stonecrandall Chapter 168 : Heading to the Capital
Chapter 168 : Heading to the Capital
Chapter 168: Heading to the Capital
The interrogation room prepared inside the Narvik Guard Unit headquarters.
A Guard organized the documents and opened the door.
“You may leave now.”
The investigation had taken 30 minutes.
Robin had wondered if pressure might be applied, but it had been unnecessary concern.
They had only asked for his personal details and part of the exploration process before ending it.
Most of the time had been spent waiting, so Robin had instead thrown out a question himself.
“How is Vice-Captain Nelson?”
“Fortunately, his life is not in danger.”
“That’s a shame.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s nothing. Thank you for your hard work.”
After leaving the Guard Unit headquarters, he rolled his neck once.
The cool breeze and warm sunlight were nothing short of peaceful.
Instead of heading straight to the inn, he wandered the streets for a while.
“Look over there. That’s the Adventurer who defeated the Lich.”
“That young man?”
“I’m telling you. His swordsmanship was downright ghostly.”
He had tried to have some time alone, but many people recognized him.
Thanks to his rising reputation, no one approached recklessly, yet it still wasn’t particularly welcome.
He hurriedly left the bustling district and headed toward the embankment path along the Altaelv River.
Sitting on a nearby bench, he shifted his gaze to the flowing river.
Splash, splash.
After listening to the sound of the water for some time, he set down his swords.
The sword he had received when leaving Stonegoth and the one gifted by the Calimacos Mercenary Band.
The two swords that had been with him for 10 years were covered in scars.
No matter how well they had been maintained, was it impossible to avoid the ravages of time?
That was not the case.
The battles Robin had fought were fierce, and the durability of swords made from ordinary iron had simply reached their limit.
Clink.
He was thinking that it might be time to acquire new swords.
An unfamiliar sound caught his attention.
Below, someone was eating a snack with their helmet half removed.
“Aelin?”
As he approached, it was indeed Aelin.
There was no way she hadn’t noticed him coming.
“What are you doing here?”
She offered Robin, who had come up beside her, a piece of dried squid leg.
“Have a bite.”
Aelin chewed the fire-scented grilled squid thoroughly and then took a swig of beer.
Robin sat beside her and chewed some squid as well.
“The most inconvenient thing about wearing a helmet is eating.”
“You eat just fine normally, though?”
“It’s not enough to be bothersome, but it’s still less comfortable than walking around bare-faced.”
He had never imagined Aelin would have such troubles.
“So that’s why you’re eating alone here?”
“Yeah. It’s too nice a day to stay cooped up in the room.”
Robin felt inexplicably apologetic.
There was nothing he could do about it, so he simply remained seated when Aelin lightly tapped his sword.
“Looks like it’s about time you changed your sword.”
“How did you know?”
“It’s something you treasure. I can tell just by looking. Can I hold it for a moment?”
Robin readily handed it over.
Drawing a sword recklessly in the city was prohibited, but there was no one here except Robin and Aelin.
Aelin drew them one by one, examined them, and let out a shallow breath.
“How have you even been using these until now?”
“I just used them.”
“Change them quickly. If you keep using them, they’ll break.”
Aelin was not a weapons expert.
But to anyone’s eyes, Robin’s two swords were damaged.
“I’ve been looking around the blacksmith shops, but none of the swords have caught my eye.”
“Well, with your skill, it makes sense you’d be picky.”
“I’m not that picky.”
“If you can’t find a sword you like in Narvik, how about going to a bigger city?”
When he asked what she meant, Aelin continued.
“Let’s go to the Imperial Capital. I heard there are far more people there. It should be easier to find higher-quality weapons than here.”
She wasn’t wrong, but Robin wondered why she was saying this.
“And while we’re at it, we can visit some famous restaurants before we die.”
“So you want to enjoy some fine dining.”
Aelin did not deny it and took another drink of beer.
“When we faced the Lich before Narvik. Something changed.”
“Now that you mention it, those arrows weren’t ordinary arrows.”
“Right. I infused them with Fighting Spirit.”
“Really? Why are you only telling me now?”
“Everyone was tired yesterday. Anyway, I wondered why such a change happened to me, and the answer is experience.”
Tap, tap.
She tapped her helmet with her finger.
“More precisely, what Lady Elicia experienced helped.”
“Tell me in detail.”
