Chapter 89 : Chapter 89
Chapter 89: Hella (3)
“Oh! It really is Kanan.”
Dull blond hair and a black mask.
Kanan of The Unsetting Sun immediately recognized him. It was because of the white sword drawn on a black background.
“It’s been a long time, Lord Homer.”
He was a person who made one smile just by looking at him, and the same was true for Homer Harkinwagen.
“You’ve made it. You’ve really made it. To think you’d be in charge of such an important role already. You’ll be pulling ahead of your stable mates with this.”
Homer Harkinwagen’s way of speaking put the person he was facing at ease.
At least, that was how the stable mates Kanan and Homer referred to felt. The strong of the Sword Tower and The Unsetting Sun were not good at encouragement.
“Please understand. Lady Ejel and Lady Lete Dujeu are only like that on the outside. Having roamed the battlefield together, they’ve come to resemble him.”
“Of course. They are all always good to me.”
“Haha. It seems your capacity has grown larger, perhaps because you are in charge of an important role.”
“I am still far from it. An important role, you say. You are the one in charge of the important role this time, Lord Homer.”
Homer picked up the mask that Kanan handed him.
“No. We are in this together. It’s just a matter of the two of us stepping forward.”
Today’s Homer was not a Harkinwagen.
He took off the mask that proved he was a Harkinwagen and put on the one Kanan had given him.
“Paeltke Koral. Is that right?”
“That’s right.”
“To be disguised as a dead grand merchant. It’s nerve-wracking.”
“It is fortunate that your build is similar.”
“Hmm. They say he was a martial artist, for what it's worth. Right. Let’s go for now. Let’s hear the detailed information from Degrate.”
It took quite some time.
Just like Kanan, who had wandered several times to meet Homer, Hella was an awkward place for Homer as well.
“Hmm. This is embarrassing. I don’t usually come to Bahab.”
“It’s nothing. In fact, how many of us are familiar with Bahab?”
“That’s also true. Ah. Do you know? The current fortress of Bahab was newly built at the same time as the end of the war.”
“Ah, I’ve heard. They said it was newly built to suit the status of a duke.”
“That’s what others know. But it’s not. In fact, it was just rebuilt because it collapsed.”
“Pardon?”
“The Bahab air raid by the Doom Species Count. Do you know of it?”
“Ah, yes. I heard it was a battle where Baperr was deployed as support.”
“At that time, Lord Exa completely demolished the fortress without a trace. He said she didn't have the qualifications of a lord, and he just went on a rampage. It was to the point where Lady Lete Dujeu, who was by his side, had to stop him.”
“If he did that, there must have been a reason.”
Exa was the hero with the most gossip among the heroes.
Kanan and The Unsetting Sun did not believe those things, which had clear base intentions.
If he had destroyed Bahab, there must have been a reason befitting of it. Kanan was convinced.
“That’s right! There was a reason for everything. The Hero Families of the Empire all had problems, and still do. That’s why they all got a beating from Lord Exa one by one.”
Mectera lost half of the Sacred Mountain.
Bahab’s existing fortress collapsed.
“Is Basor also included?”
“Of course! He turned a couple of Magic Towers into dust.”
Homer walked while telling the anecdote related to Basor. The path he had somewhat wandered was not boring thanks to it.
The butcher shop. Homer spotted the butcher James, who was still loitering outside, and approached him.
“Do you need some meat?”
Code words.
James asked the same question as when he had met Simurtr, as Homer approached.
“I do.”
“What kind of meat do you need?”
“I have come to use rotten meat.”
“Do you have a desired origin?”
“I would like the south and the east to be intertwined.”
“It’s inside.”
Harkinwagen of the south.
The Sword Tower of the east, which embraced The Unsetting Sun.
Today’s visit was an alliance between the two. Of course, Harkinwagen was Homer’s unilateral decision, but anyway.
Tinkle. James opened the door and let Homer and Kanan in.
“You there. Ah, may I ask your name?”
“You may call me James.”
“Right. James. Have you eaten?”
“Of course. We are always guaranteed, if not elsewhere.”
“As expected of Degrate.”
James was an information broker of Degrate.
The crows who lived in secret. Was it okay to ask for the name of such people so casually?
Homer, noticing the meaning of Kanan’s gaze, said.
“He’s a friend who is suffering in enemy territory. And he is helping us now. It wouldn’t do not to even know his name.”
Enemy territory.
Homer called this place, Bahab, enemy territory.
For Kanan, who was not a core member of The Unsetting Sun, it was an expression he couldn’t understand.
“I say this, but in fact, I too could not have thought of it in the past. I only got into the habit after being scolded by Lord Exa. He was someone who always tried to remember the names of his comrades.”
