’s a compound extracted from plants known as Moon Stairs⁷ that triggers cellular mutation. Handle it with extreme care,” Talia warned.
”Is it that dangerous?” Kian asked.
”The risk of contagion is low, but the chance of transdermal infection isn’t zero. If it gets into your system, you’ll be bedridden with a high fever for days, and a regular human would likely die from the toxins,” Talia explained.
”Uh…” Kian muttered.
”Those with sufficient physical vitality should survive, however. By having them consume a large amount of cells from the target creature while the fever is at its peak, they will mutate into that being. It isn’t a guaranteed success; the mutation might fail, result in an incomplete state, or turn them into something altogether alien. In those latter cases, the subject usually dies,” Talia said.
”You’re remarkably knowledgeable… was that in Rufna’s report?” Kian asked.
Talia shook her head, a trace of revulsion clouding her expression.
”No. It’s just that my mother conducted that kind of research. Albert erased the results of her life’s work forever, along with her mind. Although it seems Mrs. Camilla managed to steal some of it before that and continued the research in secret,” Talia revealed.
”That sounds like a heavy story. I’ll keep my distance from it,” Kian said.
”No… but you’re right. Regardless of my mother, I believe knowledge itself is without sin. It is always the intelligent lifeforms who use it that commit the crimes,” Talia said.
After a moment of contemplation, Talia’s tone shifted, and she spun around to face Kian. Her mini-skirt flared, and for a fleeting moment, the line from her black-tights-clad thighs to her hips was visible. It was quite an erotic sight.
”I’m hungry. Let’s head down to the shopping district? Once we’ve eaten, you’ll need to become Asterios and introduce Priscilla to Scipio. We need to eat something good and fill up on happy feelings while we can,” Talia said.
With that, she took Kian’s right hand in her warm one. Kian didn’t think a golem could read the room, but the bird that had split in half clicked back together and took flight toward the Kian merchant guild’s cabin. He wondered if Talia was controlling it.
”Ah, hey. Don’t run, it’s dangerous,” Kian called out.
”It’s fine! Come on, hurry, hurry!” Talia urged.
”Honestly…” Kian sighed.
And so, Kian was led away from the wind-swept plateau, guided by the soft scent of Talia’s hair.
* * *
(After lunch, Kian would introduce Priscilla to Scipio, claiming she’s an envoy from Chatillon. Once they’d reached an agreement, he would see Priscilla off, then head to Rita’s apartment and guide her to the Kian merchant guild’s trading house on ‘Grass Island’.)
Kian sat alone on the sandy beach at the foot of the plateau’s slope. He’d used Earth magic to craft a rock pedestal to sit on, but it was a crude thing compared to the chairs Talia usually made. Being a pragmatist, Kian saw no reason to waste effort on Earth magic for something he’d only use while eating.
”Kian, sorry for the wait,” Talia called out.
As Kian brooded over having to play that amoral, idiotic bull later, he spent five minutes watching the sailors bustle about the pier. Talia’s calm voice drifted from behind him, and Kian turned around.
Talia arrived with bread wrapped in cloth, cheese, ham, an onion, and a turnip held in both hands.
”Thanks. Was your Azrael tongue up to the task?” Kian asked.
”Yes, no issues. It was understood perfectly. Elder Gaius had a strange reaction, so I was worried my pronunciation might be off,” Talia replied.
”You did great. I’m pretty sure that was the first time you’ve spoken with that body today, and you were incredibly natural,” Kian praised her.
”Hearing you say that gives me even more confidence. Now, shall we eat?” Talia said.
She smoothed her mini-skirt and knelt down beside Kian. A pleasant scent of perfume from her hair and clothes mingled with the salty sea breeze. She looked every bit the refined, beautiful young lady—to the point that yesterday’s session of bratty insults and sex felt like a hallucination. Kian’s nose and crotch twitched instinctively, but he fought to maintain a cool expression; he didn’t want her thinking he was a man governed solely by his libido.
”Here are the buns. Just a moment while I slice the onion and turnip,” Talia said.
With a flick of her hand, a small knife manifested instantly. Was that Earth magic? Kian had noticed it before—her speed at constructing things was abnormally high. Even if she was using Lyritisse’s body, there should have been limits, yet her speed hadn’t suffered at all.
(Could it be ‘Blood Arts,’ that unique vampire authority of hers?)
Kian had received a brief overview of vampire abilities from ‘Glasses’ before, but at the time, she’d told him his vampire level wasn’t high enough to master them. He wondered if things were different now.
”It’s so peaceful… it’s hard to believe we’re in the middle of a war,” Talia mused.
Talia sliced the onion with practiced ease and layered the pieces onto Kian’s bun. Once finished, she did the same with the turnip.
She sat with her legs tucked to the side, and the sight of them in those black tights—accentuated by the short skirt—was incredibly striking and glamorous. Kian felt like his fetishes were being pushed to their breaking point.
”Here, the turnip root. It’s a waste to throw it out, so eat it, pig,” Talia commanded.
”Yes, ma’am,” Kian replied.
”I’ll have the onion. …It’s not bitter at all, even though it wasn’t soaked in water. Delicious,” Talia said.
”Talia, I have no intention of losing, but what do you think the outcome of this war will be?” Kian asked.
There was no need for the kind of small talk a young girl might like. Kian’s true nature was already bare to Talia, and it was better to speak openly about what actually mattered. To Kian, she felt like a companion he could talk to without any pretense.
