Volume 8 Chapter 29 The Launch of Brigante
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The wagons stood in a neat row before Barreith’s gates. Klock and his group waited, the air heavy with expectation.
”Look, we’re movin’ out,” Klock said softly.
So many wagons at this hour was unusual. Klock braced for trouble, but the guards let them pass without a hitch.
Boston took the lead, already proving his worth. Klock gave a silent nod of approval. As they crossed the gate, he glanced back at the town, his gesture dismissive. Barreith had given them good moments and bad. Now, it was time to leave.
”Alright, west from here,” Klock muttered. “Another dull trip begins.”
Wagon travel was easier than walking, but the long hours on the cargo bed grew boring fast.
Klock peeked out from the curtain at the back of the boxy wagon, checking the scene behind. Several wagons followed in a line, with new recruits trailing on foot.
Their group had swelled to seventy-two members. Boit had brought shipyard workers—former slaves—into the crew. Their slave marks were erased upon joining, making them true comrades.
Some who’d joined the first feast had slipped away. That was expected. People often got cold feet. Better they left now than after leaving the city. The few days of prep had been a smart call—it gave time to gather wagons and supplies, like fine fire magic stones from the mines.
”Big crew now, huh?” Cianie said, her voice close.
She leaned against him, her arm brushing his. “Gatherin’ so many people so fast? That’s amazing.”
Klock stayed quiet. The numbers came from Hero’s name, not his skill. People joined for her, drawn by her power. She was the amazing one, but he didn’t want to dampen her praise, so he kept silent.
”Burned through a lot of coin, though,” he said. “Food, supplies… gotta plan for more funds soon.”
”Use mine, then,” Cianie said, like it was no big deal.
Klock blinked. He hadn’t asked for her money. He knew she had piles of gold, but he didn’t start this counting on her wealth.
”I know you, Klock,” she said firmly. “You know where to draw the line. But I’ve thought this through. I’ll give you a thousand gold coins. Use them.”
”A thousand?!” Klock nearly choked, stunned by the huge sum tossed out so casually.
”There’s one more thing,” she added, raising her hand.
Klock recognized the motion. A black book appeared in her grip. Suzette’s warning came back—Cianie was carrying a heavy burden. Prep had kept him too busy to ask.
”The Saintess sent new orders,” Cianie said.
”What’d she say?” Klock asked, cautious.
—
After returning from Crimson Spire, join Tiet. Together, defeat Demon Lord Dainheorl.
—
Klock’s brows knit together. “That’s…”
”I’m goin’ to Crimson Spire,” Cianie said. “Then, I’ll team up with Tiet to take down the Demon Lord.”
”Just you two?” Klock’s frown deepened, his thoughts spinning.
Crimson Spire—Kispe’s domain, the Succubus’s lair. Was it worth invading another realm to defeat her? And then, Cianie and Tiet would face the Demon Lord alone. What about the rest of them?
”The Saintess knows we’re lovers,” Cianie said softly. “She’s givin’ orders to keep you safe. So, maybe… it’s gotta be just me and Tiet for the Demon Lord.”
Klock rubbed his forehead, biting back a bitter thought: So I’m dead weight? If that was true, why had he built this militia to support her? The Saintess saw the future—her words were impossible to brush off.
”Am I… wastin’ my time?” he asked quietly.
”No way,” Cianie said, shaking her head. “The Saintess counts what you’re doin’. She’s guidin’ us to the best path because of it. If you stop, the future might turn worse.”
Klock let out a breath. “Got it.”
Her words calmed him a little. He’d rallied dozens, made bold moves. If it all meant nothing, he’d be crushed. For now, he’d focus on his own role.
He understood why Cianie offered so much gold. She’d be gone for a while, and she wanted to ensure he’d manage without her. That was likely what weighed on her—the thought of parting.
”Klock,” she said, pressing closer.
The wagon’s interior became their private space, just them.
”Will you marry me when I get back?” she asked.
”Hell yeah,” Klock answered instantly.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her slim frame close.
”You’ll wait for me, right?” she asked.
”Obviously,” he said. “Hurry back. Beatin’ a Demon Lord’s quick for you, yeah? And don’t forget—you’re my woman, Hero or not.”
Cianie nodded, a soft “Mm-hmm.”
His tone was firm, possessive on purpose. That kind of talk made her feel secure, happy.
”After the war, I’m done bein’ Hero, right?” she said, recalling her deal with Theocracy’s Cardinal.
She settled into his chest. Klock stroked her gray hair.
”Once the Demon Lord’s gone, who needs a Hero?” he said.
”I’ll work hard to cook tasty meals every day,” she promised.
”You’ll be busy with more than cookin’,” Klock teased, his hand resting on her lower stomach.
Cianie looked up, catching his hint. She leaned in, giving a quick peck to his lips.
”You want kids?” she asked.
”Damn right,” he said, firm and clear.
She held him tighter, her emotions burning fierce beneath her calm face.
”Once we’re married, it’ll be nonstop,” Klock grinned. “I’ll keep you plenty busy. Too late to regret gettin’ mixed up with me.”
