Chapter 73

# Chapter 073

The wall that stretched across the pass and extended to the distant foothills in the east seemed as natural as if it had guarded this place for ages.

Like elsewhere, it appeared to be a gate built by renovating and expanding an ancient fortress.

On top of the wall, the guards with their halberds looked down at the carriage.

The captain of the guards, who had been eyeing Charlotte with a dry gaze, approached Ian.

"State your identity."

Ian, as if he had been waiting for it, handed over a thin piece of parchment.

"I'm Ian Hope, a mercenary."

The captain's eyes narrowed as he unfolded the parchment.

"The Temple of the Forge...? Can you prove that this isn't a forgery?"

"I can't, but if I had intended to forge my identity, I wouldn't have used that name."

"True. That makes sense."

The captain nodded.

Ian had made good use of the Temple of the Forge. Besides maps and blessings, he had also requested documents to vouch for his identity. The purification of the corrupted essence in the pocket dimension was a bonus.

The temple, of course, had granted all the requests of their benefactor.

As a result, Ian now possessed an identity certificate bearing the seal of Cervin Astraea.

It was a name that would be recognized not only in the north but also in the empire.

"The temple seems to have a special relationship with you. I've heard that the flames of the forge are dying out."

"Ian here played a significant role in reviving those flames."

Charlotte spoke up, her expressionless face sweeping her tongue across her lips.

As if she had said what needed to be said.

While Ian was narrowing his eyes at the strangely overlapping figures,

"Then it makes sense. I did think you were extraordinary. It's fortunate that it's in a good way. Are all your companions your subordinates?"

"...Yes."

For now.

"Mercenaries... You're rare guests here."

Muttering, the captain took out a seal from his coat and stamped it on one side of the parchment.

While waiting for the seal to dry, he looked at Ian again.

"So, where are you headed? To Travelgar?"

"We're heading north now."

"How far north? Even this Ningleos is quite far north."

You're quite curious, aren't you?

While thinking this, Ian answered without hesitation.

"Further north. We're heading towards the Ahigorn Mountains."

Given the carriage and its occupants, it was understandable to be curious.

An imperial black carriage, with well-bred warhorses clad in black armor.

A half-elf on the driver's seat, and a gaunt woman in a robe sitting at Ian's feet.

This was a peculiar combination even in this world.

"Ah, you mean really far north. That's a place where people don't usually go. Especially in this season. Did you receive a commission?"

"From the Temple of the Forge."

Ian calmly mentioned the temple's name. Even if it reached their ears, they wouldn't act so petty over this.

"Truly remarkable. If you weren't, you wouldn't have accepted such a reckless commission."

"Is the situation in the north that bad?"

"…Is this your first time in the north?"

Ian nodded readily.

The captain paused, seemingly conflicted about whether he was saying too much.

"Whatever you say won't change anything, so speak freely. It might even help."

Ian added casually.

The captain nodded.

"To answer your question, it's very bad. The entire north is called the Northern Autonomous Region, but in reality, only the areas not covered in snow can be considered the north. Beyond that, it's almost a white wasteland. The people who lived near there have long since moved to the south. This Ningleos is one of them."

The captain, who paused, scratched his scruffy beard.

"I would at least stay here until spring or turn east. Even without going as far as Karingion, Travelgar alone should have plenty of jobs for a capable mercenary group. It might be a bit boring here, though."

That's what you mean.

Nodding, Ian asked,

"So, this is one of the northernmost cities, right?"

"Not yet, but it will be soon. The cold is moving down year by year. It won't be long before the snow covers the upper regions. But even then, the places above here are just small villages that can't compare to this. Frankly, I doubt the people who are still holding on there are sane."

"Then we need to stock up here before leaving..."

"It seems to be an urgent commission."

"I don't think waiting until spring would make much of a difference."

"That's not entirely wrong."

The captain rolled up the parchment and handed it over, adding,

"Beyond the city to the west, there are mines. That area is off-limits to outsiders. The same goes for the area near the castle. Try not to leave the city. I trust you won't cause any trouble."

"Don't worry. We'll rest well and spend a lot of money before leaving."

"Excellent."

The captain stepped back.

The soldiers guarding the gate cleared the way.

Charlotte leisurely drove the carriage through the gate.

The barren fields, proving the season, and the vast cityscape were revealed.

It was a scene that exceeded Ian's expectations.

After all, this was a city he had never seen in the game.

While it wasn't uncommon for new towns to appear in the game, this was the first time he had encountered one of this scale.

'Without a quest, it's a bit disappointing... but we have time.'

