Chapter 148: Chapter 148 A Great Legacy (5)

A Great Legacy (5)

A Great Legacy (5)

There are days like that.

Days when a momentary whim leads to unexpected good fortune. For Amelia Rainwales, today was that kind of day.

Who would have known?

That she would meet him on top of the castle walls, where she climbed aimlessly out of frustration.

“Regal Vagos.”

A member of Orculus, who divided this cursed city…

…and the one she wanted to kill the most among them.

He’s lying unconscious on the ground.

In this remote place, with his body battered, alone.

‘…Could it be that he opened a dimensional gate and escaped? And that’s why he ended up here instead of the plaza?’

That was the first possibility that came to mind.

There’s no mage in the Dragonslayer’s team, but it’s possible if he sacrificed that poor old man he always brought along.

However…

‘What kind of enemy did he encounter…?’

Amelia dismissed the question that arose.

It doesn’t matter who put him in this state.

What’s important is that a feast has been laid out before her eyes.

She first bends down and checks his pulse.

‘He’s still alive.’

About two hours have passed since the labyrinth closed.

Judging by the circumstances, it seems like he’s been unconscious until now. It’s a time that’s hard to endure for ordinary people, but this guy is no ordinary person. And the spear embedded in his shoulder probably helped stop the bleeding.

“You…”

That’s when he opens his eyes with difficulty and looks at her.

It seems like he regained consciousness after sensing her presence.

Before he can say anything, Amelia speaks first.

“Dragonslayer, do you have any potions?”

“Waist…”

“I see.”

Amelia then unties the pocket attached to his waist and takes it.

And she asks again,

“I’m about to pour a potion on you, is it okay if I pull this out?”

“Hurry up…”

As soon as she hears his answer, she pulls out the spear, and the bleeding starts again.

If she leaves him like this, even the Dragonslayer will surely die.

Amelia just stands there and watches.

“What are you doi… pour the po… tion…”

He finally senses something strange and asks, and she replies,

“Why should I?”

“A deal… we made a de… al…?”

“Ah, you’re talking about the contract?”

Amelia chuckles involuntarily.

A long time ago, she made a contract with the lord of Noark. It’s a contract that everyone in this city knows about.

She can’t kill anyone within Noark.

It’s a contract engraved on her body, making it impossible to break.

But…

“You’re the one who asked me to pull out the spear, aren’t you?”

She just did as he asked.

Although she’s not sure since it’s her first time using this kind of loophole, if it were a violation of the contract, she wouldn’t have been able to do it in the first place.

“Damn… you…”

Amelia puts the pocket she took from him into her subspace pocket.

And she takes away the rest of his equipment.

The dagger at his waist, the ring on his finger, the bracers, the necklace, and so on.

They’re all things she’s been eyeing.

“Thank you for collapsing here. I’ll put these to good use. Ah, but who the hell did this to you?”

He doesn’t answer her mocking question.

He just glares at her with resentment.

Amelia doesn’t bother continuing the conversation and just leans against the castle wall, watching him.

She’s planning to leave after confirming his death, just in case.

But could it be that this guy’s life isn’t over yet?

Thud, thud.

She soon hears the footsteps of the castle guards patrolling from afar.

Amelia makes a quick judgment.

Everything the guards see and hear will be reported to the lord. If she’s caught, it’s over.

“You’re lucky, Dragonslayer.”

She clicks her tongue in disappointment.

If this guy died, the power of Orculus would have decreased that much.

“You, you won’t get away with this.”

He grits his teeth, realizing that he’s alive.

He’s saying he’ll hold her accountable for this.

But Amelia just shrugs and approaches him.

“It doesn’t matter. You won’t remember anything anyway.”

“…What?”

She takes out a pill.

It’s a pill called ‘Lethe’s Blessing’, developed by an alchemist from Noark.

Although it has the downside of not working on evil spirits, it’s a convenient item that erases memories.

“Damn it!! Ugh, ugh!!”