”I won’t,” she said, her voice steady but her eyes flickering, a touch of nerves showing.
She was bold, but push hard, and she’d waver.
”Feelin’ kinda restless now,” Klock murmured.
”Want me to… help with that?” she offered, a playful glint in her voice.
”Nah, I want more,” he said, pulling her close with blunt desire.
”It’ll get messy,” she warned.
”That’s what I want,” he replied.
He eased her down onto the wagon’s bench. Her long gray hair spilled across the seat with a soft thud as she fell back.
”A beauty like you, with curves like that?” he said, his eyes roaming. “Gotta make sure everyone knows you’re mine.”
”I’ve got the sunset charm,” she smirked. “I’m safe.”
”Not enough,” Klock growled. “Show me more, now.”
He tugged at her clothes. Cianie didn’t resist. Her shorts slid off, tights pulled down, everything bunched at her knees. In moments, she was bare, vulnerable.
”Legs up,” he said.
The only man who could command her like that. Cianie hid her embarrassment, lifting her legs skyward with a shy front. Klock gripped her hips, leaning in close, his touch warm and teasing with a soft smooch.
”Ngh…” she gasped.
His touch deepened, claiming her with gentle care. Her body tensed, a quiet reminder she was still a woman, not just a Hero. He lingered, drawing soft reactions with each careful move.
”Mmh… ahh…” Cianie bit her lip, muffling her sounds.
Klock’s arms wrapped around her thighs, savoring her warmth as he continued with a steady smooch-smooch. Her hips lifted briefly—she was ready.
”Hah… ngh…” Her breaths sharpened.
He pressed closer, moving with her. Their rhythm built, her body yielding as he held her legs, sinking into a steady thump-thump pace.
”Klock…!” Cianie reached out.
He took her hand, their fingers locking in a lover’s clasp.
Their movements synced, the wagon creaking softly with each thump-thump, their connection fierce and unspoken.
Their fingers locked tightly, hands clasped like lovers. Klock pressed closer, each thump-thump of their rhythm sending warmth through them both. Cianie’s softness yielded beneath him, her breaths sharp as he moved deeper, drawing her focus to the intensity of their connection.
”Klock, finish quick,” she urged, her voice tight.
”Huh?” he grunted.
”I’ll… take care of you later,” she promised.
Cianie seemed restless. They were in a wagon, surrounded by their marching crew. Anyone could barge in at any moment. Her nerves made sense.
”Tryin’ to enjoy you here,” Klock teased.
”Ngh… I’ll use my mouth later,” she offered.
No need to push her too hard. Drag this out, and it could strain things later. Knowing when to pull back was key.
Klock moved with purpose, her warmth wrapping around him, sparking heat. He focused on release, letting the rhythm build fast. With a final thrust, he gave in to the rush.
”—Hah… ngh…!” Cianie gasped, her voice muffled.
Her body trembled, holding him close as the moment peaked. The intensity was almost too much for their hidden affair, a flood of warmth overwhelming them both.
Cianie covered her mouth, her reactions stronger than usual. The moment lingered, fierce and unrelenting, as if their connection demanded more than a quick finish.
”Klock… too much,” she muttered afterward.
As she stood, a flush of heat lingered, undeniable. She sighed, wiping at the mess, but it kept coming, and Klock’s own stirring threatened to restart their passion. Their moment wasn’t quite done.
”Peace can’t come soon enough,” she said softly.
”Yeah,” Klock agreed.
He sat back, watching her stand before him. Cianie leaned down, pressing her lips to his once more. “You’re impossible,” she murmured, then knelt, tending to him with care despite the lingering traces of their intimacy. The wagon stayed their private haven for a while longer.
* * *
By evening, the group set up camp in a field of short grass. Soldiers and adventurers bustled, preparing for the night. Boston approached as Klock mingled with the crew.
”We’ll reach the Brest Mountains tomorrow,” Boston said.
His presence sent nearby recruits scattering. As a former city guard leader, Boston naturally took charge of this new brigade. Most were his old subordinates, quick to follow his lead, which eased the adventurers’ acceptance.
”Tomorrow, we’ll head west through the northern grasslands, gathering food as we go,” Boston continued.
Klock’s face soured. Food in the grasslands meant wild plants. He’d eaten his share of dandelions and weeds in his time—barely tasty, never filling.
”Not big on foraging,” Klock grumbled.
Boston chuckled. “No worries, Lord Klock. You’re the leader. Stay with the wagons. We’ll handle the protein.”
”Protein?” Klock raised an eyebrow.
”Bees, crickets—easy to catch. If we’re lucky, maybe a deer for the stockpile.”
Klock’s stomach churned. He made a mental note to beg Cianie for something else, anything else. Suddenly, he missed the southern coast. A seaside route would’ve meant fish every day. Why had he picked the inland path?
Boston went on, reviewing the brigade’s goals. “Our first target is the Bernsa region. The Brest Mountains stretch west, splitting Federation and Empire territory. Past South Bernsa’s wetlands, we’ll reach the Yoljierei Mountains in the old kingdom—”
The Yoljierei Mountains stirred old memories. Their southern end loomed near Royal Capital Rocetta, home to a checkpoint Klock knew well. Boston made it sound close, but the journey was daunting. The A-Rank danger zone, Sekurei Forest Area, lay in their path, among other obstacles.