In any case, even if a vampire hunter were to follow, he wouldn't cause a ruckus and lose his mind.

If word got out that a demon appeared in the heart of an autonomous region, he would immediately be pursued by the empire.

At that moment, Tesia looked up, sensing something.

Thanks to last night's hunt, her face had a healthier glow.

"Do you always go through this annoying process?"

"Only when it's not a free city."

"It was an interesting experience. I've never passed through a gate so confidently before."

"Of course."

"I'll do well inside too. For some reason, I always drew attention before."

"That's because you walked around naked."

"Ah…."

Her actions weren't exactly ordinary.

Ian snorted at Tesia's seemingly innocent response and turned his gaze away.

In any case, with Charlotte around, she would likely attract less attention.

"Where should we go first?"

Charlotte asked, another basic question.

Ian nodded.

"There should be an inn or a stable somewhere in the city. Let's start there."

"Understood."

"Why did you interject earlier? That wasn't like you."

"Oh, that. At the Temple of the Forge... I learned it."

Charlotte's voice carried a hint of embarrassment.

Ian's brows furrowed.

"Miguel?"

"While you were talking to the high priest, he approached me and started talking. He taught me how to introduce you and the virtues I should embody as a servant. It came to mind. After all, I am... your servant now…."

"Hah…."

Ian chuckled.

To think they were still passing that on.

Tlesia's eyes sparkled right after.

"Is there a specific way to introduce Ian? What is it?"

"He said—"

"Enough."

Ian cut her off, looking at both of them with a cold gaze.

"I said no fighting, not to act friendly. And Charlotte, forget that dog act. It's unnecessary."

"It would be more convenient for me... but it's necessary to spread your reputation, Ian. For a mercenary group, rumors and reputation are important."

"Three people don't make a mercenary group... It's unnecessary. We can rebuild our reputation."

"Why? I like the idea of a mercenary group."

Tlesia grinned.

Of course.

Pressing his temples, Ian said,

"If you want to maintain that, keep pretending to be an elf mage."

"Got it. I will."

The carriage entered the city.

Dull black earth and brick buildings.

Finding a stable wasn't difficult.

It seemed that transporting goods was frequent, as a large stable was located on the main street.

It wasn't far from the inn.

"Those are some fine horses, sir."

The stable master glanced at the carriage, the horses, and Charlotte.

Ian, who had gotten out of the carriage, said,

"We might stay for two days, or a few more. Feed them well and let them rest comfortably. We're heading north."

"How far north?"

Here we go again. Well, this is already the north by imperial standards.

"Near the Ahigorn Mountains."

"At that distance... you might not have horses when you return."

"Make sure they can hold out until then. And clean them up, too."

The stable master's lips curved upward at the silver coins Ian handed over.

"I'll do my best."

Ian nodded and turned around.

Charlotte and Tesia walked side by side behind him.

The pedestrians' gazes lingered on them from time to time.

Ian silently smacked his lips.

'I don't want to stand out, but... with Charlotte, I guess I have to get used to it.'

Finding a blacksmith wasn't difficult.

An entire street was lined with blacksmiths.

"Get a grip, you fool! You keep slipping when you strike!"

"Work the bellows properly!"

Humans and dwarves moved tirelessly, intertwined.

It seemed they were sending the items made here to the northern front.

'This is a place where people live, after all.'

The scene made him reflect on the fact that this world wasn't virtual.

The vitality he felt in this city, which he had never seen in the game, made it even more real.

How such an extreme world could exist was still a mystery.

Perhaps this was a question he had because he had lived in a developed country.

If he had been born in a country ravaged by war and poverty, he might not have been so surprised.

Ian passed by the stalls, lightly touching the items displayed.

He eventually turned back the way he came.

His gaze fell on a middle-aged dwarf leaning indifferently against a stall.

"That one seems to be the most skilled."

"...How do you know?"

"Experience."

There was no need to explain that the items from that shop had the most information to verify.

"You don't have a choice anyway. I'm paying, after all."

"...I do have money, though."

"Your money is my money."

"That's... true."

Ian approached the stall.

When he picked up a few items, including a dagger, the dwarf craftsman finally looked at him.

"You have a good eye."

"I hear that often. How much?"

"Quite expensive. Do you have the money?"

Of course, his mouth closed immediately when Ian placed imperial gold coins on the stall.

Ian stopped the short, thick hand reaching for the gold.

"This includes the cost of custom work."

"Custom work?"

Ian showed the dwarf Charlotte's damaged arm guard and cracked shoulder plate.

"Repair these and make something to fit in between."