Amelia grabs his jaw and forces the pill down his throat as he struggles.

For reference, the pill she just used isn’t the standard type.

Its effectiveness decreases the higher the target’s soul rank, so she used the best one she had, just in case.

The alchemist said that it could erase the memories of ordinary people for up to a week.

‘It’s better to be safe than sorry, considering who he is.’

She doesn’t feel any regret.

It’s not an item you can easily obtain again, but it’s not a loss considering what she gained today.

And besides, the longer the memories are forgotten, the better.

He’ll think he lost it in the labyrinth, not that he was robbed in this underground city.

‘I should thank whoever it was.’

Amelia quickly leaves the castle walls, hearing the footsteps of the approaching guards.

____________________

One of the three strands of the vine ring, which prevents encounters with Regal Vagos up to three times, has been broken.

In less than 10 minutes.

‘Don’t tell me, it’s going to decrease once a day?’

I try to dismiss the anxiety that suddenly arises.

It wouldn’t be too late to complain when the time comes, and besides, I think it’s unlikely.

After all, it’s something the Goddess said.

[You need to prepare to overcome fate in case all the strands of the ring are broken.]

The Goddess told me to prepare through her vessel.

She said that even though she knows how big the gap between me and that bastard is. But there’s no way she would be so heartless as to give me just a month or two to prepare.

‘…Right, in the end, the most important thing is when the last strand will break.’

I recall the proverb about moving breakfast to dinner and gather my wavering mind.

What does it matter how many acorns you get in the morning?

What’s important is the total number of acorns. In other words, how long this ring will last.

‘Let’s just do what needs to be done.’

In that sense, I leave the temple after briefly discussing the reward. They said they would give me the reward when I visit again tomorrow.

“Then let’s each go back and rest today and meet again tomorrow.”

Just as we’re about to leave after deciding on a meeting place, the dwarf cautiously stops us.

“Um, I don’t know what you guys will think if I say this, but… how about we take Dwarkey’s share of the reward and donate it to the orphanage?”

“I… I’m fine with that. It’s money we wouldn’t have received if it weren’t for Dwarkey.”

“I’m the same. It would be ridiculous for me to claim a share of this large sum of money.”

In short, he’s suggesting that we each donate 3.5 million stones to the orphanage. Unlike my companions, who readily agree, I keep my mouth shut.

Because it’s not a rational act at all.

We even have a huge enemy called the Dragonslayer.

If we want to honor Dwarkey’s will, it’s better to use this money to make ourselves a little safer.

“…Bjorn, you don’t have to do it. Unlike us, you were the one who suffered the most.”

“Th, that’s right. We’re just doing this out of guilt, so don’t feel pressured.”

My companions say that, observing my expression as I remain silent.

If I just nod, the proposal will be accepted.

But…

“Let’s discuss this properly when we meet next time. We haven’t even received the money yet.”

I put my decision on hold for now.

It’s a suggestion that I should have rejected outright, but somehow, I can’t bring myself to say it.

Phew, this is why I have to be careful about getting attached to people.

It makes rational judgment difficult.

I definitely wouldn’t have even considered this if it were the old me.

“…Then see you tomorrow!”

We then part ways and head to our respective accommodations.

I also walk for about an hour along the peaceful streets and arrive at the inn, washing my blood- and sweat-stained body with clean water.

And as I lie down on the bed, lost in thought…

…someone knocks on the door.

It’s Erwen.

“Um, mister? Are you there?”

I open the door, and she’s there, wearing a flowing skirt as if she washed up and got dressed.

I talk to her, wondering what she wants, but the main topic is her chattering about what happened in the labyrinth.

Right, this was our daily routine.

Normally, I would have listened with interest, but it’s difficult to do so today.

“Erwen, I’m tired, so go back today.”

“Yes? But this is where it gets really interesting…”

“I’ll listen to the rest next time. Go back today, I’m tired.”

“Okay…”

Erwen leaves with her pointy ears drooping as I firmly dismiss her.

