Chapter 54: The Plague (1)

When I came downstairs in the morning, everyone was having onion soup to sober up.

Tun, of course, and even Vasco and Toby's faces were etched with fatigue, a testament to how much they had drunk last night.

Tun raised his hand with a blank expression. He had been awake until I arrived last night.

He cast a meaningful glance at me as I entered the room.

"If you had been ten minutes later, I would have gone to look for you."

Even though he said it with a strong smell of alcohol, it didn't sound light. Tun had been trying to protect me.

It was probably on Father's orders.

Still, I was at fault. I had said I would return after midnight if nothing happened.

Under normal circumstances, I would have acted that way. It just got a bit complicated because of Kasimak.

When I said I would tell him tomorrow, Tun nodded and promptly fell asleep.

It was a deep sleep, but there was no need to worry.

They are all specialized field agents. Even if they look drunk, their senses don't leave them.

Especially Tun, who was more sensitive than me.

"Everyone, listen while you eat."

As I sat down to speak, Vasco and Toby nodded with their heads buried in their bowls.

"First, I officially announce the end of the mission."

"Huh?"

Both of them lifted their heads simultaneously. The onion soup dripped from Vasco's spoon.

Their wide eyes and trembling mouths were full of joy.

"Last night, Kasimak Rodri took out Surde, Muik, and Veron, securing half of Raspal."

"Wow..."

"Talks of cooperation also took place. Now, we just need to return to Haisen."

Vasco and Toby let out silent screams, their faces beaming with happiness.

Only Tun remained calm.

"Did you help him?"

"I just found the people as requested."

I recounted everything that happened without any embellishment.

After understanding the conspiracy through Luiko, Kasimak immediately set out.

"I did give advice on how to rule, but I didn't participate in the battle."

"Was he as strong as they say, when you saw him in person?"

"He's at least as strong as me."

"Your usual strength?"

Tun knew about my condition. I nodded.

"This relationship should last long."

"Yes. We'll soon take over all of Raspal."

"Good job. You finished the mission while just drinking."

"Got lucky. Rumors aren't always true, after all."

Tun, who agreed, immediately ordered a beer. Of course, Vasco and Toby followed suit.

Really, now that the mission is over, drinking again?

Well, we haven't had much rest recently. I've been working hard to build experience and reputation.

The agents under me have also been moving almost without rest.

"When are we returning?"

Tun asked. Seeing him order a drink and then ask this, it seemed he also wanted to rest.

"Right away, if you want..."

I changed my words when I saw Vasco and Toby's faces slightly contort.

"Since we arrived yesterday, let's rest for a couple of days?"

"Sure. Hmm, maybe we should go fishing?"

"Fishing?"

"Yeah. Have you ever tried it?"

I had learned many things under the duke, but fishing wasn't one of them. I had never done it on Earth either.

"No. Let's try it this time."

"Sure. It's more fun than you think."

At that moment, Toby, who had been silent, interjected.

"Since the mission ended quickly, how about going to the south?"

"South, as in the southwestern plains?"

"Yeah. I've never been there."

Time-wise, it wasn't a big issue. We could still return earlier than expected even if we made a detour.

"But why there? Is there something to see?"

"My goal is to see as much of this vast world as possible. The southwestern plains are different from the start, with their majestic horizon. The night sky is especially beautiful."

Toby had an artistic temperament. He read a lot and loved singing.

Sometimes, he would appreciate the scenery.

"I'm fine with it. What about the others?"

"I don't mind."

Vasco shrugged while drinking his beer. He was the type to go with the flow.

Tun also agreed.

"Since this is our team's last mission, it would be good to spend time together."

A kind smile followed. It was an unexpected statement. Tun seemed to be more sentimental than I thought.

I was going to the empire after this mission.

Hmm. Maybe Toby knew about this and suggested it.

"Then let's make a stop. Where should we go?"

"Derene. It's the place that welcomes continentals the most."

I nodded at Tun's words. The people in the southwestern region weren't called western natives for nothing.

The people in the northwestern region where I am now were originally from the central continent.

After the founding emperor expanded the empire's territory, the central kingdoms were pushed to the west.

The displaced natives were then pushed further to the southwestern plains, crossing the Melain River.

Thus, the natives disliked people other than themselves. Of course, the subsequent slave issues were inevitable.

However, the natives couldn't completely reject the continent.

To the north, they were blocked by the massive river used by the westerners, and to the south, by the elves' great forest.

They needed to trade to survive in the barren plains.

Derene naturally became a trading city between the continent and the southwestern region.

'Hmm. Is this the best choice?'

I thought about what I could gain from going to the southwestern region, but nothing came to mind.

The named natives were further inland. I had already met Cedric.

"Sure. Let's go there."

"Should we take a boat?"

"No. The escape routes are gone. We should avoid it as much as possible."

