Chapter 588 - 588 - Turn Back
Chapter 588 - Turn Back
Rem handled the situation and returned to Border Guard, leaving Viscount Harrison, who had nearly lost his land due to so-called "scorched earth tactics," sighing with relief.
"There's still a lingering threat, isn't there? It looks that way to us, so we'll stay and guard you for a couple of months."
Even reinforcements from Border Guard had stationed themselves there.
Initially, Harrison was uneasy.
Could this be a move for Border Guard to quietly seize the land?
It wasn't unheard of in these times for territories to be taken over under such pretexts.
Beyond that, having such a sizable combat-ready force lingering around created its own problems—feeding, housing, and clothing them were no small matters.
However, the troops pitched tents to establish their camp, brought their own provisions, and even received supplies directly from Border Guard later on.
Despite his unease, Harrison found it hard to refuse their support.
Among the supplies was a letter from Enkrid.
"Are you cultivating the land well?"
Holding the letter, Viscount Harrison froze, momentarily rendered speechless.
The head of the local militia watched him uneasily.
Was Border Guard planning some deceitful move after all?
No matter how fertile the land of this viscountcy might seem, it was nowhere near as valuable as the Green Pearl, where over a decade of fallow fields promised bumper crops simply by sowing seeds.
The letter puzzled the militia leader even more.
Harrison, however, thought back to the sacred springwater that the had given to Enkrid.
Some had criticized his decision as wasteful, but Harrison didn't regret it.
He had already received what he sought: encouragement and trust.
That was enough.
The reinforcements were another unexpected blessing.
Harrison hadn't placed much hope on his request for aid, knowing Border Guard was already entangled in numerous issues.
Yet here they were, protecting his lands.
"If their intentions are questionable," Harrison thought, "then I'll pluck out my own eyes for misjudging them."
It was only later that Harrison realized the full scope of Rem's involvement.
News trickled in about Rem taking down a band of thieves on his way out, and Harrison came to recognize the man's infamous nickname: "Noble Killer."
Upon re-reading Enkrid's letter three times, Harrison let out a long sigh and raised his head.
It seemed Enkrid hadn't forgotten their conversation at the banquet.
That memory helped Harrison steady his resolve, reigniting his passion.
"Ah..."
His chest felt warm, heat rising from deep within him.
Someone had listened to his aspirations, remembered them, and supported him with genuine goodwill.
"I will repay this kindness," he murmured aloud, his heartfelt promise surprising even the militia leader.
Meanwhile, the stationed troops, despite their rough manners, maintained strict discipline, avoiding trouble except in battle.
Their presence reassured the viscountcy.
This outcome wasn't accidental.
According to Krais, if the reinforcements received complaints about their behavior from the landowner, they were to return immediately.
None of them wanted that.
Training under Rem had sharpened their skills, teaching them new tactics and fighting techniques.
However, anyone would naturally want a break from the relentless grind of training.
That explained why they volunteered to stay in Harrison's lands.
Unbeknownst to Harrison, Border Guard had sent reinforcements elsewhere as well.
As the Holy Order withdrew their forces, trouble erupted across various regions.
Cultists emerged in some areas, while in the south, a deliberate surge of magical beasts created chaos.
This "beast-lifting" tactic involved driving magical creatures toward other territories, forcing local lords to deal with them.
Clearing out stray magical beasts or cultists became part of Border Guard's workload.
Krais, under the pretext of Naurilia's mercenary policies, deployed Border Guard's standing forces aggressively: eliminating bandits, hunting cultists, and suppressing magical creatures.
Their effectiveness shocked everyone, particularly the nobles within the royal palace, who had underestimated them.
Naturally, some expressed unease over such a powerful force, but key figures like Count Marcus dismissed these concerns:
"Worried? Why not follow Viscount Harrison's example and focus on farming?"
The Duke of Okto added with a laugh, "If they come for me, I'll hand over my land and even my daughter."
Even skeptics had to acknowledge Border Guard's undeniable strength.
Their success extended beyond military feats.
Cities like Rockfreed were completed, trade routes with the west established, and ambitious agricultural projects launched, reshaping their overall standing.
Their swift and precise responses to various challenges highlighted their capabilities, leaving little room for doubt.
Amid all this, Krais remained pragmatic, prioritizing tasks and ensuring critical matters were handled first.
"Where?" Enkrid asked after Krais mentioned yet another issue—cults and disturbances.
"Cross Guard," Krais replied.
Cross Guard lay northeast of Border Guard, beyond the gravel fields and the Pen-Hanil River.
While the situation wasn't dire, cultists and criminal gangs seemed to be stirring up trouble.
Hearing this, Luagarne, the Frog, immediately perked up.
Her disdain for cults was well known.
With Esther sitting in human form, four teacups were on the table.
"They're holding secret gatherings, causing unrest. The local lord even sought help from the temple but was ignored," Krais explained.
Though officially adversaries, recent interactions between Aspen and the Green Pearl suggested an unofficial alliance.
Both nations had even begun exchanging resources and expertise, gradually bridging their divide.
All of this had been running smoothly since the festival Krais had orchestrated some time ago.
However, despite their internal harmony, it was impossible for Cross Guard to openly request aid from Border Guard.
The two cities were supposed to be as close as brothers, but in reality, they had been adversaries, blades drawn against each other, for far too long.