Silence falls. And I spend a long time alone in that silence.

Because if there’s a problem, I need to fix it.

‘Survival.’

It’s been the biggest goal since I woke up in this body, and that hasn’t changed.

But the process of achieving that goal is the problem.

[…Barbarian, you kept your oath, right?]

I broke the warrior’s oath in front of everyone.

And I acted suspiciously countless times while leading the team.

Back then, I justified everything with the excuse of survival, but I know…

…that trust was the foundation of all those actions.

If there was anyone who suspected me of being an evil spirit, I wouldn’t have done those things even if I were about to die.

[…Hey! Friend, hang in there!]

Sharing the top-grade potion with Rotmiller and Dwarkey was the same. It was an irrational choice that put everyone, including myself, at risk.

And the dilemma from earlier is not much different.

‘3.5 million stones…’

I decide to admit it.

I’ve become weak.

The reason is simple.

Because I’ve become attached to others.

There’s a big problem with my rational thinking, which was my biggest strength.

It’s a problem I can’t ignore if I want to survive in this world.

Then what’s the solution?

“…….”

I couldn’t find the answer until the moment I fell asleep.

And the next morning…

…I received a letter.

The sender was an administrative branch of the Explorer’s Guild.

The content was that I was designated as the beneficiary of Liol Wobu Dwarkey’s inheritance and that I should visit to claim it.

___________________

“Did you receive it too?”

“Yeah, you too?”

That’s the first thing we talk about when we meet the next day.

It seems like all four of us received a letter from the guild…

But Dwarkey designated the orphanage as his beneficiary.

Then what happened?

“…Instead of talking among ourselves, it’s better to visit the guild and ask directly.”

We visit the guild together as the dwarf suggested.

And after hearing the details from the relevant department, it wasn’t a clerical error or anything.

Dwarkey updated his will and designated the four of us as his beneficiaries.

And it was last month, in other words…

“…After we fought the troll.”

Dwarkey, who almost died to the troll, updated his will as soon as he returned to the city.

He was already prepared.

For the worst-case scenario that I didn’t even consider.

That positive and hopeful guy.

“…….”

We leave the building like defeated soldiers, having received not only Dwarkey’s equipment and backpack, which we had handed over to the guild, but also the ownership of a house he owned.

“I don’t know… if we can ever repay the debt we owe him.”

“Dwarkey wouldn’t want us to repay it.”

“Right, he definitely wouldn’t have. So let’s each use the money he left us for whatever we want. That’s probably his only wish.”

Afterwards, we head to the temple and receive the reward. The Pope is busy, so we can’t meet him, and everything is handled through Krovitz.

I ask him to talk for a bit after telling the others to go to the bar first.

“Can you promise to keep everything I’m about to say a secret?”

“You can speak freely. As long as it doesn’t go against God’s will, I swear I won’t tell anyone what my benefactor said.”

Although the part about not going against God’s will is a bit unsettling, I take out the Akro longsword and show it to him without hesitation.

“…It’s the Dragonslayer’s sword.”

“When we try to use it, there’s a rejection reaction. Do you know the reason? If it’s because of a curse, I’d like to ask you to lift it.”

“The power imbued in that item is not a curse.”

Krovitz seems to know about this sword, as he continues explaining without hesitation.

It’s a long story, but the gist is simple.

The original name of this sword was Dragonsword.

It was only after Regal Vagos killed the guardian dragon and escaped that it became known as Dragonslayer.

“Since ancient times, only Dragonkin have been able to use and wield this sword. The guardian dragon passed it down through generations, enjoying a near-immortal life.”

“But he couldn’t use this sword properly.”

“Ah, that’s because of the dragon’s curse.”

The guardian dragon left a curse before it died.

Because of that, Regal Vagos became a Dragonkin who wasn’t a Dragonkin. His dragon scales were burned off, and even his heart, the source of his power, became closer to a human’s.

He committed the sin of betraying his clan to obtain the sword, but he can’t even use it.