Toby nodded, though somewhat disappointed.

"Then we'll move tomorrow."

"Sure. Wake up early. I'll finish the fishing preparations, so be ready."

As I watched Tun's back move away, I evaluated this mission as quite successful.

The mission ended faster than expected, and the gains were enormous.

Finding Kasimak was one thing, but becoming his friend was unexpected.

I had formed a connection with someone who would influence the entire west, beyond just the western islands. I couldn't imagine how this would turn out.

Of course, Kasimak might not become as powerful as in the game. The butterfly effect caused by me is a factor.

But it's fine. If I guide him, there won't be a problem.

Hmm. Maybe I should tell the duke that Kasimak is a pretty good person.

We shouldn't easily discard the cooperative relationship with Kasimak.

* * *

We moved in a straight line toward the Melain River, planning to cross it by boat.

We couldn't completely avoid the boat since we would have to go through the empire's territory to bypass the river.

"Ah, the feeling of fishing hasn't left me. It's so heavy."

"It was just luck."

"Usually, people who lack skill blame their luck. Right, Tun?"

"I'd rather not be involved in this silly argument."

Tun sighed, and Vasco frowned slightly.

Toby and Vasco, being relatively young and of similar age, often showed their competitive spirit.

'Quite entertaining, it seems.'

Judging by how they were still arguing about it days later, the fishing trip was a success.

Actually, it wasn't a difficult task.

As spies who need to maintain focus, they never miss their timing.

After a few trial and errors, they mostly succeeded in catching fish.

Except for Toby, none of them caught a big one, just small fish. Tun was the same.

I considered using wind to catch fish but decided against it. That's why Toby was so proud.

"I can catch one if we try again."

"Then let's try again at the Melain River. Kalin, what do you think?"

Suddenly, the decision was on me.

Personally, I didn't find it that interesting. It had a certain feel, but it didn't suit me.

For someone in my worst condition, focusing in a boring situation was energy-draining.

In short, it was bothersome. And I didn't find the process of attaching bait very clean.

"I'm a bit... If you want to, the others can go ahead."

We planned to stop at the village of Bendoch to take a boat across the river.

Since our goal was to see the plains, taking a day off there wouldn't be a problem.

"Ah, then forget it."

Toby shook his head. From his expression, he probably knew I wouldn't do it from the start.

He was just trying to tease Vasco.

At that moment, a screech echoed through the sky. In the distant sky ahead, an eagle was flying.

Directly toward us. Tun stopped his horse, his expression tense.

"It's an omen."

A superstition. A superstition passed down among the western natives. They consider encountering an eagle to be an omen.

Tun, though not a native, was originally sensitive to superstitions, like other spies.

Many of them had pre-mission superstitions, similar to athletes. Tun spoke in a low, quick voice.

"Toby, the fish."

"What?"

Toby had brought dried fish he caught. Naturally, I helped.

Tun extended his hand, urging Toby.

"Quickly."

Toby quickly took out the fish. Tun held the dried fish up to the sky.

The eagle, which had been flying overhead, glanced at us and circled above our heads.

"Don't move."

Tun spoke in a low voice.

A short wait. After about three minutes, the eagle started to descend toward us.

The movement of the air currents from the eagle's wings was clearly felt.

In a brief moment, the eagle snatched the dried fish and flew back up.

Though he couldn't speak due to the atmosphere, Toby's face looked quite disappointed at losing the fish. Tun let out a sigh of relief.

"What are you doing?"

"It's a superstition."

I answered for him. We offer the food we have to the omen, the eagle.

If the eagle takes it, the great misfortune is averted. Whether it turns into a good omen or a lesser misfortune is unknown.

The natives believe this for two reasons.

One, that we are safe from the omen because the eagle comes down to us, and two, that the eagle takes the offering and protects us from the omen.

Toby, hearing this, scratched his chin with a troubled look.

"Let's just go back to Haisen."

When he suggested going, it was a different story.

I couldn't help but smile. Agents are sensitive to superstitions, but field agents are even more so.

Of course, there are also superstitions among the higher-ups.

Vasco, standing next to me, also showed a similar expression to Toby. Tun, taking out a cigarette, said:

"If it's because of the superstition... we should go forward."

"Huh?"

"Kalin didn't tell you. The natives believe that if you avoid the path when you see an eagle, you will face a more severe misfortune."

In the silence, Tun continued.

"When the eagle takes the food, it means it's an opportunity. It can turn into a misfortune or a good omen, depending on our intentions."

As he finished speaking, Tun's gaze lingered on me. The final decision was mine.

"Yes. Let's go."

I heard the rest of the story for the first time. Superstitions... it's better to avoid ominous things.

The expressions of the other agents also showed this.

When we arrived at Bendoch, we could guess why the omen appeared.

We faced a plague-stricken village and a crowd driven by madness.