“I will also keep that in mind.”
Homer lightly tapped Kanan’s shoulder and immediately sat down.
Only then did James sit opposite him. Kanan thought there was much to learn from Homer.
“This task. And the information on your prior request. Which would you like to hear first?”
“Oh. You’ve already found out?”
“However, I do not know if it will be to your satisfaction. As there is not much of a result.”
“Where else could one find new information! No. I’ll hear that later. I can’t put what I’m in charge of behind.”
That self-control.
A center of gravity that focuses on the present.
Homer Harkinwagen did not deviate.
Though he had an impulsive side, a certain direction was set within it. He did not deviate from his current position.
‘That too must have been learned from Lord Exa.’
Kanan did not look at James. Though he was listening with his ears, he was focused solely on Homer.
The leadership of the Sword Tower and The Unsetting Sun was contemplating this mission.
Their activities in the Empire were quite uncomfortable, and that was the reason they had requested support from Homer of the Empire.
It was an important mission to that extent, but for Kanan, it was also an opportunity to grow once.
“Paeltke Koral. It is his mask, I see.”
“Hmm. Kanan gave it to me. I changed it before passing through the entrance, so there should be no problem.”
“Which entrance did you use?”
“It was entrance 3. Koral mainly used that entrance.”
“Excellent. Since you changed your mask in advance, you will have been registered under Koral’s identity.”
Paeltke Koral.
The owner of the Koral Merchant Guild, which represented the western market of the Empire.
“But isn’t Koral too dangerous a name?”
It was not a suitable name for carrying out work in secret. Homer let out the anxiety he had suppressed.
“It is still fine. Paeltke Koral died ten days ago, but one of his blood relatives is currently playing his part.”
“Hah. Degrate themselves?”
“Yes. It was the hidden master’s word, and the master himself ordered it. So there will be no danger due to Koral’s name.”
As long as they didn't take off their masks.
Homer nodded his head.
With Degrate’s phantasm, Paeltke’s death would not be known for the time being.
Homer and Kanan, who had come to Hella under Koral’s name, were also safe.
“Have you learned all his way of speaking, gestures, and habits?”
“Hmm. I remember them all. But I’ll have to keep being conscious of them.”
“If you are very uncomfortable, it will be fine to call yourself a representative. Paeltke Koral does not often leave Lyuras, where the main guild is.”
“Hmm. I heard. He focused solely on training at his mansion in Lyuras.”
“That’s right.”
So they only had to be careful of one person.
James said.
“You’re talking about Bermann.”
“That’s right. Bermann, the master of Hella, has a special relationship with Paeltke Koral. It would be best to avoid a meeting if possible. If he knows you are a representative, he will surely try to approach.”
“That’s why you told me to enter when the auction opens. And to entrust the receipt to Kanan.”
Koral was an identity that required attention in many ways, but it couldn't be helped. This was the best they could do.
Today’s auction was a solemn occasion where even Paeltke Koral, Bermann’s close friend, had barely managed to obtain a participation ticket.
“That’s right. You must be careful. If not for the assassination request for Paeltke, this auction was information we would not have known either.”
“There won’t be many participants. Only those whose silence is certain must have been invited.”
“That’s right.”
“That would be so. It’s an item that shouldn’t be known to be treated as an auction item.
Should I say, as expected of the arrogant Bahab.”
They must be confident they could smooth things over even if they were caught.
But even so, was there a need to take such a risk? Homer couldn't understand Bahab’s confidence.
“This is information that came in today, but Remeter is also one of the participants.”
“The Undying King.”
“Yes. His descendant has come in person.”
“Hoo. If a mishap occurs, it will be Bahab’s responsibility.”
The memento of Exa Mectera that Bahab had held.
Among today’s auction items, was his beloved sword.
***
‘My sword is being auctioned.’
Ha. Simurtr let out a hollow breath.
It was ridiculous that Akarr, who had blabbered about remembering him, had held such an auction behind his back.
And it was absurd that the Black Land, that Remeter, had crawled up here to buy it.
‘What are they going to do with it after buying it.’
He had never been on good terms with the Black Land.
They had always wanted to tear Exa to pieces and offer his corpse to the Doom Species.
‘And yet the Doom Species bastards are just staying put.’
It was excessive loyalty.
They were desperate to be noticed by the Doom Species, to be acknowledged, to be baptized.
This time was the same. Since the target to be killed was gone, they would want to defile even his memento.
‘Or offer it to the surviving Doom Species as a spoil of war.’
Simurtr thought of the Black Tower.