“I know he’s been searching for a way to lift the curse for a long time. But from what you said, Mr. Yandel, it seems like there was no way to completely overcome the curse.”

“So you’re saying that it’s not the sword that’s cursed, but him.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Afterwards, I ask what he thinks we should do with this sword that we can’t even use, and Krovitz answers briefly,

“I believe the wisest course of action would be to return the sword to the Dragonkin and receive appropriate compensation.”

Right, that’s the only way.

It would be difficult to sell it as stolen goods since only Dragonkin can use it.

I decide to think about this later.

“I see. Thanks for the advice.”

“You’re welcome. You’re a benefactor of our church. Please visit us anytime if you need my help.”

“Ah, then does that mean I can get blessings for free from now on?”

“Haha, that’s a bit…”

I asked just in case, but Krovitz laughs awkwardly and draws a clear line.

It seems like he wants to do it for me, but there was another oracle this morning.

“The star of twilight said that everything will unfold according to fate, and that we shouldn’t try to go against her will by misinterpreting it.”

It feels like the Goddess is saying this to me.

That she’s repaid her debt by giving me one sacred relic, so I shouldn’t try to get anything more.

“But I can always listen to your concerns, so please come visit when you’re free.”

I leave the temple after Krovitz’s clergyman-like words.

And I head towards the bar we agreed on.

“Ah, you’re here? Have a seat.”

All three of them are already drinking.

However, the atmosphere is completely different from when we usually finish an expedition.

They’re just silently drinking, without any laughter or chatter.

I realize once again…

…that although we made a lot of money this time, we also lost a lot.

‘The window seat is empty.’

That table at the bar where the five of us used to gather.

But the empty chair will never be filled again.

However, we don’t mention it and just have a conversation about reality.

“Let’s split the reward and the remaining money equally among the four of us.”

“Alright.”

Even the dwarf, who initially suggested donating Dwarkey’s share to the orphanage, just nods.

It was somewhat expected.

In the first place, he made that suggestion to respect Dwarkey’s will.

If he wanted us to use his precious inheritance, we’ll just follow his wish.

Everyone quietly commemorates Dwarkey and drinks.

So I also spend my time like that.

“He… wasn’t the type to go like that…”

The dwarf, who was chugging his drinks, is the first to bury his head on the table. Rotmiller then leaves, saying he’ll take him home, and Misha and I are left alone.

“Bjorn, let’s go back too…”

As always, we walk to the inn together. Misha staggers from the alcohol.

“Lean on me.”

“Ah, thank you.”

It’s still a bright afternoon.

We walk through the crowded streets, reeking of alcohol.

As usual, my accommodation is closer, and it’s time to part ways. However, we just stand there in front of the door, looking at each other.

“…….”

“…….”

Maybe it’s because of the alcohol, but the atmosphere is strangely heated.

Right, that’s what I would have thought normally.

Because that’s easier.

Because that’s what’s appropriate for me.

I would have pretended not to notice and brushed it off like a clueless barbarian.

But…

“Ah… I, I’ll be going now. Rest—”

“Misha Kaltstein.”

I grab her wrist as she turns away, avoiding my gaze.

Because I made a promise to him.

[You’re… perceptive. Please don’t ignore it anymore.]

He told me not to ignore it.

He left those words for me during that precious time when he could have confessed his feelings to Misha.

And I answered that I understood.

So…

“Huh?”

It’s time to confront it.

Misha, whose wrist is in my grasp, looks at me with a questioning gaze.

I take a deep breath and sober up a bit.

And I ask directly,

“Do you… like me as a man?”

It wasn’t a romantic line, and the atmosphere wasn’t romantic either.

It was just a blunt question, as befits a barbarian.

But Misha didn’t get angry.

She didn’t laugh it off, saying, ‘what are you talking about?’

She flinched for a moment and then looked down at the ground, avoiding my gaze. However, after shuffling her feet for a while, Misha raised her head and looked up at me.

And she answered quietly,

“…Yes. I like you. As a man.”