Chapter 142 : Dangerous Remarks
Chapter 142: Dangerous Remarks
Brandok, who had lived outside Evendel bearing the stigma of being an Exile.
He had been accepted back into the clan.
It was thanks to proving that the journey to save the World Tree had not been wrong.
Even so, he did not settle down in Evendel.
“It will take quite some time to retrieve the Magic Stones I have hidden here and there.”
“If you are going to pass through Valoria anyway, it would have been nice to go together. What a pity.”
Robin had suggested traveling together to Brandok, but he declined, saying there were things he still needed to sort out.
“Currently, there are few among the clan who have been to the Empire. Selecting suitable candidates itself is a task.”
Due to Aelin’s change, another great upheaval had arisen in Evendel.
They should not rely on the World Tree and remain complacent, but increase exchanges with humans.
The Elders were not the type to be easily persuaded, but as Aelin’s influence within the clan had grown, it was impossible to prevent the unrest.
“But if you suddenly reveal yourselves in the Empire, it will attract attention. Will that be alright?”
“We will have to think about that as well, but for the time being, we plan to cover our faces.”
“If you all wear helmets and move around in a group, wouldn’t that attract even more attention?”
With a faint smile, Brandok placed a helmet on the table.
It was the helmet he had worn while active in the Empire.
“Though it appears ordinary, it is an Artifact with a cognitive impairment effect.”
“It didn’t seem to have much of an effect.”
“It is not omnipotent. One can recognize that I am wearing a helmet. If someone approaches closely or speaks directly, they may wonder why I am wearing it in a safe city.”
As if to demonstrate rather than explain with words, Brandok put on the helmet and stepped some distance away.
To Robin’s eyes, there was hardly any difference. Anyone could tell it was a suspicious appearance—a man wearing a helmet.
Then at some point, he felt something change.
“Huh?”
Brandok, wearing the helmet, seemed utterly natural.
Though he stood only about six or seven meters away, there was no sense of incongruity.
It was not that his appearance had changed. It simply felt natural—Ah, so that is just how he looks.
When he removed the helmet, his striking features were revealed.
The Artifact’s effect was so peculiar that it defied clear explanation.
Without any forewarning, it blocked the sense of strangeness in the gaze directed at the wearer simply by its existence.
“They say Lady Elicia also encountered many inconveniences due to her beautiful appearance while she was active as an adventurer. Seeing that, the master craftsman Taironi gifted this helmet to an elf.”
“Taironi? Who is that?”
“He is a blacksmith famous even among the Dwarves. If one were to name the greatest among craftsmen, he would always be mentioned.”
Robin, who had never met a Dwarf, was hearing the name for the first time.
Unlike the Elves, they traded with humans, but Dwarves were still a different race.
Now that humans held dominion over the continent, it was an era in which few knew much about other races.
It would be nice if I could meet a Dwarf as well.
Aelin examined the helmet Brandok had set down, then gently tried it on.
It was lighter than she had expected and not suffocating at all.
“I thought my vision would narrow, but there’s nothing like that.”
“Aelin, do you like it?”
“It is certainly a well-made helmet. It would block most attacks.”
“Aelin, you should wear it. It will be of great help.”
Aelin removed the helmet and widened her eyes.
“If it is an Artifact made by a master craftsman, it must be of tremendous value. You’re giving this to me?”
“There is not just one. There must be dozens in Evendel, so please accept it without feeling burdened.”
It was something she had never even heard from the Elders.
Dozens of Artifacts made by a master craftsman—an unimaginable treasure.
Perhaps, since they were not being used, they had naturally been forgotten.
With a moved expression, Aelin bowed her head to Brandok.
“Thank you, teacher. I will cherish it.”
“No, handle it roughly. Though it is an Artifact, it is sturdy armor. It is unlikely to break easily.”
“Even so.”
As if it were truly precious, Aelin hugged the helmet tightly.
Seeing that, Sigbard spoke up.
“Can I not take one as well?”
“I am sorry. They are to be used for the Elves who will head to the Empire in the future.”
“Did you not say there were dozens? Surely you can give me just one.”
During the invasion of the Demon Tribe, Sigbard’s contributions had been immense.
He slew Monsters wherever he saw them, saving nearly a hundred Elves.
In recognition of that merit, he had been granted permission to freely come and go from Evendel, but there had been no monetary reward.
He had not acted expecting compensation, so he had not thought much of it—but seeing the helmet, he could not help wanting it.
“I apologize, Sigbard.”
“Don’t be stingy and just give me one! Aelin, what do you think?”
When the arrow turned toward Aelin, she hesitated before speaking.
“Uh, um… Sigbard would like a helmet too, right……? Would you like to try it on once?”
With a reluctant expression, she handed over the helmet, and Sigbard immediately put it on his head.
It did not fit.
“What is this? It is an Artifact, and it does not even have a size adjustment function!”
“Sigbard, it is only natural that it does not fit because your head is large. I refrained from mentioning it out of consideration, but unless it is custom-made, it will be difficult to find a helmet that fits you.”
At Brandok’s blunt words, Sigbard set the helmet down.
Aelin quickly took it back and examined it to ensure nothing had gone wrong.