"Ah... these are magical weapons... They are crafted by dwarves... and the material is not ordinary imperial steel. The magic engraved on them is intricate. It's impossible to replicate them exactly."

"As long as they are sturdy and comfortable to move in, it's fine if they're different."

"In that case... come this way."

Charlotte leaned over the stall.

The dwarf craftsman, who had been snoring in a corner of the forge, woke up and began measuring her arm, muttering,

"It's been a while since I've seen a half-elf. And with an elf... quite a strange combination."

Charlotte's face hardened, and Ian snorted.

"To me, you all look strange too."

"...The strangest is you, traveling with both a half-elf and an elf. Don't you understand what that means?"

The craftsman, who had calmly spoken, began writing on a piece of paper.

"Come back tomorrow. And it seems the cost is a bit short."

"Prepare something good. I'll pay extra."

Ian placed another gold coin on the stall.

The craftsman, who glanced at his stern gaze, nodded.

"I'll treat customers who understand the value."

Ian turned around.

As the craftsman woke up the still sleeping apprentice, Charlotte muttered,

"Rude and greedy earthworms..."

"Don't worry. If it's not good tomorrow, I'll cut him in half."

"...Right. That... I caused you to spend money again..."

Charlotte stammered.

She seemed unable to finish her sentence.

"Pay me back when you can."

At Ian's words, Charlotte nodded awkwardly.

Ian also bought a few outfits for Tesia to wear.

She whispered that she didn't want to wear them, but of course, she had no choice.

Finally, after purchasing dried food, the group entered the inn.

"..."

Tlesia stopped walking at that moment.

Ian, who had turned his head, recalled that she was a vampire.

'They really know how to be a nuisance.'

Both Charlotte and Tesia, to be honest, required more attention than Lucy.

Tlesia only entered the building after Ian told the waitress to come in.

The northern houses were all made of brick, much warmer than the wooden shacks.

The first-floor restaurant was already bustling with drunkards before dinner.

A scene worth seeing, with dwarves and humans intertwined, drinking strong liquor.

While Tlesia went upstairs to change, Ian took a seat in a corner.

As usual when entering a new city's inn, he felt the gazes of people glancing at him.

Since they weren't hostile, Ian ignored them and ordered food.

"Are you the mercenaries heading to the mountains?"

The waitress, who had taken their order, asked, glancing at Charlotte fearfully.

Ian blinked.

"Already a rumor?"

"You've been throwing money around... If it's not too much to ask, why are you going there?"

"What else would a mercenary do? To kill monsters."

Ian chuckled.

The waitress beamed.

"Of course! I'll cheer for you sincerely. Not just me, but many people here have moved from above. Please reduce the number of monsters as much as possible. Someday, we might be able to return to our hometowns."

Bowing, the waitress ran off, promising to bring the food quickly.

"..."

Ian smiled bitterly, looking at his left hand.

He was destined to fight the monsters soon anyway.

He was starting to understand how this symbol worked.

It wasn't just randomly emitting waves.

It only activated when there were monsters nearby that it could summon.

Perhaps, conversely, they were resonating with it.

Whichever was the case, it wouldn't change anything.

'After resolving this... I can go to Travelgar before spring.'

Ian's gaze wandered through his memories.

Many things had changed from what he remembered.

But the major flow wouldn't have changed.

The essential quests would still be waiting for him.

Since he had entered the north, he planned to complete what he needed to do and return.

By then, the border war would likely have reached its peak.

'...As long as there are no absurd variables.'

"...Uncomfortable."

At that moment, one of the biggest variables sat next to him.

Tlesia, with her hood pulled down, kept fidgeting, seemingly uncomfortable with the clothes she was wearing underneath.

'...I have to kill her eventually.'

Ian stared at her.

This journey itself seemed to be a situation that didn't exist in the game.

No quest had appeared.

Perhaps he was now on a completely new path.

'Of course, this one person alone can't drastically change the overall flow... but just in case, maybe it's more rational to kill her now.'

"...Why are you looking at me so frighteningly, Ian?"

Tlesia tilted her head, her eyes gradually turning red as the sun set.

"Enjoy your meal. I put a lot on your plate."

The food was placed on the table.

"...It's nothing. Don't take off your clothes just because you're uncomfortable."

Saying this calmly, Ian turned his gaze to the plate.

He thought again that it wouldn't be too late to decide after observing her further.

***

On the hard bed.

"!"

Ian's eyes snapped open.

His brows furrowed as he stared at the dark ceiling.

It seemed that something he thought would never happen, had indeed happened.