”First, you have to know your enemy. I can’t say for sure at this stage. Actually, the fact that we can’t say for sure even now might be a bad sign,” Talia warned.
”Do you think we’ll lose?” Kian asked.
”I didn’t say that. Know the enemy and know yourself—that’s the core of any fight. I’m sure you do it instinctively,” Talia said.
”I wouldn’t know…” Kian muttered.
”Take the enemy’s special abilities or techniques, for instance. Based on what we have, Kian has already fought Tersea and Almeisa… two people who were supposed to be dead,” Talia noted.
Talia shaved the cheese onto the buns, placed the top halves on, and ordered, “Eat, Kian.”
Kian watched as Talia shaved her own cheese with the same precision before he spoke.
”Is the enemy—is Jibril—capable of resurrection? If so, they’re performing miracles reserved for the gods,” Kian said.
”You’re the one to say that? You, who are employing Natra and Rufna,” Talia pointed out.
”I wonder if Jibril’s side can use the same abilities as me,” Kian mused.
”We can’t confirm that yet. That’s why we need information. Don’t worry. I’m the strongest, after all. Most problems can be solved one way or another as long as I’m around,” Talia said.
”You’ve suddenly started talking like a fourteen or fifteen-year-old boy,” Kian remarked.
Kian gave her a flat look, but Talia’s expression was perfectly serious.
”I’m not joking. I was the greatest warrior in the Empire of Night⁸, never mind the territory of Count Cain. I preferred to think of myself as a princess first and a politician second, but the history books insist I was a warrior,” Talia claimed.
”Well, with those seven magic swords, I doubt anyone could have stood against you,” Kian muttered, glancing at Talia’s (Lyritisse’s) slender, feminine arms. Those swords were truly beyond reason. Even warriors like Arminus and Renaud, who should have been monstrously strong, were crushed without being able to do a single thing. It made sense she was the strongest in the ‘Empire of Night.’ Those weren’t weapons built for mortals to fight mortals. They were over-spec armaments meant for humanity to bare its fangs against spirits.
”True, it’s a bit of a regret that my actual skill was overshadowed by those seven magic swords. …In fact, when I was hunting dark spirits, it would have been quite precarious without them…” Talia revealed.
”Eh?” Kian asked.
”Ah! Kian, look! You can see the warships! They’re so massive when you see them with the naked eye!” Talia suddenly exclaimed.
”The contrast is bizarre when you say that without changing your facial expression at all,” Kian noted.
Kian thought she’d just said something in a very quiet voice, but the distraction blew it out of his mind. Remembering it was breakfast, Kian finally bit into the sandwich Talia had prepared. It was a simple meal, but food always tasted better when someone else made it. The fact that Kian was starting to appreciate food like this was probably a good sign. Kian whispered to himself, “Maybe I should make it this year’s goal to become a decent person,” before realizing he’d be turning into Asterios in an hour and having to abandon that resolution immediately.
—
Summary:
Kian and Talia meet with Elder Gaius, whose visceral divination hints at the return of the Gorgon’s warrior and the Blade of Dust. They later communicate with the dark elf Rufna, who provides a prototype vampirization elixir and technical support via a falcon-golem. Talia displays her strategic depth by proposing a settlement plan for Dacia that recruits displaced scholars and artists from failing domains. The chapter concludes with a quiet breakfast as Kian prepares to shift into his amoral Asterios persona.
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Character Insight:
Kian’s struggle with his sudden promotion to Brave Earl highlights a deep-seated imposter syndrome born from his years as a bottom-tier adventurer. Talia serves as his necessary foil—her cold, logical perspective as a former princess and ‘strongest warrior’ complements his grounded, practical survival instincts. Despite her flat delivery, Talia’s subtle care for Kian and her occasional ‘pig’ remarks show a complex, intimate dynamic that balances political maneuvering with domesticity.
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Behind the Scene:
The author, in their New Year’s greeting, apologizes for the hiatus and mentions that updates may be sporadic until mid-February due to personal commitments. This chapter reinforces the ‘Gorgon’ lore, linking the magic swords and spirit cores to ancient gods and the current war efforts.
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T/L:
Notes:
• Talia – A high-ranking vampire spirit currently possessing the body of Lyritisse. In this form, she has flaxen hair, blue eyes, and thick lips.
• Mag – The wolfwoman under Yelmar—the one who was caught by Kian’s group earlier.
• Isthbaran – The High Warlord of the ‘Storm Herd.’
• Camilla – A woman; the subject of the chapter; her body was used to seal Erynys’ soul.
• Count Cain – Talia’s father.
• Kharab – The enemy who stole Talia’s soul and possessed her body; referred to by the Black Onyx Spirit; defeated by Kian.
• Linca – Jibril’s favorite girl. High-ranking warrior monk woman from Shin, with strong abilities like ignoring attacks and poisons.
• Tersea – A shaman who assisted Barghest and is connected to the summoning ritual.
• Arminus – Male. Leader of the Black Panther Tribe. Possesses extraordinary physical abilities, enhanced by the tribe’s unique technique that repels energy and magic attacks. His speed and strength surpass those of High Warlord Isthbaran. Wields the magic sword Balmung, capable of cleaving through an ice dragon with a single strike. His black fur provides camouflage in low visibility, making him nearly undetectable. Relationship: Leader of the Beastmen Alliance’s delegation.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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