Robin glanced at Sigbard, wondering if he had been hurt—but it was needless worry.
“So even a master craftsman is nothing special! What use is a helmet you cannot even wear?”
“He said it was gifted for Elves. If there is something better later, I will buy it for you.”
“See that you keep that promise, Robin.”
Having confirmed it was equipment he could not use, Sigbard quickly lost interest.
“I will retrieve the Rainbow Pig Robin mentioned after I move the Magic Stones.”
“Looks like we cannot leave Narvik until Brandok arrives.”
“I ask for your understanding.”
Seeing Brandok speak politely, Robin told him not to worry.
With that, preparations to depart for Valoria were complete.
In the hut hidden within the forest, the four of them rested leisurely until the next day arrived.
Robin and Aelin listened to various stories from Brandok.
Only then did he learn that most of the knowledge Aelin possessed had been taught by Brandok.
Monsters that appeared in the Uncharted Area and methods of dealing with them, habitats of rare medicinal herbs.
Information worth its weight in gold poured out in abundance.
“Please take good care of Aelin, Robin.”
“Teacher, really. I am an adult too. Do not worry about me and focus on your own matters.”
“Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease. Robin, Sigbard, Aelin. I pray that the futures of you three will be bright.”
The clearing by the hut, with the sun having set, was filled with the sound of insects.
The air warmed by the bonfire felt pleasantly hot.
When the firelight illuminated the elf’s white skin, her flushed face shone like a garnet.
“Robin, you said you are going to the Demon Realm for revenge?”
“That is the biggest reason, but even if it were not, I would have crossed the Uncharted Area.”
“A promise with a friend… could you tell me a little more in detail?”
After hesitating briefly, Robin began to speak.
As he recounted his childhood days with Jeremy, he was soaked in nostalgia.
Though he had met many good people since, that time felt so special to Robin that everything seemed like a gift from Jeremy.
Brandok and Aelin listened without interrupting him.
“I see now. I understand why you strove so desperately to become strong, Robin.”
With the sound of the bonfire burning in the background, the four of them remained silent for a while.
Brandok, who had maintained the silence, spoke in a low voice.
“You are well aware that the process will by no means be smooth.”
“There is nothing easy in this world.”
“Lady Elicia was the most outstanding archer in the clan. One day, she departed for the Demon Realm following humans, and when she returned, she was in critical condition.”
Aelin flinched.
Though the memory was no longer within reach, it was vivid that the aftermath of the life-or-death battle had been horrific.
“Everyone asked what had happened, but she could not even answer properly. Whether she had lost her memory, or it was too painful to speak of……. We could not know, and we took solace in the fact that the Demon Tribe no longer rampaged.”
There had been such times. A past when the entire continent had nearly been swallowed by the Demon Tribe, when war was everyday life.
“One day, Lady Elicia passed by me saying she would step out of Evendel for a while. As her guardian, I tried to stop her, but I could not bend her will.”
At the time, Brandok followed behind Elicia, remaining vigilant for any dangers.
After walking for quite some time toward the direction of the Empire, Elicia met a human woman at the edge of the forest.
The moment Brandok saw that woman, his entire body turned cold.
It was not as though he had exchanged words with her, nor had he seen her fight, yet he could tell she was an extraordinary powerhouse.
“That former companion spoke with Lady Elicia and handed her something, and Lady Elicia collapsed while clutching her head.”
Startled, Brandok revealed himself and rushed over.
The woman stepped aside as if she had known everything.
Though no hostility could be found, at that time the woman exuded an oppressive presence, as if her entire body were a sharpened weapon.
Telling him to take her back and look after her well, the woman vanished.
Brandok hurried back to Evendel and could not express how relieved he was when Elicia safely regained consciousness.
“After that day, Lady Elicia recovered her strength, and I heard an unexpected story.”
The name of Elicia’s former companion was Sella.
What Sella had handed to Elicia was her memory.
“She said they fought the Demon King and were defeated.”
“By Demon King, you mean the king of the Demon Tribe? The one who fought the Empire, was defeated, and retreated?”
“I find it hard to believe as well, but Lady Elicia said that she and her companions had driven him back. Though the result was defeat, she recalled that the Demon King had also suffered no small amount of damage.”
It differed from the history Robin knew.
The Demon King had been driven back by the Emperor’s brilliant stratagems, not by a mere handful of adventurers.
Was the Emperor’s achievement a lie?
Such words could see one branded a traitor and arrested.
Yet Brandok’s voice was sincere.
‘If that is true, then the whole world was deceived…….’
While Robin was in turmoil.
Sigbard, who had been listening silently, asked,
“Was there perhaps a Barbarian named Gunrad among those companions?”
“How do you know that name?”
“He was my father.”
Brandok’s eyes widened as he looked at Sigbard.
“To meet the child of a hero. It is an honor.”
“My father once told me. He said there was an elf among the companions who roamed the Demon Realm with him.”
“That must be correct. Lady Elicia also said that a brave Barbarian warrior fought alongside her.”
At this unexpected connection, Sigbard grinned.
Aelin, hearing this for the first time, found it hard to believe.
