STM 124

“The Sarne family has been hunting someone for decades.”

Rick shared this information without hesitation when he saw I was curious.

“However, they keep their secrets so strictly that no one knows who they are chasing or why.”

“If they haven’t caught them in decades, that person must be elusive. What are they, a squirrel?”

“I believe there is a possibility they actually are a squirrel.”

“What?”

“The Sarne family once leaked that the individual is involved with black magic. Perhaps they used a spell to inhabit the soul of a squirrel.”

What nonsense. Where in the world does such magic exist? I didn’t say anything because Rick looked so serious.

“But at some point, this one-sided pursuit turned into a conflict. It is unknown if the ‘squirrel’ fought back alone or had an accomplice. One thing is certain: they harassed the Sarne family. It grew so dire that a Sword Master from the family had to step in personally.”

“The one who died?”

“No. His master and another Sword Master, Sarne Bayan. I understand she led the hunt herself.”

The name made her lineage obvious. I found it surprising. Is it that common for a great family to produce two Sword Masters, a rank so difficult to achieve? Mo, sensing my doubt, explained.

[Legends say the four knights chosen by the divine beasts possessed swordsmanship equal to that of a Sword Master. Later, as techniques evolved to combat monsters, the formal rank of Sword Master was established. More than half of those who reach this level come from the divine beast families.]

I see. The bloodline itself must carry the talent. They really do keep all the power for themselves. While I felt a flicker of envy, Rick continued.

“The Sarne family has not manifested the power of the divine beast for several generations. Because of this, they put immense effort into training Sword Masters. You likely know this already.”

I had no idea, but I nodded as if I did.

“Right.”

“And isn’t it famous how Sarne Bayan traveled across Tubain since her youth to find a disciple? She eventually found a talented individual in the Kroll region and raised him to be a Sword Master, but…”

Rick shook his head looking regretful.

“Three years ago, he was gravely injured while chasing someone alone. He finally passed away early this year. I suspect the one he pursued was that ‘squirrel’.”

“Someone capable of doing that to a Sword Master… must be a Sword Master themselves, right? Did the squirrel become a Sword Master? That is impressive.”

“Or perhaps they had help from one,” Rick added, not ruling out other possibilities.

“But Sarne Bayan has been on a rampage since she lost her disciple. No matter how strong that squirrel is, they are in danger. Several of Bayan’s disciples are Sword Experts, and they are all prowling about for revenge. If they catch the target… oh.”

Rick shrugged, the mere thought gave him chills. I, on the other hand, frowned. If the person is a dark mage, would they even need to be a Sword Master? If they are anything like Dorgo, black magic alone would make them strong enough.

I was certain the squirrel couldn’t be a dark mage. Besides, the Sarne family started the hunt first, right? I felt the urge to root for the underdog.

“I hope the squirrel wins.”

Rick’s eyes widened in horror.

“You must never advocate for a dark mage.”

I wanted to agree, especially after what Dorgo did to me. But I hated the idea of blind hatred based on rumors without evidence.

“Even if the squirrel is a Sword Master, an individual cannot defeat the Sarne family. Never.”

“Nothing is ‘never’ in the face of time.”

His expression changed, perhaps because my words did not sound like the Lu he knew. I didn’t care to act like Lu in that moment. That sentiment is one of the reasons I have endured until now.

It does not matter if I fail to see a happy ending in my lifetime. I only hope to be a single paving stone on the path toward it. I have survived a long time with that heart.

However, a pragmatist stood before me.

“Time has its own way of moving. The Borhumi wretches may have been out of line, and the Grand Duke may have seized their castle, but we lack the troops to hold it. Before more trouble starts, he should give up Borhumi Castle or…”

“.….”

“…Good night.”

“I heard everything.”

I grabbed the hem of Rick’s clothes as he tried to flee.

“Are they short on troops because they occupied Borhumi Castle? The other divine beast families wouldn’t just let that slide.”

Rick closed his eyes, cursing his own loose tongue.

“Ha… for now, they are leaving it alone. They only file written protests. There are no signs of them moving troops toward Borhumi.”

“They must be planning something.”

“Yes, but there is no way to know exactly what…”

“They don’t need to take Borhumi Castle right now. They are waiting for the right moment.”

“…?”

“Think about it. Imagine a major event happens in the future. For example, an ‘accident’ where everyone in that castle dies.”

I knew Rick was doubting me again, but I continued my speculation.

“If that is the case, the only thing they could be waiting for is an uncontrollable surge of monsters.”

When I turned my head, Rick flinched and blinked in surprise.

“How would they know monsters will appear in the future? Unless Hoiga made a prophecy… ah.”

Rick understood without further explanation. However, he soon looked at me with a conflicted expression. To him, Hoiga who could prophesy would seem like the genuine Salvation.

I did not bother to insist that I was the real deal. There is only one person I need to deceive.

“Ahem, I have heard your opinion. You do not need to concern yourself with this moving forward.”

I nodded in agreement.

“You are right. It is not a major issue.”

Even though he was the one who told me to stay out of it, he immediately looked displeased by my indifferent attitude.

“Lord Lu, you say that because you do not yet fully understand the situation…”

“I will solve it for you.”

“Pardon?”

“You said a lack of troops is the problem, right?”

I turned and began walking toward the interior of the mansion. Rick hurried to catch up with me.

“How exactly do you intend to solve it?”

“We just need to recruit more troops.”

Even after I gave him the answer, Rick still looked bewildered. Now, I was the one who had to look at him with suspicion. I wondered if a man like this really deserved the position of Chief Secretary. He mentioned they were classmates; perhaps he was a nepotism hire?

“From where will we get these troops?”

I laughed and replied.

“I have no idea.”

Rick frowned in confusion, but his eyes widened like someone who had found a lucky omen at my subsequent words.

“My younger sister will take care of that part.”

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“The Western Mercenary Guild?”

Tairok asked while keeping his eyes on the letter Rick had sent. The captain of the guard standing before him nodded and continued his report in a confused manner.

“Yes. Mages have opened portals near the Crystal Lake to transport mercenaries. At first, I feared it was an attack from another divine beast family, but they all arrived under contracts from the Western Mercenary Guild.”

Tairok said nothing, but the captain’s voice sounded brighter, he had finally caught his breath.

“It would have been difficult to manage with our own forces if trouble arose at Crystal Lake. We have gained unexpected reinforcements. Furthermore, the rowdy mercenaries have settled down now that the Guild is involved.”

“There is no reason for the Western Mercenary Guild to act so suddenly…”

Tairok stopped mumbling as he read a specific part of Rick’s letter. His gaze sharpened, but the Captain failed to notice and continued with his own thoughts.

“The Western Mercenary Guild operates primarily out of Borhumi. Perhaps they finally stepped up to protect their own territory.”

“Those people only move for money.”

“But there is no way Borhumi provided the funds.”

Tairok folded Rick’s letter and looked up with cold eyes.

“The money came from somewhere else.”

Who could it be?

The captain barely managed to suppress his urge to ask Tairok, who seemed to know the answer. For some reason, the Grand Duke looked displeased. To avoid further tension, the captain switched to a lighter topic.

“In any case, now that you have put a stop to it, you should return to the mansion. I imagine your fiancé is eager for your return.”

Tairok stopped mid-air as he tried to burn the letter. He slowly raised his eyes to meet the captain’s.

“…What?”

“I am speaking of Lord Lu. You left for the monster hunt only a few days after he arrived at the mansion.”

“And?”

“He must be missing you.”

“Are you suggesting Lu requested funds from Adeye and paid for this because he wanted me back?”