The 3rd floor. Not a Kua, but an altar honoring who knows whom. In front of it was a trace of a rift.
‘At least a Count or higher.’
A rift was an ability permitted only to those of that rank or higher.
Such a Doom Species was alive, and would probably be in the Black Land with the one called father.
Perhaps their influence was also behind their coming to bid for the memento.
“Koral? Who is that bastard?”
“You don’t know the Koral Merchant Guild?”
As he muttered to himself, Haryun responded.
Simurtr looked at Haryun, whose rebellious phase had subsided.
“It’s a grand merchant guild in the western part of the Empire. From Kainan to right in front of the capital. There are no items they don’t handle, and if it’s the same product, it’s classified as being of a higher quality than that of any other merchant guild.”
It was to the extent that it would not be an exaggeration to say that 40% of the western market belonged to Koral.
Koral. It was an unfamiliar name to Simurtr. It must have been a merchant guild that had sprung up after the end of the war.
“Why is that kind of merchant participating in today’s auction?”
“Because they maintain a good relationship with Bahab.”
The head of Hella.
Bermann was said to be one of Akarr’s loyal retainers. Koral was said to maintain a tenacious tie with such a Bermann.
“So he readily attended the event where Bahab was selling off a comrade’s memento?”
“That’s right.”
“They kept talking about comrades, comrades. It seems memories don't last long.”
“That’s how Mother is. In fact, 20 years was a long time. Maybe she tried to sell it secretly all this time and is holding an auction because it didn't sell?”
“…Wow.”
The rebellious phase had subsided, not disappeared.
Simurtr’s mouth fell slightly open as he looked at Haryun.
Not long ago, she would have foamed at the mouth if he had just bad-mouthed Bahab. Now, she was joining in.
“…Young lady.”
“Why? It’s true, isn’t it. I feel like I’ll be sold off soon too at this rate.”
Jeremiah sighed and glanced at Simurtr.
It was a rebellion that had been predicted at some point, but Simurtr had gotten mixed up in it. Even things that didn't need to change had changed.
“So. You really can’t get in?”
“No. We were blocked from the entrance. She said that Mother herself issued a prohibition order today.”
“You’re a Bahab too.”
“They said that not only Bahab, but only permitted participants could enter. I asked about the auction items, but they didn't tell me whether the memento was there or not.”
“They’re thorough.”
The Black Fox and the Black Tiger.
Remeter had already entered the auction house. It was a fact that Simurtr’s party had confirmed with their own eyes.
“It’s right to wait until they come out.”
“Then let’s do that. If waiting is boring, we can just go back.”
“Hey, shit. Why do you keep talking about going back.”
“Then are you going to move as Mother wants? The Swelling Flame, I told you I’ll teach you, didn’t I?”
“Let’s wait for now.”
To hunt Remeter, it was right to wait. Or trust Haryun and just go back.
But what about my sword then? What if Remeter, whom I waited for, fails to bid?
‘I have to get it.’
Or Remeter gets it, and I take it from him.
I hope my beloved sword doesn’t end up in some unknown place.
‘That would just make things more troublesome.’
It’s better to keep it in a known place.
If that’s the case, it’s more comfortable for the auction to end inconclusively and for it to remain in Bahab.
‘I can’t just go like this.’
I don’t know how much to believe Haryun’s words, but anyway. For now.
The reason to strike Remeter has disappeared because of Haryun. I don’t have to take the test given by Akarr.
However, a new reason has emerged. My sword. Simurtr did not want to miss it. Even if he did miss it, he wanted to see it with his own eyes first.
‘If I didn't know, I wouldn't have known, but I know now. How can I stand by when my sword is being sold off?’
It was a sword imbued with his master’s love and the dragon Pagna’s wish.
Now that he knew, he could not just let it pass.
“Why are you acting like that. I’m the one who should be embarrassed that my mother is selling a comrade’s memento.”
“What are you talking about. I’m a Mectera.”
Should I go in with my Phantasmal Ability?
No. I could get through the entrance, but that would be it. There were few invited guests. I could watch the auction, but I couldn't participate.
“Didn’t you say you had no lingering feelings for Mectera since you’re an adopted son? Just give up.”
“How can I give up. I’m a Mectera. Do you think Mectera would just watch and let this slide?”
“That’s why they’re doing it secretly. By inviting only the most distinguished of guests.”
“Since when was the Black Land a distinguished guest. Let go, I’m going to go to James and call Aran. No, the Sword Master too, the Head of the Senate of Elders, Degrate too. All of them.”
“No, why are you suddenly acting like this.”
Simurtr's fit began after he heard the information James had given him as a reference for Remeter’s movements.