After crossing the line between life and death together with Serena in the Dangerous Area, Fog Canyon.
Unlike before, Aelin had felt strength surging within her.
She had occasionally been able to manifest Fighting Spirit, though not at a level she could control freely.
But when they had faced the Lich before Narvik.
Fighting Spirit had infused the arrowhead.
“Lady Elicia must have gone to Dangerous Areas. She must have fought Undead Monsters too.”
“So you’re saying that even following in her footsteps can imbue one with strength.”
“When I truly felt my life was in danger. Those moments accumulated and broke through the blocked path.”
To have acquired Fighting Spirit in such a short time.
Her growth rate was astonishingly fast.
“Who knows. If we go to the Imperial Capital, we might find something related to Lady Elicia.”
“If that’s the reason, shouldn’t we go to an Uncharted Area instead?”
“Oh, come on! Let’s go while checking out your weapons.”
It was good news that she could now handle Fighting Spirit, but separately, she seemed to want some rest.
“It sounds like you just want to go have fun.”
“Yeah, that’s right! Can’t we tour the capital?”
Aelin stopped snacking, put on her helmet, and stared at him intently.
Normally, he would have refused. But strangely, the circumstances aligned.
If he could obtain decent swords, Robin was willing to visit the capital.
“Alright.”
“Huh?”
“I said alright. Let’s ask Sigbard and Serena too.”
When Robin agreed so readily, Aelin let out a cheer.
“Really? No backing out!”
“I’m not sure how Sigbard and Serena will feel.”
“They’ll agree too. I guarantee it.”
Seeing how happy Aelin looked, Robin found himself smiling without realizing it.
It felt like watching the pure innocence of a child.
“By the way, I didn’t know you liked drinking alone.”
“You don’t like alcohol, do you?”
“No. I don’t understand what’s so good about it.”
Aelin drained the remaining beer.
“Maybe it’s because life is bitter. To me, this alcohol tastes as sweet as a drink.”
“……?”
“Don’t drink alone like I do. If you ever need a drinking companion, call me.”
“I told you I don’t like alcohol. Are you drunk?”
With her helmet on, he couldn’t tell what expression she was making.
Aelin had been speaking cheerfully, then suddenly toppled over by herself.
“She’s drunk.”
He tidied up and carried Aelin on his back.
The helmet resting against his shoulder and ear was made of iron, yet it was warm.
“Should we not go to the capital.”
“Nooo.”
Even in a state of complete drunkenness, the voice that firmly opposed it was clear enough to draw a hollow laugh from him.
“Alright. Let’s treat it as a vacation and go.”
“Yesss.”
Carrying the drunken ramblings of a drunk Elf with him, he arrived at the inn.
When he asked Sigbard and Serena whether they wanted to visit the capital, they readily agreed.
“It would be better than waiting for the restriction on returning to the Uncharted Area to be lifted.”
“I think the same. It wouldn’t be bad to visit again after a long time.”
Thus, the four of them began preparing for an unplanned journey.
Since many people traveled to and from the capital, it was not difficult to secure a carriage.
The four Adventurers who had made a name for themselves in Narvik set out for the capital.
A Dangerous Area covered in desolate land.
Besides the Rest Stop operated by the Guild, there were also structures built by humans.
It might have been only natural that they were tightly hidden and difficult to find.
After all, it was wise not to deal with ferocious Monsters and criminals in the first place.
Inside a proper building that looked old.
A brown-haired woman attended to an elderly man.
“Grandfather, please try some of this.”
She scooped up a spoonful of thinly boiled soup and brought it to him, and the old man opened his mouth.
After swallowing, he smiled faintly.
“Your cooking skills have improved, child.”
“Of course. I can handle most things now.”
The woman slowly helped the old man eat.
When he accepted everything without leaving any behind, the corners of her lips lifted slightly.
The sense of satisfaction lasted only a moment.
After finishing his meal, the old man spoke casually.
“There are not many days left for me to spend time with you.”
“Please don’t say that.”
“Robin, that child—still no news?”
“…Yes.”
Regret flickered in the eyes of the old man, Theodric.
To lighten the mood, Imelda deliberately spoke in a bright voice.
“There’s good news. The medicine that will cure your illness is almost complete.”
“If you mean the Elixir, I would tell you to stop.”