”North Bernsa had an Empire fortress, used as a frontline base against the Demon Lord’s Army,” Boston said. “It’s fallen now. We’d normally go north, but that’s Empire land. We’re strangers to them.”
”Enter their turf, and we risk a fight?” Klock asked.
”Maybe not, if we talk it out,” Boston said. “But they’d be wary. An army marchin’ in unannounced? Trouble’s more likely. We stick to Federation land.”
”So, south through the mountains,” Klock confirmed.
The plan was set: head to Bernsa, recruiting along the way.
”I scouted the area,” Cianie said, returning. “No big magic signals.”
”Good work,” Klock replied.
Her ability to fly and sense magic was unmatched. She was too valuable.
”Smelled beasts everywhere,” she added. “And… maybe people?”
”People?” Klock echoed.
Meina joined them, her senses sharper for smaller threats. While Cianie missed faint magic, Meina’s nose caught what others couldn’t. Her report was unexpected.
They were in the grasslands—Gassano Plains, Drauto Basin, or maybe too far north, near the Empire’s Jeil border. The ground was carpeted with knee-high grass, faint mountain outlines visible in the distance.
”Catchin’ human scent through all this grass stink?” Klock said, impressed.
”Maybe a village nearby?” Meina suggested.
Klock clapped his hands, glancing at Cianie. She offered to scout, but he shook his head. Night was falling. Rest came first. They’d already set watch rotations. No need to overwork her unless it was urgent.
”Wagon crew’s on watch,” Klock said. “We’re exempt, but maybe we should stay sharp.”
”Let me handle it,” Cianie said. “You rest.”
By nightfall, Klock slouched in a chair inside a large tent. Suzette, dressed like a traveler, stood nearby as he explained the situation, his hand wandering toward her hip.
”Why can’t I help?” he asked.
”You’re the commander,” she said, swatting his hand with a sharp slap. “We can’t have you foggy from lack of sleep. If trouble hits, you need to act fast.”
She had a point. Klock was the leader—Boston couldn’t handle everything, and Cianie couldn’t be reckless either. He’d told her to avoid overdoing it.
”Movin’ this many people’s tough,” he sighed.
”Now you’re complainin’?” Suzette shot him a look. “The real work’s ahead. Get serious.”
She stepped closer, and for a moment, Klock braced for a scolding. Instead, she leaned in, pressing soft peck-peck kisses to his lips, a quiet encouragement to keep going. He reached for her again, but she slipped away with a quick swish.
”Cianie found a river for washing,” Suzette said, leaving the tent.
No intimacy tonight, then. Suzette’s stance was clear—don’t make a mess when there’s no way to clean up. Klock knew she’d turn him down.
”Damn, I’m beat,” he muttered. “Just sittin’ in a wagon all day.”
Exhaustion hit anyway. Sometimes, moving a bit kept the tiredness at bay.
Alone, Klock’s eyes grew heavy. Meina and Cianie hadn’t returned. Where was Primlena? Slumping onto the table, he closed his eyes.
”Sir Klock! Wake up! Bandits are attacking!”
Notes:
• Boston – Adelina’s father, who holds a position of power within the church hierarchy. He has a dark secret regarding the death of his wife, Adelina’s mother.
• Boit – A merchant involved in human trafficking, with a villainous face and a loud, obnoxious voice. He is pragmatic and willing to help Klock escape the country in exchange for something. His relationship with Klock is business-like, though both are aware of each other’s illicit activities.
• Cianie – A noble girl with a fluffy white and light blue dress, indicating her high status. She has a hesitant and flustered personality but is kind and courteous. Her relationship with Klock begins as an accidental encounter and develops into a romantic interest. She has a fiancé but expresses feelings for Klock, complicating their relationship.
• Suzette – The older maid from Viscount Fennec. The head maid at the Viscount Fennec’s villa. She is confident, clear-spoken, and professional.
• Dainheorl – He is the conqueror of the Demon Continent, appeared as the council leader, known for his godlike strength and four horns.
• Tiet – A companion and friend of Anna. A holy knight from the royal capital. She wears light armor and carries a shield adorned with a dragon holding a sword, indicating her affiliation with the National Military Police. She is concerned about Anna’s well-being and tries to support her emotionally.
• Rocetta – The royal capital of the Kingdom of Crotopone, where the knight barracks are located.
• Meina – She is a golden-haired catgirl employee of the beastman (Larana the cat woman) Inn, appeared performing fellatio, desperate and tear-streaked, with an inexperienced yet earnest approach to her work.
• Primlena – Orange-haired merfolk priestess, fierce yet elegant | First v8c3 | Sister of Sea General Primjune, subordinate to Primrity | Once captured and violated by Klock, now obsessed with reclaiming honor | Commands Obsidian Riders on giant fish, fights with trident | Seeks to drag Klock to Seabed Temple for marriage trial or execution | Unique note: revenge-driven siren bride who masks fury under ritual grace
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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