When he found out about the auction that was to be held today, he suddenly started foaming at the mouth.
“…But Exa Mectera is the hero I… respect the most.”
“Really?”
“……”
It was embarrassing to say it again. Simurtr did not answer.
“Of course he is!”
The answer came from an unexpected place.
Simurtr, Haryun, and Jeremiah turned their heads at the same time. Two people were approaching from behind.
A mask completely painted in gold. Simurtr, who looked at it, furrowed his brow.
“At least, I am. Lord Exa Baperr is the person I respect the most in the world.”
The mask itself was advertising that he was crazy about splurging money, but that voice and body were somehow familiar.
“I heard the story from the butcher. Right. If you are the adopted son, it can’t be helped!”
A voice that was always filled with energy, and annoyingly hearty.
His face wasn't visible because of the mask, but below it. The familiar development of muscles. Though it had grown a bit, the still nimble body line…
‘Homer Harkinwagen?’
Why is this bastard here?
Egna. Simurtr suddenly thought of that name and looked at Haryun.
She was shaking her head. Ah, the mask. Haryun did not recognize Homer Harkinwagen.
Simurtr turned his gaze. Next to Homer. Though he was wearing the same mask, it wasn't difficult.
If the opponent was a sword practitioner, Simurtr remembered their body more clearly than their face.
“Don’t tell me you’re Kanan?”
Homer and Kanan.
A combination he had never imagined.
***
The Sword Tower and The Unsetting Sun were in the east, outside the Empire. It meant their information network within the Empire was clumsy, and they were receiving help from Degrate through Semenu.
“The young benefactor of Huit, Egna Harkinwagen. You had requested an investigation of the two through the hidden master, had you not?”
Looking at the frowning Simurtr, Homer recalled James.
The benefactor of Huit who had saved Kanan.
And Egna Harkinwagen, whom Haryun Bahab had mentioned.
The leadership of Homer Harkinwagen and The Unsetting Sun thought that the two were the same person.
They had also gained the conviction that he was related to Exa through the name Egna Harkinwagen.
“First, the young benefactor of Huit. Unfortunately, the east was not the clue you were looking for. However, we have found out his identity.”
First.
It meant that the person from Huit and Egna Harkinwagen were separate individuals.
Therefore, Homer did not rejoice even at the words that they had found out his identity.
“Is that true?”
“Yes. It is certain. I heard it myself, and the 6th Head of the Sword of Mectera, Lord Aran, has finished his verification.”
“Lord Aran?”
“Yes. He is said to be the fourth and adopted son of Mectera, Simurtr Mectera. He had gone on a mission with the 3rd Sword Order to Huit and personally killed Andre Koitro.”
James held out a picture.
It was a picture of Simurtr Mectera, and Kanan nodded his head vigorously as soon as he saw it.
“That’s right. He is the one who saved me.”
“There’s no room for doubt.”
Homer leaned back in his chair and laughed hollowly. However, a faint sense of expectation still remained.
“He is currently living in Bahab and is currently targeting Remeter, caught up in the schemes of Akarr Bahab.”
“In Hella?”
“Yes. He has just come and gone. But it seemed that he wished to attend the auction…”
“Let’s go together. I must repay Kanan’s kindness, and there was also a message from Lord Aran to treat him well.”
Taking him to the auction was not a problem. Homer readily agreed.
“What about Egna Harkinwagen?”
Though he had been wrong about Huit, the person who had claimed that name was definitely related to Exa.
It was a name that could not be otherwise.
“That person… is a source of predicament for us as well.”
Here, James glanced around.
The young benefactor of Huit, and Egna Harkinwagen.
They were all the same person. Simurtr Mectera. The lover of the hidden Phantasm.
Without the need for the crows to move busily, it was a fact that Simurtr had stated himself.
‘Reveal Huit. But Bahab, Egna Harkinwagen, never say a word. Not even if you die.’
That was when Homer had relayed the name Egna Harkinwagen to Degrate through Aran.
It was a message that Simurtr had relayed to Aran along with Degrate.
‘Don’t say it.’
That wish coincided exactly with the order from the hidden Phantasm, Semenu.
Semenu absolutely did not want the person named Simurtr Mectera to be known to the outside.
Though they were comrades who had overcome the war together, in the end, they were not on terms to reveal everything…
“We are continuing to investigate, but the prospects are not bright. We have already compiled the testimonies of the participants of the Pakun underground banquet, but we could not pinpoint him. As they are all things that can be easily solved with magic.”
Everything was for Degrate and the lover of the hidden Phantasm.
James nodded his head as he watched the back of the listlessly walking Homer.