“There’s really not much left. We only need to gather the last ingredient.”
Though Theodric waved his hand in refusal, Imelda did not listen.
While clearing the dishes, she pretended not to hear and changed the subject.
“Shall we visit the city before winter comes?”
“With this body, I would only be a burden.”
“A burden? I can protect you even while eating.”
“Heh heh, when did you become so bold.”
“It’s thanks to you. I’m very strong now, you know?”
When Imelda pressed firmly, Theodric no longer objected.
The transmission of swordsmanship had already ended long ago.
No one knew better than Theodric that the current Imelda was strong enough.
“And I’ve already called for people.”
“Hmm. Those people?”
“It can’t be helped. We’re able to stay here thanks to them.”
“That is true, but still….”
Knock knock knock.
“They must have arrived.”
Imelda stood up and opened the door.
A large man and a man wearing a black cloak.
The cloaked man waved his hand in greeting.
“Have you been well? I don’t see Fletcher.”
“He went out on some business.”
As if she were familiar with them, Imelda led the two inside.
“How is the elder?”
“He’s regained much of his vitality lately.”
“That’s a relief. Nothing unusual happened?”
“Thanks to Raymond.”
Raymond naturally sat on the sofa and beckoned with his hand.
“Bernard, bring the Troll blood.”
The cloaked man took out a large bottle from his pack.
It contained Troll blood, a key ingredient of potions.
“I obtained it on the way. I hope it helps the elder.”
“Grandfather will be pleased.”
“It seems he’s inside. May we greet him?”
Before Raymond even finished speaking, Theodric came out of the room.
Imelda widened her eyes and hurried to support him.
“So, you’ve come.”
“It’s been a while.”
Raymond and Bernard bowed their heads at the same time.
“You show such courtesy that I hardly know what to do.”
“Please don’t feel burdened. It’s an honor just to see a living legend.”
“That flattery is enough. I hear Imelda called you—will you accompany us to the city?”
“Yes. We will escort you to the capital.”
“The capital?”
When Theodric looked at Imelda, she avoided his gaze.
“The last ingredient is there.”
“I’ve heard the Empire is eager to capture Rebels. Is that incorrect?”
“…….”
Theodric let out a sigh and spoke gently to Raymond and Bernard.
“I appreciate your help, but I cannot go with you.”
“I would say the same in your position.”
“Grandfather, please listen to me.”
Imelda raised her voice urgently.
“Just this once. If we succeed this time, we can make the Elixir.”
“I am grateful for your heart, but no matter how I think about it, I cannot agree.”
“We’re not even wanted.”
“These two are Rebels.”
Regret showed on Theodric’s face as he looked at Raymond and Bernard.
“Do you not wish to see the Emperor?”
“What?”
“Are you not curious what kind of person the master of the Empire you have protected is?”
Theodric did not answer Raymond’s question.
When he remained silent, Raymond continued calmly.
“You and Imelda will suffer no harm because of us. Please come with us.”
“You have nerve. On what basis do you believe I will not report you?”
“You know better than anyone, don’t you? That something is wrong with the Empire now.”
“…….”
When Theodric said nothing, the two men stood up.
“We will wait at the Rest Stop.”
Leaving those words behind, they went outside.
Silence lingered between Imelda and Theodric.
It was Theodric who spoke first.
“Imelda, make preparations.”
“Are you permitting it?”
“It is you who suffers taking care of this old man. I cannot refuse.”
“You’ve made the right decision! You’ll be satisfied too, Grandfather!”
Imelda leapt with joy at the conclusion reached after long deliberation.
As he looked at his disciple, feelings of apology, gratitude, pity, and pride rose within Theodric.
“And.”
“Yes?”
“There was nothing wrong with what Raymond said.”
Theodric recalled the day he had been appointed Knight Commander.
His younger self and the Emperor.
The day he had been entrusted with protecting the Empire was an unforgettable moment of glory.
“Whether His Majesty is doing well… that, I am somewhat curious about.”
Raymond’s question had stirred the lingering attachment of his remaining life.
Would he be as he remembered?
Or…
Thud.
Imelda came out with their luggage packed in an instant.
Since she had prepared in advance, it had not taken long.
“Yes. Let us go. We will find out when we arrive.”
He laid his aged, sickly, and emaciated body inside the carriage.
With the clatter of hooves, the two headed toward the capital.