It had been known that there was a Barbarian among Elicia’s companions, but his name had never been revealed.
“Then Taironi must have been a companion who acted together with them as well.”
“Why do you think so?”
“He once visited our tribe. At that time, he brought seeds gifted by an elf, and we were able to pass the winter in abundance.”
“That is also possible.”
Listening to the two of them, Robin thought of something.
“Then have you perhaps heard of an adventurer named Burt?”
“That’s right. Burt was also my father’s friend. After my father died, he looked after me.”
If Gunrad had been Elicia’s companion.
Then the possibility that Burt, said to be his companion, had also been involved could not be dismissed.
With a knowing yet ambiguous smile, Brandok asked,
“Robin, do you believe the owner of Stonegoth’s general store was an adventurer who fought the Demon King?”
“Honestly, it does not seem likely at all.”
After a brief pause, Brandok spoke.
“Burt was not Lady Elicia’s companion.”
“I thought so? I just asked on the off chance.”
“But the Mercenary King Harold faced the Demon King alongside Lady Elicia.”
“Why is that name coming up?”
“From here on, this is my conjecture—and a very dangerous statement. Will you listen?”
‘Denying the Emperor’s achievement was already dangerous enough…….’
Robin had read Harold’s journal dozens of times, but there had been no mention of him going to the Demon Realm.
The journal did not even describe how he came to earn the epithet Mercenary King.
Most of it was about traveling the Empire and earning money.
The more Brandok spoke, the more his curiosity was stirred.
There was no need to say more.
The three of them nodded at the same time.
“Before I explain, I will tell a brief old story.”
“If it is history, I know a fair amount.”
“If you listen, you will find it different.”
Though the topic had abruptly shifted, they decided to hear him out.
Brandok began to speak.
“Thirty to forty years ago. At that time, the Empire was unstable, plagued by unending wars and civil strife. It suffered under the threat of fragmentation.”
Even the war with the Demon Tribe alone had been overwhelming, yet in some regions rebellions had broken out.
A war that could barely be won even if strength was united.
Attrition among humans should not have existed.
“To overcome that crisis, there was a need to concentrate power, and for that purpose, the Emperor attributed to himself the achievements of the adventurers who had inflicted great damage upon the Demon King.”
“No matter the Emperor, are you saying he silenced the adventurers who accomplished such legendary feats?”
This story was entirely different from the history Robin knew.
After defeating the Demon King through the Emperor’s dazzling stratagem, the Empire had united as one and grown firm.
But what if that were not true?
The Empire of today might not even exist.
“Ha ha, legendary feats… Indeed. That was the one and only time the Demon King was driven back.”
“It is difficult to imagine beings stronger than the Knight Order led by the Emperor.”
“There were. Those nameless adventurers were precisely the ones who stood alongside Lady Elicia.”
“…That truly is a dangerous statement.”
It was not merely dangerous—it could shake the very foundation of the Empire.
People might curse the ruler behind his back, but Brandok’s words were on an entirely different level.
“From the Emperor’s standpoint, it would have been preferable had those adventurers died, but they all survived. They must have been an annoyance.”
An annoyance.
If the supreme ruler found someone an annoyance, what might he do?
“To avoid the Emperor’s gaze, they needed to vanish from the world, and they scattered in all directions, having lost their memories.”
In other words, they hid themselves so no one could find them.
Whether they truly lost their memories or merely pretended to.
No matter how great their accomplishments, opposing the Emperor would not have been easy.
“Living as entirely different people might have been an interesting experience. To do so, changing one’s name would have been essential.”
“You mean… President Burt was actually Harold?”
‘Even though I asked, that sounds absurd…….’
“Did I not say? It is my conjecture.”
Yet Robin was convinced that Brandok spoke the truth.
Though the claim was unbearably heavy, there was no wavering in his voice or eyes.
It was bewildering.
“If everything Brandok said is true, then something in this world is clearly wrong.”
“The world has always been strange. Reality is more extreme than fiction.”
Robin looked at Sigbard and Aelin.
“What about you two. Does this sound true?”
Aelin shrugged, and Sigbard curled his lips upward.
“Burt is Harold?! There is nothing impossible about that! Burt handled twin swords well.”
Robin needed time to sort out his thoughts.
As if he had expected that, Brandok added,
“Let it pass. Do not speak of today’s conversation anywhere.”
“Of course. If we said this in the city, the Knight Order might arrest us.”
“That is enough. And if you are curious, why not confirm it yourselves?”
Brandok raised his hand and pointed somewhere.
“As you advance into the Demon Realm, you will surely find traces they left behind.”
“It was decades ago. What traces could there be?”
“You will know when you see them. Witness a strength incomparable to that of humans today.”
Brandok swallowed the rest of his words.
That there once existed humans strong enough to alter the very terrain.
That only with such strength could one survive even in the Demon Realm.
And that he hoped Robin would rise to that level.
“I suspect the promise your friend made was for that very purpose.”
“I do not know. Well, as you say, we will find out once we go.”
Though he had heard shocking revelations, nothing changed.
After completing his checks before departure, Robin fell asleep.
The final night in the hut was tranquil.