"Even if the temple ignored the issue and tried to appeal for help from the mainland, they wouldn't have the resources to do so.
The lord of Cross Guard must be deeply troubled.
I heard they sent some people through the guild, but the communication's been cut off.
That's how things are."
Krais didn't bring this up because he sought help or expected anything in return.
His tone suggested he was simply reporting the state of affairs.
Enkrid understood that the guild Krais referred to was none other than the Gilpin Guild.
If their communication had been severed, it was safe to assume they were facing significant internal troubles.
Enkrid had heard that the Gilpin Guild had recently started functioning as an information guild and had even invited Jaxen as an instructor to conduct various training programs.
The fact that they couldn't even send a letter indicated a serious issue.
"I'll go. It'll be a good opportunity to stretch my legs," Enkrid volunteered.
"I'm coming too," said Luagarne.
Enkrid had intended to go for a change of scenery, while Luagarne's hatred for the cult made her participation an obvious decision.
"Is that necessary?" Krais asked, tilting his head in mild curiosity.
While Cross Guard hadn't officially requested reinforcements, they had subtly conveyed their hope for assistance through Abnaier.
Krais was aware of this and had already begun to take action.
"There's no harm, is there?"
"No, no harm at all," Krais replied.
This wasn't a matter of any grand importance.
Yet, with things turning out this way, Krais thought it might be beneficial to make it known that Border Guard was taking action.
Internally, they were allied nations, but whether it was Cross Guard or any other city of a former enemy, the cult's activities posed a threat to the entire continent.
It was an excellent opportunity to highlight this fact.
Moreover, it gave them a justification to respond promptly if the cult caused further trouble.
Such justifications were always worth having in abundance—you never knew when they might come in handy.
"As you wish," Krais said as Enkrid prepared to leave.
"I have a bad feeling about this. Don't hesitate to run if it feels like too much," Esther said, handing Enkrid a small mirror.
"This mirror will let you see my face for a while. Looking at it might give you strength."
"...Why would looking at your face give me strength?"
"Isn't it natural to feel empowered when gazing at the face of a beautiful woman?"
Esther, ever the pragmatic witch, seemed to genuinely believe in her logic.
Enkrid, however, responded with concern.
"Stop hanging out with Shinar."
It seemed fairy-style humor had rubbed off on her.
Esther merely snorted and chuckled softly.
Compared to when they had first met, she now showed a much broader range of expressions.
Enkrid replaced his broken sword with a new one infused with black iron.
He also donned the scale armor Krais had specially procured for him. While packing a sword belt, a light backpack, and enough provisions for the journey, Luagarne brought along her insect pouch.
Frogs like Luagarne rarely carried much when traveling, thanks to their regenerative abilities and resilient skin.
They could easily go without food for a couple of days.
The two set out for Cross Guard without delay.
The newly built docks along the Pen-Hanil River made ferry crossings convenient.
Calculating the journey, they estimated they'd have to sleep outdoors for three or four nights—a trivial inconvenience. Enkrid, walking briskly and conversing with Luagarne, kept a steady pace.
At one point, they encountered a group of traveling merchants who, at first startled by the duo's appearance, soon nodded in recognition.
The merchant, unaware of Enkrid's identity, blessed him with a cheerful smile.
He went on to express his gratitude, lamenting the actions of the Holy Nation while assuring them he wasn't a heretic.
"I'm not a heretic, I swear! I donate to the monastery every month," the merchant added hastily.
"We're not reporting you. I'm not exactly on good terms with the church myself," Enkrid replied casually.
The merchant warned him not to speak so carelessly, mentioning that even criticizing the Holy Nation's priests could invite retaliation. Yet, he continued smiling as he departed.
"Times are good these days," he said optimistically.
As the merchant left, Luagarne commented, "The talk of peace and ending the war must be for people like him."
"It's a good thing to see," Enkrid replied.
"Indeed, it is," she agreed.
They walked until dusk, stopping to rest just as the twilight turned to night.
Despite wearing layered clothing and warm furs, Enkrid found the cold biting. Luagarne, seemingly unaffected by the chill, sipped water constantly, irritated by the dry air.
Frogs were known for their resistance to temperature changes, and she was no exception.
Enkrid lay down, eyes shut, ready to sleep—a habit ingrained during his mercenary days.
But before drifting off, he opened his eyes to take in the night sky.
Stars filled the black expanse, and two blue moons cast their glow, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty.
"Beautiful," Luagarne remarked.
"It is," Enkrid agreed.
The two exchanged lighthearted remarks before Enkrid slipped into slumber.
Almost immediately, he felt himself shaking and woke to find himself no longer beneath the starry sky. Instead, he faced dark waters rippling under a violet lantern's glow.
"Are you ready to embrace eternal life?"
A boatman, seated across a stone table on a long, narrow skiff, asked him.
Enkrid gazed at the ferryman, whose face was clearer than before. His gray skin resembled cracked earth, and his pale, lifeless eyes seemed to be part of a mask.
"What eternal life are you talking about?" Enkrid asked.
"Life without death—that is eternal life," the ferryman replied.
"Being trapped in the same day, never dying?"
"Precisely. That is your eternal life."
Naturally, Enkrid wasn't convinced.
He stared at the ferryman, who didn't blink or twitch but suddenly spoke again, this time unexpectedly.
"Turn back. I shall show you a new path."
Enkrid wondered what this could mean.

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